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Nick Jonas Recalls Wondering If He's a 'Thoughtful Husband' and 'Good Father' as He Releases New Song 'Gut Punch'
Jonas, 33, began 2026 by releasing a new single, “Gut Punch,” offering fans an early look at his upcoming fifth solo album, Sunday Best. In the introspective song, Jonas contemplates his role as a father to Malti Marie and husband to Priyanka Chopra, as well as his sense of self-image. Nick Jonas in a promotional photo for his ‘Gut Punch’ song. Throughout the song, Jonas reflects on social habits and tendencies he struggles with, like people pleasing and faking a smile. Jonas' Sunday Best will be his first solo album since releasing Spaceman in 2021.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 02:17 UTC
Call for Posthumous National Honour for Efunroye Tinubu
The Chairman of Adamakin Investments and Works Limited, Akindele Adamakin, has called on the Federal Government to bestow a posthumous national honour on the late business tycoon, Madam Efunroye Tinubu. Adamakin made this call on the occasion of the 138th remembrance of Madam Tinubu and the company’s End-of-Year celebration. Adamakin, who is also the sole administrator of the late Madam Efunroye Tinubu’s estate, used the event to also call for justice regarding the expansive estate of the late Tinubu. “The real Tinubu that our President bears is Madam Efunroye Tinubu. He recalled the 1853 banishment of Madam Tinubu by the colonial administration to ‘Ibobi’ (now Igbobi), then a dense forest, and highlighted historical landmarks such as Tinubu Village and Tinubu Close as proof of her acquisitions.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 01:33 UTC
Nick Jonas Gets Sentimental in New Year's Post Promoting 'Gut Punch'
Play video contentNick Jonas had a great 2025 and he wants 2026 to be even better ... not just for him, but for you, too. In a video shared on Instagram Thursday, the singer admitted he was feeling a little anxiety about the new year. Nick said, "Be grateful for the simple things -- quiet moments with people you love." "You're not defined by your hurt or your mistakes, and 2026 I believe will be a great year for all of us." In "Gut Punch," Nick explores why we can be so mean to ourselves through negative self-talk.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 01:16 UTC
EPL: Maresca’s sacking as Chelsea coach disappointing — John Terry
Chelsea legend John Terry has described the sacking of manager Enzo Maresca as disappointing. Chelsea, in a statement earlier on Thursday, confirmed that Maresca had left his role as head coach by mutual consent. The Italian’s departure came less than six months after he led the Blues to the FIFA Club World Cup. Reacting to the development on TikTok on Thursday, Terry said he was surprised by the decision and had been inundated with calls following the announcement. “Enzo Maresca has just been sacked by Chelsea and, to be honest, I’m completely shocked.
Source:Punch
January 02, 2026 00:26 UTC
Atiku slams govt over economy, insecurity, vows change in 2027
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the economy, insecurity and governance, accusing it of incompetence, lawlessness and political intimidation. According to him, the controversy surrounding a disputed tax law best reflected what he called the decay of the current administration. Atiku further criticised what he described as selective anti-corruption enforcement, accusing the government of weaponising institutions against political opponents. He warned that a government capable of tampering with laws could not be trusted to conduct free and fair elections in 2027. “Let us vote out hunger, insecurity, unemployment, dishonesty, corruption, abductions, lies, and propaganda.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 23:16 UTC
Why Ooni's ex-wife Zaynab married SGF George Akume
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and his new wife, Zaynab Ngohemba. Photo: Media OfficeZaynab Ngohemba, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, has spoken publicly about her recent marriage to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. She said the relationship represents the coming together of two individuals already committed to public service, rather than a shift in personal direction. The statement read, “It is a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and an understanding that personal stability strengthens public duty. “Their partnership represents the meeting of two lives already devoted to public purpose.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 23:12 UTC
2 dead, 6 injured in multiple Lagos road crashes
Photo: LASTMA on XTwo people were killed while at least six others sustained injuries in multiple road crashes recorded across Lagos on New Year’s Day. The crashes were confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. Similarly, a crash involving a Volkswagen commercial bus and a Toyota Corolla at Owode Elede, inward Owode Onirin on Ikorodu Road, left four persons injured. LASTMA said its operatives rescued the injured victims, ensured their transfer to the hospital, and restored traffic flow along the corridor. The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic laws, responding promptly to emergencies and sensitising road users, particularly during festive and high-mobility periods.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 22:27 UTC
Soldiers Kill 3 Suicide Bombers, Escorts in Borno State
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised three Boko Haram suicide bombers and their escorts along the Guduf–Pulka axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The statement reads, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully neutralised three terrorist suicide bombers following a deliberate, intelligence-driven operation conducted along the Guduf–Pulka axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. “Troops also inflicted heavy casualties on the terrorist escorts accompanying the suicide bombers,” he notedAccording to Uba, the surviving elements fled into the Mandara Mountains under pressure from sustained troop action. “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have intensified efforts to detect, track, and neutralise suicide bombers and other terrorist elements operating from this enclave, leveraging human intelligence, communication intercepts, and other intelligence-gathering capabilities,” he said. However, the Borno state police command issued a conflicting statement, stating that the suspected suicide bomber was arrested by the Police and that the items found with him are not IEDs.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 22:15 UTC
Rivers PDP faction slams Fubara for ‘betrayal’, defection to APC
Ewor, who said that President Bola Tinubu intervened, added that part of the agreement was that Fubara would not run for another term. He added that the president also asked Fubara to reinstate Chief Ohna Awuse as Chairman of the Rivers Traditional Rulers Council. He called on Fubara to tell the people of Rivers the terms of agreement reached with Tinubu before the emergency rule was lifted in the state. Ewor recalled that the PDP challenged the declaration of the state of emergency at the Supreme Court to protect its mandate. “Today, Fubara has taken our mandate to the APC, which, with all intent and purpose, is unjust,” he said.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 21:55 UTC
Alliance with PDP elders proves loyalty to Tinubu, Fubara dismisses blackmail
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that prominent former leaders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and known supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have resolved to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Governor Fubara made the announcement on Thursday at the New Year banquet organised by the Rivers State Government at Government House, Port Harcourt. Governor Fubara said it is on the strength of that faith that the purpose of governance in Rivers State would be fully realised. Governor Fubara said his administration has endured numerous challenges but has emerged stronger, noting that the battles he could not fight had ultimately strengthened his resolve. It is to protect Rivers State.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 21:45 UTC
US Lawmaker on ISIS Threats to Christians in Nigeria
A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has raised alarm over reports of threats against Christians in Nigeria, citing statements attributed to an Islamic State–affiliated group and calling the situation religious persecution. Moore said on X on Thursday night that the debate over the motives behind attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria should be settled. “If there were any remaining doubts that Christians in Nigeria are being targeted for their faith in Jesus Christ, this should end that debate. The ministry stated that the cooperation had led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North-West. Debris from the operation fell in parts of Sokoto and Kwara states, but authorities confirmed that no civilian casualties occurred.
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 21:26 UTC
Tinubu hails Hadiza Bala-Usman on her 50th birthday
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday felicitated with his Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala-Usman, as she marks her 50th birthday on January 2, 2026. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Bala-Usman as “a dedicated patriot whose sterling public career reflects service, sacrifice, and commitment to national development.”Tinubu commended her nearly three decades in public service, highlighting her contributions across various government institutions and roles. “In her current role as Special Adviser and Head of the CRDCU, Hadiza continues to distinguish herself as an astute public administrator through discipline, clear thinking, and a firm focus on results,” the President said. He credited her efforts with strengthening the governance framework and enhancing the realisation of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The President prayed for strength, wisdom, good health, and grace for Bala-Usman, expressing hope that she would “remain an inspiration to women, young people and emerging leaders across the country.“
Source:Punch
January 01, 2026 21:14 UTC
Why US is placing travel ban on Nigeria, 25 other African countries
Benin:The US imposed partial restrictions due to Benin’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 12.34 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 36.77 percent. Gabon:Gabon was listed due to its B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.47 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 19.09 percent. Malawi:According to the Overstay Report, Malawi recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 22.45 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 31.99 percent. It also noted that Nigerian nationals had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent. Zimbabwe:Zimbabwe’s B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate was 7.89 percent, with F, M and J visa overstays reaching 15.15 percent.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 19:57 UTC
PDP urges FG to prioritise security, people’s welfare in 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Federal Government to recommit itself to the protection of lives and property, insisting that 2026 must mark a decisive shift towards people-centred governance. The opposition party urged the government to act without delay, warning that the new year must not become “another chapter of broken promises,” but a turning point defined by decisive leadership and accountability. According to the PDP, the interests of Nigerians, rather than partisan calculations or political survival, should guide every action of government. The party also called on key democratic institutions, including the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities without succumbing to pressure, inducement or fear. It assured Nigerians that it would continue to speak truth to power, hold the government accountable and stand with the people until governance truly reflects their will, welfare, and aspirations.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 19:09 UTC
Anthony Joshua released from hospital after surviving fatal car crash, driver could face charges
Anthony Joshua was released from a hospital in Nigeria on Wednesday, two days after the former two-time heavyweight champion survived a fatal car crash that killed two of his friends and team members in Lagos. The driver, who was hired for the team’s trip in Nigeria, the homeland of Joshua’s parents, has also been discharged from the hospital. Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps said that the driver was speeding and lost control “during an overtaking maneuver” on the congested Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Nigeria recorded 5,421 deaths in 9,570 road accidents in 2024, according to data by the country's Federal Road Safety Corps. But all of those plans are now in doubt as Joshua physically and mentally recovers from the life-altering incident.
Source:The Guardian
January 01, 2026 19:07 UTC