*NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR THURSDAY 16TH DECEMBER 2021*



*PUNCH*

Senator kicks as NPC budgets N400bn for May 2022 census

NANS South-West kicks against nationals failure to conduct new election

Kanu hasnt changed clothes since June, health deteriorating

EFCC arrests bank chief, other over $72.87m account

Varsity proprietor labels traditional doctor robber over alleged threat to life

#NorthisBleeding protests: FG under attack as DSS, police disperse, arrest demonstrators

FG begins payment of increased police salary January

Heavy security as FG arraigns 15 suspects over Odilis home raid

Nigeria shouldnt be importing petrol, we'll resist unfriendly policies NLC

Curbing avoidable carnage on the roads

Our leaders interested in sharing money, not serving citizens Ohuabunwa

Ondo-Ore highway deplorable, turning to bandits haven Rep

Nasarawa group tackles Sule over appointments, alleges marginalisation

Zamfara Assembly recalls two members suspended for backing bandits

Re-open schools to avoid producing illiterates, member tells Zamfara Assembly

PDP Assembly contestants seek INECs declaration to replace 14 Edo absentee lawmakers

Ganduje pleads for peace after Hisbah, youths clash in Kano

Prices continue to soar as NBS says inflation dropped in Nov

National Assembly misses target on 2022 budget passage

Ministry wants Customs stripped of revenue collection role

NIMASA partners agric ministry to end illegal fishing

Nigeria lacks certified ship radio technicians, says NPA

Kano tour operators lament N2bn loss to Saudi Arabia flight suspension

Terminate passport production contract with foreign firm, Reps tell FG

Post-harvest losses in Nigeria hit N3.5tn annually ActionAid

Ayade advocates stronger economic ties between Cross River, Equatorial Guinea

Dollar shortage may delay 5G rollout, winners source $547m licence fee

Seized elephant tusks, ivories rise to 2,972, says FG

Reps order probe of Navys $195.3m equipment contract to foreign firm

World Bank announces $93bn package for Nigeria, 73 others

Senate okays Buharis request on fresh $5.8bn borrowing

FG generated N86bn from TSA in 10 months Minister

Hallmark HMO appoints new directors

Establish grants for food security, Reps tell CBN, others

N17bn arrears paid to pensioners of defunct agencies PTAD

Akeredolus wife distributes solar facilities to 300 women

New five-year tax holidayll boost gas investments FG

Ogun, NEPC train 150 entrepreneurs in e-commerce

WIP celebrates Christmas with widows in Lagos

Lagos to improve investment climate with energy masterplan

Eunisell retains investment grade credit rating

Africa should be exempted from zero-carbon emissions target

Premier League table after Wednesday's matches

FIFPRO World XI: Oshoala out, Onguene in

Napoli doctors to visit Osimhen in Eagles camp

Omicron variant may force CAF to cancel AFCON

Eagles strikers scoring form huge worry ahead AFCON

Dennis, Troost-Ekong in COVID-19 scare

Dare, Ogba, others hail Dickson for promoting wrestling

Kwara United unveil Lokosa, 11 others ahead season opener

Rangers fans celebrate over potential AFCON cancellation

We're eager to resume new season ' NPFL players, coaches

LMC approves Ilorin, Offa stadia for NPFL matches

Concern as AFCON faces potential cancellation

Dortmund vs Frth: Haaland leads Dortmund to 3-0 win in Bundesliga

CAF Champions League, Confed Cup draws for Dec 28

Real Madrid's Modric, Marcelo test positive for COVID-19

Arsenal beat 10-man West Ham 2-0 to go fourth on EPL table

Burnley vs Watford postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak



*VANGUARD*

CBN earmarks N41bn through Heritage Bank for wheat farming

Reps probe legality of FG's involvement in Primary Healthcare

Headline inflation decreases in Nov. to 15.40% 'NBS

Experts urge states to domesticate laws on compulsory building insurance

FG arraigns 15 suspects for allegedly invading Justice Odili's residence

APM Terminals Investment in Apapa hits N180 billion

Diezani: EFCC uncovers additional $72.87m in Bank

CP orders full-scale investigation over the killing of Kaduna lawmaker

ASUU slams Labour Minister, Ngige over claims of N52.1b given to union

Police arrest 305 suspected bandits, kidnappers, rescue 168 victims in Kaduna

Delta environment favourable for investment ' Okowa

Seige On Justice Odili's Home: 15 persons arraigned, remanded in prison

Adhere to zoning agreement, ex-minister urges Enugu PDP leaders

2023: Atiku group storms Edo for consultations

Subsidy: fuel importation policy forced on Nigeria ' NLC

Our state at bottom of sea, rescue rests on all, Arthur Jarvis tells CrossRiverians

FEC approves Nigeria Startup Bill

PDP to be driven by grassroots politicians, not big names ' Sen. Ayu

2023: How PDP can get it right in 2023 ' Sen Ningi

Otedola: I have no interest in holding any board position in FBN Holdings, First Bank

Premier League: Arsenal breeze into 4th with 2-0 West Ham win

Tricycle operators protest extortion in Anambra

Kaduna Police Command arrests 305 suspects for banditry, kidnapping offenses in 2021, Charge 242 to court

Gunmen kill Ondo High Chief over land dispute

Police nab husband, 3 others in Abia for masterminding abduction, gruesome murder of wife

Cassava, not cause of diabetes, goitre ' Researcher

Resident doctors decry inadequate medical equipment

Lagos prosecutes defaulters of COVID guidelines

Friends of Osinbajo health grant: Dr Olusola organises free medical outreach in Kogi

Police arrest drunk policeman in Osun, to face orderly room trial

Two cousins in court for destroying relative's property worth N455 million

Iniubong Umoren's Murder: Court refuses to admit second, third defendants to bail

2 travel agents jailed 5 years each for visa fraud

Accident claims 7, injures 19 in Ibadan

Ogwashi-Uku High Chief accuses ACP of allegedly perverting course of justice



*THISDAY*

Stakeholders Optimistic 3.5GHz Spectrum Licence Will Usher in Real-time Benefits of 5G Technology

FG Targets N100bn Annual Revenue from Proposed Vehicles Recycling Policy

COVID-19: Sterling Bank Reaffirms Support for Sustainable Healthcare

CBN Earmark N41bn for Dry Season Wheat Farming

Access Bank Excites Customers With Christmas Campaign

As NCC Opens Stage for 5G Deployment

Ekeledo: Internet Penetration, Digital Adoption Key to Tech Innovation

Burger King Launches In Nigeria

Azeez: Nigerias Investment Climate Holds Favourable Promise

Expert Calls for Dialogue to Save Nigerias Advertising Industry

NiRA Tasks Registrars to Deepen Domain Name Adoption

NITDA: Blockchain Technology Necessary for Digital Transformation

Evaluating Multichannel Customer Engagement via SMS, WhatsApp

Firms Partner to Digitise Transportation for 1.2m Customers Annually

USAID, Lagos StateSign MoU onWater and Sanitation Services

Organisations to Test, Counsel 1,000 Truck Drivers

9mobile, NIMC Move to Enhance Effective Identity Management

HACEY Health Sensitises Students on Gender-based Violence

Linkage Assurance Partners LAMATA

Airtel Africa, Ericsson Launch Data Centre in Seychelles

Lagos Govt, Eko Innovation Centre Harp on Startup Funding, Empowerment

Sophos Intelligence Shows Cyberattackers Exploiting Apache Log4Shell Vulnerability

Huawei Offers ICT Training to Over 600 Students

BAT Wins Consumer Goods Category At CIO Awards

Investment Company, Anchoria Rebrands, Increases Trading Possibilities

CAPSA announces Collaboration with UAC Foods

Stock Marker Rebounds By 0.09% over Gain in Consumer Good Index

Musa: Rotational Presidency Has No Place in Our Constitution

Igini: Nothing New About Financial Burden Argument for Direct Primaries

COMBATING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

*House of Reps Aspirant Wants more Opportunities for Youths in Elective,...

Akande, Tinubu, Buhari and 2023

CAF, European Clubs at War over Release of Players for AFCON

Inter Set to Terminate Eriksens Contract

Plans to Mark 50th Anniversary of Thunder Baloguns Passage Unveiled

3rd Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open Starts Today

Bola Tinubu U-20 Cup Gets February Date

MFM FC Relocate to Mobolaji Johnson Arena

NBBFs Reconciliatory Committee Submits Report

Madrid to Delay Mbappe Approach Till after UCL Clash

Bastion Health CSR Project Donates to Health Units of Five Public Schools in Lagos

SYPHILIS AND INFERTILITY (Part 1)

Making the Blind See in Abia



*THE SUN*

Empowerment: Lagos, firm chart course for funding tech entrepreneurs

How Wizkid, Olamide, Joeboy, others topped Boomplay charts

Tommy Hilfiger launches Fall 21 collections in Port Harcourt

Coca-Cola bags two awards at the 2021 SERAS

2023: Ayus NWC and PDPs many headaches

Stop begging northerners for power shift, support Biafra restoration, IPOB tells Ohanaeze

APC has set Nigeria 20 years backward Wike

Haphazard project implementation, vainglory reasons for Nigerias underdevelopment Obong Victor Attah

Nigeria ranks 1st in global OGP

FG, France move to mitigate carbon effect in Nigeria

NCC addressing infrastructure deficit Danbatta

We wont allow substandard automotive imports into Nigeria FG

Inflation drops to 15.40% in Nov

MPP records over 72, 000 participants, operators aim for more with incentives

Insurance must be built into support govts are offering IICC boss

Underwriter to deepen industry growth with No Yawa

Enterprise Life partner brokers to expand insurance patronage

COVID-19 has eroded SDGs achievements, FG laments

Dont abort fuel subsidy, make it transparent -NLC

Okparas first son dies

Group to Buhari: Nigerias future threatened, be more accessible to citizens views

Behind our recent diplomatic victories

How to douse agitation in South East-Uko, Igbo activist

Paris Club Funds: ACourt okays forfeiture of $500,000, N500m to FG

FCTA declares war on open grazing

FEC approves new federal civil service plan 2021-2025

Court adjourns $119m power plant contract case against Saipem MD, others to Jan.

Building collapse in Nigeria: Matters arising (1)

Sit-tight syndrome

This spendthrift government and its 2023 plot

Humans, the most destructive creatures on earth

Between subsidy removal and revenue leakages

Nigerias worrisome poverty rate

Banditry, kidnapping and Osun 2014 security architecture

Father Omega: Reverend Father of revolutionary music

Reviving abandoned primary health centres



*GUARDIAN*

FRSC warns against night journey as seven travellers die in Osunauto crash

DSVRT seeks collaboration against domestic, sexual violence

Three lodgers allegedly die of generator fumes in Rivers hotel

Lagos begins verification of Oko Baba saw millers before relocation

Seven people die in Ibadan auto crash

Ogun pledges special attention to aged, physically challenged on waste management

18 corps members escape death in Delta

Insecurity: Niger to harmonise volunteers, community vigilantes' activities

NPFL, Enyimba, Rangers, others get sponsorship boost

Delta set up MOC for Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival

Third Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open begins today in Lagos

U-14 champions cause upsets at Zenith Bank Next Gen Tennis Masters

Equities rebound, lift indices by 0.09 per cent

Infrastructure company to source 50% of funding from domestic market

Judiciary critical in AMCON's N4.4trn debt recovery efforts

Cooking gas, fuel prices spike amid decelerating inflation

Capsa, UAC Foods collaborate on invoice factoring

Minister charges investors on inclusive AfCTA implementation

APWB appoints new exco members

Paxful Introduces Gift Card Hub for easy holiday shopping

Federalism is the answer, after all - Part 60

Bullying in hostels: The Sylvester Oromoni tragedy

It's yet morning

Roles of newly-appointed SA and SSA in Edo

Retirement should be enjoyed, not endured

Unhealthy development

COVID-19: As Omicron variant creeps in on us

Nigeria, not at ease - Part 2

Reversing ageing, ill-health with natural products

FCTA talks tough on cattle rearing in Abuja

Lassa fever kills two doctors in Nasarawa specialist hospital

Obasanjo, Abdulsalami, Sultan, others task FG on constitution review

EFCC arrests MD of First Bank Holdings, Nnamdi Okonkwo

Okorocha denies asking Imo gov to disband probe panel

IPOB flays Igbo leaders, politicians 'begging' for 2023 presidency

Senate approves Buhari's $5.8b 2018-2020 external borrowing request

Fresh strike looms as ASUU meets December 18

Coups serious threat to West Africa's stability, says Yakubu



*NEW TELEGRAPH*

Improving Civil Service delivery in Nigeria

Senate approves Buhari's $5.8bn 2018-2020 external borrowing request

2022 budget suffers setback as INEC delays passage

Insecurity: FG tackles OBJ on 'dead horse' rhetoric

Counter-insurgency: We're training over 100 pilots nationwide 'NAF

COVID-19: World Bank unveils $93bn support package for poorest countries

ISWAP to strike Adamawa villages during Christmas

NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION: 2022 population, housing census to gulp N400bn

Inflation plunges to 15.4% in November 'NBS

Air travel rebounds, travellers rebook cancelled flights

Reps approve NCC's N633.39bn 2022 budget

AEDC: Matters arising over privatisation

Cyber-attacks: Bracing for next pandemic

MAN highlights challenges facing business community at ports

AfDB, MAN prioritise PPP to unlock $15trn infrastructure investment

Broadband: NCC licenses 38 new ISPs

2021: Tiwa Savage, Squid Game top Nigerians' Google search

9mobile commits to effective national identity mgt

Airtel Nigeria to feed 5,000 IDPs at Christmas

ICT training: Huawei empowers 600 students across Africa

RoW: UK appeals to Nigerian states over charges

New tariffs, levies: Reps back Finance Bill

Nigerians are fed up with APC ' Akobundu

Corruption: Abiru, Falana identify malaise as bane of devt

AFCON: Eguavoen adopts Rohr's provisional lists

Zenith Bank Next Gen Tennis Masters: U-14 Champions cause major upsets

Ijebu North agog for Adelaja Tennis meet

CAF denies cancellation of AFCON

WA confirms date for Okpekpe Race

Organisers set July 25 date to celebrate Thunder Balogun

CAF: Omicron won't stop Cameroon 2021

Report: CAF may Cancel AFCON 2021 Over Omicron

JUST IN: Aguero announces retirement due to heart condition

World Athletics confirms date for Okpekpe Race



*BLUE PRINT*

Buhari providing quality leadership amidst rising insecurity ' FG

Paris Club Funds: A/Court okays forfeiture of $500,000, N500m to FG

NISA Premiere Nigeria's biggest private training centre for doctors

Appeal Court dethrones Nasarawa chief over faulty selection process

NASS budget office must be strengthened for efficiency ' Lawan

FEC approves new salary structure for police

Senate rejects bill seeking women empowerment, gender equality

Nigeria gets new $98m Islamic bank loan for education

NPC proposes N400bn for census, INEC to submit proposal next week

Pictures: NGO empowers 30 IDP women with funds for business

Senate okays N633.39bn for NCC in 2022, approves N8.8bn USPF budget

FEC approves $1.9 billion for power sector

Police nab man for masterminding wife's abduction, murder

FCT Police arrest #NorthIsBleeding protesters

CNL: Splashing $1bn on Nigerian suppliers, service providers in ten years

NiMet alerts Nigerians on poor visibility

No iota of truth in rejecting relegated clubs ' Ogunnowo

Stakeholders call for extension of MTN's 575 million shares public offer

Okpekpe 10km International Road Race returns

NPFL: Remo Stars unveils Ojo, Okorom, 11 others

Drunk police officer in viral video detained ' Osun CP

Ashiru vs Bello: Court adjourns pretrial of certificate allegations

Philanthropist, Dauda Lawal receives African Achievers Award in London

Ex-Naval officer denies ignoring EFCC's invitation

Insecurity: CDS reiterates commitment to forging stronger synergy

CDS tasks celebrities on national security

Wabba urges US to lift economy blockade in Cuba

COVID-19: ILO seeks solidarity to 'build back' changing work place

NEGF tasks FG on handling of repentant terrorists

Buni wants FG to resuscitate Lake Chad, implement GGW, others

400 mentally deranged treated

Cross River vows to become leading cocoa producer

Kaduna judicial panel of inquiry recommends N274.6m compensation

Widows are being neglected, NICN cries out

2023 polls: No room for Muslim / Muslim presidential ticket, PFN warns

Legislate on AbdulRazaq's 10- year devt plan, group urges assembly

EFCC smashes fake currency syndicate in Abuja

Sokoto carnage: Gumbi urges govt to ensure people's security

Govs approaching land issues like owners

Citizens need adequate information about conduct of govt business ' Jonathan



*TRIBUNE*

HYPPADEC set to address lingering hardship of hydropower host communities

Govt not monitoring construction of buildings, Third Mainland Bridge ' NIS boss

NITDA begins training of 60 Lagos women in technology, entrepreneurship

Woman who sold child for N300,000 bags 7-year imprisonment in Ondo

Enyimba, Heartland, Rangers, others get Hero lager as official sponsor

Sergio Aguero retires from playing football over heart problem

FEC okays 20 percent pay increase for police officers

Its high time citizens bears arms for protection ' Masari

Dramatic economic progress only possible with bold investments in health ' Osibogun

Report shows climate change, conflict fuelling Africa's hunger crisis

As Buhari visits Ogun

CSOs visit Nembe oil spill site, fault Aiteo's cleanup claims

Ogun committed to providing affordable housing, reducing poverty ' Gov Abiodun's wife

Bankers promise easy access to credit in 2022

Stock market rebounds by 0.1 per cent amidst mixed activities

Inflation rate falls to 15.40%, says NBS

NIRSAL MfB disburses N503bn loans to Nigerian businesses

ATQ rewards aviation key players for excellence

Air Peace resumes flights to Makurdi tomorrow

Nigeria bags ICAN2022 hosting rights

Why pilots, crew members must always approach briefing rooms 'NIMET DG



*SPORTS*

3rd Lagos Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open Starts Today - Thisday

5-Star OT Kiyaunta Goodwin Commits to Kentucky over Michigan State - Bleacher Report

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 'tarnishing image' of F1, says sport's governing body - BBC

AEW Dynamite Winter Is Coming Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights - Bleacher Report

AFCON: Eguavoen adopts Rohr's provisional lists - New Telegraph

Aguero retires from football over heart condition - The Cable

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: Gunners move up to fourth with victory over 10-man Hammers - BBC

Arsenal beat 10-man West Ham 2-0 to go fourth on EPL table - Punch

Arsenal go fourth as Martinelli and Smith Rowe sink 10-man West Ham - Yahoo

Arsenal into top four as Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe sink Hammers - Yahoo

Arsenal limp through to Women's Champions League quarter-finals despite thrashing at Hoffenheim - Yahoo

Arsenal make sure of Women's Champions League progress despite Hoffenheim defeat - Yahoo

Arsenal move into top four at West Ham's expense - Yahoo

Arsenal survive Hoffenheim scare to progress in Women's Champions League - Yahoo

Austin Reaves Buzzer-Beater Gives LeBron James, Lakers OT Win vs. Mavericks - Bleacher Report

Australia's Pat Cummins out of second Ashes Test due to Covid close contact - Yahoo

Bola Tinubu U-20 Cup Gets February Date - Thisday

Brighton 0-1 Wolves: Graham Potter says Seagulls tried to have game postponed over Covid-19 cases - BBC

Brighton 0-1 Wolves: Romain Saiss goal takes visitors up to eighth in Premier League - BBC

Brighton's winless run continues as Romain Saiss goal earns victory for Wolves - Yahoo

Bundesliga: Awoniyi Fires Blanks Again In Union Berlin's Home Draw - Complete Sports

Bundesliga: Erling Haaland strikes twice as Dortmund battle past lowly Frth - Yahoo

Burnley vs Watford postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak - Punch

CAF Champions League, Confed Cup draws for Dec 28 - Punch

CAF denies cancellation of AFCON - New Telegraph

CAF, European Clubs at War over Release of Players for AFCON - Thisday

CAF: Omicron won't stop Cameroon 2021 - New Telegraph

Chelsea Keen On Signing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez - Daily Independent

Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel hopeful Ben Chilwell will not need ACL surgery - Yahoo

Concern as AFCON faces potential cancellation - Punch

Copa del Rey: Chukwueze On Target In Villarreal's 7-1 Away Win - Complete Sports

Covid-19 outbreaks in sport: Several football and rugby games have been postponed - BBC

Cowboys' Dak Prescott Offers to Pay Potential Fine for La'el Collins After Ejection - Bleacher Report

Crystal Palace 2-2 Southampton: Jordan Ayew equaliser earns point for hosts - BBC

Crystal Palace and Southampton share four goals at Selhurst Park - Yahoo

Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew ends goal drought to deny Southampton victory - Yahoo

Dare, Ogba, others hail Dickson for promoting wrestling - Punch

Delta set up MOC for Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival - Guardian

Dennis, Troost-Ekong in COVID-19 scare - Punch

Dessers Nets 10th Goal Of Season As Feyenoord Crash Out Of Dutch Cup - Complete Sports

Dominic Thiem clarifies why he pulled out of his comeback event in Abu Dhabi - Yahoo

Dortmund vs Frth: Haaland leads Dortmund to 3-0 win in Bundesliga - Punch

Eagles strikers scoring form huge worry ahead AFCON - Punch

Early National Signing Day 2021: Day 1 Recruit Commitments and Reaction - Bleacher Report

Early National Signing Day 2021: Grading Every Top 25 Team's Class on Day 1 - Bleacher Report

Early National Signing Day 2021: Winners and Losers for Every Power Conference - Bleacher Report

Enyimba, Heartland, Rangers, others get Hero lager as official sponsor - Tribune

FIFPRO World XI: Oshoala out, Onguene in - Punch

Former LSU All-American CB Eli Ricks Transfers to Alabama - Bleacher Report

Gerwyn Price survives a scare to move into the third round at Alexandra Palace - Yahoo

Graham Potter questions possible inconsistencies over Covid-19 postponements - Yahoo

Hangman' Page Draws Bryan Danielson, Retains AEW World Title at Winter Is Coming - Bleacher Report

HBO 'Hard Knocks' 2021: Best Colts Storylines, Moments, Reaction for Episode 5 - Bleacher Report

He is not a selfish player': Arteta hails Lacazette's Arsenal leadership - Yahoo

Hoffenheim v Arsenal: Gunners qualify for knockout stage despite heavy defeat by Hoffenheim - BBC

I don't care if they try to take my F1 world title away from me ' Max Verstappen - Yahoo

Ijebu North agog for Adelaja Tennis meet - New Telegraph

Inter Set to Terminate Eriksens Contract - Thisday

Isaiah Thomas Drops 42 Points in Debut with G League's Grand Rapids Gold - Bleacher Report