Victim laments traffic robbers’ attacks on Gbagada-Oworoshonki bridge (Punch)
Incessant attacks by a group of boys who pretended to be beggars and street hawkers to rob and harm unsuspecting victims, especially drivers, of their valuables along the Oworonshoki/Gbagada bridge, Lagos State, has increased panic and concerns among the users of the road.
A victim, Dr Dayo Adediran, who raised the alarm on Friday, informed City Round that she had had three encounters with a particular six-man gang on the bridge, the latest being Thursday evening.
The veterinary doctor said on one of the occasions, a member of the ferocious gang yanked off her gold earring, leaving her bleeding.
She explained that the gang’s modus operandi seems to be targeting lone female drivers, whom they approach, pretending to be beggars. Read more
D’banj threatens to sue ICPC over detention (Guardian)
Sequel to the arrest and detention of a popular musician, Mr. Daniel Oladapo (D’banj) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and released three days after no concrete evidence was presented against him, he has threatened to sue the Commission.
In a statement by his legal representative, the Managing Partner Law Corridor, Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq, said after 72 hours of unfair detention and false allegation against D’banj, the ICPC on Friday afternoon released the popular singer.
He said, “It is instructive to note that the ICPC released D’banj on self-recognition after the agency could not find anything incriminating on him.
“Nigerians must be told the truth that D’banj is clean and has no criminal or fraud record. It’s, however, an embarrassment to the entire country that such a huge allegation of N900 million fraud against a public figure without any evidence. Read more
Don’t be carried away by rallies, Okotie warns Nigerians (Sun)
Interim government campaigner, Rev Chris Okotie has warned Nigerians not to get carried away by the crowds they see at political rallies.
In his latest bulletin released from his media office in Lagos by his media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji, Okotie said the presence of the mixed multitude at campaign rallies is no indication that a presidential candidate enjoys the support of the people.
Rev Okotie,who is promoting his Aboriginal Democracy agenda as an alternative to the current system of government, said crowd-renting is mainly responsible for the crowd seen at rallies, which is why same people are usually found at different rallies.
He explained that some people attend these rallies purely out of curiosity or to catch a glimpse of the political leaders or to be part of the action.
Speaking further on the 2023 election in an interview with Kaftan TV’s Funmilayo Osho -Kumolu, on the programme, Daybreak Africa: State of the Nation, the Reverend argued that Aboriginal Democracy is the only concept that could produce the change Nigeria needs, not an election as being pursued. Read more
UNILAG tops 2022 Bar final exam (Vanguard)
A total of 25 law graduates of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, made First Class at the 2022 Bar Part II examinations.
The university also recorded 85 students graduating with a second class upper and 123 with a second class lower credit.
This record makes UNILAG the institution with the highest number of participants who made a First Class in their Bar finals for this year.
Out of about 5,000 candidates called to Bar for the September 2022 Bar Final Examinations, an alumnae of the University of Lagos, Aroyewun Oluwamayowa Arafat, was the third overall Best Graduating Student. She was also the third Best Student in Corporate Law Practice. Read more
2023: IGP deploys 5 gunboats, Naval Chief commends Police (Tribune)
As part of the efforts to ensure a hitch-free election in 2023, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba Alkali, has ordered the deployment of five gunboats in different parts of Nigeria .
Also, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, who joined the IGP for the commissioning of the boats in Lagos on Friday, commended the police for their efforts at ensuring security of lives and property in Nigeria.
The IGP said that the new gunboats would also be used for the distribution of electoral materials and movement of personnel for the forthcoming elections
He particularly said that the gunboats would be deployed to riverine areas in the South-Western part of Nigeria. Read more
Electricity company offers 30% discount on unpaid bills (Guardian) Electricity consumers owing the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) unpaid bills are to enjoy 30 per cent discount if they pay before December 31.
The bonanza, code-named “Arrears One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme’’ is to encourage the settlement of the bills and also a gesture to mark the Yuletide, EEDC’s spokesman, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, said, yesterday, in Enugu.
“The OTS scheme is an initiative introduced by EEDC to assist customers to defray their accumulated bills.
“Commercial and residential customers, bulk communities, metered and un-metered customers are eligible for the discount scheme.
“Interested customers are to visit the `OTS Coordinator’ at the district office responsible for the area they are residing or call our Call Centre on 084700100 for further inquiries,’’ he said.
Ezeh, however, warned that those refusing to pay stood the risk of supply disconnection. Read more
31st DAME holds Sunday in Lagos (Nation)
Fifteen media houses will vie for honours at the 2022 edition of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) on Sunday in Lagos.
It will be the 31st presentation of the esteemed award programme established in 1991 to enhance professionalism in the media by rewarding talent and enterprise.
Prizes will be given in such areas of media work as reporting, commentary, and design.
Aside from honouring individuals and organisations with career-boosting recognitions, the awards provide media scholars and professionals, policy formulators, and regulators with the welcome annual feedback on the state of media practice. Read more
Wike, Makinde, Sanwo-Olu bag doctorate degrees (Channels)
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his colleagues – Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) – on Friday received honorary doctorate degrees from Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo State.
The trio was at the foremost Anglican university in Nigeria to receive degrees in different disciplines during the institution’s 14th convocation ceremony on its campus in Oyo.
Gboyega Akosile, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a statement, saying his principal was conferred with the Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa).
Governors Wike and Makinde were conferred Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa) and Doctor of Science in Engineering (Honoris Causa) respectively. Read more
Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You reaches number 1 on charts in UK (Metro)
It might be almost 30 years since Mariah Carey first blessed the world’s ears with the melodious tune of All I Want For Christmas Is You, but it’s still storming the charts to this day.
The singer might have recently shut down speculation that she’s dubbed herself the ‘Queen of Christmas’, but let’s face it – she certainly is in our eyes.
Following the continued popularity of her romantic, festive song, the 53-year-old has achieved a number one on the Official Singles Chart in the UK, ending Taylor Swift’s six-week reign in the top spot with Anti-Hero.
What may come as a surprise is that this is only the second time All I Want For Christmas Is You has soared to number one in the UK. Read more
Ngozi Fulani’s charity Sistah Space stops work over safety (BBC)
A charity led by a black woman who was repeatedly asked where she was “really” from at a royal event has temporarily stopped its work over safety.
Sistah Space was thrown into the spotlight when its founder, Ngozi Fulani, said she felt she was “interrogated” by Lady Susan Hussey at Buckingham Palace last month.
It says it has now “ceased many” of its operations over safety.
Ms Fulani has said she suffered online abuse after speaking out.
Lady Hussey – Prince William’s godmother and the late Queen’s lady-in-waiting – has since left her honorary role within the Royal Household. Read more
Ronnie Turner dead at 62: Tina Turner says her ”beloved son left the world too early” (Express)
Tina Turner has broken her silence following news that her son, Ronnie Turner, died aged 62. Taking to Instagram, the singer shared a solemn black and white photograph of herself along with the caption: “Ronnie, you left the world far too early. In sorrow I close my eyes and think of you, my beloved son.”
Reports say that Ronnie was found “outside his home” and “having a hard time breathing”. It is understood that he stopped breathing a few minutes later and CPR attempts were unsuccessful.
Sources added to TMZ that he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ronnie’s cause of death remains unknown. Reports also state that he battled cancer in the past. Read more
Lupe Fiasco and Aesop Rock join forces on blazing new track Pumpkin Seeds (HipHopDX)
Lupe Fiasco and Aesop Rock have teamed up on a new song that not only offers fans the opportunity to hear the prolific MCs together for the first time, but to also support a good cause.
The new single, “Pumpkin Seeds,” was released Friday (December 9) in an effort to help a Dayton, Ohio based non-profit called The Collaboratory, which, according to its website, aims to create an “infrastructure for people and organizations to collaboratively develop community initiatives that generate new economic, civic and creative opportunities and value.”
Proceeds from the new Aesop Rock and Lupe Fiasco track will help the organization rehabilitate two local DIY skate parks: the Claridge Park DIY in Central Dayton and the Home Ave DIY in West Dayton.
Fans can support the initiative by purchasing “Pumpkin Seeds” through Aesop Rock’s website, or that of his label, Rhymesayers Entertainment; or by streaming the song on their preferred streaming platform. Read more
Gary Friedkin, Actor in Happy Days,Return of the Jedi, dies at 70 (Wrap)
Gary Friedkin, who appeared as Clarence the Cook on “Happy Days,” and the 1982 comedy “Young Doctors in Love,” died Dec. 2 from COVID-19 complications, according to the Youngstown, Ohio Tribune Chronicle.
The four-foot-tall actor, who was born on Nov. 23, 1952, in Youngstown, “passed away peacefully,” at Hospice House, with his brother, Alan, and sister-in-law, Carol, by his side.
“He endured a difficult three-and-a-half weeks in the medical intensive care unit at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, due to complications of COVID-19,” the online obituary read.
“While Gary may have been short of stature, he was a giant amongst his family and friends. His legacy will live on as stories are told and retold for years to come by all who loved him. The family would like to thank Dr. Goodwin, who guided the family through this difficult time, and the phenomenal staff of St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital MICU, for the care and compassion they showed Gary and his family in his final days,” the online tribute stated. Read more
James Cameron says he has ”no interest” in making a comic book film (Newsweek)
In a recent interview, director James Cameron said he has no desire to direct a comic book movie but added that he was once interested in making a Spider-Man feature.
Speaking in a video interview with Comicbook.com about Avatar: The Way of Water, the filmmaker began by saying, “I just want to say ahead of time that I’m not going to diss the Marvel or DC Universe. OK? Love those movies. Let’s just get that off the table.”
Cameron, who has helmed such blockbusters as Titanic and Terminator, then offered his frank opinion on how the VFX (visual effects) for his coming Avatar sequel compare to those of Marvel films. The director said his movie’s effects are not only better, but the comparison is “not even close.”
As for the possibility of Cameron stepping behind the camera for a DC or Marvel film, he said it’s not likely. Read more
US sounds alarm over ”harmful” Iran-Russia military partnership (VOA)
The United States on Friday expressed alarm over a “full-scale defense partnership” between Russia and Iran, describing it as “harmful” to Ukraine, Iran’s neighbors, and the world.
Iran stands accused by Western powers of supplying drones to Russia for its war against Ukraine, as Moscow batters the country’s energy infrastructure.
Washington has previously condemned Iran-Russia security cooperation, but on Friday described an extensive relationship involving equipment such as helicopters and fighter jets as well as drones, with the latter items resulting in new U.S. sanctions.
“Russia is seeking to collaborate with Iran in areas like weapons development, training,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters. Read more
Balogun opens up on summer struggles (Punch)
Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun has opened up on his struggles after his contract with Glasgow Rangers expired last summer.
The 34-year-old joined the Scottish side in 2020 and helped the Gers win the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup and also reach the final of the Europa League, which they lost to Eintracht Frankfurt last season.
Balogun was finally elated after signing a one-year deal with English Championship side Queens Park Rangers in August.
“The last time I was out of contract was in 2014. I put my foot on my debut for Nigeria, missed out on the World Cup, so the club I was talking to back then didn’t sign me,” Balogun told The Beautiful game. Read more
Lionel Messi says Netherlands coach Van Gaal ”disrespected” him before Argentina World Cup win (ESPN)
Lionel Messi said he felt “disrespected” by Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal and blasted the referee after Argentina beat the Dutch 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling World Cup quarterfinal at Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar on Friday.
Messi assisted Argentina’s first goal for Nahuel Molina and then scored a second from the penalty spot as Argentina took a seemingly commanding 2-0 lead in the 73rd minute.
But two late goals from Dutch substitute Wout Weghorst, the second off the back of a free kick in the 11th minute of stoppage time, sent the match to extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.
The contest, though, got increasingly heated. At one point Leandro Paredes blasted the ball in the direction of the Netherlands bench before Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk responded by knocking Paredes to the ground. Read more
US soccer journalist Grant Wahl dies while covering Qatar World Cup (Guardian)
US soccer journalist Grant Wahl has died after suffering an apparent heart attack at Lusail Stadium, where he was covering the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and the Netherlands on Friday night.
Wahl, who was a correspondent for CBS Sports and wrote a popular Substack column, was 49-years-old.
“The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” the US Soccer Federation said in a statement. “Here in the United States, Grant’s passion for soccer and commitment to elevating its profile across our sporting landscape played a major role in helping to drive interest in and respect for our beautiful game. As important, Grant’s belief in the power of the game to advance human rights was, and will remain, an inspiration to all.”
Wahl was seated in the press box in the upper-most tier of the venue when he collapsed in extra time, prompting the journalists around him to remove chairs and call for medical assistance.
Roger Federer reveals he was barred from entering Wimbledon – despite winning 8 tournaments (DailyMail)
Tennis icon Roger Federer has recalled the hilarious moment he was stopped from entering Wimbledon despite being world famous for his exploits on the club’s centre court.
An eight-time men’s singles winner at the All England Club, the 41-year-old was in London a fortnight ago for a doctor’s appointment.
He decided to have a meal at the famous sporting arena – and that’s where the trouble started.
Recalling his epic tale to host Trevor Noah on The Daily Show, Federer revealed he was snubbed because he wasn’t carrying a membership card.
Dana White: Fight fixing ”a huge concern” for UFC amid investigations (ABC)
Fight fixing is now a “huge concern” for the UFC amid several investigations into suspicious betting activity around a bout last month, UFC president Dana White told ESPN.
A Nov. 5 UFC fight between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke is under scrutiny after a dramatic betting line movement in the hours before the event. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) has suspended both Minner and his coach, James Krause, who ran an MMA betting Discord page and podcast, pending its investigations.
When asked by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto in an interview Thursday whether fight fixing is a concern, White said: “Huge concern. … Now that there’s an investigation and it could be possible that it happened, yeah.”
The FBI is collecting information and has spoken to people regarding the Minner vs. Nuerdanbieke fight, multiple sources told ESPN. White declined to comment on the possibility of FBI involvement. Read more
Charley Hoffman and Ryan Palmer lead PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout after 1st round (Sky)
Charley Hoffman and Ryan Palmer are making their 10th appearance in the QBE Shootout, but Friday was their first time as partners, as they posted a 16-under 56 in a scramble format for a two-shot lead.
They combined for 10 birdies and three eagles at Tiburon Golf Club and missed the tournament record for the scramble format by one shot. Palmer set that record in 2019 when Harold Varner III was his partner.
“Ryan told me at the beginning of the week we need to tie his record of 17-under,” Hoffman said. “All in all, we put ourselves in great positions to make birdies. I would say very low stress all day long.”
Palmer said: “We’re both going on 19, 20 years on the PGA Tour, so we’ve been around each other this long.” Read more