Policemen invited to settle fight kill Lagos mechanic (Punch)
A mechanic, Promise Tochukwu, aka Daddy, has been shot dead by a yet-to-be-identified policeman on Opaleye Bridge, around Okoya Street, in the Ifelodun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
The killer cop was said to have followed a security team to the area, which included military men of the Operation MESA.
There are, however, two different versions of what led to the killing of the 17-year-old.
An eyewitness, who identified herself as Esther, claimed that a man brutalised his girlfriend during an argument that degenerated into a fight.
She noted that the security operatives, who were mobilised to the scene by the lady, shot the mechanic dead. Read more
Show respect to elders, Obi Cubana counsels youths (Vanguard)
Business mogul, Mr Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana has urged Nigeria youths to show respect to elders as part of Africa culture.
Iyiegbu made the call in a post made on his verified Instagram page on Monday.
He said he was saddened at how rude and impolite some of the youths are toward the elders in society.
According to him, respect for elders and parents has been an important tradition in Africa and some parts of the world and also one of the greatest expressions of love.
He wrote: “Call me old school, but I was raised in a generation where respect for elders is of utmost importance. Read more
Road development will end flooding – Lagos (Punch)
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said road upgrade and rehabilitation will put an end to perennial flooding in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said this on Monday, during the inauguration of the upgraded and rehabilitated Adeola Hopewell, Idowu Taylor and Afribank/Churchgate streets on Victoria Island.
He said, “Victoria Island used to, and is still, one of the cleanest parts of our city. However, the continuous growth of the area, especially the commercial activities and the population growth, has led to various infrastructural and environmental challenges among which are flooding and its attendant effects.
“As a responsive government, committed to the fulfilment of all our electoral promises, we knew we have to do something necessary to address the issue of incessant flooding and all its consequences in this neighbourhood. Read more
FG to pocket N227b as MTN, Mafab win 5G licence (DailyTrust)
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has declared MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications winners of the two slots of the 3.5GHz spectrum auction for the Fifth Generation (5G) network licenses for a total fee of $546m or N226.6 billion at N415/$ exchange rate.
The bids ended at $273 million for each, according to Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC and overseer of the auction.
This came after nearly eight hours and 11 rounds of auctions which began at $199.37 million as against the reserve price of $197.4 million.
MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Mafab Nigeria Communications Ltd participated in the live auction held at Hilton Transcorp Hotel, Abuja.
The surprise bidder was Mafab Nigeria Communications Ltd, a new entrant in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. Read more
Nigerian investment company, Anchoria rebrands, targets youths for trading possibilities (Independent)
Nigeria’s foremost investment and securities company, Anchoria, has rebranded and launched a new identity to cater to the needs of a younger generation of investors in Nigeria.
Nkechi Azubuike, Managing Director, Anchoria Investment and Securities Limited, made this known during a media conference composed of industry stakeholders, at the Anchora Rebirth event to officially re-launch the brand at HSE Gourmet in Lagos.
According to Azubuike, “Anchoria has a wealth of experience managing financial assets and plans to create new products and services that will usher in endless possibilities for young Nigerians.
“As an institution, we have taken up this challenge to re-imagine our processes and uncover newer ways of operating and serving our clients. Therefore, we are re-launching – updating our brand, services & products to create depth and broader investment possibilities for our clients. Read more
Ayu predicts Akume’s defection to PDP soon (Nation)
The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu, has predicted that the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, will soon defect to the PDP.
Ayu made the prediction in Gboko, Benue State, during the mega defection of the House of Representatives member representing Gboko/Tarka Constituency, Dr. John Dyegh.
“Your lost son, George Akume, is coming back to the PDP. I am saying this based on what I know.
“He will come back to the PDP as a prodigal son. Read more
FCTA urges FEMA to enlighten residents on fire outbreak prevention (VON)
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Olusade Adesola, has urged the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to take up the challenge of enlightening residents of the territory on the prevention of fire outbreaks and the need to protect themselves and their property, especially in this dry season.
He gave the charge while declaring open a 3-Day capacity building workshop on leadership development, succession planning and mentoring for top and middle cadre officials of FEMA in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
Adesola noted that with the dry season on, many are confronted with the problem of fire outbreaks just as it was recently experienced in Kubwa, Nyanya and other areas of the nation’s capital city.
The training was organised by FEMA with support from the Budget and National Planning office of the Federal Ministry of Finance, in conjunction Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Foundation, with the objective to build the capacity of FEMA officials in emergency management in various emerging issues, and strategies to deliver better service.
Wike flays federal policy on stimulation of Nigerian economy (Sun)
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike says that the Federal Government is not interested in revitalising the Nigerian economy because its programmes on stimulation of the economy have failed on all fronts.
The governor made the assertion at the inauguration of the Ezimgbu Road that was performed by the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in Port Harcourt.
Governor Wike stated that if the development of infrastructure is one way to stimulate the economy, then the Federal Government approach to the development of such critical infrastructure should be apolitical.
The governor pointed to the deplorable condition of the Lagos- Ibadan road that is so important to the nation’s economy and growth of interstate and regional business activities. Read more
Police free detained journalist, Soyombo (Leadership)
Detained founder of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Mr Fisayo Soyombo, has been released on bail by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Soyombo was freed yesterday evening after he spent several hours at the Force Headquarters, Abuja
The journalist confirmed his release when he said: “I am out.”
He will, however, return to the Force Headquarters on January 13, 2022. Read more
Black Panther fans divided over suggestion to recast T’Challa after Chadwick Boseman death (Metro)
Marvel fans have been left divided over a discussion to recast Chadwick Boseman’s part in Black Panther, following his death.
The actor, who played King T’Challa, died last August following a secret battle with colon cancer, at the age of 43.
Filming on the upcoming Wakanda Forever sequel began earlier this year, with Kevin Feige previously announcing that the character would not be recast.
However, this has led to debates on social media, with many suggesting that another actor could take up the role as T’Challa still has ‘more stories to tell’.
There is also a #RecastTchalla hashtag which is gaining momentum on Twitter. Read more
“West Side Story” and “Belfast” lead Critics’ Choice Awards nominations (FilmNews)
West Side Story and Belfast have dominated nominations for the Critics’ Choice Awards.
On Monday, officials from the organisation announced the film category nominees for the upcoming prizegiving, with Steven Spielberg’s revamped take on the classic musical and Kenneth Branagh’s coming-of-age film both landing 11 nods each.
In addition to nods for Best Director and Best Acting Ensemble, Ariana DeBose and Rita Moreno will be vying for Best Supporting Actress for their performances in West Side Story, while Rachel Zegler is up for Best Young Actor/Actress.
Meanwhile, Belfast is up for Best Picture, and numerous acting nominations, including Best Supporting Actor nods for both Jamie Dornan and Ciaran Hinds, Best Supporting Actress for Caitriona Balfe, and Best Young Actor/Actress for Jude Hill. Read more
Animal Collective pay tribute to Scott Walker on trippy new single “Walker” (NME)
Animal Collective have shared the latest single from their forthcoming ‘Time Skiffs’ album, a radiant tribute to the late, great Scott Walker, bluntly titled ‘Walker’.
In an interview with Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, band member Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennox) said the new track was written around the time of Walker’s March 2019 passing. “Scott’s music has meant a lot to me,” Lennox said, “and he’ll always be a big inspiration”.
Despite its honourable origins, however, Lennox did point out that there is “also a kind of exhaustion and resignation to the singer of ‘Walker’ that belies a darker layer”.
“It was so much fun to collaborate with Dave on this video,” commented Abby Portner on the bewitching visuals that steer the video. Read more
Music executives remember Mexican icon Vicente Fernández (Billboard)
A mass for Vicente Fernández was televised Monday (Dec. 13) live from his Los 3 Potrillos ranch in Guadalajara featuring a beautiful tribute by his family and long-time mariachi, as well as fans chanting his songs and bidding their final goodbyes.
While colleagues and family members gathered in person to honor the life of “El Rey de la Ranchera,” others, including key industry figures, who weren’t in attendance shared what it was like working closely with Fernández and about the significance of his legacy. In an official statement given to Billboard, Pepe Garza, programming director at L.A.’s Que Buena 105.5/94.3 FM station and founder of Premios de la Radio, said: “Whenever you listen to a Vicente Fernández song, it’s going back to that time when you were happy. That, to me, is the most important thing about his repertoire and what he represented.”
The latest edition of Premios de la Radio in November featured a grand tribute to Fernández with special performances by Grupo Firme, Natalia Jiménez and Leonardo Aguilar. The vibrant set featured a medley of some of his most iconic songs such as “Por Tu Maldito Amor,” “Hermoso Cariño,” Volver Volver” and “El Rey.”
Fernández, who has blessed Latino households for generations with hits such as “La Ley del Monte,” “Mujeres Divinas” and “Amor de Los Dos” died at the age of 81 at a hospital in Guadalajara on Sunday morning due to complications following surgery for a cervical spine injury after a serious fall last August. Read more
Golden Globes announce nominations amid Hollywood boycott (France24)
Kenneth Branagh’s childhood-inspired “Belfast” and Jane Campion’s dark Western “The Power of the Dog” topped Monday’s Golden Globes nominations, as the troubled awards seek to shrug off a Hollywood boycott over ethical lapses.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association—which votes on the Globes—has been under fire over allegations of racism, sexism, bullying and corruption.
Studios including Warner Bros, Netflix and Amazon are refusing to work with the HFPA, and television network NBC has dropped its Globes broadcast next month, meaning A-listers are unlikely to attend whatever form of ceremony is held.
“It’s certainly not going to be the celebrity-driven event that we’ve had in the past,” HFPA president Helen Hoehne told AFP at the Globes nominations announcement in Los Angeles. Read more
IRA operations at risk as advocate seeks Sh263m payout (TheStar)
The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has filed an appeal seeking to challenge orders to pay a city lawyer Sh263 million for legal services offered eight years ago.
This is under a certificate of urgency in what it argues is to protect public funds and save the regulator’s operations from coming to a halt, if the payment is effected from its National Bank account.
The authority is seeking a stay of execution of the decision by the High Court in Nairobi (High Court Misc. Application No. E207 of 2019 consolidated with High Court Misc. Application No. E1061 of 2020, Waweru Gatonye and Co. Advocates vs Insurance Regulatory Authority), delivered on August 13, 2021, pending hearing and determination of the appeal.
The Court of Appeal has since certified the matter as urgent and directed the authority to serve the advocate immediately and file its submissions by tomorrow (December 15). Read more
US military will not punish personnel over deadly errant strike in Kabul (VOA)
The U.S. military will not punish any of the military personnel involved in an errant drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed 10 civilians, after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved recommendations from two top commanders.
“The secretary’s not approving or calling for additional accountability measures,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told reporters Monday at the Pentagon in response to a question from VOA.
Pentagon officials had previously acknowledged that the strike on August 29 was a “tragic mistake.” An independent investigation led by the Air Force inspector general said the strike did not violate laws of war and was a result of “confirmation bias” rather than criminal negligence.
The strike killed at least 10 civilians, including seven children, and was carried out days after a suicide bomber outside Hamid Karzai International Airport killed at least 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members. Read more
Rohr: Players’ indiscipline nearly cost us W’Cup playoff slot — Pinnick (DailyTrust)
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has said the senior male national team, Super Eagles’ lack of discipline under sacked manager Gernot Rohr almost cost the team the Qatar 2022 World Cup playoff slot.
Speaking during a Channels Television programme, ‘Sunrise Daily’ yesterday monitored by our correspondent, Pinnick said the players believed they were untouchable and the indiscipline among them played a role in Rohr being sacked.
“We did everything that we could, but one major factor was that discipline in the team is lost practically. In the dressing room, discipline in the team was at its lowest edge and once you remove discipline, that foundation in the team has cracked,” he said.
“Players now talk back at you, players believe that they are indispensable. A lot of factors that will now militate against the team. We are only owing about two matches
of all the matches they played in both AFCON qualifiers and World Cup qualifiers,” he said. Read more
Man United’s Champions League confusion continues as Real Madrid fume at PSG draw (Mirror)
Given a current Covid-19 outbreak in the Manchester United squad has cast doubt over their clash with Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday, the last thing the club needed on Monday was more uncertainty.
A gaffe at the UEFA Champions League draw meant that a second running of the process was required. It meant that after initially being pitted against Paris Saint-Germain, United will now face Atletico Madrid in the last-16 instead.
For interim boss Ralf Rangnick, that will be a tricky tie to negotiate, as will the upcoming festive period’s congested calendar and the challenges posed by Covid-19.
Here are your latest United headlines. Read more
Arsenal given clear route to sign £81m-rated next Cesc Fabregas with Aubameyang January sale (FootballLondon)
Arsenal have been given a boost for a potential dream transfer of Frenkie De Jong, after it has Emerged that Barcelona is interested in one of Arsenal’s players.
Spanish outlet El Nacional have reported that Xavi is interested in bringing Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Camp Nou, to solve their striker issues.
Edu can use this to his advantage in his attempts to bring De Jong the other way, which would also sort out the problems that Arsenal face in the midfield.
The transfer would have seemed impossible not too long ago, but due to Barcelona’s financial crisis, it means that they have to get rid of a few players on their books. Read more
Man United close training ground over fresh COVID-19 outbreak (Guardian)
Manchester United, yesterday, closed their first-team operations at the club’s training ground and were in discussions about the possible postponement of today’s Premier League fixture at Brentford after some players and staff tested positive for COVID-19.
It is understood some of United’s U-23 players have also tested positive. The expectation is the first team’s match at Brentford will be postponed and the visit of Brighton on Saturday could also be in doubt, but United sources say it is too early to tell.
The academy and women’s teams are able to continue training at Carrington because of the segregation of bubbles.
In a statement, United said: “Manchester United can confirm that following PCR test confirmation of yesterday’s positive LFT (lateral flow tests) COVID-19 cases among the first-team staff and players, the decision has been taken to close down first-team operations at the Carrington Training Complex for 24 hours, to minimise the risk of any further infection. Individuals who tested positive are isolating per Premier League protocols. Read more
New F1 world champion Max Verstappen ‘not disappointed at all’ with controversial way he won title (CNN)
The season finale to the Formula One season has gotten a lot of people talking.
Some congratulated Max Verstappen following his first drivers’ championship, while others complained about the ending to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
For the man himself, the controversial last few laps to Sunday’s race haven’t dampened the 24-year-old Verstappen’s breakthrough championship victory.
“No, I’m not disappointed at all,” the Red Bull driver said when asked whether the ending took the shine of his victory at all. Read more
‘Looks like Novak Djokovic is coming off for now’, says top coach (TennisWorld)
Novak Djokovic came within one victory of defending the Australian Open crown after beating qualifier Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 52 minutes. The Russian became the top seed in a Major semi-final, hoping for another miracle but powerless against the world’s leading player.
13 years after playing in the first final in Melbourne, Djokovic added the ninth title match to his account, becoming the third player to have as many finals in a single Major after Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Novak fired 17 aces and suffered two losses, delivering six breaks of seven chances to control the pace on the return and seal the deal in less than two hours.
The Serbian had 30 winners and 14 unforced errors, dominating Karatsev in the shorter and middle exchanges to set up the title clash against Daniil Medvedev. Novak made a perfect start, churning out five dominant serve at-bats in the first set and earning a break that sent him forward.
The Serbian shot nine winners and one unforced error, patiently waiting for a chance to come back and taking 12 of the last 13 points for 6-3. Novak was zero for an ace in the opening game before Aslan brought the second game home at 15 after Djokovic’s forced error to get his name on the scoreboard. Read more
Raptors coast to win over defensively uninterested Kings (TorontoSun)
The Sacramento Kings have a new head coach since the last time the Raptors faced them and Alvin Gentry has made some changes, but there’s no hiding a team that just doesn’t play defence.
And the Kings are very much that team. Oh, they can score with just about anyone in the league, but when it comes to actually stopping their opponent, well, let’s just say they look very much like a team saving their energy for the other end.
Credit the Raptors with maintaining their own defensive principles in a 124-101 blowout on Monday night and avoiding what Raptors’ head coach Nick Nurse suggested pre-game was his biggest fear.
“This will be a test,” Nurse said before the game, “and I hope we rise up and take it because this is a high-scoring, fast-paced team that we don’t want to try to trade buckets with, I don’t think.” Read more