TREND SUN

The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, David Oyedepo, has said no amount of money, including one billion dollars, could persuade him to venture into partisan politics.   Oyedepo made the statement while addressing worshippers during the impartation service at the church’s annual convocation, Shiloh 2025. The cleric used the occasion to urge church members to remain focused on their divine assignments rather than pursuing paths outside their calling.   Speaking on the subject, Oyedepo stressed that political involvement does not align with his life’s purpose. “Partisan politics is off my calling. If you give me $1 billion to join politics, I won’t, because it’s off my course,” he said.   Oyedepo also reflected on past warnings he had issued to the church. “In 2015, I warned the church that trouble was coming. Didn’t trouble come?” he asked.   Oyedepo stated that  the world is in need of divine sol...

The Kano State Government has formally outlawed a group operating under the name Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi, declaring its activities illegal and a threat to public order.   Governor Abba Yusuf signed an executive order proscribing the group on December 8, following intelligence reports that its operations violated existing state laws regulating religious enforcement bodies. According to the government, the group was allegedly recruiting, training and mobilising youths without legal authority, contrary to the Kano State Hisbah Board Law.   Addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, said the Kano State Hisbah Board remains the only institution legally empowered to coordinate Hisbah-related activities in the state. He warned that the existence of any parallel structure posed serious security risks.   “The emergence of a parallel group amounts to creating an unauthorised enforcement structure capable of und...

The Presidency on Sunday night, December 14, refuted the claims that the All Progressives Congress, APC, arm-twisted and pressurised members of the opposition political parties to defect to the ruling party, saying the decanpees were motivated by the alleged noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.   The Presidency also denied the allegation that the ruling APC is using the anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to harass and intimidate the opposition.   In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency said President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.   The presidency, in the statement titled: “A failed opposition engaging in subterfuge and the empty search for scapegoats,” said the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be triviali...

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base at Mairari in Borno State, dealing what the military described as a major setback to the group’s operations in the area.   This was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday, December 13, by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sani Uba. He said the attack began late on Friday night and continued into the early hours of Saturday before it was contained through joint ground and air operations.   According to Uba, the attackers attempted to force their way into the base using two vehicle borne improvised explosive devices. Both VBIEDs were detected in time and neutralised by troops, preventing any breach of the facility.   “CCTV footage and field observations confirmed that several terrorists were killed, while others sustained serious injuries as surviving elements evacuated their dead and wounded,” he said. ...

Influencer and media personality Nons Miraj has stirred conversations online after sharing her view on what real love from a man should look like.   Speaking during a chat on the  TeaWithTay  podcast, Nons Miraj said love should go beyond sweet words and public gestures. According to her, a man who genuinely loves a woman should be willing to show it through responsibility and provision.   In her words, one clear way to prove love is by renting a place for the woman and her family if the situation calls for it.   She gave an example, saying if a woman is living abroad and her family back home is struggling with poor living conditions, especially something as serious as a leaking house, a man who truly cares would step in to help.   For her, supporting a partner’s family is not an unreasonable demand but a reflection of commitment, concern, and seriousness.

Two US Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on Saturday, December 12, in central Syria after a suspected Islamic State (IS) attacker opened fire on a convoy involving American and Syrian forces, the US military has confirmed. The assailant was later shot dead.   The attack comes just weeks after Syria announced a political cooperation agreement with the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State, a move that coincided with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to the White House.   According to Reuters, three local officials said the attacker was a member of the Syrian security forces. However, a spokesperson for Syria’s interior ministry, Noureddine el-Baba, said the individual did not hold a leadership position.   “On December 10, an evaluation was issued indicating that this attacker might hold extremist ideas, and a decision regarding him was due to be issued tomorrow, on Sunday,” el-Baba told state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariya.   US Presi...

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of France football legend Zinedine Zidane, has been included in Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to begin on December 21 in Morocco.   The 27-year-old, who plays for Spanish second-division side Granada, previously represented France at youth level before switching his international allegiance to Algeria. He made his senior debut for the North African side two months ago in a World Cup qualifier against Uganda.   Reacting after his first appearance, Zidane said: “It is an honour for me, and I will give 100% to make the Algerian people proud.”   Zidane is one of three goalkeepers named in the squad, alongside Oussama Benbot of USM Alger and Anthony Mandrea of French club Caen.   Announcing the team, Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic expressed confidence ahead of the tournament. “I’m sure the players will arrive highly motivated and ready to play in this AFCON,” he said. “The main objective is to...

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered an autopsy to medically determine the cause of death of his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday, December 11, at the age of 60.   Governor Diri gave the directive while receiving former President Goodluck Jonathan, who paid a condolence visit to the Bayelsa State Government and the family of the late deputy governor at the Government House in Yenagoa.   The governor also warned against the politicisation of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, particularly on social media, urging the public to respect the period of mourning in the state. In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Mr Daniel Alabrah, Diri appealed to residents to avoid speculation and instead focus on celebrating the life and service of the late deputy governor, whom he described as a dedicated and committed public servant.   He added that the autopsy was necessary to put an end to speculation surrounding the circumstances of the death. ...

Cristiano Ronaldo may soon be trading football boots for fast cars and big screen action. Vin Diesel has confirmed that a role has been written specifically for the football icon in the next Fast & Furious movie, sparking excitement among both sports and film fans. The actor shared a photo with Ronaldo on Instagram, hinting that the Portuguese star could become part of the franchise’s final chapter. The post instantly went viral, with fans imagining Ronaldo in high-speed chases and dramatic action scenes. While no official casting announcement has been made, the buzz alone has already taken over social media. Vin Diesel shared the news on Instagram after meeting Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. Posting a photo together, Diesel wrote that a role had been written for the football legend and praised him as “a real one.” Fans immediately picked up on the wording, especially since Diesel later edited the caption. Many now believe the role is meant for Fast and Furious 11, the planne...

Access Bank Giwa Gardens partners to Deliver Unforgettable Detty December Experience ‎Access Bank’s lifestyle platform, DettyFusion, has announced an exciting partnership with Giwa Gardens Lagos, one of Lagos city’s fastest-rising leisure and entertainment destinations, to elevate the Detty December experience for Lagosians and visitors alike. ‎The partnership is set to transform Detty December into a vibrant fusion of music, leisure, culture, and premium lifestyle experiences within the lush and expansive ambience of Giwa Gardens. ‎ ‎Speaking on the colaboration, Chief Executive Officer, Giwa Gardens Lagos, Keji Giwa noted that “Detty December is a defining moment in Lagos’ entertainment calendar, and partnering with Access Bank DettyFusion allows us to curate experiences that combine fun, relaxation, and premium hospitality.  Giwa further noted that, “At Giwa Gardens, we prioritise seamless experiences for our partners and their customers. Tickets purchased through Ac...

Sophia has made her stance very clear when it comes to children’s events and the rules that come with them.   Sharing a short message on Snapchat, she noted that any kiddies’ party or playdate invite that boldly states “no nanny” or “no parents” will not be getting her attention.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has clarified that the Very Large Crude Carrier MV Skipper, intercepted by the United States Navy over alleged crude theft and other transnational crimes, is not registered in Nigeria.     According to the agency, the vessel, identified by IMO Number 9304667, does not appear on its registry, and the company said to own it, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, is not recognised as a licensed shipping company under NIMASA.     In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Edward Osagie, NIMASA said its attention was drawn to reports claiming the vessel was Nigerian-owned.     The statement emphasized that the vessel is not Nigerian-flagged and that an analysis of its movement from the agency’s C4i Centre showed it was last sighted in Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024.     After leaving Nigeria, the vessel reportedly continued on its usual international routes, operating...

Mohamed Salah is set to return to Liverpool’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brighton following what have been described as behind the scenes peace talks with head coach Arne Slot.   The development comes days after Salah sparked major controversy with a blunt public interview after Liverpool’s dramatic 3–3 draw with Leeds United, in which he said he had been “thrown under the bus” and claimed he had “no relationship” with Slot. The comments led to intense speculation about his future at Anfield and resulted in the Egypt international being completely left out of the squad for Tuesday’s 1–0 win over Inter Milan.   Despite the fallout, reports from The Guardian indicate that the 33 year old forward has now been recalled to the squad for the Brighton fixture. Salah is expected to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations immediately after the game, making his reintegration into the team particularly notable.   Salah has not started any of ...

Thailand’s leader vowed on Saturday, December 13, to keep fighting on the disputed border with Cambodia as fighter jets struck targets, hours after US President Donald Trump said he had brokered a new ceasefire. Caretaker Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the Southeast Asian nation would “continue to perform military actions until we feel no more harm and threats to our land and people.” Trump, who brokered a ceasefire in the long-running border dispute in October, spoke to Anutin and Cambodian premier Hun Manet on Friday and said they had agreed to “cease all shooting.” Neither premier mentioned an agreement in statements after their calls with Trump, and Anutin explicitly denied there was a ceasefire. "I want to make it clear. Our actions this morning already spoke,” Anutin posted on Facebook, and reports indicate that fighting, including air and rocket strikes, continued throughout Saturday. At least four Thai soldiers were reported killed on Saturday, ta...

The United States has accused Rwanda of fuelling instability and prolonging conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that continued violence could derail efforts by President Donald Trump to broker peace in the region.   Addressing the UN Security Council on Friday, December 12, US ambassador Mike Waltz said Rwanda’s alleged backing of the M23 rebel group was pushing the region toward deeper conflict. “Rwanda is leading the region towards increased instability and war,” Waltz told the council. “We will use the tools at our disposal to hold to account spoilers to peace.”   The renewed fighting has heightened fears of a wider regional crisis, with clashes edging closer to Burundi’s border. Burundi has maintained troops in eastern DRC for years, and the escalation has raised concerns of spillover violence. Since January, the conflict has reportedly killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.   Burundi issued a stern w...

Commercial banks will now be required to submit quarterly reports on bank accounts with turnovers of N25 million and above to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other relevant agencies as part of efforts to strengthen tax monitoring. The requirement forms part of the federal government’s new tax administration framework scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.   The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this in Lagos while speaking at a media workshop on the newly consolidated tax law. He explained that the reporting threshold has been increased from N10 million to N25 million per quarter, which he said effectively means “almost N100 million a year before any report is triggered.”   Oyedele clarified that the policy does not mean banks will begin reporting all customer transactions. He noted that under the 2020 Finance Act, accounts used for business purposes are already required to have a Tax ...

Angry spectators broke down barricades and stormed the pitch at a stadium in India after football star Lionel Messi, who is on a three-day tour of the country, abruptly left the arena. As a part of a so-called GOAT Tour, the 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar touched down in the eastern state of West Bengal early Saturday, greeted by a chorus of exuberant fans chanting his name. Hours later, thousands of fans wearing Messi jerseys and waving the Argentine flag packed into Salt Lake stadium in the state capital, but heavy security around the footballer left fans struggling to catch a glimpse of him. Messi walked around the pitch waving to fans and left the stadium earlier than expected. Frustrated fans, many having paid more than $100 for tickets, ripped out stadium seats and hurled water bottles onto the track. Many others stormed the pitch and vandalised banners and tents.   “For me, to watch Messi is a pleasure, a dream. But I have missed the chance to ha...

A senior Ukrainian military officer has warned that Britain is dangerously unprepared for a major war and could pay a “high price” if Russian President Vladimir Putin expands the conflict in Ukraine to Europe.   Viktor Andrusiv, a major in the Ukrainian armed forces and former presidential adviser, said the UK must urgently learn from Ukraine’s experience before it is too late. His warning comes amid growing concern across NATO that Russia could escalate hostilities if diplomatic efforts fail.   Speaking against the backdrop of renewed calls by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for Europe to prepare for war “like our grandparents endured,” Andrusiv said the greatest danger lies in disbelief. According to him, many people in Western countries still struggle to accept that large-scale war on European soil is a real possibility.   “The biggest problem is that people don’t believe this can happen,” Andrusiv said. He noted that Ukraine faced a similar mindset befor...

A bill seeking to introduce a single, non renewable six year tenure for the governor and deputy governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.   The proposed amendment challenges existing provisions of the CBN Act 2007, which currently allows the governor and deputy governors to serve an initial five year term with the option of reappointment for another five years.   Beyond tenure limits, the bill introduces wide ranging reforms aimed at strengthening the apex bank’s governance framework and aligning its operations with international best practices. The legislation also proposes unifying Nigeria’s exchange rate system and banning the use of foreign currencies for domestic transactions except through authorised channels.   The bill is jointly sponsored by Jesse Okey Joe Onuakalusi, who represents Oshodi Isolo federal constituency, and the House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere. According to the sponsors...

Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt has undergone surgery to repair and stabilise a partially collapsed lung following a dry needling treatment at the team’s facility, according to his brother, J.J. Watt.   The health scare was first disclosed after the Steelers confirmed that the defensive standout had been admitted to hospital. Watt later shared the update on social media, reassuring fans that he was receiving medical care. Although no official recovery timeline has been announced, he is expected to be discharged from hospital on Friday.   “He and his family are very appreciative of everyone's kind words and well wishes,” J.J. Watt said.   NFL insider Ian Rapoport explained that dry needling is a common treatment used across the league to relieve muscle soreness and is generally considered safe. However, in this instance, the procedure reportedly led to severe complications, leaving Watt in intense discomfort and prompting doctors to send him to hospital for ...

The Nigeria Immigration Service NIS has announced that its passport application platform will be temporarily disrupted due to scheduled system maintenance.   The warning was issued on Friday, December 12, in a statement signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, A S Akinlabi, who said the maintenance exercise will run from Friday, December 12, through Sunday, December 14.   According to the statement, applicants may encounter interruptions while accessing passport related services during the maintenance period.   “During this period, users will experience temporary service interruptions, slow response times, or limited access to selected NIS Passport Services,” the statement said.   The Service appealed to the public for patience, explaining that the work is necessary to improve the efficiency and security of its digital systems.   “The Service kindly requests the public’s patience and understanding, as this maintenance is essential to sustain...

The Cameroonian Football Federation has been thrown into confusion just days before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.   Cameroon FA President, Samuel Eto'o  is reportedly locked in a bitter feud with national team manager, Marc Brys, who is reportedly refusing to be sacked.   Belgian coach Marc Brys has not been formally dismissed and is still contracted to the Ministry of Sport until September 2026, but has reportedly been informed by Samuel Eto’o that his tenure as Cameroon’s manager is effectively finished.   The feud has thrown Cameroon into confusion just days before the tournament begins, with the country naming two separate AFCON squads.   The Cameroonian FA, led by Eto'o, released their 28-man squad after an emergency committee meeting on December 1, naming David Pagou not Brys, as the national team coach for the tournament. Pagou, who is now officially listed on FIFA's website and even held a press conference to explain the...

Microsoft is facing a formal complaint in the European Union accusing the company of unlawfully storing data on Palestinians that was allegedly used for Israeli military surveillance. The Irish Data Protection Commission confirmed on Thursday, December 4, that it had received the complaint and said the matter is “currently under assessment.” With Microsoft’s European headquarters based in Ireland, the DPC serves as the company’s lead EU regulator.   The complaint was filed by Eko, a non profit group that campaigns for what it describes as people and planet over profits. In a statement, the organisation alleged, “Microsoft unlawfully processed personal data belonging to Palestinians and EU citizens, enabling surveillance, targeting, and occupation by the Israeli military.” The group claims the company violated Europe’s data protection rules.   The complaint follows reporting by the Guardian that the Israeli Defense Forces used Microsoft’s Azure cloud service to stor...

The White House has released President Donald Trump’s new national security strategy, a 33-page document that expands his “America First” doctrine and outlines a major shift in US foreign policy. The strategy focuses on redefining America’s role in the Western Hemisphere while taking a far more confrontational stance toward Europe.   The document stresses a “readjustment” of the US military presence in the Western Hemisphere to counter migration, drug trafficking and the growing influence of rival powers. It calls for a stronger Coast Guard and Navy presence and authorizes deployments aimed at securing the border and defeating cartels, including the potential use of lethal force. The plan is presented as part of a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, asserting that US dominance in the region is essential for national security.   This strategy follows a controversial campaign in which US forces have destroyed multiple alleged drug boats in international waters,...

Former Manchester United and England midfielder, Jesse Lingard, has agreed to terminate his contract with FC Seoul for a 'new challenge'.   Lingard, 32, had joined the K League side on a free transfer in February 2024 in a shock move.   He has made 66 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists.   FC Seoul qualified for the AFC Champions League after finishing fourth in his first season at the club, but finished sixth in the 12-team league in their recently concluded 2024-25 season.   Lingard, who is set to make his final appearance for the club in the AFC Champions League next week against Melbourne City, has thanked fans an 'unforgettable experience'.   'After positive discussions with FC Seoul, we have mutually agreed that I will be leaving the club at the end of the 2025 season, with my final game on December 10th,' Lingard said.   'This wasn’t an easy decision. My time in South Korea has been unbelievable — the footb...

An overnight exchange of gunfire and shelling at the Pakistan Afghanistan border left four civilians and one soldier dead, Afghan officials said on Saturday, December 6, marking the latest escalation despite a ceasefire agreement reached after deadly clashes in October.   Hamdullah Fitrat, a spokesman for the Afghan government, said five civilians were also wounded. Across the border, a hospital in Chaman, Pakistan, reported treating three people with minor injuries.   Both countries accused each other of launching “unprovoked” attacks at the busy Chaman Spin Boldak crossing in southern Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that “the Pakistani side started attacking Afghanistan in Kandahar, Spin Boldak district, and the forces of the Islamic Emirate were forced to respond.” Pakistan countered that Afghan forces fired first, with Mosharraf Zaidi, a spokesman for Pakistan’s prime minister, writing that “the Afghan Taliban regime resorted to unpr...

Cocona, a popular member of the Japanese girl group XG, marked their 20th birthday with a deeply personal revelation, announcing that they identify as transmasculine and nonbinary.   They also revealed that they underwent top surgery earlier this year, successfully removing their breasts. Cocona did not specify any updated pronouns.   The announcement was shared with the group’s 3.2 million followers on Instagram, alongside photos showing Cocona wearing an unbuttoned black blazer that offered a glimpse of their top surgery scar. In the translated message, they said this was something that had been in their heart “for a long time.” Cocona wrote:   “I was born and perceived as female, but that label never represented who I truly am. I live in a way that feels more masculine and true to who I am. The hardest thing I’ve ever faced was accepting and embracing myself. But as I slowly began to do that, I was able to open a new door.”   They expressed...