Saudi-bound widow nabbed for concealing cocaine in sandals (Punch)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, on Sunday, confirmed the arrest of a 56-year-old widow, Ajisegiri Sidika, for allegedly attempting to traffic 400grams of cocaine concealed in her footwear to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The spokesperson for the agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, said the suspect, who claimed to be a businesswoman trading in adult and children’s wears, was intercepted on Sunday, November 13, while trying to board a Qatar Airways flight going to Saudi Arabia via Doha.
According to Babafemi, upon a critical examination of the pair of sandals she was wearing, two parcels of cocaine weighing 400grams were recovered from them.
He added, “In the same vein, attempts by a tricycle parts seller, Ayoade Tayo, to send 1kg of Tramadol 225mg and Rohypnol to Istanbul, Turkey via Cairo on an Egypt Airline flight same day were also frustrated by NDLEA operatives who arrested him. Read more
Ohanaeze endorses Obi, says it’s our turn (Guardian)
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has officially endorsed the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, for the 2023 general elections.
Ohanaeze said Obi represented “Nigerian conscience, moral probity, generational hope, redemption epiphany, and above all, the Igbo collective unconscious.”
The Igbo body, which stated this in a statement on Sunday titled, ‘2023: On SMBLF Position We Stand,’ signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, noted that the Labour Party’s candidate had filled what could have been a sad gap if he had not been on the ballot.
The statement said, “In the first place, going by the principles of zoning and rotation of power in Nigeria, which have been in existence since 1999, it is the turn of the South East of Nigeria to produce the president in 2023. Read more
Suspected jihadists kill troops, civilians in Borno (Channels)
Jihadists have attacked an army base and a town in northeast Nigeria killing soldiers and civilians, security sources and residents said Sunday in the latest violence to rock the region.
Fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) riding trucks fitted with machine guns stormed the town of Malam Fatori, in Abadam district, late Friday and early Saturday, they said.
“ISWAP terrorists attacked Malam Fatori and caused huge destruction which we are working to quantify,” a military officer told AFP.
“They attacked the military base and engaged troops in a fight while a second group went on a killing spree and arson in the town,” said the officer who asked not to be identified. Read more
Osinbajo in Canada, becomes first Nigerian leader to visit in 22 years (Guardian)
Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, departed Nigeria for a three-day official visit to Canada. His spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement said this would be the first high-level visit by a Nigerian leader to Canada since 2000 when President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the North American nation.
According to Akande, the visit will deepen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Canada. The vice-president is expected to meet Chrystia Freeland, Canadian deputy prime minister and other top parliamentarians and members of the Canadian government in Ottawa, today.
During the visit, issues and events around educational collaboration, technology, creative industry and climate justice among others, will also feature.
“For instance, the Vice President will give a public lecture at the Queen’s University in Kingston on Wednesday. Established in 1841, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive academic institutions and is famous for its role in advancing the goals of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development,” he said. Read more
Lagos reiterates importance of structured parking to effective traffic management (Independent)
The Lagos State Government has reiterated that a well structured parking system is crucial to effective and efficient traffic management in line with the Smart City status of the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola gave this hint on Friday, when he paid a working visit to the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), at GRA Ikeja, saying the Ministry will synergize with the agency and all other relevant agencies to improve traffic management and transportation in the state.
Toriola added that effective parking system is one of the sustainable urban mobility principles to improve traffic, noting that the sight of a road full of vehicles trying to find a parking space, worsen traffic by slowing down movement, hence the State Government commitment to a well structured parking system.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated the need for an improved parking culture by residents and event centre operators alike whose activities contribute to traffic congestion. He added that Road Safety Audit and Traffic Studies often reveal that operators of event centers do not comply with the approved numbers of vehicles their facilities can accommodate which is the reason why they extend to the roads. Read more
NLC pickets Lebanese firm over alleged maltreatment of workers (Guardian)
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has picketed a Lebanese company, Al Mansour Engineering company and two of its construction sites in Lagos State for alleged inhuman treatment of workers.
The NLC in conjunction with the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) accused the company of maltreating their Nigerian employees contrary to the nation’s labour laws.
The demonstration was led by Head of NLC office, Lagos, Onemolease Wilson. While picketing, the NLC protesters displayed several placards with inscriptions such as :’No to racial discrimination’, ‘Workers must be allowed to organise and be organised’, ‘Union rights are fundamental rights’, ‘Responsible corporate organisations respect the statutory agreement with social partners’ and ‘Stop treating workers like slaves.’
Speaking to The Guardian, Wilson said: “The agreement had been reached and the management reneged on the agreement. We discovered that workers’ welfare is too poor. We have the right to negotiate their fate and that is why we are here. There were a lot of entreaties over time to make them implement the agreement. Read more
Cadbury launches new Cadbury Bournvita biscuit (Leadership)
Cadbury Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Mondelez International, has announced the introduction of Cadbury Bournvita Biscuit into the Nigerian market.
The announcement was made at a launch ceremony held in Lagos recently. The company stated that Cadbury Bournvita Biscuit is the newest addition to its growing portfolio and the first biscuit brand in the history of the Company.
Addressing Cadbury Business Partners (CBPs), invited guests and other stakeholders at the media launch, managing director, Cadbury West Africa, Mrs. Oyeyimika Adeboye, said: “Today’s launch of the Bournvita Biscuit is a milestone for us because we have added a fourth product category to our existing portfolio. We are delighted to introduce Nigerians to the newest chocolatey, crunchy, and tasty experience of Cadbury Bournvita Biscuit. Read more
9 die as car plunges into Kano Dam (Vanguard)
No fewer than nine passengers lost their lives when a vehicle hit another stationary car plunged into Fada Dam in Gwarzo Local Government Area along Kano-Katsina Road.
Sources from the area said the incident happened when the vehicle, Golf wagon, ran into another vehicle that broke down on the road.
The faulty vehicle had no sign to alert other motorists of its condition. So when the oncoming car hit it, the driver lost control and plunged into the dam.
The spokesperson, Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif who confirmed the incident, said the accident involved a Golf wagon car with 12 passengers coming from Kano and heading to Katsina. Read more
2 prominent Iranian actresses arrested – state media (BBC)
Before her arrest, Hengameh Ghaziani wrote: “Whatever happens, know that as always I will stand with the people of Iran”
Two prominent Iranian actresses have been arrested for publicly supporting mass anti-government protests, the country’s state-run media reports.
Hengameh Ghaziani and Katayoun Riahi are accused of collusion and acting against Iran’s authorities, Irna news agency says.
Both women earlier appeared in public without their headscarves – a gesture of solidarity with demonstrators.
The protests erupted in September after the death of a woman in police custody. Read more
Cellist AA Williams amplified skills by ‘mucking about’ on a guitar she found on London street (Metro)
Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist AA Williams was perfectly content playing as part of various string ensembles and orchestras, until a chance discovery on a London street.
‘I was a jobbing cellist,’ she recalls. ‘I had never really considered writing for myself. I had jazzed up other people’s songs or did orchestral performances, but I hadn’t given much thought to making the music. I was in a supporting role really.
‘But a couple of doors down from my home someone had left a guitar that had a little sign wedged under the strings that said, “Please take me, just needs work.” I thought, “Well I don’t play guitar, but I can’t honestly leave you here!” So I took it home.’ Read more
Daredevil star addresses possible return in MCU reboot (DigitalSpy)
Daredevil star Deborah Ann Woll has addressed the possibility of returning for the Marvel reboot.
The actress played Karen Page on the Netflix show before its cancellation in 2018, with the series being one of the many casualties in a mass axing.
After the existing content moved to Disney+ earlier this year, the streaming service rebooted the franchise with Daredevil: Born Again, with only Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio being confirmed as returnees so far.
Woll, who also appeared on True Blood, discussed the possibility of appearing as Karen again when guesting on the Inside of You podcast, saying: “They [Disney] have not called me yet. So, as of now, I am not a part of it. Read more
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever close to $550m worldwide as ‘‘She Said’’ bombs (TheWrap)
Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is on the verge of crossing $550 million worldwide after two weekends in theaters, adding $67.3 million domestically and $69.8 million internationally to bring its global total to $546.3 million.
While the 63% drop in North America from the sequel’s $181 million opening is significantly worse than the 44% drop that the first “Black Panther” recorded in February 2018, it is better than the 67% drop taken by “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” after it opened to $187.4 million this past May. “Multiverse of Madness” had a two-weekend total of $291.9 million domestic and $688 million worldwide, putting “Wakanda Forever” just 1% behind domestically but 21% behind worldwide.
“Wakanda Forever” should have a stronger third weekend in North America than “Multiverse of Madness” thanks to Thanksgiving weekend, though it is still pacing for a final global total of around $800 million due to the weaker performance overseas. Competition for overseas moviegoers’ attention from the FIFA World Cup and later from the release of “Avatar: The Way of Water” will likely continue to weigh down this film’s holdover performance. Read more
Queen and Adam Lambert will likely tour 1 last time together (AS)
Legendary British rock band Queen wants to tour with frontman Adam Lambert “one more time,” according to members.
The band’s Brian May says he and his Queen bandmate, Roger Taylor, have been discussing the idea of touring again with recent frontman Adam Lambert. The tour, May says, could be the remaining members’ final stint on the road, with Lambert or anyone.
“There’s a strong possibility that we’ll be going out together again. We’re talking about that as you and I speak, making those decisions,” May told Variety. “Now, it does get to be more of a decision as you get older. I’m not 35 anymore, and leaving home for two months is not easy. But we feel as like if we’re all fit and well, that we’d like to go out there one more time. It would probably be in the United States in 2023 at some point.” Read more
Tom Meighan: Kasabian tried to gag me (MusicNews)
Tom Meighan has claimed that Kasabian tried to “gag” him
The 41-year-old star was the lead vocalist for the rock band in the late 1990s alongside Chris Karloff, Sergio Pizzorno, Chris Edwards, Ian Matthews, and Tim Carter but formally stepped down from the band in 2020 for “personal reasons” – but it later emerged he’d been charged with domestic abuse – and claimed that he was being “watched” during his time in the spotlight, alleging his bandmates plotted to oust him for some time.
He said: “We hired a room out, I started songwriting in my bedroom and we had all our songs on cassette. We just rehearsed and we had belief and we had me, that was the main thing. That was the golden ticket. If you’ve got me then you’re gonna do alright and me f****** did,. We rehearsed religiously four or five times a week and we got a little following. We tried this record label, we tried this record label. The guy who signed Blur didn’t like us, we were called Syracuse back then and then all of a sudden we changed the name to Kasabian, ‘Processed Beats’, and got heard. Read more
Dozens killed in Turkish air strikes against Kurdish militants in Syria, Iraq (France24)
Turkey announced on Sunday it had carried out air strikes against the bases of outlawed Kurdish militants across northern Syria and Iraq, which it said were being used to launch “terrorist” attacks on Turkish soil.
The raids in northern and northeastern Syria overnight, primarily against positions held by Syrian Kurdish forces, killed at least 31 people, British-based war monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The offensive, codenamed Operation Claw-Sword, comes a week after a blast in central Istanbul that killed six people and wounded 81.
Turkey blamed the attack on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged a bloody insurgency there for decades and is designated a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. The PKK has denied involvement in the Istanbul explosion. Read more
Oliseh relishes FIFA Technical Expert role (Punch)
Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, is excited to be part of FIFA Technical Experts for the World Cup in Qatar alongside ex-Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger and four other legends.
FIFA in October appointed the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder as a technical expert for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which kicks off today in Qatar and runs till December 18.
Oliseh will be one of Nigeria’s representatives at the World Cup despite the Eagles’ failure to qualify for the world’s biggest football event in Qatar.
The 48-year-old took to his Twitter account to unveil the photos of the FIFA Technical Experts for the World Cup in Qatar. Read more
Kanu, Amokachi drum support for Ndigboamaka League (Sun)
Ex-internationals, Kanu Nwankwo and Daniel Amokachi as well as sponsor of the National Patron Unity Cup, Prof Obiora Okonkwo have hinted the formation of a league for the association to run each season after witnessing the excellent performance of the two teams that played the final on Saturday.
Kanu and Amokachi were guests at the final of the Unity Cup played at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
In the final encounter, the Refrigerator Air-Condition Dealers Association, RADA FC defeated Adems International Market Odun Ade Plumbing Materials 6-5 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 during regulation time.
Speaking after the game, Kanu and Amokachi echoed the need for keeping the group together by having a league game. Read more
Why Ecuador’s goal was adjudged offside (Guardian)
Ecuador were denied an early goal in the opening game of the World Cup against Qatar as fans were left baffled by a tight offside call.
Enner Valencia thought he had put Ecuador in front in the fourth minute with a header from close range after Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb was caught out of position.
However, after a lengthy review from the VAR team, Valencia’s goal was ruled out, much to the bemusement of Ecuador’s players.
Fans were also left puzzled as no explanation was given at the time but a subsequent replay showed that Michael Estrada’s foot and knee were marginally offside during the build up. Read more
Anthony Martial dealt hammer blow to World Cup hopes as Didier Deschamps makes decision (Mirror)
France boss Didier Deschamps has confirmed that no replacement striker will be called up to his squad for the World Cup to replace the injured Karim Benzema.
Manchester United striker Anthony Martial had already missed out on selection for the original squad for the holders of the tournament and was overlooked again after an injury to RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku last week as Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani was called up instead.
France coach Deschamps has previously claimed that Martial – who has not been selected for the France international side since September 2021 – “lacked in finishing” after a performance for the national side. That is despite a return to form and fitness for the 26-year-old at Old Trafford in recent weeks.
Deschamps has now once again overlooked Martial despite the absence of Benzema, by replying with a brief “no” when asked by French media if a new striker would be called into the squad following the latest injury setback. Read more
Lewis Hamilton accused of repeating Max Verstappen incident in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Express)
Carlos Sainz was left furious with Lewis Hamilton after the pair were involved in a coming together on the opening lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, accusing the Mercedes driver doing “exactly the same” as what he did against Max Verstappen last year.
Hamilton got a brilliant start off the line for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and quickly got past Sainz into the first corner. The Mercedes driver was looking to get past Charles Leclerc down into Turn 6, but was caught by surprise when Sainz dove down the inside.
Sainz needed to take a wider angle coming out of the corner and Hamilton didn’t yield, forcing him to go off the track and over a bump. Hamilton was able to hold on to fifth after the coming together and Sainz was not happy on team radio.
“I overtook him. He needs to give me the position,” said Sainz. “Super unfair. Read more
Djokovic beats Ruud to equal Federer ATP record (BBC)
Former world number one Novak Djokovic beat Casper Ruud for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title.
The 35-year-old Serbian overcame his Norwegian opponent 7-5 6-3 in Turin on Sunday.
Victory for Djokovic in the season-ending event caps a year in which he was forced to miss two majors because of his reluctance to take a Covid-19 vaccination.
He last won an ATP Finals title in 2015 and has matched Roger Federer’s mark.
Djokovic took the biggest pay cheque in tennis, worth $4,740,300 (£3.985m), for going through the tournament unbeaten. Read more