NIMASA partners agric ministry to end illegal fishing (Punch)
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has said it is seeking the partnership of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities on Nigerian waters.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said this in a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar.
According to him, the IUU is a threat to the livelihood of legitimate fishing investors.
In a statement signed by Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward, Jamoh said aside from fighting piracy, sea robbery, oil theft and other maritime vices, the Deep Blue project which enjoys the full support of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, (retd), was aimed at preventing unlawful commercial activities like unregulated fishing on Nigerian waters.
The agency is focused on preventing marine pollution which threatens aquatic life and jobs of trawler operators who have permits from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to embark on commercial fishing.Read more
How 21-year-old Lagos resident ended his life in the lagoon after sending a message to his 1-year-old child (DailyTrust)
A 21- year old man, Odunare Olalekan, took his life by diving into the lagoon in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, on Tuesday.
In a viral video, Olalekan, who was seen sitting on the handrail of a bridge, suddenly jumped into the water around Berger Bridge, Epe.
Sources told Daily Trust that Olalekan, who left a one-year-old baby behind, actually gave a clue of the mission he was embarking on when he left the house on the fateful day.
He was said to have told his father to pray for him.
“He also told his girlfriend who is 19-year old to take care of his baby. Thereafter, he left to the bridge side to commit suicide, without giving any reason for such action to his family,” the source, a family member, who spoke with Daily Trust, said.
Olalekan was said to be an holder of Ordinary National Diploma (OND) certificate and a worker at Alaro City, a sprawling mega estate along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
A family friend further narrated: “For some time now, Olalekan has been acting strangely. For more than a week, he couldn’t sleep. He just woke up yesterday (Tuesday) to say he was going. They asked him, ‘going where?
Nigeria records 730 new COVID-19 cases, total now 218,596 (Tribune)
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on Tuesday, announced that the country has recorded 385 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of infections in Nigeria to 218,596.
The NCDC disclosed this on its official Facebook handle.
“730 new cases of COVID19Nigeria; Lagos-431, FCT-174, Rivers-38, Ogun-32, Akwa Ibom-25, Anambra-11, Katsina-7, Bayelsa-4, Niger-4, Kano-3, Ekiti-1. Read more
FRSC warns against night journey as seven travellers die in Osun auto crash (Guardian)
Osun State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Paul Okpe, yesterday, warned against night travelling, especially during the yuletide.
Okpe gave the warning, while speaking in Osogbo, following the death of seven travellers, who were burnt to death in a lone accident involving an 18-seater bus.
The accident occurred at about 3:45 a.m, on Tuesday after the bus rammed into a billboard along Ilesha/Osu expressway in Osun State.
It was learnt that the vehicle, which was coming from Zamfara State, caught fire and killed the occupants.
Confirming the crash, Okpe said the crash could be as a result of the driver sleeping on wheel. Read more
Your Claim Of Releasing N52.12bn To Us Deceptive, ASUU Hits FG(DailyTrust)
It described the claim as “deceptive, misleading and aimed at smearing the image of our Union and members in the public eye”.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, the Kano Zonal Coordinator of the union, Comrade Abdulkadir Muhammad, said only N22.17 billion was released as Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) out of which only 75% (N16.6bn) was released to members of the union while the remaining 25% was for other sister unions.
He said the union is not happy with the government’s effort to trivialise its campaign and make it look as if it was all about money.
He added that signing the reached agreement was the most important to help salvage the university system in the country.
“For the record, the N30billion out of which N20billion was released for revitalization was given to university managements to address infrastructural decay on our campuses; no single kobo was given to any member of ASUU (out of this).” Read more
Lassa fever kills two doctors in Nasarawa specialist hospital (Guardian)
Two senior consultant gynecologists have reportedly died of Lassa fever at the Dalhatu Arafat Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The Guardian learnt that they contracted the disease during an emergency caesarian operation conducted on a woman, who was bleeding and admitted at the hospital, but unknown to the doctors that she had Lassa fever.
A source at the hospital confirmed that the pregnant woman was rushed to the hospital over complications arising from Lassa fever, but the consultants, who attended to her, though it was pregnancy-related complications.
The woman and the baby died some hours after the surgery.
It was further learnt that the test result showed that she had Lassa fever, which actually led to complications that resulted in premature labour that necessitated her being rushed to the hospital on emergency. Read more
Customs intercept 550 gun cartridges in Benue, 17 suspects arrested(Punch)
The Nigeria Customs Service, Joint Border Patrol Team, Sector 3, North Central Zone, has reportedly intercepted 550 pump-action gun cartridges in Adikpo Junction, Benue State.
The Coordinator of the JBPT comprising Kwara, Niger, Benue and Kogi states, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters, disclosed this at a press briefing at the zonal headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday.
Peters, who said the ammunition was packed in 22 bags, said it was further concealed in two black Bagco sacks in a J5 bus.
He said, “Based on an intelligence report, the sector intercepted a commercial J5 bus around Adikpo Junction, Benue State, heading for Taraba State. On searching the vehicle, two black Bagco sacks were found to contain pump-action cartridges suspected to have been smuggled into the country.
“The ammunition, driver and the suspect were arrested immediately and brought to Sector 3 headquarters, Ilorin, Kwara State, and after preliminary investigation, as the law of jurisdiction demands, they were all handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State, for further investigation.” Read more
Cassava, not cause of diabetes, goitre — Researcher (Vanguard)
A researcher, Prof. Polycarp Okafor, has said metabolism of cassava cyanide does not play any significant role in chronic diseases such as goitre or goitre with cretinism, Konzo, Tropical Chronic Pancreatitis (TCP) and diabetes.
Okafor, a Professor of Biochemical Toxicology, said this at the 52nd inaugural lecture at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), on Wednesday.
Okafor said some reported chronic cassava cyanide diseases were based on circumstantial evidence.
He admitted that the cassava cyanide toxicity with the associated chronic diseases should be a major concern for populations using the staple food, but added that he had overwhelming evidence from the result of his over 27 years research on cassava cyanide, supported by results of other researchers, to back his claim. Read more
Kannywood Actor, Sani SK, Is Dead(DailyTrust)
The hilarious actor, who has been battling diabetes since 2019, died on Wednesday evening.
Confirming the death of the actor to Daily Trust, President of Kannywood’s Guild of Actors, Alhassan Kwalle, said, the arrangements for his burial had been concluded.
According to the President, the burial will take place by 8:00am on Thursday.
The late actor’s conditions got worse sometime in November and he was rumoured dead.
Back then, he was compelled to do a video debunking his death news peddled by some social media influencers.
When he became seriously down with the ailment, late Sani appealed to his colleagues in the industry to assist him financially so that he could go to a very good hospital to treat himself.
A lot of Kannywood members reportedly assisted him. Read more
Florida bound jet crashes in Dominican Republic, music producer among American citizens killed (NYPost)
Puerto Rican music producer Flow La Movie, his long-time partner and their four-year-old son were among nine people killed when the small plane they were aboard crashed in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, reports said.
The plane, carrying seven passengers and two crew members, was bound for Orlando, Florida when it went down while trying to land shortly after taking off from El Higüero airport, the aircraft’s operating company, Helidosa Aviation Group, said on Twitter.
Emergency personnel and authorities patrol in the vicinity of Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Dec. 15, 2021.
Emergency personnel and authorities patrol in the vicinity of Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Dec. 15, 2021.
Francesco Spotorno/EPA-EFE/Shutt
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the pilots to scrap the flight, but they were trying to land at Las Americas International Airport in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, the company said.
The music producer, whose real name is José Ángel Hernández, was aboard the flight with six relatives, according to Helidosa Aviation. Read more
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” loses its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as critic reviews pour in (Metro)
Spider-Man: No Way Home has sadly lost its perfect score on review website Rotten Tomatoes.
The hugely anticipated film was unveiled to critics on Tuesday, and first enjoyed an incredible 100% rating on the site as critic reviews poured in.
No Way Home, the third with Tom Holland as the web-singing hero, promised the return of old villains – and possibly even old heroes, with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield speculated to make an appearance.
Fans who were concerned that the film couldn’t possibly live up to the enormous hype were delighted as positive review after positive review were uploaded to Rotten Tomatoes, and hours after its premiere, the 100% rating held strong. Read more
Tasmania bouncy castle fall: Two children killed and several others injured (BBC)
Two children have died and others are critically injured after falling from a bouncy castle that was blown into the air in Australia, police say.
The accident – caused by a wind gust – happened on Thursday at a primary school fun day in Devonport, Tasmania.
Police said the children had fallen from a height of about 10m (32ft).
Authorities have not given ages for their children or said how many fell, but confirmed “a number of others” had been critically hurt. Read more
Comedy legend Jethro dies aged 73 after contracting Covid-19 (Metro)
Comedy legend Jethro has died at the age of 73 after contracting Covid-19.
The news was announced on his official Facebook page, with a statement reading: ‘It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of the well known and popular Cornish comedian Jethro.
‘Tragically Jethro passed away on 14th December 2021 after contracting Covid-19.
‘Jethro leaves behind his life partner Jennie, sons Jesse and Lanyon, step daughter Sarah, daughter-in-law Stacey and of course his much loved grandchildren. Read more
‘90 Day Fiancé’ star Jason Hitch dead at 45 from COVID-19 (PageSix)
Jason Hitch, one of the stars of the second season of the TLC series “90 Day Fiancé,” has died due to complications from COVID-19, according to the reality star’s sister.
Sister Shannon confirmed to TMZ that Hitch — who was not vaccinated against the virus — passed away Tuesday at the age of 45 in the ICU of an undisclosed Florida hospital. Hitch’s family was reportedly by his bedside for his final moments, holding his hands.
To the family’s knowledge, Hitch did not suffer from any pre-existing conditions, but in addition to COVID-19 complications, he may have died from “other factors,” Shannon suggested.
She went on to call her brother, who was a first lieutenant in the Army reserves in Florida, a “true and honest shooter, a great officer and leader to his men.”
Hitch appeared on “90 Day Fiancé” in 2014, where he married Cássia Tavares, a Brazilian woman who moved to the US to be with him. Read more
Thousands of Filipinos evacuate as Typhoon Rai intensifies (AlJazeera)
Tens of thousands of people are being evacuated from their homes in central and southern Philippines as a powerful typhoon quickly gathers strength ahead of its expected landfall.
The latest report from the Philippine weather bureau, PAGASA, on Thursday morning said that Typhoon Rai is undergoing “rapid intensification” as it barrels towards the island province of Dinagat and Surigao provinces in the mid-eastern section of the country.
As of 0200 GMT, PAGASA said wind speed has accelerated to 185km (115 miles) per hour near the centre with gustiness of up to 230km (143 miles) per hour, moving west-northwest.
It warned of “very destructive typhoon-force winds” in some parts of the country within the next 12 hours. Rough seas and storm surges in coastal sections, as well as flooding and landslides in mountainous areas along the typhoon’s path are also expected. Read more
Logic’s 1-800-273-8255 led to call surge to suicide line, study suggests (BBC)
A 2017 song by US rapper Logic – named after the phone number of the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – led to a large increase in calls to the helpline, researchers have found.
A new report into the impact of the song 1-800-273-8255 noted spikes in calls for help after big televised performances.
The song is about someone struggling with their mental health.
Its lyrics transform from a message of not wanting to be alive to one of hope. Read more
Sir Lewis Hamilton – F1 legend receives knighthood from the Prince of Wales (Metro)
Sir Lewis Hamilton has finally received his knighthood in recognition of his historic Formula One achievements.
Just three days after controversially losing out on a record eighth F1 world title to Max Verstappen, the Briton has been knighted for his services to motorsports.
The 36-year-old received the honour at Windsor Castle on Wednesday with the Prince Charles carrying out official duties.
Hamilton was given a knighthood in the New Year Honours list in 2020 having previously been awarded the MBE in 2008 after winning his first championship. Read more
CAF Champions League, Confed Cup draws for Dec 28 (Punch)
The Confederation of African Football has fixed the draws for the group stage of the Champions League and the Confederation Cup for December 28.
This was disclosed on the CAF website on Wednesday.
While there are no Nigerian clubs left in the Champions League, Enyimba still have a chance to qualify for the group stage of the Confederation Cup.
Enyimba defeated Libyan side Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the second leg of the play-off tie played at the Enyimba Stadium Aba on December 4.
The PUNCH had reported that the first leg could not be held after Tunisian authorities denied Enyimba entry to Tunisia over their inability to produce COVID-19 vaccine cards.
The Aba-based side spent two days in Morocco, before returning to Nigeria.
CAF however ruled that the game should be held in Libya later in the month.
“The draw will be conducted at CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, starting at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT). It will be live on CAF digital platforms.
“The draw will divide the 16 teams that reached the group stage into four groups of four teams each. The mini-league stage will start in February 2022.
“The draw procedure and ambassador will be communicated in due time,” CAF said in a statement on Wednesday. Read more
QLMC approves Ilorin, Offa stadia for NPFL matches (Punch)
The League Management Company has reviewed its earlier decision not to allow the use of Ilorin Township Stadium for the NPFL’s 2021/22 league matches.
In a letter dated December 14, 2021 and addressed to Kwara United, the LMC said it was satisfied with the emergency works that had been done on the Ilorin Township Stadium.
The body also said it had been notified of the ‘standardisation’ work that was to begin on Offa Satellite Stadium, and was therefore granting a provisional approval for its use for the league matches when the Ilorin stadium underwent repairs that would include complete change of its synthetic pitch.
The LMC, in the letter signed by its COO Salihu Abubakar and titled ‘Re: Certification of Stadia: Kwara Township Stadium, Ilorin’, stated, “We have noted the amount of emergency work done to address the lapses enumerated. Read more
Omicron variant may force CAF to cancel AFCON(Punch)
The Confederation of African Football is facing a nightmarish situation of having to cancel the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations slated for Cameroon early next year, due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
According to a top CAF official, the continent’s football governing body has been deliberating on cancelling the competition, and could announce the decision to call off the competition in the coming days.
The AFCON tournament was initially scheduled to hold in mid-2021 but had its date shifted back to January 2021 due to climatic conditions.
The tournament was again moved to January 9 to February 6, 2022, following to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic across the world.
While the official decision has not yet been communicated, the reason for the possible cancellation has been linked with the difficulties in curtailing the COVID-19 and its new Omicron variant by Cameroonian health authorities.
“I can’t say anything about whether the AFCON will hold or not until it (meeting) is concluded,” the CAF official told PUNCH Sports Extra. Read more
Xavi vetoes Paul Pogba transfer (SBNation)
News and rumors continue to circulate after the meeting between Joan Laporta and superagent Mino Raiola surrounding potential transfers.
Undoubtedly the #1 target for any club is Erling Haaland. The Borussia Dortmund striker is one of the most sought-after players in the world, if not the most.
However, other names are said to be on the table, like Xavi Simons, Noussair Mazraoui, and Paul Pogba. The latest rumor concerns the Manchester United and France midfielder.
Specifically, it is said that Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, is vetoing the Pogba transfer. Whether Barcelona would have signed Pogba regardless is hard to judge, but the rumor says Xavi has made the transfer even more difficult to see come to fruition.
Raiola reportedly offered Pogba to the Catalan club, and it’s not the first time. Pogba has been linked with a move to Catalonia several times in the past, Laporta made signing the midfielder, then playing for Juventus, one of the centerpieces of his failed 2015 bid to secure the club presidency.
Still, Xavi is said to be prioritizing a different kind of midfielder to help revamp Barcelona. Read more
Sergio Aguero — Impish striker who became a Manchester City icon (Guardian)
Sergio Aguero ended his career with Barcelona but will forever be associated with Manchester City and in particular with the goal that won them the Premier League title in 2012.
Aguero, who announced his retirement aged 33 on Wednesday because of a heart condition, spent a decade at the English club before departing at the end of last season as their all-time top scorer with 260 goals in just under 400 appearances.
One goal stands out above all the others.
On May 13, 2012, Roberto Mancini’s City came into the final day of the Premier League season ahead of rivals Manchester United at the top of the table only on goal difference.
With United winning 1-0 at Sunderland and City losing 2-1 at home to Queens Park Rangers going into the 90th minute, it looked like a first league title since the Abu Dhabi takoever of 2008 would escape them.Read more
Napoli doctors to visit Osimhen in Eagles camp (Punch)
Napoli doctors will be with Victor Osimhen when the Super Eagles camp resume as the three-time African champions begin preparations for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osimhen, who has been training individually at his base in Naples after undergoing surgery on his fractured cheekbone, has been listed in the Eagles provisional squad for the tournament, according to Italian website, CalcioNapoli24.it.
The report revealed that the Partenopei doctors and their counterparts in the Eagles will have to come to an agreement over the player’s participation at the biennial event, which will hold from January 9 to February 6.
“The three Napoli players (Adam Ounas, Kalidou Koulibaly and Andre-Frank Anguissa) are already included in the pre-call-ups, including Osimhen,” the report stated.
“The doctors of Nigeria and Napoli will then decide if he can be part of the squad. Read more