Mum, 2 children killed as arsonists set family ablaze in Lagos (Punch)
A 22-year-old fashion designer, Eniola Oduse and her two children, four-year-old Eri and two-year-old Onoara, have been burnt to death after suspected arsonists set their home ablaze at the Ita Marun community in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State.
The deceased’s husband, Kehinde, 25, who was also caught up in the fire, is currently battling for his life in an undisclosed hospital.
PUNCH Metro learnt on Sunday that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, November 26.
It was gathered that the family of four was asleep in their room on Monday night when some yet-to-be-identified individuals entered their premises at about 2 am. Read more
Troops recover 1.2m litres of stolen products (Nation)
Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army in conjunction with other security agencies have announced a breakthrough in their ongoing war against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.
The troops destroyed over 56 illegal oil bunkering sanctuaries, 88 cooking drums, 20 boats and recovered 1.2million litres of stolen crude in their various operations in the Niger Delta.
The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Lt Col Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the arrest of 17 suspected oil thieves, interception of seven vehicles, discovery of six illegal connection points and destruction of five motorcycles used for perpetrating economic sabotage across the region. Read more
Tinubu departs Paris for South Africa (Tribune)
President Bola Tinubu will leave France on Monday for Cape Town, South Africa, to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This is according to a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).
It said the presidential BNC, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2, 2024, at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town. Read more
Oborevwori commends FG over N1.2b business grants to 24,000 beneficiaries in Delta (ThisDay)
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has lauded the Federal Government for disbursing over N1.2 billion to 24,103 beneficiaries of its grants and loan scheme across the state, adding that such gesture has potential for revving up economic growth and development in the country.
Oborevwori gave the commendation at One-Day Townhall Sensitisation on the Federal Government Grant and loan scheme held in Asaba, the state capital.
President Bola Tinubu has, in line with his commitment to improve smallscale businesses in Nigeria, has allotted a total of N200 billion as presidential support grant for intervention programmes and the manufacturing sector across the country, representative of Bank of Industry, Mr Moses Nenger, disclosed at the weekend. Read more
Adeboye lauds homecoming spirit of Igbos (NewTelegraph)
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has lauded the Igbos for not losing touch with their roots.
Adeboye who said it was common for the Igbos to journey home during the yuletide season from wherever they were based, made known his observation while speaking on the need for individuals to be conscious of their eternal abode as they journey temporarily on earth.
Speaking on the theme ‘In My Father’s House’, at the December Thanksgiving and Special Prayer Service for Tenants, Landlords, and Landowners at the Church’s National Headquarters, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, he added that death was inevitable regardless of one’s status, hence the need for righteous living in order to qualify for eternal rest. Read more
Tax Reform Bills: Borno LG chairman backs Ndume, Zulum (Independent)
The Executive Chairman of Shani local government area, Hon. Hassan Labaki has said that his people are solidly behind their Senator, Mohammed Ndume and Governor Babagana Zulum for their disposition over the controversial Tax Reform Bills sent to the National Assembly which passed second reading at the Senate chambers last week.
Labaki made the position known at the official flag -off ceremony for distribution of 300 water pumping machines, 300 Knapsack Sprayers, 1500 Pre-Planting Pesticides and 1500 Post-Planting Pesticides, as well as empowerment support to 180 Ndume Sustainable Farmers Initiative.
The gesture which was sponsored by Senator Ndume took place over the weekend at the Emir of Shani’s Palace, HRH. Alhaji Muhammad Nasir Mailafiya. Read more
2,775 farmer-herder disputes resolved in Taraba, Adamawa in 2 years (Vanguard)
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reported the resolution of over 2,775 disputes between farmers and herders across nine local government areas in Taraba and Adamawa states over the past two years.
The conflict resolution initiative was implemented under the Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict over Natural Resources (COMITAS II) Project, which established 12 Community Response Network teams to mediate resource control disputes.
In Adamawa State, the project covered Demsa, Girei, Numan, Lamurde, Mayo-Belwa, Guyuk, and Shelleng LGAs, while Lau and Zing LGAs in Taraba State also benefited. Read more
JAC calls for confirmation of Najomo as NCAA DG (Sun)
The Joint Action Congress (JAC), an umbrella body of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Unions of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) representing workers of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), have expressed confidence in the leadership of the regulatory body, calling for the confirmation of its Acting Director-General, Capt. Chris Najomo as the substantive DG.
In a statement signed this weekend by Jakada Anthony (Chairman NUATE); Remi Aderinkomi (Chairman, ATSSSAN); Ben Godwin, (Chairman ANAP) and Diepreye Saburugha, (Chairman NAAPE/JAC), said the decision was taken at an extra-ordinary leadership meeting on November 23, 2024.
The workers said in their statement that ‘there is a new culture of dignity and value for the workforce birthed in the NCAA under the current management totally fits into President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and is now the driving force unlocking several achievements across the sector.’ Read more
Judi Dench regrets not having six children and ‘‘hopes’’ she will live to 100 (Standard)
Dame Judi Dench has said one of her biggest regrets in life is not having six children but added that she “hopes” to live to 100.
The 89-year-old actress, who played M in the James Bond film series, said in an interview that she had planned to have a large family with her husband, actor Michael Williams, before his death from lung cancer in 2001.
She told the Sunday Times: “Michael and I said, ‘we’re going to have six children’.
“We had one, beautiful Finty (Williams, 52, who is also an actor), and we didn’t have the other five, it just didn’t happen. I worked a lot. I suppose you don’t stop to consider really.” Read more
Mira Sorvino reveals which of her late dad Paul Sorvino’s movies her family loves to watch together (People)
While Paul Sorvino’s filmography is robust and varied, there’s one holiday classic that holds a special place in the hearts of his children and grandchildren.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the late actor’s daughter, Mira Sorvino, reveals the Paul film she and her four children with husband Christopher Backus always gravitate to around the holidays.
“One that we used to watch with them — we haven’t watched it in a few years, since he passed, I don’t think — but my kids used to love his movie, Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe, in which he plays Santa Claus,” Sorvino, 57, says. “They love that movie and we love to watch grandpa as Santa.” Read more
Senegal demands answers as it remembers a French colonial massacre (AfricaNews)
Biram Senghor regularly pays his respects at a military cemetery in Thiaroye, a fishing village near Senegal’s capital Dakar, bowing in front of a different grave each time.
The 86-year-old has no way of knowing which grave belongs to his father, M’Bap Senghor, one of the hundreds of West African riflemen who fought for France during World War II but were likely killed on Dec. 1, 1944, by the French army after demanding unpaid wages.
In this cemetery, where they are supposedly buried, all the graves are anonymous and the exact location of the remains is unknown, as is the number of victims. The true scale and circumstances of the killings remain unclear as Senegal commemorates the 80th anniversary of the massacre on Sunday, threatening to reignite smoldering tensions between France and the former colony. Read more
Sir Elton John reveals battle with blindness during Devil Wears Prada charity gala (Hello!)
Sir Elton John has opened up about a heartbreaking new chapter in his life, revealing that he has now fully lost his eyesight. The music legend shared the news during a poignant appearance at the red carpet launch of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in London on Sunday evening.
Despite the challenge, Elton was his characteristically optimistic self, supported every step of the way by his husband, David Furnish.
“As some of you may know, I have had issues, and now I have lost my sight,” Elton, 77, told the audience at the Dominion Theatre. He explained that while he was unable to visually experience the performance, he thoroughly enjoyed the musical’s sounds. Read more
Wicked star Marissa Bode calls out “very gross and harmful comments” about her character’s disability (MXDWN)
Wicked star Marissa Bode is calling out some “very gross,” “harmful” and “aggressive” comments she’s heard about her character Nessarose’s disability since the Jon M. Chu musical movie adaptation hit theaters on Nov. 22.
The actress took to TikTok on Friday to share a five-minute video, sharing her thoughts on the “uncomfortable” things circulating online about the character. As a person with disabilities with a platform, she wants to use it to bring attention to what she has read.
“It is absolutely OK to not like a fictional character,” she said. “I am going to be admitting my bias in the way that I have a lot of different feelings on Nessa than a lot of you do, and that’s totally fine. I think Nessa is complex, but that’s the beauty of art. Wicked and these characters and the movie wouldn’t be what it was if there weren’t different opinions on the characters and who’s truly wicked or not.” Read more
Assad regime scrambles to halt Syrian rebels’ advance after surprise seizure of Aleppo (Independent)
The Syrian regime has rushed in reinforcements to hold off a rebel advance into the Hama countryside, after insurgents seized the country’s second city Aleppo in the biggest threat to autocratic ruler Bashar al-Assad in years.
In tandem, Russian and Syrian warplanes pounded the rebel-held enclave of Idlib in the northwest for a second consecutive day. Residents said one of the raids hit a crowded residential area, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens.
Following a shock offensive, insurgents led by the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took over most of Aleppo on Saturday, forcing the army to redeploy. This shift altered front lines that had been frozen since 2020. The insurgents marched south, taking control of towns along the road to Hama, which they also claimed to have entered. Read more
Georgia’s PM hits back as protests and resignations intensify (BBC)
Georgia has seen a fourth night of street demonstrations and a string of public resignations, triggered by the ruling party’s decision to suspend a push to start talks on joining the European Union.
As tens of thousands of Georgians headed back to the streets of several cities, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said they had fallen victim to opposition lies and he rejected calls for new elections.
He confirmed reports that Georgia’s ambassador to the US, David Zalkaliani, had become the latest senior diplomat to stand down, explaining that he had come under considerable pressure. Read more
Rivers reclaim top spot in tight title race (Punch)
Rivers United are back on top of the NPFL standings after they beat visiting Kano Pillars and closest rivals Remo Stars fell at Niger Tornadoes.
Rivers United pipped Kano Pillars courtesy of a first-half strike by Aniekeme Okon to return to the top of the table with 29 points from 15 matches.
Remo Stars slipped to second in the standings after they lost 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.
They have 26 points, three points behind new leaders Rivers United. Read more
Spires 5-a-Side Soccer: ASD Academy, 2 Odds FC, others seal s’final berth (ThisDay)
The quarterfinal fixtures of the Spires 5-a-Side Naija Street Soccer Tournament took centre stage at the Stables, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos. at the weekend with ASD Academy, champions of the Ikeja Division and winners of Group A, triumph over VVD FC with a commanding 3-1 victory. Ibrahim bagged a brace, while Adodo added another goal to secure ASD Academy’s spot in the semifinals.
In the second match, 2 Odds FC annihilated Toprocks FC by 6-1 to seal their place in the last-four of the tournament with an impressive performance.
initiator of the event, Dr. Bankole Allibay, expressed his satisfaction in the quality of talent on display in the last-16 stages of the competition as he urges football fans to be at the Stables to support the teams. Read more
Liverpool pile on misery for City, a win for Amorim (GulfTimes)
Liverpool piled on the misery for Manchester City as the Premier League leaders beat the troubled champions 2-0 at Anfield, while Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim earned his first league win with a 4-0 rout of Everton yesterday.
Arne Slot’s side moved nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal after Cody Gakpo’s first-half opener and Mohamed Salah’s late penalty dealt another blow to reeling City, who are languishing 11 points behind Liverpool in fifth place.
City have lost four successive top-flight matches for the first time since 2008, making them the first Premier League champions to endure such a dismal run the season after claiming the title.
Edoardo Bove collapses during Fiorentina vs Inter match as players left in tears (Mirror)
Fiorentina’s match against Inter Milan was suspended after Viola star Edoardo Bove collapsed on the pitch – with players from both teams left in tears on the pitch.
According to reports from those watching the game, the midfielder – on loan from Roma – collapsed with no one around him. Fellow players are said to have been visibly upset as paramedics attended to the 22-year-old, with Fiorentina later announcing that he was in intensive care in hospital.
Players from both sides rushed towards the youngster after he went to ground – and then formed a protective shield as he was treated by medics. A number of them were seen gathering round, with some were in tears, and Fiorentina keeper David de Gea later wrote ‘God please’ on social media along with a praying hands emoji. Read more
Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix, but teams title race goes on after Norris penalty (JapanToday)
Max Verstappen avenged his overnight demotion from pole position by clinching his ninth win of the season and 63rd of his career with a dominant triumph for Red Bull in Sunday’s crash-hit and controversial Qatar Grand Prix.
In a race shaped by a litany of stewards’ decisions and penalties, including a harsh late 10-second ‘stop-go’ for Lando Norris of McLaren, the newly-crowned four-time world champion was flawless as he came home six seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
That result meant McLaren, even with Oscar Piastri finishing third, were unable to clinch a first constructors title since 1998 and have to try again in the final race in Abu Dhabi next weekend.
George Russell finished fourth for Mercedes, despite being handed a late time penalty, ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Carlos Sainz in the second Ferrari, two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Zhou Guanyu of Sauber, who scored his and the team’s first points of the season. Read more
Former snooker world champion Terry Griffiths dies at 77 (RTE)
Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths has died at age of 77 after a long battle with dementia, his family has confirmed.
Griffiths came through the qualifying rounds to win the 1979 Crucible title, and also won the Masters and the UK Championship to complete the sport’s illustrious ‘triple crown’.In later years Griffiths became an accomplished coach, inspiring the likes of Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams and Mark Allen. Read more