Terrorists’ wives, commanders killed in B/Haram, ISWAP clashes (DailyTrust)
No fewer than 55 people including wives of the fighters of Boko Haram and their rival group, Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), have been killed in a week-long multiple clashes in Borno State, sources said.
Our correspondent gathered that clashes started last week in one of the camps at Mutakinti general area in Bama Local Government Area of the state, where about 11 fighters loyal to (JAS) Boko Haram lost their lives in the encounter.
An impeccable source, who has the knowledge of the incident, told Daily Trust that an in-fighting at Dollar land in Sambisa forests last Saturday also claimed dozens including fighters and women.
The source added that ISWAP fighters outnumbered and overpowered JAS and 11 fighters died in a gun battle at Mantari general area. Read more
Abandon new born, face 6 months jail term, Reps’ bill proposes (Vanguard)
A bill seeking to criminalize the abandonment of newly born babies by parents with a penalty of six months jail term, yesterday, passed for second reading at the House of Representatives.
Tilted, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Child Rights Act, Cap. C50, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to impose sanction on any parent who abandons a new born child and absconds after birth; and for Related Matters (HB. 1442),” it was sponsored by Sergius Ogun.
In the lead debate on the general principle of the bill at plenary, Ogun said the bill craved for a minor amendment to the Child’s Right Act to stop parents from abandoning their child after delivery.
He said a new sub-section 3 would be introduced into the extant section 14 of the principal Act, explaining that the new sub-section would stipulate that a parent who abandons a child at the time or place of his birth, he shall be guilty of an offence and upon conviction be liable to fine of two hundred thousand naira or imprisonment for six months or both. Read more
Lagos honours 19 retired perm secs (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has held a ‘Pens down’ ceremony for 19 permanent secretaries who served the state and retired statutorily between January and December 2022.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, commended the retirees after their 35 years of meritorious service during the event held in Alausa, Ikeja.
Hamzat, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Mrs Ajibola Ponnle, said all the retiring permanent secretaries contributed to the success stories of the present administration.
“Let me use this opportunity to say that in the past three and half years, all of you retirees immensely contributed to the success of the THEMES agenda of the present administration, be it in the education sector, health, infrastructure, environment, road rehabilitation, and construction,” he said. Read more
LSUBEB warns against discrimination, dtigmatisation of children living with disabilities (ThisDay)
The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) has warned against discrimination and stigmatistion of those living with disabilities in the state, noting that it’s special inclusive schools are well positioned to help parents train their children.
Speaking at a programme to commemorate the 2022 International Day of Persons Living With Disabilities, themed, ‘Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and Equitable World’, organised by the board in partnership ‘You Matter To Us Foundation’, the Executive Chairman, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, noted that the state’s inclusive schools are designed to give education to all in the state.
Represented by its Board Secretary, Mr. Hakeem Lamidi, Alawiye-King, said the state’s 54 inclusive schools were designed to leave no child behind in the universal basic and inclusion education which is compulsory in the state.
According to him, “presently we have 54 inclusive and special schools in Lagos state and beyond that all the infrastructural development springing up in the state are in consideration for those with disabilities. Read more
Rivers police arrest four suspected kidnappers (Guardian)
The Octopus Strike Force Unit of Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers. Among those arrested were ‘Lover Boy’ and ‘2flexy’, who were suspected to be Deygbam and Sailors cult members respectively, and two other members of the criminal gang.
The Guardian learnt that a vigilante member was reportedly gunned down following a gun duel that lasted from Sunday, (December 4) to Monday, December 5, 2022.
It was gathered that security operatives, including Octopus Strike Force Police unit last Sunday, acting on credible intelligence, trailed the suspected kidnappers believed to be on wanted list of security agencies, double-crossed the assailants at the front of a new generation bank along Abacha Road, Government Reserved Area, phase 2, Port Harcourt.
An eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Francis, said the hoodlums, on sighting the security operatives, opened fire on them, and the security personnel responded, leading to an exchange of gun battle that resulted in two of the suspects being wounded. Read more
Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Victims demand compensation from FG (Nation)
Victims of the March 28 Abuja-Kaduna train attack have demanded compensation from the Federal Government to enable them restart a new life.
Their demand came 24 hours after the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) resumed operations on the Kaduna-Abuja route on Monday.
The Nation recalls that the Kaduna-bound AK-9 train came under terrorists attack in the evening of March 28, leaving nine passengers dead, 63 others kidnapped, and many others injured.
The attack forced the Federal Government to suspend the train services on the route until December 5. Read more
Kidnapped Benue commissioner of housing regains freedom (Guardian)
Benue State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ekpe Ogbu, who was abducted alongside three others on Sunday, has regained freedom.
A close family source disclosed to The Guardian that his abductors made contact with the family on Monday night and demanded N11 million, but later reduced it to N5 million.
Details of his release were still sketchy as at press time, so it couldn’t be ascertained whether ransom was paid by his family or the state government.
Spokesperson for Benue State Police Command, Superintendent of Police (SP), Catherine Anene, confirmed to The Guardian that the commissioner and the three others abducted with him have been released, but did not give details. Read more
Truck accident on TCN tower, leaves FCT in darkness (Sun)
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the environs have been thrown into darkness following a crash into Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN’s) 132kV transmission tower No 20, supplying bulk electricity to the 100MVA by a truck.
TCN said it is working assiduously to put in place a bypass from the Katampe Substation to the GIS substation in the Central Area to restore power supply to the area and the environs.
According to TCN, the truck was loaded with gravel and lost control when it hit the transmission tower.
The incident which occurred at about 2.55pm brought down the tower, but did not record any loss of life. Attempts, however, are being made by TCN engineers to remove the conductors presently lying on the road to ensure ease of movement around the area. Read more
Shania Twain receives Icon Award at 2022 People’s Choice Awards (People)
Man! Shania Twain is feeling like an icon.
At Tuesday 2022 People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles, the “That Don’t Impress Me Much” singer received the music icon award.
“Oh my gosh, this is such a privilege and a dream! Am I dreaming? Thank you so much for presenting me with this award and highlighting my work for having a significant impact,” she said in accepting her award from presenter Billy Porter. “I don’t know if that’s the right thing to say, but it’s always my wish to inspire people with my music.
“I always miss my mother at these moments in my life. She would have loved watching her little girl living this moment right now. But my fans, my friends, my team — you are the ones who really fill that space… not my mother’s space. But you’re here with me, you’re celebrating, we’re celebrating together, and you’ve made me feel loved and special my whole working life. I’ll always be grateful for that.” Read more
Georgia 2022 Senate Runoff: Warnock wins election, boosting Democratic majority (USAToday)
Democrat Raphael Warnock defeated Republican Herschel Walker in the Georgia Senate run-off Tuesday, expanding his party’s majority in the chamber and giving them more power to confirm judges and promote legislation.
Democrats had already secured control of the Senate with wins in last month’s general elections; Warnock’s runoff victory gives them a 51st vote, making it easier for the party to push President Joe Biden’s agenda in the face of the incoming Republican majority in the U.S. House.
While much congressional deadlock between the chambers is likely, the 51-seat majority does give Democrats more control of Senate committees and frees them from reliance on Vice President Kamala Harris’ tie-breaking votes.
The Senate also has the sole authority to confirm judges and other president appointments. Read more
Kate Winslet reunites with Titanic director James Cameron on star-studded red carpet for world premiere of Avatar (Metro)
A quarter of a century after Titanic propelled Kate Winslet to worldwide stardom, she’s reunited with the film’s director James Cameron at the Avatar 2 world premiere.
Avatar: The Way of Water only marks the second time that Kate, 47, and James, 68, have worked together since she appeared as Rose on the ill-fated historical ship.
The Mare of Easttown star appears in the blockbuster sequel as Ronal, a free diver of the Metkayina who’s been described as a ‘pivotal character’ in the franchise.
Kate held hands with the director extraordinaire as they stood on the aptly coloured blue carpet in London for the extravagant event, alongside other cast members including Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington. Read more
Young Fathers share third single from new album, Tell Somebody (NME)
Young Fathers have shared another new single from their forthcoming album ‘Heavy Heavy’, titled ‘Tell Somebody’.
The track follows on from the release of ‘Geronimo’ in July and ‘I Saw’ in October. All three songs will feature on ‘Heavy Heavy’, which is the trio’s fourth studio album and their first in nearly five years after 2018’s ‘Cocoa Sugar’.
The release of ‘Tell Somebody’ has been accompanied by a music video directed by Nigerian-Austrian filmmaker David Uzochukwu. The clip features spanning, slow-motion shots of rock formations across a beach, with a figure walking along it before reaching the shoreline. Read more
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle accept ”Anti-Racism” Award (TMZ)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are only days away from dropping what promises to be an explosive documentary about their time inside the royal family, but still made time to accept an honor for their efforts battling racism.
The pair was all smiles as they pulled up to the Ripple of Hope Gala in NYC Tuesday. During the event, put on by Robert. F Kennedy Human Rights Foundation, Harry and Meghan received the ‘anti-racism’ award.
The gala highlights leaders who have shown a commitment to social change. According to the official site, “This year’s laureates [honorees] have prioritized equity, inclusivity, and sustainability in the workplace and the world.”
Passed recipients include … Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton to name a few. Read more
Abbott Elementary leads TV nominations for 28th annual Critics Choice Awards (Standard)
US comedy show Abbott Elementary leads the television contenders for the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards, having earned six nominations.
The show, starring Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams, was nominated for best comedy series as well as several acting nods.
Brunson herself also earned a nomination for best actress in a comedy series, while Ralph and Williams both earned nods for best supporting actress and actor respectively.
The nominations for the TV categories were announced by the Critics Choice Association (CCA) on Tuesday. Read more
COP15: UN biodiversity talks billed as ‘last chance’ for nature (France24)
High-stakes UN biodiversity talks open in Montreal Wednesday, in what is being billed as the “last best chance” to save the planet’s species and ecosystems from irreversible human destruction.
Delegates from across the world gathered for the December 7-19 meeting to try to hammer out a new deal for nature: a 10-year framework aimed at saving the planet’s forests, oceans and species before it’s too late.
“With our bottomless appetite for unchecked and unequal economic growth, humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction,” UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday at a ceremony ahead of talks.
Before he took the dais, a group of around half a dozen Indigenous protesters interrupted a speech by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a sign of the passions inflamed by biodiversity loss among the most impacted communities. Read more
Ugbade explains delay for Golden Eaglets pre-AFCON camping (Sun)
Nigeria’s U-17 national team coach, Nduka Ugbade has explained why his team will not be able to begin their camping activities in January 2023 ahead of next year’s CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.
The Eaglets who are hoping to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru reached the continental tournament when they won the WAFU Zone B regional competition a few months ago.
Nigeria is five-time U-17 World Cup winners after successes in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be played between November 10 and 2nd December 2,2023 while the U-20 version will be held in Indonesia earlier, May 20 and June 11, 2023. Read more
Tragedy hits Delta 2022 as Imo boxer slumps, dies after knockout (Guardian)
Tragedy struck at the ongoing Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, yesterday, when Imo State boxer, Chucks Igboarugo, who was earlier knocked out in their 86kg bout by Prince Gaby Amagor of Delta State, slumped and died before getting to a medical centre in Asaba.
Following the knockout loss to Amagor, Igboarugo tried to walk out of the Asaba Events Centre, venue of the bout, when he slumped, drawing the attention of medics, who battled to resuscitate him.
Doctors placed him on oxygen and tried to stabilise him, but he died before getting to the hospital.
“He was well and okay and did not show any sign of distress,” Nigeria Boxing Federation Secretary General, Akinyele Durotoye, told The Guardian.
“His coach was with him but stepped out to get some equipment momentarily, unsuspecting the boxer was in danger. Read more
Morocco’s heroic win over Spain gets royal approval with call from the King (BBC)
In one of the most nerve-shredding scenarios World Cup football is capable of presenting a player with, the whole of Morocco needed their star man to deliver the telling blow to Spain.
After 120 minutes of knife-edge football and two successful penalties the pressure moment fell to Achraf Hakimi, the Spanish-born ex-Real Madrid right-back, who may well have lined up for the country of his birth had things panned out differently.
But the 24-year-old had opted for his heritage and now had the weight of responsibility for a nation on his young shoulders, knowing that scoring would take his side through to their first World Cup quarter-final.
The defender stepped up and nonchalantly delivered a dink down the middle of the goal to spark scenes of wild jubilation – before emotionally celebrating the 3-0 shootout victory with his mother in the stands. Read more
Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement scores hat-trick as Portugal thumps Switzerland 6-1 to reach quarterfinals (ABC)
With Cristiano Ronaldo benched, his replacement has scored the first hat-trick of the Qatar World Cup as Portugal locked up the last quarterfinal spot with a 6-1 demolition of Switzerland.
Gonçalo Ramos was starting his first game for Portugal, replacing Ronaldo after he was axed from the starting line-up by manager Fernando Santos, and the 21-year-old scored the opening goal of the match and completed the first hat-trick of the tournament when his third went in in the 67th minute.
Ronaldo eventually got on the pitch in the 74th minute and even found the back of the net, but his mistimed run left him clearly offside so the goal was struck off.
Despite the drama surrounding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Portugal put together an impressive performance to reach a last-eight clash with Morocco. Read more
Hall of Fame boxing ref Mills Lane dies (France24)
Mills Lane, the iconic boxing referee who officiated the Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield “Bite Fight” and myriad other championship bouts, has died, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame confirmed on Tuesday.
“The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame mourns the passing of great referee Mills Lane,” the institution said on its website.
The 85-year-old, who suffered a stroke in April of 2002, was with wife Kaye and sons Terry and Tommy when he died at his home in Reno, Nevada, on Tuesday, Tommy Lane told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
“He took a significant decline in his overall situation,” Tommy Lane said. “It was a quick departure. He was comfortable and he was surrounded by his family.” Read more
Matteo Berrettini, Hubert Hurkacz join fellow top players at Diriyah Tennis Cup (TennisWorld)
2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and Polish tennis star Hubert Hurkacz have completed the Diriyah Tennis Cup player field. The Diriyah Tennis Cup is preparing for its second edition as Berrettini and Hurkacz are both set to debut at the Saudi event.
Berrettini and Hurkacz join a star-studded Diriyah Tennis Cup player field as Daniil Medvedev, Nick Kyrgios, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are among the players that are expected to play in Riyadh.
Berrettini, 26, admits he has never been to Saudi Arabia before but he is optimistic he will have a great time in the country. “I´ve never been to Saudi Arabia, but I’m sure the atmosphere will be great and hopefully the tennis will inspire the local fans, in particular the younger generation.
After some challenges this year, I look forward to competing against a very strong player field to see where my level is before the start of the new season,” Berrettini said, per the tournament’s press release. Read more