NDLEA intercepts 12,385kg of Cannabis smuggled into Lagos on waterways (Nation)
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the weekend seized 12,385 kilogrammes of Cannabis imported from an unnamed neighbouring country and smuggled into Lagos through the waterways.
Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, said the illicit drug was the strong variant known as Loud.
Babafemi said the agency got credible intelligence that the illicit substance were brought in from a West African country through the ocean and ferried with boats to the Eko Atlantic Beach, Victoria Island from where they would be distributed to drug hotspots such as Island, Peti Alagba and other places across Lagos and other states,.
He said over 50 narcotic officers stormed the beach on Saturday, November 27, 2021, recovered the consignments along with two long trucks, a Toyota Sienna bus and arrested three suspects. Read more
Lagos can boost IGR through tourism, culture, says Sanwo-Olu (Punch)
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state, and Nigeria by extension, has what it takes to improve the Internally Generated Revenue through tourism, arts and culture.
This is as he restated his administration’s commitment to promoting and preserving culture and tradition for today and future generations.
He also maintained that there cannot be meaningful development in any society without a deep understanding of people’s culture and tradition, adding that the country is blessed with human and material resources to generate huge revenue if well tapped.
Sanwo-Olu said this at the celebration of Lagos Asa Day 2021 and the launching of Youth Empowerment Access Centre, held at De Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. Read more
PSC should rethink face shield policy due to COVID-19 Omicron variant threat – says expert (Guardian)
Dr Gabriel Adakole, a Public Health Expert, has called on the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, to look into the possibility of returning the requirement of wearing facemask/shields following the threats from the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
Adakole made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
NAN reports that officials in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Czech Republic, Italy as well as the UK have confirmed that the new Omicron variant has appeared in their respective countries, leaving governments around the world scrambling to stop the spread.
The variant’s swift spread among young people in South Africa has alarmed health professionals even though there was no immediate indication whether the variant causes more severe disease. Read more
Mother, child killed in Abeokuta tanker explosion (Tribune)
It was a gloomy Sunday in the ancient city of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital as tanker explosion that occurred at Lafenwa market, claimed the lives of a mother and her child.
This development happened about twelve days when a similar incident claimed four lives at the Ogere end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Tribune Online gathered that a tanker fully loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) upturned at about 4.45 am when making its way inbound Rounder area from Oju-Irin, Lafenwa.
In a statement made available to Tribune Online, the Public Relations Officer of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi said the tanker exploded when officials of TRACE, Fire Service and other security agencies were finding a way to transload the content of the tanker into another. Read more
‘Make education free for persons with disabilities’ (Nation)
The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) has advocated for free education for persons living with disabilities of school age.
The Association’s Executive Director, Grace Jerry made the recommendation recently in Lagos during the third cohort fellowship programme of the Amplifying Voices project supported by the Ford Foundation.
Jerry stated that the project began in February with the objective of training young persons with disabilities from selected states to combat gender-based violence “perpetrated against them”.
Free education, according to her, should border on building the capacity of persons with disabilities around defense mechanisms and how to seek redress. Read more
Dauda Sheidu: Philanthropist acquires multi-million naira equipment for Kogi amputee vulcanizer (Vanguard)
It was a dream come true for Dauda Sheidu, a 40-year-old amputee vulcanizer who went viral recently after his inspiring story that got Nigerians talking on social media.
A few years ago, the 40-year-old was helpless seeing his life crumbling before his own eyes.
Today, the story of Kogi-born amputee vulcanizer is set to change as a philanthropist cum Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP in the 2019 gubernatorial election in Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti has acquired a multimillion naira state-of-the art equipment to make his operations easier and seamless.
“The two-in-one equipment, a Tyre Changer and Wheel Balancer is not commonly used by roadside vulcanizers in Nigeria due to the high cost of purchasing them. Hence, only well-heeled auto-service and tyre centres in the cities have them,” Natasha told Vanguard. Read more
Why FG should revoke its compulsory COVID-19 vaccination plan — Cleric (Vanguard)
A Nigerian cleric cum convener of the Apostolic Christianity Network, Moses Idowu has faulted the plan of the Federal Government to impose sanctions on those who refuse the Covid-19 vaccine when it is made available to all.
The cleric, at a recent press conference, in Lagos, said the government has no moral and legal rights to force citizens to get the vaccine.
Recall the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha in a media report that went viral on October 14, said “there will be compulsory Covid-19 vaccination for civil servants with effect from December 1, 2021”.
Reacting, Idowu said the government’s decision to make the vaccine compulsory for civil servants is, “wrong-headed, lawless and atrocious. It is a policy that is morally flawed, scientifically baseless, ethically unsound, and logically absurd”. Read more
Wike has made Rivers Nigeria’s development model – Nsirim (Sun)
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said Governor Nyesom Wike has made the State a model for development in Nigeria through his visionary leadership.
Nsirim made the statement at a day sensitisation programme with the theme: Wind of Change envisioned by the essay competition winner of the second phase of the #OurStateOurResponsibility advocacy campaign programme of the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
He, therefore, urged people living and doing business in Rivers to continue to promote the advocacy campaign to change negative narrative about the State.
Nsirim appealed: “Let us join hands with Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to build a better Rivers State where young people can be assured that in terms of education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure and so on, their needs will served. These needed infrastructures will not be lacking and such a man deserves our support. Read more
Bandits go berserk in Niger, kill 2, abduct 63 more persons (Sun)
Armed bandits laying siege to some villages in Zagzaga community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State have prevented the people from evacuating the bodies of five vigilantes they killed in the area.
The local vigilantes were killed on Wednesday last week when they mobilised to ward off the incessant attacks by the bandits. No fewer than 90 people have been abducted across seven villages in Zagzaga community in the last one week.
Although the ill-equipped vigilantes were said to have bravely confronted the heavily equipped bandits, killing undisclosed number of them, five of them met their Waterloo during the gun battle.
However, while the bandits who out- numbered the vigilantes were able to evacuate their own dead, the bodies of the slain vigilantes were said to be left in buses around a village called Mangoro where the gun battle took place as fear could not allow the villagers to access the area. Read more
Tom Cruise casually hangs upside down on airplane wing as he rehearses most dangerous stunt yet (Metro)
Tom Cruise’s thirst for adrenaline truly knows no bounds as the actor was spotted rehearsing arguably his most dangerous stunt yet – hanging upside down on the wing of an airplane mid-air.
The Mission: Impossible star took to the skies in Cambridgeshire in a yellow 1941 Boeing B75N1 Stearman biplane.
After departing the Duxford airfield, Tom, 59, ascended to the dizzying heights of 2,000 feet, at which point he obviously decided to climb out of the WWII plane.
The Hollywood star had been sitting in the front of the aircraft with the pilot in the back, then proceeded to climb out of the cockpit before crawling onto the left wing. Tom was harnessed to the 80-year-old plane and was seen dangling himself upside down from the wing. The plane then flipped upside down so that Tom was sitting upright on the wing. Read more
EU ministers meet in Calais over Channel crisis but without UK (Guardian)
EU ministers are meeting in Calais on Sunday to discuss how to stop people crossing the Channel in small boats, but without the UK home secretary, Priti Patel, whose invitation was rescinded following a diplomatic row with France.
France has invited representatives from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and the European Commission to the meeting, which was called last week after 27 people hoping to claim asylum in the UK died making the perilous crossing.
Following that event, the biggest loss of life in the Channel since the Channel route emerged, the French government is seeking greater European co-operation to clamp down on people smugglers.
The French government has said five suspected people smugglers arrested near the Belgian border last week had bought unspecified materials in Germany. People seeking to reach the UK often come to France via Belgium to find the shortest crossing point. Read more
Swiss voters look set to back COVID-19 response plan (Metro)
Swiss voters looked likely to back the government’s pandemic response plan in a referendum on Sunday, paving the way for continuation of exceptional measures to stem the rising tide of COVID-19 cases.
Early government tallies of Sunday’s polls showed a little more than 60% of the votes so far supporting the law passed this year to provide financial aid to people hit by the COVID-19 crisis and to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, recovery or a negative test to enter bars, restaurants and certain events.
Restrictions to public life to curb coronavirus infections have sparked opposition in Switzerland, triggering a binding referendum under the country’s system of direct democracy, even as cases have risen to levels the government this week deemed “critical”.
The government has largely backed away from tightening measures despite cases approaching record highs, but on Friday and Saturday it imposed new travel restrictions to stem the spread of the new Omicron coronavirus variant that has sparked global concern. Read more
Taliban, EU discuss economic situation of Afghanistan (Independent)
Taliban and European Union delegates held meetings in Doha to discuss the prevailing situation in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s political and economic issues along with humanitarian aid were discussed between Taliban and European Union delegates, according to the Tolo News.
“Taliban and European delegates met yesterday and today and discussed issues related to various issues in Afghanistan, ” Toto tweeted quoting spokesman of the Islamic Emirate’s political office in Qatar, Mohammad Naeem as saying tweeted Mohammad Naeem, spokesman of the Islamic Emirate’s political office in Qatar.
Taliban rule in Afghanistan faces an economic crisis following its takeover of the landlocked country in August this year.
A day earlier, the Taliban delegation met with the special envoy of Qatar’s ministry of foreign affairs, Mutlaq Al Qahtani, to discuss ways to improve humanitarian assistance for Afghan citizens.
This meeting comes as a delegation from the Taliban is currently visiting Qatar, where a new round of negotiations between the outfit and the US will start next week. Read more
More travel restrictions as Omicron Variant detected in Europe, Mideast (VOA)
Britain, Germany and Italy detected cases of the new Omicron coronavirus variant on Saturday and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new steps to contain the virus, while more nations imposed restrictions on travel from southern Africa.
The discovery of the variant has sparked global concern, a wave of travel bans or curbs and a sell-off on financial markets on Friday as investors worried that Omicron could stall a global recovery from the nearly two-year pandemic.
Israel said it would ban the entry of all foreigners into the country and reintroduce counter-terrorism phone-tracking technology to contain the spread of the variant.
The two linked cases of Omicron detected in Britain were connected to travel to southern Africa, British health minister Sajid Javid said. Read more
Race to beat Omicron Covid to save Christmas but Johnson blasted for ‘low key’ approach (Mirror)
Boris Johnson tonight announced a four-point package to curb the Omicron super-strain as it reaches Britain.
But the Prime Minister came under fire over his low-key response as the nation potentially faces the most dangerous Covid variant so far.
Mr Johnson announced the return of compulsory face masks in shops… BUT NOT in pubs and restaurants.
He said he hoped to roll out booster jabs as widely as possible – WITHOUT suggesting precisely who could be eligible. Read more
Sudan PM sacks police chiefs after post-coup violence (Independent)
Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok said Saturday he has replaced Sudan’s police chiefs after more than 40 people were killed in a crackdown on protests following last month’s military coup.
Military chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power and detained Hamdok on 25 October, but after international condemnation and mass protests he reinstated the premier in a 21 November deal.
Medics say at least 42 people were killed as security forces sought to crush weeks of anti-coup demonstrations, with protests continuing even after Hamdok’s release from house arrest and return to his post last week.
On Saturday, Hamdok said he had sacked the director general of the police, Khaled Mahdi Ibrahim al-Emam, and his deputy, Ali Ibrahim. Read more
Spanish defender Sergio Ramos makes his much-anticipated PSG debut (France24)
Spanish defender Sergio Ramos will make his long-awaited debut for Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Ligue 1 game at Saint-Etienne. PSG comfortably beat the home side 3-1.
Lionel Messi set up all three goals as PSG stretched their Ligue 1 lead to 14 points with a 3-1 comeback win at 10-man St Etienne as Neymar sustained a possible ankle injury and was taken off on a stretcher on Sunday.
The result put the capital side on 40 points from 15 games, with third-placed Rennes having a chance to leapfrog Nice into second when they travel to Lorient later on Sunday.
St Etienne, who mounted on a decent challenge despite being a man down as snow fell on the Geoffroy Guichard stadium, are now bottom of the standings with 12 points. Read more
Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher in disagreement over Man Utd’s Ralf Rangnick decision (Mirror)
Former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has criticised the Red Devils’ decision to appoint an interim manager rather than a permanent successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Ralf Rangnick is expected to be announced as United boss until the end of the season, when the Premier League giants will finally make a long-term appointment.
The German is renowned as one of the godfathers of modern coaching, having played a key influence on top managers such as Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.
He will arrive at Old Trafford with a remit to turn around their form quickly, with United currently languishing in ninth following embarrassing defeats to Liverpool, Manchester City and Watford. Read more
China to strengthen ties with Nigeria on sports (Leadership)
Mr Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of China to Nigeria, has stressed the need for his country and Nigeria to harness sporting activities, to deepen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Cui spoke while briefing Journalists on Saturday in Abuja on the sidelines of the 4th edition of the Nigeria-China Ping-Pong tournament, organised for Journalists by the China Cultural Centre in Abuja.
Cui said, “Nigeria leads in football in Africa and we have a great distance to catch up with Nigeria football, and we are thinking of bringing Nigeria football team to China, we can do things together.
“I am working on this agenda, because there is need for the two countries, to try to use sports as a way to deepen relations between them. Read more
UNILAG-NUGA 2022: I expect over 400 new Badas, Ogunkoyas- Minister (Leadership)
Minister of youth and sports development, Mr. Sunday Dare has charged youths to channel their talents and energy into sports by creating the new Sunday Bada, Falilat Ogunkoya and others who have walked into the country’s sporting hall of fame.
UNILAG won the hosting right in 2018 after a keenly contest with University of Jos, and he minister was handed the honour of lighting the touch of unity for the Nigerian University Games Association, UNILAG-NUGA, 2022.
According to him this is an opportunity for our youth to compete and exhibit their talent by becoming a great sport men and women in the continent and beyond.
“Gone are the days when you think sport is a mere recreation but sports has created value chain either as medical person in sport, as a sport writer-there are opportunities in sports now and am changing our youth to channel their talents and energy into sports. Read more
Minister to Universities: Go back to basics on production of great sportsmen, women (Tribune)
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has charged the universities in the country to retrace their steps back to the period when they usually produced sportsmen and women who later become great in one sporting activity or the other.
He also asked them to cultivate habit of engaging in meaningful researches in sport-related disciplines as well as upgrading their sporting facilities to that of high standards.
The minister gave the charge on Friday in Lagos while officially lighting the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA 2022) Torch at the University of Lagos, Akoka- the host university.
The games, which are slated for March next year and to feature about 136 public and private universities will be 26th edition and with UNILAG hosting it for the fourth time. Read more
Ex-Liverpool, Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez announces retirement (Independent)
Argentine football player Maxi Rodriguez on Saturday announced retirement from the game.
“The moment that I never thought would arrive finally came, or that moment that as a football player we don’t want to get to. The moment of closing my career as a professional,” Rodriguez said on Instagram.
Newell’s Old Boys’ experienced winger Rodriguez, 40, previously played for Spain’s Atletico Madrid and English powerhouse Liverpool.
“It is a very difficult decision to make, but at the same time, I am very calm with it. There were many years of my career and I think I gave myself to the fullest and I completely emptied myself. I have nothing more to give,” he added. Read more
Eddie Hearn blasts ‘disgusting’ and ‘tasteless’ Tommy Fury vs Jake Paul press conference (Metro)
Eddie Hearn has blasted Tommy Fury’s pre-fight press conference with Jake Paul, branding it ‘disgusting’ and ‘tasteless’.
The press conference to promote the fight between Fury and Paul, which is scheduled to take place on December 18, quickly spiralled out of control with Tyson Fury and John Fury, Tommy’s father, hurling insults at the American YouTuber.
Paul accused John Fury of being a ‘nobody’ and claimed he was living off his sons’ achievements.
Fury later told Paul: ‘You know when Tommy knocks you out, he’s gonna bend your girlfriend over and do her like a dog.’ Read more