*NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR FRIDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2021* *PUNCH* APC national convention: Uncertainty over February date as peace panel flops Masaris arms-for-civilians call evidence of Buharis failure SANs Electoral bill: National Assembly will remove direct primary clause, says Gbajabiamila Makindes loyalists kick as APC carpets gov over insecurity, infrastructure Okorocha son-in-laws arrest in church unacceptable, reprehensible CAN Tax increases unwise in a depressed economy Edo, APC disagree on call for emergency rule Panel summons Clerk as AG says National Assemblys N9.4bn unaccounted for Six multinationals to pay N249bn oil proceeds in January NNPC EU countries seize 82% of Nigerias agro products exported illegally FG CBN forex policies may threaten economic growth in 2022 Report Firm boosts family bonding via TV commercial Gas company donates 35,000 litres of LPG to Enugu residents Peak Milk inaugurates new challenge Leicester vs Norwich postponed over COVID-19 outbreak I washed dishes in UK restaurant ' Agbaje, Nigerian boxing champion Fans slam Napoli over Osimhen COVIID-19 claim Eagles begin AFCON preparations NPFL: Ogunbote rues missed chances against Nasarawa Man United vs Burnley: Ronaldo, McTominay score in United 3-1 win Unhappy' Lukaku considers Inter return four months after 98m move to Chelsea Vardy adds to Leicester's injury woes Ex-England striker Wright says AFCON coverage 'affected by racism Poisonous ponmo: How Lagos traders sell cow-skin meat roasted with tyres, plastic pellets to unsuspecting Nigerians Some of the major events of 2021 in Nigeria 22 years after, NHIS suffers low patronage amid complaints, corruption, others Costly cooking gas: Price hike, govt policy drive more Nigerians to dirty fuels, deepen climate crisis Eight terrorism signs Nigerians should be aware of Beijing Olympics: United in sports politicisation PUNCH petitions IGP, protests attack on reporter, SFU holds on to phone, ID card Memorial lecture: Tension in Bauchi community, women, youths protest Bartender hiding after stealing N600,000 stabbed to death by peacemaker Gunmen raid Anambra health centre, kill policeman, abduct another Suspected cultist stabs rival to death in Rivers Rivers crash claims 10 lives, truck crushes Osun man to death Bodies of three youths missing after carnival recovered from Benue river Five policemen, 38 Katsina bandits killed in 2021 Command Three drug traffickers posing as security agents arrested in FCT, Borno Three more killed as cult clashes persist in Delta community Money ritual: Ogun man steals mothers sewing machines to pay herbalist Who is Nigerias Desmond Tutu Time to offload Fulani Emir of Zazzau celebrates Prof Ayo Dunmoye Old students awards scholarships Old boys target N120m for school projects School owner bags honorary doctorate Firm honours excellent tutors Nigerian politicians patronise spiritual leaders, cant ban doomsday New Year prophecies like Ghana SANs Lagos community where policemen, NSCDC officers vandalise oil pipelines around four major police stations FACT-CHECK: Have Prophetess Naomi and Ooni of Ife reconciled FG borrows N1.99tn via bonds in six months amid rising deficit financing Ayra Starr, Portable, Nigerian artistes to look out for in 2022 How Wizkid introduced me to his deaf photographer Naomi Campbell Singer Ckay announces collaboration with French producer David Guetta *VANGUARD* APC Women Leader Seeks Probe Of Idah Council Boss Over Alleged Constant Women Abuses Senator Owie Loses Mother-In-Law Hazard Allowance: JOHESU, AHPA allege short-change of health workers Corruption rumble hits National Assembly as OAuGF indicts lawmakers of spending unexplained N9.424besh Tinubu condoles Ganduje, Sharia council over Datti Ahmed IGP Order's Posting of CP Edward Egbuka as Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Benue NSCDC recovers corpses of missing Christmas Day fun-seekers from River Buruku Electoral Act bill: House will determine fate of direct primaries ' Gbajabiamila Ugwuanyi signs N186.64 billion 2022 budget into law Group faults Buhari on NDDC forensic audit, continued illegal sole administrator Idoma Area Traditional Council elects Pastor John Elaigwu as new Och'Idoma Alleged sponsors of insecurity: Uzodimma shifts Imo stakeholders meeting to 4 January PRP blast Bauchi gov over 'I was not elected to pay salary' comment, failure to pay minimum wage Forensic Audit: Buhari vows to recover stolen NDDC funds 2023: Why Igbo should be president ' Ikpeazu 2021: Buhari's 100 achievements in 365 days ' Lai Mohammed NCC to build N1bn digital park in Oyo Top 10 Nigerian Songs Of 2021 Wizkid, Don Jazzy, Ebuka, Eddy Kenzo, win big at African Entertainment Award USA 2021 Man arrested for allegedly using Internet to deceive, sex ladies Uche Nwosu's Arrest: You should apologise to Anglican Church, CAN tells Police *THISDAY* A Mixed Bag of Fortunes for Nigerian Sports in 2021 Osimhen Contracts Covid a Second Time, Pulls out of AFCON Osimhen Contracts COVID-19 Second Time, Pulls out of AFCON Union Berlin Sad over Awoniyis Absence During AFCON U-17 Football Challenge: Ikpeba Hails Standard, Thanks All Amid Suspension Threat, Zimbabwe Announce AFCON Squad Stock Market Rebounds, Appreciates Marginally By N3.22bn Agric Reforms: Edo to Launch Cluster Farm Initiatives to Boost Oil Palm Devt Maritime Arbitrators Get New Executives EdTech Startup, Teesas Closes Pre-seed Round of $1.6 Million Leadway Pensure PFA Appoints Lanre Idris as Managing Director NASRDA SPACE TV LAUNCH Alerzo Supports Burn Survivors Foundation With Cash Donations That Self-serving Letter To Northern Leaders by Senator Jarigbe Goodbye to a Tansformative Priest and Leader THE ELECTORAL ACT 2010 (AMENDMENT) BILL 2023: Nigerian Youths Date With Destiny The Nigeria Agenda *THE SUN* Senate 2021: Low rating, poor oversight, budget padding, others dominate red chamber APC calls for state of emergency in Edo 2023: AA not interested in zoning of presidency Omoaje, National Chairman Ugwuanyi signs N186.64bn 2022 budget into law Soldiers arrest 567 suspects in South-South in 2021 Ada-Igbajo road construction, another promise kept says Oyetola Operation Burst raids hide-outs, recovers 23 I-Phones from suspect 2023: Igbo understand, know Nigeria better, deserve presidency Ikpeazu NDDC: Buhari talks tough UK pledges 105m to assist Nigeria, others tackle Omicron 3 fake security agents, others arrested with 427kg drugs in Borno, Abuja 2022: Year of new glory for Nigeria, Ajayi predicts Obi attacks Obiano over Awka stadiums claims *GUARDIAN* Why I want to be next APC Chairman, by Mustapha Controversy trails detention of 'sick' school proprietress by Lagos police NDLEA nabs three traffickers in security uniform, others with 427kg drugs in Borno, Abuja Landlords allege persecution by Lagos government over Magodo estate Gunmen allegedly kill police officer, injure another in Anambra LAWMA carts 15 truck loads of refuse in Apapa, Tin Can Ighalo visits former street in Ajegunle, Lagos Groups bemoan conversion of recreation centres to commercial use in Amuwo Odofin Oyo security outfit recovers 23 phones from suspect Africa Cup of Nations is being 'disrespected', says former England striker, Ian Wright Olonisakin arrives Garoua, plans maximum support for Eagles Ground handling business has a long gestation ROI many investors cannot endure ECOWAS Commission urges government to address red tapes Equities rebound as capitalisation rises by N3 billion FAAN, Seymour commit to safety of Lagos Airport's car park Govt seeks N924 billion investment in science, tech, innovation U.S. Consulate reaffirms sustained interest in Nigeria Energy firm to construct 5000MT of propane, LPG storage terminal Network hitches, insufficient funds slow ATMs' operations Varsity lecturers' poorest December Health is wealth Insecurity: A minus to good governance in Nigeria - Part 2 As tomorrow cometh The perennial okada palaver in Lagos State A global mobility solution in COVID-19 pandemic Still on Imo and south east insecurity Tobacco harm reduction imperative for alternatives How poor economy, politics, football, destroyed boxing in Nigeria Military combs Lake Chad, kills 22 terrorists, loses six troops Nigeria's biggest challenge in 2021 is insecurity, says Mohammed Audit report indicts National Assembly over N9b 'unexplained' expenditure In 2022 be like the butterfly Osimhen pulls out of AFCON as Napoli threaten 'legal battle' with Nigeria Why Igbo should be president in 2023, by Ikpeazu National Assembly to review Buhari's refusal to sign electoral bill B'Haram destroys one million buildings in Borno Addressing gender imbalance in malaria interventions *LEADERSHIP* Associates Seek Care For Less-privileged At Peterside's Birthday NITDA Boss Urges Functional Education Via Digital Innovations Ekiti 2022: Bamidele Ends Consultation In 16 LGs 2023 Presidency: Group Rejects Leaders' Endorsement Of Anyim CAN Condemns Police Invasion Of Church In Imo JOHESU Urges Federal Govt To Redress Inconsistencies In Hazard Allowances [EDITORIAL] Imo Saga And Need For Security Agencies To Be Cautious Omicron: UK Pledges 105m In UKAid To Nigeria, Others Deeper Life Pastor, Odogbo Elaigwu, Emerges New Och'Idoma Multinational Joint Task Force Kills 22, Arrests 17 Boko Haram Terrorists NIN-SIM Deadline: 11m Nigerians Know Fate Next Week Buhari Has Transformed Federal Fire Service ' Ibrahim Navy Warns Personnel Against Collusion With Criminals I'm Not Interested In 2023 Presidency ' Ikpeazu Federal Govt Scores Buhari High On Economy, Security In 2021 Momentous Events That Shaped Year 2021 CSOs Allege Fresh Plot Against Electoral Act Amendment Bill Kogi Gets New Police Commissioner Asiko Breaks Ground On First Dual Liquefied LNG Storage Terminal Federal Govt Reels Out Achievements In 2021 Investing In Food Supply Business My Precipitations *NEW TELEGRAPH* Again, as Imo hugs the headlines negatively Policeman killed as unknown gunmen attack event Center in Anambra Security, economy: Buhari has performed well, says Lai Mohammed Arrest, prosecute attackers of Zamfara PDP congress,Atiku tells IGP JUST IN: Datti Ahmad, former presidential aspirant, Sharia icon, is dead Traumatised, violated, child brides helpless under Nigerian laws (2) New Year: APC chieftain, Eyinnaya, advocates community service Body of S'Africa's anti-apartheid hero, Tutu, arrives St.George's Cathedral Salvaging the fate of 27 buildings in Amawbia Masks Will Be Mandatory Outdoors in Paris from Friday Kalu to Buhari: Abia North grateful for massive road constructions 2023: Most Benue guber aspirants're jobseekers ' PDP chieftain Resource Control: Ozekhome faults OBJ on ownership of oil, gas Masari: I'll lift ban on telecom services before January IPI death watch: Outrage as 45 journalists are killed globally Lagos Assembly passes Sanwo-Olu's N1.758trn budget for 2022 Nigerian firm set to produce fibre optic cables Startup: 100,000 drivers to benefit from mobility tech's $31m funding Corporate governance: NCC mulls guidelines for interconnect debt Manufacturing sector stunted by macro-economic challenges ICT: Growing potential amidst challenges NCC partners SMEDAN on digital scheme for SMEs NITDA creates office for digital innovation NCC equips graduates of 9mobile/Digital Bichi Emirate initiative Evaluating AFDB's subtle caution on more taxes Avetium Consult attains double ISO certifications EPL: Man Utd cruise past Burnley to strengthen top-four hopes Djokovic 'trying' to get to Australian Open ' teammates Fans salute Ndidi, Armatey after Leicester pip Liverpool U-17 football Challenge: Ikpeba hails standard, thanks all Barca trio test positive for COVID-19 NFF appoints Peseiro as new Eagles coach Lopes gets Cape Verde call-up via LinkedIn Nigeria's foes Sudan arrives Cameroon First arrivals, Ethiopia, record four COVID-19 cases Guinea's President gives squad brutal ultimatum *BLUE PRINT* Budget: AMCOW, AU stakeholders call for 5% allocation to water, sanitation Equity market up by N3bn Stanbic IBTC makes 12 millionaires at reward4Saving grand finale Production disruptions in Nigeria, others push oil price closer to $80 Breaking: Deeper life Pastor emerges Idoma Paramount ruler CDS, Naval Chief task newly promoted Rear Admirals on handwork, dedication Yuletide: Amb Ekpa hosts Efik community in Abuja China bans footballers from getting tattoos Nigeria, one of least safe, clean countries globally ' Experts Jigawa: Dutse varsity gets TETFund N36m kidney disease research grant Bosnian war: 9 Serbs indicted for killing over 100 Muslims Anger management in light of the Quran and Sunnah (II) 10 verses & Hadiths on social solidarity and fighting hunger 2023: I'm ready to address insecurity in Kaduna ' Ashiru Auditor General indicts Senate, Reps, NASC over N9.42bn expenditure $1.3bn Zungeru power turbine ready in January ' Project manager Growth of economy, capital market remain dicey in 2022 Nigerian Banks remain resilient amidst pandemic constraints in 2021 Omicron, Delta variants pose 'very high' risk as cases surge globally ' WHO UNICEF lauds Jigawa on child protection law Oyetola inaugurates 13.15km Ada-Igbajo road, says another promise kept Umahi's aide,100,000 ANN, APC members defect to PDP in Ebonyi Oluwo has no right to appoint religious leader ' Ogundokun Breaking: Buhari appoints new acting Controller General for Federal Fire Service Atiku flays attack on Zamfara PDP Congress, calls for investigation Etsu Nupe urges old students to facilitate development of alma mater Breaking: NAN news portal shut down Revealed! How herbalist bled to death after own dog bite *TRIBUNE* Lalong, Dadu'ut mourn first class traditional ruler, Mishkaham Mwagavul, Da Nelson Bakfur Oyetola inaugurates reconstructed 13.15km Ada-Igbajo road after 33 years of neglect Only zoning will guarantee unity, peaceful election in Ebonyi ' Egwu I'm only opposed to nepotism, insecurity, not Buhari 'Bishop Kukah Year 2021 in review Buhari, Jonathan meet in Aso Rock Forensic audit: Buhari vows to recover stolen NDDC funds A plea for our teachers On Nigeria's debt stock and National Development Plan Sultan, Oyetola, others counsel Muslim students, youths Miracles of Holy Prophet Muhammad (III) The boy child: A note of caution Niger Muslim scholars pray against insecurity Investors earn N3bn as equities market goes bullish *SPORTS* A Mixed Bag of Fortunes for Nigerian Sports in 2021 - Thisday Africa Cup of Nations is being 'disrespected', says former England striker, Ian Wright - Guardian Akpeyi Arrives Super Eagles AFCON Camp - Complete Sports Amid Suspension Threat, Zimbabwe Announce AFCON Squad - Thisday Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, Devin Hester Headline 2022 Pro Football HOF Finalists - Bleacher Report Arsenal Weighing Up Move For 21Yr-old Premier League Defender - Daily Independent Ashes chaos as Travis Head becomes first player from either side to test positive for Covid - Yahoo Australian batsman Travis Head out of fourth Ashes Test after contracting Covid - Yahoo Barca trio test positive for COVID-19 - New Telegraph Browns' Baker Mayfield Says Death Threats on Social Media 'Not Anything New - Bleacher Report China bans footballers from getting tattoos - Blueprint Chris Bosh Jokes About Return to Heat After Mario Chalmers Signs 10-Day Contract - Bleacher Report CLOSE-UP: Who is Jose Peseiro, the ex-Real Madrid assistant coach succeeding Rohr as Super Eagles gaffer - The Cable Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani combine to put Manchester United back on the front foot - Yahoo Djokovic 'trying' to get to Australian Open ' teammates - New Telegraph Draymond Green Blasts NBA's Decision to Postpone Warriors vs. Nuggets on Twitter - Bleacher Report Eagles begin AFCON preparations - Punch EPL: Man Utd cruise past Burnley to strengthen top-four hopes - New Telegraph Ex-England striker Wright says AFCON coverage 'affected by racism - Punch Fans salute Ndidi, Armatey after Leicester pip Liverpool - New Telegraph Fans slam Napoli over Osimhen COVIID-19 claim - Punch First arrivals, Ethiopia, record four COVID-19 cases - New Telegraph Former Kansas Player Gethro Muscadin 'Fighting for His Life' After Single-Car Crash - Bleacher Report Former Northwestern All-American Safety Brandon Joseph to Enter Transfer Portal - Bleacher Report Gary Kirsten: Reviving England's Test fortunes would be a lovely project - Yahoo Gilbert Arenas Rips Kwame Brown, Teases 54-Minute Video Exposing Ex-Wizards Center - Bleacher Report Guinea's President gives squad brutal ultimatum - New Telegraph I washed dishes in UK restaurant ' Agbaje, Nigerian boxing champion - Punch Isaiah Thomas Enters Health and Safety Protocols Day After Signing with Mavericks - Bleacher Report Joao Cancelo and family 'assaulted by four cowards' in jewellery robbery at home - Yahoo Joao Cancelo: Manchester City full-back says he was injured in robbery - BBC Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey Lead 76ers Past Nets Despite Big Nights from Durant, Harden - Bleacher Report Julio Jones Headlines Madden 22 Week 16 Player Ratings Update - Bleacher Report Kevin Durant Downplays Trash Talk with Joel Embiid: 'He Didn't Really Say Nothing - Bleacher Report Kyrie Irving Hasn't Discussed Potential Vaccination with Nets Since Return, Nash Says - Bleacher Report Lakers Trade Rumors: Rajon Rondo Focus of 'Serious Talks' with Cavaliers - Bleacher Report Lamar Jackson Misses Ravens Practice After Video of Limp Due to Ankle Injury - Bleacher Report Leicester City v Norwich City: Canaries confirm Premier League game postponed - BBC Leicester vs Norwich postponed over COVID-19 outbreak - Punch Leicester-Norwich called off as Covid and injuries hit Canaries squad - Yahoo Lopes gets Cape Verde call-up via LinkedIn - New Telegraph Lord Coe warns UK that diplomatic boycotts at China's Winter Olympics would be 'intellectually dishonest - Yahoo Lukaku 'not happy' with Chelsea situation as problems mount for Tuchel - Yahoo Lukaku Unhappy At Chelsea Eyes Inter Milan Return - Complete Sports Man United vs Burnley: Ronaldo, McTominay score in United 3-1 win - Punch Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo assaulted during a burglary at his home - Yahoo Manchester City's Joao Cancelo Says He Was Attacked, Robbed While With Family - Bleacher Report Manchester City's Joo Cancelo assaulted at home during robbery - Yahoo Manchester United 3-1 Burnley: Cristiano Ronaldo on target as hosts move into top six - BBC Mario Chalmers, Heat Agree to 10-Day Contract; Won 2 Championships with Miami - Bleacher Report McTominay and Ronaldo on target as Manchester United ease past Burnley - Yahoo My main lesson from 2021' There are more important things than England winning - Yahoo Napoli Midfielder Tests Positive For COVID-19 - Daily Independent New Eagles Coach Peseiro Set To Arrive In Abuja; Amoo Or Moffi To Replace Osimhen In AFCON Squad - Complete Sports New-look Gary Anderson finds form to defeat Rob Cross and reach quarter-finals - Yahoo NFF appoints Peseiro as new Eagles coach - New Telegraph Nigeria's foes Sudan arrives Cameroon - New Telegraph No. 1 South Carolina Women's Basketball Upset By Unranked Missouri in OT - Bleacher Report NPFL: Ogunbote rues missed chances again