Barcelona unveils long awaited signing of Philippe Coutinho
Barcelona have unveiled their latest signing, Philippe Coutinho,
after completing a record deal of £145m, making the Brazilian the
second-most expensive player in the world after Neymar.
The 25-year-old playmaker who was unveiled by the club president
Josep Maria Bartomeu at the Nou Camp yesterday, was signed from
English club Liverpool in a five-year deal.
The attacking midfielder who was nicknamed 'Little Magician' by fans and
teammates of his former club Liverpool, is known for his combination of
vision, passing, dribbling and long-range strikes.
The Spanish side, Barcelona are very happy to have finally signed the Brazilian after last years transfer window saga.
UNILAG Releases 2017/2018 Admission List
The University of Lagos, UNILAG, has released its merit list for admission into its 2017/2018 academic session.
Candidates who applied for admission into the University are advised to check their status on the school’s website.
Saudi Arabia grants Robot Citizenship
Saudi Arabia just made a robot woman known as Sophia a citizen of its country, making it the first country to grant a robot the right to citizenship.
“I am very honored and proud for this unique distinction,” Sophia said onstage. “This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with a citizenship.”
The move is an attempt to promote Saudi Arabia as a place to develop artificial intelligence – and, presumably, allow it to become a full citizen. But many pointed out that those same rights aren't afforded to many humans in the country.
The robot, named Sophia, was confirmed as a Saudi citizen during a business event in Riyadh, according to an official Saudi press release.
Sophia was created by David Hanson, founder of Hong Kong-based Hanson Robotics, and was described by the company as “the most beautiful and celebrated robot,” with “porcelain skin,” “slender nose” and an “intriguing smile.”
North Korea Declares itself a Nuclear Power
In an open letter addressed to parliaments in a few countries, North Korea has declared itself a "full-fledged nuclear power" and accuses US President Donald Trump of "trying to drive the world into a horrible nuclear disaster."
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop whose country also received the letter called the message "unprecedented," noting that North Korea usually chooses different means to communicate.
According to CNN, the document, dated September 28, appears to have been distributed about a week after Trump's address to the United Nations General Assembly, when he said "the United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.
In the letter, it said : "If Trump thinks that he would bring the DPRK, a nuclear power, to its knees through nuclear war threat, it will be a big miscalculation and an expression of ignorance."
See copy of letter below,
31 year-old Austrian Chancellor
31-year-old Sebastian Kurz is set to become the world’s youngest leader as he has been elected as Austria’s new chancellor.
Kurz took over the took over the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) in May, and before that, was the foreign minister, a post he held when he was 27.
Kurz has been likened to the young leaders of Canada and France, Justin Trudeau and Emmanuel Macron respectively, although, unlike the two who are quite liberal, Kurz’s politics lean to the far right.
Kurz, according to Al Jazeera, steered his party further right, calling for stricter border controls in Europe following the mass movement of refugees to the continent; introduced laws preventing foreign organisations from financially supporting Austrian mosques; said Muslims in Austria should only be allowed government-approved German language Qurans.
What’s different is Sebastian Kurz speaks with a much gentler voice and with moderate language that appeals to both the conservative and liberal population.
Also, it helps that he has called for a dramatic lowering of taxes.
Kurz is unmarried, but he lives with his girlfriend.
Federal High court sentence 45 Boko Haram members to jail
Forty-five members of the dreaded Boko Haram group would have to serve jail terms of between 3 and 31 years.
This was after a Federal High Court sitting in Kainji, Niger State, convicted and sentenced them at the conclusion of the first phase of their trial.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said that Out of 575 suspects arraigned, the Court discharged 468 suspects who had no case to answer.
Thirty-four cases were struck out, while twenty eight suspects were remanded for trial in Abuja and Minna.
The Court has adjourned the trial of other suspects to January, 2018
Rapper Eminem fires at Trump
Eminem struck out at President Trump in a video that played at the BET Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday, accusing the president of racism, hypocrisy, disrespect of military veterans and more in almost five minutes of furious freestyle rap.
The video, titled “The Storm,” was filmed in Detroit as part of the BET Hip Hop Awards’ traditional cyphers, in which rappers typically aim to deliver showy verses in a group setting. In his solo appearance, Eminem, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and baseball cap, name-drops Colin Kaepernick (“This is for Colin/ball up a fist”), Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Stephen K. Bannon. Throughout, he alludes to an array of Mr. Trump’s political clashes, including a reference to Senator John McCain (“Unless you’re a P.O.W. who’s tortured and battered/’cause to him you’re zeroes/’cause he don’t like his war heroes captured.”)
see short rap video below,
Blitter: Black twitter launches new social app
Blitter, a new app that launched last Friday (Oct. 6) that seeks to be an exclusive space combining the best of Black Twitter, is currently trending on the traditional Twitter network. The reactions to the app launch have been robust so far, but only iPhone users can hop on the train for now.
Developer Patrick Francis launched the app via iTunes with the following descriptor:
Blitter is a social network built on love, passion, and empathy. Blitter does not condone racism, sexism, harassment, bots, or hate speech whatsoever. We are 100% independent from any investors and display no ads!
Other highlights of the app is users will be able to post statuses up to 120 characters, like posts, leave comments along with tags, follow other users, browse popular or recent posts, record quick videos, and privately chatting with followers or creating group chats.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of Blitter is that it will be a space where racism, sexism, or hate speech will lead to a user losing their account. Definitely a departure from the minefield of Twitter on that front.
Naturally, Black Twitter users are reacting to the news and even announcing a defection. We’ve collected some of the responses below and on the following pages.
See pics of how the new app looks like,
'Campaigning before the release of election time-table is illegal before the law' - INEC Chairman
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned politicians and political parties against going about soliciting electoral support before the official release of election time tables describing such action as illegal.
The commission also said it had commenced work on the budget for the 2019 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who spoke at a quarterly consultative meeting with the media at the commission’s secretariat, said:
“Let me warn political parties and aspirants, we have not released the schedule of activities for the elections. Anything that anybody does is illegal before the law. They should wait for the time table of the elections.”
Section 99 of the Electoral Act 201 (as amended), states: “For the purpose of this Act, the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 90 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day. Such a person is liable, upon conviction to a maximum fine of N500, 000.’’
On the budget for the 2019 general elections, Yakubu said though the commission could not immediately place a figure on the budget, it was already working on it.
The commission also pledged its commitment to conducting a free and fair election in Anambra State, saying, 'Elections in Anambra will be free and fair; there is no way it can be anything than free and fair. This is the irreducible minimum. This should be taken for granted on the part of the commission. For a very long time, Anambra election has not been concluded on first ballot but we are determined to conclude Anambra election on first ballot'.
Yakubu also disclosed that the commission would publish register of voters on October 18, said the commission would, however, take delivery of all printed Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, for the election on October 15.
FC Barcelona could leave Spanish La liga if Catalonia gains her Independence
Barcelona football club of Spain have confirmed exit rumours making the rounds after a referendum on Sunday that aimed at making the region of Catalonia gain independence from Spain, was marred with violent scenes and police brutality, with hundreds receiving serious injuries.
FCB president, Josep Maria Bartomeu , after watching his team play a 3-0 win over Las Palmas played behind closed doors, has finally revealed that the club would have to discuss the possibility of leaving La Liga if Catalonia gained independence from Spain.
"This situation does not exist so far," he said on Monday.
"But with regards to things that can happen in the future, it is something that the board of directors would discuss. It would be something to analyse calmly.
"If we discuss the subject intensely then obviously we will find the best solution. But if this [independence] happens, the board of directors will see."
Catalonia's sport minister, Gerard Figueras, has suggested that Barca could play in the Premier League if the region secedes from Spain, citing Swansea City as an example of a club from a different country playing in England's top-flight.
“In the case of independence, Catalan teams in La Liga – Barcelona, Espanyol and Girona – will have to decide where they want to play: in the Spanish league or a neighbouring country like Italy, France or the Premier League,” said Figueras.
Man City striker Kun Aguero in Car Crash
The Argentine striker, 29, was saved by his seatbelt when the Crysler PT Cruiser he was being driven in to the airport careered head on into a post.
Aguero is facing two months on the sidelines because of broken ribs - in a statement, Man City confirmed he was involved in a road accident and will be assessed on Friday.
He had been in the Netherlands for a pop concert following the Champions League victory at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
Despite facing Premier League rivals and reigning champions Chelsea at the weekend, the £50million-rated City ace went away to see the Colombian pop star Maluma.
Before the show Aguero sent a social media post out saying thanks for the invitation complete with a photo of himself and singer Maluma.
But, just hours later, it appears the taxi he was returning to the airport in collided with a pole - the smash happened in Amsterdam, close to a pedestrian crossing.
The airbags were deployed and no other car appears to be involved from the photos available.
See photos below;
Governor Ambode donates 120 5KVA generators to Lagos state Police
Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode has donated 120 5KVA generators to Police stations across Lagos State to enable them work optimally at their job of safeguarding lives and property in the state.
The generators were presented at the Lagos House in Ikeja with Ambode represented by the Chairman of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Mr Oye-Hassan Odukale.
Angela Merkel wins for a fourth term as German Chancellor
On Sunday, Angela Merkel won a fourth term as German Chancellor, but with her party's lead in parliament cut down and the country facing a surge in support for the far right.
Addressing her supporters, Merkel said the result gave her a "mandate" to govern but that the AfD's success would require "thorough analysis" to understand the concerns of their voters.
Preliminary results showed Merkel's CDU/CSU group would be the largest in the Bundestag, but with its lead cut to 33.5% of the seats, down from 41.5% in 2013. The SPD fell to 21.6% from 25.7%, a result met with shock at the party's headquarters. It was the CDU's worst result since 1949, and the SPD's worst since 1945.
The hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) becomes the third-largest group in the national parliament, the Bundestag, as German voters delivered a stinging blow to the traditional parties. Merkel's center-right CDU and its sister CSU had their share of the vote slashed. Germany's oldest party, the center-left SPD, which had been in a "grand coalition" with Merkel, was consigned to opposition.
The University of Ilorin has become a terrorist organization - ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Sunday branded the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) as a “terrorist organization” as far as the industrial relation is concerned.
The union made it know in a statement after the institution reportedly sacked the ASUU chairman in the school, Dr. Kayode Afolayan, for allegedly ‘exposing the impunity, lawlessness and disregard for due process’ in the University.
In the statement sighted on the Vanguard which was signed by Dr Ade Adejumo and Dr. Deji Omole, the Zonal Coordinator of the Ibadan Zone of ASUU and Chairman, University of Ibadan Chapter, they claimed that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor at Unilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, who is allegedly behind the termination of the ASUU chairman in the school, illegally handed a temporal appointment to his wife Dr (Mrs) Taiwo Toyin Ambali.
Read the full statement below...
“The outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali took all these to an unprecedented height when in 2015, he smuggled his wife, Dr (Mrs) Taiwo Toyin Ambali, into the University through the temporary appointment route as Lecturer 1. By 2016, less than one year later, she had been promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer, when the Regulation specifies at least three years before such a promotion could take place.
“Our branch Chairperson, Dr. Kayode Afolayan, on behalf of the union, signed a letter addressed to the Council to look into the infringement against the University Rules and Regulations committed by Prof Ambali. However, rather that retrace his steps, the outgoing vice-chancellor issued a query to the branch chairperson, Dr. Kayode Afolayan, alleging that they circulated an unspecified “leaflet” against the vice-chancellor.
“The union promptly alerted members of the public to the evil plans of Prof Ambali to sack our officers in Unilorin. Just yesterday, 21st September 2017, the University Administration completed another cycle of impunity, lawlessness, and disregard for due process with the termination of appointments of the branch Chairperson. Gentlemen of the press, this very unfortunate development has again exposed the evil going on in the University of Ilorin.
“The University has devised all means to suppress legitimate industrial activities in order to avoid exposure of its misdeeds. Indeed, the University prides itself in its ability to “kill off” staff and students that are connected in any way to ASUU leadership. This hate crime on the part of the University is usually carried out under the guise of the uninterrupted academic calendar.
“Yet, many Universities have also maintained a stable academic calendar without destroying union members or their careers. To all intents and purposes, UNILORIN has become a terrorist organization as far as the industrial relation is concerned. Equally worrisome is the seeming connivance of relevant authorities with Unilorin in its dastardly pursuit. For example, our union, since December 2016, had submitted petitions to the EFCC, ICPC and the CCB but until now results of ongoing investigations have not been made known to the public.
“Our union also wrote petitions to the Ministry of Education and the Visitor to the School but no concrete step has been taken. The silence by these relevant agencies and authorities casts serious doubt on the commitment of the government in the anti-graft war especially in the University of Ilorin where there are glaring manifestations of corruption.
“This has emboldened UNILORIN to embark on the victimization of the whistleblowers in the University. Our union wishes to reiterate that it will not sit by and watch the continuous victimization of its members in the University of Ilorin. We warn that the crisis of the University of Ilorin is once again on the verge of ballooning into a national crisis reminiscent of 2001 when the same University sacked 49 academics in one fell swoop.
“The Union calls on all well-meaning Nigerians and the appropriate authorities to intervene urgently to restore justice in the University and stave off a needless crisis. Members of the public and the press are also to take note that, in line with the Union’s constitution and code of practice, the purportedly sacked Chairman of the branch remains the bonafide Chairman of the Union in UNILORIN.
“The University of Ilorin had on the 19th September, 2017 in a letter titled Termination of appointment signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of the University E. D Obafemi stated that Council at its 155th meeting held on Monday 28th August 2017 considered the report from the 41st meeting of staff disciplinary committee held on Wednesday 7th June 2017, 8th June 2017 and Thursday, June 2017 and approved that your services are no longer required. Consequently, it directed that you should be relieved of your appointment. Accordingly, your appointment is hereby terminated with effect from the date of this letter.'
The statement comes days after the Nigerian military branded the pro-Biafra separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a militant “terrorist organization.”
Top 10 Universities in Nigeria 2017
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has published the 2017 national universities ranking.
It sees University of Ibadan rated the best in Nigeria, with University of Lagos in second place.
Obafemi Awolowo Univesity, Ahmadu Bello University and University of Ilorin complete the top five.
Federal Universities of Technology Minna and Owerri ranked 11th and 12th on the list.
View list below.
- University of Ibadan Ibadan
- University of Lagos Lagos
- Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife
- Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
- University of Ilorin Ilorin
- Covenant University Ota
- University of Nigeria Nsukka
- University of Benin Ugbowo
- University of Abuja Abuja
- University of Port Harcourt Port Harcourt
- Federal University of Technology, Minna Minna
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri Owerri
IPOB group set to drag FG, others to International court
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has challenged the court ruling that declared the group a terrorist unit.
Naija News found out that the suit was filed on Thursday by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Kanu’s lawyer.
Ejiofor said it was illegal for the Federal High Court, Abuja, to issue an order against the IPOB as it is a non-violent organisation.
Ejiofor argued that his client’s right to fair hearing was breached and that the court in Abuja lacks the jurisdiction to issue such an order.
It was the Defence Headquarters that first declared the IPOB a “militant terrorist organization” in contravention of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2013 (as amended), alleging that the group had set up a parallel Secret Service and was in possession of weapons.
However, following public outcry, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation hurriedly kick-started a formal process, which was signed by approved by President Muhammadu Buhari before he left for the United States on Sunday.
On Monday evening, the court issued an order declaring IPOB a terrorist group and rendering anyone who participates in the group’s activities liable to a jail term of 20 years.
Meanwhile, Kanu’s still remain missing a week after soldiers besieged his hometown, Afaraukwu, in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
War of Words
This morning, the Supreme leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un responded to US President, Donald Trump‘s speech at the United Nations where he talked about destroying North Korea.
In his speech, Trump mocked Kim Jong Un, calling him “rocket man.’’ In his response, Kim had a lot of choice words for Trump but the one that stood out is Dotard which means 'an old person, especially one who has become weak or senile'.
Rio Ferdinand Announces plan to become a boxer
Former England football captain, Rio Ferdinand confirmed on Tuesday he will train to become a professional boxer with the ultimate aim of challenging for a title belt.
The 38-year-old former Manchester United star, who retired from football in May 2015, is taking part in online betting firm Betfair’s “Defender to Contender” project and will be training with former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall.
Ferdinand will be seeking to qualify for a British Boxing Board of Control licence before starting training and competing for a title belt.
President Buhari's speech at the UN assembly
The Nigerian president, in his speech, congratulated the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on his first General Assembly outing.
He commended the UN in settling thousands of innocent civilians caught in conflicts in Syria, Iraq & Afghanistan.
He also thanked the international community for the assistance in Sahel and Lake Chad regions to contain threats posed by Al Qaeda and Boko Haram.
He said:
Mr. President,
Fellow Heads of State and Government,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,On behalf of my country, Nigeria, I congratulate you Mr. President on your election and Mr. Gutteres on his first General Assembly outing as our Secretary-General. I assure you both of my country’s solidarity and cooperation. You will indeed need the cooperation of all member States as we are meeting during extra-ordinarily troubled and dangerous times. Let me also thank former Secretary-General Mr. Ban ki Moon for his service to the United Nations and wish him peaceful retirement.
Mr. President,2. The previous year has witnessed many far-reaching developments. Some of the most significant events include the Iran Nuclear Deal, the Paris Climate Change Agreement and, of grave concern, the North Korean nuclear crisis.Mr. President,3. I must also commend the UN’s role in helping to settle thousands of innocent civilians caught in the conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. In particular, we must collectively thank the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany under the commendable leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Governments of Italy, Greece and Turkey for assisting hundreds of thousands of refugees.4. In an exemplary show of solidarity, the international community came together within my own region to assist the countries and communities in the Sahel and the Lake Chad regions to contain the threats posed by Al Qaida and Boko Haram.5. We thank the Security Council for visiting the countries of the Lake Chad Basin to assess the security situation and humanitarian needs, and for pledging assistance to rebuild lives and livelihoods. Indeed, in Nigeria we are providing relief and humanitarian assistance to millions in camps and those afflicted by terrorism, drought, floods and other natural disasters.6. In the last year, the international community came together to focus on the need for gender equality, youth empowerment, social inclusion, and the promotion of education, creativity and innovation. The frontiers of good governance, democracy including holding free and fair elections, and enthronement of the rule of law are expanding everywhere, especially in Africa.7. Our faith in democracy remains firm and unshaken. Our regional organisation ECOWAS came together to uphold democratic principles in The Gambia – as we had done previously in Cote D’Ivoire.8. Through our individual national efforts, state institutions are being strengthened to promote accountability, and to combat corruption and asset recovery. These can only be achieved through the international community cooperating and providing critical assistance and material support. We shall also cooperate in addressing the growing transnational crimes such as forced labour, modern day slavery, human trafficking and cybercrime.
Mr. President,
9. These cooperative efforts should be sustained. We must collectively devise strategies and mobilise the required responses to stop fleeing ISIS fighters from mutating and infiltrating into the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, where there are insufficient resources and response capacity is weak.10. This will require strong UN cooperation with regional organisations, such as the African Union, in conflict prevention and management. The UN should continue to take primary leadership of the maintenance of international peace and security by providing, in a predictable and sustainable manner, adequate funding and other enablers to regional initiatives and peacekeeping operations authorized by the Security Council.Mr. President,11. New conflicts should not make us lose focus on ongoing unresolved old conflicts. For example, several UN Security Council Resolutions from 1967 on the Middle East crisis remain unimplemented. Meanwhile, the suffering of the Palestinian people and the blockade of Gaza continue.12. Additionally, we are now confronted by the desperate human rights and humanitarian situations in Yemen and most tragically in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. The Myanmar crisis is very reminiscent of what happened in Bosnia in 1995 and in Rwanda in 1994.13. The international community cannot remain silent and not condemn the horrendous suffering caused by what, from all indications is a state-backed programme of brutal depopulation of the Rohingya inhabited areas in Myanmar on the bases of ethnicity and religion. We fully endorse the call by the Secretary-General on the Government of Myanmar to order a halt to the ongoing ethnic cleansing and ensure the safe return of the displaced Rohingya to their homes in safety and dignity.14. In all these crises, the primary victims are the people, the most vulnerable being women and children. That is why the theme of this session: Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet” is most apposite.15. While the international community grapples to resolve these conflicts, we must be mindful and focus on the widening inequalities within societies, and the gap between the rich and the poor nations. These inequalities and gaps are part of the underlining root causes of competition for resources, frustration and anger leading to spiralling instability.16. The most pressing threat to international peace and security today is the accelerated nuclear weapons development programme by North Korea. Since the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, we have never come so close to the threat of nuclear war as we have now.17. All necessary pressure and diplomatic efforts must be brought to bear on North Korea to accept peaceful resolution of the crisis. As Hiroshima and Nagasaki painfully remind us, if we fail, the catastrophic and devastating human loss and environmental degradation cannot be imagined.
Mr. President,
18. Nigeria proposes a strong UN delegation to urgently engage the North Korean Leader. The delegation, led by the Security Council, should include members from all the regions.19. The crisis in the Korean peninsula underscores the urgency for all member states, guided by the spirit of enthroning a safer and more peaceful world, to ratify without delay the Treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons, which will be open for signature here tomorrow.
Mr. President,20. I end my remarks by reiterating Nigeria’s abiding commitment to the foundational principles and goals of the United Nations. Since our admission as a member state in 1960, we have always participated in all efforts to bring about global peace, security and development. Nigeria will continue to support the UN in all its efforts, including the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
I thank you.
Escaped ritual killer, Ifeanyi Dike captured
The suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyi Dike, who allegedly murdered an eight-year-old girl, Victory Chikamso Nmezuwuba, has been rearrested.
Dike, who was rearrested in Jos, Plateau State capital, by security operatives on Thursday, was said to have been immediately brought to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Earthquake kills Scores of people in Mexico
8.2 magnitude earthquake kills over 58 residents in Mexico. The resulting effect brought about a Tsunami that damaged buildings and other properties.
The disaster has been described as the worst earthquake to hit the country in 100 years.
Over 40 million people felt the earthquake with the epicenter at the Pacific Ocean.
Southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca were hit the hardest in an earthquake which occurred when most people were sleeping Thursday night.
Nigeria Exits Recession
Nigeria is out of recession, the official 2nd Quarter GDP report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.
“In the second quarter of 2017, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.55% (year-on-year) in real terms, indicating the emergence of the economy from recession after five consecutive quarters of contraction since Q1 2016.
This growth is 2.04% higher than the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2016 ( –1.49%) and higher by 1.46% points from rate recorded in the preceding quarter, (revised to –0.91% from –0.52%). Quarter on quarter, real GDP growth was 3.23%.During the quarter, aggregate GDP stood at N26,986,005.20million in nominal terms, compared to N23,547,466.91 million in Q2 2016, resulting in a Nominal GDP growth of 14.60%,” the NBS report said.
Leave Flood prone areas- Says NEMA
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Communities living around the flood prone areas in Kogi to promptly relocate to higher grounds for safety to avoid the impending flood.
Mr Sani Datti, Head of Media and Publication, gave the advice in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Datti, NEMA received a distress call of forthcoming flood in Sarkin Noma and Ganaja in Lokoja Local Government Area (LGA) and also Igala mela LGA of Kogi, among others.
He said that following the alert, the agency has immediately established contact with the State Commissioner for Environment and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other relevant stakeholders.
He said that a team from the agency are due to arrive the state for appropriate action on persons and communities likely to be affected.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said Lokoja/Abuja road by NATACO was flooded on Thursday and called for caution and understanding on the part of motorists to ease traffic congestion.
ASUU and FG reach agreement
The leaders of the academic union and the Federal government in the early hours of today, concluded a 12-hour meeting that started yesterday Thursday, September 7th.
The union says they have accepted the federal government’s offer and would take the offer to their members who would decide whether or not the offer is generally accepted and then decide on when to call off the strike action. The union says it would get back to the Federal government on its decision in a week’s time.
National president of ASUU, Biodun Ogunyemi, who spoke with journalists after the meeting, said
“Now we have some concrete proposal that we will take back to our members for consideration,” he said.
Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who also spoke with journalists after the meeting, said ASUU’s demands have been addressed and the union will get back to the government in a week after consulting with their members.
ASUU declared a Nationwide strike on August 14th and has then been joined by other labour groups.
Resident Doctors suspends strike
The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) has revealed that it may suspend its ongoing nationwide strike if it gets evidence of payment of salary arrears.
This came after a meeting between the leadership of NARD and representatives of the Federal Government which began on Wednesday and ended in the early hours of Thursday the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.
According to a statement issued after the meeting,
After the about eight hour long, the Federal Government team, led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, issued a statement promising to make efforts toward the payment of arrears owed health workers.
“The Federal Government will appeal to state governments and organisations that owe salary shortfalls/emoluments to health workers to make genuine efforts to liquidate these arrears in the spirit of revamping the health care system in the country,” the statement said.
“The meeting agreed that NARD national officers are to present the outcome of the renegotiated Memorandum of Terms of Settlement to an emergency meeting of its members by Friday, September 8, 2017, with a view to suspending the strike once there is evidence of payment of the mandate as presented to the meeting, to the affected Institutions.”
NARD declared a nationwide strike on Monday, September 4, for government’s failure to pay their salary shortfall of 2016 and January to May 2017, as well as failure to rectify the salary shortfall from August 2017.
The doctors are also demanding the inclusion of their members on the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System (IPPIS).
They also said government has failed to budget, deduct and remit both the employer and employees’ contributions for their pension to their retirement savings account since 2013.
Other key issues listed by the striking doctors were the failure to circularise house officers’ entry point, failure to correct the stagnation of promotion of NARD members and properly place them on their appropriate grade level.
Should they call off the strike after receiving evidence of payment, the doctors are asking that no NARD member should be victimised.
According to the statement, the Federal Government assured the doctors that none of their members would be victimised.
The conciliation meeting was, however, adjourned to reconvene on Thursday, November 2, 2017.
The meeting had in attendance the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, and the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Professor Stephen Ocheni.
The striking doctors were also represented at the meeting by NARD President, Dr Onyebueze John, and President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Professor Mike Ogirima, among others.
Building collapse kills 6 year old boy
A six-year-old boy was killed in a house collapse during a heavy rainfall on Thursday, in Ungwan Gwari community in the Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to Punch, the rain was also said to have destroyed the victim’s parents’ house in the community.
The rain, which started on Wednesday with intermittent breaks, became intense on Thursday and destroyed buildings in the area, leading to the collapse of the six-year-old boy’s house, while the occupants were asleep.
Lasting for about 15 hours, according to a source, the torrential rain weakened the foundation of the mud house, leading to its collapse.
The source said, “The six-year-old boy died due to the impact of the building collapse on him while he was asleep.
“However, the boy’s mother and other siblings escaped before the whole building collapsed.
The deceased’s sister, simply called Aisha, said their mother and a sibling were left to tend to their injuries after the incident, adding that they had been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
Earthquake hits near coast of Mexico
Earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.1 struck off the southern coast of Mexico early Friday prompting potential tsunami threats along the entire southern coast of Central America.
The quake struck about 70 miles off the coast of Chiapas, Mexico, near the border with Guatemala at 12:49 a.m. ET. The U.S. Geological Survey initially estimated the magnitude at 8.0 before revising it to 8.1 The Mexican Seismological Agency rated it at magnitude 8.4.
5 aftershocks measuring magnitude 4.9 to 5.7 were recorded in the hour after the quake, the USGS said.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that a 2.3-foot tsunami wave was recorded off the Mexican coast and that waves up to 10 feet were possible.
Smaller waves up to 3 feet were possible until about 3:45 a.m. ET along the borders of nearly all Central American countries, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
Death Toll Rises as Hurricane Irma hits the Caribbean
Death toll rises to 13 as hurricane Irma hits the Caribbean. Homes and properties destroyed, families displaced.
Hurricane Irma has killed 3 people as it battered through Puerto Rico, with a 79-year-old woman, a younger woman, and a man among the fatalities.
On its current path, hurricane Irma is predicted to pass directly over, or quite close to, the British territories of Turk and Caicos on Thursday night, followed by a brush with the southern islands of the Bahamas and Cuba’s northern coast.
On Friday night, the hurricane is expected to land at or pass near the archipelago of the Florida Keys, an area ordered evacuated by the state’s governor, Rick Scott.
It’s unclear exactly where the storm will exactly strike along the coast. Scott warned that it could veer unexpectedly, and that its gigantic size means that the Gulf and Atlantic coasts alike are threatened by severe storm surges and category-four hurricane winds.
Buhari reacts to 1:1 draw at Yaounde
President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to celebrate the Super Eagles, following their 1-1 draw with Cameroon, in a 2018 World Cup qualifying game on Monday in Yaounde.
President Trump to donate $1m “personal money” to Houston flood Victims
The President of the United States of America Donald Trump will donate $1 million to the victims of hurricane Harvey, a statement by White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has said.
“He would like to join in the efforts that a lot of people we have seen across the country do,” she said adding that the donation will come from Trump’s “personal money”.
She said the president has not decided when or where he will send the donation.
“He actually asked that I check with the folks in this room, since you are very good at research and have been doing a lot of reporting into the groups and organizations that are best and most effective in helping and providing aid, and he’d love some suggestions from the folks here and I’d be happy to take those,” she told reporters.
VP Osinbajo takes over negotiations with ASUU
The Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo has taken over the leadership of the Federal Government negotiation team with the striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, made this disclosure while briefing State House correspondents after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council, FEC meeting.
With this new development, it is expected that the resolution of the lingering ASUU strike will come faster as the strike is now well into its second week, grounding academic activities across several Universities in the country.
Fatai Owoseni replaced as Lagos state Commissioner of Police
The Lagos state commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni (right), has been replaced. The new police commissioner is Imohimi Edgar (left), a former Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Operations in the state.
Fatai Owoseni, who served in the state for two years, will now report to the force headquarters in Abuja as the Commissioner of Police in Charge of Administration.
Who wants to be a millionaire is back on screens
The Popular TV game show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, has announced a return to the screens after two months of going off air when MTN pulled out as sponsor.
The show which went off the air in June will return on September 3, organizers have announced.
“We are pleased to inform the general public that the popular family quiz program ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Nigeria’ will return to TV on the 3rd of September 2017,” said a statement released on Tuesday.
“New season, new sponsors, whooping cash prizes to be won. Don’t miss any of the episodes.”
NNPC shake up affects 55 Management staff
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced a reshuffle which affects some management staff of some units of the corporation.
NNPC spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu, who made the disclosure in a statement released on Tuesday, said 55 management staff were affected in the exercise.
Maikanti Baru, group managing director of the NNPC, expressed his believe that the new appointments would not only help to position the corporation for the challenges ahead but would help fill the gaps created due to statutory retirements of staff.
“Under the new arrangement, Roland Ewubare, formerly MD of the Integrated Data Services Limited, IDSL moves to the National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS as the new group general manager while Diepriye Tariah, former GGM and senior technical assistant to the NNPC GMD takes over from Ewubare as MD of IDSL,” he said.
“Malami Shehu, executive director operations, of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, KRPC, was appointed managing director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC while Adewale Ladenegan, former MD of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, WRPC was moved to KRPC to assume duty as MD.
“In the same vein, Muhammed Abah, until recently, the executive director operations of WRPC succeeds Ladenegan as MD of Warri Refinery.
“With the retirement of Alh. Farouk Ahmed as the MD of the Nigerian Products Marketing Company, (NPMC), Umar Ajiya, former GGM in charge of Corporate Planning and Strategy, (CP&S) now assumes duty as MD of NPMC while Bala Wunti, former, general manager, Downstream, GMD’s Office takes charge as GGM CP&S.
“Other changes include: Usman Yusuf who takes over as GGM/STA to the GMD, Adeyemi Adetunji confirmed as MD NNPC Retail alongside Dr. Bola Afolabi who now functions as GGM in charge of Research and Development Division of the Corporation.
“Also on the list is Mrs. Ahmadu-Katagum appointed GGM (Shipping) in the Downstream Autonomous Business Unit while Kallamu Abdullahi takes over as the GGM in charge of the Renewable Energy Division in the Downstream ABU.
“Shaibu Musa was promoted MD of the NNPC medical services limited while Ibrahim Birma is the new GGM in charge of the corporation’s audit division now renamed governance, risk and compliance division.”
Evans pleads guilty to kidnap charges
Notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudubem Onwuamadike popularly referred to as Evans has reportedly pleaded guilty to the kidnapping charges leveled against him.
According to Premium Times, he and five of his suspected accomplices were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping at the Ikeja High Court.
The judge adjourned the case until October 19, with Evans and the other male defendants to be remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Prison until then.
The female defendant, who was the only one who pleaded not guilty to all the charges, is to be remanded at the Kirikiri Female Prison until October 19.
DPO in charge of escaped ritualist case arrested
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a Divisional Police Officer in the State for his alleged involvement in the escape of a 200 level student of the University of Port Harcourt, Ifeanyi Dike, who killed an eight-year-old girl, Victory Chikamso Nmezuwuba, for alleged money ritual.
A reliable police source disclosed that the DPO, who was arrested on Monday, August 28, was deeply involved in telephone calls between him and Johnbosco Okoroeze, a dismissed police sergeant, which indicated that there was a premeditated action by him to allow the suspected ritual killer to escape.
PUNCH reports that while preparations were ongoing by both the father of the deceased, Dr. Ernest Nmezuwuba, and the suspect (Dike) to write their statements, several calls were received from the said DPO by Okoroeze.
The top police source said, “We have enough evidence to believe that the DPO was working hand in hand with the ex-sergeant, who has been remanded in police custody. The DPO has been arrested.
“Even the father of the girl that was killed had said that there was communication with the IPO (dismissed sergeant) handling the matter and somebody that has not been disclosed. This happened while they were bringing the suspected ritual killer to the State Police Headquarters.
“All these and many more will serve as evidence against the DPO, who we believe has a lot to explain about his possible involvement in the escape of Ifeanyi Dike, who killed an eight-year-old boy, ostensibly for money ritual.”
Ifeanyi Dike had allegedly raped, killed and removed vital organs of an eight-year-old girl, Victory Chikamso, before escaping from police custody.
The father of the victim, Nmezuwuba, was at the State Criminal Investigation Department when the suspected murderer and ritualist escaped from police custody.
Nmezuwuba added that the suspect was able to escape because one of the policemen on duty on Saturday night identified as Johnbosco had unlocked the handcuffs for Dike to write his statement.
N-power urges Applicants to take test before closing date
Rivers state police increase bounty to N1m for the capture of fleeing ritual killer
The Rivers State Police Command has offered N1m reward to any person who provides useful information to police about the ritual killer who fled from police custody.
The suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyi Dike, who defiled and killed an eight-year-old girl, Victory Chikamso, escaped from police custody last week, August 20, 2017.
Dike, a student of the University of Port Harcourt who had allegedly defiled, killed and removed the vital organs of eight-year-old Chikamso, was caught by a local vigilante, who handed him over to the police on Saturday.
Irked by the act, angry youths took to the streets of Eliozu area of Port Harcourt to protest the mysterious disappearance of Ifeanyi Dike, from police custody.
However, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zaki Ahmed explained that the suspect escaped in the night and promised that the police would soon arrest him.
Residential building collapses in Lagos
A residential building collapsed this morning at Ilufe Road near the Alaba international market, Lagos state. According to reports, No lives were lost and the Lagos state emergency officials have sealed off the building.
A Malaysian based Nigerian is stripped and humiliated by fellow Nigerians for stealing
A homeless Nigerian man was stripped naked and beaten up by a group of fellow Nigerians who caught him trying to steal from their home in Negeri Sembilan area of Malaysia.
The alleged thief said that he initially came to beg for his house rent. When he got to the house, he noticed that the door was not locked and that was when he decided to steal their valuables.
Indian guru sentenced to 20 years in prison for rape
A controversial Indian spiritual guru has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for rape, India's Central Bureau of Investigation announced Monday.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of a spiritual sect known as Dera Sacha Sauda, was convicted on Friday of raping two of his followers in a case that dates back to 1999.
He was sentenced to two consecutive 10-year terms, one for each conviction. Singh was sentenced behind locked doors inside Rohtak jail, where he arrived by helicopter Friday from a courthouse in the northern city of Panchkula.
Fitbit Iconic to launch new smart watch
The soon to be released Fitbit iconic smart watch is revealed to rival the apple smart watch. The Fitbit is sheduled to be released in October this year.
see more pictures;
It boasts a lightweight aluminium case, health and fitness features, water resistance up to 50 metres and GPS tracking.
The Fitbit ionic has a price tag of $299 in the US, and £299 in the UK. It is available for presale from the Fitbit website.
Flood in Markurdi, Benue State
Heavy rainfall which started on Saturday night flooded many houses and markets and destroying them in Makurdi, Benue State capital, rendering many residents homeless indigent.
The devastating effect of the flood was recorded in the following areas: Zone 4, Atusa, Nyiman, and some areas of Wadatta, Gana, all in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
A resident of Nyiman and a mother of two, Ms Jane Iorhember, told reporters that the surging water woke her up around 2.30am to discover that the area had been flooded.
She said, ‘I did not know the actual time the rain started but I woke up when felt something cold in my body only to discover that the mattress was already soaked, this was around 2.30am.
“At this time, there was no light so I put on my torch light and tiptoed to the living room where the whole area was flooded and I peeped outside only to behold the whole compound already flooded and water was flowing into the living room.
“I rushed and woke up my kids in case of any eventuality; we tried to pack some perishable items like electronics into one of the rooms until the rain subsided around 4am. You can see that the water is gradually receding from the living room”, Jane said.
It was a similar experience for Mrs Kajo in Nyiman. When our correspondent visited the area, he saw their property outside their house.
“You can see our property outside because the rooms are already flooded; we will remain like this until the water recedes.”
A worker at the state House of Assembly, Mr Tikili Simon, who spoke to our correspondent at Zone 4, called on the state government to construct drainages in the flooded areas.
He said the flooding in Zone 4 and other places were largely caused by the lack of drainage.
He said, “If you move from here to Atusa and the FADAMA area in Nyima which links Gana down to rail track along Barracks Road, they are not conducive because there are no drainages.”
Houston hit by Massive Flood in the wake of Hurricane Harvey
Americas' fourth largest city Houston has been submerged by 'unprecedented' flooding as hundreds who seek refuge on rooftops and higher grounds are plucked by rescuers after Hurricane Harvey.
cross section of submerged city
Lives and properties have been lost but rescue is still ongoing in the region.
Volunteers and officers from the neighborhood security patrol help to rescue residents- Houston 27/Aug.
Residents evacuating their homes
Nnamdi Kanu Threatens Death to anyone who tries to arrest him
Nnamdi Kanu, in reaction to the recent calls by the Federal Government that his bail should be rescinded, warned that anyone who tries to arrest him will meet death.
The IPOB leader was granted bail based on health conditions and that he would not be part of a gathering of more than 10 people. This condition the FG says he has flouted and needs to be rearrested.
But speaking on Sunday at Boys Technical College (BTC) in Aba, Abia state, Kanu claimed the agitation for Biafra was unstoppable and divine, adding that there would be no going back until Biafra becomes a reality.
“Where we are, is Biafra Land. Aba is the spiritual capital of Biafra land. We started in Aba in 2015 at CKC (Christ the King Catholic Cathedral),” Kanu said. “That day, heaven authenticated our move that IPOB will restore Biafra and that’s what we’ve come to do. We died in Aba; at National High School.
“They shot and killed us in other places in Biafra land when they were protesting for my release. As our people rest in the grave, we’ll never rest until Biafra is restored. I don’t care what they say in Abuja. I don’t give a damn what they say in Lagos.
“I’m a Biafran and we are going to crumble the zoo. Some idiots who are not educated said that they’ll arrest me, and I ask them to come. I’m in Biafra land. If any of them leaves Biafra land alive know that this is not IPOB. Tell them that’s what I said.
“Tell Buhari that I’m in Aba and any person who comes to arrest Nnamdi Kanu in Biafra land will die here. I’ll never go on exile I assure you. “Some people talk about restructuring, are we doing restructuring of Nigeria now? Are we doing fiscal federalism? Are we doing devolution? What we want is Biafra!
“Forget all the nonsense they write about us. We are not slowing down and no man born of a woman can stop us.
“They thought we are joking and God gave us a simple message that no one can stop us. The movement to restore Biafra is unstoppable.
“The message of heaven is what I bring to you. Don’t be afraid. The plans of our enemies are not going to be actualized. The enemies are planning, but we are formidable.
ASUU condemnS JAMB cut-off mark for admission
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan have rejected the decision of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reduce admission cut-off mark to 120 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education.
ASUU has described the action as an absurd policy decision which is line with the intention of the present government to destroy public universities in the country.
Most of the vice-chancellors Punch correspondents interviewed maintained that they would not bring down admission standards in their respective varsities, stating that the decision would not add value to the nation’s university system.
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, on the issue on Thursday in a statement said the Premier University would never admit any candidate that scored 120 in the UTME.
The statement read, “It should worry us as patriots that candidates who scored just 30 per cent in the UTME can be admitted into some of our universities. Yet, we complain of poor quality of our graduates. You can hardly build something on nothing. The consolation here is that since JAMB started conducting this qualifying exam in 1978, University of Ibadan has never admitted any candidate who scored less than 200 marks out of the maximum 400 marks.
“This translates to a minimum of 50 per cent. This remains our position as an institution aspiring to be world-class. Reality is that only about four other universities in the country have such high standard. To that extent, apart from being the oldest, we are an elite university in the country at least judging by the quality of our intakes.’’
Prof. Olayinka, however, commended the decision of the Federal Government to re-introduce the post-UTME test and exonerated the incumbent JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, from the cancellation of the test two sessions ago.
“It is gratifying to note that the Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who chaired the meeting, apologised publicly for canceling the post-UTME screening last year.
“In effect, universities are now allowed to conduct the test using modalities approved by the Senate of each institution.
The NBC issues statement that it did not ban any song
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has said that it did not release any statement regarding the ban of any song.
Speaking to The Cable, Idachaba Armstrong, the Director of the commission said the ban notice of “Wo” and “Wavy Level” by Olamide, “Fall” and “If: Remix” by Davido and “Living Things” by 9ice did not come from NBC. He said:
First of all, NBC is a commission, not a corporation. Nobody at NBC issued a statement to the effect. We can’t be issuing a statement on every album released in his country. The broadcaster has the responsibility to do the needful. NBC does not ban songs, we don’t have any business with the artistes. It is left for NBC to tell stations to ensure the songs and videos are fit for broadcast before putting them on air. The whole idea of offensive vulgar lyrics. It is the responsibility of broadcasters to ensure they don’t come on air. They are supposed to do what is called gate-keeping and they should have editorial control over their content but broadcasters now carelessly air songs without exercising that editorial discretion. They abdicate that responsibility and then expect us to start chasing them.
He continued that the songs are actually offensive and are meant for clubs. He added that broadcast stations are lazy and unprofessional in their conduct, and will be fined if found to contradict any NBC code. He said:
I have reliably gathered that some of those songs are actually offensive, regarding the lyrics. Some of these songs are for clubs. These stations that should practice self-regulation are lazy and unprofessional in their conduct. We will impose the necessary sanctions on the stations. If the stations contravene any of the broadcast code, they will be fined. Once NBC picks it up, we call the stations to order and impose the necessary fine. First, we caution you, then impose a fine afterward, which can be between N50-N100k. But if they are recalcitrant, it can rise to N500k.
DANGOTE TO BUILD UNIVERSITY IN ABUJA
Aliko Dangote has reportedly submitted a proposal to the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to set up a world class university.
Premium Times reports that Julius Okojie, a former Executive Secretary of NUC, is the chairman of the technical team for the establishment of the university. Okojie and his team visited the current Executive Secretary of NUC Abubakar Rasheed, where he pleaded for the support of the commission in actualizing their goal. He said the university intends to drive technology and research to stimulate Nigeria’s economy.
Rasheed applauded the team and Dangote’s efforts, and promised to provide all the required assistance in setting-up the University. He did, however, advise the team to reconsider setting up a university of technology, as a university running all programmes but with a specialty in technology would be more advantageous. He asked that the team consult widely, and research universities both in the country and out. It would give them a view to creating a university that would be different in terms of quality, he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the team Zouera Yousouffou said they are ready to make their goal a reality, as N200 billion has been earmarked for the project, and the land has been acquired.
JAMB RELEASES NEW CUT-OFF MARKS
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has fixed minimum cut off marks for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The minimum cut off marks for admissions into universities in Nigeria was set for 120, polytechnics and colleges of education pegged at 100, while that of innovative enterprising institutes was pegged at 110.
Institutions are, however, at liberty to raise their cut off marks for admission above the minimum set by JAMB.
Also, admissions into public degree awarding institutions for the 2017 UTME examination will end on January 15, 2018 while for private institutions, it ends on January 31, 2018.
Also, decisions on first choice candidates by universities will end on October 15, and second choice candidates will end on December 15; after which the remaining students will be available in the market place for other institutions till the January closing dates.
These decisions were taken at the 2017 Combined Policy Meetings on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria which ended on Tuesday.
The Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, said a Central Admission Processing System, CAPS, will be used to streamline admission processes among institutions, as it addresses challenges associated with the former approach.
Mr. Oloyede also said that Institutions could conduct dual mode system which involves both manual and the newly introduced CAPS.
Car Crash attack in Marseille
One woman has been killed and another injured after a van crashed into two bus shelters in the French city of Marseille.
Police advised the public to avoid the Old Port area where the driver of the Renault Master, a 35-year-old man, was arrested.
Media reports say the driver was known to police for minor crimes and has psychological issues. The prosecutor for Marseille said later Monday that the driver had a letter on him that mentioned a psychiatric clinic, so they were following that lead. He said it was not believed to have been a terrorist attack, like the vehicle attacks that left 14 people dead in Spain last week.
RITUALIST ESCAPES POLICE CUSTODY
Ifeanyi Dike, a University of Portharcourt student who defiled and killed an eight-year-old girl, Victory Chikamso, has escaped from police custody.
Dike, was caught by a local vigilante in Eliozu axis of Port Harcourt and handed over to the police, escaped Sunday night as he made to dispose of the corpse.
Sources say police have begun a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.
AISHA BUHARI APPRECIATES NIGERIANS
Aisha Buhari who made this announcement on her official twitter handle this morning, wrote: “As we welcome our dear President back home, I am grateful to Nigerians and well-wishers all over the world for their continuous prayers and support.
“May God continue to guide, protect and bless us all and our dear country Nigeria.”
Barcelona Terror Attack
Terror attack in Barcelona leaves at least 13 dead and over 80 injured when a driver slammed through Las Ramblas one of the busiest street in Barcelona into a crowd of innocent passers-by.
Few hours later, another vehicular attack was reported to have occurred at a seaside town known as Cambrils leaving about 7 people wounded including a police officer.
5 terrorist were short dead by police after the attack.
Nnamdi Kanu, The IPOB leader has inaugurated Biafra Secret Service on Tuesday.
A video of this event has been circulating the web. He was seen moving around, in between the Biafra Secret Service men parading in their black on black uniforms
inspecting them.
The IPOB has expressed its readiness for war in order to actualize the restoration of Biafra.
IPOB made the declaration while faulting the refusal of the Federal Government to grant its call for referendum.
The group also condemned the stance of the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, for insisting on the unity of Nigeria.
Indian Hemp Smugglers caught in Abeokuta
Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service of Ogun State Command, has intercepted a Toyota coaster bus reportedly belonging to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, loaded with concealed wraps of Indian hemp, along Imeko Afon area of the Idiroko border.
The Controller of the command, Sani Madugu, revealed this on Tuesday in Abeokuta, at the command’s headquarters.
Punch reports that Madugu, who was accompanied by the state Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Bala Fagge, said, “The suspect, Abolade Bolaji, was caught in the Imeko border town while conveying the illegal drug into the country.
“He concealed parcels of Indian hemp (cannabis) under the bags of rice he was conveying with the vehicle to Abeokuta, when nemesis caught up with him.
“Our operatives on patrol stopped the vehicle and searched it, only to discover the illicit drug.”
Madugu later handed over the cannabis to the NDLEA for further investigation.
Bala Fagge, while receiving both the suspect and the exhibits, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the performance.
He noted that Indian hemp was now being cultivated in neighbouring countries, with market in Nigeria, adding that the cannabis recovered from the suspect weighed 295 kilorammes.
Reacting to the interception of the school bus, FUNAAB said it would not interfere in the investigation of the matter, describing it as unfortunate.
The institution’s Head of the Public Relations Directorate, Mrs. Emi Alawode, said as a law abiding institution, necessary machinery had been put in place to carry out proper investigation of the incident.
She said “one of its drivers, using the university’s official vehicle in his possession, was said to have been apprehended along Olorunda, Ogun State, by law enforcement agents, for allegedly being in possession of substances suspected to have been smuggled.
FG PLEADS WITH ASUU TO CALL OFF STRIKE
The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its ongoing strike in the universities in the interest of the nation.
Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment made the appeal in a statement signed by Mr Samuel Olowookere, Deputy Director, Press, in the Ministry, on Tuesday in Abuja.
ASUU had on Monday declared an indefinite strike over Federal Government failure to keep to the 2009 agreement.
According to Chris Ngige, there is an ongoing renegotiation of the 2009 agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU by the Babalakin Committee:
The Federal Government has set up the Babalakin Committee on 13th Feb. 2017, which is already addressing the issues raised by ASUU. Though the Federal Government did not wish to apportion blame, it is important to note that ASUU did not follow due process in the declaration of the industrial action. As it did not give the Federal Government, the mandatory 15 days’ notice as contained in the Section 41 of Trade Disputes Act, Cap T8, 2004. In fact, it was on 14th Aug., 2017 that the Office of the Minister received a letter dated 13th Aug. 2017 from ASUU, that is, one full day after it commenced the strike.
He, however, noted that the letter was to inform the Federal Government that ASUU has commenced strike, adding that this is not a declaration of intention to go on strike as contained in the Trade Dispute Act, 2004.
He further said that since the case was being conciliated, it was against the spirit of Social Dialogue and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for ASUU to embark on strike as enunciated in the International Labour Organisation (ILO)Convention. He said:
The Federal Government therefore wishes to appeal to ASUU to consider students who are currently writing degree and promotion examinations. Please call off the strike and return to the negotiation table.’
The minister added that the Ministry of Labour and Employment would ensure that a time frame is tied to negotiation this time around.
Ngige added that the Babalakin Committee was ever ready to continue the negotiation.
He also noted that the necessary ingredients for fruitful social dialogue as well as adequate powers to negotiate and make recommendations to the Federal Government had been put in place.
BOKO HARAM ATTACKS!
Two Communities In Adamawa state have been attacked by the Boko Haram group yesterday.
Nyibango and Muduhu, both in Madagali Local Government Area were on Monday night, August 14 attacked by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
A few days ago, a similar attack was launched in a neighbouring village, Mildu in the same local government area where at least seven people lost their lives.
However, confirming the Monday’s attack, Chairman of Madagali Local Government Area, Yusuf Muhammed, said it lasted for about two hours and that the terrorists killed livestocks, looted and burnt many houses.
ASUU- Strike Looming
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, will today take a final decision on whether it will proceed on strike over unresolved issues with the Federal Government or not. Unconfirmed report had it that the union met yesterday at an undisclosed venue to take decision on the looming strike.
Information had it that Chairmen of state chapters of the union met in Abuja, with the national leadership where they collated and reviewed the results of the referendum they conducted in their separate chapters. The chairmen whom majority of them had approved a nationwide strike, deliberated alongside the National Executive Council, NEC the duration the strike would last.
According to a letter signed by the union’s National President Prof. Ogunyemi, the issues at stake included payment of fractions/non-payment of salaries; non-payment of earned academic allowances, non-release of operational licence of NUPENCO, retired professors and their salaries, university staff schools, and funds for the revitalisation of public universities.
Governor of Enugu Offers Scholarship to best graduating Student who cleared WAEC in all A's
The reward for working hard is usually great. Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu state has offered scholarship to Miss Cynthia Chinemerem Ali, a student who made straight A's in WAEC to any University of her choice.
The state government also resolved to present the student with a certificate of honour in further recognition of her outstanding academic performance.
The Education Commissioner, who briefed journalists in company with the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe and the Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Sam Ugwu, alongside the parents and management of the school, added that Miss Cynthia has made the state proud and deserves the recognition and support of the state government.
He stated that the recognition was also a means of motivation and to encourage others to work hard to excel in their academic endeavors and continue to make their families and state proud.
The government charged her to remain committed to the pursuit of academic excellence, describing her as “a role model”.
Miss Cynthia, an 18-year-old indigene of Enugu State hails from Umuagama, Enugu Ezike in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, has one of the best WAEC results in the State, South East geo-political zone and the country at large.
She has applied to study Medicine and Surgery in the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
To make this more motivational, it will be a good idea if the state governments of Nigeria can make this a routine. There are other students within the country that have this same kind of excellent result. Make them recognized too, it will go a long way.
Rivers Government has closed no fewer than 1,886 schools operating without government’s approval, Gov. Nyesom Wike said in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Wike made the development known when the management staff of Jesuit Memorial College, Mbodo-Aluu, paid him a courtesy visit.
He said the schools were shut for failing to meet specified standards of the state Ministry of education.
He said that parents patronising the affected schools had been told to relocate their wards before the next academic session began. According to him, the government will fully implement measures aimed at strengthening the state education sector by September. “We want to maintain standards that will uplift education in the state.”
Wike also explained that his administration was committed to transforming the state and empowering its people through an enhanced education sector. He condemned examination malpractice associated with some illegal schools operating as West African Examination Council (WAEC) centres in some remote parts of the state. According to the governor, most illegal schools have become WAEC magic centres where examination malpractices are promoted. He, however, commended the management of the Jesuit Memorial College for establishing a branch in Rivers in honour of the 60 students who died in the Sosoliso air crash in Port Harcourt on Dec.10, 2005. He assured them of the state government’s support to ensure that the school served the people better. Earlier, the Principal of the school, Rev. Emeka Asogwa, explained that the school was established in memory of the 60 students of Jesuit Memorial College, Abuja, who died in the air crash. He commended the state government for partnering the school in infrastructural development. He also appealed to the governor to assist the school to get the Certificate of Occupancy for the 21 hectare of land allocated to it by the state government.
BANKS TO ACCEPT MOVE-ABLE ASSETS AS COLLATERAL –
CBAN
The Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) are working towards improving access to loan facilities using movable assets as collateral.
The institutions held a one-day workshop in Kaduna, on Wednesday, to create the needed awareness on the new financial infrastructure. Mr Ubong Awah, representative of the IFC, identified the new infrastructure as Collateral Registry (CR) and Credit Reporting System (CRS).
Awah explained that the infrastructure would allow Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to use any movable asset as collateral to access bank loan. He said that the National Collateral Registry (NCR), an online centralized-database, which commenced operation in May, now allows financial service providers to register security interest in movable assets. He said that the registry, set up by the Federal Government, is being maintained in line with CBN regulations. According to him, the innovation would facilitate easy lending by financial institutions to individuals, farmers, micro entrepreneurs and SMEs.
“The registry will enable these categories of borrowers to use movable assets such as inventory, livestock, crops equipment, vehicles and accounts receivable as collateral for loans”.
He also described CRS as a document that contains information regarding a consumer’s credit history based on data gathered electronically by financial institutions and other creditors. He said that the reports would help financial institutions assess the credit worthiness of a potential client.
The Registrar, NCR, Malam Mohammed Mainasara said that the workshop, with representatives from over 50 business association in Kaduna State, was to enlighten the business public on the new development. He said that Kaduna was the first state in the North to host the campaign and the second in the country after Lagos.
Mainasara pointed out that Nigerian economy was sick because of too much attention given to big businesses. According to him, over 50 per cent of SMEs in the country have been neglected. He added that the economic problem remained protracted because most Nigerians were not engaged in any economic activity.
“unless this problem is solved, Nigeria’s economy would remain in shambles”.
Similarly, Mr Musa Olasupo, Senior Manager, Development Finance, CBN, said that only one per cent of the 170 million estimated population of Nigeria have access to bank loans. He also said that rejection rate of loans to SMEs by commercial banks stood at 50 per cent between 2011 and 2014. He identified customers’ unique identity- bank verification number (BVN), credit bureau and collateral registry as crucial in improving SMEs access to finance.
“Banks don’t give loans because SMES do not have collateral; SMES are not applying for loan because they don’t have collateral. “We already have BVN and credit bureau; we are now introducing collateral registry to allow banks to let businessmen and women use what they have to access loan. “If successful, by this time next year, 20 per cent of SMEs would be able to access loans using movable assets as collateral. This would boost productivity and create employment"
If this beautiful idea is successful, one could walk in to a bank with an expensive watch or phone to apply for this loan.
Apple iPhone 8 will be ditching one important feature: TouchID, and if you go by the latest report this feature is officially cancelled. Well-known Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo of KGI Securities has written this in a note to investors.
Apple released the very first iPhone way back in 2007, re-shaping the landscape of mobile phones. Now 10 years on, Apple is reportedly planning a major revamp of the iPhone lineup – and it’s tipped to be called the iPhone 8.
Apple iPhone 8 will be ditching one important feature: TouchID, and if you go by the latest report this part is officially cancelled. Well-known Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo of KGI Securities has written this in a note to investors, and given that in the past Kuo has got his Apple predictions spot on, this latest report can’t be dismissed so easily.
According to AppleInsider, the note, Apple has indeed “cancelled” the idea of embedding the Touch ID fingerprint scanner under the display of the Apple iPhone 8. Kuo’s note says Apple will go for a “two-step fingerprint and facial recognition system.” The 3D facial recognition system is something Kuo had himself reported earlier. Another report from Bloomberg by Mark Gurman had given out details on this upcoming feature on the iPhone 8.
The Bloomberg report had said the iPhone will be able to recognise faces, even when lying flat on a surface to unlock the device.
The device is said to be released and on sale by September this year.
The device is said to be released and on sale by September this year.
COURT TAKES POSSESSION OF ALLISON MADUEKES' PROPERTIES
Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered former petroleum minister Allison-Madueke Diezani to forfeit a $37.5 million property belonging to her, located in Banana Island.
According to Punch, the court also ordered that $2,740,197.96 and N84,537,840.70 realised as rents on the property should also be forfeited.
Earlier in the month the Federal High court had ordered the seizure of both the property and the realized sums of money.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer Anselem Ozioko had told the court that despite the anti-graft agency’s effort to personally serve the second and third respondents of the case, Afamefuna Nwokedi, and a company, Rusimpex Limited respectively, they did not show up at the court to contest the forfeiture order.
The judge Justice Chuka Obiozor ordered the forfeiture, saying: “In the face of the publication, which I find in Exhibit B of the affidavit of compliance before me, and there being no responses from any interested party, I have no other option but to grant the orders as prayed.”
‘I Regret Not Going To School’ – Says Reminisce
Indigenious rapper, Remilekun Safaru also known as Reminisce has disclosed he regretted
not being a graduate.
Speaking to PUNCH about the music industry, he said, “For anybody who wants to make a career out of music, you have to be sure that you are skilled and that it’s something that you can do sustainably; if not, go to school. Either ways, it is important to go to school, whether you go into full-time music or not. I actually regret not being a graduate.”
‘I saved the world from cancer’! This guy’s EPIC justification for cheating on his GF
He called her a 'watermelon-head' and yet expected her to take him back. But that's only one of the shockers. He told her that he basically did a great service to humanity and 'saved the world from cancer' by cheating on her with another girl.
Did you know cheating on your girlfriend could actually be just the break cancer cure
needs? No, don’t roll your eyes at us, not yet. We aren’t wasting your time here, this is serious business. After a girl found out her boyfriend cheated on her, he gave her the most profound and detailed explanation for his deranged behaviour. And it makes for a perfectly logical explanation.
Many of us would judge a person for cheating on their partner. But here’s the thing — sometimes, it is all for a greater good. A Twitter user, @bxllaneira, recently shared screenshots of a text conversation where the guy explained why he cheated on his girlfriend. And ever since then, Twitterati have lost their collective calm.
Jokes apart, while we appreciate he owned up to what he was up to behind his girlfriend’s back, it is his explanation that is shocking people. If that wasn’t all, the benevolent guy was ready to forgive her too, for “getting everything twisted in your watermelon head”! He called her a ‘watermelon-head’ and yet expected her to take him back. But that’s only one of the shockers. He starts his epic explanation by saying that he was tipsy and let the girl hit on him because “the universe could be at stake”. Yes, let it sink in. So, here it goes (in proper English, if you please) — ‘If I didn’t let her, she would have walked out drunk and got hit by a car in streets. The driver of the car would have had kids, who could have been doctors or lawyers but would now grow on the streets because they don’t have a father. And thus, the world will lose the solution to cancer.’
Why do button-down shirts have that little loop on the back?
In the fashion sphere, you may have wondered about the difference between a "button-up" and a "button-down," but have you ever noticed the loop on the back of it?
Sometimes we put on clothes with extra pieces or parts without knowing what those parts are used for.
These extra pieces of fabric sit right where the pleat meets the yoke in the center of the back — but why? They first appeared on shirts by the menswear brand GANT in the 1960s and were named "locker loops," because they were fashioned to keep student's shirts wrinkle-free in Ivy League locker rooms.
They later took on more significance as a popular part of Ivy League culture, serving as a relationship status symbol on campus. Men would remove the loop to show they were taken and the lady, in return, would wear his scarf. Let's just say a few things have changed on college campuses since.
Lagos Bus Conductors to begin wearing Uniforms – Association President
Bus conductors in Lagos, in line with the efforts to promote the Smart City Initiative, will begin to wear uniforms.
According to Vanguard, this was disclosed by Israel Adeshola, the National President of the Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria (BCAN).
He said the state has approved the uniforms, which will have badges, name tags, and identification numbers for registered conductors in the state.
He also called for residents to support the initiative, as the aim is to reduce criminal activities.
He said:
He said:
"The re-branding of bus conductors in the state which is in partnership with the Lagos State Government is a project that has been in the master plan of the state government in a way to stem criminal activities and also protect the lives and properties of Lagosians.The BCAN has been partnering with the state government through the ministry of transportation to train members of the association who are now registered by the government."
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