Christmas Murder: Police Free Two, Detain Killer Cop

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December 27, 2022

The Lagos State Police Command has said two police officers arrested alongside killer cop, ASP Dambri Vandi, over the Christmas Day homicide of a lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, would be released today (Tuesday) as they were not involved in the crime.

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, while giving an update on the killing.

The police in Lagos, on Christmas Day, arrested Vandi and two other officers attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah area for allegedly killing Mrs. Raheem, a lawyer, same day.

Hundeyin said they were immediately taken into protective custody and were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation.

He added that the two police officers arrested with the ASP were detained for interrogation and testimonies.

Hundeyin said, “The two policemen arrested with the ASP who killed the lawyer will be released today (Tuesday) after giving their testimonies to the command.

“They were arrested because they saw what happened. They were not the ones who allegedly killed the woman.

“They have given their stories on what happened and the CP has ordered that they should be released while investigations continue,” he said.

On the update about similar killing of one Gafaru Buraimoh on December 7, by a police officer from the same Ajiwe Police Station, Hundeyin revealed that the officer was still in detention, yet to be charged to court.

The PPRO said the police officer was yet to be arraigned because his dismissal order had not been released.

“There are indeed consequences. The officer is still in detention at the SCID. His investigation is being wrapped up.

“Once his dismissal order comes out, he will be charged to court immediately,” he said.

Hundeyin said that there was nothing wrong with the spot or area where the killings took place, but the officers who killed would be held responsible for their actions.

He noted that when the first incident occurred on December 7, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, changed the DPO of the station after the incident.

He added, “This has become one too many, especially bearing in mind that a similar incident occurred at the same location less than three weeks ago.

“The condemnable incident is against the standard operating procedure and rules of engagement of the Force, and to say the least is embarrassing.

“Beyond this incident, the Nigeria Police Force will carry out a reappraisal of its rules of engagement, to put an end to such avoidable ugly incidents.”

He further appealed to Lagos residents to remain calm, adding that the command was already in touch with the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice prevails.

UK Invites Nigerian Teachers, Offers N15 Million Annual Pay

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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December 27, 2022

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Nigerian teachers who migrate to the United Kingdom from February 2023 will attract at least £28,000 annual remuneration.

According to the data obtained from the website of the government of the United Kingdom, www.gov.uk, which offered guidance to non-UK citizens who want to teach in the UK but qualified outside the European country, it was noted that the salary remunerations would depend on qualifications and region in which the teacher is applying to teach in.

The UK had earlier in December listed Nigeria among the African countries whose citizens can now apply for qualified teacher status through the Teaching Regulation Agency in the United Kingdom, from February 2023.

Other foreign countries which the offer extends to include Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine and Zimbabwe.

The applicants do not even necessarily require initial teaching qualifications as the country offers a training programme for the potential migrants.

In the data for the remunerations, the UK noted, “All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £28,000. This will be higher for teachers working in London. Your school will have their own pay scales for qualified teachers. Pay increases will always be linked to performance, not length of service, and will be reviewed every year.”

Giving a further breakdown on the pay scale per location, the UK stated that teachers in England excluding London would earn a minimum of £28,000 and maximum of £38,810; for inner London, beneficiary teachers will attract a sum of £34,502 as minimum pay with £44,756 as maximum pay.

Speaking further, the UK said, “If you can demonstrate excellence against all of the teacher standards, you can be put onto the upper pay range for teachers. This is for teachers who make a sustained and substantial contribution to their school”.

Niger State Clears N433M Debt Owed WAEC, NECO, Others

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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December 27, 2022

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The Niger state Ministry of Education says it has paid N433 million for the settlement of backlog debt owe to examination conducting organisations by the state.

The organisation include the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) National Examination Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

Others are the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The state Commissioner for Education, Hannatu Salihu, disclosed this during presentation of the 2022 budget performance and screening of the 2023 budget allocation.

The ministry made the presentation to the state House of Assembly Committee on Education.

She said N7.3 billion was approved to the ministry as capital budget for basic and post basic education sector out of which N2.2 billion was released indicating 39 per cent of allocation.

Salihu explained that out of the N2.5 billion recurrent expenditure approved for 2022, personnel cost was N1.2 billion and overhead was N.3 billion, adding that N1.6 billion and N622.4 million was released respectively.

“This represents a budget performance of 91 and 48 per cent for the personnel and overhead,” she said.

She disclosed that the 2022 budget was constrained by low release of funds, which affected the completion of ongoing projects, adding that allocation to education sector was far below the 26 per cent UNESCO recommendation.

She, however said that the ministry recorded achievement in Whole School Development Approach, capacity g GGbuilding training of Zonal Quantity Assurance Officers and generation of N14.8 million as IGR.

She said the ministry in collaboration with UNICEF spent N4.1 million on implementation of back to school campaign and N2.2 million on training of teachers on digital learning content development.

She added that N15.5 million was spent on Launching of Nigeria Learning Passport and N13.3 million on LP-TRCN resilience training package for 675 teachers in 45 schools.

On the 2023 budget, Salihu said the budget seems to consolidate on the gains recorded in 2022 and also improve access, equity and quality education in the state.

She said N1.5 billion capital and N1.5 billion overhead have been estimated for 2023, adding that the fund would be utilised on the completion of all ongoing projects.

She added that it would also be used for expansion and upgrading of existing infrastructure at basic and senior secondary levels of education in the state.

Calabar Varsity Gets 2 Female DVCs

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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December 27, 2022

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The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and Chairman of Senate, Prof. Florence Obi, has announced the appointment of two female Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVC’s) of the institution.

The announcement is contained in a release signed on Monday in Calabar by the Registrar of the institution, Gabriel Egbe.

The two DVC’s are: Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, who was re-appointed for a second term as DVC Academic and Prof. Grace Eno, who was newly appointed as DVC Administration.

Egbe said that the appointments were ratified by Senate members at the 231st meeting.

“The VC lauded the former DVC Administration, Prof. Michael Okom and Oyo-Ita, for the good working relationship and their supportive stance for her administration.

“The VC described them as God-chosen for helping her to stabilise at the early stage of her administration.

“The new DVC Administration, who accepted her appointment with joy, said her appointment is a divine providence.

“While speaking to members of the Senate, she assured them and the VC of her loyalty and determination to work for the best interest of the management and the institution,” Egbe said.

He also said that the former DVC Administration has been appointed as the Director of Alumni Relations of the university.

Brazil Soccer Legend Pele’s Family Gather At Hospital Bedside

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Emenike Agu

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December 27, 2022

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Brazilian soccer legend Pele’s family members gathered at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo on Saturday, where the 82-year-old, widely considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, has been since late November.

Doctors said this week that Pele’s cancer had advanced and that he requires care related to renal and cardiac dysfunction. His family said he would remain in a Sao Paulo hospital over Christmas.

Pele has received regular medical treatment since a tumor was removed from his colon in September last year.

“Almost all of them. Merry Christmas. Gratitude, love, togetherness, family. The essence of Christmas. We thank you all for all the love and light you send,” his daughter Kely Nascimento wrote on Instagram with a picture of their family in the hospital.

Pele’s son Edinho, who played in goal for Santos in the 1990s, posted a picture of himself holding his father’s hand to Instagram on Saturday, with the caption “Father… my strength is yours.”

Nigeria Apex Bank Places Over 6,000 BVNs On Watch List

By

Rhoda Onuzulike

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December 27, 2022

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that it has placed at least 6,047 Bank Verification Numbers on its watch list over fraudulent transactions.

CBN stated this in its Financial Stability June 2022 report published in December 2022 on its website.

The report also noted that 11,871 BVNs have been watch-listed as deceased persons this year.

According to the report this was an assessment of 28 banks and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System to ascertain compliance with the Regulatory Framework for BVN Operations and Watch-List for the Nigerian Banking Industry in the review period.

It noted that the assessment revealed some infractions and regulatory actions were taken.

The report further noted that there were 2.72 million enrolled in the first half of this year, bringing the total number of enrolled BVNs to 54.65 million.

In the report, it was also stated that the number of BVN-linked accounts was 130.57 million out of 148.46 million active accounts.

The report read in part, “Also, 2,722,518 BVNs were enrolled, bringing total BVN enrolment to 54,651,086, reflecting an increase of 5.24 per cent over 51,928,568 enrolments at end-December 2021.

“The number of accounts linked with BVNs was 130,569,656 out of 148,462,947 active customer accounts, while the number of watch-listed BVNs associated with fraud and deceased persons stood at 6,047 and 11,871, respectively.”

Based on the report, the total number of watch-listed BVNs for fraud rose by 13.09 per cent from 5,347 in December 2021 to 6,047 in June 2022.

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

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Emenike Agu

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December 27, 2022

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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

By

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.