Good Day! Below is a Summary of News Stories Across Nigeria and Abroad:
1. The outgoing Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo says it is an aberration to appoint a Minister of State. He stated this while making a speech during a valedictory session chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday. Citing some portions of the constitution, Keyamo, however, noted that his observation was not out of ingratitude but as his contribution to the nation’s constitutional development as a relatively young democracy and to aid future governments to optimise the performance of those they appoint as ministers. CHANNELS
2. Moves by the Senate to ensure that victims of Endsars protest are adequately compensated got a boost Wednesday as a bill to this effect scaled second reading. The bill titled, A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Act was sponsored by Senator Gershom Bassey, PDP Cross-River South. In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, Senator Bassey who noted that the bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the Endsars Victims Compensation Fund, said “Distinguished colleagues, you may recall that as a result of the Endsars nationwide protests in October 2020. VANGUARD
3. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, was left fuming after his deputy, Idris Wase, confronted him over the sitting of the House. Gbajabiamila on Wednesday directed that the agenda on the Order Paper be few to allow him attend the commissioning of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies. He stated that Thursday’s session must not exceed 2 p.m. to allow him to attend the event. But his deputy challenged his decision, noting that the House cannot afford to be waiting time on commission while the business of the House is left undone. DAILY POST
4. The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has revealed that a Nigeria Air aircraft is scheduled to land in the country on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the process of commencing operations. The minister who revealed this on a Television program promised that the aircraft will be unveiled in Nigeria’s colours in fulfilment of all the promises made by the administration in the aviation sector. He, however, noted that the only incomplete item is the aerotropolis, which is the airport city and is 60 per cent complete. According to him, the groundwork has been completed, and are looking to conclude work on the airport city by the next administration. PUNCH
5. President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Alhaji Abdullahi Saidu-Baba, has expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the 2023 National President’s Cup Open Championship held in Abuja. He applauded the NTF board for ensuring that the tournament, which also served as an Olympic weight classification, eventually saw the light of the day as the federation was driving towards achieving its set target. The NTF boss said the Federation purposefully organised the championship as a way of giving her athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills and prepare them for bigger and better future championships. LEADERSHIP
6. Pope Francis offered his support to Catholics in China on Wednesday, sharing at his weekly audience “a special thought to all those who suffer, pastors and the faithful”. Marking the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China — an event instituted by pope Benedict XVI in 2007 — Francis said he wished to emphasise his closeness with “our brothers and sisters in China, sharing their joys and hopes”. China’s Communist Party is officially atheist and exercises strict control over all recognised religious institutions, including vetting sermons. Francis led a years-long effort to build ties with Beijing and in 2018 the Holy See reached a two-year agreement on the thorny issue of the appointment of bishops. The accord was renewed for two years in October, against a backdrop of tensions over the place of the country’s estimated 10 million or so Catholics. But at the end of November, the Vatican expressed “surprise” and “regret” at the appointment of a bishop in a diocese in China not recognised by the Holy See, which violated the accord. CHANNELS
7. Canadian-Nigerian singer, Nonso Amadi has revealed that EME boss, Banky W and his wife, Adesuwa Etomi-Wellington convinced his parents to allow him do music. He disclosed this via his Twitter handle on Tuesday night. The ‘Tonight’ crooner said he now has the blessings of his parents on his career choice, adding that his mum is involved in the creation of his forthcoming Extended Play (EP).He thanked the Wellingtons for their kind gesture. DAILY POST
8. Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has been spotted in Germany’s capital, Berlin, on Wednesday morning, sparking rumours of a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Osimhen has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich following an impressive campaign in Serie A. Manchester United and Chelsea are the other clubs reported to be interested in the Nigeria international. According to German publication Bild, Osimhen was seen on the street in Berlin on Wednesday, fueling rumours of a potential move to Bayern Munich. VANGUARD
9. Fighting eased in Sudan on Wednesday, the second full day of a ceasefire that has allowed beleaguered civilians to venture out, even as they await safe aid corridors and escape routes. Sporadic air strikes and artillery fire have still boomed across the capital, residents told AFP, but US and Saudi observers said “fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense” since the one-week humanitarian pause entered into force late Monday. Washington and Riyadh, which brokered the ceasefire between the forces of two rival generals, however pointed to reports “indicating that both sides violated the agreement”. Nonetheless, they stressed preparations were underway “to deliver lifesaving assistance” to the people of Sudan, who have endured more than five weeks of fighting that has claimed more than 1,800 lives, according to updated figures released Wednesday by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED). CHANNELS
10. The legendary singer, Tina Turner, has passed away at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, Daily Mail reports. She was known as the ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll’. ‘With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model,’ her representatives said in a statement. PUNCH
PROCYON NEWS
