Tinubu seeks N’Assemby’s approval for $2.2b fresh external loan (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has written to the National Assembly to seek the approval of a fresh $2.2bn as a new external borrowing plan in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
The President’s request was contained in a letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Tuesday.
If approved, the loan will be used to part-finance the budget deficit of N9.7tn for the 2024 budget. Read more
Wike approves N70k Minimum Wage for FCTA Staff (Vanguard)
Federal Capital Territory FCT minister Nyesom Wike has approved the payment of N70,000 New National Minimum Wage for staff of the FCT Administration.
This was disclosed by the Acting Head of the Civil Service of FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo on Tuesday in Abuja in a statement by her Press Secretary, Ewhenji Anthony Odey.
The Head of Service disclosed that the Minister also granted approval for payment of three months arrears for all staff of the Administration with effect from November, 2024. Read more
FSRC Boss orders clapdown on fake diplomatic, unauthorised number plates (ThisDay)
In line with his administration’s proactive approach towards contributing to enhancing national security, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, yesterday directed the immediate clampdown on confirmed cases of proliferation of fake Diplomatic and other unauthorised number plates as seen on some vehicles plying Nigerian roads.
These identified number plates Mohammed said are fraudulently produced by suspected criminals as they were neither produced by any of the plants of the FRSC in the country nor issued by the Motor Licensing Authorities of States.
The identified fake and unauthorised number plates include but are not limited to those with the following inscriptions: Diplomatic number plates, NYCN, Peace Ambassador, NAUS, CYMS, UN-Unity 01, UN-AMB, NANS among others. Read more
Outrage over illegal logging in Cross River (Sun)
Public outcry has trailed illegal logging in Cross River State by foreigners allegedly backed by the State Forestry Commission.
This comes as the Citizens Against Crime and Corruption (CACC) has claimed that billions of naira have been lost as a result of the illegal activities.
The Director of CACC, John Lovety, at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, identified Ifumkpa village, Owai village, New and Old Ekuri village, Okokori village, Ochon, Agoi Ibami, and Boki Local Government Area as some of the communities where these insidious activities are taking place. Read more
Ondo Guber: Ajayi rejects election results, heads to Tribunal (Tribune)
Some 48 hours after the declaration of Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State as the winner of last Saturday’s governorship election, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the results of the election.
Ajayi, who said he has been studying and examining the election results across the state, disclosed that he would be heading to the tribunal to seek justice.
The former Deputy Governor said he kept silent since the announcement of the results to enable him to investigate what he termed “contents of criminality prosecuted by both the APC and the INEC.” Read more
Kosofe LG boss hosts budget retreat, mulls plan to actualise renewed hope agenda (Nation)
As part of efforts to ensure proper planning and implementation of next fiscal year programmes, the Kosofe Local Government Area has embarked on a three-day budget retreat.
In a released signed on behalf of the Council by Comrade Olúwọlé Òbísànyà, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, he said, the retreat tagged, “Budget of Renewed Hope”, commenced on Monday, featuring intellectual discussions on improving budgeting efficiency and revenue generation.
Besides, the retreat aims to actualise people-oriented projects aligned with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s federal government and Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda for Lagos State. Read more
SGF tasks MUT, Lagos on unity, progress (Independent)
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has charged the Tiv socio-cultural association, the Mzough U Tiv (MUT), Lagos and indeed the Tiv people in Lagos State, to endeavour to work for the unity and progress of their tribe.
The SSG gave the charge during the grand finale of the Tiv Cultural Fiesta 2024, organised by the MUT and the Tiv Community in Lagos, last weekend, with the theme “Tiv Heritage: Promoting Unity, Preserving Culture and traditions.”
Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Christopher Tarka, the SGF who was the distinguished guest of honour at the occasion, commended organisers of the programme for their creative ideas in keeping alive the heritage of the Tiv nation. Read more
Rep advocates full implementation of Child Rights Act (DailyTrust)
A member of the House of Representatives from Osun State, Bamidele Salam, has called for collaboration among critical stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the Child Rights Act.
Salam, who is founder of the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the flag off of the 2024 National Children Leadership Conference being organised by his organisation.
Salam highlighted the need to move beyond legislative frameworks to tangible enforcement. Read more
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo defy gravity (and London rain) with ‘‘Wicked’’ cast at Europe premiere (THR)
London was transported to Oz Monday night for the European premiere of Jon M. Chu‘s highly-anticipated “Wicked” (part one).
The director made his first premiere of the film’s press run (thanks to a newborn baby, he missed its L.A. debut) at the city’s Royal Festival Hall, alongside his Glinda and Elphaba, who braved the torrential U.K. rain.
An umbrella-ed duo of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo — donning chiffon yellow and waist-hugging, black frocks, respectively — succeeded Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, Bronwyn James and Jeff Goldblum on the fan-flanked green carpet. Read more
Rebecca Hall expresses “regret” over her 2018 apology for working with Woody Allen (EW)
Back in 2018, Rebecca Hall issued a public apology for working with controversial director Woody Allen on two films. Now she’s not so sure she’s sorry after all.
“I struggle with this one,” the actress said in a new interview with The Guardian. “It’s very unlike me to make a public statement about anything. I make the stuff, that’s how I am political. I don’t think of myself as an ‘actor-vist’, I’m not that person. And, I kind of regret making that statement, because I don’t think it’s the responsibility of his actors to speak to that situation.” Read more
Ridley Scott denies same-sex kiss was cut from ‘‘Gladiator II’’ (FarOut)
Following the highly anticipated movie “Gladiator II” finally arriving in theatres, director Ridley Scott shut down a claim that Denzel Washington made in a recent interview at the Los Angeles premiere on November 18th.
Washington stars in the Gladiator sequel as Macrinus, a former slave who becomes a mentor to Lucius, played by Paul Mescal. He helps the now-adult son of Maximus to train to become a ruthless gladiator after his home is attacked by an army sent by Pedro Pascal’s Marcus Acacius.
In an interview with Gayety, Washington revealed that a kiss scene between him and another male character was cut from the movie, joking that “they got chicken.” Read more
Shah Rukh Khan and Netflix ready series set in Bollywood film industry (Deadline)
Netflix and Shah Rukh Khan are going behind the Bollywood cameras in a “multi-genre” series set for 2025.
Set against the backdrop of the Indian film industry, the series “promises an audacious, unabashed, entertaining ride through the adventures of a charming, ambitious outsider navigating the glitzy yet tricky world of Bollywood.”
Bollywood is no stranger to shows that probe behind its own curtains, with Disney+ Hotstar earlier this year launching Showtime, which stars Emraan Hashmi as a media mogul under pressure, as just one example. Read more
We want “strong” UK-China relationship, says Starmer (BBC)
Sir Keir Starmer has met President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit, and emphasised the importance of a “strong UK-China relationship” for both countries.
The meeting was the first time a UK prime minister has met the Chinese president in person since 2018, following a recent souring in relations.
Sir Keir raised the case of the jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai, saying he was concerned about reports of a “deterioration” in his health.
The PM also signalled a desire for greater business co-operation, particularly on “areas of mutual cooperation” such as international stability, climate change and economic growth. Read more
Ukraine fired US-made ATACMs missiles at Bryansk region, says Russia (IrishExaminer)
Ukraine fired six US-made ATACMS missiles at Russia’s Bryansk region, Russia’s defense ministry said on Tuesday, days after US President Joe Biden eased restrictions on Ukrainian use of American-made weapons in the war.
Ukraine claimed it hit a military weapons depot in Bryansk in the middle of the night, although it did not specify what weapons it used.
The Ukrainian general staff said that multiple explosions and detonations were heard in the targeted area. Read more
Quincy Jones awarded posthumous Oscar (RTE)
The late Quincy Jones was posthumously awarded an honorary Oscar at an emotional and star-packed Hollywood gala on Sunday that also handed golden statuettes to the producers of the James Bond movie franchise.
US music industry titan Jones died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 91 just two weeks before he was set to receive one of the Academy’s coveted lifetime achievement prizes at the Governors Awards.
His daughter, the actress Rashida Jones, accepted the Oscar, telling the audience that the legendary hitmaker had been “really excited to attend tonight.” Read more
I want to give players confidence, Eguavoen backs Boniface (Nation)
Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has reaffirmed support for striker Victor Boniface, despite the forward’s ongoing struggle to replicate his impressive club form on the international stage.
Speaking to the media after the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Rwanda on Monday, Eguavoen admitted that Boniface’s underwhelming performances have been a source of frustration. However, he emphasized that the striker remains a key part of his plans moving forward.
The surprising defeat to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, saw the visitors overturn a deficit to claim victory. Despite the setback, Nigeria had already secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, finishing atop Group D with 11 points. Read more
Christian Pulisic, “learning” U.S. men beat Jamaica to reach Nations League semis (UPI)
Christian Pulisic booted in a left-footed half-volley to spark a 4-2 victory over Jamaica, leading the United States Men’s National Team into the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League semifinals.
Ricardo Pepi and Timothy Weah also scored for the Americans on Monday at CityPark in St. Louis. The United States made its other score off an own goal from defender Di’Shon Bernard, who deflected a Pulisic shot into the Jamaican net.
“We should definitely feel good after these results,” Pulisic said on the TNT Sports broadcast. “Obviously, we are learning a lot of new things.
“With a new coach, some things have changed. I think it connected well. Hopefully, we can continue to improve.” Read more
Chelsea condemn homophobic abuse aimed at Kerr after baby announcement (Sky)
Chelsea have condemned homophobic abuse aimed at striker Sam Kerr after she announced she was expecting a baby with West Ham midfielder Kristie Mewis.
The 31-year-old Australia captain, who has missed the majority of this year with an ACL injury, revealed the news in a post on Instagram on Monday, saying: “Mewis-Kerr baby coming 2025!”
It came with a picture of the couple kissing and showing off Mewis’ baby bump. Read more
Raducanu puts Great Britain a win away from Billie Jean King Cup final (DailyMail)
The irrepressible Emma Raducanu beat Slovakia’s Viktoria Hruncakova to put Great Britain one win away from their first Billie Jean King Cup final since 1981.
The 22-year-old won 6-4, 6-4 and is yet to drop a set in Malaga this week, doing a perfect job of teeing up Katie Boulter, who will now take on the far tougher assignment of world No 43 Rebecca Sramkova.
The Slovaks have been the surprise package of these Finals, taking out the USA and Australia. World No238 Hruncakova had won her match against Australia and did sporadic damage with her big, flat forehand but Raducanu looked a class above. Read more
Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur banned 7 games for Son Heung-Min slur (ABC)
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been handed a seven-game ban and a £100,000 fine by the English Football Association (FA) for using abusive language and bringing the game into disrepute during an interview on Uruguayan television in June.
The ban only applies to English club football and not European competition, meaning he can still compete against Roma and Rangers in the Europa League. He will miss Premier League clashes with Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as a Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United.
Bentancur was initially charged by the FA for saying that all South Korean people “look the same” during the television appearance. He denied the initial FA charge, according to the statement issued on Monday, and can appeal the ruling. Read more
Red Bull provide update on next F1 car: ‘‘Everybody will be nervous’’ (RN365)
Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan believes “everybody will be nervous” at the team before the first test of its 2025 F1 car.
The 57-year-old has confirmed “all the plans are in place” for the reigning constructors’ champions. However, he was also keen to point out that any gains over the winter will be dependant on its F1 rivals.
Red Bull looks set to miss out on the constructors’ title this term. With three-rounds to run, the Milton Keynes squad trails Ferrari by 13 points and McLaren by 49. Read more