Author: David Great

Manchester United have decided against activating the option to extend Raphael Varane’s contract by a further 12 months, meaning the 30-year-old France defender can hold talks with overseas clubs over a summer free transfer move from 1 January. (Mail) Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said Harry Maguire kept Varane out of the starting XI. Leicester want to sign Liverpool winger Fabio Carvalho on loan after the 21-year-old Portugal Under-21 international was recalled from his loan spell at RB Leipzig. (Sky Sports) Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Crystal Palace’s England-born former France Under-21 winger Michael Olise, 22, in recent weeks. (Football Insider) Tottenham’s Senegal midfielder Pape Matar Sarr,…

President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians in a New Year broadcast on Monday, defending his actions as President, outlining steps taken to improve the economy, reeling out his plans for the country, and calling on Nigerians to play their part in the nation’s growth, among other things. Read the full text of President Tinubu’s broadcast below: Dear Compatriots, It gives me immense joy to welcome each and every one of you – young and old- to this brand new year 2024. We must lift up our hands to Almighty God, in gratitude, for his grace and benevolence to our country and…

By Toni Kan They say those who refuse to learn from history are bound to repeat it. A consideration of that aphorism must have informed the solemn pledge made early this year by Mustapha Habib Ahmed, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the effect that NEMA will make sure Nigerians do not ever experience the devastation they suffered in 2022 when flooding ravaged many states, claimed 665 lives, displaced 2,437,411 persons, and affected 4,476,867 persons. As the year comes to an end, one is minded to take a look at how well NEMA and its head…

The police command in Kaduna State said its operatives arrested three suspected vandals with electricity aluminium cables in Saminaka town in the Lere Local Government Area of the state. The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this on Sunday in Kaduna. Hassan said on Sunday that at about 0400hrs, the command received information concerning the theft from a low-cost housing area on Kafanchan Road, Saminaka town that some unknown persons were seen with some electricity cables. “Our patrol team was drafted to the area and the three suspects who hailed from Ungwan Bawa Area of the town were promptly arrested,”…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr Karim A. A. Khan, KC, Prosecutor, International Criminal Court (ICC) “to urgently issue a formal ‘preventative statement’ in relation to the ongoing violence, unlawful killings, crimes against children and other violations of international law in Plateau State of Nigeria”. SERAP also urged Mr Khan “to undertake preliminary examination into the situation in Plateau State and to open an investigation or extend any current investigations to cover the ongoing situation in the state.” SERAP urged Mr Khan “to visit Plateau State to show the commitment by your Office to deliver meaningful accountability…

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to take a loan $7.8 billion and €100 million as part of the Federal Government’s borrowing strategy for 2022–2024. During Saturday’s plenary session, the Senate discussed and endorsed the report of the committee on local and foreign debt. According to Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council of former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the credit facility on May 15, 2023, to support various sectors of the economy, including agriculture, security, infrastructure, health, and education. The president went on to say that the foreign loan was necessary to bridge the financial gap and restore normalcy…

Former US President, Barack Obama, has named his favourite music of 2023 with songs by Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Olamide and Tems making the list of 18 songs. In what has become a tradition, the 44th President of the USA described the songs listed as some of his favourites. “Here are some of my favourite songs from this year. Let me know if there are any artists or songs I should check out,” he posted on his social media. Other artists on the list include Shakira, Allison Russell, Victoria Monet, Mitski, Megan Thee Stallion and Big Thief. Burna Boy’s Sittin’…

Carlo Ancelotti has a new contract at Real Madrid that will keep him at the helm until 2026, the LaLiga club said on Friday. The Italian joined Real Madrid in 2021 from Everton, having previously managed the club from 2013 to 2015. He has since won one league title with Real, along with two Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups. “Real Madrid CF and Carlo Ancelotti have agreed to extend our coach’s contract until June 30, 2026,” Real said in a statement. His contract was due to expire in 2024, and this extension ends speculation that he would…

Church divided over Vatican ruling on same-sex blessings African priests say they will not bless gay unions No sign of schism such as that threatening Anglican church Nigerian Catholic couple Jane and Lucy have little hope their local parish church will bless their same-sex union anytime soon, as conservative priests across Africa choose to ignore a landmark Vatican ruling allowing such blessings. Conservative Catholics have condemned the Vatican’s declaration two weeks ago, which was approved by Pope Francis, that will allow blessings for same-sex couples, as long as they are not part of the regular Church rituals or liturgies. The…

As January begins, you might find yourself reflecting on your expenses, having potentially spent more than intended but it’s natural to contemplate how to manage your finances better and there are budgeting tips to help you. According to Google Trends data over the last five years, ‘budget template’ searches have consistently reached their peak in the first week of January. In a well thought-out breakdown by Moneyzine, these tips can assist in planning ahead for 2024, empowering you to commence the new year on a solid financial foundation. Mastering Your Finances: Top 10 Budgeting Tips for 2024 Budgeting remains an…