From assembly-line to punch line: Trump’s middle finger steals the show at Ford plant
File photoTOI correspondent from Washington:Trump Snaps On Camera After Heckler’s ‘Pedophile Protector’ ShoutIt was meant to be a high-octane showcase of American manufacturing revival. Video footage that quickly went viral shows Trump stopping mid-stride, pointing twice at Sabula, mouthing a profanity, and then raising his middle finger before moving on. Party officials and progressive lawmakers framed the episode as emblematic of a president showing contempt for workers even while courting them. Conservative voices applauded Trump’s unfiltered reaction, arguing it reinforced his authenticity and refusal to play by elite rules. To supporters, the president remains an engine running on confrontation, willing to crash into critics and proud of it.
Source:Punch
January 14, 2026 15:48 UTC
AI founders, developers to meet at Lagos conference
As Africa stands at the threshold of a digital revolution, AI Founder and CEO of CarbonAI Ltd UK, Debola Ibiyode, has announced the AI in Action Now 2026 conference, scheduled for January 22, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel. The conference will specifically explore how Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI Frameworks, and Generative AI can be harnessed to power Africa’s transformation,” she noted in the statement. It includes keynote speeches and panels that offer deep dives into Generative AI, Agentic Frameworks, and their intersection with global sustainability. Attendees can participate in practical workshops with hands-on sessions focused on building, deploying, and scaling AI tools. The event also features a startup and product showcase that highlights cutting-edge, African-built AI solutions.
Source:The Guardian
January 14, 2026 15:19 UTC
Nigeria, UAE sign strategic trade agreement
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole (left) and Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, after the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), establishing a competitive pathway for Nigeria into the UAE, yesterday in Abu Dhabi. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole (left) and Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, after the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), establishing a competitive pathway for Nigeria into the UAE, yesterday in Abu Dhabi. Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that is expected to transform economic ties between the two nations. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this in a statement she made available to the media. “For Nigeria’s investment climate, this agreement addresses longstanding impediments to foreign direct investment,” she said, adding, “UAE investors now have clarity and confidence to invest in Nigeria’s productive sectors.
Source:The Guardian
January 14, 2026 15:07 UTC
Mané v Salah: veteran superstars dominate buildup to Senegal v Egypt Afcon semi
After four penalties each, Senegal led 3-2; Sadio Mané had the chance to win it. On the halfway line, meanwhile, Mohamed Salah pulled the hem of his shirt over his head, covering his face. Senegal and Egypt, Mané and Salah, will face off again in the semi-final of the latest edition of Afcon. View image in fullscreen Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (left) vies for the ball with Sadio Mane during a 2022 World Cup qualifier in Cairo. Senegal v Egypt is not just Mané v Salah, but that framing is unavoidable.
Source:The Guardian
January 14, 2026 15:02 UTC
Bird strike disrupts United Nigeria Airlines operations, grounds aircraft
A bird strike incident on Tuesday has grounded one of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) ‘s aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos. The aircraft, an Airbus 320, had departed Asaba International Airport in Delta State for Lagos before the incident, The Guardian gathered. Also, United Nigeria Airlines experienced numerous bird strikes in 2025, grounding some aircraft and causing flight delays and cancellations across its network. Bird strikes forced some flights to return to their departure airports for safety checks, disrupting schedules and delaying passengers, leaving some stranded. The airlines are forced to either repair or replace engines and other parts damaged by bird strikes.
Source:The Guardian
January 14, 2026 14:10 UTC
New 2026 Tata Punch Facelift Base Variant Detailed In 7 Images: Exterior, Interior, Features, Specifications, And Price
Tata Punch Facelift Base Variant DesignThe Tata Punch facelift retains its upright, boxy stance that the outgoing model had, but offers design tweaks over it. Tata Punch Facelift Base Variant InteriorStep inside the Punch facelift base variant and the cabin feels very basic and inexpensive, aligning with the affordable price at which you get the base variant. Tata Punch Facelift Base Variant FeaturesFeature-wise, the Punch base variant sticks to the essentials. Tata Punch Facelift Base Variant PowertrainThe Punch Smart comes with three engine options, including a petrol, turbo-petrol, and a petrol-CNG. Tata Punch Facelift Base Variant Price And RivalsPrices for the Tata Punch facelift base variant start at Rs 5.59 lakh and go up to Rs 6.69 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable SUV variants in the segment while offering strong safety credentials.
Source:Punch
January 14, 2026 14:04 UTC
FG, ASUU set to sign long-awaited agreement today
All is now set for the signing of the agreement between the Nigerian Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The Guardian reports that the TETFund Auditorium, venue of the event, is filled to capacity, with Vice-Chancellors and registars of federal universities, ASUU members, development partners and top echelon of the Ministry. As of the time of filing this report, guests are awaiting the arrival of the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna. The union announced that it formally reached a fresh agreement with the Federal Government on December 23, 2025, noting that the development brings to an end the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement. The Guardian had also reported last week that the agreement would be formally sealed today, following a circular signed by the Director of University Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, on behalf of the Minister of Education.
Source:The Guardian
January 14, 2026 13:44 UTC
Ex-presidential aspirant dumps APC, cites failed governance
A former presidential Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Enugu State, Dr SKC Ogbonnia, has dumped the ruling party. Ogbonnia announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the APC chairman of the Owelli/Amoli/Ugbo/Ogugu ward in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, on Tuesday. In recent months, the Nigerian political space has witnessed a surge in mass defections of lawmakers, governors, and other politicians who have switched allegiance from their former parties to join the ruling APC. Ogbonnia also accused President Bola Tinubu of running a failed government. This is a president who has not only failed in most critical areas of national development, but he is also irredeemable,” he added.
Source:The Guardian
January 14, 2026 13:11 UTC
Nigeria’s urban population to reach 264m by 2050
W’Bank projects 4.4% economic growth, cites reforms, export gainsOver the next 25 years alone, an additional 140.3 million people, a figure more than double the current urban population, are expected to live in Nigerian cities, with the urban population projected to reach around 264 million by 2050. Nigeria is expected to be the third most populous country in the world, after China and India, according to a report by the World Bank. Entitled ‘Multi-sector analytical review and pathway to transformation’, the report highlighted that Nigeria’s urban population has grown exponentially over the last 65 years – from just under seven million in 1960 to over 128 million in 2024, with nearly half the urban population living in slums. It is projected that 70 per cent of the population will live in urban areas by 2050, with cities at the centre of the country’s economic future. The World Bank study identified five core challenges that constrain livability and limit the economic potential of Nigerian cities.
Source:The Guardian
January 14, 2026 11:25 UTC
Morning Recap: Nigeria-UAE deal, security votes, Owo attack trial, other top stories
Pastor Isaac Oyedepo drops offerings practicePastor Isaac Oyedepo, founder of the Isaac Oyedepo Evangelistic Ministries, said God instructed him not to collect offerings at his newly launched Sunday services in Abuja. Nigeria, UAE remove tariffs on 13,000 productsNigeria and the United Arab Emirates agreed to scrap tariffs on over 13,000 imported products under the Nigeria–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Owo church attack victims identify suspects in courtIn a court session, victims of the Owo church massacre identified alleged attackers. Governors budget N525bn for security as killings riseState governors collectively earmarked N525bn for security in their 2026 budgets amid rising killings and insecurity across Nigeria. The allocations, intended to strengthen policing and local security infrastructure, come as violent incidents escalate in several regions.
Source:Punch
January 14, 2026 10:26 UTC
Tata Punch Facelift Base Variant Revealed in Pictures
Prices start at Rs. 5.59 lakhAvailable across two powertrain optionsEarlier this week, Tata Motors launched the new Punch facelift in India, with introductory prices starting at Rs. Bookings are currently underway, and while deliveries are expected to begin soon, let us take a closer look at the entry-level offering. Under the hood, the entry-level Smart variant of the new Punch facelift is offered only with the 1.2-litre NA petrol engine mated with a five-speed manual transmission. The model also gets a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor in the higher trims, details of which you can find on our website.
Source:Punch
January 14, 2026 09:42 UTC
Oyo Police rescue kidnap victim and arrest murder suspects
Photo: Oyo State Police CommandThe Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 60-year-old kidnap victim, Isiaku Saidu, in Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government Area of the state. He said, “Over the past week, the command has recorded multiple operational successes, including the foiling of kidnapping attempts, the rescue of abducted victims, and the arrest of murder suspects. “Oyo Police foiled a kidnapping operation in Budo, Iseyin, on January 11, 2026. “Upon receipt of this information, the state Commissioner of Police directed that everything must be done to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible. On the rescue of another kidnapped victim at Gelede Camp, Komu, in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area, the police said the victim was rescued without any ransom paid and three suspects were arrested.
Source:Punch
January 14, 2026 09:25 UTC
2026 Tata Punch Facelift Dimensions Compared With Rivals
2026 Tata Punch Vs Rivals – Dimensions ComparedTata Motors have launched the 2026 Punch facelift with prices ranging from Rs. Bookings for the 2026 Punch SUV are currently open. The Tata Punch is the tallest SUV in this comparison, which gives it a better road presence than other SUVs listed in the table above. The Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger offer the highest ground clearance of 205mm, followed closely by the 2026 Punch, which sits 193mm off the ground. The Punch offers the second most spacious boot in this comparison, only beaten by the Renault Kiger, which offers 405 litres.
Source:Punch
January 14, 2026 09:24 UTC
Nigeria security votes: N525bn budget fails to curb killings
The aggregate figures are driven by a handful of states with particularly large security vote provisions. Edo approved N12.87bn while Benue budgeted N12bn, keeping it among the top tier of states in terms of security vote allocations. By 2025, security vote spending had widened sharply. In Nigeria, security votes are special monthly allocations of public funds reserved by federal and state governments for security-related purposes. “State governments receive special security allocations.
Source:Punch
January 14, 2026 09:09 UTC