Teenage artistes stab Lagos RCCG pastor to death during robbery (Punch)
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two minors, who claimed to be up-and-coming artistes, for allegedly stabbing a Redeemed Christian Church of God’s pastor, Babatunde Dada, to death.
The suspects, Farouk, 15, and Jamiu, 17, were paraded on Friday by the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
The minors were said to have attempted to dispossess the pastor of his valuables when they attacked him on the church premises in the Festac area of the state.
Odumosu said the suspects, after allegedly perpetrating the crime, fled to an unknown destination, adding that they were arrested in their hideouts in Ilorin, Kwara State, and Festac area.
He said, “The duo of Farouk, 15 and Jamiu, stabbed and killed one Babatunde Dada, 46, inside a church where he worshipped. The deceased/victim, until his death, was a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Festac. Read more
Sanwo-Olu signs 2022 Budget Of N1.76t into law (Guardian)
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, signed the 2020 appropriation bill of N1.758trn into law.
Tagged ‘Budget of Consolidation’, Sanwo-Olu said about N591 billion would be spent on recurrent expenditure, while N1.166 trillion would be expended on capital expenditure.
According to him, capital expenditure represents 66 per cent of the budget while recurrent expenditure takes 34 per cent of the budget estimate.
The governor said he was optimistic that the state would experience a stronger 2022. He also said he was excited about what 2022 could do for his administration in terms of project execution and the benefits that would accrue to the citizens.
He said the 2022 budget would help to further deepen his administration’s THEMES agenda. Read more
Secondary school leaver abducts Lagos pupil, collects N550,000 ransom (Punch)
A kidnap suspect, Ayobamidele Ayodele, has been apprehended by the police for the alleged abduction of a six-year-old pupil of a private school in the Ojo Alaba area of Lagos, Ebube Eze.
Ayodele, who reportedly collected N550,000 ransom from the victim’s family, was said to have been tracked down in his father’s residence at Mowe, Ogun State, days after he released the boy.
City Round learnt that 23-year-old Ayodele went to the school around 9am on November 6, 2020 and posed as a parent trying to make enquiries on requirements for enrolling a child in the school.
While he was waiting at the school gate, he reportedly beckoned Ebube and tricked him into following him somewhere on a motorcycle. Read more
Stop criticising Pastor Tunde Bakare over N9bn loan to build cathedral — Ex-Lagos CPC guber candidate tells Nigerians (Vanguard)
The 2011 gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Lagos State, Ambassador Abayomi Mumuni, has advised Nigerians to desist from criticizing Pastor Tunde Bakare over the loan he collected to build his cathedral.
Mumuni described those who have been escalating the matter as enemies of Bakare, who are envious of his successes.
Recall that Bakare contested as Vice Presidential candidate on the platform of CPC when President Muhammadu Buhari contested as the Presidential candidate of the party in the year 2011.
Findings revealed that the general overseer of Citadel Global Community Church formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Bakare has been reported in the media to be swimming in debt of N9 billion loan which he allegedly collected from WEMA Bank. Read more
2022: Ohanaeze, YCE, ACF, others make demands from Buhari (Sun)
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that notwithstanding the threat of insecurity in the country, his administration remains resolute to continue with its programmes and plans.
He said this in his New Year message to Nigerians as the country joins the rest of the world to welcome 2022.
The President, who commended the nation’s security agencies for the efforts to restore peace, stressed that the issue of security will remain at the front burner, adding that as a follow up to his promise to re-energize and reorganize the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police, his administration has invested heavily in re-equipping the military in line with upgrading the platforms and firepower required to tackle the current challenges being faced in the country.
President Buhari noted that to win the war on insecurity, the hearts and minds of the affected citizens must be won. To this end, he said working with international partners and neighbouring countries, the Federal Government would be deploying multi-faceted solutions that will be targeted at addressing human security at the grassroots, before it leads to insecurity. Read more
New Year: Be hopeful, Buhari, govs, others tell Nigerians (DailyTrust)
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday said his administration would remain resolute with its programmes and plans despite persistent insecurity in parts of the country threatening to undo the gains of the federal government.
The president stated this in his New Year message to Nigerians.
He said it was on record that his administration had invested heavily in re-equipping the military in a bid to upgrade the platforms and firepower required to tackle the current challenges being faced in the country.
He added that this was a follow-up to the promise to re-energise and reorganise the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police.
Buhari said that despite the challenges in 2021, it was also a year his administration executed key projects, programmes and initiatives successfully.
He urged all citizens to hope for and envision a year of continued progress against “our combined challenges arising from security and socio-economic issues.” Read more
Diri swears in wife, 3 others as High Court judges (Guardian)
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, last Thursday, swore in one of his wives, Mrs. Patience Zuofa-Diri, and three others as Judges of the state High Court.
The Judges took the oath of office inside the Executive Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The judges include a former Registrar of the state High Court, James Lookie; a Law lecturer at the Niger Delta University, Dr. Simon Amaduobogha and a legal practitioner, Mrs. Christine Enegesi.
Diri congratulated the new judicial officers on their appointment and elevation, urging them to serve the people with unfailing honour and commitment.
He commended the NJC, the state Judicial Service Commission, the state Chief Judge and the Chief Justice of Nigeria for facilitating the process and endorsement of their nomination from the state. Read more
2023: Ebonyi youths drum support for Anyim’s Presidential ambition (Vanguard)
Youths in Ebonyi state under the auspices of Ebonyi People’s Movement For Anyim (EPM) Friday declared their support for the presidential ambition of Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.
According to the group’s National President, Mr. Obiya Sabastine, their resolve to support Chief Anyim was based on his track record of excellence, integrity and accountability in public service.
Obiya emphasized the need for all leaders of Igbo extraction to rally round support Chief Anyim who has garnerd alot of leadership experiences to qualify him emerge as the next President of the country in 2023.
Obiya stated that Ebonyi youths from all walks of life were ready to work towards the actualization of Chief Anyim’s presidential bid for the overall interest of all Nigerians. Read more
Ganduje: 2022 is a year of reconciliation among politicians (DailyTrust)
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has said 2022 will usher in a new era of peace and reconciliation among political parties’ stakeholders in the state and the country in general.
In a statement the state Commissioner for information, Muhammad Garba, issued on his behalf, Ganduje said the next few months should also be for internal democracy to flourish where political parties are expected to produce more credible representatives at various levels who have the capacity and ability to win elections and subsequently build on laudable programs and policies initiated by the past leaders.
He added that from all indications, recent event in Kano is likely to bring a new dawn in political history of the state.
“The event, which saw Kano political gladiators emphasizing on the need for reconciliation, elicited excitement from the people of Kano state who have been yearning for the much-needed peace and conciliation in order to advance the cause for proper development in the political terrain and the society at large.” Read more
New Year celebrations take place around the world despite Covid concerns (Metro)
New Year celebrations have been taking place around the world after a rollercoaster 12 months.
People are preparing to bid farewell – and perhaps good riddance – to 2021, but the pandemic hangs heavy over festivities.
The Omicron variant is casting a shadow on New Year around the world, with populations hoping to get together with friends and family contending with varying levels of restrictions.
Millions of Europeans will have to make do with scaled back events after restrictions were reintroduced across the continent. Read more
Betty White: Biden leads tributes for Golden Girls actress (BBC)
US President Joe Biden has led a flood of tributes to trailblazing actress and Golden Girls star Betty White, who has died at the age of 99.
White’s film and TV career spanned eight-decades.
Calling her a “lovely lady”, Mr Biden told reporters: “99 years old – as my mother would say, God love her!”
Tributes also poured in from people in the entertainment industry including Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Reynolds.
“The world looks very different now,” tweeted Reynolds about his co-star in the 2009 film The Proposal and the woman whom he jokingly referred to in media interviews as his “ex-girlfriend”.Read more
Rupert Grint says he’s ‘loving’ fatherhood (People)
Rupert Grint can’t get his mind off of his baby girl.
The 33-year-old Harry Potter actor recently spoke to Entertainment Tonight and opened up about his love for his 1-year-old daughter, Wednesday. The actor welcomed his first child last year with longtime love Georgia Groome, 29.
“It’s great. I’m absolutely loving being a dad. It’s just the best thing,” the star, who played Ron Weasley in the beloved films, told the outlet. “It’s amazing how it completely kind of takes over everything. It’s all I really care about, so it’s been great.”
Grint, who appears in HBO Max’s Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts streaming New Year’s Day, told the outlet he’s also been loving the “amazing” experience bringing his daughter to work with him while he prepares for season three of Servant, a thriller that follows a mourning Philadelphia couple whose marriage is shaken after an unspeakable tragedy. Read more
Ed Sheeran & Elton John hold on as Ireland’s Number 1 single with “Merry Christmas” (OfficialCharts)
Ed Sheeran & Elton John hold on to Number 1 on the Official Irish Singles Chart with Merry Christmas.
Fighting off competition from Wham!’s Last Christmas (2), Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You (3) and The Pogues’ Fairytale of New York ft. Kirsty MacColl (4), Ed & Elton mark a second consecutive week at Number 1 with their modern festive hit.
Meanwhile, entering the Top 10 for the first time is It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by Andy Williams, up two places to Number 10.
Further down, Christmas songs continuing to climb this week include Elton John’s Step Into Christmas, up seven to Number 22, Darlene Love’s Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), up 7 to 36, and Frank Sinatra’s Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Which flies 11 spots to Number 39. Read more
‘I don’t go around looking for private matters to speak about’ – Inside Botse Mabotja and Bobby Blanco’s feud (TimesLive)
Twenty four hours are up and YouTuber Botse Mabotja has not deleted her Instagram video as instructed by Bobby Blanco’s legal team.
Social media influencer and creative director Bobby Blanco lawyered up to try to keep his name out of the YouTuber’s mouth after she shared a video spilling the beans on why he was allegedly spotted out and about while he had said he was taking a break after a car crash.
He served the YouTuber with legal documents, demanding she delete the video and cease and desist from making “unfavourable remarks” against him.
“We further demand that you remedy the aforementioned prejudice by issuing an apology directed to our client on your Instagram account within 24 hours upon receipt of the letter,
failing which legal action shall be initiated against you without further notice to you, costs of which shall be for your own account.” Read more
Tangatanga Ally Badly Heckled And Booed In Front Of DP Ruto In Mumias (KDRTV)
The political temperature in Western region has hit the highest index after the two horses (Orange Democratic Movement, ODM, party leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto) erected Azimio la Umoja and Bottom-up tents in the region.
The former prime minister Raila Odinga graced the christened Luhya unity rally at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega, where he was overwhelmingly endorsed to vie for Presidency by the heavyweight Luhya leaders allied to Azimio la Umoja.
The Luhya Council of Elders also resolved to endorse the Kakamega County Governor Wickliffe Oparanya as the Luhya spokesperson ahead of 2022 general election. Oparanya was mandated to bargain, act and represent Luhya community to other political bigwigs for 2022 pre-election negotiations.
On the other hand, Deputy President William Ruto was flanked with a score of Hustler Nation defenders from Mulembe region to embrace the MALALAH SUPER CUP FINALS at Mumias Sports Complex Centre as the political statements rocked the event. Read more
Spotify reveals most-streamed artists in North Africa, with Arab artists on top (National)
North African countries in the Arab world are streaming local content on Spotify more than neighbouring Arab countries, exclusive data shared with The National shows.
The music streaming giant has looked at its top artists and songs of 2021 in 11 countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.
The data shows that local and regional artists dominate the top artists list in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt with names such as Didine Canon 16, ElGrandeToto and A.L.A. dominating the top list.
In Egypt, Amr Diab continues to maintain his place among the country’s top five artists, after trap artist Wegz, who has come in at number one. Read more
Dennis eyes ninth Hornets’ goal (Punch)
Nigerian forward Emmanuel Dennis will be aiming to score his ninth Premier League goal of the season for Watford when they host Tottenham Hotspur at the Vicarage Road on Saturday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Dennis who is the fourth top scorer in the EPL with eight goals and five assists has been excused from participating at the Africa Cup of Nations as his club side Watford are “baring fangs,” according to a statement released by the Nigerian Football Federation.
The 24-year-old’s absence provides room for Czech Republic-based forward Peter Olayinka in the squad.
Meanwhile, Watford are only two points clear of 18th-placed Burnley, who have two games in hand, while there are only three points separating the Hertfordshire outfit from Norwich City at the bottom of the division. Read more
Arsenal, Man City in New Year day showdown (Guardian)
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, is isolated after testing positive for COVID and won’t attend today’s game.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Cedric Soares and Callum Chambers missed the win at Norwich because of positive tests and are likely to remain unavailable.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles may return to contention after recovering from COVID.
Manchester City could welcome back Kyle Walker, who is back in training after sitting out four matches with an unspecified fitness issue.
John Stones and Rodri have been absent for the last two games, leaving their availability in doubt, while it remains to be seen whether Joao Cancelo travels to London. Read more
AFCON 2021: Iheanacho calls on African countries to show class in order to prove point (Soccernet)
The European clubs have tried to stop the African showpiece from going on, but Iheanacho believes that the competition is not a pushover
Super Eagles and Leicester City forward has called on all African teams to prove their quality when the African Cup of Nations kicks off in January.
Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of shenanigans, mainly from Europe, with most clubs calling for the postponement of Africa’s biggest event.
Even though it is just nine days to the tournament, the bickering has not stopped, and as time goes on, it seems as though the European club sides are making purposeful efforts to
prevent their players from representing their countries. An example of such a case is Emmanuel Dennis‘. Read more
Rangers defender Leon Balogun drops out of Nigeria squad ahead of AFCON (IbroxNews)
Rangers star Leon Balogun has been left out of Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations squad after Super Eagles confirm new injury update.
The Nigerian Football Federation announced on their official Instagram account that Balogun would be omitted and replaced by West Brom defender Semi Ajayi.
The news comes just days after Glasgow Evening Times journalist Chris Jack told GiveMeSport on Wednesday that he predicts Balogun’s return from injury is imminent. The defender is yet to play under manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The NFF’s Instagram announcement was accompanied by a lengthy caption, which included: “England–based Oluwasemilogo Ajayi returns to the group for Africa’s flagship football championship following injury to centre-back Leon Balogun.” Read more
Celtic confirm triple swoop for Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi as Ange Postecoglou lands targets (GlasgowLive)
Celtic have announced the signings of Japanese trio Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi.
Ange Postecoglou has been pursuing the players in recent months and the club have confirmed they will move to Glasgow.
Maeda joins on a season-long loan from Postecoglou’s former club Yokohama Marinos with a purchase clause included.
Hatate and Ideguchi have both penned four-and-a-half year deals with the Hoops, arriving from Frontale Kawasaki and Gamba Osaka respectively. Read more
Jake Paul wins ‘KO of the year’ award despite ‘fix’ claims with boxing fans furious (DailyStar)
Jake Paul’s stunning knockout of Tyron Woodley earlier in December has been voted as ESPN Ringside’s knockout of the year, despite fans claiming it was a fix.
Woodley and Paul stepped into the ring together for the second time in December.
They had previously battled to a split decision in the favour of Paul in late August before Paul turned his attention to Tommy Fury.
However, after Fury was forced to pull out of the bout the pair locked horns again. Read more
Neuville: “Everything in place to carry on” without Hyundai WRC boss Adamo (MotorSport)
Long serving boss Andrea Adamo left the team principal role in December, citing personal reasons, after six years in charge, where he oversaw Hyundai clinch back-to-back WRC constructor titles in 2019 and 2020.
Following the announcement Hyundai installed its president Scott Noh to take over the team’s day-to-day responsibilities from Adamo in the short term.
The management reshuffle has arrived during a busy period for the team as it readies its all-new i20 to take on the WRC’s new hybrid Rally1 regulations, which debut at Monte Carlo at the end of January.
While Hyundai has remained tight-lipped regarding a possible successor to Adamo, Neuville is confident the team will continue without too much difficulty into the new season. Read more