Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday described 2026 as a pivotal year for the state and the nation, urging residents to remain vigilant and take security matters seriously as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 general elections. Makinde noted that as the political season draws nearer, residents should be wary of aspirants who would make unrealistic promises. If you see something, say something to the appropriate authorities,” Makinde said, urging residents to encourage their relatives and communities across the state to remain alert. Makinde announced that the 2025 promotion exercise had already been forwarded to him for approval, assuring affected workers that he would sign it immediately. The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, represented by the Deputy Speaker, commended Makinde’s worker-friendly policies and infrastructural development.

When to Watch Liverpool vs BarnsleyFA Cup Match is set to take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Liverpool vs Barnsley Live Streaming & TV Channel in IndiaIn India, the match will be telecast on Sony Sports Network. Liverpool vs Barnsley Live Streaming & TV Channel in UKIn the United Kingdom, people can stream the matches on TNT Sports 1, Discovery +, and Prime Video. When & Where to Watch Liverpool vs Barnsley in South AfricaSouth Africans can enjoy the live action on SuperSport. When & Where to Watch Liverpool vs Barnsley in IrelandThe live broadcast in Ireland will be on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.

The Oyo Fire Service Agency has curtailed an inferno that destroyed property worth millions of naira and engulfed a lounge in one of the hotels in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The fire affected a three-bedroom flat used as a lounge within the hotel premises. He said, “Upon arrival, it was a three-bedroom flat used as a lounge that was engulfed by fire. The affected building was an ancient one consisting of seven rooms. Akinwande said, “Upon arrival at the scene, we met an ancient residential building of seven rooms engulfed by fire.

The Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos hospital of negligence after the death of one of her 21-month-old twin boys. The notice alleged there were lapses during the child’s admission and lack of basic resuscitation equipment at the facility amounting to medical negligence. He had been referred from another Lagos hospital to Euracare for a series of diagnostic procedures that included an echocardiogram and a brain MRI. In the WhatsApp chat, Adichie accused Euracare of negligence, saying a doctor had directly told her that the resident anaesthesiologist had administered an overdose of propofol, a sedative. There has been an outpouring of condolence messages to Adichie and Esege, including from Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria.

Saudi Airlines has come under criticism after abandoning 401 Kano-bound passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for close to 48 hours, triggering tension and security concerns. “Yesterday, I had to make a U-turn while heading to my barber’s shop after receiving reports of a valid threat of extreme violence from stranded Saudi Airlines passengers in Abuja,” Achimugu said. According to him, other airlines had also diverted to Abuja for the same weather-related reason, but while they made alternative arrangements for their passengers, Saudi Airlines returned to its base without ensuring that its passengers reached their final destination. “I stood amidst over 200 angry passengers, pacifying, reprimanding and resolving. Saudi Airlines, according to the NCAA, has committed to compensating the affected passengers.

Former Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertesacker has announced that he will step down as Head of Arsenal’s Academy at the end of the season. Mertesacker joined Arsenal in 2011 from Werder Bremen and quickly became a key figure in the heart of the defence. During his playing career at the club, Mertesacker made over 170 Premier League appearances and scored 9 goals, many of them crucial headers from set-pieces. After retiring in 2018, Mertesacker immediately joined Arsenal’s coaching staff. He eventually became Head of the Academy, where he oversaw the development of young talent and helped integrate promising players into the first team.

Bandits, suspected armed herders, have killed a soldier and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at Udeku community in the Turan district of the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident but clarified that no police officer was involved. “No police officer was killed, but regrettably an officer from our sister agency did not make it,” Edet said. Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Mr. Michael Ejelikwu, confirmed the incident on Sunday. He added that despite the unfortunate incident, the NSCDC remained determined and committed to confronting insecurity in all its forms.

The Kogi State Police Command has said that scores of bandits were neutralised and their networks dismantled during a fresh security operation, although the exact location of the exercise was not disclosed. “The ongoing onslaught against bandit operations in Kogi State by the joint police and military has yielded fruitful results. The statement further appealed to residents to support the ongoing operations by providing credible information about criminal elements within their neighbourhoods. PUNCH Metro reports that suspected bandits have intensified criminal activities in several parts of Kogi State in recent months. Only on Saturday, residents of Zango in Lokoja reported sporadic gunshots, after which four members of the same family were kidnapped.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that Iran’s leadership had called him seeking “to negotiate” after he repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily if Tehran killed protesters. As reports emerge of a growing protest death toll, and images show bodies piled outside a morgue, Trump said Tehran indicated its willingness to talk. Those that do open must close at around 4:00 or 5:00 pm, when security forces deploy en masse. He later urged Iran’s security forces and government workers to join the demonstrators. He also urged protesters to replace the flags outside of Iranian embassies.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI during operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists across Borno State. | Credit: ArmyEleven terrorists fighters have surrendered to troops of operation Hadin Kai, as soldiers killed eight others and arrested two insurgent’s logistics supplier in Borno State. This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Media Information Officer Joint Task Force Northeast Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba. The statement read, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have sustained intense offensive operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists across Borno State, recording notable successes in clearance, fighting patrols and blocking operations. “During the operation, troops dismantled life-support structures, degraded terrorist logistics and recovered items including terrorist flags and weapons as well as magazines” it noted.

SynopsisTata Motors is set to launch the facelifted 2026 Tata Punch on January 13, introducing significant exterior and interior updates, new features, and an additional turbo-petrol engine option. The micro-SUV will feature a streamlined variant lineup and refreshed styling inspired by the Punch EV, enhancing its appeal in the Indian market.

Tata Motors is gearing up to launch the updated Tata Punch Facelift in India on January 13. With the launch slotted for tomorrow, here's what we know so far about the 2026 Tata Punch Facelift. Tata Punch Facelift: New ColoursThe Tata Punch facelift will arrive with a refreshed palette of colours, adding more vibrancy to the compact SUV. Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Launching On January 13 With These ChangesTata Punch Facelift: Interior And FeaturesThe Tata Punch facelift's interior has been significantly updated to feel more modern and premium. Tata Punch Facelift InteriorTata Punch Facelift: VariantsTata has confirmed the trim lineup for the Punch facelift, which will be offered in six variants.

Lagos State Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of medical negligence surrounding the death of Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, who reportedly died at a private hospital in Lagos. This was as a medical expert, Dr Anthea Esege-Nwandu, disagreed with the claims by Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital’s statement released on Saturday, while accusing the hospital of negligence. The government condoled the author and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, describing the loss of a child as a devastating tragedy. “The Lagos State Government places the highest premium on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state,” the statement reads. The government said the agency would conduct an extensive review of all allegations, medical records and reports connected to the case.

Manchester United are expected to accelerate the process of appointing a new interim head coach, with a final decision looming between Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following face-to-face talks with the club’s hierarchy. The aim is to appoint an interim head coach as soon as possible to allow the new man sufficient time to prepare the squad for Saturday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Speaking after United’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat by Brighton, Fletcher said he will report to the Carrington Training Centre on Monday to discuss his next role within the club. United’s defeat to Brighton compounded a difficult period, with the club now knocked out of both domestic cup competitions. As a result, the Premier League is their sole remaining focus for the rest of the season.

Tata Motors is all geared up to launch the Punch facelift tomorrow. Tata Punch Facelift: Expected DesignTata has revealed the design of the Punch facelift in its entirety. The Punch facelift also debuts new alloy wheel designs, enhancing its upmarket appeal. Tata Punch Facelift: Expected Interiors & FeaturesAs revealed in the teasers, the cabin of the Tata Punch facelift will get revised elements borrowing cues from the bigger Nexon and Altroz models. Tata Punch Facelift: Expected PriceThe current Tata Punch is priced between ₹5.50 lakh and ₹9.30 lakh, (both ex-showroom).