After 44-Day World Cup Interruption, Arsenal Stretch Lead To Seven Points As Premier League Returns

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December 27, 2022

Arsenal came from a goal down to beat West Ham United 3-1 and extend their Premier League lead to seven points as the top-flight season resumed on Monday.

Earlier in the Boxing Day programme Newcastle United stormed into second place by outclassing Leicester City 3-0 away for their sixth successive Premier League win.

Harry Kane overcame his World Cup penalty pain by helping Tottenham Hotspur recover to draw 2-2 at Brentford while Liverpool got back up and running with a 3-1 victory at Aston Villa with teenager Stefan Bajcetic joining Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk on the scoresheet.

Former Real Madrid and Spain coach Julen Lopetegui got off to a strong start in charge of Wolverhampton Wanderers after his side came from behind to sink Everton 2-1 with a last-gasp goal from Rayan Ait-Nouri and increase the pressure on Frank Lampard.

After a 44-day interruption caused by the World Cup, the Premier League resumed with many players back from international duty and Arsenal continued exactly where they had left off

Former manager Arsene Wenger watched from the stands at The Emirates Stadium as Arsenal, top at Christmas for the first time since the 2007-08 season, responded emphatically to an early penalty by West Ham’s Said Benrahma.

Bukayo Saka equalised from close range in the 53rd minute and Gabriel Martinelli smashed home a shot six minutes later to put Arsenal in front.

Eddie Nketiah scored Arsenal’s third to complete the victory and ensure they maintained their 100% home record. They have 40 points from 15 games, seven clear of Newcastle who have played a game more. Arsenal are eight ahead of third-placed Manchester City, who have played 14.

“We showed a lot of composure and quality,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “We didn’t start to play the game they wanted to play, we kept pushing, believing and deserved the win.”

NEWCASTLE CONTINUE RUTHLESS STREAK

Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Chris Wood were all on target as a ruthless Newcastle struck three times in the first half against Leicester to fuel their fans’ dreams of qualifying for the Champions League, or perhaps more.

“The season is still young enough for all possibilities to exist for us,” said Eddie Howe, who has transformed Newcastle since he took over last November after they were taken over by a consortium backed by investment from Saudi Arabia.

Fourth-placed Tottenham got off to a nightmare start at Brentford but yet again staged a comeback, Kane and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg scoring in the space of six minutes in the second half to cancel out earlier strikes from Vitaly Janelt and Ivan Toney.

It was Kane’s first match since missing a penalty in England’s quarter-final defeat to France in the World Cup and he showed he had overcome that setback by netting a thumping header.

Free-flowing Liverpool eased past Aston Villa to go sixth in the table.

Striker Salah tapped in the visitors’ opener in the fifth minute after a sublime passing move from marauding wing-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson.

Defender van Dijk bagged Liverpool’s second in the 37th minute with a superb left-footed shot after being set up by Salah. Ollie Watkins replied for Villa but 18-year-old Spanish midfielder Bajcetic squeezed in Liverpool’s third.

Fulham eased to a 3-0 win at Crystal Palace, who had two players sent off, while Brighton & Hove Albion earned a comfortable 3-1 win at Southampton who sank to the bottom.

Saudi Design Festival Slated For January, 2023, To Provide Platform For Emerging Designers

By

Angel Gimalo

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December 27, 2022

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The Saudi Architecture and Design Commission, one of the 11 commissions under the Ministry of Culture, has announced plans to launch the second Saudi Design Festival between Jan. 12-23.

Organized by the creative cultural consultancy &bouqu, this year’s edition will be the biggest yet, unveiling a new vision and format for the festival, with a range of events and activations that celebrate local and international design.

Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission, said: “The Saudi Design Festival provides a platform for emerging and established designers, small and medium businesses, creatives and industry players to exchange knowledge, enable collaborations and find opportunities for growth and development.

“We’re excited to bring together designers from across the Kingdom and showcase their work. Together, we’re building a more advanced sector and making sure local talents are equipped with the tools and skills to succeed — that’s why the festival will be hosting discussions, workshops, masterclasses and networking sessions.”

SDF 2023 commences with a Design Forum and opening weekend at the City Hub of the Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh from Jan. 13-14. It will feature leading local and international experts who will discuss a range of topics on design, such as the effects of urban landscapes on quality of life, exporting culture through design and building better cities for the future.

Workshops will touch on important industry trends such as sustainable design, creative entrepreneurship and the power of typography in graphic design and communication. Alongside the on-stage discussions will be off-stage mentorship sessions, open-call announcements and exhibitions to explore.

The festival promises participants and audiences a comprehensive calendar of activities, transforming Riyadh into a creative hub with Design Destinations (Oud Square, The Boulevard Riyadh and Gallery Design), alongside activations taking place in multiple venues across more than 40 locations in Riyadh. The festival will also roll out an online program, expanding its reach across the region and internationally.

Basma Bouzo, co-founder and CEO of &bouqu and director of the SDF, said: “Since we launched this festival, formerly known as Saudi Design Week, our aim has always been to give local designers and creatives a space where they can have constructive discussions and be heard across the region.

“As the sector evolves, the festival is changing too, enabling partners to contribute to the narrative and meet their ambition to grow the sector sustainably. Our mission this year is to show how design connects society and develop meaningful opportunities that last even after the event.”

Timber traders count losses as fire guts market in Imo

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Henry Williams

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December 27, 2022

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Timber traders in Imo have lamented heavy losses resulting from a fire accident at the popular Timber market, along Wethedral road, Owerri, the state capital.

Some of the traders who spoke on the incident in Owerri, on Monday, said that the inferno which started at about 1.30am on Saturday, December 24, consumed over 200 shops and goods worth over N4 billion.

A NAN correspondent who visited the market reports that the fire was still raging in some parts of the market at about 1.00pm on Monday, despite efforts by operatives of the Federal Fire Service to quench it.

One of the traders, Darlington Chinaza, the CEO of Bekee Global Furnitures, said that about 13 industrial machines, each worth N6 million were burnt, although the actual cause of the inferno was not yet ascertained.

Another trader, Chinemerem Ikerionwu, called on relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the unfortunate incident.

“People offloaded goods worth several millions last night and went home only to be called hours later that the market was on fire. This is unbearable. The government should probe this incident.

“A customer came here and bought goods worth N7.5 million. He said he was coming this morning to carry them. I don’t even know what he will do now. Will he seek a refund? If he does that, where will the shop owner get it from?”

Also, another trader who pleaded anonymity, said: “I lost my two industrial machines and other items. We didn’t take out a single pin from the shops. Everything is lost. This is unbearable.

“It is a black Christmas for us. We don’t know where to go from here. Nobody knows the cause of the outbreak. We lost over N4 billion here,” he said.

Benjamin Onyewuchi, an eye witness, said that several initial efforts made by fire fighters to quench the fire proved abortive as it kept raging.

He, however, called on the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, to come to the aid of the victims in whatever possible way, to ameliorate their plight.

“This market provides employment for many youths and artisans as well as loaders and other casual workers. Today, they have all been rendered jobless.

“We call on the government to provide soft loans or other interventions to ease the plight of these victims, some of whom obtained bank loans to buy goods for the season’s sales,” he said. NAN

Christmas Lighting At Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

By

Angel Gimalo

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December 27, 2022

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Christmas is always a special time of the year – a season in which to rejoice and spend precious time with family and friends, enjoy festive fun and create lasting memories.

When it comes to creating unforgettable times with family and friends, no one does it better than Melrose Arch, which, in addition to its famous Christmas lights, has a host of exciting events lined up for the festive season.

Melrose includes several suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is located in Region E of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. Melrose is a developing up-market suburb.

These pictures show annual Christmas lights in Melrose Arch.

Not only will there be stunning light displays and family fun for all ages over the next few weeks, but they are also extending their trading hours to ensure people get their Christmas shopping done in time.

Airfares in Nigeria up by 97% in one year – NBS

By

Henry Williams

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December 27, 2022

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Recent data by the National Bureau of Statistics have shown that between the years 2021 to 2022, the cost of air tickets rose by 97 percent.

According to NBS, the average cost of airfares in Nigeria increased from N37,022.97 in November 2021 to N73,267.57 in November 2022, showing an increase of 97 percent.

The NBS’ Transport Fare Watch report for November 2022 also showed that the average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey, increased by 0.09 percent on a month-on-month basis, from N73,198.65 in October 2022 to N73,267.57 in November 2022.

According to the report, the States with the highest average prices of air tickets on a single journey are Taraba (N77,100), Delta (76,500) and Bayelsa/Oyo (N76,100).

States with the lowest average prices include Niger (N67,100), Gombe (N70,000) and Nasarawa (N70,100).

The aviation fuel crisis which began in late February and deteriorated further through the months of March to May, has further worsened and is currently threatening the ability of airlines to continue operations with the price of JetA1 rising from N200 in December 2021 to over N400 per litre in February. Currently, the price has skyrocketed to over N800 per litre.

The price of aviation fuel has since forced airlines to increase fares.

Allen Onyema, vice president of Airline Operators of Nigeria and the chairman of Air Peace had earlier in the year warned that if nothing is done concerning the cost of aviation fuel, the fuel crisis will force airlines to suspend operations.

He explained that when airline operators decided to charge N50,000 as base fare, they looked at cost per seat and discovered that airlines will still not make profit if they charge N60,000 as base fare because multiple taxations erode the revenues of airlines.

One year ago, economic base fare for tickets were between N25,000 to N30,000 but the airline in February 2022, increased economy tickets to N50,000 and N60,000, showing a 100 percent increase.

Bianca Ojukwu Attends Annual CKP Christmas Festival, Carol Singing, Nativity Plays Showcased

By

Angel Gimalo

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December 27, 2022

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former Nigeria Ambassador to Spain and Permanent Representative to the UNWTO, Bianca Ojukwu, was the special guest as the spectacular annual CKP Christmas Festival at the coal city of Enugu.

The show stopping beauty queen and wife of late Igbo leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who was the special guest at the event created a sensation when she joined performing artistes on stage for the rendition of popular Christmas carols and songs.

The event which took place at the CVC Onaga Arena showcased traditional Christmas performances, Carol singing, nativity plays, kid’s Christmas tribute and an array of solo performances by renowned gospel artistes amidst spectacular fireworks displays .

The chief guest at the occasion was Gov. Lawrence Ugwuanyi of Enugu state, Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu State Most Rev. Ernest Obodo and a host of political party candidates and other dignitaries.

Exploring Îlet Pinel, Saint Martin

By

Angel Gimalo

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December 27, 2022

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Îlet Pinel, also known by its English name as Pinel Island, is a small uninhabited islet which is located some 170 meters (558 feet) to the east from the overseas collectivity of France in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea, the Collectivity of Saint Martin.

The closest inhabited place is the town of Cul de Sac from where usually visitors can come to this almost desolate place which is so near, yet far from the humans.

There are ferries which are departing every half an hour during peak (summer) season, and as the islet is included in the Reserve Naturelle Saint Martin, better referred to as the Saint Martin Natural Reserve, it is quite popular among visitors of the collectivity who would like to see the real nature of Saint Martin.

There are two beaches for those who would like to soak the sun and forget about the troubles, and another two who are abandoned and offer the pure joy of peace and quiet.

As the islet is made of limestone which once was connected to the main island, there are some parts that give the opportunity to swim among corals if one is brave enough to struggle with the waves which sometimes can be rough on the eastern portion of the island.

Still, the islet who got its name from a certain Captain Pinel, offers too the opportunity to do small hiking in the treeless, shrub-covered center, and seeing the local fauna that settled in this part of Saint Martin.

On the beaches where the tourists can be found, are the most friendly iguanas one would ever see in person, and when visiting Pinel Island make sure to bring some veggies and fruits so that they would approach you in a nice manner.

With the protection of the marine life around the islet, jet skis and fishing is strictly prohibited, and coming by boat could be tricky, as it need to be done from Green Cay Beach and arriving from the southern side of Petite Clef islet.

All in all, even though it is quite small, Îlet Pinel is definitely one of the greatest highlights visitors to the Collectivity of Saint Martin will have, with the promise of mesmerizing vistas, friendly fauna, nice beaches and great treasure in the form of shells and rocks.

Kogi State Declares Thursday Public Holiday To Receive President Buhari

By

Henry Williams

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December 27, 2022

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The Kogi State Government in North Central Nigeria, has declared Thursday, December 29, 2022, a public holiday as the state receives President Muhammadu Buhari on a working visit where he will inaugurate some ‘legacy projects’ executed by the Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday, urged the people of Kogi State to come out to receive the President and display their usual hospitality.

The state government asks all labour unions and security agencies in Kogi State to ensure full compliance.

The statement reads, “The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR shall be visiting Kogi State on the 29th of December, 2022 to commission legacy projects across the State.

“In view of this and to ensure a hitch-free reception of Mr. President, the Government of Kogi State under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, wishes to announce that Thursday 29th of December, 2022 has been declared a public holiday.”

The statement also says, “the decision is to enable the people of the state to receive our President. We urge all our labour unions and security agencies to ensure full compliance.

“The state government calls on the people of the State to come out en masse to receive Mr. President and display the hospitality for which the state is known for as President Muhammadu Buhari Inaugurates life-touching legacy projects across the state.”

Rights Commission Condemns Killing Of Female Lawyer, Promises Justice

By

Henry Williams

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December 27, 2022

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The National Human Rights Commission has condemned the killing of a Female lawyer, Barrister Bolanle Raheem by a policeman in Ajah, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Mr. Anthony Ojukwu made the condemnation in a press statement by his Media aid Mrs. Fatima Agwai, in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital.

She said the incident is regrettable, adding that the officer has fallen short of standard operating procedure and professional ethics of the Nigerian Police Force.

Agwai, in the statement, called on the Nigerian Police to as a matter of necessity always ensure that officers who bear arms must, by all means, be mentally balanced and respect the rules of engagement of the police force warning that, “enough is enough of these avoidable deaths.”

She recalled that the Commission went around the country to train police officers on human rights best practices and how to mainstream human rights in law enforcement operations, ’’Yet we are still recording sad incidents of extra-judicial killings perpetrated by the police officers.”

While commending Police for immediately taking necessary action to arrest and put the errant officer in custody, Agwai said the Commission will continue to monitor the process of investigation and prosecution of the errant officer to ensure that justice is adequately served.

She commiserates with the family of Barrister Bolanle Raheem, as well as the Nigerian Bar Association saying that Barrister Raheem’s death came as a shock to the Commission, adding that “there must be a permanent solution to check this form of avoidable killings by the police.”

How It Started: History Of Christmas Carols

By

Angel Gimalo

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December 27, 2022

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Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago.

The word Carol actually means dance or a song of praise and joy! Carols used to be written and sung during all four seasons, but only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has really survived.

Vintage engraving from 1850 of a victorian village on Christmas Eve

Christmas, remembering the birth of Jesus, then started to be celebrated at the same time as the solstice, so the early Christians started singing Christian songs instead of pre-Christian/pagan ones. In 129, a Roman Bishop said that a song called “Angel’s Hymn” should be sung at a Christmas service in Rome.

Another famous early Christmas Hymn was written in 760, by Comas of Jerusalem, for the Greek Orthodox Church. Soon after this many composers all over Europe started to write ‘Christmas carols’.

However, not many people liked them as they were all written and sung in Latin, a language that the normal people couldn’t understand. By the time of the Middles Ages (the 1200s), most people had lost interest in celebrating Christmas altogether.

This was changed by St. Francis of Assisi when, in 1223, he started his Nativity Plays in Italy. The people in the plays sang songs or ‘canticles’ that told the story during the plays.

Sometimes, the choruses of these new carols were in Latin; but normally they were all in a language that the people watching the play could understand and join in!

The new carols spread to France, Spain, Germany and other European countries.

The earliest carol, like this, was written in 1410. Sadly only a very small fragment of it still exists.

The carol was about Mary and Jesus meeting different people in Bethlehem.

They were usually sung in homes rather than in churches! Traveling singers or Minstrels started singing these carols and the words were changed for the local people wherever they were traveling. One carols that changed like this is ‘I Saw Three Ships’.

When the Puritans came to power in England in 1640s, the celebration of Christmas and singing carols was stopped. However, the carols survived as people still sang them in secret.

Carols remained mainly unsung until Victorian times, when two men called William Sandys and Davis Gilbert collected lots of old Christmas music from villages in England. Carols were sung as folk songs in places like pubs but they often weren’t thought of as ‘proper’ or ‘nice’ songs by the middle or upper classes.

Before carol singing in places like churches became popular, there were sometimes official carol singers called ‘Waits’.

These were bands of people led by important local leaders (such as council leaders) who had the only power in the towns and villages to take money from the public (if others did this, they were sometimes charged as beggars!).

They were called ‘Waits’ because they sang on Christmas Eve (This was sometimes known as ‘watchnight’ or ‘waitnight’ because of the shepherds were watching their sheep when the angels appeared to them.), when the Christmas celebrations began.

Also, at this time, many orchestras and choirs were being set up in the cities of England and people wanted Christmas songs to sing, so carols once again became popular in churches and concert halls.

Many new carols, such as ‘Good King Wenceslas’, were also written in the Victorian period.

New carols services were created and became popular, as did the custom of singing carols in the streets.

Both of these customs are still popular today! One of the most popular types of Carols services are Carols by Candlelight services.

At this service, the church is only lit by candlelight and it feels very Christmassy! Carols by Candlelight services are held in countries all over the world.