Five students and five officials of Dowen College linked to the death of a 12-year-old student of the college, Sylvester Oromoni, have been exonerated by the Lagos State Government.

Also, cleared was Kingsley Otuaro, the manager of the school building in Lekki.

The students cleared by the state government are 16-year-old Favour Benjamin, Edward Begue (16), Ansel Temile (14) and Kenneth Inyang (15) and 15-year-old Micheal Kashamu, the son of the late senator, Buruji Kashamu.

Read more: https://www.newslead.ng/2022/01/05/oromonis-death-lagos-dpp-exonerates-dowen-college-students-staff-school/

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill of N17.126 trillion into law.

The President signed the budget presented to him by his Senior Special Assistant (Senate) on National Assembly, Senator Babajide Omoworare, on Friday at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He was, however, displeased with some changes as well as major additions and reductions made by the National Assembly in critical projects ‘without justification’.

President Buhari highlighted some of the worrisome changes in the budget to include an increase in projected Federal Government independent revenue by N400 billion, reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion, and reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively; all without any explanation.

He also expressed his reservations on the inclusion of new provisions totalling N36.59 billion for National Assembly’s projects in the Service Wide Vote, which he said negated the principles of separation of powers and financial autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.

The President was also concerned about the changes to the original Executive proposal in the form of new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/or increases in the amounts allocated to projects, as well as reduction of the provisions made for as many as 10,733 projects and the introduction of 6,576 new projects into the budget.

According to him, most of the projects inserted relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of state and local governments and do not appear to have been properly conceptualised, designed, and cost.

President Buhari said he would revert to the National Assembly with a request for an amendment as soon as the lawmakers return from their recess, to ensure that critical ongoing projects cardinal to his administration do not suffer a setback as a result of reduced funding.

He recounted that during the presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, he stated that the 2022 fiscal year would be very crucial in his administration’s efforts to complete and put to use critical agenda projects, as well as improve the general living conditions of Nigerians.

The President insisted that the cuts by the lawmakers could render the implementation of the budget impossible.

He promised to commence early preparation of the 2023 transition budget and quickly begin the process to ensure early submission of the 2023-2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper to the National Assembly.

The President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; and Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, among others, witnessed the signing of the budget.

In his response, the Senate President told State House correspondents that the lawmakers were right in their decisions.

The reservations of the Executive, according to him, are not unusual and may not necessarily coincide with that of the legislature.

This comes a week after lawmakers in the House of Representatives and Senate chambers of the National Assembly passed a budget of N17.126 trillion, increasing the benchmark price of crude from $57 to $62 per barrel.

During the plenary on Wednesday last week, the Senate had passed the 2022 budget while Senate President Lawan gave an assurance that the bill would be sent to the President for assent the following day.

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives had also passed the budget last Tuesday. The National Assembly raised the total 2022 budget figure from the proposed N16.391 trillion to N17.126 trillion.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/31/buhari-signs-n17-127trn-2022-budget-into-law-issues-fresh-directive-to-mdas/

The Federal Government has declared free train rides for citizens from Dec.24 to Jan 4, 2022.

Mr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed this in an interview on Friday in Abuja.

"The decision which was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation, is to ease movement of citizens during the yuletide.

”This is to help ease the cost of transportation and enable citizens move easily enjoy the festive period.

”Passengers are however advised to ensure they obtain their tickets from appropriate quarters at no cost, to enable them gain access and enter the trains.

” All passengers are also enjoined to observe and obey COVID-19 rules by wearing of face mask, washing and sanitising of hands. “

He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensure the safety of passengers and trains during the period. (NAN)

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/24/yuletide-fg-declares-free-train-rides-from-dec-24-to-jan-4/

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that it met with the Manager of Roma FC, Jose Mourinho, in the smash for a new Super Eagles Coach.

The President of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, confirmed the development on Wednesday when he spoke with newsmen.

During the interaction with the newsmen in Lagos, Pinnick equally confirmed that the country’s new coach should be unveiled in about one week.

He said the search team for a new coach for the Super Eagles spoke with a Serbian, Mladen Krstajic, and Mourinho in the bid to get a top-class coach for the national team.

He said a Portuguese, Jose Peseiro, a former Real Madrid Assistant Coach and FC Porto Head Coach, was on the three-man shortlist for the Super Eagles job.

He said: “The emphasis on the new coach is discipline.

“We will look at his antecedents on discipline.

“Secondly, we will also look at how hungry he is to win trophies because if they are hungry, it supersedes so many things, and if he wants to win, he will instil discipline.

“We will look at all these things, but I cannot make a pronouncement emphatically because I will be undermining my executive committee.

“So, until my executive committee comes out within the next week or so to say this is the name, because the technical committee has to bring their presentation to the executive committee….

“It is going to be a seamless movement to the current team headed by Eguavoen.

“But we have spoken to three top coaches and Peseiro, whose name has been going around, is one of the coaches and I can tell you he is a top coach.

“We also talked to Mladen (Krstajic), but after talking to him he got a job with a top club in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv.

“You can see these are coaches that are hungry and ready to take Nigeria as a home.

“They are people that we know are ready to face the challenge from the 200 million Nigerians.

“They are coaches who the players cannot be bigger than and I believe we are doing everything we can and that’s why we interface with the ministry on every level.

“Of course, Mourinho.

“I am not going to tell you we didn’t talk to Mourinho because we did and the (sports) Minister (Sunday Dare) also talked to Mourinho and there is nothing wrong with it.”

On if the coach will take the Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations starting on January 9, 2021 in Cameroon, Pinnick said: “If the coach will give us the Nations Cup, he will be drafted in immediately.

“I am not going to tell you that it will be later because of what essence is the recruitment.

“If the executive committee says yes and we are ready, what are we waiting for.

“When I spoke with one of the coaches on Tuesday, he was already scouting our players and was telling me things I didn’t even know about our players.

“It was quite impressive and he told me the strength of each player and he took me off guard.

“We are not going to experiment and if he can win the Nations Cup, no problem.

“We know (Austin) Eguavoen can do it, but we also want someone who can do it better.

“If we are unable to sign him soon, then we will work with the current team.

“But I am not going to tell you that if we have him signed today, he is not going to lead the team to the AFCON.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/23/nff-met-mourinho-for-super-eagles-job-pinnick/

Hundreds of residents and business owners have been thrown into confusion following their inability to ply the Magodo Phase 2 estate gates to navigate their destinations in and out of the estate located in the Shangisha area of Lagos State.

Our correspondent gathered that the Magodo Residents Association closed the estate gates after suspected landgrabbers led by men of the Nigerian police force invaded the estate to claim possession of property in the estate on Tuesday.

During the invasion, the suspected landgrabbers, while being fortified by the police, used red and brown inks to inscribe possession taken on various property in the estate.

The Legal Adviser, Magodo Residents Association, Tunji Abdulhameed, said the suspected landgrabbers were about invading the estate with a bulldozer when the estate management closed estate gates to prevent the action.

He said, “They came around 1pm yesterday; The land grabbers invaded the estate and the police gave them backing. I asked what they were doing here and the police said they are trying to enforce judgment.

“I asked for a copy of the judgment but no document was shown to me. What they showed was a newspaper publication which they did themselves to inform the world that they are the owner of the property.

“They had a judgment in 1993 and as far as I am concerned the judgment was not properly captured. The judgment said the government should allocate 549 plots to them with no specification to the area, property, location of the plots of land; in fact, there was nothing to ascertain the property they were talking about.

“The resident associations had a meeting in the evening and thereafter, we just saw a bulldozer at the front of our gate. The police didn’t go and were with them, the bulldozer is still at the other gate. That was why we closed the gate.

“We don’t know whether we are going to open the gate because we don’t know their plan as the land grabbers and policemen are still around. They have a motive they want to achieve; I think the purpose is to use the bulldozer to destroy property.”

Despite the estate gates being closed, our correspondent observed as residents and businessmen flooded the gate in a desperate attempt to gain entry.

Our correspondent also heard as the stranded victims lamented missing their various appointments due to the condition.

Also, the effect of the gate closure led to a backlog of traffic that affected vehicular movements around the Magodo Phase 2 area.

The Chairman, Board of Trustee, Magodo Residents Association, Professor Ayodele Ogunye, said residents in the estate had constantly been subjected to different forms of land grabber attacks, adding that the state government should intervene to restore normalcy in the estate.

He said, “I have been living here since 1992 but we have been having problems with land grabbers until this case became enlarged. It is true that the supreme court had given judgment in the favor of the Adeyiga Family; they are to be giving 549 plots but that judgment did not say 549 plots in Magodo.

“Hence, the Lagos State Government allocated plots of land to them along Badagry and Ibeju Lekki. So far, about 300 of them have agreed to take those plots and these people continue to harass us. I have been to Alagbon three times this year on this issue.

“Yesterday, in the morning, these people besieged us; they said they were bailiffs trying to enforce the supreme court judgment. They are not Lagos State Government bailiff, if they were, they will wear their jackets. They went to hire some area boys to come in as bailiff.

“I spoke with the senior officer that led them and he said he got instruction from the top to follow them. We told them to show us the judgment they are enforcing, and they showed our lawyer a press release. Press release is not a court judgment or court instruction that they should bombard us.

Read more;
https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/22/lagos-policemen-escort-bulldozer-as-magodo-residents-protest-demolition-of-houses/

The Federal Government has reinstated Emirates’ winter flight schedule to Nigeria following the offering of daily slots to Air Peace at the Dubai Airports, DXB.

This is contained in a letter to the Emirates Country Manager, Nigeria signed by the Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Musa Nuhu dated 21st December 2021.

The letter read, “Following further consultation with various stakeholders and the letter from the Dubai CAA with reference number DCAA/ASA/N-3/016 dated 17th December 2021 offering Air peace airlines daily slots at Dubai airports, I wish to inform you the reinstatement of the Ministerial approval of Emirates Airlines winter schedule”.

“This approval is predicated on compliance with Dubai travel protocols as released by the Dubai airports on Friday 26th November as it affects passengers.”

Last week, the Federal Government reduced emirates airlines entry into Nigeria to once a week through Abuja airport and suspended from the Lagos following the refusal of the Dubai CAA and the Dubai Airports to grant Air Peace 3 slots it requested out of the 21 frequencies as agreed in the Bi-lateral Air Services Agreement, BASA signed by both countries.

This development prompted Emirates airlines to suspend its operation in Nigeria

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/22/fg-reinstates-emirates-flight-schedule-to-nigeria/

A Chief Magistrates’ court in Yaba, Lagos, has granted five Dowen College students bail after a conspiracy and homicide charge was made against them by the police.

The court granted the students bail in the sum of N1 million each, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The minors have been remanded in a juvenile home since December 9, over the death of their schoolmate, Sylvester Oromoni.

Chief magistrate Olatunbosun Adeola, who heard the bail application, ordered the defendants to produce two sureties each in like sum.

The magistrate stated that one of each of the defendants’ sureties must be their parent, who must swear an affidavit of compliance.

Adeola ordered the defendants to submit their travel passports to the court and their residence be verified by the prosecutor, adding that they must be within 2km of their residence at all times.

It could be recalled that the police had released Oromoni’s remains to his family for burial after an autopsy was conducted to ascertain the cause of his death.

The 12-year-old’s death had generated outrage after the reports of his assault in the hands of five of his senior colleagues went viral on social media.

His father, Sylvester Oromoni Snr, had alleged that the Junior Secondary School 2 pupil died from the injuries sustained during the assault. However, the school claimed he died from injuries sustained during a game of football within the school premises.

The family had demanded a coroner’s inquest into Oromoni Jnr’s death while the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had said that some students have been arrested for the alleged assault.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/21/sylvester-oromoni-court-grants-five-dowen-students-bail-of-n1m-each/

The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a 2022 budget of N17.126 trillion against the N16.391 trillion sum presented by the president.

The Senate is also expected to pass the appropriation bill on Tuesday.

While the major capital, recurrent, debt service, statutory transfers remain untouched, the Houe made provision for an increase by N400 billion for agencies that came forward with financial reports which were not captured in the proposed budget, such as INEC, Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Assembly, and more.

In passing the bill, the House increased the benchmark price for crude from $57 to $62 per barrel, from which a proposed increase in revenue is expected.

The lawmakers also made provision for 10 percent of monies recovered by EFCC and the National Financial Intelligence Unit to be utilised by the agencies for their operations, to strengthen their fight against corruption.

The budget deficit was increased by N98 billion to accommodate some other requests of national importance which have not been captured in the budget estimates and which could not be covered by the revenue increase.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/21/reps-pass-n17-1trn-budget-for-2022-fiscal-year/

A human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, has sued the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, before a high court in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The lawyer filed an ex parte motion against the duo after the government’s refusal to make public the report submitted by the #EndSARS panel.

Last month, Ogun filed a Freedom of Information Act demanding that the government make the report public.

Victims of police brutality and their counsels had at different times expressed their frustrations over the government’s silence over the report of the panel in the state.

Speaking to Reporters after filing the motion, Ogun said he has initiated his first step in law against Governor Abiodun, over “his failure, neglect, and refusal to accede to my FOI request concerning the release of the Ogun State EndSARS panel report.

“The report was submitted about four months ago and has since been shrouded in secrecy.

“I made an FOI Application to get a copy of the report but after the expiration of statutory seven days, the governor has not reacted to my request. I have been really wondering why the governor is trying to make a secret out of a document that ought to ordinarily be in public circulation.

“We must insist that things be done properly in our country. Those who swore oaths under the Sixth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution should not be allowed to recklessly violate laws with impunity. No public official is higher than the law.

“I’m confident the court is the only solace of the oppressed.”

Contacted, the state’s attorney general and commissioner for Justice, who assumed office last month, said he is already acting on Ogun’s request.

“Yes, you know when there is a report like that, there will be some internal procedures to be followed, and we are still working internally and since I assumed office about three weeks ago, I have stepped up action on it,” said Ogungbade.

“I can recall receiving a letter with regards to this particular subject matter and particularly a story mentioning Ogun as one of the states yet to submit their reports to Abuja and since then, there have been tractions and I can assure you that either before the year runs out or very early in the new year there will be more positive things to tell you.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/20/endsars-abiodun-dragged-to-court-for-not-releasing-report-of-ogun-judicial-panel/

A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified Senator Andy Uba’s and the All Progressive Congress’s participation in the last November 6 governorship election held in Anambra State on November 6 this year.

Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo, in a judgment on Monday, held that Uba was never a candidate in the election having emerged from an illegally conducted primary election by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Ekwo held that the plaintiff, George Moghalu succeeded in proving that the APC did not conduct a valid primary election from which Uba claimed to have emerged as the party’s candidate.

The judge ordered INEC to delete Uba from its record as a candidate in the election.

He then ordered the APC to refund to the plaintiff the N22,500.000 he paid for expression of interest and nomination forms since the party failed to conduct a valid primary.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/20/court-voids-andy-ubas-participation-in-anambra-poll/

Access Bank Plc last week commenced the process of recovering the outstanding sums due it from a total of over N50 billion judgment debt in its favour against the late Chief Sunny Odogwu and two of his companies – Robert Dyson & Diket Limited and SIO Property Limited.

The said judgment debt was in respect of a property situated on No. 31 – 35, Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos State, known as Luxury Collection Hotels and Apartments (formerly Le Meridien Grand Towers).

The said property owned by SIO Property Limited of which the late Odogwu was the majority shareholder, was financed with a loan from the then Diamond Bank, which is now Access Bank.

Justice Saliu Saidu of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court in suit number: FHC/L/CS/1633/14, had in November 3, 2015, found the late Odogwu and his companies guilty of breach of Bank-Customer Relationship and consequently ordered the sale of the property used as collateral for the loan sum of N26,229,943,035.22.

However, with a 20 per cent interest on the N26 billion judgment debt in the last six years the judgment was delivered, the total debt has now reason to over N50 billion.

The bank had in 2014, commenced legal action against the defendants at a Federal High Court, Lagos, following the failure of the defendants to meet their loan obligations granted in the financing of the Le Meridien Grand Towers, known as Luxury Collection Hotels and Apartments.

While Access Bank was the sole plaintiff; Robert Dyson & Diket Limited, SIO Property Limited, Odogwu, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) the Registrar of Title Federal Land Registry and Leadway Trustee Limited were the first to sixth defendants respectively.

Plaintiff in arguing its case had placed plethora of evidence before the court on how it granted various credit facilities to the 1st and 2nd defendants to finance the construction of the Luxury Collection Hotels and Apartments.

Plaintiff added that the various facilities were at various times restructured to ease the repayment of the loan facility but the 1st to 3rd defendants continue to refused or failed to meet their obligations, stating that the project site located at 31-35 Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos and the Personal Guarantee of the late Chief Sonny Odogwu were used as collaterals for the facility.

Among the 20 reliefs sought by the plaintiff then was that whether having regards to plaintiff’s colossal investment/ financing of the sum of N26 billion in the 1st to 3rd defendants project and by the various agreements entered between plaintiff and the 1st to 3rd defendants to create a legal mortgage in favour of the plaintiff, a beneficial owner of the property on No 31 – 35 Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos State, and the breach of the terms of the agreement by the 1st to 3rd defendants, the plaintiff is entitled to leave of court to foreclose and sell the affected property.

“Whether having regard to the failure, refusal and or neglect of the 3rd defendant to execute the deed of personal guarantee as agreed as agreed with the plaintiff on November 19, 2010 as part security of the cumulative sum of facility advanced to the 1st to 3rd defendants for the project at 31 -35 Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos State which now stands at N26 billion as at September 30, 2014, order an order of specific performance can be made to compel the 3rd defendant to execute the said deed of personal guarantee in favour of the plaintiff within two days of this court.”

Delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Saidu held that the first to third defendants were in fundamental breach of the contract for the financing of the construction of the Luxury Collection Hotels and Apartments, having admitted “Indebtedness to the plaintiff in the sum of N10, 252,315,567.28 on the project finance facility as at December 20, 2011.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/20/n50bn-debt-access-bank-moves-to-claim-properties-of-late-sunny-odogwu/

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has berated the former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, for a comment on Rivers economy from an alleged point of ignorance.

Reacting to Peterside’s query on the state’s economy, the governor wondered why he (Peterside), with his educational attainment, would say the economy of Lagos and Akwa Ibom states are better than Rivers’ based on the fact that Lagos and Akwa Ibom have higher budget figures.

Wike, in a statement signed by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, said: “If a man, who is that ignorant, refused to be silent but comes to public discourse platform to display such loose grasp of the subject matter, it will cause people to question his academic status.”

Wike argued that such comments from Peterside puts a question mark on his doctoral degree, wondering how he could say that the performance of the economy is dependent on budgetary estimates.

He said, “When they asked him about the budget of Rivers State, he said the mere fact that Lagos State budget is very high, the mere fact that Akwa Ibom budget is very high and Rivers State budget is low, that means the economy is not doing well.

“A Ph.D. holder saying that the performance of an economy is based on the size of a budget. Which means that Cross River that had a budget of N1.3 trillion economy has performed more than every other state economy.”

The governor queried Perterside’s understanding of governance, recalling that he served in the last administration when all courts in Rivers State were shut for two years.

“They asked him about governance, he said there is no governance in Rivers State. I agree with him. There was governance when the courts were shut down during his administration? You are aware that the courts were shut down for almost two years. There was governance at that time.”

The governor argued that with the level of infrastructure and other policies of government towards Ahoada communities, nobody would say his administration has failed the Ekpeye people.

Inaugurating the 10km internal roads, Tambuwal praised Wike for changing the face of Rivers for good.

Special Adviser to Wike on Special Projects, Dax Kelly Alabo, said the 10 km network of internal roads has 20km of drains on both sides.

He said the roads were built to last 40 years and would impact positively on the socioeconomic dynamics of the community.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/17/wike-attacks-peterside-over-state-economy-as-tambuwal-inaugurates-10km-road/

English football has some notable names out of contract in 2022 and each will be able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign sides when the winter window opens next month.

From first-team stars to out-of-favour talents, we’ve decided to look at some of the most prominent players who could be on the move, either in cut-price January deals or as free agents next summer.

The most high-profile free agent nearing the end of his deal, could we be approaching the end of Paul Pogba’s storied spell at Manchester United?

Pogba has failed to agree on terms on a new deal with the Red Devils and looks increasingly likely to leave the club, with some of Europe’s elite clubs monitoring the situation of the France international at Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old has rarely been far from the headlines during his five-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, with the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, having often courted controversy with ill-advised comments on his client’s future.

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have all been linked with a move for Pogba, who is sure to appeal on a free transfer in the current financial climate.

Pogba’s time with the Red Devils has been underwhelming and a move elsewhere could be beneficial for all parties as United prepare to embark on a new era next season. Having signed the midfielder in a world-record £89m deal, however, his exit on a free transfer will sting the club’s cash counters.

Chelsea have also seen contract talks with Andreas Christensen stall, with no news on an extension for the centre-back despite Thomas Tuchel’s previous claims that an agreement was near.

Tuchel has spoken publicly on Christensen’s situation after omitting the Denmark international from the side, urging the defender to ‘walk the talk’ and commit his future to the club.

“We have the hope that it (Christensen’s lack of action) influences the contract situation a little bit,” said Tuchel earlier this month.

“My understanding weeks ago was that Andreas wants the same as me and the club. But we have been waiting a long time for confirmation.

“How he acts on the pitch, he needs to act now off the pitch and walk the talk. He tells us he loves Chelsea and he wants to stay. He is a big part of a big club. We want the commitment.”

Chelsea also have veteran duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva out of contract next summer, though a deal for the latter is understood to be close.

Arsenal face a decision on the future of Alexandre Lacazette, with the Frenchman nearing the end of his deal at the Emirates.

Lacazette has started just seven league fixtures so far this season but has returned to the side in recent weeks as doubts persist over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, following his removal as club captain after a disciplinary breach.

With Aubameyang linked with an exit and both Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in 2022, the Gunners’ options are stretched with Mikel Arteta expected to target the signing of a new centre-forward in the coming months.

Arsenal are understood to be unwilling to offer Lacazette – who remains a valued member of the dressing room – a new deal on his current terms, but a compromise could still be found if both parties are intent on extending his time at the Emirates.

Jesse Lingard looks set to leave Manchester United, having seen his career stall once again after returning to the Red Devils last summer.

Lingard earned a recall to the England squad after an impressive loan spell at West Ham last term, before returning to United and receiving assurances over his playing time at Old Trafford.

However, the 29-year-old has failed to start a single Premier League fixture and has totalled just 88 minutes of league action across eight substitute appearances, with a winter window move likely for a player who has fallen out of favour.

Read more
https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/17/eight-premier-league-stars-out-of-contract-next-summer/

Sergio Aguero has officially retired from football due to health complications.

The soon to be former Barcelona striker has been out since the end of October after suffering chest pains during a clash with Alaves.

Aguero has undergone numerous tests since to see whether he could continue playing, but today he has announced the decision to walk away from the game after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.

The Argentine is putting his health and life over football in what is an admirable decision.

The 33-year-old has managed a sensational career, kicking off with Independiente, scoring 23 goals in 54 games.

He made his name with Atletico Madrid, scoring 74 goals in 175 games, winning the Europa League and Super Cup along the way.

The best was yet to come. Aguero went on to become a Manchester City legend, spending 10 years with the club and helping to transform them into the giants they have become over recent years.

During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Aguero scored 184 goals in 275 Premier League appearances and is fourth on the list of all-time highest Premier League scorers.

As well as the goals, Aguero won five Premier League titles, an FA Cup and six League Cups.

In an almost perfect end to his career, Aguero won the Copa América with Argentina last simmer ahead of joining Barcelona on a free transfer.

Of course, it hasn’t worked out as he would have liked at Camp Nou, but his only La Liga goal for Barcelona came in El Clásico, and he now walks away from the game having amassed a reputation as one of the best goalscorers to grace it.

A tearful Aguero announced his decision in a press conference, alongside Barcelona president Joan Laporta, and in the presence of former boss Pep Guardiola today.

We will follow up this story with all the key quotes from that press conference, but for now, we wish Aguero the best of luck and congratulate him, not only on this brave decision, but for a truly excellent career.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/15/aguero-retires-from-football-over-heart-condition/

Governor Nyesom Wike said he has directed elders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers to begin the search for someone with capacity and passion to defend the interest of the state as his successor.

Wike revealed this during a birthday party organised for him by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike in his private residence at Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state on Monday evening.

The Governor said his successor must be someone with capacity to defend interest of Rivers.

He said, “I have dedicated this my birthday to make sure that whoever that is going to succeed me will be for the interest of the Rivers people, will be for the interest of the development of Nigeria.”

Wike, who narrated how he was hoodwinked to attend the birthday party that was secretly organised by his wife at his sport complex, thanked God for granting him a fruitful and eventful life.

He expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the wife of the governor of Oyo State, Mrs. Tamunominni Makinde and other dignitaries for gracing the occasion.

The governor urged people to continue praying for God’s grace to abound to him and his family on all sides.

The wife of the Rivers State governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, thanked God for his steadfast love towards Governor Wike.

Justice Nyesom-Wike, who showered encomium on her husband, prayed God to grant him his heart desires as well as long fruitful life.

Earlier, there was a novelty football match between team A and B of ex-Nigerian international footballers comprising of Austin Okocha, Taribo George, Kanu Nwankwo, Joseph Yobo, Daniel Amokachi, Augustine Eguavoen, Victor Ikpeba, Tijani Babangida, Samson Siasia among others.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/15/rivers-2023-pdp-leaders-will-pick-my-successor-wike/

The British government has said that all 11 countries will be removed from the UK’s travel red list from 4am on Wednesday.

Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe are on the list.

The red list was reintroduced in late November as a precaution after the emergence of the Omicron variant.

But Health Secretary Sajid Javid said it had spread so widely the rules no longer had much purpose.

“Now that there is community transmission of Omicron in the UK and Omicron has spread so widely across the world, the travel red list is now less effective in slowing the incursion of Omicron from abroad,” he told parliament.

“Whilst we will maintain our temporary testing measures for international travel we will be removing all 11 countries from the travel red list effective from 4am tomorrow morning.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/14/breaking-uk-removes-nigeria-10-other-countries-from-red-list/

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) says the value of the country’s green bonds market has grown to N55.52 billion in four years, from 2017 to 2021.

The Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr Temi Popoola, said this during the Sustainable Finance Training 2021 hosted by the NGX in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on Monday in Lagos.

Popoola said it was noteworthy that the size of the green bond market currently stood at N55.52 billion (133.8 million dollars).

Popoola added that the NGX was committed to fostering the growth of sustainable financial products which integrated the financial risks and opportunities associated with climate change and other environmental challenges.

He explained that “the Sub-Saharan Africa is the least responsible for global climate change but remains one of the most vulnerable to the risk posed by climate change.”

He said that the World Meteorological Organisation State of the Climate in Africa Report 2020, showed that the investment in climate adaptation for Sub-Saharan Africa, would cost between 30 to 50 billion dollars each year over the next decade.

He noted that the limited flow of climate finance remains a major issue for the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions in Africa, particularly Nigeria.

“NGX in 2016 conceptualised and developed the Green Bond Product Paper which was embraced and championed by the Debt Management Office and the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“This effort led to the issuance of the maiden N10.69 billion (25.8 million dollars) 13.48 per cent five-year green bond in 2017 to fund projects to develop renewable energy.

“This was sequel to the ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement by the Federal Government of Nigeria which necessitated the need for long-term capital to fulfill Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ending gas flaring by 2030,” he said.

Popoola also said that the second tranche, N15 billion (36.1 million dollars) 14.5 per cent seven-year green bond was issued in June 2019 and was over-subscribed.

“The sovereign issuance paved way for corporate green bond market to emerge with N15 billion (36.1 million dollars) 15.5 per cent five-year Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Green Bond by Access Bank and N8.5 billion (20.5 million dollars) 15.6 per cent 15-year Guaranteed Fixed Rate Senior Green Infrastructure Bond by North South Power Company.

“On 15 April 2021, North South Power Company (NSP) issued its second N6.33 billion (15.3 million dollars) 10-year 12 per cent Fixed Rate Series 2 Senior Green Bonds due 2031.

“It is noteworthy that all the corporate and sovereign green bonds are listed on the NGX.

“These follow-on issuances have further increased investible instruments and deepened the Nigerian Green Bond market.

(NAN)

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/14/nigerias-green-bond-market-exceeds-n55bn-mark-in-4-yrs/

Human Rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr Femi Falana, has filed a petition against an internet blogger, Ms Kemi Olunloyo, over some comments she reportedly made concerning the death of his client, late Sylvester Oromoni, 12, who was beaten to death by some students at Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos.

The petition was filed on behalf of the family by the chambers of Femi Falana, SAN.

In the petition sent to the police and other security agencies, the family called for an investigation to be conducted regarding Olunloyo’s claim that their son was a cult member among others.

A source said the family was peeved that the blogger levelled such an allegation against their son.

Also, the meeting called by the Chief Coroner for December 15 has been shifted, according to sources.

Though no reason was given for the shift in the date, it was gathered that the shift was necessitated by the need for some steps to be concluded before any Inquest could start.

Meanwhile, all concerned parties are still waiting for the autopsy to be conducted on the body of the deceased and the result being released to know the cause or causes of the boy’s death.

Recall that the Oromoni Family alleged that their son was beaten to a stupor by some students in the school hostel and he eventually died for refusing to join a cult group.

Different groups and individuals have called for sanction against the perpetrators and five students have been arrested and remanded in the juvenile correctional centre over the incident

The Lagos State government has shut down the school, just as President Muhammadu Buhari also called for justice to be meted out to any indicted person or persons.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/13/falana-asks-police-to-invite-kemi-olunloyo-over-reckless-comment-on-sylvesters-death/

The Champions League round of 16 draw for the 2021/22 campaign has been concluded.

While there has already been plenty of drama in Europe's premier competition this season, football fans are acutely aware that the knockout stages are where the tournament really cranks into gear.

With half of the qualified teams either jettisoned from continental football or sent crashing down to the Europa League, only the top contenders are left to slug it out for a chance to lift 'Big Ears' in May.

Champions League draw

The round of 16 draw is always a particularly fascinating part of the Champions League format because we haven't quite reached the stage where the fixtures are chosen completely at random.

Clubs from the same nation still can't face each other and group winners are pitted up against those who finished second in the idea that the very best sides won't be locking horns quite yet.

So, how did the draw line up before its conclusion on Monday morning? Well, it's fair to say that we were treated to some mouth-watering propositions with European giants wherever you looked.

Meanwhile, the runners up stacked up as: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Sporting CP, Inter Milan, Benfica, Villarreal, Red Bull Salzburg and Chelsea.

And that tantalising cocktail of continental juggernauts didn't disappoint when it was shaken and stirred into the mix during UEFA's ceremony at their headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.



https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/13/ucl-round-of-16-draw-revealed-as-ronaldo-faces-messi/

The Nigeria Football Federation has finally sacked Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr and appointed ex-international, Augustine Eguavoen, as Technical Adviser on interim basis.

Eguavon, ex-Nigeria international currently serves as Technical Director.

Eguavoen’s appointment, the NFF said is with immediate effect.

He is back to a familiar terrain. He was coach of the squad when it finished in third place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2006.

Rohr’s sack was announced by NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi.

“The relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation and Mr Rohr has come to an end. We thank him for his services to the Super Eagles and Nigeria.

“We also want to thank the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports for their collaboration and guidance all through.”

The NFF executive committee also appointed assistants for Eguavoen

Salisu Yusuf will serve as Chief Coach; Paul Aigbogun Assistant Coach; Joseph Yobo, Assistant Coach; Dr Terry Eguaoje, Assistant Coach and Aloysius Agu, Goalkeeper Trainer.

Former Nigeria captains Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Garba Lawal have been appointed to provide technical and ambassadorial support for the crew.

Rohr has been in charge of the Super Eagles for more than five years, logging the record as Nigeria’s longest –serving manager.

Eguavoen will now take charge of the team as it begins preparations for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon between 9 January and 6 February 2022.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/12/nff-sacks-gernot-rohr-augustine-eguavon-appointed-as-interim-boss/

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has shelved the Lagos peace walk planned for December 2021.

The governor, in an address on November 30, 2021, had invited some known faces of the EndSARS protest in the state in October 2020 to a peace walk for “the healing of Lagos” later this month.

Specifically, the governor had invited Folarin Falana (Falz), Debo Adebayo (Mr. Marcaroni), Dele Farotimi, Temitope Majekodunmi, Segun Awosanya (Segalink), Adedotun (Just Detoun), Seun Kuti, Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu and Commander of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CSP Yinka Egbeyemi and others to join him in the “historic march for our dear Lagos.”

But Falz, Mr Macaroni, the younger Kuti, amongst some arrowheads of the protest had rejected the invitation, saying there must be justice for EndSARS victims before peace.

Subsequently, in a press statement on Thursday, November 9, 2021, Sanwo-Olu said he is “constrained to stand down all preparations for the Walk for Peace” so as not to “endanger the life of any Lagosian” amid the outbreak of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

He said, “Between Tuesday 30, November 2021 that I made my address and now, we have seen a significant rise in cases associated with the Omicron variant of this pandemic.

“Given this development, I am constrained to stand down all preparations for the Walk for Peace. I will not endanger the life of any Lagosian in my sincere search for peace. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support the initiative received from far and near. The deluge of support is, however, indicative of one thing: our people know the strategic place of peace to our quest for development.”

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/09/lagos-governor-sanwo-olu-shelves-planned-endsars-peace-walk/

Barcelona  crashed out of the Champions League following a 3-0 defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, failing to make it past the group stage of the competition for the first time since the 2000/01 season.

First-half goals from Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane put the Germans, who won all six matches to top Group E, firmly in the driving seat before Jamal Musiala tapped in the third just past the hour.

Barcelona had advanced to at least the round of 16 every time they competed in the Champions League since 2001 but will continue in the second-tier Europa League after ending up third in the group. Benfica qualified as group runners-up with a win over bottom club Dynamo Kyiv.

Barca, who did not make a single chance in the second half and scored just twice in six group games, have lost their last two matches in all competitions following new coach Xavi's first defeat in charge of the side by Real Betis on Saturday.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/08/barcelona-crash-out-of-champions-league-after-bayern-defeat/

The Lagos State Government has shut down Bab Fafunwa Millennium School, Ojodu, formerly Ojodu Grammar School until January 2022.

A trailer had on Tuesday crushed some pupils of the school. Some of the students died on the spot, while some others were injured.

The incident sparked outrage among the students and inhabitants of the area.

Early this morning, students of the school protested the death of their colleagues.

Also, some parents trooped to the school on Wednesday to protest the death of the students.

They lamented that school was not immediately shut down after the incident.

One of them said, “Why should the school reopen. The street is still smelling of the flesh of dead bodies. The exam should be postponed and students given automatic promotion is possible.”

While weeping, a mother lamented that “It is embarrassing that the school reopened today. How will the government do such? What do they want other mothers to be thinking of. My daughter is not in school and I have come to tell them that she must not fail. If they are heartless, I am not.”
https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/08/lasg-shuts-ojodu-grammar-school-over-death-of-schoolchildren/

Pandemonium broke out along the Ogunusi Road, Grammar School Bus Stop, in Lagos on Tuesday afternoon when the driver of an articulated truck lost control and rammed into over 20 pupils.

The pupils were on their way home after school activities and had wanted to cross the road when the truck ran over them.

A mob immediately chased him to the Ogba area before the police apprehended him.

The mob, comprising angry youths and passersby, clashed with policemen at the scene who tried to maintain law and order.

It was also gathered that the mob lynched some policemen and descended on officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, even as police officers fired teargas canisters to disperse the mob.

Also, emergency responders including operatives of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency reportedly turned back from the scene in the ensuing riot.

The incident grounded vehicular movement as motorists deserted the road and stranded commuters trekked long distances.

LASEMA, in a situation report after the incident, confirmed the development.

It was titled, ‘Situation Report on the truck accident at Ogunusi Road, Grammar School bus-stop, Ojodu Berger,’ signed by Yemi Sule of LASEMA Public Affairs Department.

The statement read, “The Agency received a distress call at 2:56 pm about a truck accident at Ogunusi Road, Grammar School Bus-stop, Ojodu Berger.

“However, the information gathered from LASTMA and NPF Officials at the scene revealed that an unidentified truck lost control and rammed into students returning from School.

“The incident led to severe injuries to some victims, others were discovered dead.

“This unfortunate incident provoked some bystanders into taking laws into their hands by lynching NPF, LASTMA officials and other first responders at the scene, destroying vehicles and other properties.

“The number of fatalities and casualties could not be ascertained as at the time of reporting.

“The attack by the miscreants led the Emergency Team to head back to base as the scene was insecure and unsafe for rescue and recovery operations.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps has said that its officers were not involved in the cause of the crash, saying that its officers were only called upon by passersby to help intervene after the crash had happened.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/07/mob-clash-with-policemen-as-truck-rams-into-schoolchildren-in-lagos/

The United Kingdom on Monday said that student and work visa applications will be processed despite travel restrictions imposed on Nigeria amid the outbreak of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

The British High Commission, Abuja, made this known in a statement titled, ‘Statement from British High Commission on UK visa applications’.

The High Commission had on Sunday said it will “pause making decisions on visitor visa applications in all red list countries, including Nigeria, until travel restrictions are lifted”.

But in an update on Monday, the UK said visa applications in other categories such as for persons who wish to study, work or live permanently, will continue to be processed.

“To support the UK Government’s aim to protect public health from COVID 19 and associated variants of concern, UK Visas & Immigration have paused making decisions on visitor visa applications in all red list countries until travel restrictions are lifted.

“Applications in other categories (student/work/live permanently in the UK) will continue to be processed.

“If you have been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England, once you arrive you must quarantine for 10 full days in a managed quarantine hotel (the day you arrive in England is day 0),” the statement read in part.

Britain had on Saturday banned Nigerian travellers after it said it discovered 21 cases of the Omicron variant in people who recently visited Nigeria, saying the measure was a temporary measure aimed at protecting its public health.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, subsequently said the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 would respond to the travel ban.

Mohammed, at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, described the travel ban as discriminatory.

Also, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sharafa Ishola, described the travel ban as apartheid.

President of the African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, had also described the travel ban by the West on African countries as discriminatory.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/07/omicron-uk-will-continue-to-process-work-student-visas-for-nigerians/

The Lagos Police command has arrested three students of the Dowen College, Lekki Lagos over their alleged involvement in the death of Sylvester Oromoni junior, a 12-year-old student of the college.

Lagos State commissioner of police, Hakeem Odumosu disclosed this on Tuesday

Odumosi said three of the five students mentioned by Sylvester before he died are already in custody and cooperating with the police in their findings.

Although Odumosu did not give the identities of those in custody he insisted that they are key suspects.

The police boss explained that the Command is set to go for the post mortem of the body in Delta state to ascertain the cause of death.

He assured that police authorities in both Lagos and Delta State are keenly interested in the outcome of the investigation to unravel the mystery behind Sylvester’s death.

The story of 12-year-old Sylvester went viral last week after a family member went on social media to demand justice. In a series of Tweets, the family member, with handle @Perrisonoromoni said Sylvester was assaulted by some senior students pf Dowen College. He added that Sylvester died after sustaining multiple internal injuries from being tortured and bullied.

Also, in a video released online by the family member, Oromoni jr was seen writhing in pain. His teeth were stained dark red with blood. His legs were swollen, and his belly was bloated.

The Management of Dowen College in a statement claimed that Sylvester was injured while playing football. In another statement, they assured that they will cooperate with authorities to investigate the incident.

The Lagos State government through its Ministry of Education paid an inquiry visit to the college and announced on Friday that the school be shut down indefinitely.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/07/dowen-college-police-arrest-three-students-over-oromonis-death/

The Lagos State Police Command has revealed that it is yet to make any arrest regarding the death of 12-year-old Dowen college student, Sylvester Oromoni.

The spokesperson of the state police command, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, made this known is a chat with Newsmen.

According to him, a letter of invitation would be officially sent to the school management today, December 6th.

“For now, and to the best of my knowledge, no arrest has been made, but investigation is ongoing.” Ajisebutu said.

It can be recalled that 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni died days ago after he was allegedly beaten and tortured by his fellow students for refusing to join their cult.

Meanwhile, the police spokesperson in a statement released on Saturday, December 4, said although the case was not officially reported to the police, the command has launched an investigation into the death of the young boy.

What our son knows about Oromoni’s death – Kashamu’s family

The family of late representative of Ogun East Senatorial District, Buruji Kashamu, has reacted to reports that his son, Adewale, was one of the alleged cult members that beat to death Sylvester Oromoni Jr.

The reaction of the family to the death of Oromoni was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Mutairu Kashamu.

The statement said: “Since the news of the unfortunate incident broke, we have made our own private enquiries and carefully questioned our son about his involvement. This is why we did not rush out to respond to the cyber-stalking, name-calling, and negative commentaries that have taken over social media about our son’s alleged involvement in this sad incident.

“Our son, Adewale Michael Kashamu, had acted as a school father for the late Sylvester in his first session in the school at the request of Sylvester’s sister who is also a student of the school.

“However, in the 2021 session commencing in September 2021 Adewale Michael Kashamu was moved to a different floor in the boarding house, and engrossed in his own studies and activities, he was no longer as close to Sylvester as in the previous session.

“Adewale Michael Kashamu is a compassionate and considerate boy. Sometime last session, some boys had been accused of beating Sylvester with belts and seizing his foodstuff but Adewale Michael Kashamu was not involved at all. He was in fact in sympathy with Sylvester over that incident.

“On that occasion, Sylvester’s parents made a report to the school and the affected students were questioned and one of them at least was suspended.

“Adewale Michael Kashamu is not aware that an identical incident occurred again this year leading to Sylvester’s injury and death.

“Adewale Michael Kashamu had seen Sylvester limping sometime late in November and (assuming he might have been injured playing football) merely empathized with him and advised him to go to the school clinic.

“Other students who knew the circumstances of Sylvester’s leg injury have all testified that he was injured whilst playing football.

“Whilst he was in school, Sylvester had no visible injury to his lips or face. Sylvester’s family has admitted that Sylvester’s swollen, blistered and bloody lips (as shown in videos and pictures, now viral on the internet) were reactions to medications given to Sylvester after he had been taken from the school by his parents.

“We feel and can relate to the pains of the Oromoni family and all those genuinely concerned about this unfortunate incident. That is why we wish to express our readiness to cooperate with the parents of the deceased, the Police, the Lagos State government, and other relevant stakeholders to get to the root of this matter so that the cause of justice will not only be served but manifestly seen to have been served

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/06/sylvester-oromoni-police-says-no-arrest-has-been-made-kashamu-family-speaks/

The United Kingdom says Nigeria will be added to the countries on its red list as a result of the discovery of COVID Omicron cases linked to Nigeria.

Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, disclosed this on Saturday in a television interview.

The South Africa National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) had, on November 25, announced the discovery of 22 positive cases of the new Omicron variant.

Following the discovery, a number of countries banned travel from countries in southern Africa.

The UK had also placed a temporary ban on air travel from six southern African countries — South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe — with immediate effect to prevent importation of the variant into Britain.

According to the new protocol announced on Saturday, non-UK and non-Irish citizens who are travelling in from Nigeria will not be allowed entry into the UK.

“Over the recent days, we have learned of a significant number of growing cases linked to travel with Nigeria. There are 27 cases already in England and that’s growing. Nigeria narrows second only to South Africa in terms of cases linked to Omicron,” he said.

“So today, the government has decided to add Nigeria to the travel red list and that will be effective from 4am on Monday. This will mean that only UK residents or citizens of the UK can enter the UK from Nigeria from that point onwards, and they would have to quarantine in one of the relevant hotels.

“We’ve also decided to require pre-departure tests for all inward travellers that will be effective from 4am on Tuesday, and they’ll be required maximum of 48 hours before the departure time.”

A statement by the British High Commission also noted that the ban is temporary and “follows 21 recent cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) linked to Nigeria”.

The ban will also not apply to persons “staying airside and only transiting through”.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/05/uk-bans-travellers-from-nigeria-over-omicron-concerns/

Bitcoin (BTC) has suddenly fallen below $47,000 on Dec. 4, losing nearly 20% in the past 24 hours. This makes this the biggest one-day drop since May 15, when Bitcoin price momentarily came down to nearly $33,000.

The market price of BTC fell down 26.4% from week-long support of $57,206 to go down to $42,268 before recovering back to the $45k mark. According to ByBit data, the Bitcoin market experienced $1.3B total liquidations in the past hour, with $735M liquidated in BTC longs on this drop.

As a result, Bitcoin’s bear market cancels out the 2-month long bull market since Sept. 29, where BTC soared over 63% to attain an all-time high of $67, 602 by Nov. 08. However, numerous Bitcoin analysts including TechDev point out a similar trend with Bitcoin’s price action for every year.

Another reason for Bitcoin’s two-month low bearish streak can also be attributed to mainstream resistance from the US regulators that have invited the CEOs of prominent crypto exchanges including FTX and Binance US for a hearing on crypto-assets.

On the other hand, some analysts believe that the price of Bitcoin can now stabilize following the decline.

Despite concerns surrounding volatility and non-compliance with traditional financial practices, Bitcoin continues to rise as a viable asset for jurisdictions with unstable economies.

Following the footsteps of El Salvador, the government of Zimbabwe is considering the mainstream use of Bitcoin. As Cointelegraph reported, retired Brigadier Colonel Charles Wekwete, the permanent secretary and head of the office of the president and cabinet’s e-government technology unit, confirmed that discussions with businesses are already underway.

According to Wekwete, the authorities intend to develop regulations to protect consumers against financial threats such as unregistered cross-border transfers, externalization of money and money laundering.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/04/bitcoin-tumbles-below-47k-wiping-out-october-gains/

The Lagos State Government has ordered the indefinite shutdown of Dowen College, Lekki, pending investigations into the death of a student, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Ganiu Lawal.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of Dowen College, Lekki, pending the outcome of an investigation into the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a student of the school.

“Commissioner for Education Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo announced the closure after a meeting with the School Management and Staff.

“The Commissioner called for calm, saying no effort will be spared in getting to the root of the incident.”

The death of the 12-year-old student of the college, Oromoni Jnr., had sparked various reactions from celebrities and Nigerians alike.

Reports had emerged that Oromoni was bullied and beaten by fellow students. The supposed injuries from the beating led to his death, according to a Twitter user with the handle @perrisonoromoni, who claimed to be the boy’s cousin.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the school denied all allegations stating that Oromoni was neither bullied nor beaten but only complained of hip pain after playing football.

The child’s father, who bears the same name as the student, stated that contrary to what Dowen College had said in the statement, the family friend who they sent to pick up Oromoni Jnr. from the school described a totally different situation.

The bereaved father stated that his son was bullied and beaten to stupor as he said, “The next day, we sent a family friend to help pick up our son since he was the only person in Lagos and take him to the hospital. When he got there, he panicked, pointing out that he doubts it’s a football injury as the school claimed.”

Meanwhile, Dowen College, in an email sent to parents early Friday morning, stated that students should not come to school on Friday, 3rd December and Monday, 6th December because of the incident.

https://www.newslead.ng/2021/12/03/sylvester-oromoni-lasg-orders-indefinite-closure-of-dowen-college/