NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2020

1. CITYNEWS NIGERIA BRINGS YOU NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES FOR THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2020.

*THE NATION*

January will be tough, NCDC warns Nigerians

Police arrest organizers of Kaduna sex party

Abiodun seeks monarchs support to contain second wave

Police, others kill six bandits in Katsina

Declare state of emergency on security

WHO celebrates discovery of vaccine

Soyinka boards Lagos-Ibadan train

IGPs visit: Katsina to get 10 Mopol units

Lagos to residents: Obey COVID-19 protocols

Niger Assembly Speaker, Clerk test negative for COVID-19

Katsina commences Community Policing with 554 Special constables

BREAKING: Lagos to fine cross-over service defaulters N500,000

Nine-year-old limbless Indian boy churns out artworks using mouth

Cross-over services may hold in churches in Delta CAN chairman

U.S. nurse contracts COVID-19 after receiving Pfizers vaccine

Ekiti labour threatens showdown over minimum wage, unpaid salaries

NAPS, ORAN induct Olabisi Akanbi patron

Police arrest notorious armed robbery suspects, recover riffle

BREAKING: Oyo rescinds decision, permits crossover service

Lagos has reactivated disability trust fund Sanwo-Olu

MURIC under attack over call for Kukahs resignation

Suspected hoodlums rob PoS operator, kill one in Delta

Rivers APC stalwart warns against boycotting partys revalidation exercise

Yahaya Bello: We can solve securitys problem but not one step at a time

Kidnappers of Imo Catholic Bishop yet to contact church, family three days after

Israeli spy returns after 35 years in US prison

Community dethrones village head over alleged fraud, vandalization in AIbom

Policemen reportedly assault lady in Delta

Eastern Security Network: Igbo groups back SEast govs against Kanu

Man in court for biting girlfriend on her breast during a fight

Nurse suspended after stripping off PPE to have sex with COVID-19 patient

APC mourns Labour Party chairman Abdulsalam

FCTA approves crossover night service for churches in Abuja

Obiano cant stop us from developing Anambra

Court dissolves 16-yr-old marriage over husbands infertility

FCMB founder buys more shares in Yuletide deals

God gave me good problem, says father of quadruplet

Clergyman in court for allegedly defrauding woman of N10m

Eight key points from Kukahs Christmas message that sparked reactions

Court dissolves 22-year-old marriage over wifes nagging

Gunmen kill two, injure others in Rivers Community

Fintiri warns of new COVID-19 strain

Argentina legalises elective abortion

*VANGUARD*

We haven’t abandoned corps members positive for COVID-19 ‘ NYSC

Ohanaeze poll must not hold in Govt House ‘ Ikokwu

Late Amb. Nsofor departs U.S. on final journey back home

COVID-19: I warned against reopening of schools but was seen as enemy of education sector ‘ NMA President

CAN urges adherence to COVID-19 protocol, as Makinde approves crossover service

Southeast APC vow to take over Anambra, reconcile aggrieved members

Kukah must not be harmed ‘ Fani-Kayode

Kano NDLEA seizes 9kg of illicit drugs, arrests 1,036 in 2020

Forgery Case: I’ve never set eyes on Obaseki’s original certificate, don tells Court

Insecurity: ‘Current government can’t be scored excellent’ ‘ Gov Sule

Happening Now: Buhari in a closed-door meeting with Zulum

Qatar sets new benchmark for safe return of football amidst a global pandemic

We’ll permit crossover nights under strict COVID -19 protocols ‘ Makinde

Tourism in 2021: Runsewe calls for faster COVID-19 testing, certification

IPAC mourns Labour Party Chair, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam

Just In: Katsina begins community policing with 554 constables

Over 10m children in Nigeria, 6 others may face acute malnutrition in 2021, UNICEF warns

29th wedding anniversary: Wife, children surprise Gov Ikpeazu with ‘old school attires

Chibok community cries out as Boko Haram escalates attack on residents

Two dead, others injured as gunmen invade Rivers community

Buhari orders NASENI to handover refurbished tractors to farmers

EFCC secures 865 convictions, receives 10,152 petitions in 2020

Ekiti judIcial panel recommends N1.5M compensation to four policemen, others

Don’t attach religious sentiment to ban on crossover service, Ondo tells church leaders

Nigeria has more pressing issues than Davido and Burna Boy- Yul Edochie

Ogun bans crossover services

Insecurity: Activist blasts Obaseki over security vote

Eastern Security Network: Coalition condemns Kalu’s threat to S/East governors, vigilantes

EFCC secures 865 convictions, receives 10,152 petitions in 2020

Makinde suspends curfew for Oyo residents to observe crossover night

COVID-19: Makinde suspends curfew for residents to observe crossover nights

Ayade signs 2021 budget of ‘Bliss and Blush’ into law

Crossover Night: FCTA threatens to shut Churches who flout COVID-19 guidelines

Kukah’s message was a true reflection of current situation in Nigeria ‘ Ortom

Ogun creates trust fund for Sports Development

Nigerians harbour too much hatred to handle guns ‘ Ogundokun

50-year-old man in court for allegedly stealing vegetables worth N34, 000

Court grants Osun #EndSARS leader bail, seizes his international passport

Revenue leakages: Gov Sule gets marching order to prosecute offenders

African football in 2021: What to expect

Recession: Embark on massive construction to reverse hardship, REDAN tells FG

Bayelsa Govt says it has capacity to complete N22 bn 22km Ring Road project

Man sentenced to death for premeditated murder in Jigawa

*THISDAY*

Stakeholders Chart Course for Sustenance of Igbo Language

Buhari Pledges to Arrest Soaring Foodstuffs’ Prices

Banks Attract N37tn Deposits Despite COVID-19 Disruptions

Kukah: It’s Unfair to Say I Called for Coup

In Reprisal, Fighter Jets Pound Sambisa Forest

Disquiet in Nasarawa over Gov’s US Trip

Auditor General Misses Timeline for Release of COVID-19 Audit Report

CAN Directs Churches to End Crossover Services by 11pm

Interpol Uncovers ‘500,000 COVID-19 Fraud in Nigeria

Challenging Year for Insurance Sector

One Year of Deepening Rural Electrification

2020: Year of Uncertainty

Relishing the Benefits of Listing

Polaris Bank Partners International Womens Society on Vocational Skills

Nigerias GDP Growth Seen at 1% in 2021

FCTA to Domesticate FGs e-Government Master Plan

North East Development Commission to Launch N6bn Endowment Fund

Analysts: Equities Market Rally to Extend to 2021

Technology Will Give SMEs Wider Visibility

CBN Foresees Sustained Growth in Private Sector Credit

Revamping the Oil Palm Sector

All-Share Index Rises 0.8% as Market Sustains Positive Momentum

Court Dismisses PDPs Unlawful Nomination Suit against Ize-Iyamu

Why Nigeria is Not a Democratic Society

Props to a Creative Influencer in Politics of Rivers State

Takeaways from 2020

Premier League Records New High of 18 Positive Covid-19 Cases

Lampard Blames Ziyech Injury for Dip in Form

Resumption of NPFL, a Big Relief, Says Sports Minister

I Didnt Come to Man Utd to Make Money, Insists Ighalo

Plateau Utd Place Players on Half Pay after Poor Start to NPFL Season

Iheanacho Misses Penalty as Crystal Palace Hold Leicester

*PUNCH*

Bakare, Fani-Kayode settle differences over Tinubu sermon

Why Afenifere supported PDP in 2015, 2019 presidential elections Odumakin

FG moves to rescue Nigerian on death row in Saudi Arabia

Buhari, Zulum meet in Aso Villa

Brexit: Air France reintroduces transit visa for Nigerians travelling to UK

UKs Boris Johnson signs brexit trade deal

I was diagnosed with fibroid in 2017- Actress Ini Dima-Okojie

UPDATED: Lagos vows to enforce 12am to 4am curfew

Ban on crossover vigil not anti-Christian Ondo COVID-19 Committee

EPL: Tottenham vs Fulham postponed over positive COVID-19 cases

Crossover: Comply with COVID-19 protocols, FCTA tells churches

Oyo lifts curfew, okays crossover services

Second wave: NMA warned FG against reopening of schools, says president

Tokyo Olympics: Nigeria to compete in 11 sports, says minister

EFCC secured 865 convictions in 2020 Acting Chairman

Police nab organisers of Kaduna nude party

UK approves Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Nigeria has all the ingredients of a failed state Odumakin

ENDSARS: Ekiti panel recommends N1.5m compensation for policemen, others

Kidnapped Owerri bishop not dead, says Catholic church

Ugandan presidential candidate Bobi Wine arrested

La Liga: Coutinho injury blow for Barcelona

American actress Angela Kinsey tests positive for coronavirus

Ogun bans waste cart pushers for constituting security risk

F1 driver Hamilton to be knighted

Churches can observe cross-over services Kogi CAN

Nepotism: Buhari supporters blackmailing Kukah Afenifere

Ekiti labour to protest over minimum wage

Afenifere has not endorsed Tinubu, Bakare for 2023 presidency Odumakin

242 persons died of Lassa Fever in 2020, says NCDC

Recession: FG must take responsibility, says Ooni

Apala music icon Ayinla Omowuras drummer, Adewole, dies at 97

COVID-19: Corps members not abandoned in isolation centres, says NYSC

US Congressman-elect Letlow dies of COVID-19

Argentine Senate passes abortion bill

COVID-19: Adeboye, Olukoya, Oyedepo, others adjust cross-over services

California nurse contracts COVID-19 days after vaccination -Report

Cross-over: Oyo seeks CANs compliance with FG curfew

Germanys daily COVID-19 deaths top 1,000 for first time

Ekiti senator rejects voting rights for married underage girls

Princeton College produces best student in WASSCE and IGCSE CAMBRIDGE exams

South-West PDP reverses suspension of five Ondo chieftains

Comply with directive on crossover service, CAN tells churches

Niger Delta renews agitation for 13% derivation, direct payment to communities

FG adopting wrong strategies to address bad economy Obasanjo, Utomi, others

January will be tough, spike in COVID-19 infections imminent NCDC

Court dismisses suit seeking Ize-Iyamus disqualification as APC candidate

Osun reverses crossover ban, restrict movement from 1am

Nine killed as buses collide in Delta

FCTA threatens clampdown on businesses for COVID-19 protocols violations

Captain allegedly faces court-martial over petition against CNS

Rivers APC faction heads for Supreme Court over sacking

South-East group backs Obiozor to head Ohanaeze

Friends, associates mourn LP chairman, Abdulsalam

Prudential Zenith life completes recapitalisation first phase

Molested schoolboy: We wont cover up, justice will be served, says Deeper Life

Interpol traces 500,000 COVID-19 fraud to Nigeria

Firms groan as ministry delays expatriate quota approval

Buhari to sign 2021 budget on Thursday

*THE SUN*

How LP boss, Salam, slumped, died before me ‘Son

Party squabbles, election upset, defections shape 2020

How Community policing’ll end security challenge ‘Shehu, ex lawmaker

APC chieftain commends Makinde on developmental projects

S/West caretaker committee nullifies suspension of 5 Ondo PDP chieftains

Ayade’s aide on Presidency, N’Assembly matters quits

Alleged forgery: Court accepts Obaseki’s nomination form in evidence

We never planned defection to APC with Umahi -Ebonyi NASS members

Anambra 2021: Competence, equity should count ‘ Archbishop Ibezim

C/River North: Court of Appeal rejects PDP’s request to stay execution of judgment declaring Jarigbe Agom as candidate

Buhari set to receive Oyekola ‘Scorpion

Minister congratulates World champion

Semi Ajayi closing in on van Dijk record

Napoli, Eagles, others celebrate Osimhen @22

Fatai Amoo names 25 players for U17 AFCON qualifiers

Firstbank Lagos Amateur Golf Open tourney ends today

2020/21 season: Go Round FC names Azu captain

FGreopensmore borders this week as experts foreseespike in forex rate

MAN, agric stakeholders disagree over FG’s ban on forex for food import

2020: COVID-19 grew digital transformation, adoption of ICT solutions

Spectranet 4G LTE shines at BoICT 2020 awards

Inlaks launches Regional Technical Resource Centres in Ibadan, Kano

BUA Cement, Access, drive NSE’s ASI up 0.80%

FG eyes $200m revenue from NPDC gas facility

MTN Nigeria expands rural connectivity programme

Maritime Review 2020: Govt ineptitude, COVID-19, #EndSARS hobble maritime growth in 2020

ANLCA advocates creation of maritime ministry to boost revenue generation

Lawmakers inspect Lagos tank farms, orders them to operate by the rules.

COVID-19: NCDC records 749 new infections

Remains of former Nigerian ambassador to US set for repatriation

Troops neutralise 9 bandits on Kaduna-Abuja highway

Lilu community writes Obiano, rejects caretaker committee

Insecurity: Pray for Nigeria, Senate president tells religious leaders

Rivers accuses ex-commissioner of smear campaign

Ochiagha, pioneer bishop of Orlu Catholic diocese, is dead

Enugu Assembly passes N169.8bn 2021 appropriation bill

Regional constitutions: Igbo group proposes June 2021 for referendum

On my father’s memorial: As we look forward to another year

Salus Trust is rated among the best 20 HMOs in Nigeria

Hidden knowledge on why people suffer (18)

Hereafter advice to Nigerian leaders ‘Babangida in focus (2)

Is National Assembly constitutionally competent to summon President Buhari’ (2)

Cough up, not ‘cough out

*GUARDIAN*

Troops rescue 23 victims, arrest bandits’ collaborator in Katsina

Nurse Suspended After Stripping Off PPE To Have Sex With COVID-19 Patient

We’ll permit crossover nights under strict COVID-19 protocols ‘ Makinde

Food Security: Buhari orders NASENI to deploy refurbished tractors to farmers

The Naira tipped to recover against the Dollar in early 2021

Apple loses copyright suit against security startup

AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine approval unlikely in January: EU regulator

Salah faces hectic 2021 with Egypt, CAF to elect new president

Coutinho injury blow for Barcelona

Biden, Trump to campaign in Georgia on eve of crucial Senate elections

2020 UTME: No date fixed for sales of application documents yet’ JAMB

Yemen airport blasts kill 26 as government plane arrives

Police officers involved in Breonna Taylor case fired

China’s Sinopharm says vaccine 79% effective against Covid-19

Omoni Oboli Threatens To “Hunt Down” Whoever Falsely Accuse Her Sons Of Rape

At least 15 feared dead in PNG landslide

Hundreds evacuated after landslide in Norway

Wuhan virus cases may be 10 times higher than reported: China health study

Mask up: South African police enforce ‘zero tolerance’ drive

COVID-19: FG cautions against self-medication, says can cause organ damage

2020: Nigeria’s stock market upbeat as year ends, despite COVID-19

Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict revives bitter disputes over land

New tremors shake Croatia after deadly quake

Biden says Trump vaccine plan falling ‘far behind

North Korea prepares for major January party congress

EU leaders sign Brexit deal as British MPs debate

Major’s Britain feared prospect of new war with Saddam

COVID-19: NCDC records 749 new infections

Solskjaer sees Man Utd of old in late win over Wolves

Double agent Blake’s family sought to ‘cash in’: UK govt papers

Principal Joe Clark, Who Inspired The Film ‘Lean on Me,’ Dies At 82

Billie Eilish Reacts To Loss Of Followers Due To Picture Shared

UK opposed Clinton call for UN push against Kadhafi: records

Boko Haram landmines kill 11 Nigerian security personnel

New virus variant hits US as Biden vows all-out effort

Nigerians have a real chance to win over $700 Million in US’ Mega Millions, Powerball lotteries

Trump lashes out at Republican leaders over looming veto override

Remains of former Nigerian ambassador to U.S. set for repatriation

Nigerians have a real chance to win over $800 Million in US’ Mega Millions, Powerball lotteries

FG suspends 100 passports of passengers who refused post arrival COVID-19 test’ PTF

Lawan extols late Kumo’s virtues

Senate rejects payment of N969 million for defence ministry’s contract

NCDC confirms 397 fresh COVID-19 infections, 10 deaths

Kukah denounces coup allegation, lampoons critics

Experts urge investment in labs to boost COVID-19 testing

Inaugurate NDDC board to avoid crisis, Delta monarch tells FG

Anxiety reigns as Southeast APC stakeholders meet today

PDP’s NEC, NWC should dissolve current Lagos chapter structure, says Oyefusi

Sanwo-Olu calls for ethnic, religious harmony in Lagos

Edo takes enlightenment campaign on COVID-19 to eateries, public cafes

Two-month-old Shalom seeks N8m for open-heart surgery in India

Rotary Club of Mende installs charter president

Ogun student commits suicide for being dumped by girlfriend

Security officer’s vehicle kills motorcycle rider in Ondo

Two men to receive 12 strokes of cane each for dealing in hard drugs

Man who lost N38m worth of goods to #EndSARS violence cries for help

Nigeria Christian Fellowship President, Adisa dies

Harry and Meghan’s son reveals ‘American accent’ on podcast

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Vintage for WTO

*TRIBUNE*

Makinde, Fayose fight may destroy PDP in Nigeria ‘ Prophet

NIN registration: Bauchi Assembly directs state govt to intervene to mitigate citizens suffering

How Femi Odekunle battled for life in his last minutes

Oyo govt cancels morning, afternoon classes, sets January 11 school resumption date

My throne has set aside fund to rehabilitate thugs in Iwo land ‘ Oluwo

Bishop Kukah spoke on behalf of genuine Nigerians on Buhari’s govt ‘ PFN President

Lagos’ll always prioritize needs of Persons Living with Disability, Sanwo-Olu assures

Bauchi govt assents to N213.9bn 2021 approved budget

Crossover night: FCTA urges churches to observe COVID-19 protocols

Edo Primary school teachers give 14-day strike notice

Security Challenges: Niger CAN urges members not to hold crossover vigil

Abiodun signs N338.6bn Appropriation Bill for 2021 into law

COVID 19: Ban on crossover vigil is not about religion ‘ Ondo COVID-19 chairman

Gunman kills barber in Delta

#EndSARS: Ekiti panel recommends N1.5m compensation for four policemen, two other petitioners

Ayade signs 2021 appropriation bill of N281.9bn into law

BREAKING: Oyo govt now to allow crossover service

Court fixes date for suit to stop Kano govt’s N300bn loan from China

Bishop Kukah is right, all is not well in Nigeria, Ortom tells FG

We didn’t abandon corps members in isolation centre ‘ NYSC

Ekiti workers threaten to shut down govt activities over minimum wage

BREAKING: Ogun bans crossover services

Police arrest organisers of Kaduna sex party

Governor Bello swears in chief judge, Customary Court of Appeal president

New cases in Oyo rampant among children of 10-14yrs from isolated school ‘Govt

Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims, arrest bandits’ informant, recover 75 rustled animals in Kastina ‘ DHQ

Ayinla Omowura’s lead drummer, Adewole (Onilu-Ola) dies at 97

Professor Odekunle dies, Buhari mourns

*SPORTS*

#DoYou: Discovering Your Passion And The Power Of Self-Belief – Complete Sports

10 Realistic Predictions for 2021 NBA Trade Deadline – Bleacher Report

2020’s Most Underrated WWE, AEW Wrestlers, Matches, Moments, PPVs and More – Bleacher Report

2020/21 season: Go Round FC names Azu captain – The Sun

2021 Men’s NCAA Tournament Bracket: Latest Projection of the Field of 68 – Bleacher Report

2021 NFL Free Agents: Rumors, Predictions for Potential Offseason Targets – Bleacher Report

2021 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for Nation’s Elite Prospects – Bleacher Report

2021 sporting calendar: Euro 2020, Olympics and other big events to follow – BBC

24 Army Football Players Involved in West Point Academic Cheating Scandal – Bleacher Report

3 Quarterbacks the 49ers Should Look at in 2021 Offseason – Bleacher Report

4 Reasons Ryan Fitzpatrick Should Be Dolphins’ Starter Heading into Week 17 – Bleacher Report

4 Reasons the Browns Should Not Panic over Loss to Jets – Bleacher Report

49ers Rumors: Robbie Gould Signs 2-Year, $7.25M Contract Extension – Bleacher Report

5 NHL Teams That Could Make Trades Before 2020-21 Begins – Bleacher Report

A Brief Review 1xBet ‘ Online betting In Nigeria – Complete Sports

A Hot Winter For Frankie – Complete Sports

Aaron Rodgers on Players Mocking Belt Celebration: That Doesn’t Usually Work Out – Bleacher Report

ABK20: JDT dominates 2020 National Football Awards – Goal

Adam Kramer’s College Football Locks and Top Bets for the Bowl Season: Part 2 – Bleacher Report

AFC Leopards’ Shikanda: FKF were wrong to declare Gor Mahia KPL champions – Goal

African Football HQ: Season Review Special – Goal

African football in 2021: What to expect – Vanguard

Al Ahly coach Mosimane hits back at Ibrahim Hassan: Maybe his statements suit Real Madrid – Goal

All British sport back behind closed doors under new coronavirus restrictions – Yahoo

All Premier League matches back behind closed doors after Liverpool placed in Tier 3 of coronavirus restrictions – Goal

Allardyce Questions Ajayi, West Brom Teammates’ Dedication After Heavy Home Loss vs Leeds – Complete Sports

Answering One 2021 Draft Question for Every NFL Team – Bleacher Report

Arizona Bowl 2020: Odds, Daily Fantasy Tips for Ball State vs. San Jose State – Bleacher Report

Armed Forces Bowl 2020: Odds, Daily Fantasy Tips for Tulsa vs. Mississippi State – Bleacher Report

Arsenal ease pressure on Arteta amid Covid concerns for the Premier League – Guardian

Arsenal’s transfer plans won’t change despite back-to-back wins, declares Arteta – Goal

Arteta Gives Update On Saka’s Injury – Complete Sports

Arteta: I Can’t Demand Too Much From Saka – Complete Sports

Asante Kotoko need a miracle to advance in Caf Champions League’ – CK Akonnor – Goal

Atltico Madrid and Costa agree termination of striker’s contract – CNN

Atltico Madrid, Diego Costa agree termination of striker’s contract – Guardian

Australia v India: Joe Burns dropped as hosts recall David Warner and Will Pucovski – BBC

Bailly delighted as Manchester United end 2020 with victory – Goal

Balotelli scores four minutes into debut for Serie B side Monza – Goal

Barcelona 1-1 Eibar: Hosts labour to draw in Lionel Messi’s absence – BBC

Barcelona frustrated by struggling Eibar in Nou Camp draw – Yahoo

Barcelona held by lowly Eibar as injured Lionel Messi watches from the stands – Yahoo

Barcelona need a thousand chances to score – Junior Firpo – Goal