China sanctions US defence firms over Taiwan arms sales
(Photo by Maxim Shemetov / POOL / AFP)Beijing imposed sanctions on Friday against 20 US defence-related companies and 10 executives, a week after Washington announced large-scale arms sales to Taiwan, Associated Press reports. The sanctions entail freezing the companies’ assets in China and banning individuals and organisations from dealing with them, according to the Chinese foreign ministry. Any company or individual who engages in arms sales to Taiwan will pay the price for the wrongdoing”, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday. China says that the US arms sales to Taiwan would violate diplomatic agreements between China and the USChina’s military has increased its presence in Taiwan’s skies and waters in the past few years, holding joint drills with its warships and fighter jets on a near-daily basis near the island. Under the American federal law, the US is obligated to assist Taiwan with its self-defence, a point that has become increasingly contentious with China.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 21:57 UTC
Police arrest two bandit kingpins, recover arms, cash in Kwara
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of two suspected bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across four states. The suspects were arrested during a covert operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command. “Preliminary findings showed that the suspects belonged to a notorious gang terrorising communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states,” he said. Hundeyin disclosed that the gang also specialised in supplying arms and ammunition to other criminal elements operating within the region. He said both suspects are cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of additional weapons.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 21:29 UTC
EPL: Guardiola hails Man City players’ discipline over Christmas
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised his players for maintaining “incredibly disciplined” habits during the Christmas break as they prepare for their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (12:30 GMT). As reported by BBC on Friday, Guardiola revealed that his squad will be weighed on their return to training to ensure they meet the club’s high fitness standards. He highlighted that City players have consistently maintained discipline over the past decade. The manager previously confirmed that players met the required standards when weighed before their 3-0 victory over West Ham on 20 December. With Manchester City aiming to maintain their Premier League momentum, Guardiola’s insistence on discipline and fitness underscores the club’s high standards both on and off the pitch.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 21:15 UTC
What is the Average Temperature in Nigeria?
The average temperature in Nigeria hovers around 27 degrees Celsius (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit) annually, though this figure barely captures the full story of Nigeria’s climate diversity across its distinct geographical zones. Nigeria’s average annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius converts to approximately 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Dallol in Ethiopia recorded an average annual temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius (93.9 degrees Fahrenheit) between 1960 and 1966, making it perhaps the hottest inhabited place on Earth by average temperature. West African neighbours Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Cameroon experience temperature patterns similar to southern Nigeria, with average temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. Understanding Nigeria’s Average Temperature: Final ThoughtsAfter months researching temperature data, consulting meteorological experts, and experiencing Nigeria’s climate variations firsthand across different regions and seasons, I’ve reached several clear conclusions about our temperature realities.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 21:04 UTC
AFCON 2025: Salah fires Egypt into 1-0 victory over South Africa
Egypt on Friday hold a 1–0 lead over South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B match in Agadir, following a first-half penalty converted by captain Mohamed Salah. The goal came in the 45th minute after South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau conceded a foul in the penalty area, allowing Salah to score with a left-footed shot to the centre of the goal. Moments later, Egypt were reduced to 10 men when Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for a bad foul. In the second half, South Africa increased the tempo and committed more players forward in search of an equaliser, while Egypt dropped deeper and looked to create chances on the counter-attack. A late VAR check for a possible penalty in favour of South Africa was reviewed and overturned, with no penalty awarded.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 20:53 UTC
What is Life Like in Nigeria Today?
Understanding what life in Nigeria is really like today requires looking beyond headlines and statistics to see how actual people navigate their daily existence in Africa’s most populous nation. What Economic and Security Challenges Define Nigerian Life Today? Seven Steps to Understanding Contemporary Nigerian LifeIf you want to truly grasp what life is like in Nigeria today, here’s a practical framework based on years of observation:1. Understanding this informal sector is key to understanding Nigerian economic life. Living in Nigeria Today: The VerdictAfter all this research and reflection, what’s the actual answer to “what is life like in Nigeria today”?
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 20:17 UTC
Oyedele clarifies Tax ID rules for bank accounts
The Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified fears about the use of Tax Identification Numbers for bank accounts ahead of the January 2026 rollout of new tax regulations. He urged Nigerians not to panic, noting that the TIN requirement primarily applies to business accounts to facilitate efficient tax administration. He posted, “𝐓he 𝐅ear: Your bank account will be frozen without a Tax ID, and you will be automatically debited from January 2026. “𝐓he 𝐅act: Tax ID (TIN) is only required for income or business accounts. The Tax ID requirement is for ease of administration, not punishment, and applies primarily to business accounts.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 19:46 UTC
Guardiola proud of Man City players’ response to weighty issues
City enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 pre-Christmas win over Premier League strugglers West Ham to stay just two points behind leaders Arsenal. And while the manager confessed to a degree of seasonal excess, he expects his players to have maintained their fitness standards. “Forest away has always been tough, especially in this period and especially with an important person in the history and the legacy like Mr Robertson, who unfortunately passed away,” said Guardiola. “It has always been a tough, tough place to go – for the crowd, especially for the quality they have,” he said. “The team invested a lot in the last years and was promoted in the Premier League and they are a really, really good side.”
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 19:41 UTC
AFCON: Salah helps Egypt beat South Africa, book last-16 place
(Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)Mohamed Salah scored as 10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first qualifiers for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa have three points, and Angola and Zimbabwe one each after they drew 1-1 in Marrakesh earlier. Midway through the opening half a pattern had developed — Egypt were pushing forward regularly while South Africa defended with calmness and solid tackling. A rare South Africa attack ended disappointingly as Lyle Foster struck a weak shot that was comfortably saved by 37-year-old Mohamed El Shenawy. Awarded a free-kick close to the touchline, South Africa performed an intricate, multi-pass move that ended tamely as El Shenawy clutched a cross.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 19:41 UTC
Slot says Ekitike reaping rewards for greater physicality
Arne Slot believes Hugo Ekitike’s run of five goals in four matches indicates the striker has heeded the Liverpool manager’s advice when it comes to improving his fitness. Ekitike only managed three goals in his next 17 matches as the British record signing struggled to get to grips with the repeated demands of English football. Slot believes much of Ekitike’s recent progress can be attributed to better physical condition, although the Dutch boss said he had to convince the forward that such work was needed. “He showed a lot of hard work to get to this fitness level where he is at the moment,” Slot said ahead of Saturday’s match at home to basement club Wolves. “I also think we have been a bit more lucky than in the games before because we have played games where we were so much better than the other teams.
Source:The Guardian
December 26, 2025 19:41 UTC
N’Assembly begins internal review of disputed tax laws
The National Assembly has initiated an internal investigation into allegations that certain provisions of the recently passed tax reform laws were altered after approval by lawmakers and presidential assent. “The Leadership and management of the National Assembly are addressing these matters strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandate,” the statement said. It added that the relevant committees of the National Assembly, working with its management, had commenced an internal review to clarify the issues raised. “Accordingly, the relevant Committees, in collaboration with the Management of the National Assembly, are conducting an internal review,” it stated. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged discrepancies in Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws pledged to submit its report as soon as its work is concluded.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 19:06 UTC
AFCON 2025: Musona rescues Zimbabwe in 1-1 draw with Angola
Gelson Dala put Angola ahead midway through the first half and recalled Musona levelled deep in first half added time. Angola recovered quickly to establish control and took the lead after 24 minutes through Qatar-based striker Dala. Hugo Marques, the 39-year-old Angola goalkeeper, had his head heavily bandaged before continuing after a collision with an opponent. After Angola were dispossessed in midfield, Zimbabwe counterattacked swiftly and a superb pass found Musona inside the box. As both sides sought a second goal and the lead, Marques rescued Angola 12 minutes from the end of regular time with an acrobatic one-hand save from substitute Tawanda Chirewa.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 18:35 UTC
You can’t satisfy everyone, Lagos Imam tells Tinubu
National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt-Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Principal Private Secretary to the President Hakeem Muri-Okunola during the Jumat Prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos State. President Bola Tinubu joined Muslim worshippers on Friday at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos for Jumat prayers. “You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time,” Dr Arriyadhi told Tinubu. Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, was welcomed at the mosque by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and the mosque management.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 18:35 UTC
NAHCO equipment damages Air Peace aircraft, disrupts flight operations
NAHCO equipment and an Air Peace Embraer 195-E2 aircraft at the Lagos airport following a ground handling incident. Photo: Air PeaceFlight operations involving a newly acquired Embraer 195-E2 aircraft belonging to Air Peace were disrupted on Friday following a ground handling incident at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. According to Air Peace, the aircraft, with registration number 5N-BYH, was scheduled to operate Flight P47750 from Lagos to Accra at the time of the incident. Air Peace added that the Embraer 195-E2 involved is part of its new fleet acquisitions, describing the damage as significant. Achimugu said, “Air Peace has suffered a lot of these technical issues through no fault of theirs.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 18:31 UTC
Couple killed as gunmen storm Niger church
A couple were killed in South-West Niger this week after armed individuals fired into the air inside a church, locals told AFP on Friday. ACLED, a non-governmental organisation monitoring conflicts around the world, said nearly 2,000 people had died as a result of such violence in Niger this year. Christians were attending mass in the church when armed individuals came in and fired into the air. Relations between Christians and Muslims in Niger are generally peaceful. Suspected jihadists are nonetheless blamed for attacks on churches in the western region of Tillaberi between 2018 and 2021, and the killing of 111 Muslim worshippers in Tillaberi this year.
Source:Punch
December 26, 2025 18:22 UTC