Former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, Abbas Sani Abbas, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), adding to the increasing number of defectors from the party.

Abbas announced his defection from the NNPP during a visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Friday night.

In the past six months, hundreds of leaders of the NNPP from across the 44 local government areas of Kano State have dumped NNPP and the Kwankwsiyya movement together with thousands of their supporters.

Tagged the ‘Barau Tsunami’, the defection galore saw thousands of NNPP members thrashing their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwsiyya movement in Kano State and embracing the APC.

Following the calls by some NNPP leaders that the Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf should take charge of governance firmly in the state, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, and five commissioners including Abbas were sacked last month.

During his visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Abbas announced his defection, pledging to work towards the success of the APC across Kano State and beyond.

Senator Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, received Abbas together with the APC Chairman in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas (Ɗan Sarki, Jikan Sarki) and other party leaders.

Barau assured Abbas, a dedicated grassroots mobiliser, of the APC’s unwavering commitment to building a better future for the people of Kano State and all Nigerians.

While stressing that APC is big enough to accommodate all lovers of the country, he said they would continue to promote the values of good governance, inclusivity, and service to humanity.

Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has debunked rumour of his death, describing it as a means of derailing the self-determination struggle.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, the activist reassured his supporters that he is alive and in good health.

Sunday Igboho noted that the false reports originated from the Seyi Tinubu Youth Battalion Facebook page.

The statement issued on Friday read, “We want to assure the general public and supporters of the Yoruba Nation movement that Dr. Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho is alive, well, and in high spirits.

“There is no truth to the rumors being spread by certain individuals and groups trying to mislead the public. This is a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image and derail the ongoing self-determination struggle.

“Let it be known that our mission for the self-determination of the Yoruba people remains strong and unshaken. We call on our supporters to remain vigilant and focused on our collective goal.”

Sunday Igboho recently said corruption and insecurity were some of the reasons why many Nigerians no longer take pride in their citizenship.

He added that Yoruba youth, enriched by global exposure, are eager to transform the Yoruba nation into a modern, prosperous society like those in Europe.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has declared his intention to run for the state’s governorship.

Fayose disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday.

He stated that his decision to join the race was driven by his commitment to revitalising Ekiti State and steering it back towards growth and development.

His words: “I am in the race to dislodge the Oyebanji-led government, and eventually, if I win, I will run an inclusive government that would steer Ekiti in the right direction.”

The PDP governorship aspirant reaffirmed his ambition following a recent meeting between ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose and President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

At the meeting, the former governor reportedly pledged support for the incumbent’s reelection, a move party members in Ekiti have criticized as anti-party.

Reacting to the development, the aspirant stated that the Lagos meeting would not affect his ambition.

He said, “I read about the meeting in the newspapers like any other person and I wish to state that the meeting has nothing to do with my aspiration.

“The meeting will not in any way impact my aspiration because the former governor, being my elder brother, is only exercising his Democratic rights of freedom of choice.

“His choice and preferences will not and cannot in any way impact negatively on my bid as we are separate entities pursuing different goals.”

Fayose also urged his supporters in the state to remain steadfast and resolute in their quest for positive change in Ekiti.

“So my brother is on his own and it’s left for the leadership of our great party to ascertain his political allegiance either to our PDP or APC.

“I am, however, using the opportunity provided by this platform to urge our teeming supporters to remain firm and resolute and not to be distracted in any way to cause the needed change in our state.”

Real Madrid winger, Vinícius Júnior, is looking to buy a football club in Portugal’s second division, ESPN reports.

It is believed Vinicius is thinking about diversifying his business interests as he prepares for a future after football.

The 24-year-old already has several personal sponsorship agreements and a contract with Nike that runs until 2028.

Vinícius is represented by Roc Nation, and has frequent contact with top athletes from other sports, especially the NBA and NFL.

The Portuguese second division has 18 teams, including the reserve teams of Benfica and Porto.

One of such clubs, Portimonense, already has a Brazilian at the helm, Rodiney Sampaio.

Vinícius would not be the first active footballer to buy a club.

His Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappe, became the majority shareholder of Caen, in the French second division, in July last year.

N’Golo Kanté also owns Royal Excelsior Virton in the Belgian third division.

Former Super Eagles, captain Joseph Yobo, and ex-international, Obafemi Martins, have expressed their support for Victor Osimhen’s potential move to Manchester United.

They emphasized that Victor Osimhen could significantly enhance Manchester United’s offensive capabilities.

In an interview with AfricaFoot, Martins conveyed his belief in Osimhen’s talent, stating that his arrival could revolutionize United’s scoring strategy.

“If he joins this team, it would bring about a noteworthy change, especially in how they find the back of the net,” Martins asserted. “His combination of speed, power, and exceptional finishing makes him one of Europe’s most proficient strikers, as evidenced by his consistent performance over the seasons.”

Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, has made a notable impact this season, scoring 13 goals in 16 appearances. His outstanding form has sparked interest from several elite clubs.

Yobo also sees Manchester United as an ideal destination for Osimhen, noting his key role in helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title in 33 years last season.

“In my opinion, it’s an obvious match. Victor and Manchester United would complement each other perfectly, and I am confident he would excel if he were to join,” Yobo told Africafoot.

He acknowledged United’s current challenges but believes in their enduring legacy as one of the top football clubs in the world.

“Despite their transition struggles, Manchester United remains a top-tier club, and that stature is unlikely to change anytime soon,” he remarked.

Note that Osimhen has recently declined a transfer to United scheduled for January, which prompted a response from Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. “If that’s the case, he can stay where he is. Perhaps Galatasaray should consider keeping Osimhen,” De Laurentiis noted, according to La Repubblica.

Osimhen has stated his commitment to Galatasaray for the remainder of the season. “I will not be leaving in January; I am dedicated to Galatasaray until the season concludes,” he told reporters after Galatasaray’s Europa League match against Tottenham Hotspur in December.

“I’m uncertain about ongoing talks between Galatasaray and Napoli, but if discussions arise, I’m open to them. I truly enjoy my time at Galatasaray.”

The Italian Catholic Church has opened its seminaries to homosexual men, provided they do not promote or align themselves with what it terms “gay culture,” according to new guidelines endorsed by the Vatican.

The guidelines, released by the Italian Bishops’ Conference and published online on Thursday, maintain the Church’s emphasis on celibacy while allowing gay men to enter priestly training under certain conditions.

A specific section of the 68-page document addresses individuals with “homosexual tendencies” who either seek admission to seminaries or discover their orientation during training.

“The Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question, cannot admit to the seminary and to Holy Orders those who practise homosexuality, present deeply rooted homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture,” the guidelines state.

However, the document urges consideration of a candidate’s overall personality, advising the Church to assess homosexual tendencies in the context of the individual’s character and emotional maturity.

The goal remains to nurture priests who can embrace chastity and celibacy as a vocation.

The Vatican-approved guidelines reflect Pope Francis’ broader effort to foster inclusivity within the Roman Catholic Church, even as official doctrine continues to describe same-sex acts as “intrinsically disordered.”

Since his papacy began in 2013, Pope Francis has taken a more conciliatory tone on LGBTQ issues, famously stating, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” However, his position has not been without controversy.

In June, during a private meeting with Italian bishops, the Pope reportedly expressed disapproval of gay men in seminaries, using a derogatory term to criticize what he described as excessive homosexual behaviour within priestly training schools.

The new guidelines have sparked mixed reactions. The head of New Ways Ministry, a U.S.-based Catholic LGBTQ outreach group, Francis DeBernardo, hailed them as a “big step forward,” citing their efforts to dispel ambiguities that had previously fueled discrimination and fear.

“It clarifies previous ambiguous statements about gay seminary candidates, which viewed them with suspicion. This ambiguity caused lots of fear and discrimination in the church,” said the ministry’s Francis DeBernardo.

Jesuit priest and LGBTQ advocate James Martin viewed the changes as a recognition that homosexuality alone should not disqualify someone from priestly formation.

“If a gay man is able to lead a healthy, chaste, and celibate life, he may be considered,” Martin told AFP.

More than 10, 000 homes, including many businesses are said to have been destroyed in the Los Angeles fire.

So far, at least 11 lives have been reported lost in the incident.

For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.

A new flare-up in Southern California has led to more mandatory evacuation orders as the Palisades Fire moved northeast, according to reports.

Fox News reports that the latest order is in effect from Sunset Boulevard north to Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway west to Mandeville Canyon. Brentwood has also been threatened.

The Getty Center Dr. and Skirball Center Dr. off-ramps are now closed on both I-405 northbound and I-405 southbound.

“The Palisades Fire has got a new significant flare-up on the eastern portion and continues to move northeast,” Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott told KTLA.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office said a curfew is now in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all mandatory evacuation areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The sheriff’s office urged residents to avoid these areas for their own protection and to allow first responders to work effectively.

The curfew will be strictly enforced and violators may face serious consequences, including fines of up to $1,000 or possible imprisonment, the sheriff’s office said.

Newsom Invites Trump To California To Tour Wildfire Devastation

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday invited President-elect Trump to tour the wildfire devastation in California as he prepares to take office once again.

Newsom wrote in a letter addressed to Trump at Mar-a-Lago that his office is grateful that President Biden “swiftly approved our major disaster declaration – a strong indication of the partnership California needs and appreciates with any federal administration.”

But, he added the “threat to lives and property remains acute,” and invited Trump to come to the state as he prepares to take office in two weeks to “meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line.”

He reminded Trump of his past visit to California during his first term when he toured the wildfire destruction from the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, – the deadliest in the state’s history – and from the Woolsey Fire near Malibu.

“In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines. Hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from the their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild,” he wrote.

Trump has placed blame for the fire’s destruction on Newsom and other California Democrats.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Visit Southern California To Support Wildfire Victims

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are working to support Southern California wildfire victims and relief efforts, as the wildfires continue to sweep through the region.

The couple made their second visit to Pasadena on Friday, when they met with Mayor Victor Gordo about ongoing recovery efforts, Fox 11 reported.

Earlier this week, the pair anonymously delivered food to families displaced by the fires, according to the outlet.

“In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued,” the pair wrote on their website Thursday, describing the situation in Southern California.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also provided a list of organizations actively helping wildfire victims.

All LAUSD Schools Remain Closed

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said that the L.A. County school district will remain closed and officials will make a decision on reopening plans on Sunday.

“We appreciate your patience as we respond to the air quality and fire concerns that have impacted our campuses across the region,” he said in a Friday evening update. “Although air quality and fire containment have improved, fire and wind conditions have remained dynamic and unstable.”

“Because the safety and well-being of our students and employees are our primary concern, we will continue assessing conditions and provide a preliminary update on Saturday regarding air quality levels and prevailing conditions,” he said. “A final decision will be made Sunday.”

Evacuation Orders Issued

New evacuation orders were issued near Encino Reservoir as the Palisades Fire spread and strengthened on Friday evening.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) issued the new set of evacuation orders at 7 p.m. local time, warning residents to seek shelter.

“Evacuate now from the area of Sunset to Mandeville to Encino Reservoir to the 405 freeway,” the LAFD said. “Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place.”

Fast Facts:

• The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire have burned more than 27,000 acres in the Los Angeles area, officials say.
• The Eaton and Palisades fires have claimed at least 11 lives, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Growth of that fire “has been significantly stopped,” LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Friday.
• L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday that 20 people have been arrested so far for looting during the southern California wildfires.
• As of Friday morning, the fires have destroyed more than 10,000 homes and buildings, according to local officials, while 153,000 people are under evacuation.

The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date of enforcement of vehicle third-party insurance.

The IGP stated this on Friday when the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, and team visited him at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

In his remarks, the IGP affirmed the importance of third-party insurance and announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date for the enforcement of the relevant laws.

The IGP further stated that Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act mandate that all vehicle owners possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.

He urged Nigerians to comply with the laws, as violations are punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.

Speaking earlier, the NAICOM commissioner congratulated the IGP on his significant achievements, particularly the establishment of the Police Insurance Company Limited.

He emphasised the need for the police’s assistance in ensuring public compliance with insurance laws.

He also requested the Nigeria Police Force’s support in the nationwide enforcement of compulsory third-party motor vehicle insurance, which provides substantial benefits to all road users.

The Joe Biden administration, on Friday, extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Venezuela, Ukraine, Sudan, and other countries, granting them an additional 18 months of deportation protection and work authorisation.

The sweeping decision will complicate efforts by President-elect Donald J. Trump, who vowed to roll back immigration programmes, to immediately strip the protections when he takes office this January.

“These designations are rooted in careful review and interagency collaboration to ensure those affected by environmental disasters and instability are given the protections they need while continuing to contribute meaningfully to our communities,” said the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas.

TPS, first signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, allows individuals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other upheavals to remain in the US temporarily. Democratic and Republican administrations alike have used it to provide relief, but its future application has faced heightened scrutiny in recent years.

Under the extension, 600,000 Venezuelans can now renew their TPS status until October 2026, while 100,000 Ukrainians are protected until August 2026. Similarly, about 232,000 Salvadorans and 1,900 Sudanese nationals are covered until early 2026.

During his first term in office, Trump attempted to terminate TPS for approximately 400,000 people from countries like El Salvador, but his efforts were stymied by legal challenges. On the campaign trail, his running mate and Vice President-elect, JD Vance, called TPS “illegal,” criticising its repeated extensions as a “de facto means to enable people to stay in the country indefinitely.”

“We’re going to stop doing mass grants of Temporary Protected Status,” Vance said in October, while also criticising Haitian migrants, many of whom fled political turmoil and gang violence.

More than 200,000 Haitians currently benefit from TPS, allowing them to stay in the US until 2026. Immigrants from countries like Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Syria were also added to the programme in recent years, reflecting the growing global crises impacting migration patterns.

While supporters argued that TPS was a humanitarian lifeline for people escaping unsafe conditions, critics contended that its frequent renewals made it a permanent solution rather than the temporary relief it was originally intended to provide.

“Because President Biden has extended protection for the nationals of all these countries, President Trump will be unable to deport these individuals any time soon,” said Steve Yale-Loehr, an immigration scholar at Cornell Law School. He noted that the legal framework for TPS, enacted in 1990, binded Trump to the program’s regulations until these new extensions expire.

Gonzalo Roa, a 43-year-old Venezuelan immigrant living in Columbus, Ohio, expressed relief at the news. A TPS beneficiary, Roa worked at a car dealership and co-owned a small restaurant with his wife.

“It is great news that it’s being renewed,” he said. “Without the temporary status, I would lose my job at the dealership, and my two Venezuelan-born children wouldn’t qualify for college scholarships or other benefits requiring legal status.”

The TPS programme now protects over a million immigrants from countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East. However, its expansion also highlighted broader issues with the US immigration system.

“TPS is a lifeline for many, but it also underscores the need for Congress to reform our immigration laws to address the realities of global migration,” said an advocate.

Ireland is making it easier for international workers to access its labour market in 2025 through various visa options.

The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) offers skilled professionals in sectors with shortages a route to permanent residency.

Ireland said the revised work visa policies were aimed at meeting evolving workforce needs, with new programmes that include expanding the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and introducing quota-based work permits to tackle skill shortages in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

According to DAAD Scholarship, high demand for talent exists in technology, engineering, healthcare, and green energy sectors, with major companies like Google, Apple, and growing biopharmaceutical firms actively hiring.

Among the visa types for Ireland work visas available in 2025 include Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) which targets highly skilled professionals in sectors with significant talent shortages.

Changes to the programme include a reduced waiting period for employer switching and the addition of roles like sustainability specialists to the CSOL.

After just two years, CSEP holders can apply for permanent residency, creating a long-term pathway for workers looking to settle in Ireland.

Also, the General Employment Permit which applies to skilled workers outside critical occupations. The programme has simplified documentation requirements and adjusted quotas for certain professions like automotive technicians. A job offer and a salary of at least €30,000 annually are necessary to qualify.

The Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit is also visa that now allows family members of CSEP holders to work in Ireland without the need for a separate job offer. This change provides more flexibility for those looking to settle in Ireland as a family.

Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit is another that applies to employees of multinational companies transferring to an Irish branch. It includes a salary requirement of €30,000 annually and a permit duration of up to five years.

The process for applying for a work visa in Ireland include choosing the right visa. Applicants are required to apply for the visa that aligns with their qualifications and career goals. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is recommended for professionals in sectors facing shortages.

Applicants then proceed to check eligibility by verifying if their occupation is included on the Critical Skills Occupations List or if they meet the general requirements for other visa types.

The next phase preparation of documents by gathering essential paperwork such as your passport, job offer, proof of qualifications, and financial evidence.

Applicants can then proceed to submit their applications online through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).

Payment of the application fee is the next step which is €1,000 for CSEP application.

Applicants will then prepare to attend an interview. If required, attend an interview to discuss your application and wait for the decision by monitoring application status through the EPOS system.

Once the applicant scales through, collection of the visa from local Irish consulate or embassy complete the process if approved.