N10% tax: Soft drink to cost more in 2022, says finance minister (Sun)
Drinkers of non-alcoholic drinks and carbonated products will have to pay a little more as the government has introduced
N10 excise duty per litre of all non-alcoholic and sweetened beverages.
This is part of measures to shore up revenue and address the low taxation in the country.
Speaking during a public presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Act, yesterday, in Abuja, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, recalled that the new policy, which is in the Finance Act, was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 2021.
According to the minister, apart from increasing revenue, the policy will also discourage excessive consumption of sugar in beverages which contributes to a number of health conditions including diabetes and obesity.
Recall that in 2017, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the revised National Tax Policy to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) on luxury items, like champagne, luxury cars, and other luxury goods. Read more
South-West govs condemn police officer’s disrespects of Sanwo-Olu, fault current federalism (Punch)
The South-West Governors’ Forum has frowned at the ‘disrespect’ displayed by a Chief Superintendent of Police, Abimbola Oyewole, who openly defied the order of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which required he and his men to vacate the Magodo Phase 2 Estate area of the state.
The incident which happened on Tuesday at the estate was captured in a video that went viral on social media.
The Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, in a statement he personally signed, described the content of the video as disconcerting.
Akeredolu said the utter disrespect, which underlines the response of the officer to the Governor establishes, beyond doubt, the impracticability of the current system, dubiously christened “Federalism”. Read more
Armed forces remembrance day: Sanwo-Olu launches 2022 emblem, donates N50m to Nigerian legion (Guardian)
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday officially launched the emblem and appeal fund ahead of the January 15, 2022 commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
In a statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who donated N50million to the State chapter of the Nigerian Legion during the Appeal Fund and the launching of the Year 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem at Lagos House, Ikeja on Tuesday, expressed his administration’s commitment to empower widows of the fallen heroes.
He, therefore, directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to work with the office of the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion to identify persons the State can give empowerment and supports to within the first quarter of this year.
“Every year, we set out to remember our fallen heroes, men and women that served the country, especially on the war front. Those that paid the supreme price while serving the nation and it is customary that on January 15, we remember them. But before then, we usually have an emblem launch which we use to remind ourselves that we are together with them in fellowship and we are together throughout this period to offer prayers, wish them the very best and offer some succour, especially to the families of the fallen heroes; the widows and the widowers. Read more
Sanwo-Olu does not deserve second term – Shelle (Independent)
A former state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, Navy Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd) has said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu does not deserve a second term based on the management of his affairs of Lagos state since coming on board in May 2019.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, Shelle under whose leadership the PDP won eight seats in the Lagos state House of Assembly in 2015 said the governor has failed to judiciously manage the affairs and resources of the state effectively while the level of development in the state is not commensurate with the resources that have been generated from 1999 till date.
According to him, Sanwo-Olu is too overwhelmed and distracted by his political godfather and members of the Governors Advisory Council (GAC) headed by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a former governor of the state.
He said: “Babajide Sanwo-Olu doesn’t deserve a second term. His party cannot even be that generous to him more so when they realise that PDP is out to win in the 2023 elections in Lagos state”. Read more
Akeredolu flags off home ownership bonanza program in Ondo (ThisDay)
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has inaugurated the state office of the Home Ownership Charter Ondo State (HOCOS), and said the scheme would provide easy access to property titling and put an end to challenges experienced by the people in the course of having their landed properties titled.
Akeredolu, who described the scheme as a landmark achievement, said it was in fulfillment of the promises made by his administration to render quality service to the people of the state.
The governor unveiled the HOCOS office yesterday at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Oyemekun road in Akure, the state capital.
He identified some of the challenges as inadequate documentation by property owners and the use of archaic and inefficient methods in getting Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) processed. Read more
Insecurity: Again, Buhari rejects state police (Tribune)
President Muhammadu Buhari has again rejected the notion of state police as the solution to the nation’s mounting security problems, appearing to express fears that it may be abused by state governors.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday night, he referenced the relationship between states and their local governments, which he suggested may not be at a good level.
His remark came amid the push from certain quarters in the country to decentralise policing, which has already led to the setting up of regional security outfits by some state governments.
Responding to a question on the issue, President Buhari retorted: “State police is not an option. Find out the relationship between local government and the governors. Are the third tier of government getting what they are supposed to get constitutionally? Are they getting it? Let the people in the local government tell you the truth, the fight between local governments and the governor.” Read more
2 shot, 3 Chinese abducted as gunmen attack Zungeru Hydro Power Project (DailyTrust)
No fewer than two people were shot while three Chinese expatriates working at the Sino-Hydro Electric Power Dam, Zungeru, Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State have been reportedly kidnapped by bandits.
Daily Trust gathered that bandits in their numbers attacked the workers while working on a transmission line tower along Gussase village on Tuesday evening.
The Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, confirmed the abduction but could not confirm if lives were lost.
Also confirming the attack, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said a Chinese expatriate and a local staff were shot while some Chinese expatriates were missing after the security engaged the bandits in a gun duel. Read more
D’Banj optimistic over opportunities in Dubai Afrobeat Soundoff (Leadership)
Nigerian music star, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known by his stage name as D’banj, has expressed great delight over the opportunity offered him by the Dubai Expo 2020 Afrobeat zone soundoff.
This is even as new winners of the AfroZone Dubai Soundoff Giveaway have started to emerge from across the world including Nigeria.
Over 70 free packages were provided to lucky Afrobeat fans who had the chance to win the opportunity to see Dubai courtesy of their local AfroZones radio show hosts and sponsored by Dubai’s Department for Economy and Tourism (DET).
A statement made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said so far, winners have emerged from the USA, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, UK and Angola. Read more
Buhari finally inaugurates NNPC board, drops Ararume as chairman (DailyTrust)
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Senator Margret Chuba Okadigbo as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
Okadigbo replaces Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, who was appointed when the president constituted the board on September 19, 2021.
Buhari had suddenly postponed the inauguration of the board under Ararume.
But in a statement on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, announced the changes.
According to the statement, Mele Kolo Kyari is the Chief Executive Officer, and Umar I. Ajiya, Chief Financial Officer. Read more
How to become a reality TV star, according to a top casting director (PageSix)
Your reality TV dreams are only a few tips away.
In an exclusive interview with Page Six, Mike Lush — a top casting director who has found talent for such shows as MTV’s “The Real World” and Oxygen’s “Bad Girls Club” — revealed what it takes to grab his attention and become an unscripted superstar.
“The biggest thing is showing me that you have big energy and that you’re a big personality,” he advises hopefuls.
“If you watch people on these shows, they’re all larger than life.”
He added, “If you need to take a shot, grab a cup of coffee or go for a run, do whatever you can to get your energy up. That’s my biggest piece of advice for people.”
The 27-year-old — whose passion for the genre began in grade school when he became enamored with VH1’s raucous dating competition series “Flavor of Love” and “I Love New York” — has been working in the entertainment industry for over five years. Read more
Oak Park to honour Betty White with official day; social media celebrates with #BettyWhiteChallenge (CST)
Betty White became America’s sweetheart, but first, she was Oak Park’s little bundle of joy.
The late actress, who passed away on Dec. 31 at her Brentwood, California, home, was born in the Chicago suburb on Jan. 17, 1922. And though she and her family moved to the West Coast just a year later, White often spoke fondly of her Oak Park roots and would return to visit family members.
In her honor, “Betty White Day” will be officially celebrated in Oak Park on Jan. 17, which would have marked her 100th birthday. The story was first reported Tuesday by TMZ.com.
Oak Park Village president Vicki Scaman told TMZ the official celebration comes in the wake of residents seeking to honor their town’s favorite daughter. The official proclamation will be delivered in the coming days at a special memorial commemorating White’s life. Read more
Kim Mi-soo, Korean actor in Snowdrop, dies at 29 (Variety)
Kim Mi-soo, a Korean actor who had a supporting role in the recent series Snowdrop, has died. She was 29.
“Kim suddenly left us on Jan. 5,” her agency Landscape said in a statement on Wednesday. “The bereaved are deep in their sorrow at the sudden sadness. Please refrain from reporting false rumors or speculation so that the family can mourn in peace.” The agency statement was translated by Joongang Daily and gave no cause of death.
In Snowdrop, Kim (also written Kim Misu) plays a student activist who shares a women’s dormitory with protagonist Young-ro, portrayed by Jisoo of K-pop group Blackpink.
“Snowdrop” was produced by JTBC Studios and Drama House and plays on JTBC’s network in Korea. In the rest of the world, it is presented as a Disney Plus original. Read more
Jessie D of Pioneering Hip Hop Group Force MDS has died (HipHopDX)
Jessie D (real name Jessie Lee Daniels), one of the founding members of the pioneering Hip Hop/R&B group the Force MDs, has passed away. He was 58 years old.
The tragic news was announced on the Force MDs’ official Facebook page on Tuesday night (January 4), although a cause of death has yet to be revealed.
“To one hell of an entertainer. ‘Jessie D’ of legendary Force MDs,” the post read. “He ate, sleep and breathed music everyday. Please put a heart up for him. He was loved!!!!!!!!!! To the family, friends and fans today we lost a real talent. Our condolences goes out to his siblings, kids and the Force MDs….”
Hailing from Staten Island, New York, the Force MDs rose to fame in the 1980s with their pioneering blend of Hip Hop and New Jack Swing. In 1984, the group signed with Tommy Boy Records and released their debut album Love Letters. Read more
UK school drops J.K. Rowling name amid trans row (RFI)
A British school has dropped J.K. Rowling’s name from one of its houses because of the “Harry Potter” author’s controversial views on transgender issues.
The Boswells School in Chelmsford, eastern England, said it had changed the name of its red house from Rowling to Holmes, in honour of Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.
“At The Boswells School we foster a vibrant, inclusive and democratic school community, where we encourage students to develop into independent, confident citizens,” said headmaster Stephen Mansell.
“In autumn 2021, we reviewed and renamed one of our school houses following numerous requests from students and staff, as well as a whole school vote.” Read more
Capitol probe seeks to question Fox host Hannity over Trump texts (AlJazeera)
The United States House of Representatives panel probing the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol has asked Fox News host Sean Hannity to provide information about his text messages with former President Donald Trump, his aides and lawyers at the time.
The investigators on Tuesday sent a letter requesting Hannity voluntarily answer questions about matters including his communications with Trump, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and others in the days surrounding the attack, in which thousands of Trump supporters stormed the seat of US democracy in Washington, DC, in a bid to prevent lawmakers from certifying President Joe Biden’s election victory.
“Im very worried about the next 48 hours,” Hannity wrote in one of those text messages on the eve of the attack, according to the legislators’ letter to Hannity. In another text to Meadows, Hannity wrote, “Pence pressure. WH counsel will leave.”
“Why were you concerned about the next 48 hours?” Representative Bennie Thompson, the committee’s chairman, and Liz Cheney, its vice chair, asked Hannity. The letter added that Hannity’s communications suggested he “had knowledge of concerns by President Trump’s White House Counsel’s Office regarding the legality of the former President’s plans for January 6th”. Read more
Jamie T’s new album is complete, according to producer (NME)
Jamie T‘s fifth studio album is seemingly on its way, as confirmed by engineer and producer Jag Jago on Twitter.
Jago wrote: “Jamie T album 5. Done. Seriously looking forward to 2022!” The new album would be the follow up to 2016’s ‘Trick’ as well as the album of B-sides Jamie released in 2018.
The collection of B-sides spans songs that Jamie T wrote in his childhood bedroom to Corktown, Detroit, from limited edition songs to those that have appeared for free on the internet, from the years 2006-2017. At the time, he promised that “new music is on its way… when it’s ready.”
In the same year, he contributed to Miles Kane‘s LP ‘Coup De Grace’. Speaking of working with Jamie T, Kane said, “We wrote a lot of tunes. Definitely he helped me lyrically. I tend to fall into the trap of using less words and spacing out the sentences – trying to be coronary, I guess.” Read more
Security fears loom over Africa’s football fiesta (Guardian)
After overcoming fears of postponement because of the Covid pandemic, the Africa Cup of Nations now faces its next big worry: security.
Host nation Cameroon will ceremonially launch the month-long tournament on Sunday when they face Burkina Faso.
But the authorities are struggling with separatist gunmen in the west and jihadist raiders in the north — and some fear militants will seize the country’s turn in the sporting spotlight to launch attacks.
Security forces in the west are on high alert after armed groups sent threatening messages to teams in Group F, gathering Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania and Gambia.
The four teams are scheduled to play in the coastal town of Limbe, and their training site is Buea, a hotspot of separatist unrest.
“The threats are very serious,” Blaise Chamango, head of an NGO in Buea called Human Is Right, told AFP by phone. Read more
Buhari charges Super Eagles on AFCON trophy (Nation)
President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Super Eagles to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by lifting the coveted trophy in Cameroon.
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, conveyed the president’s message at a ‘send forth’ ceremony for the team on Tuesday in Abuja ahead of their departure to Cameroon.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eagles will depart Abuja on Wednesday aboard a chartered flight for the football fiesta which runs from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6 in Cameroon.
Dare, who was represented by the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, said President Buhari had pledged the full support of the nation for the team. Read more
Mo Salah makes AFCON vow as Liverpool face up to life without star man (Mirror)
Mohamed Salah will be a big miss for Liverpool throughout January, and potentially beyond, as he represents Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Roma forward scored in his last Reds game before heading out to Cameroon, though his strike against Chelsea wasn’t quite enough to lead Jurgen Klopp’s side to victory in their Premier League match.
His country’s progress at the continental tournament will determine how long he is unavailable to the Merseyside club.
Egypt were eliminated in the last 16 of their last AFCON tournament in 2019, with Salah playing the full 90 minutes of their 1-0 defeat to South Africa. Read more
Aaron Ramsey: Juventus midfielder set to leave club this transfer window, confirms Massimiliano Allegri (Sky)
Aaron Ramsey is set to leave Juventus this month after Massimiliano Allegri confirmed the Welshman is an “outgoing player”.
Ramsey has made just five appearances in all competitions for Juventus this season, playing only 97 minutes in Serie A.
The 31-year-old midfielder, who has struggled with injuries this campaign, is not part of Allegri’s long-term plans with reports suggesting he could be set for a return to English football.
Ramsey has been linked with former club Arsenal, Everton and Newcastle while reports on Tuesday said Burnley had seen a formal approach for the 31-year-old turned down by the player. Read more
Aston Martin announce exit of team principal Szafnauer (France24)
Otmar Szafnauer has stepped down as team principal of Aston Martin, the Silverstone-based Formula One team announced on Wednesday.
His departure had been mooted during the Brazilian Grand Prix in November but he had denied at the time he had plans to step down.
The 57-year-old American joined the team back in 2009 when it was Force India and was instrumental in navigating it through the financial struggles it faced in 2018 prior to its takeover by Lawrence Stroll.
The team was rebranded as Racing Point for the 2019 season and Aston Martin in 2021. Read more
Jamie Murray leaves team-mates with heads in hands after giving Novak Djokovic verdict (DailyStar)
Jamie Murray left his team-mates beside themselves after giving his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s participation at the Australian Open.
The world number one was granted a medical exemption that allows him to compete in the first Grand Slam of 2022 by Tennis Australia on Tuesday.
Tournament rules state that all players must be double-vaccinated against Covid-19, and Djokovic has refused to disclose whether he has been jabbed.
The decision to grant the clearance has proved to be a controversial one amongst the tennis community. Read more
Boxing in Britain set to resume in February after Covid break (Independent)
Boxing will return to Britain from February after the British Boxing Board of Control issued a “circuit breaker” in January.
The change in measures means Amir Khan’s long-awaited fight against Kell Brook, on 19 February, will go ahead. The pause in boxing meant Chris Eubank Jr’s bout against Liam Williams was postponed to 5 February.
BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith confirmed the news and welcomed the return of the sport.
“I’m confident this is the right thing to do. I’m advised by the doctors, I have to take the advice,” Smith told talkSPORT. “If you’ve got the doctors, you need to listen to what they’re saying. Those decisions are hard decisions to make, but that’s why we govern a sport. Read more