*Lagos to probe school over alleged sodomy (Punch)*5 dead as Monday sit-at-home turns bloody in Anambra (Tribune)

Lagos to probe school over alleged sodomy (Punch)

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to investigate the alleged defilement of a 10-year-old boy by a 22-year-old teacher, Louis Prosper, at Blessed Peace School in Abule Odu in Egbeda community, Alimosho Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson for the state Ministry of Education, Mr Kayode Sutton, disclosed on Monday that the issue could have been addressed much earlier if they (the ministry) had been aware of the teacher’s alleged crime.

A PUNCH Metro report on Monday detailed how the 22-year-old teacher was arrested and detained by the state police command for allegedly sodomising the minor at the school. Read more

5 dead as Monday sit-at-home turns bloody in Anambra (Tribune) 

Five persons were on Monday killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen who opened fire on some residents and security operatives at Ukpo community in Dunukofia Local Government Area and Abatete community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported.

This is just as the state police command has launched a manhunt for the gunmen.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen, suspected to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home, were said to have arrived at Abatete community at about 8:30 a.m. and opened fire on some residents before proceeding to the Ukpo Roundabout, where they also fired randomly at many people, including some members of the Anambra State vigilante. Read more 

VeryDarkMan: Court adjourns Falana suit to January 2025 (ThisDay)

An Ikeja High Court of Lagos State, has adjourned the hearing of an alleged defamation suit filed by Mr Femi Falana, SAN and his son, Folarin Falana, aka Falz, against the controversial online activist, Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM) to January 23, 2025.

VDM is being dragged before the Court presided over by Justice Mathias Dawodu, on alleged defamation of character.

At the resumed hearing of the matter, the Falanas’ Counsel, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, informed the court that the Claimants had filed the originating process and the same has been served on the Defendants. Dr Banire also said a motion on notice was served on October 25, but Justice Dawodu said the originating process was not before the court. Read more 

We’ve not taken any position on tax reform bills – Abbas (DailyTrust)

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, says the green chamber is yet to take a stand on the Tax Reform Bills.

He stated this in his opening remarks at the interactive session on Tax Reform Bills being held at the National Assembly, Abuja, on Monday.

He, however said, the house would perform its constitutional role of scrutinising the contents of the bills, and affect amendments where necessary. Read more 

Edo State Government suspends consultancy services (Channels)

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate suspension of all consultancy services and related providers in the State’s public service.

In a communication notice issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, “all financial transactions and related services with affected consultants and service providers are to be put on hold immediately, pending when the Review Committee, established by the governor submits its report.

“All Accounting Officers, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are expected to take note and comply strictly with this directive.” Read more

Elections: CSOs Seek Improvement On Disability Inclusion (Leadership)

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve disability provision in election conduct in the country.

Yiaga Africa, leading the election-monitoring groups, also urged INEC to improve training for ad hoc officials on disability provisions and upgrade its electoral technology for optimal functionality.

The recommendation was contained in a report entitled Process and Results Statement on the 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election, made available to LEADERSHIP in Abuja, yesterday. Read more 

Oyo: UNICEF declares 6 wards open defecation-free (Tribune)

Ona-Ara local government is expected to become the third in South West Nigeria to eradicate open defecation with six of its political wards certified open defecation-free (ODF) by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund on Monday.

Before 2022, only 10 percent of households in Ona-Ara LGA had access to toilets, and many practiced open defecation. However, through the successful implementation of Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in the six political wards, the number of households with toilets increased from 10,422 to 32,658.

UNICEF Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) specialist, Mr Monday Johnson, speaking at the Pre-World Toilet Day Celebration by Ona-Ara Local Government in collaboration with Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA) and UNICEF, said only 14 percent in Oyo State had access to basic sanitation services, with one in every two persons in Oyo State defecating in the open every day. Read more 

Nigeria launches innovation drive for indigenous healthcare solutions (VON)

Vice President Kashim Shettima, has launched ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria’ (GCNg), a national innovation programme aimed at revolutionizing the country’s healthcare landscape through locally-developed solutions.

The initiative, which is part of the global Grand Challenges network, will focus on maternal and child health challenges in the first phase.

Speaking on Monday when he launched the GCNg at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Shettima told the audience that the initiative became necessary following an urgency occasioned by the rapid pace at which the world “is evolving in the realms of science and technology.” Read more 

US Post Office to honour Betty White with her own stamp next year (CNN)

Betty White will once again grace Americans’ lives, not on TV, but on your mail. The US Postal Service will honor the beloved American TV icon with her own stamp next year.

The postal service announced the stamp on Friday as part of its new slate of stamps for 2025, which will honor nature, history, and cultural icons like Betty White.

“This early glimpse into our 2025 stamp program demonstrates our commitment to providing a diverse range of subjects and designs for both philatelists and stamp enthusiasts,” Lisa Bobb-Semple, stamp services director for the postal service, said in a news release. Read more 

Ed Sheeran shares statement accusing Band Aid of ‘‘dehumanising Africans’’ (Independent)

Ed Sheeran has claimed that he wasn’t asked for permission to have his vocals featured on a new version of the Band Aid single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.

The Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter, 33, featured on the 2014 version of the charity single, which endeavoured to raise towards ebola relief efforts.

A new mix, featuring performances from the “supergroups” involved in the original 1984 track and the 2004 and 2014 versions, is now being released to mark Band Aid’s 40th anniversary, with proceeds going towards health and anti-poverty initiatives across Africa. Read more 

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs performed bird sacrifice before Shyne shooting verdict, bodyguard claims (Independent)

Sean “Diddy” Combs performed a bird sacrifice hours before he was acquitted on all charges related to a New York nightclub shooting in 1999, the music mogul’s former bodyguard has claimed.

Combs stood trial alongside rapper Shyne, now known as Moses Barrow, after the shooting at Manhattan nightclub Club New York left three bystanders injured.

In the new Hulu documentary The Honorable Shyne, Combs’s former bodyguard Gene Deal claims that while Combs was on his way to learn the verdict in the trial he stopped in New York’s Central Park. Read more

Russian ballet star Vladimir Shklyarov dies at 39 (BBC)

The ballet world is mourning the death of Vladimir Shklyarov, one of its leading male dancers.

Shklyarov, a principal with the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre, was an “extraordinary artist” who inspired fans worldwide, one tribute said.

His death, announced by the St Petersburg company on Saturday, is being investigated by federal authorities, according to Russian media reports. Read more

Bill Hader’s daughter didn’t love his work in It Chapter 2 (EW)

Bill Hader is one of the most successful comedic actors of his generation, but he still can’t win over one key demographic: his children.

The Saturday Night Live alum discussed his kids’ disdain for his work during a conversation with Ted Danson on his podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name. “The only thing my kids have ever been interested in seeing [involving me] is, I was in It 2,” Hader said. “I was in the It movie and they’ve been to different sleepovers, and that’s like a movie kids put on at sleepovers.”

Hader’s daughter didn’t have particularly kind words for It Chapter 2. “So my kid did go, ‘I saw you in It.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, what do you think?'” he remembered. “She was like, ‘First movie was better.’ I was like, ‘Okay.’” Read more 

Armed gunmen loot more than 100 aid trucks in Gaza, according to the United Nations (ABC)

More than 100 aid trucks carrying desperately needed supplies in Gaza have been “violently looted”, according to the United Nations’ Palestinian aid agency.

The convoy of 109 trucks carrying food from UNRWA and the World Food Programme was travelling from the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Gaza on Saturday, local time.

“The vast majority of the trucks, 97 in total, were lost and drivers were forced at gunpoint to unload aid,” UNRWA said in a statement on social media. Read more

Tens of thousands converge on NZ parliament as march to protest controversial Māori rights bill reaches capital (Guardian)

A protest march estimated to be one of the largest in New Zealand history arrived at parliament on Tuesday, to oppose a controversial bill that could drastically alter the way the country’s founding treaty between Māori and the crown is interpreted.

After midday local time, police said parliament grounds had reached capacity as more than 35,000 people were estimated to be taking part in the march. As the first group of marchers reached parliament, the crowd stretched around 2 km through the city.

Earlier, tens of thousands had converged at the waterfront’s Waitangi Park, ahead of the walk to parliament, colouring the skyline with the red, white and black of the tino rangatiratanga flag – the national Māori flag that has become a prominent symbol of Māori sovereignty. Protesters carried placards calling on the government to honour the treaty and “kill the bill”. Read more 

Rwanda stun Nigeria with 2-1 comeback victory in final AFCON qualifier (Punch)

Nigeria’s Super Eagles concluded their Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers with a shocking 2-1 loss to Rwanda.

The match, held on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, showcased the underdog’s resilience as the Rwandan side came from behind to secure victory.

However, Nigeria had already qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, finishing top of the group with 11 points. Read more

Nations League wrap: Croatia and Denmark into quarter-finals (RTE)

Croatia and Denmark completed the Nations League quarter-finals line-up after both avoided defeat in their final group games.

Josko Gvardiol cancelled out Joao Felix’s first-half opener as Croatia drew 1-1 with Group A1 winners Portugal in Split, while Denmark held Group A4 rivals Serbia to a goalless draw in Leskovac.

Serbia’s Strahinja Pavlovic was sent off in stoppage-time for his second yellow card, while Denmark’s point ensured a second-placed finish behind group winners Spain.

Croatia and Denmark joined France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Netherlands in the competition’s knockout stage. Read more 

Ruben Amorim sets Man United up in 3-4-3 during first training session (DailyMail)

Ruben Amorim took charge of his first training session as Manchester United manager on Monday.

Amorim was confirmed as the man to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford back on November 1 but he did not start his new job until November 11 as he served a notice period at former club Sporting Lisbon.

The 39-year-old is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top coaches and he finally got to work at United’s Carrington training ground this week. Read more 

Nadal: I’m not here to retire, I’m here to help Spain win (Sky)

Rafael Nadal says he is more focused on helping Spain win the Davis Cup than retirement as he prepares for the final event of his professional tennis career.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion will call time on his glittering career which spans more than two decades in Malaga this week.

Nadal’s farewell press conference gained so much attention that the initial room at the Martin Carpena Arena was not deemed big enough to cope with the demand, with the event taking place at the team’s hotel on the Costa del Sol instead. Read more

Ball fined for homophobic comment (BBC)

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $100,000 (£79,000) by the NBA for making an “offensive and derogatory” homophobic comment.

The 23-year-old made the remark in a courtside interview after the 115-114 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

He was discussing his team’s defensive strategy on the final play of the game, when the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo missed a last-gap two-point effort.

“I really didn’t mean anything and don’t want to offend anybody. I’ve got love for everybody, and I don’t discriminate,” Ball said after scoring 31 points in Sunday’s 128-114 defeat at the Cleveland Cavaliers. Read more 

Britain knocks out defending champion Canada to advance to BJK Cup semifinals against Slovakia (JapanToday)

Britain kept alive its hopes of winning the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time by defeating defending champion Canada in Sunday’s quarterfinals in Malaga.

Katie Boulter clinched the 2-0 victory with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Leylah Fernandez after Emma Raducanu defeated Rebecca Marino 6-0, 7-5 in the first singles match of the tie.

Four-time finalist Britain is yet to win the title. Canada clinched its first title last year. Read more

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