Nigerian celebrities celebrate Christmas with adorable family photos (Nation)
As Christmas festivities light up the season, Nigerian celebrities are flooding social media with touching family photos that radiate joy and togetherness.
Although this year’s celebrations are marked by simpler styles and modest decorations, the warmth and cheer remain unmistakable.
Popular stars such as Adeniyi Johnson, Seyi Edun, Nuella Njubigbo, Mercy Johnson, and Tonto Dikeh have charmed their fans with snapshots featuring matching pajamas, vibrant outfits, and beautifully adorned Christmas trees. Read more
Katsina Police foil Kidnap attempt, rescue 10 victims, 2 dead (Vanguard)
The Katsina State Police Command on foiled a kidnapping attempt, rescuing ten victims after a fierce gun battle with suspected armed bandits in Katsina-Magama Jibia road.
The incident occurred Wednesday evening, December 24th, 2024.
The armed bandits, wielding dangerous weapons, attacked a commercial vehicle, opening fire on the occupants and attempting to abduct them. Read more
Vehicle runs into Christmas procession, injures 22 celebrants (Leadership)
There was tragedy on Christmas Day in Gombe State capital as a commercial bus driver lost control of his vehicle and hit Christian faithful who were in a procession from Tumfure community to the Government House and Gombe Emir’s Palace for Christmas homage, fatally injuring 22 celebrants on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at about 2pm near the popular IMAN Restaurant on Bauchi Road, where the bus suddenly ran into the celebrants as a result of suspected faulty brake, unleashing anxiety and tension.
Our correspondent reports that the incident sparked outrage in Gombe, prompting a mob to attack the driver who reportedly escaped. Read more
Governor Inuwa hosts Christian community on Christmas homage (NewTelegraph)
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Wednesday, received members of the Christian community, under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on a Christmas homage at the Government House.
Speaking while receiving the procession, Governor Inuwa Yahaya felicitated with them on the occasion of this year’s Christmas.
He enjoined the faithful, especially youths, to use the occasion to promote peace and unity and avoid indulging in social vices. Read more
Christmas: Keep hope alive, PDP urges Nigerians (Channels)
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejoiced with Nigerians at Christmas, urging the citizens to keep hope alive.
PDP in a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, wants the masses show love and care among each other regardless of class.
Ologunagba said that such relationship would help Nigerians in the face of the prevailing economic hardship in the country. Read more
Army winning war against oil theft, pipeline vandalism – COAS (Punch)
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has said the Army is winning the war against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.
Oluyede said the increase in oil production in the country was an eloquent testimony to the successes being recorded in the fight against all forms of economic sabotage.
Represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Major General Kevin Aligbe, stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after a Christmas luncheon with frontline troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. Read more
Gas cylinder explosion kills apprentice, injures 3 in Niger (DailyTrust)
A gas pump cylinder used by a tyre technician, popularly known as vulcaniser, opposite Kpakungu police division, Minna, Niger State, exploded on Wednesday, killing one of his apprentices, Haji.
The explosion also reportedly injured the vulcaniser, identified as Mohammed, his son and one other apprentice.
Haji was said to have died at the scene of the explosion while the vulcaniser and two other victims were severely injured. Read more
Works Ministry proposes N120m to light up major highways across Nigeria (Tribune)
The Ministry of Works has proposed that the Six geopolitical zones of the country would have a cumulative of N120m worth of Solar Street light deployed to their respective highway as part of the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The distribution of solar street lights to these highways began in the last appropriation Act with Southwest enjoying 18% of the total funds; North Easts and North West grabbed 17% of the total funds and leaving South South, south east and North Central with 16% each of N1,595,500,000 appropriation for lights.
Tagged an Economic Recovery Growth Programme (ERPG) initiative has been captured for the 2025 bill to the national assembly on code “ERPG 10208717”, “ERPG 10208718”, and “ERPG 10208719” the others are “ERPG 10208720” “ERGP12208701” and “ERGP 12208702.” Read more
Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy shares message of grief after tattoo tribute (DailyStar)
Kate Cassidy, Liam Payne ‘s girlfriend at the time of his death, has shared a message of grief this Christmas.
The loved-up duo had been in Argentina together, before Liam plunged to his death from a third-floor balcony at the plush hotel CasaSur Palermo in Argentina. Kate was in attendance at Liam’s funeral, which took place in November.
Now, the social media star, who recently unveiled a touching tattoo tribute to Liam, has spoke of her grief. She sent her love to others feeling the same as she was. Read more
At least 21 dead since Monday amid political unrest in Mozambique (UPI)
At least 21 people have died since Monday due to political unrest in Mozambique as a political opposition leader vows to become president after losing in questionable elections.
Violent encounters between police and protesters led to deaths and more than 70 arrests since Monday, when the Mozambique Constitutional Council affirmed the contested Oct. 9 election results, The New York Times reported.
Vanancio Mondlane is the leader of the opposition to the status quo Frelimo Party, which has maintained political control of Mozambique for 49 years and prevailed in the recent elections. Read more
At least 6 fighters killed in Syria in clashes between Islamists, Assad supporters (VOA)
Clashes between Islamists who took over Syria and supporters of ousted President Bashar al-Assad’s government killed six Islamic fighters on Wednesday and wounded others, according to a British-based war monitor.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the fighters were killed while trying to arrest a former official in Assad’s government who is accused of issuing execution orders and arbitrary rulings against thousands of prisoners. The fighters were from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, which led the stunning offensive that toppled Assad earlier this month.
Syria’s transition has been surprisingly smooth, but it’s only been a few weeks since Assad fled the country and his administration and forces melted away. The insurgents who ousted Assad are rooted in fundamentalist Islamist ideology, and though they have vowed to create a pluralist system, it isn’t clear how or whether they plan to share power. Read more
British wife of ex-Syrian dictator given ’50/50′ chance of survival from cancer (Metro)
The British wife of ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is reportedly so ill with cancer that she can’t be in the same room as other people.
Days ago, it was reported Asma al-Assad was planning to divorce him and move back to the UK – a suggestion which was slammed by those in Westminster.
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns wrote on X: ‘Please do come to the UK, prosecution for inciting, aiding and encouraging war crimes awaits you, Asma.’ Read more
Man arrested for attempted murder after 4 people hit by car in London’s West End on Christmas Day (Independent)
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after four pedestrians were hit by a car in London’s West End in the early hours of Christmas Day.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 12.45am on Wednesday following reports of a collision and a car driving on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue in Covent Garden.
Four pedestrians were taken to hospital with one remaining in a life-threatening condition, police said. Read more
Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back (NBC)
A man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida won’t be tried until September 2025, a federal judge ruled this week.
Ryan Routh’s trial will begin Sept. 8 instead of the previously scheduled Feb. 10, 2025 start date, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon said in an order released on Monday.
Routh, 58, a Hawaii resident, has pleaded not guilty. Read more
The Grammy’s will award Prince and The Clash with Lifetime Achievement Awards (MXDWN)
The Recording Academy has announced that Prince and The Clash will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2025 Grammy Awards. This prestigious recognition will be presented during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony, taking place on February 1st, 2025, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.
Prince, a legendary figure in music, earned 32 Grammy nominations throughout his career, winning seven awards, including Best Rock Performance for his iconic 1985 hit “Purple Rain,” which is set to be adapted into a stage musical, and his Diamonds and Pearls album. His innovative and genre-defying work left an indelible mark on music, influencing artists across generations.
One particularly influential work is the collaboration between Prince and Kylie Minogue, “Baby Doll”, which recently surfaced. Read more
Chelsea vs Fulham: Iwobi declares war on Maresca’s men (CompleteSports)
Alex Iwobi is expecting a difficult test in the London derby clash with Fulham, reports Completesports.com.
The Whites will be up against Enzo Maresca’s men at the Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
Marco Silva’s men head into game in buoyant mood following their impressive run of form. Read more
Swiss snowboarder Hediger, 26, dies in avalanche (BBC)
Switzerland’s Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died in an avalanche aged 26, the Swiss-Ski federation said on Tuesday.
The member of the Swiss national snowboard cross team was caught up in the incident at the mountain resort of Arosa on Monday.
“We are speechless, and our thoughts are with Sophie’s family, to whom we express our deepest condolences,” said Walter Reusser, the Sport chief executive at Swiss-Ski. Read more
Rangers express ‘serious concerns’ after League Cup final VAR officials reinstated to Scottish Premiership action (SkySports)
Rangers have expressed “serious concerns” after two VAR officials involved in their League Cup final loss to Celtic were reinstated to top-flight matches.
Alan Muir – who was VAR for the match at Hampden Park – and his assistant Frank Connor were not on domestic duty last weekend after committing an “unacceptable” mistake, according to Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum.
Celtic defender Liam Scales brought down Vaclav Cerny in the first half of extra-time and on-field referee John Beaton adjudged the incident to have taken place outside the box. Read more
Lionel Messi was ‘charmed by Man Utd’ for 1 reason Man City couldn’t match (Mirror)
Lionel Messi was frequently linked with a move to Manchester City, but the Barcelona legend seemingly had more of a soft spot for Manchester United
Lionel Messi was more fond of the history of Manchester United rather than the millions at Manchester City.
Messi, 37, is currently strutting his stuff for Inter Miami, having been convinced to move to Florida by club owner and United legend David Beckham. The ex-England captain’s former club may have wished he was still at Old Trafford to sway Messi to United. Read more
NBA star Anthony Edwards isn’t interested in acting again after hustle: ‘I don’t think I’m fit for that job’ (People)
Anthony Edwards is flying high and putting in the work — but the NBA star says he’s not planning on making an encore as an actor anytime soon.
“I don’t know, man. I’m not going to lie,” Edwards tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview paired with his partnership with Chipotle. “That’s hard. I’m not going to lie. I gained a new respect for acting once I did that movie. I don’t think I’m fit for that job.”
In the movie in question — 2022’s Hustle, starring Adam Sandler as an NBA scout — Edwards drew praise for his acting chops as trash-talking presumptive top draft pick Kermit Wilts. Read more
Martina Navratilova attacks LGBT group for under-13s: ‘‘Just let kids be kids’’ (Telegraph)
Martina Navratilova now has attacked an LGBT group over its drop-in sessions for children aged 13 and under.
The nine-time Wimbledon singles champion criticised the Norwich-based LGBTQ+ Project, which works with Norfolk and Waveney schools.
Navratilova, openly gay since 1981, shared a post on X which criticised the charity’s involvement with Acle Academy. Read more
