Obi Cubana in EFCC net (Independent)
Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana is reported to have been arrested by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to Channels Television news, Cubana is being questioned at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He arrived at the EFCC office around noon on Monday.
Although details of allegations against the Anambra-born tycoon are still sketchy, a source told Channels Television that his case borders on alleged money laundering and tax fraud.
When contacted, the spokesman of the Commission, Wilson Uwujaren said he was yet to be briefed on the development. Read more
10 die as 21-storey building collapses in Lagos, designer warned of tragedy (Punch)
10 die as 21-storey building collapses in Lagos, designer warned of tragedy
No fewer than 10 persons were feared dead on Monday when a 21-storey building collapsed on Gerard Road in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
As of the time of filing this report, many people were still trapped in the rubble, including the Managing Director, Fourscore Heights Limited, Mr Femi Osibona, who owned the building, and some of his clients and engineers.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the building crumbled around 2pm when workers were on the site.
One of the workers who survived the incident, Gabriel Bassey, told one of our correspondents that about 50 persons were still trapped in the rubble. Read more
Lagos task force clamps down on commercial motorcycles (Guardian)
To entrench sanity on the state’s highways, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit has impounded over 204 commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada in Ojodu Berger, Ketu Alapere, Agric area in Ikorodu and Allen Avenue in Ikeja for plying restricted routes/roads and violating restrictions law on major highways.
The task force said the move is part of efforts to free the state from menace of hoodlums and street urchins popularly known as area boys for a safe, secure ember months and in preparation for a hitch free festive period.
The unit has also commenced its tactical and strategic enforcement for compliance operations under the code name, ‘Operation Kogberegbe’.
Speaking during the exercise, the chairman, Shola Jejeloye, said the restricted routes have been published on several occasions to avoid unnecessary excuses, stressing that some operators turned deaf ears in complying with the order. Read more
Extend N150,000 education scholarships to private varsity students, VC tells FG (Punch)
The Vice Chancellor of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, Prof. Adeniyi Olatunbosun, has asked the Federal Government to include students in private universities in its plan to give N150,000 per session to students in education faculties in public varsities.
The vice chancellor said this on Monday in Ibadan at a press conference to usher in the university’s maiden convocation.
He said the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, would deliver the convocation lecture while the Minister of Works, Mr Babatunde Fasola, Otunba Subomi Balogun, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji were expected during the ceremony where degrees would be awarded to 52 first set of graduates of the school.
The Federal Government had at this year’s Teachers Day celebration announced N75,000 per semester for undergraduates studying education courses in public institutions. Read more
Abiodun partners ICT experts on economic development (Tribune)
Software Business Solutions Consulting Limited (SBSC), an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company has partnered with the Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) to establish SBSC’s-OLAB, at TechHub office in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Speaking at the official opening of the office, held at TechHub, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his appreciation for the laudable feat, noting that Information Technology ( ICT) equipment put in place by SBSC shows their readiness to economically develop the State.
He also expressed his satisfaction with the facilities on ground, expressing his interest in supporting the SBSC and Odu’a towards providing IT solutions in the state.
“With what I am seeing on ground here, I believe it’s not going to be just a training centre for software engineers, rather for the state to become a tech solutions provider to other States of the federation,” Abiodun said. Read more
PGF DG urges Ayu to probe use of N30b on abandoned PDP secretariat (Guardian)
Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Lukman, has called on the Dr. Iyorchia Ayu-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to probe the use of over N30 billion mobilised for construction of the 12-storey national secretariat of the party in Abuja.
Lukman, in a piece titled: ‘Opposition Politics and Campaign for New Nigeria’, argued that unearthing circumstances surrounding abandonment of the project situated along Muhammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja, will demonstrate PDP’s commitment to rescuing Nigeria from alleged misrule of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
He said: “Having mobilised close to N30 billion and expended over N16 billion, a born-again PDP leadership committed to rescuing Nigeria should be able to fix its internal problems first. Like it is often said, charity begins at home. A party that is committed to rescuing Nigeria should first and foremost rescue itself from its internal adversaries.
“PDP leaders must always remember the saying in law, ‘he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.’ Having presided over affairs of Nigeria for 16 years between 1999 and 2015, what were the specific achievements of the PDP?” Read more
FG borrows N8.29t from N12.9t pension fund (Leadership)
The federal government has borrowed a whopping N8.29 trillion from Pension Fund Assets which stood at N12.9 trillion at the end of August 2021, LEADERSHIP checks have revealed.
Even though an earlier attempt by the federal and state governments to borrow directly from the pension funds was met by a stiff public resistance, thus nipping the idea in the bud, the federal government has continued to dominate in utilisation of the pension pension funds’ assets, howbeit indirectly through investment in federal government securities.
The federal government, through the National Economic Council (NEC), had in 2019 announced plans to borrow N2 trillion from the pension funds to finance the development of infrastructure. The decision sparked a lot of backlash as Nigerians unanimously kicked against the move. Had the plan worked, it would have become the norm for governments to borrow directly from the pension funds.
Pension fund investment in federal government securities still accounted for the bulk of 64 per cent of total pension fund assets, crowding out investments in other sectors of the economy, even as it dropped by about N220billion from N8.51trillion in July, 2021 to N8.29 trillion as of the end of August 2021. Read more
Anambra Guber: Allow election to hold, Okonkwo appeals to IPOB, youths (Leadership)
The convener of Let’s Get Empowered Foundation, an advocacy group for scaling up and supporting youths in the Nigerian leadership ecosystem, Uche Harris Okonkwo, has appealed to the youths of Anambra, to seize the moment and create bold narratives as catalysts for positive change in this weekend’s gubernatorial election.
In a statement personally signed by him, the youth advocate called on the youths to eschew violence of every sort, as defenders of their mandate to vote, and help facilitate the quick return of peace in South-East’s foremost model for Igbo industry and entrepreneurship.
Okonkwo, who counsels that, more than anything else in the current unflattering Igbo trajectory, the Anambra elections can still be used by all to erase the impression, that the Igbo have suddenly become ungovernable, unagreeable, and sadly, a hated hater of themselves.
He said, “when I look towards my dear state, I shudder at the amount of militarisation our space has seen, I cringe at the size of weapons cracking holes of death on the bodies of our youths, fathers, and mothers, and my heart is heavy to what becomes of our heritage as the epicenter of tomorrow’s possibilities.Read more
2 killed, several worshippers abducted as bandits attack Kaduna church (Channels)
At least two persons have been killed and several worshippers kidnapped when bandits attacked the Baptist Church at Kakau Daji community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The gunmen were reported to have invaded the church on Sunday while people were worshipping and started shooting sporadically.
They killed two of the worshippers on the spot and left the church with several others.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attack to Channels Television.
He, however, did not give further details about the incident. Read more
Adele’s “30” album tracklist revealed and song “I Drink Wine” is already a fan favourite (Metro)
Adele is bringing us ever closer to her album release date as she’s now shared the official tracklist for 30.
The Hello singer is set to release her fourth album on November 19 as she makes her comeback after six years.
On Monday, the website for US supermarket Target was updated with new details about 30 including the anticipated tracklist.
It appears 30 will consist of 12 songs and three bonus tracks, with songs including the lead single Easy On Me, My Little Love, Cry Your Heart Out and Woman Like Me, the latter of which we’re hoping is a cover of the Little Mix single. Read more
COP26: World leaders back deal to end deforestation by 2030 (DW)
More than 100 world leaders, including Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, are supporting the agreement at the climate summit. Activists say it greenlights “another decade of deforestation.”
Leaders of more than 100 countries pledged late Monday to stop and reverse deforestation and land degradation by the end of the decade, according to the COP26 chair the United Kingdom.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forest and Land Use is an “unprecedented agreement.”
What do we know about the agreement?
Brazil, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which collectively account for 85% of the world’s forests, are among those backing the joint statement to be released at the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow. Read more
Southwest pilot under investigation for allegedly using anti-Biden phrase(NBC)
A Southwest Airlines pilot is facing an internal investigation after using a phrase over a flight’s public address system that has become synonymous with an insult for President Joe Biden.
The investigation was announced Sunday by the airline. It comes after the pilot signed off his greeting to passengers aboard a flight from Houston to Albuquerque last Friday morning by saying, “Let’s go, Brandon.”
The use of the phrase drew audible gasps from some aboard the flight, according to Colleen Long, an Associated Press reporter who was on the plane and who first reported the incident.
“Let’s go Brandon” originated from an Oct. 2 NASCAR race at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama, where Brandon Brown, a 28-year-old driver, was being interviewed by NBC Sports reporter Kelli Stavast. Read more
The ‘sirens are sounding’, UN’s Guterres tells COP26 conference(E&T)
Antonio Guterres, the UN’s secretary-general, has warned delegates attending the COP26 conference that time is running out to stabilise the effects of climate change and that commitments to limit global temperature rises must be reviewed annually to assess their effectiveness. Boris Johnson and the Prince of Wales also addressed those gathered for the crucial climate conference.
In his opening address, Guterres said: “Our planet is talking to us and telling us something – and so are people everywhere. Climate action tops the list of people’s concerns, across countries, age and gender.
“We must listen – and we must act – and we must choose wisely. On behalf of this and future generations, I urge you: choose ambition; choose solidarity; choose to safeguard our future and save humanity.”
He focused on fossil fuels in particular, describing how the world’s “addiction to fossil fuels is pushing humanity to the brink”.
Guterres added: “It’s time to say: enough. Enough of brutalising biodiversity. Enough of killing ourselves with carbon. Enough of treating nature like a toilet. Enough of burning and drilling and mining our way deeper. We are digging our own graves. Read more
Leigh Anne Pinnock says she won’t reveal names or gender of her twin(Her)
Leigh-Anne Pinnock has announced with no apologies that she won’t be revealing the names or gender of her twin babies any time soon.
Announcing the birth of her two bundles of joy back in August, Leigh Anne has now said that she won’t be telling fans more information than that.
Welcoming the two with her footballer fiancé Andre Gray, the Little Mix singer spoke about how she juggles work and life as a new mum, but there are some things she wants to keep to herself.
Speaking to The Telegraph alongside her bandmates, the 30 year old said: “I’m just gonna keep it to myself.”
Alongside bandmate Perrie Edwards who became a first time parent with iancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain only days after Leigh Anne, the pair opened up about being mums in the interview. Read more
Jessica Simpson unrecognisable in snaps taken before she chose to get sober four years ago (DailyStar)
Singer Jessica Simpson looks unrecognisable in photos shared to fans which were taken before she chose to get sober four years ago.
The star looked bloated and confused as she wore a pink tracksuit while sitting in a dark room.
The 41-year-old shared the image to her 5.6 million followers on Instagram.
She added a heartfelt message along side it to explain to fans her journey.
She penned: “This person in the early morning of Nov 1, 2017 is an unrecognizable version of myself. I had so much self discovery to unlock and explore. Read more
Republican candidate walks fine line in race to become next governor of Virginia (Independent)
Republican Glenn Youngkin was yesterday within striking distance of Democrat Terry McAuliffe in today’s Virginia governor’s election.
The result will test a strategy of trying to woo suburban moderates without alienating the hard-liners who backed Donald Trump.
If the former private equity executive wins the critical contest today, his approach of rallying parents angry about the way schools have handled Covid and racism in the classroom may serve as a model for Republicans around the US trying to unseat Democrats in next year’s congressional elections. The party that wins in 2022 will control the US Congress for the last two years of President Joe Biden’s term.
Mr McAuliffe led Mr Youngkin by five points in public opinion polls in mid-August but in the final days the two candidates were locked in a near dead heat, according to polling averages calculated by Real Clear Politics. Over that same period, Mr Biden’s approval rating dropped to just over 40pc from about 50pc. Read more
CAF award: Salah has edge over Osimhen, says Fashanu (Punch)
Former Wimbledon star John Fashanu believes playing for Liverpool gives Moammed Salah an edge over Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and has tipped the Egyptian to win the prestigious African Player of The Year award.
The award, which began in 1970, is presented to the best African footballer each year, with Mali’s Salif Keita the first to win it.
It was initially presented to the winner by France Football magazine, before it was taken over by the Confederation of African Football in 1992.
Osimhen and Salah have been in impressive forms for their various clubs, with the Super Eagles striker scoring nine times in 12 matches this season, while Salah has 15 goals in 13 matches. Read more
Aaron Ramsdale has made a ‘big difference’ at Arsenal, says Bukayo Saka (Metro)
Bukayo Saka says Aaron Ramsdale ‘keeps surprising everyone’ with his outstanding performances at Arsenal and believes the goalkeeper has made a ‘big difference’ since arriving in the summer.
Eyebrows were raised when the Gunners splashed out £30million on Ramsdale’s signature back in August given the Englishman’s relative lack of the top-level experience and the fact he was relegated from the Premier League with Sheffield United last season.
But Ramsdale has since ousted Bernd Leno as Arsenal’s number one and produced a man-of-the-match display away to Leicester at the weekend, making a string of superb stops as the visitors ran out 2-0 winners at the King Power Stadium.Read more
England wins fourth-straight World T20 match, beating Sri Lanka thanks to unbeaten Jos Buttler century (ABC)
Twenty20 World Cup favourites England effectively sealed a place in the semi finals after Jos Buttler’s incendiary century fashioned a 26-run victory against a spirited Sri Lanka in their Group I match on Monday.
Put in to bat, England looked under pressure for the first time in the tournament but Buttler’s unbeaten 101 off 67 balls fired them to a strong 163-4 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka threatened to pull off an upset at one stage before being bowled out for 137 in 19 overs, falling to defeat despite Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance.
England, looking to become the first team to hold the ODI and T20 World Cups at the same time, consolidated their position as group leaders with their fourth victory in as many matches. Read more
Prince Albert II of Monaco named honorary President of International Powerboat Federation at General Assembly (InsidetheGames)
Prince Albert II of Monaco was confirmed as Honorary President of the International Powerboat Federation (UIM) at the governing body’s 2021 General Assembly.
The meeting was held online due to continued impact of COVID-19 on international travel.
The acceptance of the title by Prince Albert, a member of the International Olympic Committee, is seen as having symbolic significance to the UIM.
The UIM aims to launch its first ever electric boat racing series, the E1 Championship, in 2023 with the body reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development in powerboating with an emphasis on the protection of the environment alongside technological progress that ensures a reduction of the carbon footprint, it is claimed. Read more
Melbourne Cup: Incentivise favourite for ‘race that stops a nation’ in Australia (BBC)
Incentivise is the favourite to provide an Australian-trained winner of the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday (04:00 GMT).
Peter Moody’s runner has won three Group One contests in the build-up, including last month’s Caulfield Cup.
British hopes rest with Spanish Mission, who was given clearance to run for Andrew Balding after passing a veterinary check on Saturday.
Last year’s winner, Twilight Payment, trained in Ireland by Joseph O’Brien, heads the weights.
The Melbourne Cup, known as ‘the race that stops a nation’, usually attracts a crowd of about 100,000 but only 10,000 fully vaccinated racegoers will be present this year because of Covid-19 restrictions. Read more
Atletico Madrid sell only 200 tickets for Champions League tie at Anfield (DailyMail)
Atletico Madrid have taken up only 200 of their allocated tickets for Tuesday’s Champions League clash at Anfield, with supporters anxious about travelling in the coronavirus climate.
Liverpool host the Spanish champions and it will be impossible to forget about the last time the two teams played each other on Merseyside.
In March 2020, there was widespread disbelief that the game was given the green light to go ahead as Covid-19 began to rip through the world, with Madrid at the centre of a huge outbreak.
Yet 3,000 Atletico supporters were still able to fly into Liverpool for the game — which their side won 3-2 — and be part of a 52,267 crowd. Read more
Giants’ upset bid falls short in ‘Monday Night Football’ loss to Chiefs (NYPost)
Prime time has not been kind to Daniel Jones and the Giants. It was cruel to them Monday night.
Locked in a taut battle with the Chiefs, the underdog Giants battled long into the evening, taking a lead early in the fourth quarter and threatening to dig Patrick Mahomes and his mates into a deeper hole than they already were in.There was no upset, though, as the Giants and Jones could not take enough advantage of one of the worst defenses in the NFL and Mahomes, far from brilliant, was able to pick apart the Giants on a final drive that ended with Harrison Butker’s 34-yard field goal with 1:07 left and sent the Giants home with 20-17 loss at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jones tossed short touchdown passes to tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Evan Engram, but the Giants could not do enough with the ball in their hands to escape with a victory. Read more