*NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR TUESDAY 21ST DECEMBER 2021* *PUNCH* Officials siphon govt funds under cover of paying ransoms Kwara commissioner We dont have resources to meet ASUU demands at once FG Uba plans appeal of disqualification as APC candidate over illegal primary Zulum lifts civilian JTF, hunters with salary bonus, rice Presidency: Stop antics to divide APC, Tinubu supporters tell VON boss US to train 170 radio journalists, 1,000 youths Electoral Act Amendment: Buhari returns bill to NASS, faults direct primaries, cites insecurity Northern govs hail military operations in Sokoto, Kaduna, others NSF holds Nov 2022, Okowa promises best games ever I was gang raped at Sambisa, thrown out of IDP camp by govt Saleh, 26-year-old victim Students attacks on teachers: Act now Makinde Araoye withdraws from Ekiti 2022 gov race 6.3 million customers still unmetered despite mass meter deployment NERC report PFAs recapitalisation: Four firms begin merger talks, GTCO acquires player States rake in N751.17bn from road tax, others in three years Ogun plans N42bn revenue from land administration, ratification Lagos issues N137bn bond for Lekki road projects, healthcare, others Akwa Ibom gov signs N586.9bn budget into law FG to spend N250bn sukuk on Abuja, Niger Delta road projects, says DMO NCC partners SMEDAN, creates digital academy for SMEs Google announces investment in tech startup Agric sector records N1.7tn trade deficit in nine months Online learning platform raises $3.5m pre-seed funding NFF to receive $19m from FIFA every four years VBank E-Sports tourney holds in Lagos LMC postpones Sunshine, Wikki game indefinitely Anambra, Monimichelle seal Awka stadium deal Tielemans beat Iheanacho to Leicester Fans award Okoye recovery delights Agu Okereke set to return against Lazio Sunusi eyes MLS top scorer award Barcelona to face Real Madrid in Women's Champions League A forgiving heart at Christmas Buhari and insecurity PoS operators menace Emancipating ourselves from mental slavery (2) Lover flees as Rivers female tenant dies, daughter missing Police probe alleged N22m Bitcoin extortion by Lagos cops Gunmen abduct two Ogun clerics, eat prepared food, demand N15m Kogi police rescue kidnap victims, arrest cattle rustlers Police launch manhunt for killers of Abuja doctor, friend Suspected kidnappers confess to four abductions in Ogun Five killed, others injured as bus rams into stationary truck in Bauchi Undergraduate arrested for stealing cables blames mother for eloping with lover Lagos community fears dark Yuletide over faulty transformer Operators to earn $32.27m from new international termination rate MTN introduces digital version of CSR initiative Zinox boss donates N50m to NCS innovation fund Binance set to develop Indonesian-based digital asset exchange What is Christian in Christmas As predicted, Omicron travel ban was ineffective Note: Compliments of the sEEZon, not sESon! Abiodun to deliver MTU convocation lecture FUOYE prioritises training for workforce Reduce house rent for corps members, NYSC tells house owners College tells govt to declare emergency in education Don makes case for local drug manufacturing 20 Nasarawa farmers, herdsman killed, 8,175 Kaduna bandits, others arrested Anxious patients relative attacks LASUTH workers, nurse breaks neck, others injured *VANGUARD* GCR upgrades Lekki Gardens to BBB+ & A2 NIMASA renews stevedoring rates Nigeria spends N1.5trn on raw materials imports in 6 months NBA loan only for lawyers who pay practising fee ' Official FOREX: Turnover in I&E window faces decline Sigma Pensions commits to 50% lump sum UBA customers to win big in Super Savers promo draw Africa needs flexible, efficient refineries to meet demand, says ARDA Presidency attacks PDP over comments on Buhari's attendance of Chief Akande's autobiography launch Three West African countries yet to pay for electricity supplied to them ' NERC Election Bill: No communication yet-Kalu, Reps' Spokesman External reserves fall by $1.1bn in 6wks FG to explore tested strategies to alleviate housing challenges ' Fashola COVID-19: Sterling Bank affirms support for sustainable healthcare Villagers Protest over the kidnapping of Imo Chief Priest Buhari rejects electoral bill, says imposing direct primaries on parties will heat up polity Electoral Bill: Buhari rejects bill, says imposing Direct Primaries on political parties will cause trouble in polity NASS lacks capacity to veto Buhari's refusal to sign Electoral Act ' Wike INEC wants N305bn for 2023 elections Why we will resist any attempt to resurrect Ebubeagu ' IPOB IPOB raises alarm over killing of Biafrans in Imo Akwa Ibom governor signs 2022 Appropriation Bill into law Jigawa: Man, 27, arrested over alleged armed robbery, kidnapping Man, 32, pleads guilty to theft of television set, others Secretary arraigned for alleged N200,000 fraud Man docked over alleged assault occasioning harm 2023: PDP'll return to Aso Rock-Akobundu How we roll in Nigeria Death toll from Typhoon Rai rises to 208 in Philippines Nephrologist identifies major challenges of kidney transplant in Nigeria One dead, 35 injured in Osun auto accidents Police arrest 2 suspected kidnappers in Ogun NNPC disowns viral online competition, $8,000 reward Hoodlums lay siege on OAU's land; attack VC, journalists, others Igue Festival and other events around Nigeria in pictures Why Nigerian passengers were manhandled at Togo airport ' NCAA Man, friend jailed 6 years each for stabbing ex-wife My wife threatened to kill my first wife, children, Man tells court *THISDAY* African Petroleum Refiners Seek Upgrade of Continents Refineries for Cleaner Fuels PIA: Stakeholders Seek Clarification on Gas Delivery Obligations, Licensing Requirements Manufacturers: Burden of Increased Taxes Zenith Bank, Intl Breweries, HIS, Wins SERAs Award Union Bank Joins IFCs GTFP, Secures $40m to Boost Trade Finance Stock Market Commences Week on Positive Note on Gains in Dangote Cement, 20 Others NERC: Over 25% Energy Wheeled by TCN Lost to Theft, Technical Inefficiency Insecurity Threat to Oil Sector, Economy, Say Petroleum Marketers Ikeja Electric Engages More MAP Partners to Accelerate Metering Global Credit Ratings Upgrades Lekki Gardens to BBB+, A2 50 Years of Promoting Free Enterprise Assessing Namis Two Years at The Helm of FIRS Flour Millers Spent N2.2tn Importing Wheat in Four Years Vendease Reaffirms Commitment to Bolstering Africas Food Supply Chain GIZ Equips 60 Cassava Commercial Seed Entrepreneurs to Boost Production CeBIH Calls for Collaboration to Fix Challenges Facing e-Business Industry Ongoing Reforms in Agric Sector Boosting Oil Palm Cultivation in Edo Enormous Opportunities Are in PPP Urban Regeneration Projects, Says Fashola Goldman Sachs Projects $100 Per Barrel of Oil in 2022,2023 Agro-Industrial Stakeholders Laud CBNs New Scheme to Boost Food Security Disrespect for Project Managers to Blame for Building Collapses Nigeria Wins Global Award for Pushing Reforms in Oil, Gas Industry Firm Showcases Power Protection Technology in Lagos Cloud Tech Fosters an Entrepreneurial Environment to Boost Economy ETI: Cut in Impairment Charges, OPEX Boost Profit What Citizens Want in the Amended 1999 Constitution NNAMANI AND THE FALLOUTS OF STANDING STRONG BANDITRY, KIDNAPPING AND OSUN SECURITY Buhari And The Electoral Law 21st National Sports Festival Scheduled to Hold November 2022 Onuachu Doubtful for AFCON, Suffers Hamstring Injury Premier League, EFL to Fulfil Christmas Fixtures Despite Assurances, Doubts Hang over AFCON in Cameroon Finidi Satisfied with Enyimbas Difficult Win against Abia Like Enyimba, Spurs Kicked out of Europa Conference League Spurs Hold Liverpool in Four-goal Thriller Cup Holders Akwa Utd, Kwara Utd, in Flying Start of New NPFL Season GOtv Boxing Night 24: Cosmos Promises First Round Victory Over Success *THE SUN* Anambra: Court voids APC, Andy Ubas participation in poll Protesters storm APC secretariat, insist on Feb. date PDP: Ayu threatens sanctionagainstanti-party activities 2023: INEC budgets N305bn for elections Buharis Lagos visit: Presidency accuses PDP of attempting to mislead public Buhari withholds assent from electoral bill Electoral Act: National Assembly free to disclose content of presidents letter Presidency APC National Convention: Caretaker committee to constitute sub-committees PDP: Ayu reads riot act, threatens to sanction anti-party activities Electoral Act: Why NASS cant veto Buharis refusal to sign bill Wike DMO offers N250bn Sukuk to augment N2.89tr domestic borrowing Dont lose focus of reason for Christmas, Ukeh, The Sun MD, admoniishes at chapel carol IPOB vows to frustrate return of Ebubeagu Override Buhari on new electoral law, CTA charges National Assembly Why NASS cant veto presidents refusal to sign bill Wike Daily Trust cancels 2021 African of the Year Award Nigerians spend N359bn on medical tourism annually NMA Chairman IGP orders probe of alleged extortion of N22m Bitcoin by police in Lagos Adedoyins continued detention abuse of his right Lawyer Pope appoints Nigerian permanent rep at UN, WTO Army graduates 525 combat *GUARDIAN* Buhari, dealing with unceasing security threats I will re-engineer internal structures of APC, says Musa APC South-West youths kick against postponement of national convention One dies, 18 others injured in Osun auto crash Driver escapes unhurt in Lagos auto crash Police commence investigation into alleged killing of doctor, his friend in Abuja Fire destroys shops, apartment in Ilasamaja, Lagos Citizens' prioritisation, self-reform, responsible for China's development Ikoyi Club 1938 honours members at end of year party Ondo FA seeks SWAN's collaboration for football development, gains Rugby Federation signs marketing deal with Pamodzi Sports VBank opens seamless international door for gamers Showdown in Ikoyi as Ultimate Golf Challenge returns Kebbi's football academy will help curb crime, says FA chairman NBA Africa, Rise tell Nigerian youths to embrace life changingtalent hunt initiative Despite FIFA, European pressure, Motsepe insists AFCON will begin in Cameroun January 9, 2022 Minister inaugurates 2022 National Sports Festival LOC, charges Delta to surpass Edo standard Olalere hinges business success on market research, collaboration NUFBTE warns FG about job loss over excise duty on carbonated drinks NCC, SMEDAN collaborate on Small and Medium Enterprises academy Shareholders decry effect of Cash Reserve Ratio on banks Experts want government to prioritise commodities exchange Indices up by N22 billion on potential year-end earnings, dividends Don hopes AfCTA will boost Nigeria's exports PFAs target 2022 for health insurance to micro-pension contributors NGX facilitates over N5 trillion capital, lists firm's 91m shares Expert seeks regulation of aesthetics industry How cryptocurrencies are being regulated around the world NPHCDA, others recognised at national human rights awards FCT minister, AEA boss task youths on job creation via initiative Alpha Mead development announces new Managing Director Investors urge SMEs to leverage digitalisation for growth Community seeks empowerment for victims of Nembe oil spills Amnesty beneficiaries laud President Buhari, Dikio on empowerment ITUC seeks new social contract for migrants Lubricant production and packaging is a gold mine Berger wins ITF'S best in training contribution award Expert seeks social reorientation to tackle societal ills Waste management Time to fight back Nigeria's courts of unequal injustice and curious appointments Why does the CPC succeed Responsible leadership imperative for good governance In the spirit of Saltvim 2021 Nigeria now in fourth wave of COVID-19, says NCDC Bank donates water facility to Oyo fire station Imo gov swears in 17 new commissioners, chief adviser Sanwo-Olu commissions nine roads, bridge in Gbagada, Lagos Poor rating of Nigerian universities Reps grill PSC Over N1bn extra - budgetary expenditure Leveraging power of communication to promote national integration Stop depending on handouts from politicians, Diri tells Bayelsa youths Court disqualifies APC, Andy Uba from Anambra guber election Whether court can remit a case to the chief judge for re-assignment because one of the parties lost confidence in court *LEADERSHIP* Telecom Shutdown: Group Sues Zamfara Gov, Others For N106m Tor Tiv Visits Wukari Over Aku Uka's Death NTI Trains 925 Teachers On Critical Areas Board Declares No Winner Of 2021 Daily Trust African Of The Year Award Group Writes Army Over Detention Of Female Soldier Governor Yahaya Bello Urged To Upgrade Olu Kiri Stool Federal Govt Intensifies Search For Indigenous Solution Through STI Why Buhari Visited Lagos ' Presidency National Convention: APC Ignores Calls For Postponement, Sets Up Committees IGP Probes Policemen Over Extortion Of N22m Bitcoin ICPC Clears Ex-NIPC Boss, Yewande Sadiku Of Corruption 20 Killed, 5,000 Displaced In Nasarawa [EDITORIAL] Electoral Bill And Buhari's Legacy Addressing Nigeria's Notoriety For Jailbreaks Ayu Warns Members Against Sabotaging PDP After Primaries APC Will Retain Power Beyond 2023 ' Niger BSO Ball Now In NASS' Court After Buhari's Rejection Of Electoral Bill Insecurity: You Can Do Better, ACF Tells Buhari, Governors N250bn Sukuk Proceeds To Finance Construction Of 71 Roads ' Federal Govt Nigeria's Reality TV Star, Whitemoney, Appointed Member Of Liberian Senate *NEW TELEGRAPH* Between the hollowness of political independence and technological dependence Gunmen kill two policemen, burn patrol vehicle in Anambra Armed robbers invade Ibadan Polytechnic, shoot lecturer Fayemi offers scholarship to student with nine A1 result in WASCE I will name the sponsors of insecurity in Imo on Jan. 3 ' Uzodinma Alleged attempt to pervert justice:Supreme Court reverses SAN's conviction Senate to pass 2022 Budget Tuesday Avoid patronizing touts, pay online for passport application ' FG ASUU accuses FG of blackmail, stalls decision on planned strike Bode George: Bisi Akande's book written to promote Tinubu's presidential ambition Japanese space tourists safely return to Earth Two US Senators test positive for COVID-19 Stricter masking policy for New York Police amid citywide COVID-19 surge Cocoa Institute creates technologies to combat unemployment Oyetola, Ambode seek youth participation in politics FirstBank unveils 2021 'DecemberIssaVybe' campaign Interswitch restates commitment to digitisation of transport sector CBN releases list of licensed Payment Service Providers eNaira'll spur growth of digital payments LCFE lists achievements, unfolds 2022 outlook FairMoney MFB committed to digital banking HoldCo: Access Bank gets shareholders' nod to restructure Folarin: Nigerian ship owners prefer buying discarded single hull vessels Chams: Operational costs hurt earnings Container indemnity: FG to tackle N143.3bn illegal charges Fighting corruption in Nigeria has been both sweet and sour experience ' Prof Sagay Is Lagos PDP having a new face Spurs out of Europe after UEFA rules forfeit of Rennes match Premier League talking points La Liga: Real Madrid winning streak ends in goalless draw EPL: Kane deserved red card, could have broken Robertson's leg ' Klopp GOtv Boxing Night 24: Cosmos Promises First Round Victory Over Success CAF CONFED Cup: Enyimba not out yet ' Anyansi Ndidi deserves big transfer soon Lagos to open eight new stadia in May 2022 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon commend Sanwo-Olu, sponsors for making 2022 Label Race list NPFL: Imo Deputy Speaker commends Heartland players after home draw *BLUE PRINT* UI stands still as ex-footballers celebrate AFCON: Get your Covid vaccination, Ikpea tells NFSC AFCON 2021: Onuachu ruled out of tournament Organisers reveal when 21st National Sports Festival will be staged Anambra: Court disqualifies APC, Andy Uba, orders refund of N22.5m nomination form fees to Moghalu Dangote's intervention schemes in Kogi impactful RMRDC: As Nigeria bid to save N7.37bn through best practices in tomato production, handling TAJBank receives Three ISO certifications for service excellence, others Copy trading: How to make money in the financial market with no trading Uneasy calm in Oyo APC over state exco Nigeria needs women to thrive in politics ' Dr Mayram Kwankwaso indispensable in 2023 ' PDP chieftain AFN reform: Defence minister assures speedy implementation of report Alleged N4m monthly allowance diversion: El-Zakzaky's claims, complete falsehood ' DSS Lawmaker offers free medical services to constituents in Nasarawa Harmattan: IDPs cry to govt for security, relief materials NGF commends Nigeria Armed Forces over onslaught on terrorists C'River steps up campaign on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance Clerics pass vote of confidence on NSCDC reforms Rep sensitises constituents on conflict prevention in Kaduna Insecurity: Nigerians may resort to self-defense , Sheikh Jingir warns In Imo, Uzodimma assigns portfolios to new commissioners Zamfara speaker donates car to health union Women are spices of the world ' Okpe Jema'a chair presents 2022 budget to LG legislative council Panel commences investigation into killing of 36 in Niger Bauchi speaker offers free eye-care service to 350 constituents Armed robbers invade Ibadan Poly staff quarters, shoot lecturer Yuletide: FRSC deploys 670 personnel, 3 ambulances in Ondo Gombe Sen. empowers 7,055 youth, women 2 kidnappers terrorising Ogun communities arrested Yuletide: FCTA clamps down on hoodlums at Mpape, clears illegal roadside traders *TRIBUNE* Yuletide: Life Radio 107.5 FM organises giving project for less privileged Ekiti 2022: Fayemi's aide, Araoye, withdraws from governorship race Oyo Amotekun commandant gets 'Security Man Of Year 2021' award Kaduna lawmaker to enrol 500 persons into health insurance scheme Frequent training of politicians, panacea to bad governance ' Kwara APC chieftain Foundation trains 600 youths on skills acquisition in Kogi Amotekun: So far, so good Global Harvest Church reaches out to the needy at Yuletide with free Christmas food, other items in Ibadan AfDB board approves $170m for Nigeria's digital, creative start-ups Insecurity, poor power supply, transportation infrastructure endanger job creation 'KWASU VC Adequate workers' welfare is tonic for increased productivity 'NCAC DG Delayed release of N34.9bn approved arrears, liabilities: Pensioners beg for Buhari's intervention Pro COVID-19 changing world of work: ILO calls for stronger solidarity among stakeholders Ngige warns labour officers against corrupt engagement How to attract sustainablefinance for affordable housing delivery'Experts Petrol tanker accidents: Lagos govt moves to halt menace OPIC to spend N3.88bn on housing provision in 2022 World Economic Forum defers 2022 annual meeting due to Omicron outbreak Equities investors earn N22bn despite reduced participation Sterling One foundation partners UNHCR to support displaced persons in Africa Fidelity Bank rewards 10 customers with N1m each Afreximbank gets international-scale long term issuer rating of A- Nigeria tech startups raised over $1.7bn in 2021 'Report *SPORTS* 21st National Sports Festival Scheduled to Hold November 2022 - Thisday Access Bank Lagos City Marathon commend Sanwo-Olu, sponsors for making 2022 Label Race list - New Telegraph AFCON: Get your Covid vaccination, Ikpea tells NFSC - Blueprint All sporting events in Wales to be held behind closed doors from Boxing Day - Yahoo Anambra, Monimichelle seal Awka stadium deal - Punch Andy Murray to train at home ahead of Australian Open after Rafael Nadal tests positive for coronavirus - Yahoo Antonio Brown Reaches Settlement with Chef Who Revealed Bucs WR Had Fake Vaccine Card - Bleacher Report AP Women's College Basketball Poll 2021: UConn Out of Top 10 for 1st Time Since 2005 - Bleacher Report Arians: 'I Could Give a S--t ' What Critics Think About Antonio Brown Rejoining Bucs - Bleacher Report Barcelona to face Real Madrid in Women's Champions League - Punch Bucs' Tom Brady Talks Chris Godwin Injury: NFL 'Needs' to Address Hits to WRs' Knees - Bleacher Report CAF CONFED Cup: Enyimba not out yet ' Anyansi - New Telegraph Chaotic Olympics outing, Bash Ali vs Sunday Dare 9 major sports controversies of 2021 - The Cable COVID-19: Double Ski World Champion Liensberger Tests Positive - Daily Independent Cup Holders Akwa Utd, Kwara Utd, in Flying Start of New NPFL Season - Thisday Delta to host 21st national sports festival Nov 2022 - The Cable Derek Carr, Raiders Beat Myles Garrett, Browns on Late FG with Baker Mayfield Out - Bleacher Report Despite Assurances, Doubts Hang over AFCON in Cameroon - Thisday Despite FIFA, European pressure, Motsepe insists AFCON will begin in Cameroun January 9, 2022 - Guardian Downs suffer first loss; Pirates with come-from-behind win - African Football EPL: Kane deserved red card, could have broken Robertson's leg ' Klopp - New Telegraph Ex-Olympian Allison Marie Baver Charged with Falsely Receiving $10M in COVID-19 Funds - Bleacher Report Fifa's Gianni Infantino claims biennial World Cup would create 3.3bn revenue - Yahoo Finidi Satisfied with Enyimbas Difficult Win against Abia - Thisday Gianni Infantino thinks there is already majority support for biennial World Cup - Yahoo Giants' Daniel Jones Reportedly Shut Down for Rest of 2021 Season with Neck Injury - Bleacher Report Gordon Hayward Ruled Out for Hornets vs. Jazz Because of Back Injury - Bleacher Report GOtv Boxing Night 24: Cosmos Promises First Round Victory Over Success - Thisday GOtv Boxing Night 24: Cosmos Promises First Round Victory Over Success - New Telegraph Ikoyi Club 1938 honours members at end of year party - Guardian Infantino: Egypt can host FIFA World Cup - African Football Jared Goff Placed on COVID-19 List by Lions Ahead of Falcons Game - Bleacher Report Jayden Moore Responds to Kevin Durant After Nets Star's Criticism of Viral Video - Bleacher Report Joel Embiid Drops 41 Points as 76ers Edge Jaylen Brown, Celtics to Snap 3-game Skid - Bleacher Report Kabwe reflects on his Zanaco return - African Football Kebbi's football academy will help curb crime, says FA chairman - Guardian La Liga: Real Madrid winning streak ends in goalless draw - New Telegraph Lagos to open eight new stadia in May 2022 - New Telegraph Like Enyimba, Spurs Kicked out of Europa Conference League - Thisday Liverpool's Andy Robertson is 'lucky to be walking' - Mark Clattenburg - BBC LMC postpones Sunshine, Wikki game indefinitely - Punch Mahrez not getting carried away with Man City milestone - African Football Man City manager Pep Guardiola warns dropped Phil Foden and Jack Grealish after nightclub visit - Yahoo Man United Defender Wan-Bissaka Banned For Six Months - Complete Sports Manchester City midfielders Phil Foden & Jack Grealish warned over conduct - BBC Mark Kotsay Reportedly Hired by Athletics to Replace Bob Melvin as Manager - Bleacher Report Masters Amateurs Tournament: Ali Wins Final Contest Of The Year - Daily Independent Minister inaugurates 2022 National Sports Festival LOC, charges Delta to surpass Edo standard - Guardian NBA Africa, Rise tell Nigerian youths to embrace life changingtalent hunt initiative - Guardian Ndidi deserves big transfer soon - New Telegraph New Orleans Saints stymie Tom Brady and Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CNN Newcastle United request explanations on referee decisions in recent fixtures - BBC NFF to receive $19m from FIFA every four years - Punch NHL, NHLPA Reportedly Agree to Suspend All Operations for Dec. 22-25 - Bleacher Report Nick Saban Says Alabama Will Use Safety Protocols Ahead of College Football Playoff - Bleacher Report NPFL: Imo Deputy Speaker commends Heartland players after home draw - New Telegraph Okereke set to return against Lazio - Punch Okoye recovery delights Agu - Punch Ondo FA seeks SWAN's collaboration for football development, gains - Guardian