*NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR FRIDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2021*



*PUNCH*

Judge threatens to dismiss YarAdua daughters FCT land suit over delay

Ekiti fears outbreak of Lassa fever, raises surveillance

Buhari orders release of doctors, health workers withheld wages

Wike attacks Peterside over state economy, Tambuwal inaugurates road

DAME to honour Bonuola, Adefaye, Omotoso, others at 30th edition

Group urges FG to stop North killings

Police breached right of detained #Northisbleeding protesters Falana

Reps to probe Nigerian ladys death in Ivorian prison

ASUU vows to sustain action till FG meets demands

AGF writes Buhari, says mandatory direct primaries will cause confusion

INC accuses FG of disregarding federal character, equity

Appeal Court okays final forfeiture of ex-NDDC directors N1.8bn property

Poly workers berate states for refusing to pay minimum wage

Enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea

Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Ngige, others hail Buhari at 79

Orji Kalu writes Buni, advocates postponement of APC convention

Lawyer kicks as Gojes aide spends 16 days in detention over misleading post

Reps demand dismantling of Lagos-South-East, Abuja route checkpoints

Ishaku warns monarchs, alleges terrorists planning base in Taraba

Ayade upholds zoning, welcomes PDP stalwarts, supporters into APC

Governors vow to review FGs proposed privatisation of 10 power plants

FG officially asks UN to recover, return looted assets to Nigeria

Over 42 million Nigerian rural adults lack banking services World Bank experts

Please, consider unqualified but quality teachers

Hoodlum arrested for kidnapping Ondo female worshippers during vigil, others held

Benue LG chair condemns murder of farmer, two sons

Delta councillor allegedly shot by herdsmen dies after two surgeries

Kidnapped Imo monarch reveals killing of abducted king, body dumped in ditch

Edo police rescue five kidnap victims, recover stolen vehicles

Clampdown on #Northisbleeding protesters most unwise

Money by all menacing means

Odua: Adebanjo and Hamzat struck a note

Debate, quiz, will improve communication, research skills Commissioner

Well ensure quality learning, teaching in schools Sanwo-Olu

E-books will not phase out physical books, says Learn Africa

Foundation to support students in entrepreneurship

Writing school seeks opportunity for young people

Buhari snubs calls to visit North, jets out to Turkey with wife, seven ministers

NJC sanctions three judges for conflicting rulings, one on watch list

FAAN suspends workers as car confronts landing plane on Lagos runway

FG warns Nigerians as COVID-19 cases rise by 630% in 10 days



*VANGUARD*

Excitement as A'Ibom Governor splashes gifts on victorious Akwa United Players, Coaches for winning NFPL 2020/2021season

Shareholders endorse Access Bank's Holdco structure

Alleged reckless driving: Court admits driver to N500,000 bail

DMO opens N250b Sukuk bond offer

No-Work, No-Pay: Buhari pardons Health workers, orders payment of seized salaries

$119m Power Plant dispute: Court adjourns case till Jan

W/Bank approves $700m credit for Nigeria's agro-climate project

Lack of public trust major challenge in COVID-19 vaccination ' Sultan

Reps want multiple checkpoints removed on South East Roads

Yuletide: Chinese community in Nigeria supports low income earners with cash, gift items

Nigerian roads not designed to carry overbearing vehicular weight 'Amaechi

Fayemi vows to prioritize workers' welfare

Obasanjo, Fayemi, Anya, Amosun, Adebanjo, others honour Osuntokun at 60

2022 will be a better year, says Okowa

Orji Kalu urges APC to postpone convention

Nigeria at war with itself ' PANDEF

No more opposition in C'River, APC in total control ' Ayade

Killing of hundreds of military, security personnel, others indicate Nigeria is failed state ' MBF

Buhari met Nigeria at crossroads of socio-economic challenges in 2015 ' Ngige

Insecurity: Wake-up to your responsibilities, Polytechnics workers tell Buhari

Nigeria has come to stay, says Obaseki

Reps to probe tax compliance by Bolt, Uber operators

Man in court over alleged theft of roofing sheets

Man charged with beating up sister over family property

30,197 criminal cases filed in Federal High Court in 10 months, says Chief Judge

4 men arraigned for alleged theft in college

Speeding truck driver kills motorcyclist in Anambra ' FRSC

Teenager remanded for stealing $5,000 Bitcoin in Osun

South Korea offers Nigeria nuclear energy options, donates $12.4m mini-grids

Three family members murdered by unknown gunmen in Benue community

Holding Charge practice must stop ' Lawyers

When secondary school students attack teachers, security agents in Ogun

Man electrocuted while trying to steal transformer cables in Gombe

Road accident claims 7 in Osun

[EXPLAINER] Marriage registry controversy: What the court actually said

Effective journalism

North's problems are beyond Buhari

Bisi Akande's dishonest 'reference' gave Buhari a job

Vaccines promote health, save lives, costs ' NAFDAC

We need stronger political will to achieve basic healthcare ' Dr Saraki

Lassa Fever kills 2 doctors, woman, baby in Nasarawa



*THISDAY*

NIMET Raises Air Travelers Awareness on Poor Visibility in Airspace as Christmas Approaches

Shareholders Approve Access Banks Planned Holdco Structure

SEC to Charge 0.025% Regulatory Fee on Fixed Income Transactions from Jan 1

Chimphondah: Shelter Afrique Actively Financing Nigerias Housing Sector

Why Industry Players Insist on Fairness in Airport Concession

IBEDC Launch MAPS to Fast-track Meters Acquisition

CSR: Cadbury Splash $1m on Primary Schools in Lagos

Fate Foundation Graduates 700 Entrepreneurs Across 20 States

FG Urged to Adopt Self Slot Allocation System

United Nigeria Airlines Boosts Fleet with A320 Aircraft

NANTA Inducts 10 Travel Journalists Into Media Hall Of Fame

Nigeria Short Changed by International Carriers Through Lopsided BASA Deals

FSI Marks Second Anniversary, Sets Goals for 2022

ARM, TechnoVision Holds 2022 Young Talent Pitch

GPN Set to Sustain Photojournalism in the Digital Age

Sophos Intelligence Shows Cyberattackers Exploiting Apache Log4Shell Vulnerability

New Perspective on Bisi Akandes Revelations

Bisi Akande Should Apologize, Says Bode George

With $290 Billion, its Elon Musks World

BETWEEN IKHIDE AND OBASEKI

As Buhari Clocks 79, A Focus on Achievements, Challenges

Rohr: No Regrets Coaching Super Eagles

SEagles Opponent, GBissau, Tackle Cameroon

Barca Considering Sanchez Return

Valuejet Para Table Tennis Open Enters Knockout Stage

Tunisia Edge Egypt to Reach Arab Cup Final

Mark DBall Basketball Championship Holds in Abuja

Tearful Aguero Bids Football Goodbye



*THE SUN*

Nigerians wont replace APC with bra-buying PDP govt Akpanudoedehe

Stronger political will needed to achieve universal basic healthcare Saraki

Kalu urges APC to hold presidential primary, convention simultaneously

Shareholders approve Access Banks transition to Holdco

WBank approves $700m to build climate-resilient Nigeria

Julius Berger delivers infrastructure projects to Rivers

DMO offers N250bn Sukuk for subscription

Joy in Jos, Abuja as Glo Promo winners smile home with prizes

Reps adopt motion seeking removal of checkpoints from Lagos, Abuja to southeast

Buhari directs finance minister to pay doctors, nurses seized salaries during period of strike

Hold FG responsible if poly lecturers resume strike -ASUP

Corporate bodies back #Inspire Anambra at 30 project

Reps task FG on rising cost of cooking gas

Niger Delta: Akpabio urges UN to intervene in regions development

Okowa predicts financial turnaround for Nigeria in 2022

Logistics game changer in war against insurgency CoAs

30,197 criminal cases filed in Federal High Court in 10 months, says Chief Judge

Gunmen kill 3 family members in Benue



*GUARDIAN*

Enugu council election: Fate of opposition as PDP perfects winning streak

It's dangerous to jettison rotation in 2023, Ohuabunwa warns

Tears as fire destroys goods at Balogun market, Lagos

Wike tackles Peterside over budget

Ease of traffic after commissioning of flyover, roads in Rivers

Power outage stalls coroner inquest on Ikoyi collapsed building

Okowa signs 2022 Appropriation Bill of N479b, five others

Lagos urges residents to emulate Christ's virtues at Yuletide

CJN urges adoption of digital technology for effective justice delivery

Court orders arrest of Imo Deputy Speaker over alleged N75m fraud

Truck crushes tricycle driver, student in Ibadan

Retirement should be enjoyed, not endured - Part 2

In return to action, Tiger Woods, son trail favourites on PNC Championship

Ogun agog as Ijebu Igbo table tennis tourney holds December 29

Lalong, Obaseki, tee off as over 400 golfers battle for Governor's Cup

Alonge, Nwachukwu win cancer awareness golf tourney

MFM, Remo FC clash in star match as bet9ja/NPFL season kicks off today

Bayelsa deputy governor tasks NOC on early preparation for games

Lady pugilists return at GOtv Boxing Night 24

Adamu wins Navy Club FOC West Boat Race

Airlines rally FG to protect local market, operators

CBN to spend N41 billion for dry season wheat farming

New $0.045 international call termination rate takes effect January 1

SAA returns to Lagos-Johannesburg route

Autochek launches online loan marketplace

NIMASA partners agriculture ministry to curb illegal fishing

Shareholders okay Access Bank's HoldCo structure as NGX remains bearish

Halal authority highlights opportunities in wholesome products, services

Airspace agency deploys free routing to save airlines' cost

NiMET upgrades pilots' briefing rooms in Lagos, Abuja

Alpha Morgan staff emerges staff of the year

Nondisclosure of status, major challenge to control HIV

The rebirth of the Naval Dockyard

Unrealistic population census proposal

Red card

NADECO'S under-ground and open-ground patriots - Part 3

Two years of Professor Egwunyenga at DELSU

Concerns as hope dims for amended electoral bill

Nigeria at war, SBM report reveals

NHIS canvasses one kobo per second telecoms charge for health coverage of vulnerable Nigerians

Eguavoen to stick with Rohr's team for Cameroon 2022 AFCON

Liverpool shrug off Covid outbreak to beat Newcastle

Lagos indebted to retirees by over N30b, says pensioners' chair

Omicron: New report indicates Africans' willingness for vaccination

As Buhari visits Ogun next week

Sanwo-Olu, criminalise housing agreement, commission fees

Kenyan Kingori becomes first black woman to get Oxford University full professorship in 925-year history



*NEW TELEGRAPH*

Fans, stars must help AFCON regain lost glory

Declare state of emergency on food, Reps tell FG

2023: Don't take sides with presidential aspirants, PDP BoT tells Ayu

2023: Orji Kalu urges APC to postpone convention to avoid implosion

CONFLICTING EX-PARTE ORDERS: NJC bars 3 Judges from promotion for granting conflicting ex-parte orders

Max Air, vehicle in near-collision on Lagos airport runway

My Participation' generates fireworks in South West

FG grants 3-year tax holiday to 8 firms

Study: Work stress, money worries increase stroke risk

Buhari orders Finance minister to pay resident doctors, others

How Akande financed his re-election, by Oyinlola

Evaluating $1.3bn milk import burden on GDP

The eNaira: Gaining acceptability, propelling digital transactions

Manufacturers fret over implementation of excise duty

Border closure: LCCI, MAN slam UK, others

Nigeria, others require $1.2trn investment for off-grid, renewable solutions

Nigerians spend 196% of monthly income on Christmas- WorldRemit

No going back in fight against unemployment 'NDE

5G Auction: 'NCC not aware of Tinubu's connection to Mafab

Qantas to switch domestic fleet of jets to Airbus

AfDB approves $210m loan for Nigeria for Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone

Kano APC crisis: Hope rises for reconciliation

Environmental degradation: Dickson leads campaign in Senate

APC: Group faults Ayu, says party'll exist beyond 2023

A President of Igbo extraction feasible through APC ' Nweze

MFM, Remo Stars clash as NPFL season starts

NFF to re-introduce code of conduct for Eagles, Falcons

Zenith Bank Next Generation Masters set for semifinals showdown

Tinubu U-20 Cup gets February date

Two more games off as Covid wreaks havoc on Premier League

EPL: Arsenal thrive despite Auba row as Covid crisis deepens

Bundesliga: Haaland brace sinks Fuerth as Dortmund trim Bayern's lead



*BLUE PRINT*

We must ensure electorate's right of free choice ' Osinbajo

Updated! Farida sworn-in as first female Kaduna NUJ chair

Secondus: NJC hammers 3 Judges for granting conflicting ex parte

Atiku condoles Ezeife over loss of wife

2023: Don't take sides with presidential aspirants, PDP BoT tells Ayu

Abuja metro station set to resume operations

Senate, Minister disagree over proposed Institute of Communication and Technology

Appeal Court affirms final forfeiture of NNDC Director, Omatsuli's N1.8bn property

The rebirth of the Naval Dockyard

Kano APC crisis: Nothing must happen to Barau, Shekarau ' Northern youths warn

Breaking Nigeria's underdevelopment jinx

Oyeyemi now CP Ondo as Salami retires

FCT COE to become University of Education ' FCTA official

Bauchi sensitises stakeholders on COVID -19 economic stimuli

Budget padding: CSOs want Sen. Jibrin sacked as committee chair

Ilorin chief regains freedom after 7 days in capacity

Ganduje's wife thumbs-up Doguwa on empowerment drive

Use internet wisely, group tells students

In Imo, Uzodimma assents to VAP Act

Group accuses Obasanjo of heating up the polity

Fire destroys Kuje apartment, render occupants homeless

China moves to help Nigeria tackle insecurity

Tinubu didn't build house for me, Adebanjo replies Akande

COVID-19 killed 192 persons in Oyo ' Commissioner

AMAC chair, Aduda, others receive LEA outstanding performance award

Akwa Ibom monarch cautions colleagues against prefix, insignia abuse

ElectHER, Yiaga Africa, others raise awareness on women representation

Ebonyi: UNICEF, ECEWS seeks partnership on sustaining education scheme

Ekiti 2022: Protesters storm PDP over marginalization of Ekiti South

Arewa group raises alarm over plot to impersonate its office

APC state chairmen reinstate confidence in Buni's CECPC

N6.3bn missing fund: you're playing religious card ' Plateau commissioner tells Jang

Stop opposing Buhari's reforms, rejig progressive credentials, Okechukwu tells APC govs



*TRIBUNE*

1.2 million youths to benefit from OSSAP-SDGs Sponsored TAP Project

Sanwo-Olu felicitates Buhari at 79

Ikeazor charges post COP26 stakeholders on national roadmap

Sokoto govt signs MoU with Qatar on education, health, others

NDLEA burns over 24 tons of illicit drugs in Osun

My reaction to Akande's 'My Participations' ' Ayo Adebanjo

Tribune Tourism Editor, Wale Olapade wins NANTA Best Travel Print Media of the Year

Chimamanda Adiche reacts after magazine rejected her pictures for being too glamorous

BBNaija's Angel Smith declares war on women who are 30 and above

Stop using filters to advertise ' Uche Jombo pleads with online skincare vendors

Toke Makinwa engages male fan who volunteered to father her child

I'll never play any role that depicts wrong values ' Shushu Abubakar

Ademoyegun is MTN mPulse spelling bee champion

Seyi Shay sounds like a 'Big girl' in new album

Gulder Ultimate Search: The Age Of Craftsmanship set for pulsating finale

Performing Arts Festival 2021 comes with 'Breakfast is Ready

North Korea bans residents from laughing, drinking, shopping for 11 days to mark ex-leader's death

Ex-militants, Okowa, Dikio, Nexim Bank, others seek revival of Niger Delta economy

Access Bank shareholders approve HoldCo structure

COVID-19: World Bank announces $93bn to boost recovery in world's poorest countries



*SPORTS*

2022 AFCON: European clubs threaten not to release players - African Football

Adamu wins Navy Club FOC West Boat Race - Guardian

Alonge, Nwachukwu win cancer awareness golf tourney - Guardian

Andy Murray hopes Battle of the Brits event in Scotland can go ahead next week - Yahoo

Australia vs England, Ashes 2021-22 live: score and latest updates from second Test, day two in Adelaide - Yahoo

Barca Considering Sanchez Return - Thisday

Bayelsa deputy governor tasks NOC on early preparation for games - Guardian

Browns' Baker Mayfield Slams NFL over COVID-19 Protocols: 'Make Up Your Damn Mind - Bleacher Report

Browns' Case Keenum Reportedly to Join Baker Mayfield on Reserve/COVID-19 List - Bleacher Report

Bundesliga: Haaland brace sinks Fuerth as Dortmund trim Bayern's lead - New Telegraph

Carlos Correa Rumors: Tigers Offered Astros Free Agent 10-Year, $275M Contract - Bleacher Report

Champions Cup fixtures thrown into Covid chaos after French travel ban - Yahoo

Chargers' Donald Parham Jr. Stretchered off vs. Chiefs with Apparent Head Injury - Bleacher Report

Chargers' Justin Herbert Sets NFL Record for Most Passing Yards in 1st 2 Seasons - Bleacher Report

Chelsea 1-1 Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite equaliser gives Toffees hard-earned point - BBC

Chelsea 1-1 Everton: Rafael Benitez delighted with 'great point - BBC

Chelsea 1-1 Everton: Thomas Tuchel says draw is 'hard to swallow - BBC

Chelsea crash out of Women's Champions League after thumping defeat to Wolfsburg - Yahoo

Christian Horner: Mercedes had no grounds to appeal against Abu Dhabi result - Yahoo

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski tests positive for Covid-19 - CNN

Clint Frazier Details Concussions with Yankees, Says He Was Fighting for His Life - Bleacher Report

Copa del Rey: Sadiq Scores Again As Almeria Claim Away Win - Complete Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo, GF Georgina Rodriguez Reveal Sex of Upcoming Twins in IG Video - Bleacher Report

Early National Signing Day 2021: Top Unsigned Recruits After Initial Commitments - Bleacher Report

Eguavoen to select from Rohr's 40-man list - African Football

Emma Hayes: Chelsea boss says players 'sick' with worry about Covid before Wolfsburg defeat - BBC

EPL: Arsenal thrive despite Auba row as Covid crisis deepens - New Telegraph

EPL: Liverpool overcome Newcastle as Chelsea drop points at home - The Cable

Everton condemn homophobic chant at Stamford Bridge - BBC

Everton condemn homophobic chanting from club's fans during draw with Chelsea - Yahoo

Former Nebraska QB Adrian Martinez Announces He Will Transfer to Kansas State - Bleacher Report

Gareth Southgate keen to test England against European heavyweights - Yahoo

Gary Anderson beats Adrian Lewis in battle of two-time world champions - Yahoo

Impact Wrestling Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction, Highlights from December 16 - Bleacher Report

In return to action, Tiger Woods, son trail favourites on PNC Championship - Guardian

Iona's Rick Pitino Offers to Play Kentucky After Saturday Games Canceled Due to COVID - Bleacher Report

Iwobi Helps Everton Hold Chelsea To Draw At Stamford Bridge - Complete Sports

Jarrad Branthwaite punishes Chelsea as Everton snatch point at Stamford Bridge - Yahoo

Jurgen Klopp: I don't see benefit in stopping Premier League, says Liverpool boss - BBC

Justin Thomas' Father on Tiger Woods' Rehab: 'It's Crazy How Good He's Hitting It - Bleacher Report

Kansanshi rally to hold Zanaco - African Football

Katongo: We have to win in Ghana - African Football

Kevin Durant Drops 34 as Nets Hand Joel Embiid, 76ers 3rd Straight Loss - Bleacher Report

Kevin Durant Playing Big Minutes 'Not Safe or Sustainable,' Nets' Steve Nash Says - Bleacher Report

Kings' De'Aaron Fox Reportedly Enters NBA's Health and Safety Protocols - Bleacher Report

Knicks Trade Rumors: Rockets' Eric Gordon Among Players NY Has Discussed Internally - Bleacher Report

Knicks' Derrick Rose Ruled Out vs. Rockets After Suffering Ankle Injury - Bleacher Report

Lady pugilists return at GOtv Boxing Night 24 - Guardian

Lalong, Obaseki, tee off as over 400 golfers battle for Governor's Cup - Guardian

Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United: Mohamed Salah scores as hosts close gap at top - BBC

Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle United: No benefit to halting season - Jurgen Klopp on Covid - BBC

Liverpool fight back to beat Newcastle but Howe hits out at Dean over leveller - Yahoo

Mark DBall Basketball Championship Holds in Abuja - Thisday

Max Verstappen says Lewis Hamilton 'has every reason' to return to F1 next year - BBC

Megan Rapinoe Not Picked in 2021 NWSL Expansion Draft, Will Remain with OL Reign - Bleacher Report

MFM, Remo FC clash in star match as bet9ja/NPFL season kicks off today - Guardian

MFM, Remo Stars clash as NPFL season starts - New Telegraph

Mohamed Salah on target as Liverpool ease to victory over Newcastle - Yahoo

Nba, NBPA Reportedly Agree to Revised Covid-19 Protocols amid Spike in Cases - Bleacher Report