Category: PM News

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has described Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium as a “big blow,” acknowledging the harsh reality his team faces this season.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk said:

“There is no point discussing this from my point of view. The reality is that we lost 3-0 and that is a big blow. We lost. We have to improve. The season is long and will be a big fight.”

The Dutch defender’s comments underline the frustration within the Liverpool camp after a performance in which City dismantled Arne Slot’s tactics with ruthless precision.

Van Dijk admitted that the Reds were outplayed and highlighted the need for urgent improvement if Liverpool are to compete at the top level this season.

“We know where we went wrong. There’s no hiding from that. Now it’s about working hard, learning from the mistakes, and fighting back,” he added, signaling a determination to bounce back despite the heavy loss.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has promised a “new era of progress” following his emphatic re-election, declaring that the best is yet to come for the state.

Addressing supporters after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results of the election, Soludo thanked the electorate for granting him and his deputy, a renewed mandate with 73% of votes cast.

“Your overwhelming support humbles us. Out of 326 electoral votes, we lost only six, and across 21 local government areas, we secured nearly all wards, 97 to 98%,” Soludo said.

“This is a clear mandate, a demonstration of trust, and we intend to honour it fully,” he added.

The governor assured Anambra residents that his administration would accelerate its development agenda.

“Starting from March, we shift into gear four. We are now at gear two or three, but the full momentum begins in March,” he stated.

Soludo also commended President Bola Tinubu for guaranteeing free, fair, and transparent elections, and praised INEC, particularly its new chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, for a credible election.

He highlighted INEC’s ICT department for uploading over 99% of results on the IREV portal by midnight, allowing real-time transparency.

ddressing his opponents, Soludo emphasised the enduring spirit of Anambra politics.

“We fight passionately, but we remain united afterward. This is the Anambra way,” he said, extending a hand of fellowship to all contestants.

He further acknowledged the critical role of security agencies, including the Nigerian Police, Army, DSS, Civil Defence, Navy, and local forces, whose vigilance ensured peaceful elections.

He also remembered a councillor and supporter tragically killed during the election, urging prayers for their repose.

With the mandate renewed, Soludo stressed immediate action on governance, including budget planning and other development priorities.

“Anambra cannot wait. The job ahead is enormous, and we are ready to deliver,” he said.

Soludo concluded by expressing gratitude to the people of Anambra and all stakeholders in the electoral process, reiterating his commitment to leaving the state better than he found it.

Spanish Segunda Division fixture between Ceuta and Almeria ended in tragedy on Sunday after a supporter collapsed in the stands and later died.

The match at the Alfonso Murube Stadium was stopped in the 18th minute when the 73-year-old fan suddenly fell ill.

Red Cross paramedics rushed into the crowd and battled to save him for about ten minutes, performing CPR before carrying him away on a stretcher to a nearby hospital amid applause from concerned spectators.

Play resumed briefly, with Almeria’s Adri Embarba cancelling out Kuki Zalazar’s early opener for the hosts.

However, at half-time, officials received confirmation that the fan — identified by local media as Manolo Carreto, a former chief of police — had passed away.

After consultations between both clubs and match officials, the referee made the decision to abandon the game, with the announcement made over the stadium’s PA system.

A new date will be scheduled to complete the second half, with November 26 being considered if fixture changes can be arranged.

In a statement, Ceuta expressed their sorrow:

“We deeply regret the passing of one of our fans during the course of the match against UD Almeria. We send all our support and affection to the family and friends of the deceased. Rest in peace.”

Almeria also paid tribute, saying:

“UD Almeria deeply regrets the death and sends its most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, LaLiga extended condolences on social media, confirming the suspension and promising to announce a new date soon:

“The match between @ADCeuta_FC and @U_D_Almeria has been suspended due to the tragic death of a fan. LaLiga extends its condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Ceuta fanbase.”

The incident has cast a shadow over Spanish football, with fans and clubs across the league sending messages of sympathy and support.

The Nigerian Army has stepped up its nationwide offensive against terrorists, insurgents, and economic saboteurs, launching a series of coordinated strikes that have dealt heavy blows to criminal networks across the country within the past 48 hours.

The intensified operations, carried out under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reflect what the Army describes as a renewed determination to “completely annihilate terrorists and dismantle all networks of criminality.”

According to a statement released on Sunday through the Army’s official X handle, troops neutralised seven terrorists, arrested 27 suspects, and recovered assorted weapons, ammunition, and stolen crude oil in simultaneous operations spanning the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-South regions.

The statement said in the North-East, troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI conducted a precision cordon-and-search mission in Anguwan Church, Monguno, Borno State, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals allegedly linked to terror logistics and intelligence networks.

Similarly, troops from 192 Battalion ambushed ISWAP and JAS fighters along the GwozaLimankara axis, killing three insurgents and recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. In Damboa, troops of 25 Brigade neutralised another terrorist attempting to infiltrate their position under false pretences.

According to the statement, operations in the North-West and North-Central zones also yielded positive results. In Kaduna State, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE raided a terrorist hideout in Kauru Local Government Area, killing two insurgents behind recent attacks on civilians.

In Plateau State, four suspects were arrested over the murder of two residents in Riyom Local Government Area, while Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops in Niger State eliminated a terrorist scout and seized a motorcycle, mobile phone and other items.

The statement said in the South-South, the Army intensified crackdowns on oil theft and illegal refining. 2 Brigade troops in Akwa Ibom State arrested three illegal miners, while 144 Battalion in Abia State uncovered a refinery holding over 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil. Likewise, 34 Artillery Brigade troops dismantled another refining site in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State, seizing six drums of crude oil and a canoe used for transport.

Troops of 90 Amphibious Battalion in Delta State also arrested three suspects, including a man impersonating a soldier in camouflage, at a checkpoint in Sapele. Recovered items included fake military insignia, mobile phones and charms.

The statement described the operations as evidence of the Army’s revitalised combat posture and determination under General Shaibu to “take the fight to the enemy’s doorstep and eliminate all threats to national security.”

Reaffirming its commitment to national peace and sovereignty, the Army pledged to sustain the momentum, urging citizens to support the ongoing operations by sharing timely and credible intelligence.

“This new phase marks a decisive turning point in the war against terrorism, banditry and oil theft,” the statement concluded.

Weeks after the Federal Government promised to address the rising cost of Liquefied Natural Gas (LPG), known as cooking gas, the commodity has remained expensive across Abuja.

A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, revealed that cooking gas still sells for as high as N1,800 per kg, especially by the roadside retailers.

NAN reports that the price of cooking gas skyrocketed from N1,100 per 1kg to as high as N1,800 per kg in various outlets following the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Following the recent price hike, the Federal Government mandated the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify LPG depots monitoring to prevent product hoarding.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the recent price surge was primarily caused by two factors which involved the industrial action by PENGASSAN at the Dangote Refinery.

Ekpo added that the other factor was the ongoing maintenance activities at the Nigeria LNG train four facility, which reduced the volume of LPG available in the domestic market.

He, however, assured that operations at the Dangote Refinery had resumed, with loading of LPG to the domestic market already ongoing.

The minister also said the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat Energy had commenced loading, while the Nigeria LNG was gradually restoring normal operations as maintenance neared completion.

A retailer, Mr Kingsley Paul, told NAN that he could not sell below his purchase cost.

“I still have old stock. When the price we buy comes down, we will also sell at a reduced rate.

“Since the Dangote Refinery has resumed supply, I believe the price will drop when we get new deliveries,” he said.

At one of the major outlets visited, cooking gas was sold at N1,450 per kg.

The manager who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they were still selling old stock and expressed hope that the price would reduce once they receive new supplies.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have continued to urge the government to find a lasting solution to the rising cost of LPG, as many households rely on it for daily cooking.

Mr Christian Chibuzor, an environmentalist, said it was a good thing the government was trying to promote the use of cooking gas. However, they needed to make it affordable for all Nigerians to purchase.

“Using cooking gas will help lower carbon emissions compared to traditional firewood, charcoal, or kerosene, which will help mitigate climate change and improve air quality, thereby, reducing respiratory diseases.

“However, if the price remains high, the transition to cooking gas will be difficult to achieve, especially in rural areas. Therefore, the government must demonstrate commitment to reducing the price,” he said.

(NAN)

Janet Akekoromowei and Ramotalahi Kareem have steered Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets towards eventual triumph in the ongoing WAFU B U20 Girls Cup tournament in Benin Republic, each netting a brace in the matches against Ghana and hosts Benin Republic respectively.

On Saturday morning, against Ghana, Akekoromowei netted twice while Favour Nkwocha scored the other goal as the Falconets crushed the bitter rivals in their first game of the tournament.

On Sunday, Kareem was on song on the quarter-hour and the hour-mark, before Precious Oscar added a third in the dying minutes against the hosts.

With only three teams participating, it means the teams will have to play each other twice. On Tuesday, the Falconets, soar-away leaders with six points and plus five goals difference, will take on the Black Princesses, before another session with the hosts on Wednesday.

By Isa Isawade

In a thought-provoking report published by the India Today on Sunday, Anand Singh tries to call attention of the public to a scary future which stares us all in the face.

It’s about the threat of layoffs that is imminent for the working category of people whose jobs are on the streets- dispatch services.

ccording to him, drones are being used for deliveries in Gurgaon and Bengaluru and Amazon is trying out AI automation at its warehouses.

He wonders whether the over 12 million people in India’s gig economy are aware of the doom that awaits them.

“From millions of additions to the workforce to automation, India’s gig economy is set for an upheaval. Will that be the end of the road for the millions who are always on the move but never move up?” Singh asks.

He cites an instance of a delivery partner with Blinkit in Noida, Ankur Kumar, who works a minimum of 12 hours a day, six days a week. According to him, on days when Kumar still has energy left, his work stretches to 15 hours.

“Kumar is unaware though that just 50 km away, in Gurgaon, drones are now delivering the same groceries and medicines he does–faster, and at a much cheaper rate,” he quips.

He adds that, “On most days, the odometer on Kumar’s two-wheeler clocks between 100 and 180 km. For each delivery, he earns a base pay of Rs 15 for a trip within a km, and Rs 10-14 for every extra km. Reports suggest drones are doing the same work for just Rs 4 a km.

While artificial intelligence (AI) replacing white-collar jobs is widely talked about, what often goes unnoticed is how AI-driven automation threatens workers like Kumar, part of India’s 12-million-strong gig workforce, which is also vulnerable.”

The writer avers that the proverbial meteor that killed the dinosaurs is lurking in the air for India’s unskilled gig workers.

He notes that Amazon has begun automating warehouse operations in the US to reduce staff strength–a shift likely to reach India in over a decade.

“From delivery partners to dark store workers, millions of low-skill roles are vulnerable,” he postulates.

The threat highlighted is not only going to happen to the Indians, the primary targets of the information, but also to the rest of the world.

We should all brace up for the inevitable.

The informative article continues on INDIA TODAY

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

From humble beginnings in Detroit to global superstardom, Diana Ross’s life reads like a living chronicle of modern music history. Rising from a Motown hopeful to the shimmering lead of The Supremes and later a trailblazing solo artist, Ross redefined fame, fashion, and female power in entertainment.

Here are 50 fascinating facts tracing her extraordinary journey from chart-topping triumphs and cinematic acclaim to her indelible influence on generations of artists and fans alike.

1. Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, and her birth certificate mistakenly listed her name as “Diana” instead of “Diane,” a name her family used until 1965.

2. As a child, Ross lived near Smokey Robinson in Detroit’s North End, and later traded her group’s guitarist Marv Tarplin to him in exchange for an audition opportunity with Motown.

3. At age 15, Ross joined the Primettes, the precursor to the Supremes, after being scouted by music manager Milton Jenkins through her connection to Paul Williams of the Primes.

4. Berry Gordy was so captivated by Ross’s voice while hearing her sing “There Goes My Baby” that he stopped in his tracks, but advised the young group to finish high school before signing with Motown.

5. Ross served as the Supremes’ hairstylist, makeup artist, seamstress, and costume designer in their early days, showcasing her fashion design aspirations from Cass Technical High School.

6. The Supremes’ name was chosen by Florence Ballard because it was the only option on a list that didn’t end in “ette,” despite Ross fearing it might be confused with a male group.

7. In late 1963, Berry Gordy personally selected Ross as the Supremes’ lead singer, propelling them from obscurity to their first hit, “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes.”

8. Between August 1964 and May 1967, the Supremes with Ross on lead scored 10 number-one U.S. singles, all also reaching the UK Top 40, making them Motown’s top act of the decade.

9. Ross began dominating media interviews for the Supremes, answering questions meant for her bandmates, which highlighted her growing star power early on.

10. In 1967, Florence Ballard’s firing from the Supremes due to personal struggles led Gordy to rename the group “Diana Ross and the Supremes” to capitalize on her fame and boost fees.

11. Ross suffered from anorexia nervosa due to the intense pressure from Gordy, collapsing onstage in Boston in 1967 from exhaustion and requiring hospitalization.

12. As a solo artist on Supremes specials like TCB and G.I.T. on Broadway, Ross began performing independently as early as 1968, paving the way for her 1970 departure.

13. Ross is credited with “discovering” the Jackson 5, though it was a publicity move by Motown; she introduced them on The Hollywood Palace, and their debut album was titled Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5.

14. Michael Jackson viewed Ross as a mother figure and close friend; she embraced the role, mentoring him during his early career at Motown.

15. Ross’s final Supremes performance was on January 14, 1970, at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas, marking the end of an era with 12 number-one Hot 100 singles as the group’s lead.

16. Her debut solo single, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” hit number one in 1970, earning her first Grammy nomination and establishing her as a solo force.

17. In the UK, Ross’s early solo career exploded with “I’m Still Waiting” becoming her first number-one there, followed by five top-20 singles in her first two years.

18. Ross’s portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues (1972) won her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, making her the first African-American actress nominated for a debut film role.

19. The Lady Sings the Blues soundtrack was Ross’s only solo album to top the Billboard 200, selling two million copies and staying at number one for two weeks.

20. In 1973, Ross became the first entertainer invited to Japan’s Imperial Palace for a private audience with Empress Nagako during her world tour.

21. Ross co-hosted the 1974 Academy Awards as the first African-American woman, alongside John Huston, Burt Reynolds, and David Niven.

22. For her 1975 film Mahogany, Ross designed the costumes herself, but production chaos led Berry Gordy to direct after firing the original director, with Ross even walking off set briefly.

23. Despite critical panning, Mahogany’s theme “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” became Ross’s third U.S. number-one single in 1976.

24. “Love Hangover” (1976) was Ross’s fourth solo number-one, innovatively shifting from mid-tempo soul to uptempo disco, showcasing her versatility.

25. Her 1976 Broadway stint at the Palace Theatre led to an Emmy-nominated TV special where she transformed into icons like Josephine Baker using special effects by Stan Winston.

26. Ross received a Special Tony Award in 1977 for her Broadway concert, a rare honor for a non-theater performer.

27. Convinced producers to cast her as Dorothy in The Wiz (1978), changing the script from schoolgirl to schoolteacher and pairing her with Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.

28. The Ross-Jackson duet “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz earned a Grammy nomination, blending their voices in a magical on-screen partnership.

29. The Wiz was the most expensive film musical ever made at $24 million, but its box-office flop ($21 million) ended Ross’s major film career and hurt all-Black projects in Hollywood.

30. In 1979, Ross guest-hosted The Tonight Show with guests like Muhammad Ali, and her HBO special Standing Room Only featured her dramatically entering through a movie screen.

31. Her 1980 album Diana, produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, spawned two number-ones: “I’m Coming Out” (an LGBTQ+ anthem) and “Upside Down.”

32. “Endless Love” with Lionel Richie (1981) was Ross’ sixth and final solo number-one, tying her as the top female solo act on the Hot 100 at the time.

33. Ross left Motown after 20 years for a record-breaking $20 million RCA deal in 1981, the most expensive recording contract in music history, granting her full production control.

34. Michael Jackson wrote and produced “Muscles” for Ross’s 1982 album Silk Electric, a Top 10 Grammy-nominated hit that went gold.

35. In 1983, Ross’s free Central Park concert drew massive crowds but was halted by rain; she returned the next day and donated $250,000 for the Diana Ross Playground, opened in 1986.

36. Her 1984 duet “All of You” with Julio Iglesias became an international hit, appearing on both their albums.

37. “Missing You” (1984), a tribute to Marvin Gaye, was penned by Lionel Richie and became a Top 10 single after Gaye’s tragic death.

38. Ross’ 1985 album Eaten Alive, produced by Barry Gibb, featured “Chain Reaction,” a number-one in the UK, Australia, and more, with videos inspired by horror films and Bandstand.

39. She sang on “We Are the World” (1985), the USA for Africa charity single that sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

40. In 1988, Ross returned to Motown as part-owner after advising Berry Gordy against selling the label, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Supremes.

41. “If We Hold on Together” from The Land Before Time (1988) topped charts in Japan and became an international hit.

42. Ross headlined the 1991 Royal Variety Performance before Queen Elizabeth II, her second such honor after 1968 with the Supremes.

43. Her 1993 TV film Out of Darkness earned a third Golden Globe nomination, reviving her acting acclaim.

44. One Woman: The Ultimate Collection (1994) sold quadruple platinum in the UK, topping charts as her career retrospective.

45. At the 1994 FIFA World Cup opening, Ross took a staged penalty kick meant to “knock down” the goalposts but infamously missed, becoming a viral moment.

46. Ross performed the Super Bowl XXX halftime show in 1996, solidifying her stadium-filling legacy.

47. In 1999, she was named the most successful female singer in UK chart history, a title later passed to Madonna.

48. At the 1999 MTV VMAs, Ross accidentally touched Lil’ Kim’s exposed breast in surprise, creating one of the night’s most shocking moments.

49. Ross reunited with Supremes members for the 2000 Return to Love Tour, but it was canceled due to low sales despite positive reviews, amid reported tensions.

50. In 2023, Ross became the first woman to win the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award twice-once solo in 2012 and again with the Supremes, cementing her as a timeless icon and Michael Jackson’s enduring mentor and friend.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the outcome of the Anambra State governorship election, describing Labour Party leader Peter Obi’s reported loss in his own polling unit as a decisive repudiation of the so-called Obidient movement.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, said the development had “exposed the hollowness” of Obi’s political appeal, insisting that the movement’s influence exists largely on social media rather than in real electoral contests.

Oladejo remarked that the result represented “a loud and unambiguous message from Obi’s home base,” adding that those closest to him had spoken with their ballots.

“The people who know Peter Obi best, his neighbours, his community, his supposed stronghold, have given a verdict: they do not trust him and have seen through his pretence,” Oladejo stated.

He further described Obi’s political persona as one “constructed on self-righteous speeches, selective statistics, and emotional blackmail,” claiming the former Anambra governor had “deceived many young Nigerians without demonstrating any real political capacity.”

ccording to the APC spokesperson, Obi’s inability to secure his polling unit undermines any claim of national popularity.

“A man who cannot command victory on his street cannot hope to lead a nation,” Oladejo said.

He argued that the outcome signals “the collapse of the myth” surrounding Obi’s political relevance and marks “a turning point in the country’s post-2023 political narrative.”

In a further swipe, Oladejo suggested that Obi might again “seek foreign sympathy” following the electoral setback, referencing the Labour Party leader’s previous appeals for international attention after the 2023 general election.

The Lagos APC spokesman also contrasted Obi with President Bola Tinubu, commending the latter for “rebuilding institutions, strengthening the economy, and restoring investor confidence,” while accusing Obi of being “obsessed with global validation and online popularity that fade at the ballot box.”

Oladejo described the APC’s victory in Obi’s polling unit as “symbolic, conclusive, and prophetic,” adding that it reflects a wider political sentiment across the country where “performance is overtaking propaganda, structure is prevailing over noise, and delivery is defeating deception.”

A potential deal to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history is reportedly “within reach” as lawmakers convened for a rare Sunday session on Capitol Hill, according to a report by Daily Mail.

The shutdown, now in its 40th day, has left millions of Americans facing delayed government services, suspended food aid, and disruptions across federal operations. Lawmakers are racing against time to restore normalcy as public frustration grows.

Sources cited by Daily Mail indicate that at least ten Senate Democrats are ready to back a package of bills aimed at reopening the government. The proposed deal reportedly includes a vote on extending Obamacare tax credits in December. Republicans have expressed cautious optimism but face the challenge of securing the 60 votes needed in the Senate to pass the funding measure.

The bill, still under negotiation, is expected to maintain funding at current levels through January, while providing full-year budgets for Congress, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including military construction projects.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are leading discussions, with procedural votes anticipated once consensus is reached. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed reluctance to support measures without guarantees on healthcare provisions, highlighting ongoing contention over Affordable Care Act subsidies.

The shutdown has significantly impacted federal operations. Air travel faces major disruptions, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning of staffing shortages affecting flights at major U.S. airports. Over 42 million Americans also missed their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at the start of November, though some states, including Hawaii, have used federal block grants to provide emergency support.

Daily Mail reported that political tensions remain high, with some Democrats acknowledging that the hardships caused by the shutdown create leverage in ongoing negotiations. Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark described the situation as a difficult but politically significant moment for her party.

The House of Representatives has remained in recess since Republicans passed their funding bill, leaving the resolution of the shutdown largely in the hands of Senate lawmakers.

As negotiations continue, both parties face mounting pressure from the public to end a crisis that has already had wide-reaching economic and social consequences.