Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has named the top three sports that he loves playing besides football.

Messi is widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of football.

The Argentina forward is the most decorated player in football, having won 46 trophies.

Messi, who has won eight Ballon d’Ors, has played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the past.

However, when asked about his favourite games besides football, Messi said in a recent interview with acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X): “The other than football, I love padel, tennis and basketball, but I play padel the most.”

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi said on Friday that he would “step aside” after his party suffered a resounding defeat in the general elections, according to preliminary tallies.

“I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election,” Masisi told reporters at a press conference.

A photo has emerged of Kaduna doctor, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola and her nephew who regained freedom after 10 months in bandits’ captivity.

Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna State, was abducted alongside her husband, Nurudeen Popoola, who is a Squadron leader, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy, on December 27, 2023.

After several negotiations with the kidnappers, the husband was released on March 8, 2024, but the doctor and Abdul-Mugniy were not released.

The President, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Tope Osundara, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, confirmed the release of Popoola and her nephew to Daily Trust in a telephone interview.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has declared the flooding ravaging about 34 states in the country a national emergency and major disaster.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra said this while briefing State House correspondents after the NEC meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

“To date, about 34 states, 217 local governments, 1,374,557 persons have been affected, and 740,743 people were displaced nationwide.

“About 321 persons died, 2,854 persons were injured and 281,000 houses were affected; 258,000 cultivated farmland was also destroyed or affected by the ravaging flood,” said Mr Soludo.

He said the Council directed State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMA) to up their game and increase collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

He said the council resolved that the federal ministry of water resources and sanitation should conduct an integrity review of all the waterways and dams across the country.

“There was serious emphasis on the need for a massive programme of dredging or desilting of the waterways and to have a firm programme of continuous desilting of the waterways on an annual basis.

“The council also urged state governments that have not submitted their flood reports on the status of the flood and the management in their states to do so immediately.

“The council noted that the Green Climate Fund should have an infrastructure resilience fund as a component fund,” said the Anambra governor.

The House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a motion that sought to restore the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

The motion, which was sponsored by Oboku Oforji (PDP-Bayelsa), was dropped following Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’ announcement that the President was willing to sign the South-South Development Commission Bill.

Mr Abbas told the House that he got the President’s assurances over the bill in a meeting, saying that the motion had been overtaken by events.

The Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) said that the issues contained in the motion were germane.

He, however, said that the conversion of the Niger Delta Development Ministry to that of the Ministry of Regional Development would not deny the Niger Delta region of its due development.

According to him, it will reduce its impact in the region, but it has only broadened its scope to develop other regions.

Recall that President Tinubu on October 24 scrapped the ministry and replaced it with the Ministry of Regional Development.

The change expanded the mandate of the new ministry to encompass developmental activities in all the six geo-political zones in the country.

Earlier, Mr Oforji recalled that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was created on September 10, 2008 by late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who appointed Ufot Ekaette as the first minister.

He explained that the ministry was created to promote and coordinate policies for the development, peace, unity and security in the Niger Delta region.

The rep said that the ministry was to ameliorate the suffering, agitations and neglect of the oil rich region for decades by successive governments.

He said that the years of oil spillage, lack of arable land and social amenities in the region had necessitated the emergence of militancy in the region.

He stated, “It was in the short term of late President Yar’Adua ‘s leadership from Katsina State that dialogue was initiated with major stakeholders in the region and militants culminating in the Amnesty Programme that has brought relative peace to the region.

“These were prelude to the creation of the ministry, which was aimed at infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of the youths in the region.

“The people of Niger Delta believe that the lofty dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the region will be actualised someday, hence their embrace of the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.”

Mr Oforji said that the oil rich region witnessed palpable tension following the announcement of the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

The House, however, resolved to step down the bill and to expedite actions on the bill on South-South Development Commission, which currently exists in other geo-political zones and controlled by the new Ministry of Regional Development.

Former Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election.

The former action star and politician, known for his works across both parties during his time in office, declared his support for Ms Harris in a statement on X on Wednesday, calling Mr Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election “disqualifying.”

Mr Schwarzenegger, who served as governor of California between 2003 and 2011, has long expressed frustration with the current state of American politics, particularly with the Republican Party’s handling of issues such as deficits and election integrity.

In his statement, Mr Schwarzenegger addressed his disillusionment with both political parties, noting that he doesn’t “really do endorsements” and has grown to “hate politics” more than ever.

The actor-turned-politician acknowledged that many Americans share his frustration with a country that feels increasingly unrecognizable.

“You don’t recognize our country. And you are right to be furious,” he wrote.

Mr Schwarzenegger’s critique extended to politicians who, in his view, have done little to address long-standing issues such as national debt and immigration reform, instead using the problems to fuel division and win elections.

However, his sharpest words were reserved for Mr Trump, whose refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election, Mr Schwarzenegger said, is “as un-American as it gets.”

He condemned Mr Trump’s leadership, describing his presidency as full of “bullshit with no results,” and warned that re-electing him would only lead to further division and anger in the country.

He acknowledged his disagreements with the Democratic platform but said that electing Ms Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was the only way to move the country forward.

“We need to close the door on this chapter of American history,” Mr Schwarzenegger said, calling on voters to help turn the page on the divisiveness that has marked recent years.

His message was a plea for unity and an end to the political rancour that he believes Mr Trump continues to perpetuate.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services will give security clearance to commercial bus and taxi drivers in the FCT from January 2025.

Speaking at the FCT Renewed Hope Youth Empowerment Programme in Abuja on Thursday, Wike stated that the move is to end kidnapping and cases of ‘one-chance’ robbery in Abuja.

Wike disclosed that any commercial bus or taxi driver who is not cleared by the security agencies will not be allowed to operate with the FCT.

He said, “Most of the Keke Napep and most of the motorcycles are informants. Everybody here who is a beneficiary is being profiled by security.

“And so what we are coming up with is that from January next year, there will be nobody that will operate as a taxi driver or a bus driver without having approval from security, with security profiling you and without going about with Abuja colour. Nothing like using any vehicle on the road. No, we won’t allow that. We won’t allow that starting in January.

“We will take the vehicle number, the names of the drivers, and the rest so everybody will have confidence that this is the vehicle I’m entering in case anything happens.”

Wike also handed over some new cars to beneficiaries to use as taxis saying that many Nigerians who reject taxi driving jobs at home gladly embrace such when they travel abroad.

“They are not paying a dime. No, the government is saying this is our support to feed your family and reduce the cost of transportation in the city… Abuja should compete with other cities in the world,” he said.

Men of the Delta state police command have arrested a 17-year-old boy identified as Thankgod for killing an old man identified as Ogbonna Nwodo.

In a video shared online by the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Bright Edafe, Thankgod said the deceased had attacked his mum and had beaten her to the point she fainted. He said he got angry about this development and decided to carry out a reprisal attack.

Thankgod said that four days after the assault on his mum he accosted Ogbonna and engaged him in a fight. He said Nwodo injured him and that some persons in the area separated them and asked him to forgive the old man.

Dissatisfied that he had not taken his own pound of flesh, ThankGod said that four days after, he spotted Ogbonna in the bush and used a machete on him. The machete injury sadly led to Ogbonna’s de@th. He said he never knew the fight would lead to the man’s de@th.

“I go fight am (the man) as I see my mama for floor. The man use small knife cut me for hand. So them tell me to forgive the man I should leave him because he is an old man. I saw the man four days later. After I cut the man’s hand, he just jumped down from his bike and ran inside the cassava bush.”

In another development, another suspect identified as Peter, admitted to k!lling his friend, Ifeayin Ezekiel, over unpaid wages. According to him,

“He gave me a job. He did not pay me money. So I invited him to another job. When he finished, he asked for his payment and I refused to pay him, stating that he owed me. So this thing caused quarrel. So we started fighting and the guy died. I use knife to stab am.”he said

The police spokesperson said the suspects would face charges in court.

The Ikeja Golf Club has been sealed off by the Lagos State Building Control Agency for negligence and disregard for public safety.

In a statement on Wednesday, LASBCA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, said the enforcement followed numerous complaints about safety lapses at the club.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Building Control Agency has taken decisive action by sealing off the Ikeja Golf Club at Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, after several incidents of negligence raised concerns about the public, safety of lives and property damage.

“The closure was prompted by repeated complaints and a recent incident in which a golf ball struck a LASBCA staff member in its Ikeja Headquarters premises.

“In addition to this unfortunate incident, there have been multiple cases of errant golf balls causing damage to vehicles in the vicinity.”

The agency further noted that stray golf balls had been reported causing damage to vehicles in the area, with the club’s management allegedly ignoring repeated instructions to implement necessary safety measures such as protective netting or modified play areas.

Expressing his disappointment, LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, criticized the club’s management and players for their apparent disregard for public safety.

“It is concerning to witness such negligence from a reputable establishment. Persistent disregard for safety regulations is unacceptable, particularly when it puts lives and property at risk,” Oki said.

Oki stressed that the club’s lack of preventive measures violates safety regulations and underscored LASBCA’s commitment to protecting residents and visitors from preventable hazards.

He added that the club would remain sealed until it implemented adequate safety measures to address the risks.

10 persons were killed while seven others were injured in a building collapse in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday morning.

A statement from the Oyo State Fire Services Agency disclosed that the incident happened at 2 am at Jegeda Oluloyo area in Ibadan in Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state.

The statement added that while 10 persons were recovered from the debris, seven persons were rescued alive, adding that rescue efforts are reported to be ongoing as of the time of filing this report.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Fire Services Agency received a distressed call at around 2 am this morning at Jegede Olunloyo area, Ibadan, of which 10 persons have been recovered from the debris of the collapsed building, while seven persons were rescued alive. Rescue operation is still going on.”

The General Manager of the state Fire Services, Yemi Akinyinka said, “We received a distress call from the people in the neighbourhood at 2 am.

“When we got there, ten people died outrightly. Three people had been recovered before we got to the place, and our men recovered four. They are still working.”

Access to social media in Mozambique was restricted for the second time in a week on Thursday, a global internet watchdog said, as the opposition called for strikes over a disputed presidential election.

“We can confirm social media restrictions have been imposed in Mozambique,” London-based NetBlocks said, adding it affected Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Opposition figurehead Venancio Mondlane, 50, leader of the small Podemos party, called a nationwide strike from Thursday to November 7 after the ruling Frelimo party’s Daniel Chapo was declared winner of the election.

It was unclear if Mondlane’s call to “paralyse” the country would be followed but the capital Maputo was a ghost city on Thursday.

Police sent out text messages on Wednesday and Thursday, including to an AFP reporter, instructing residents not to participate in acts of “sabotage”.

The public prosecutor also issued a statement saying that while it was a “fundamental right” to protest, “anyone who … causes material or personal damage shall be punished.”

Last week, the electoral commission declared Chapo, 47, winner of the election with 70 percent of votes while Mondlane came in second with 20 percent. Frelimo has been in power for 49 years.

After the results were announced, opposition supporters took to the streets in protests that resulted in clashes with police.

Human Rights Watch said at least 11 people were killed by security forces on October 24 and 25 and more than 50 others were injured.

Election observers, including from the European Union, noted serious flaws before, during and after the vote.

Mondlane and his Podemos party on Sunday seized the country’s Constitutional Court asking for a ballot recount.

The judicial body has since requested results sheets and minutes of polling stations in six provinces and Maputo from the electoral commission, giving them eight days to produce the documents.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says it has recovered the fifth body from the October 24 helicopter crash that occurred in the Atlantic Ocean in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

This is contained in a statement signed by NSIB’s spokesperson Bimbo, Olawumi Oladeji, on Wednesday night.

It said the bureau continued its coordinated recovery operation and investigation following the ditching of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation.

According to the statement, five bodies have been recovered so far, and the fifth required specialised handling due to its decomposed state before being transported to the morgue.

The director-general of NSIB, Alex Badeh, said the bureau would continue to collaborate with national and international partners to ensure a diligent recovery and investigative process.

Mr Badeh said the investigation process would align with its mandate to promote transportation safety across Nigeria.

“The recovery operation presents unique challenges due to the environmental conditions, but our team and partners are dedicated to bringing this mission to completion with utmost professionalism and care.

“We are grateful for the coordinated support from everyone involved in this recovery effort, including the Nigerian Navy, in ensuring a respectful recovery process,” he said.

The Cross River government has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays to enable voters in the state to participate fully in the council elections scheduled for Saturday, November 1.

The notice to this effect is in a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Nsa Gill, on Wednesday.

Mr Gill said the decision was to allow ample time for those travelling outside Calabar to various parts of the state to exercise their civic duties.

He urged the residents, especially voters, to take advantage of the two-day holidays to engage in the electoral processes and make their voices heard.

Social critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has apologized to the Nigeria Police Force for wearing a police uniform in one of his recent videos.

The police had condemned his unauthorized use of the uniform and initiated an investigation.

In the controversial video, VeryDarkMan was seen wearing a police uniform and introduced himself as a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, of the Online Division.

Amid the backlash, the social media critic released a video on Thursday apologizing for using attire resembling the official police uniform.

He also advised Nigerians to seek proper authorization before wearing police attire to avoid misunderstandings or legal repercussions.

“Back from the police station where I was interrogated based on the post I made wearing a costume that the police claim is similar to theirs.

“I didn’t intend to impersonate the police in any way and I tender my unreserved apologies to the Nigeria police force and the office of the Inspector General of Police.

“Also I would like to use this medium to tell the general public to always seek permission from the police or other law enforcement agencies before using anything that might look like their uniform.

“You might want to use it for good but there are others that might want to use it for bad. So it’s good to get full approval before using anything that might seem impersonating,” he said.

Former Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit has told Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo that he won’t reach 1000 career goals even if he plays in Saudi Arabia until 42 years old.

Ronaldo, 39, currently has 907 professional goals to his name.

The Portugal captain is in the twilight of his career.

Speaking to Jeffbet, Petit said (via GOAL):

“Cristiano Ronaldo won’t reach 1000 goals, even if he plays in Saudi Arabia until 42 years old.

“It will be extremely hard to average 30-40 goals a season at that age, and he will only decline with age.

”I don’t expect him to get near that figure in all honesty.”

The Abia federal lawmaker who assaulted an Abuja Bolt driver, Alex Ikwechegh, is scheduled to be arraigned before the Kuje Magistrate Court at 12 noon today, Wednesday.

The probe and prosecution of Ikwechegh are being handled by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Investigation Unit.

The lawmaker, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State, was captured in a viral video physically assaulting the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.

The incident occurred on October 27 when the driver was delivering a package to the lawmaker at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

Nigerians have continued to react and condemn the lawmaker’s actions.

Amid the outcry, the embattled lawmaker apologized and promised to cooperate with the police in their investigation. He also disclosed that he was seeking counseling over his actions.

In a statement, activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju said, “We are on our way to Kuje Magistrate Court for the arraignment of the honourable member who assaulted our client, Mr. Steven, a Bolt driver. The IGP’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) is in charge of the investigation and prosecution.

“The media is invited to cover the arraignment, which is scheduled for 12 pm today at Kuje Magistrate.”

The federal government on Tuesday donated N500 million to the Nigerian Legion for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.

George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced the donation at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Emblem and Appeal Fund Launch at the State House, Abuja.

During the presentation, President Bola Tinubu commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their unwavering efforts towards combatting the various security challenges bedevilling the country.

He said without the armed forces’ efforts to stabilise the country, the administration’s reform policies and economic theories would have little impact.

“No matter what economic theory we propagate or postulate, if there is no security, we cannot promote peace and development.

“I am grateful to all of you on behalf of the country. The challenges are severe, but you are this country’s first line of defence. Thank you for your patriotic commitment to Nigerian unity, stability and progress,” Mr Tinubu said.

He emphasised that the welfare of the security forces would remain the government’s top priority.

Mr Tinubu also extolled men and women who had paid the ultimate price to defend the country, assuring that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

“We came today to remember our fallen heroes, men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country’s unity, stability and progress.

“We are committed to their values, principles, beliefs, and the unity and strength of this country as we pass on a banner without stain to the next generation.

“It is a great honour for me to launch the emblem once again. The welfare of our men and women in the Armed Forces will continue to be our top priority. I want to thank all of you,” he said.

Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Defence, thanked Mr Tinubu for his continued support of the welfare of the armed forces, serving, retired and fallen heroes, and their relations.

“Let us remember that unveiling this emblem serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our collective responsibility to uplift our Armed Forces and their families.

“Therefore, you will agree that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day is more than just a commemoration; it is a call to action.

“Hence, this Appeal Fund we are launching today to provide essential support to our veterans and their families becomes crucial.

“The funds raised will directly contribute to welfare programmes, offering vital services such as healthcare, education, and financial assistance,” he said.

Retired Maj.- Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril, the national chairman of the Nigeria Legion, praised the president for his continued support for them and their families, especially for the unprecedented donation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas were present at the event.

Also in attendance were members of the Federal Executive Council, service chiefs, heads of other security and paramilitary agencies, and representatives of the Nigerian Legion.

The management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has announced the ban on post-examination celebrations in and around the university’s campuses, especially by the final-year students.

The ban is contained in a statement signed by the institution’s registrar, Jeremiah Nwamgbo, in Abakaliki.

The institution’s management said it was concerned about the “unwarranted” celebrations, which he said constitute security threats and “disrupt” academic activities.

“Consequently, the vice-chancellor has banned totally all forms of post-examination celebrations within and around the university premises.

“This ban takes immediate effect. Punishment for any breach of this ban shall, among other measures, include cancellation of all the examinations taken by the celebrating students and arrest of offenders to serve as a deterrent to others,” it said.

The school’s management called on heads of departments and deans to ensure students comply with the ban.

“In a similar vein, the Students Union Government (SUG) president should adequately sensitise the students on the need to comply with this ban to avoid blaming anyone when a sanction is applied,” it stated.

The management urged the chief security officers (CSOs) in the various annexes of the university—the College of Agricultural Sciences, Presco and Ishieke campuses—to take note of the ban for full enforcement.

The final-year students of EBSU allegedly embarked on wild merriment after their final papers, leading to the blocking of the Abakaliki-Enugu express road that resulted in a gridlock on the busy highway.

The number of people k!lled in extreme flash floods in Spain has now reached “at least” 51 in Valencia alone, regional government officials said.

The dramatic de@th toll from one of the country’s worst-ever natural disasters was expected to rise as the search continued for dozens of people still unaccounted for.

Multiple corpses were recovered overnight while a search is still ongoing for survivors.

One part of Valencia, Chiva, recorded a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours yesterday, with 491mm of rain according to the Spanish Weather Service.

President of the region Carlos Mazon said: “There are lifeless bodies in some of the areas that have begun to be accessed and bodies that continue to appear.”

Mud-coloured waters caused havoc, running from the provinces of Malaga in the south to Valencia in the east.

Footage shows the moment rows of cars were swept away as the water increased by several feet in just minutes, bursting into the lower level of homes.

Videos from Valencia airport overnight showed the tarmac and runways entirely submerged.

Pictures from inside showed hundreds of passengers waiting for updates, with many seen sleeping on the floor.

A high-speed train with nearly 300 people on board derailed near Malaga, but rail authorities confirmed that no one was hurt.

The high-speed train service between Valencia city and Madrid was interrupted as were several commuter lines.

A truck driver in L’Alcudia, Valencia, is among the missing. Six people are missing in neighbouring Castilla La Mancha.

These eastern provinces are among the regions hardest hit by the effects of this freak rain that’s followed a period of severe drought.

It led Spain’s weather office to issue a rare red alert for bad weather, its maximum warning level for extreme danger, today.

Amber warnings for rain and storms were also issued for the Valencia region. Storms are expected to continue until Thursday.

Video showed how hail stones the size of golf balls left dents in vehicle bodywork and smashed windows.

There have been hundreds of calls to emergency services, with the military called in to deal with the unfolding disruption.

In one such rescue, a family trapped in a car with three children on a dirt road had to be helped to safety.

El Ejido in Almeria was one one of the hardest hit areas, with many basements and garages flooded as well as the ground floor or people’s homes.

People were also being rescued by helicopter in the same town after getting trapped in their homes as the water levels kept rising.

The floods are expected to cause millions of euros of damage, with the Valencian Farmers Association telling Spanish newspaper El Mundo that “up to 100% of the harvest” could be lost as trees and soil were churned up and agricultural infrastructure damage.