New Year’s Eve celebrations began in Dublin with the People’s Procession of Light, a celebration of art, music and dance.

With fireworks, dancing and late-night revelry, millions around the world have welcomed 2014, gathering for huge displays of jubilation and unity as the new year arrived across 24 time zones..

A dazzling fireworks display capped Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations on Sydney Harbour as hundreds of thousands of onlookers saw in 2014.

A 60-second show at 10pm has been added to the New Year's Eve pyrotechnic event on Sydney Harbour

The harbour exploded in a kaleidoscope of colour at midnight as fireworks launched from seven barges mesmerised the revellers that packed foreshore vantage points.

Putin Wraps Up 2013 With a British Award

British newspaper The Times has named President Vladimir Putin its "International Person of the Year" for 2013, topping off a year that saw the Russian president's every move inspire intense scrutiny and divided opinions at home and abroad.

 Putin's crowning diplomatic success was the prevention of U.S. military intervention in Syria, the newspaper said.

In brokering a deal to have the Syrian government surrender its chemical weapons to the United Nations, Putin saved face for the West while becoming, in the eyes of Arab leaders, "the man who knew how to head off Western-led regime change," The Times said.

Chelsea's £50m loss signals end to big spending as club looks to meet Uefa's Financial Fair Play guidelines

Jose Mourinho accused Luis Suárez of showing his “wild” side and diving as though he had been ‘shot in the back’ to try to win a late penalty against Chelsea.

And Mourinho has also claimed there is an anti-Chelsea bias among the former players and managers who are pundits on television.

Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, raced down the touchline, shouting and pointing at Suárez after the striker went down claiming Samuel Eto’o had barged him in the back. However, referee Howard Webb did not give a penalty.

“Suárez lost that duel with Azpilicueta, Eto’o comes in, and it looks like somebody shot him [Suarez] in the back,” Mourinho said. “For me that is a clear yellow card.”

“I’m always happy when I see Suárez play because I love the player, his quality, commitment, ambition to play,” said Mourinho. “But this country is a special country. I’m not English, not British, but I feel I have also responsibility in defending some values in this football

Global celebration for Achebe’s Arrow of

 God at 50 begins

One of the lines of a song by Ira D. Sankey read “Fading away like the stars of the morning……Only remembered by what we have done.” Achebe was one of Africa’s best novelists and story teller, though he joined his ancestors last year but his footprints are still here and would live forever. It is in line with the above that Late literary icon, Albert Chinuanulumogu Achebe will once again take the centre stage as the literary community all over the world gets set to celebrate him and one of his classic novels Arrow of God as it clocks 50 next year

Afenifere Traces History Of Previous Obasanjo Letters, Warns Of Imminent Coup

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, on Monday said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s December 2 letter to President Goodluck Jonathan was similar to his previous criticisms of some past administrations, which had not done the country any good.

 In an unprecedented move, the group also raised the alarm over alleged moves to truncate the proposed National Conference by staging a coup against Jonathan’s administration.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere explained that Obasanjo’s previous intervention in Nigeria’s national affairs via his letters had always been followed by a change of government.

Army moves to retire 40 Generals

Nigerian Army for expected operational challenges in the coming year and beyond, the Nigerian Army Council has commenced issuing terminal letters to over 40 generals preparatory to their leaving the force.

The letters from the Military Secretary’s office said the letters are being issued to officers of the rank of colonel, brigadiers-general and majors-general and the letters take effect from January 2014. Many of the officers are to commence their retirement with immediate effect from this December.

ARSENAL TOP THE CHARTS FOR 2013 FORM

In Arsenal’s 38 games played in 2013, half of last season and the current campaign, Gunners are top of the standing for points amassed (82) – proving they can indeed pick up where they finished the 2012/13 season.

At present, Arsenal sit atop at the Premier League for the New Year – having lost just three games from 19 as things stand. Manager Arsene Wenger believes his side have the capability to remain above the rest, but face a difficult task as freescoring Manchester City are the bookies favourites to oust them to the top spot.

Obasanjo’s letter to Jonathan danger signal, says Chukwumerije

Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije,

yesterday described former President Olusegun Obasanjo's open letter to President Jonathan as a sign of looming disaster.

Chukwumrije in a statement last night said a second term for Jonathan is necessary to foster a sense of participation of all ethnic components in the administration of the country at the highest level.

He warned that never again will the Igbo nation allow itself to be made a sacrificial lamb in the nation's political history.

Forget nat’l confab, Nyako tells Jonathan

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, yesterday, asked President Goodluck Jonathan 

to perish the thought of national conference and pay more attention to giving Nigerians good governance.

Nyako, who spoke to Vanguard in an interview, said the planned confab amounted to waste of time and scare resources, which could have been used to provide social amenities.

According to the governor, Nigerians need concrete development projects that could enhance their life expectancy and not talk shops that add no real value to life.

Virgin Bride Wanted? Brazil's Catarina Migliorini Extends Sex Auction Following Marriage Proposal

The Brazilian student who famously sold her virginity in an online auction – then tried to sell it again – has extended the cut-off date for bidders because she has received a marriage proposal from an Arabian millionaire.

Catarina Migliorini, 23, sold her virginity for £483,000 to a Japanese millionaire named Natsu in the online auction Virgins Wanted run by Australian filmmaker Jason Sisely.

Gov Akpabio advocates economic integration between Southsouth & Southeast

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has stressed the need for economic integration between Southsouth and Southeast geopolitical zones, to fast-track development and mutual co-existence.

The governor, who spoke at the weekend at Nnewi in Anambra State after being conferred with the chieftaincy title of "Omelu-Ora" by Igwe of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orilu III, as part ofactivities concluding a week-long celebration of Igwe's 50 years on the throne, said: "We as great sons and daughters of Southeast and Southsouth must make efforts to unite the two geopolitical zones."

Arsenal to bring in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata on loan 

 Mor options: Wenger could bring in Alvaro Morata to boost Arsenal's attacking strength

Victor Carretero

With the January transfer window opening in a matter of days, we've got all the latest rumours and gossip from the Premier League and beyond.

As the countdown continues, here's the latest.

Transfer gossip and rumours from today's Sunday Mirror

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has guaranteed that the Goodison club's England left-back Leighton Baines won't be sold in January .

FG is to spend N11 billion to host the national dialogue and the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Abuja

This figure is contained in the details of the 2014 budget breakdown, which states that N7 billion is to be spent on the national dialogue.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on January 18, 2005, requested the approval of N932 million to fund a three-month National Political Reform Conference scheduled to begin mid-February of the same year.

In the breakdown, Obasanjo said delegates would earn N21.68million as sitting allowance and N650. 25 million as allowances in lieu of accommodation.

Also included was N1.7million for return tickets from London, Washington, Beijing and Johannesburg, in addition to N28,800 for return flights to Abuja for the inaugural session and subsequent conference meetings.

Delegates, he noted, would be given N14,400 for airport taxi and local transportation within Abuja. There was provision for, at least, two CVU long wheel cars to be hired and fuelled at N2.9 million.

However, in the case of the Dr. Jonathan administration's national dialogue, there is no breakdown of how the N 7 billion will be spent.

               FC Barcelona’s 15 titles in 2013

The football team won the Liga, the Copa Catalunya and the Spanish Supercup 

The futsal team was the most successful of the year, winning five different honours

FC Barcelona’s football team and its four other professional teams won a total of fifteen trophies in 2013. Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and co won the Spanish League, the Copa Catalunya and the Spanish Supercup. The basketball team collected the Copa del Rei and the Catalan league; the handball team

Pope Francis named best dressed man of 2013

US men’s magazine Esquire bestowed the fashionable title on Pope Francis in what it admitted was “an unconventional choice”.

Not known as a style trend-setter, Pope Francis was praised by the magazine for his good choice of shoes, a sign of a well-dressed

Valencia sues opera house architect as white elephants rot

Santiago Calatrava is facing legal action from his native city as the dazzling City of Arts and Sciences complex begins to fall apart just eight years after inauguration

He is one of a breed of "starchitects" whose spectacular bridges, airports and museums have brought him fame around the world but now Santiago

Chelsea 2 Liverpool 1: match report

Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday Dec 29, 2013

Once again, Chelsea and Liverpool took a walk on the wild side. Once again, the rivalry spilt over. Samuel Eto’o, Oscar and Lucas could easily have been dismissed. But once again, there was some breathtaking football, much of it flowing from the marvellous Eden Hazard, vibrant in possession, diligent in tracking back and deservedly man of a thrilling match

Boko Haram leader taunts US over bounty

Abubakar Shekau has appeared in a new video insisting the US "can't in any way harm" him and vowing more attacks

The leader of Nigeria’s terror organisation Boko Haram has appeared in a new video, promising to “decapitate and mutilate” more people in the name of Allah and ridiculing the United States for putting a bounty on his head, saying: "You can't in any way

F1 legend Schumacher in 'critical condition' after ski accident

Retired Formula One legend Michael Schumacher is in “critical condition” after sustaining a severe head injury while skiing off-piste in the French Alps resort of Meribel, medical officials said late on Sunday.

University to make igbo language compulsory 

for all students.

Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, Director, Igbo Renaissance at the Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), Abia, said on Saturday that the university would soon introduce the Igbo language as a compulsory course in the second year.

Madubuike announced

At least 18 people were killed and 40 others wounded when an explosion tore through a train station in the southern Russian city of Volgograd on Sunday, in an attack blamed on a female suicide bomber, Russian media and officials said.

Regional interior ministry spokeswoman Svetlana Smolyaninova told the ITAR-TASS news agency that the blast occurred inside the train station at around 12:45 pm (0845 GMT).

British mother and daughter in hospital after Tenerife blast.

The explosion happened at the Bahia Principe Hotel in the resort of Playa Paraiso in Adeje on the southwestern coast of Tenerife

A British holidaymaker and her young daughter were injured at a hotel pool bar in Tenerife when a container used to keep buffet food warm exploded.

US Army Prepares For Nigeria’s Possible BREAK-UP

There are strong indications that the United States of America, USA, may be gearing up for a possible balkanisation of the country following developments in the last few years.

US Spy Drone Flies into Home in Ibadan

A mysterious flying object believed to be a US spy drone flew into a toilet of a house located at Awotan in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. 

According to Nigerian Tribune, aviation sources are saying that the spacecraft with registration number TX 5803, inscribed on a black battery is a drone which must have taken off from NASA base in Texas in the US, stating that the battery attached to the spacecraft powered it and enabled it to move around so that it could do the bidding of those who sent it.

The suspected drone has since been handed over to security operatives for further investigation amidst speculations that the suspected drone is United States' latest spying venture in Nigeria. 

Oduah: Civil Society Groups Demand

 ReleaseOf Presidential Panel Report On N255m Bulletproof Cars Scam

The political stormy weather for Aviation Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah seems not to be over yet as Civil Society Groups have launched fresh demands into the immediate release of the report of the presidential panel that investigated the N255 million BMW bulletproof cars scam. The three-man administrative panel set up by President Goodluck Jonathan submitted its report on November 13, two days after its deadline but as earlier feared by skeptics, the outcome of the panel’s investigation has been closely guarded by the presidency. This is just as the House of Representatives adopted a recommendation of its Committee on Aviation which advised the president to review the continued terms of engagement of Ms. Oduah as a member of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.Leaders of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, and the Campaign for Democracy, who spoke to SUNDAY PUNCH asked the Presidency to make the report available to the public, the way the lower legislative chamber made its own known recently.The Executive Director, CACOL, Debo Adeniran, urged the Presidency to release the report if it had nothing to hide.He said, “When they set up all these panels, we said it was like doing the funeral for the issues that led to the controversy. Up till now, we are still raising the question.  They didn’t need to set up the committees. It was a case for anti-corruption agencies such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Code of Conduct Bureau, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, or the special fraud unit of the Nigerian Police.

Mum throws newborn out of window on Xmas eve.

A Spanish woman gave birth in secret on Christmas Eve, cut the umbilical chord herself and threw the newborn out of the kitchen window, police said on Friday.

The baby boy is now in hospital in a "serious condition", a police spokesman said.

The 35-year-old woman, who lived with her parents in eastern Madrid, was detained on suspicion of attempting to kill the baby, police said.

"The woman wrapped the baby in a pair of jeans and threw it out of the kitchen window into an interior patio," police said in a statement.

The mother had kept her pregnancy a secret from her parents.

She cut the umbilical chord herself after giving birth in the early hours of the morning and then threw the child out of the kitchen window, about 2.2 metres (seven feet) above an interior patio, police said.

However, shortly afterwards she suffered heavy bleeding and asked her parents to take her to hospital.

"Later, at about 8.30 am, the grandmother of the newborn went into the kitchen and, looking out of the window, saw a baby in the patio. She ran out to pick it up and alerted emergency services," police said.

Two police officers who first arrived at the home found the baby wrapped in blankets, suffering hypothermia and with its heart and breathing stopped.

They managed to revive the child and take it to hospital.

How Hollywood cloaked South Sudan in celebrity and fell for the 'big lie'

When violence erupted two weeks ago in the world's youngest country, one of the first voices to speak out, before the US president or the head of the United Nations, was that of the Hollywood actor George Clooney. There was nothing particularly objectionable about his counsel, which in any case was more likely authored by the American activist John Prendergast, with whom he shared a byline. It spoke of the need for a robust UN response and, even as tens of thousands of civilians fled ethnically motivated death squads, of the "opportunities" present in South Sudan.

Lord Lugard Created Nigeria to Last for 100 Years Only...IBB

From former military President, Ibrahim Babangida came a shocker yesterday when he revealed that Lord Lugard created Nigeria to last for only a 100 years.

The self acclaimed evil genius said this in Lagos yesterday at the presentation of 2 books in honor of his foreign affairs minister, Bolaji Akinyemi.

Speaking yesterday Babangida had said “As Nigerians, we are aware of the great doubts that have been cast about what 2014 portends for the continuing existence of our nation. I am aware that Nigerians have taken great umbrage at these predictions. Even Lord Lugard who founded what has been called Nigeria gave it a life-span of 100 years. I regard it as a challenge to our intelligence to ensure that these portends and prophesies do not become self-fulfilling.

“We should engage these predictions on an intellectual level, testing whether the facts justify the conclusions.

“But on a practical and public policy level, we must import honesty into our public policy assessment. First, we must identify the problems that need to be addressed. Secondly, we must address these problems honestly. Thirdly, we must identify the most current and the most appropriate mechanism for addressing these issues.

“Let me make this clear. My position is not dictated by the fact that foreigners are making these predictions. We don’t even need foreigner sources as a reference point. The Nigerian media is awash with alarming news about our problems.

“My position is dictated by my conviction that Nigeria is precious enough to be saved. It deserves an investment of our time and resources to make Project Nigeria a success. But the starting point has to be an admission that we need to fix things.”

Babangida also stated that mistakes of past administrations are putting pressure on the country today though he refused to identify the mistakes or the past administrations that made them.

Said he “Some of the mistakes of the past have now come to haunt us. But let me make one thing clear. Not all these mistakes were made out of callousness or bad faith or malice.

“Most people in office do their best. They act to the best of their ability. Unless we think that our leaders have divine ability, we have to admit that even with all the best of their abilities and even with the best faith and with the best of all intentions, human beings will still make mistakes,”

In his own comments, ProfessorAkinyemi called for a national dialogue saying “Zoning, federal character, rotation, marginalisation of the brightest and the best will only make the much prophesied collapse of Nigeria in 2014 a self- fulfilling prophecy. We cannot build a nation on a system that takes care of the few while condemning the many to penury. A system that cannot take care of the many that are poor cannot save the few who are rich."