Police bust baby factory in Nasarawa (DailyTrust)
The police in Nasarawa State have bust a baby factory at New Karu, Karu LGA, and rescued six girls and a six-month-old baby.
In a statement, command’s spokesman, DSP Ramhan Nansel, said a law-abiding citizen tipped the police about the factory.
He said four suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.
According to him, the suspects apprehended on November 17, 2022, at about 1400hrs are Eze Ezeogu Norbert, Nnaemeka Eze, Okechukwu Ogechi and Obiagheli Chidi. Read more
Lagos: Residents raise traffic concerns as political parties hold rallies (Guardian)
Lagos residents may have to brace up for a difficult travel time as major political parties gear up for campaigns in the state, ahead of the 2023 elections.
Political parties are expected to ramp up campaigns in high voter states like Lagos, Kano, Rivers and Oyo. For Lagos, there are ongoing constructions in the state, like the Lagos-lbadan expressway, the Lagos-Airport link Bridge at Toyota Bus stop and others, which are impeding free commuting in the nation’s commercial nerve centre.
Presently, a journey of less than 45 minutes from Mowe/lbafo to Oshodi could take up to three hours or more, while motorists connecting the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), from Oshodi-Apapa expressway have to go through extra kilometers to connect from Anthony Village roundabout due to ongoing reconstruction work at the Airport link Bridge.
A resident, Maurice Osas, expressed worries that with political parties announcing their state to state campaigns, traffic will be grounded and compounded in the state. Osas believes that only a few people will benefit from the campaigns, while majority of residents are made to suffer. Read more
Obi’s plane grounded, campaign train seeks alternative arrangements (Punch)
There was a mild drama at the Lagos airport on Wednesday when supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and some party chieftains were prevented from boarding a campaign plane for their rally in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The Deputy Director-General and Campaign Manager for LP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Oseloka Obaze, was the first to raise the alarm following a report that the plane had been grounded.
The former Nigerian diplomat took to his verified Twitter handle on Wednesday to tweet that the ‘Obi-dent aircraft’ was grounded by the ‘powers that be,’ citing “regulatory reasons.”
When contacted, the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, confirmed the report. Read more
Lagos seeks support to rehabilitate Apapa hospital (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has said it would need the support of citizens to renew the Apapa General Hospital infrastructure and expand its service delivery.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the hospital residence in Apapa, Lagos.
Abayomi, who was represented at the event by the Director of Service Charter at the Ministry of Health, Mrs Joan Oluyemi, lamented the rate at which staff members of the health facility had migrated.
He said, “To us, as a stakeholder, we believe that everybody’s life will be positively affected by our improvements in our services and we need your support and contribution towards achieving the project of renewing infrastructure and service expansion we want to embark upon. Read more
NIWA, LASWA commend WABOTAN over training of boat operators (Tribune)
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA have commended the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) for organising a training programme for boat operators in Lagos State.
Speaking after the event which held in Lagos with the theme “Boat/Ferry Crew Capacity Development for Safer Inland Waterways Transportation”, the NIWA Area Manager, Engineer Sarat Braimah explained that training like this will improve the expertise of boat skippers who drive passenger boats across the Lagos lagoon.
According to Sarat Braimah who was represented by the agency’s Head of Marine for Lagos Area, Elsie Egwatu, “Like we used to say, if you don’t train them, then you cannot blame them. If boat operators and skippers don’t know what is expected of them while moving across the Lagos lagoon with passengers, there is no way they will be able to adhere to safety rules while driving along the waterways.
“WABOTAN just came onboard, and we at NIWA are very impressed with them. The new association has hit the ground running by organising programmes that impacts on the society positively. At NIWA, we are always desirous and passionate about keeping our waterways accident free. So, we are ready to collaborate with any association that shares this vision for our waterways. Read more
Tinubu arrives Ebonyi, commissions project (Nation)
All Progressive Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State to a rousing reception.
Tinubu, who arrived moments ago was received by Governor David Umahi, members of the State Executive Council, State and National Assembly members, traditional rulers, stakeholders of the party, and crowd of party faithfuls and supporters of the state.
The APC presidential flag bearer immediately commissioned the new Government House dualists road built by the Umahi administration.
Tinubu hailed Umahi for the laudable achievements he has recorded despite the lean resources of the State. Read more
Security Chiefs visit scenes of herders’ attack in Enugu community (Independent)
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Ahmed Ammani, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, and heads of other security agencies, including the Garrison Commander, 82 Division Garrison Command of the Nigerian Army Enugu, the Assistant Director of Operations, Department of State Services Enugu and teams of Police/Army personnel, in company of the Executive Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, on 22/11/2022, visited Ohuala-Mgbede Aguemede village in Eha-Amufu Community.
The visit was aimed at ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the reported attack and murder of nine 9 persons in the village, in the afternoon hours of 21/11/2022, by yet-to-be apprehended armed assailants.
The victims’ remains have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy after they were confirmed dead by doctors. Read more
FCT Police nab 61 years-old fake AIG (Vanguard)
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested a serial fraudster who specializes in impersonating legal practitioners and senior law enforcement officers to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
A statement by Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Josephine Adeh said, “Following a series of petitions and reports at various formations/units of the Police Command, the Imposter, one Olakunle Adesola, a 61 years old resident of Liberty Estate by Spring road AMAC Abuja, was finally arrested on Sunday 20th November 2022 by the command’s intelligence asset attached to the Anti-violence Crime section of the State Criminal investigations department (SCID ) at Our Lady Queen of Cathedral Church Area III where scores of unsuspecting worshippers have reportedly been defrauded.
“The suspect’s modus operandi is to impersonate a senior Police Officer between the ranks of Commissioner and Assistant Inspector General of Police, top-ranking EFCC officials, or a legal practitioner who owns a law firm by the name Dr.Kunle Adeshola & Associate. Read more
Blair Underwood announces engagement to friend of 41 years Josie Hart (PageSix)
Blair Underwood and actress Josie Hart are engaged after 41 years of friendship.
The “Sex and the City” alum announced the exciting news on Instagram after walking the red carpet together for the first time as a couple.
“The most amazing, brilliant, beautiful, hilarious, thought provoking & insightful person I know who continuously lives life out-loud,” the actor captioned a picture of the two. “The future is crazy-bright Girl!”
The 48-year-old continued, “None of us ever know where God will guide our paths. She’s had my back since before I even became an actor. When a 41 year friendship slaps you in the back of the head & blossoms into romance, you stand up, pay attention & step forward in gratitude.” Read more
Congress to hold hearing after Ticketmaster chaos over Taylor Swift’s tour (Metro)
A US Senate antitrust panel is set to hold a hearing after the chaotic sale of tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.
Users reported major service failures and delays after tickets went on sale on November 15, with many fans unable to secure tickets to the highly-anticipated tour.
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Lee announced the hearing, which will be focused on the lack of competition in the industry, with a date and witnesses to be confirmed at a later date.
Taylor responded to the fiasco in a statement, saying: ‘Well. It goes without saying that I’m extremely protective of my fans. We’ve been doing this for decades together and over the years, I’ve brought so many elements of my career in house. Read more
Gene Perret, Emmy-winning writer on ”The Carol Burnett Show”, dead at 85 (People)
Gene Perret, Emmy-winning writer and legendary joke writer, has died. He was 85.
His daughter Linda Perret told The Hollywood Reporter that he died on Nov. 15 of liver failure at his home in Westlake Village.
Over the course of his five-decade career, the professional comedy writer wrote for The Carol Burnett Show — for which he won three Emmys for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series — as well as hit shows All in the Family; Welcome Back, Kotter; and Three’s Company, among others.
According to the late comedian’s website, he wrote jokes for Phyllis Diller, Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Bill Cosby, Tim Conway, and many others. Perret wrote for Hope from 1969 until the legendary performer retired, serving as head writer during Hope’s last 15 years performing. Read more
“Love Actually’’ cast to reunite for 20th anniversary TV special (NME)
Five of the original cast of Love Actually will be returning to the story for a 20th anniversary TV special this month.
Love Actually: 20 Years Later will be hosted by Diane Sawyer on ABC, and features Hugh Grant’s Prime Minister from the film, as well as Emma Thompson (Karen), Bill Nighy (Billy Mack), Laura Linney (Sarah), and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (young drummer Sam, seen looking distinctly older in 2020’s The Queen’s Gambit).
Richard Curtis’ 2003 film, which also starred the likes of Keira Knightly, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Martin Freeman and Colin Firth, follows a group of interlinked individuals and their love lives during the festive season.
A trailer for the TV special poses the question “Love actually is…?” to various members of the cast. The responses feature stories and details shared from the original shoot, including Grant’s admission that he tried unsuccessfully to avoid performing his character’s lengthy dance scene. Read more
The Brit Awards trophies for 2023 are unveiled (BelfastTelegraph)
The Brit Awards 2023 have unveiled the new design of its awards by a London-based artist.
Olaolu Slawn, born in Nigeria in 2000, was announced on Thursday as the designer of the music awards’ latest trophy.
Dame Vivienne Westwood, Sir Peter Blake and Dame Zaha Hadid have all previously designed a Brit Award.
Slawn said he wants the metal person-shaped awards to have “refinement and playfulness at the same time”. Read more
Wilko Johnson, English rock icon and ‘‘Game of Thrones’’ actor, dies at 75 (TheWrap)
Wilko Johnson, a “Game of Thrones” actor and British rocker who served as the guitarist for Dr. Feelgood, has died. He was 75 years old.
According to Johnson’s official Facebook page, he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Westcliff-on-Sea, England, on Monday. A cause of death was not disclosed.
“Thank you for respecting Wilko’s family’s privacy at this very sad time, and thank you all for having been such a tremendous support throughout Wilko’s incredible life,” the post added.
Born in 1947, Johnson grew up in Canvey Island and went on to study English at Newcastle University and work briefly as a school teacher. Read more
UK’s top court rejects Scotland’s independence referendum bid (Aljazeera)
The United Kingdom’s top court has ruled the Scottish government cannot hold a second referendum on independence next year without approval from the British parliament, dealing a blow to nationalists’ hopes of holding a vote in 2023.
In 2014, Scots rejected ending the more than 300-year-old union with England by 55 percent to 45 percent, but independence campaigners have argued the vote two years later for Britain to leave the European Union, which the majority of Scottish voters opposed, has materially changed the circumstances.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), announced earlier this year that she intended to hold an advisory independence vote on October 19, 2023, but that it had to be lawful and internationally recognised.
However, the British government in London has said it would not grant permission for another plebiscite, saying it should be a once-in-a-generation event. Read more
Black Stars face Portugal’s acid test (Punch)
One of Africa’s representatives Ghana prepare for a baptism of fire in Qatar when they face Portugal in their World Cup 2022 Group H opener at Doha’s Stadium 974 on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Ghanaians return to the World Cup following a short absence in 2018 and only once has the West African side been knocked out from the group stage.
The Black Stars are now back at the Mundial and will already be dreaming of revenge in Group H, with Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez lying in wait 12 years after he wrongfully acted as a goalkeeper to prevent the them from reaching the semi-finals.
However, that disappointing exit came in their most recent appearance in 2014, where they bowed out without a win to their name. Read more
Super Eagles will bounce back soon – Philips (Independent)
President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards (NPA), Mr Shina Philips has urged Nigerians, especially football lovers to be patient with the new board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the Super Eagles are not in action at the ongoing Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Philips made this known in Lagos on Tuesday during the unfolding of plans for the ninth edition of the NPA billed to hold in March 2023.
“As the attention of the football world is focused on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we understand the disappointment of many Nigerians that our dearly loved national team, the Super Eagles are not among the top teams competing for honours.
“As stakeholders in the Nigerian football project, we restate our belief that the Super Eagles and other national teams will bounce back and retain their place of dominance in continental and global football competitions,” he said. Read more
World Cup 2022: Fans in awe after Canada holds its own (BBC)
Canada lost its first Fifa World Cup match in 36 years, but fans are holding their heads high after a surprisingly strong performance against Belgium.
Belgium scored the game’s only goal in the first half, beating Canada 1-0.
Even after the loss, the mood among football fans in Toronto, Canada’s largest city, was one of awe at midday on Wednesday.
“We can compete with the world’s best now,” said Anthony Ferrante, a long-time football fan in Canada. Read more
Chelsea maintain 100% start after defeating Real Madrid (RTE)
Chelsea maintained their perfect start to their Women’s Champions League campaign by beating Real Madrid 2-0 at Kingsmeadow.
Sophie Ingle and Erin Cuthbert scored second-half goals as the Blues made it three straight wins in Group A to stay top, five points clear of second-placed Paris St Germain.
Emma Hayes’ side returned to the top of the Women’s Super League after Saturday’s 3-0 home win against Tottenham and were deserved winners against Real, who had only lost once this season in all competitions.
Fran Kirby went closest to opening the scoring in an uneventful first half, but her early effort curled wide of the target. Read more
Tiger tops PGA Tour bonus list again to earn $15m (VOA)
Tiger Woods, who has played only nine competitive rounds in 2022, topped the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program for the second consecutive year to claim a $15 million bonus, the tour announced Tuesday.
Woods, whose 82 PGA triumphs share the all-time record with Sam Snead, led the analysis of global media exposure with top-ranked FedEx Cup winner Rory McIlroy second and Jordan Spieth third.
McIlroy, a four-time major winner, took home $12 million while Spieth, a three-time major champion, made $9 million.
The second-year impact program paid money to 23 players, the top 20 as planned plus three additional players who would have made the list under tweaked 2023 criteria — Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and Americans Cameron Young and Sam Burns. Each will be paid $2 million. Read more
Tyson Fury explains why he will never fight ”coward” Anthony Joshua (GMS)
Tyson Fury says there’s ‘no way’ he will fight Anthony Joshua… but claimed Oleksandr Usyk would be ‘a walk in the park.’
Boxing fans were devastated to learn that the long-awaited ‘Battle of Britain’ showdown on December 3 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff would not be happening after all due to a breakdown in communication.
The Gypsy King, 34, had been locked in talks with AJ and his promoter Eddie Hearn for weeks before agreeing to face Derek Chisora in a trilogy bout.
Fury, who had set several public deadlines in an attempt to speed up the process, has been left frustrated by the collapse in negotiations.Read more