Boko Haram new leader, Al-Barnawi accuses Shekau of corruption, unjustifiable killing of Muslims

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDq1zFLdVg-u2sVeiG7PtW4DfYjZXNNx-x5n4Xw9J00W4LSK0sKzIVaQXDxrbvm0-WQAeJZfEpr_R04SX6BkWzcV4UGP06B19ZMNx9OmCKyJeCN_UgmM7QQQTGuhoCyDLZchGP_Hw2AE/s1600/Khalid-Albarnawi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDq1zFLdVg-u2sVeiG7PtW4DfYjZXNNx-x5n4Xw9J00W4LSK0sKzIVaQXDxrbvm0-WQAeJZfEpr_R04SX6BkWzcV4UGP06B19ZMNx9OmCKyJeCN_UgmM7QQQTGuhoCyDLZchGP_Hw2AE/s400/Khalid-Albarnawi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> New Boko Haram leader, Musab Al-Barnawi, Friday released a long audio tape in which he accused Shekau of massive corruption and unjustifiable killings of Muslims.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Al-Barnawi, who claimed to be a founding member of the bloody group, alleged that Shekau favoured only himself and his family.<br /> <br /> He lamented that Shekau had been busy killing Muslims instead of seeking ways to attack churches and security formations.<br /> <br /> He accused Shekau of abandoning the path set by the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf.<br /> <br /> The new leader recalled that before he was captured and murdered in 2009, Yusuf usually subjected his Friday sermons to vetting by his top aides.<br /> <br /> He challenged Shekau to confront his faction and risk his life.<br /> <br /> He, however, said if Shekau repents, he will be accepted back in the fold.<br /> <br /> Al-Barnawi’S audio tape reads in part, “[Shekau] was boasting that if we attempt to escape from his empire, his men will kill us. He is a liar.<br /> <br /> “I am not the only one that left, but eight of us left, all kitchen cabinet members. And right now two other top members are on the way to join us.<br /> <br /> “We are all here. The issue of Islam is not personal, there is no sentiment in Islam, and that is why we are here.<br /> <br /> “Nobody can dare us or stop us from it, no matter how he brags. Here we are on our own. Can’t you see how we left your empire?<br /> <br /> “We left women and everything and just left with guns on our shoulders. We would have crushed anyone that stood on our way.<br /> <br /> “We said we would not touch anyone but just go on our way to our religion. We will fight for the cause of Allah and work against personalising Jihad and against unjustifiable killings and shedding of blood.<br /> <br /> “We are out because you came out with your own cassette. We want our people to know proper Islam because Allah in the Quran forbids killings without justification.<br /> <br /> “Just like Allah gave us power to kill infidels, there are those he said we shouldn’t kill without reason.<br /> <br /> “In the Quran, Allah forbade Muslims from killing one another…and he also taught against killing in secret. If it is serious punishment, it must be public for people to know and witness it.<br /> <br /> “But once you see killings in secret, there is something fishy and this is what we noticed with Shekau. What he is doing is not Islam.<br /> <br /> “He said we should follow him and we agreed, but we later realized it is another thing and we said no. We have to stick to the Quran and what Allah said, not [follow] someone’s waywardness.<br /> <br /> “We have vowed to say the truth. If we will be killed, let us be killed. If we will be eaten, let us be eaten up and if we will be roasted, let us be roasted.<br /> <br /> “We will not leave our fellow brothers in the dark; this message of mine will get to Sambisa Forest. It will get into Shekau’s house. We have agents that will convey the message no matter how he dislikes it.<br /> <br /> “Almighty Allah is against killings of Muslims. Allah is saying better heaven and earth fall than innocent soul of a Muslim, but you have Shekau who likes killing our own people.<br /> <br /> “He is always boasting that he will kill, he will kill. Okay, continue to kill, you will also be killed. Who will dwell here forever? Everybody will die. You will also die some day.<br /> <br /> “And there is no one that will die without reaching his day of death. You can see we are here alive, all of us here sitting. Anyone that Allah did not kill you cannot kill him. The same way, you cannot stop anyone Allah willed his death.<br /> <br /> “That is why when someone boasts to kill a man, the man asks him, ‘Why are you in a haste?’ The man says, ‘If my time has come, you will not stop me from going.’ There are several verses that forbid killing of a fellow Muslim unjustifiably.<br /> <br /> “Our vow that we will practice Islam is real. That is why we left our parents, homes, our cars and everything and came to this forest. How can we then agree to see you bringing strange ideologies?<br /> <br /> “In one of our Shura meetings, someone asked Shekau how he felt about Muslims running away from their own land to the land of the infidels for their own safety.<br /> <br /> “Shekau said [the Muslims] are also infidels and should be killed like the infidels. These people are not infidels, they are Muslims running for their lives, and he insisted that they are infidels and should be killed.<br /> <br /> “Shekau is ignorant of the fact that it is forbidden for a Muslim to be killed after being chased out of Islamic Caliphate to a strange land and [when the Muslim] has not taken part in any conspiracy against Muslims.<br /> <br /> “[Shekau] is ignorant and needs to be taught the rudiments of Islam. Islam is not his creation. Only Allah defines who is a Muslim and who is an infidel.<br /> <br /> “Even if you travel to a foreign land, you have no jurisdiction to say who is who until you have a basis. Anywhere you go you can’t say who is who. You can’t kill and take away people’s properties.<br /> <div><br /></div>

Latest-News Boko Haram new leader, Al-Barnawi accuses Shekau of corruption, unjustifiable killing of Muslims

New Boko Haram leader, Musab Al-Barnawi, Friday released a long audio tape in which he accused Shekau of massive corruption and unjustifiable killings of Muslims. Al-Barnawi, who claimed to be a founding member of the bloody group, alleged that Shek…

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We have recovered N644bn - AMCON

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aRSl0phv4oWwHbPxdWctKlWfGJIv-SJGxKgY2t-s1bMJX77gCDj64WZJxvG9s0UUWOJkvsXOmdIUbKZLbohuLod0Pi0otEshHbFKVHxMTYy-2KrSsh94fezeQfJlbkkX1E_dYUA0dFE/s1600/AMCON.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aRSl0phv4oWwHbPxdWctKlWfGJIv-SJGxKgY2t-s1bMJX77gCDj64WZJxvG9s0UUWOJkvsXOmdIUbKZLbohuLod0Pi0otEshHbFKVHxMTYy-2KrSsh94fezeQfJlbkkX1E_dYUA0dFE/s640/AMCON.png" width="640" /></a></div> Ahmed Kuru, managing director (MD) of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), says the corporation has succeeded in recovering N644 billion.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Kuru disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos, stating that the financial institution is on its way to achieving its objective of retrieving acquired bad debts in the Nigerian financial system.<br /> <br /> He further disclosed that seeking court orders in retrieving debts and sealing up companies was necessitated by many years of non-compliance from its debtors.<br /> <br /> More to follow…

Latest-News We have recovered N644bn - AMCON

Ahmed Kuru, managing director (MD) of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), says the corporation has succeeded in recovering N644 billion. Kuru disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos, stating that the financial institution is on …

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‘Oil producing states shouldn’t owe salaries’

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyn9FwPayfwtIy0q83_erj8rS433NlKoKCMvl88eSQ1kapoSf2n-Px0k6mBTYCyRgJDM7r7C9Bo-uDlOIb3IElTxBPjo1CiMTkGhdydDLEHZJjXxSTAOo0AT73-hbV4ncRDH7QNTd6pu0/s1600/crude-oil+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyn9FwPayfwtIy0q83_erj8rS433NlKoKCMvl88eSQ1kapoSf2n-Px0k6mBTYCyRgJDM7r7C9Bo-uDlOIb3IElTxBPjo1CiMTkGhdydDLEHZJjXxSTAOo0AT73-hbV4ncRDH7QNTd6pu0/s400/crude-oil+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> A member of Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress, Jamiu Ekungba, has berated governments of oil producing states in the country which cannot pay civil servants regularly.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ekungba, who is one of the governorship aspirants in Ondo State, dismissed the governors of such states as running out of ideas on how to run their states.<br /> <br /> Ondo is one of the oil producing states owing workers salaries.<br /> <br /> <br /> Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday night after he submitted his APC forms to contest the governorship primary of the party, Ekungba said most of the governors lacked the leadership skill to run their states.<br /> <br /> He said, “The state is owing six months salaries. An oil producing state owing salaries, can you imagine that? That is because we don’t have the right leadership.”<br /> <br /> Speaking on his capacity to turn around the fortune of the state, Ekungba boasted that he was successful in his private business and he could repeat the feat as governor of the state.<br /> <br /> He said as an accountant, “I restructured a dead company back to life, so I would restructure Ondo State back to life.”<br /> <br /> Ekungba added, “I am not going to build an educational system that looks at just speaking in English alone, I am going to look at an educational system in totality; that is the development of the mind –  mentally, academically, morally, physically and spiritually.”<br /> <br /> The governorship aspirant also denied the insinuation that he was being sponsored by the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to be governor of Ondo State.

Latest-News ‘Oil producing states shouldn’t owe salaries’

A member of Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress, Jamiu Ekungba, has berated governments of oil producing states in the country which cannot pay civil servants regularly. Ekungba, who is one of the governorship aspirants in Ondo State,…

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Former Heavyweight Champion shot in Los Angeles

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTgVWcWYxAv33917Ve7V0YEpPKwSOHLcZ3BSsGOnf5NO11fZj5WxS58peR8buN3M4FiicHNSvwYWKzmMoEvAH4d-XK3AdU2fgOfgmOD4pxTVMlqj537QaxfvAnqJ5ZfKnjz12TuPWAGUN/s1600/cm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTgVWcWYxAv33917Ve7V0YEpPKwSOHLcZ3BSsGOnf5NO11fZj5WxS58peR8buN3M4FiicHNSvwYWKzmMoEvAH4d-XK3AdU2fgOfgmOD4pxTVMlqj537QaxfvAnqJ5ZfKnjz12TuPWAGUN/s640/cm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Former world heavyweight champion Charles Martin - the man beaten by Anthony Joshua in June - has been shot in Los Angeles.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The 30-year-old from St Louis now resides in Carson, California but it was in downtown LA at approximately 5am that Martin was allegedly involved in an altercation with two men that resulted in gunfire.<br /> <br /> Martin, who held the IBF title for almost three months earlier this year, claims he has no idea why the men attacked him and was attempting to drive away from the incident when he suffered a gunshot wound to his forearm.<br /> <br /> He added that he "looked down, and saw a pool of blood. I said to myself, 'I gotta get outta here. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna bleed to death.'<br /> <br /> "I have to pay respect to the cops. They saved my life."<br /> <br /> 'Prince Charles' subsequently underwent surgery as police continue the hunt for his assailants.</div>

Latest-News Former Heavyweight Champion shot in Los Angeles

Former world heavyweight champion Charles Martin - the man beaten by Anthony Joshua in June - has been shot in Los Angeles. The 30-year-old from St Louis now resides in Carson, California but it was in downtown LA at approximately 5am that Martin wa…

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Kachikwu didn’t charter N182m flight to China

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoOJGtlZAN113I9nLFPrrWBLsabHpq5CkiW25jyCb6nyNb5MM7lRIVz7lsfrcwW99IpshZvnj5y49edfA_epcwVIt07CGioRPPiSmfmpy5hzTtiisboSVgNT1ehh0LzPZSpnyXPUhESs/s1600/Kachukwu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoOJGtlZAN113I9nLFPrrWBLsabHpq5CkiW25jyCb6nyNb5MM7lRIVz7lsfrcwW99IpshZvnj5y49edfA_epcwVIt07CGioRPPiSmfmpy5hzTtiisboSVgNT1ehh0LzPZSpnyXPUhESs/s400/Kachukwu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The Niger Delta Indigenous Movement For Radical Change (NDIMRC) has cleared  the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Emmanuel Kachikwu of alleged extravagant lifestyle.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The group also insisted that the Minister never spent N182 Million on a chartered flight to China as dismissed the allegation that the Minister appointed two Special Advisers for his wives. Reacting to rumored reports online, which allegedly accused the minister of being too extravagant for Buhari’s anti- corruption government,the President,NDIMRC, Nelly Emma released a statement in which he described the said allegations as ‘baseless’. The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the recent allegations  in an online Platform against the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Emmanuel Kachikwu and to say that these are familiar lies disgruntled Stakeholders have been heaping on the Minister.<br /> <br /> Our findings have shown that the Minister never spent #182 Million on Chattered Flight to China. We know that this baseless accusation is coming from the same  frustrated Stakeholders who have been working against the hard-working Minister”, the group said.<br /> <br /> “We want to let these faceless groups and individuals  who are at it  again   to know that their information is not correct as he never embarked on a  trip to China on a Chartered Flight costing #182 Million at a time when Nigerians are complaining of hardship. He is not insensitive to the plight of Nigerians. To show he is prudent, he has  never used Private Jet since he came on board  and  we know he will never do that”, the group added. ”<br /> <br /> We have repeatedly said it that those still  being hurt by the reforms of the Minister in the Oil and Gas Industry are doing everything to give him a bad name, hence they came out  again now and accused him of Chartering a flight to China   at the expense of the State, this allegation is laughable, baseless, mischievous and a pure lie against an innocent man.”<br /> <br /> “It is also not true that the Minister approved Special Advisers to his wives. Those behind these recent accusations are petty, devilish  and wicked. We have done our investigations as usual and discovered that the accusations are coming from the same people who have been working night and day to see that the Minister is shown the way out by the President. But they will continue to fail in their evil mission against the Minister who means well for this administration and Nigerians”.<br /> <br /> “The Minister has zero tolerance for corruption and he is in the forefront of the anti-corruption of President Buhari. His accusers should give him a breathing space as he is out on a patriotic mission”.<br /> <br /> The success of the numerous achievements of the Minister  is giving his accusers who have been feeding fat on Oil Subsidy sleepless nights and doing everything to pull down a God sent man in order to have their way, but it is our prayer that by the grace of God, they will never succeed because Dr Kachikwu is on a divine mission”.<br /> <div><br /></div>

Latest-News Kachikwu didn’t charter N182m flight to China

The Niger Delta Indigenous Movement For Radical Change (NDIMRC) has cleared  the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Emmanuel Kachikwu of alleged extravagant lifestyle. The group also insisted that the Minister never spent N182 Million…

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NEMA provides food for 800 repented Boko Haram members

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFBT1aUTPaQL1bWOqzCdtoKoBjvqS39YSSwziNfuQ-iQicq6oRNxf3q63E7Js37IbhoaEFYAv96FdTRV56iqSJDotY2VR4VF69wjrkFHIGX8-DyF30rn15xxEq-iFY-Nta_CAcfu7l5A/s1600/Boko-Haram-members.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFBT1aUTPaQL1bWOqzCdtoKoBjvqS39YSSwziNfuQ-iQicq6oRNxf3q63E7Js37IbhoaEFYAv96FdTRV56iqSJDotY2VR4VF69wjrkFHIGX8-DyF30rn15xxEq-iFY-Nta_CAcfu7l5A/s400/Boko-Haram-members.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has presented food and non-food items to the military for Operation Safe Corridor Programme meant to de-radicalize, rehabilitate and re-integrate eight hundred (800) repented and surrendered Boko Haram insurgents to fast track peace process in the North east.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> NEMA’s Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani Sidi who made the presentation in Gombe, said “The initiative, which is in line with international best practices allowed those engaged in the fighting to voluntarily surrender and embrace peace so that they undergo rehabilitation”.<br /> <br /> He said NEMA would play its role in the programme by providing regular support of food and non-food items for their up keep.<br /> <br /> Items to be released for this purpose every three months include; 410 bags of rice, 400 bags of beans, 200 bags of millet, 200 bags of sorghum, 750 cartons of spaghetti, 50 cartons of Maggi cubes and 810 cartons tomato paste.<br /> <br /> A statement signed by Sani Datti said,  “Other items are 101 Vegetable oil in 20 liter kegs, 101 palm oil in 20 liter kegs, 50 bags of salt, 100 bags of sugar, 420 cartons of milk and 420 cartons of Milo chocolate.<br /> <br /> “The non- food items include; 800 pieces of mattress, 500 hundred pieces of blanket, 500 pieces of nylon mats, 1000 plastic buckets, 1000 plastic spoons, 1000 plastic cups 1000, plastics plates, 1000 plastic pairs of slippers, 2000 men’s wear, 63 cartons of bath soap and 1000 bath towels”.<br /> <br /> Receiving the items, the Coordinator of  Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier- General BM Shafa said the initiative was designed to de-radicalize, rehabilitate and re-integrate willing and repented Boko Haram insurgents who have come out to surrender to the military and believing that it would quicken the peace process in the North east.<br /> <br /> “Between September last year and February this year a good number of Boko haram have come out to surrender” he added. He thanked the Gombe State Government for providing the location and giving them all the necessary support. About eleven (11) agencies of Federal Government are directly involved in the Operation Safe Corridor programme.<br /> <div><br /></div>

Latest-News NEMA provides food for 800 repented Boko Haram members

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has presented food and non-food items to the military for Operation Safe Corridor Programme meant to de-radicalize, rehabilitate and re-integrate eight hundred (800) repented and surrendered Boko Haram…

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FIFA Ethics Committee clear Infantino

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89R7lFRnPO-EiIw45GDyNFu3w4a-rtFsdj4oVuUR8pCM5oF1-b3Uf2yvCTHyiSmtBkfWJ1p3lSLK4VBb1WuAdXnEa4dzoU8ZdiZfVO3DEilAeICf1NS5P6lD9Ulm8pKOLystHByX42Taj/s1600/gi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89R7lFRnPO-EiIw45GDyNFu3w4a-rtFsdj4oVuUR8pCM5oF1-b3Uf2yvCTHyiSmtBkfWJ1p3lSLK4VBb1WuAdXnEa4dzoU8ZdiZfVO3DEilAeICf1NS5P6lD9Ulm8pKOLystHByX42Taj/s640/gi2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> FIFA's investigatory chamber has found president Gianni Infantino not guilty of violating the organisation's code of ethics.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Infantino was investigated over possible breaches of the code relating to flights he took during the first months of his presidency, human resource matters relating to hiring processes and the Swiss' refusal to sign the contract specifying his employment relationship with FIFA.<br /> <br /> But after an investigation lasting several weeks, in which witnesses and Infantino himself were interviewed, the 46-year-old has been told he has no case to answer.<br /> <br /> A FIFA statement read: "After conducting both preliminary and formal investigation proceedings, the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has decided to conclude its investigations concerning FIFA President Gianni Infantino.<br /> <br /> "It was found that no violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE) had been committed by Mr Infantino. The adjudicatory chamber took note of and accepted the decision of the investigatory chamber.<br /> <br /> "The preliminary investigations and the formal proceedings followed the proceedings stipulated in the FCE. They included a large number of interviews with witnesses and Mr Infantino himself, as well as an extensive analysis of evidence, and were supported by independent legal opinions. The investigations were carried out diligently over several weeks."<br /> <br /> Infantino also released a statement, expressing his delight at the verdict.<br /> <br /> It read: "FIFA president Gianni Infantino is pleased that, following a thorough review, the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has determined that 'no violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE) has been committed.'<br /> <br /> "This decision has been accepted by the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, which conducted its own comprehensive review of the decision.<br /> <br /> "With this matter now resolved, the president and the FIFA administration will continue to focus on developing football as well as their efforts to improve the organisation.<br /> <br /> "Tangible progress has been made in key areas such as ensuring that those who have acted against the interests of football are identified and held to account, improving FIFA's governance and repairing its reputation, and restoring trust with its stakeholders. This critical work will continue.<br /> <br /> "The president would like to thank all those who cooperated with the Ethics Committee to ensure that the facts were heard and the truth prevailed."</div>

Latest-News FIFA Ethics Committee clear Infantino

FIFA's investigatory chamber has found president Gianni Infantino not guilty of violating the organisation's code of ethics. Infantino was investigated over possible breaches of the code relating to flights he took during the first months of his pre…

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Full list of Buhari's appointees, BoT on Ogoni Clean up

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7tKaPhVIsAcSsw3mI4lsy-4sw_1UhxL1nC1gb7fNU3lPXyRbX4mMMBDNyMZLCW61hKJlcMuGBmWcbrlNqf7lS5XZyhgesZ14VA3zOobkPj55n_Sp2RpByXqVYUX2hpxlKDM-nN6Yuis/s1600/OGONI1+BOT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7tKaPhVIsAcSsw3mI4lsy-4sw_1UhxL1nC1gb7fNU3lPXyRbX4mMMBDNyMZLCW61hKJlcMuGBmWcbrlNqf7lS5XZyhgesZ14VA3zOobkPj55n_Sp2RpByXqVYUX2hpxlKDM-nN6Yuis/s400/OGONI1+BOT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The two bodies were for the Implementation of the United Nations Environmental Report (UNEP) Report on Ogoniland.<br /> <br /> The Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed was named the chairman of the government board.<br /> <br /> Other members of the board included Minister of National Planning, Udoma Udoma, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Pastor Usani Usani, Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Nsima Ekere, Managing Director SPDC, Osagie Okunbor amongst others.<br /> <br /> Representatives of Ogoni Stakeholders on the Council include Pyagbara Legborsi, Ben Naneen, and two alternatives.<br /> <br /> Similarly, members of the BoT included Wale Edun as Chairman, the Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun, Minister of state for environment Ibrahim Jibril, Minister of State Petroleum.<br /> <br /> Representatives of International Oil companies, IOCs included Osagie Okunbor, Insula Massim, and Alexis Bobk.<br /> <br /> Stakeholders form Ogoni land, some communities in the Niger Delta, Non governmental organizations, NGOs as well as the UNEP are also on the board. A legal adviser would be appointed by the governing council in due course. Inaugurating the boards at the presidential villa, Abuja, president Buhari said it was in the fulfillment of the report of UNEP submitted in 2011. He said: “Today marks another milestone in the commitment that this Administration has made in ensuring the implementation of the UNEP Report in Ogoniland and other impacted sites. “I thank you all for accepting to serve on the Governing Council and on the Board of Trustees, respectively, of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project. “This is a very important endeavour that has direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of our brothers and sisters whose environments have been severely degraded by years of unchecked pollution from oil exploration activities.<br /> <br /> “It is exactly five years today, on the 4th of August 2011, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) submitted an extensive Report on its environmental assessment of Ogoniland.<br /> <br /> That report, which was commissioned by the Administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, did not only document the problems that existed, but also contained recommendations on how they can be addressed, both in the short term and in the long term.<br /> <br /> “Five years on, the project is yet to properly take off. It would appear to have experienced a series of false starts, while the local communities continue to suffer from the problem, which has existed long before the Report. This all adds to the picture described in the UNEP Report as “a landscape characterized by a lack of trust, paralysis and blame.”<br /> <br /> “I am pleased to note that while it has been five years since the UNEP Report, it has taken only two months since this Administration flagged off the Project.<br /> <br /> “Since the time of flag-off, considerable effort has been expended to create a robust mechanism for implementing the Project in the long term. The Governing Council and Board of Trustees, which are being inaugurated today jointly form an essential part of the governance framework.<br /> <br /> “In addition to the management and administration structure, other systems and controls are being put in place to ensure that the funds devoted for this Project are used only for the intended purpose.”<br /> <br /> The president who noted that the Programme would require extensive planning also called for patience. He said that it was important that the project would continue despite the challenges in the Niger Delta, saying that the cleaning would span for 20 years.<br /> <br /> “Indeed, a project of this magnitude requires extensive planning, scientific analysis, community involvement, and genuine partnerships. As a result, it will require patience and understanding of the key stakeholders as we move forward.<br /> <br /> “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the Project remains on course, as we face the challenges of high expectations and the current conflict in the Niger Delta.<br /> <br /> “The clean-up exercise is expected to go on for two decades. The first five years will address emergency response measures and remediation while the subsequent years will look to restore the ecosystems in the Delta.<br /> <br /> The governance framework we lay today, following extensive consultations, will form the bedrock for sustainability for years to come.<br /> <br /> “Together we will be able to transform what is today a tragic tale of desolation and destruction to one of restoration and opportunity for the coming generations.<br /> <br /> The expertise and technology exist to make this a reality. In the end, this project will serve as the “gold standard” for the clean-up of similar pollution in other parts of the Niger Delta, and the world at large.<br /> <br /> “I use this opportunity, through you, to call upon the Local Communities especially our youth, who will be the direct beneficiaries of this effort, to work with us in ensuring the security of the projects and persons implementing them. Even more so, that we prevent the recontamination of the polluted sites in Ogoniland.<br /> <br /> “In appointing each and every one of you, I expect that you will give your utmost commitment to ensuring the highest standard of transparency and accountability in this important task”, he said.<br /> <br /> Commenting on the project, a stakeholder in the Niger Delta, Senator Magnus Abe said that the exercise was significant to the development of the region.<br /> <br /> “It is signifcant because that is what the past administration had refused to do. So, with what has happened today 5 years after the report was submitted we are well on our way. The BOT is meeting right now as we speak so they have hit the ground running and then we believe before the end of the year things will begin to happen.<br /> <br /> “The UNEP report specifies a billion dollars and Shell has announced since that report was released that money is available so that initial funds for the cleanup of Ogoni land is available but that money may not be enough that’s why Wale Edun, world renowned financial expert was brought in as the chairman to give confidence to the investors and donors that any fund that is brought out would be well utilised. So, we expect that following …principle more money will come but the N1million is definitely available.<br /> <br /> “We saw the Ogoni representation in the board and governing council was quite extensive. We have a lot to do in terms of not only making the place conducive for this work to go on,educating our people on why we have to make the place conducive for experts of all shades and countries to be able to come in and work there”, he said.<br /> <div><br /></div>

Latest-News Full list of Buhari's appointees, BoT on Ogoni Clean up

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees of the Trust Fund for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). The two bodies were for the Implementation of the United Nation…

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Endorsing Hillary Clinton in America’s historic election - Reuban Abati

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuwsxMMRGtmiJH4xzGrzxD8EHMlqb9ISZ0UhamnGjCVYBXHMhWNzMfjtAgn4hj-VGYt8gyWiWPf8DjZpeuY_d-uQ0FHvLakYxeGBDRduSJUGH5WimsS-3AG7O3wGRujPd4T2UoUsXGic/s1600/Reuben+Abati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuwsxMMRGtmiJH4xzGrzxD8EHMlqb9ISZ0UhamnGjCVYBXHMhWNzMfjtAgn4hj-VGYt8gyWiWPf8DjZpeuY_d-uQ0FHvLakYxeGBDRduSJUGH5WimsS-3AG7O3wGRujPd4T2UoUsXGic/s400/Reuben+Abati.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Reuben AbatiIf there was any hope that Donald Trump would change tactics and be more restrained after winning the Republican party Presidential nomination for the November 8 US election, that hope is now lost.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The fellow has remained aggressive, incorrigibly brash and completely negative. Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson has asked: “Is Donald Trump just plain crazy?” (August 1). Robinson says he is “increasingly convinced,” and that Trump’s “grasp on reality appears to be tenuous at best.”<br /> <br /> The way he is carrying on, indeed Trump may need a mental fitness test soon. By now, it must be clear to all and sundry, that he poses a great risk to the United States, to democracy and the liberal world.<br /> <br /> President Barack Obama has dismissed him as being unfit to be President, he being so totally unprepared, he being no more than a bumbling apprentice seeking the highest job in the United States.<br /> <br /> A man given to melodrama and expletives such as Trump, without any respect for basic decorum and standards would make a very bad President. He must be prevented from doing damage to the free world.<br /> <br /> I am however, surprised that there are Nigerians who insist that he is a better choice. I don’t think so. And don’t ask me why Nigerians should be so divided over another country’s election. The truth is that America’s Presidential election is a world election. There are millions of Nigerians and Africans living in the United States and even greater numbers hoping to visit, study or live in the United States.<br /> <br /> What happens in America affects the rest of the world. If a Trump Presidency happens, we are all in trouble.<br /> <br /> What Trump stands for is anti-progress. It amounts to a fascist, authoritarian promotion of a brand of nationalism that defeats the objectives of inclusion and togetherness. But he says, “I’m really a nice guy believe me, I pride myself on being a nice guy but I‘m also passionate and determined to make our country great again” Nice guy? A nice guy who says he wants to build a wall to barricade Mexico.<br /> <br /> This nice guy couldn’t even stand the sight of a crying baby, interrupting his speech. He had to ask the poor mother to take her baby out of the room. Nice guy has been busy abusing the parents of an American soldier who died in action in Iraq. He doesn’t even believe that African Americans and other minorities should be allowed to vote. He says Mexicans are criminals and rapists.<br /> <br /> This nice guy doesn’t want immigrants and Muslims in America. He talks down on women, Hispanics and blacks. He does not even believe that Black lives matter. He supports nuclear war because it would be “pretty quick” and he wants Japan and South Korea to have their own nuclear weapons.<br /> <br /> This nice guy is a fan of Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein and Vladimir Putin. Affordable Care that allows more Americans to have access to quality healthcare is unacceptable to him. If he becomes President he will expel over 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States, and put an end to birthright citizenship.<br /> <br /> Trump’s real ambition is to become an Emperor of the United States, and by extension the world. But sorry, America’s Constitutional traditions will not allow that. The American voter should deny him his dream.<br /> <br /> That moment which President Barack Obama alluded to, when he said there must come a moment when a people must say thus far and no further has come: with Trump, yes. Which is why it is good news that he has been dropping in the polls, and the myth that he is unstoppable is exploding. Common sense is beginning to prevail in America. Like all politicians in his situation, Trump has become more aggressive and temperamental. He even says the election will be rigged. It is so easy to complain about rigging in an election that has not yet taken place, not so?<br /> <br /> His supporters are even threatening that there will be “bloodbath” and “widespread civil disobedience” if he loses the election! Wait a moment: are there some Nigerians working for Trump, some Nigerian politicians teaching him dirty tricks? He should wake up: if he loses the election as he should, there will be dancing in the streets from New York to my mother’s village.<br /> <br /> Every vote against Trump, the man who wants to turn America away from the rest of the world, will be a vote for American progress. But his latest desperation sends one clear message: he should not be under-estimated. His blunt refusal to back the re-election of House Speaker Paul Ryan just shows the kind of man he is: vengeful.<br /> <br /> The Republican establishment wants to dump him. Forget it. That is too late in the day and it is probably the surest way to further damage the GOP. And how about Trump himself throwing in the towel? No way! His campaign spokesperson, Hope Hicks has ruled this out saying, “There is no truth to this whatsoever.” Of course, he won’t. Megalomaniacs like Trump do not quit.<br /> <br /> He likes the limelight. He enjoys being a Presidential standard bearer. Even when it becomes clear that he will lose, Trump would keep trudging on. Defeat would still be a win-win for him in any case. He can subsequently milk his Presidential campaign for big profit: a book, a movie, another reality television show, or speaking engagements.<br /> <br /> And Trump will still push himself into our faces on television: no doubt, he would make a good, fictional President on television, but not in the White House. Yes, Mr. Trump, stay in the race.<br /> <br /> Hillary Clinton is the acceptable choice. But it is unfortunate that the 2016 US Presidential election has been reduced to a strictly moral choice: who sounds more humane between the two candidates? It has also been reduced to emotions rather than the big issues: who makes us feel safe, and which candidate makes us nervous?<br /> <br /> Trump does not inspire with any of his incoherent ideas: what miracle can anyone expect from a Presidential candidate who says climate change is a “hoax”, specializes in abusing people, and believes that he needs bully tactics rather than ideas to win an important election. He combines this with make-believe strategies.<br /> <br /> But the American Presidency is not Trump Casino or Trump Steaks. Trump’s strongest point is his ability to exploit the fears of an alienated middle class that feels shortchanged by the American system.<br /> <br /> He has accordingly, been very aggressive in labeling Hillary Clinton as a co-architect of this system and co-author of all the fears currently being entertained by average middle class Americans: fears about how the power elite and the rich are alienated from the people. Fears about spreading poverty and unemployment particularly in inner America.<br /> <br /> Fears about the continuing rise of a rich minority that continues to dominate American life, business and culture. Fears about the increasing influx of immigrants who bring problems of their own and take jobs meant for white Americans.<br /> <br /> These fears are real and Trump, being the ultimate salesman and xenophobe is heaping all the blames on Hillary Clinton and the class she seemingly represents. He calls her “The Devil,” and now he says, she is “the founder of Isis”.<br /> <br /> Trump wants to be President for the sake of it. He wants to prove that he can be President. But he has no idea about governance and he really does not think governance matters. Hillary Clinton can win and should, but overwhelming international goodwill is not the thing. The current lead in the polls in Mrs Clinton’s favour may not be enough to discourage Trump, who is apparently far more desperate.<br /> <br /> Offensive as his messaging process is, I repeat that he cannot be under-estimated in any way, and Hillary Clinton must not assume that victory is certain without the rigorous hard work that will stop Trump from getting to the Oval Office.<br /> <br /> She needs to allay the fears of the alienated and vulnerable Americans who actually suspect that she may be one of the many “Devils” in America. Trump must not be allowed to use Casino tactics to become America’s President. He is unfit.

Latest-News Endorsing Hillary Clinton in America’s historic election - Reuban Abati

Reuben AbatiIf there was any hope that Donald Trump would change tactics and be more restrained after winning the Republican party Presidential nomination for the November 8 US election, that hope is now lost. The fellow has remained aggressive, inc…

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"Must You Marry" - Charly Boy's Response To Pastor Adeboye's Recent Marriage Advice

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqE9IwWpn1BR0VmnAxcSamC6UpcMUofVOX0oTelzvPqIaux5bdEdO7b0PuGwBZKqPrhByVebbj2SdGvNUlkVW7t-coX7-5pppWG_sOTIqIgEk-slW7Xm5GQNXZ0n2Kh02dng1EJ0W5qI/s1600/charlyy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqE9IwWpn1BR0VmnAxcSamC6UpcMUofVOX0oTelzvPqIaux5bdEdO7b0PuGwBZKqPrhByVebbj2SdGvNUlkVW7t-coX7-5pppWG_sOTIqIgEk-slW7Xm5GQNXZ0n2Kh02dng1EJ0W5qI/s400/charlyy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Controversial celebrity and father of 9 children from different women has come out to pen a response to Pastor Adeboye following his recent advice to spinsters and bachelors.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Area father had the following to say<br /> <i><br /></i><i>For the past few days, pastor Adeboye's advice to youth on marriage has been trending all over the place. I suspect that the good pastor's yarns tells me that he is a man suspended in time, between old and new school. </i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>Don't get it twisted, in as much as I flow with his definition of a good woman, from his statement I see that the obvious way to his heart is through his stomach and of cause through prayers. Good, No wahala.</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>However our amiable pastor rubs it in when he starts to yarn Akpata, " Marry a warrior, if a girl cannot pray for one hour, don't marry her. Don't marry a girl who is lazy, who cannot cook. She needs to know how to do chores and cook because you cannot afford to eat out at all times" Hummm na wa! </i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>Really? </i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>Seriously?</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>So if my wife to be can't rant, chant, shout and generally carry on as a prayer warrior, praying for a whole hour, the woman doesn't deserve a wife status. Abi?</i><br /> <i>Oga pastor, that one na missyarn. Over praying does not make one a better husband or wife, because the world especially Naija is filled with Fake people and "Fakest" pastors. Does a man having a job guarantee that he will make a good husband?</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i> Does a woman knowing how to cook guarantee she will make a good wife? Haba.</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>Ok I get it, The Nigerian god has an ear infection, so we must shout and pray for hours because that's the only way he may listen to our prayers, right? I know that a man is suppose to marry a helper and not a cook or a house girl. By the way, is anything wrong with encouraging your young male congregation to learn how to cook and do chores too.</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>"Do not marry a worldly lady" what the heck does that mean? Is it about being materialistic or just being fashionable, looking nice. I guess in your book we can't be a good Christian if we got swagg and we are trendy. Judge not pastor. </i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>We must all not look like Deeper Life people to have a personal relationship with God. By the way, if you want to start writing your own commandment you may as well write your own version of the bible for your congregation. Na una way.</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>Being married should never define a man or a woman. Marriage in a few years anyways, will be out of fashion. Being married is only nice if we are lucky to pick a partner who will be our friend, if not, that maybe hell on earth. All of us must not get married if our threshold for nonsense and garbage is low. </i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>The world is obviously changing and we are no longer in the 60s. Who wants to be suffering and smiling. Most importantly marriage should not be a milestone for anyone. Yes o.</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i> Like I always say, it will take two to tango. Marriage only works when partners are determined to make it work. It can never be a merit badge, or a status for happiness. Many of us are enslaved in our myopic mindset that makes a mess out of what should really be a good friendship. </i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>So Oga pastor Adeboye, watch your yarns because a lot of people lookup to you, Biko. I don talk my own.</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>*I agree with some aspects of Charly boy's response though...My argument remains that being a cook or a good one should not define why a man marries a woman...A man should marry for love and all else will come.</i><br /> <i>Otherwise the Pastor should balance his report and preach that women should not marry men who cannot make love or Kiss and Yes that would amount to testing before Marriage,otherwise I dont see why a man should test a woman's wifely skills before he decides to marry her.</i><br /> <i><br /></i><i>#WifeNotCook PLEASE!</i></div>

Latest-News "Must You Marry" - Charly Boy's Response To Pastor Adeboye's Recent Marriage Advice

Controversial celebrity and father of 9 children from different women has come out to pen a response to Pastor Adeboye following his recent advice to spinsters and bachelors. The Area father had the following to say For the past few days, pastor Ade…

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Between Enoch Adeboye, Aisha Buhari, and your Education By Pius Adesanmi

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt2hcuXNCusuYBrZuSe2ewsIhXhAsK-eOp_p1FzNVDcaxprt9SKL4Z2WzKdlOhM9fSAXWoDs8vBIKFIoFgK1syhJVMt6m7vvlWBGHMMLEmKC2otz9k94ozTfz1IqaAL79seN6OIf37-k/s1600/Pius+Adesanmi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt2hcuXNCusuYBrZuSe2ewsIhXhAsK-eOp_p1FzNVDcaxprt9SKL4Z2WzKdlOhM9fSAXWoDs8vBIKFIoFgK1syhJVMt6m7vvlWBGHMMLEmKC2otz9k94ozTfz1IqaAL79seN6OIf37-k/s400/Pius+Adesanmi1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Because of Nigeria's dire economic straits, there is hardly anybody in my circle who doesn't have to contend with a daily deluge of monetary requests from cash-strapped citizens. Ask Bamidele Ademola-Olateju. Ask Kyke Davies. Ask Ayo Turton.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> I am not talking about monthly family and extended family stipends. I am talking about hundreds of daily requests from all over the country - every request thinking it is the only request you have received for the day; every request ever so much urgent than other requests; every request carrying a hint that your being a public figure comes with the added responsibility of being a dispenser of welfare and guarantor of social safety nets in a situation where the state does not care about her own side of the social contract; every request introducing you to the tableau of human tragedies that social media "forming" by citizens masks; every request coming with the assumption that you are "well off" and can help; every request forgetting your own enormous obligations and the fact that you are always financially over-extended.<br /> <br /> From Abakaliki to Zungeru via Abeokuta, requests for financial aid pour in from youth whose future has been completely mortgaged by the politicians that they can kill for and die supporting on social media. You do a personal daily triage and zoom in on requests related to education and health: "Sir, I will drop out at 300 level if you don't help with my school fees"; "Sir, I will lose a year if you don't help with funds for my final project."; "Sir, my leg will be amputated without that operation."<br /> <br /> After your triage, you start a painstaking process of verification. At my level, I have no money to just rush to a 419. Verification takes time and resources. I once had to phone a Vice Chancellor, a Dean, and an HOD to confirm the situation of one desperate undergraduate. He had no idea that I know the hierarchy in his University. Is he your student? Is he registered? Is he in 300-level? Is he as indigent as he claims? Is he in danger of dropping out? Has he been in any disciplinary situation? Any of his friends I could talk to discreetly?<br /> <br /> Then I check their social media accounts to see what they have been up to. My latest case has checked out thus far. I have verified every claim. Fortunately for him, I know people he doesn't know I know... Yes, he is indigent and needs urgent financial aid for his project. A brilliant project I must add. He is genuine.<br /> <br /> My only problem? I was due to wire the funds directly to his account on Tuesday or so. That was my rude introduction to Nigeria's latest economic madness: the Central Bank has banned all money transfer operators except Western Union, MoneyGram, and Ria! It basically means you can no longer wire money directly to bank accounts in Nigeria!<br /> <br /> I will come back to this tragedy later but let us check in with the indigent student who should have received an alert on Tuesday. He obviously did not receive an alert because I have not been able to credit his bank account. Has he checked in with me yet? No. He has spent the last 48 hours on Facebook and Twitter doing Adeboye and beards and marrying and cooking. Whether he is for Adeboye or against him is immaterial. I'm just surprised by the space and time the subject has consumed in his life - given what he is expecting from Canada to save his University education. Now I wake up to his latest preoccupation. He is into Aisha Buhari in the US with abandon. Again, whether he is for Aisha Buhari or Ayo Fayose is of no moment with me.<br /> <br /> My problem is he still hasn't remembered to check with me, consumed as he is by Enoch Adeboye and Aisha Buhari - two super rich and super-elitist members of the 1%. Perhaps, later today or tomorrow, he will finally remember that he still hasn't received his expected financial aid. He will then put one leg on top of another leg and come to my gmail with one sorrowful email or phone me weeping like he did last week.<br /> <br /> How can the life and activities of two members of the 1% eat up so much space in your life at such a critical time? If anything at all should eat up space in your life, it should be the stupidity of the latest policy of Aisha Buhari's husband and his Central Bank Governor. How can a country in recession, technical or real, choose this particular moment to clamp down on remittances from abroad?<br /> <br /> How can any African country clamp down on remittances at this point in time? Walahi, the babalawo that is doing President Buhari and Godwin Emefiele died last year. Were he still alive, we would have gone to beg and appease him. And citizens who are going to be the hardest hit by this sudden shrink in diaspora remittances are so distracted by members of the 1% they haven't even realized what is hitting them. At least one citizen's final year project is now hanging in the balance and he has spent the last two days on Enoch Adeboye and Aisha Buhari. WorldRemit gave me the best rates.<br /> <br /> The three operators that Nigeria is creating monopoly and less competition for do not do direct wires to bank accounts in Nigeria from Canada. Western Union does not do direct online transfers to individuals in Nigeria. I would now have to get into my car and drive to a Wesyern Union outlet to send money at a more expensive rate than what I was getting from WorldRemit. It means I am less inclined to waste my own gas and time here to drive to an outlet to go and send money at a more expensive rate. Do you get the picture now? Do you understand why Buhari's economic policy should be your headache and not the itinerary of his wife or the marriage counseling services of a septuagenarian?<br /> <br /> Here is how CNN sees it:<br /> <br /> "the sudden move has created immediate backlash because it affects a large volume of money. Remittances to Nigeria totaled about $20.8 billion in 2015, according to data from Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development."<br /> <br /> "WorldRemit is an online money transfer service that launched in Nigeria 2011 and one of the companies affected by the edict. It released a statement calling the new rules "draconian" and noted that the new policy would leave only three companies able to function: Western Union, MoneyGram and Ria. Those companies have physical operations on the ground in Nigeria."<br /> <br /> "This move is arbitrary, inexplicable and hugely detrimental to the Nigerian diaspora, who rely on hundreds of money transfer companies and banks, providing them with choice, convenience and competitive pricing," said WorldRemit founder and CEO Ismail Ahmed."<br /> <br /> "Ahmed said while Western Union used to control 78% of the<br /> transfers to Nigeria, now it controls less than 20%.<br /> Ahmed, whose company says it sends 40,000 money transfers to Nigeria each month, also laments the lack of clarity surrounding the change."<br /> <br /> "This is the first time in my 20 years of experience that a regulator is saying if you want to send money to Nigeria, you have to physically come to Nigeria and set up a company," Ahmed said. "On Monday evening, Nigeria simply shut down transfers. The banks told us they couldn't process our transfers. The country was one of the most competitive markets until Monday."<br /> <br /> "He added, "This is extreme. It's going to be quite explosive among the Nigerian diaspora."CNN has contacted the Central Bank but has not received a reply."<br /> <br /> I spent yesterday disturbing Kelechi Deca about this matter. The undergraduate on whose account I am doing wahala is into Adeboye and Aisha. And I don't know him from Adam. I have never met him. And I'm doing joro jara joro because of him while he is too distracted to even notice what is going on. Dipo Famakinwa was right in worrying about the priorities of our youth recently.

Latest-News Between Enoch Adeboye, Aisha Buhari, and your Education By Pius Adesanmi

Because of Nigeria's dire economic straits, there is hardly anybody in my circle who doesn't have to contend with a daily deluge of monetary requests from cash-strapped citizens. Ask Bamidele Ademola-Olateju. Ask Kyke Davies. Ask Ayo Turton. I am no…

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Manchester City paired with Steaua in Champions League playoff

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio63ecFFMr9KenSuT-OuvIl7G_WwBN-81crMGOtZ2jmizpBOumA3Bu-BR374rXVEGpA2nvqSTjKXGL74uci304d916GuXUI_RbFgJHQyHPYBgdQCHiPgGoO64Fjp5rn_DeBzF_v2zSB3ux/s1600/champ+qualifiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio63ecFFMr9KenSuT-OuvIl7G_WwBN-81crMGOtZ2jmizpBOumA3Bu-BR374rXVEGpA2nvqSTjKXGL74uci304d916GuXUI_RbFgJHQyHPYBgdQCHiPgGoO64Fjp5rn_DeBzF_v2zSB3ux/s640/champ+qualifiers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Manchester City have been paired with Steaua Bucharest during Friday’s Champions League play-off draw in Nyon.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Premier League side made it to the semi-finals last term, where eventual winners Real Madrid proved to be too strong, and Pep Guardiola's men will now have to deal with the Romanian side if they are to join Leicester City, Arsenal and Tottenham in the group stages.<br /> <br /> Serie A outfit Roma will take on Porto, while Bundesliga representatives Borussia Monchengladbach face Young Boys.<br /> <br /> Villarreal will have to see off Monaco if they are to become the fifth LaLiga side in the group stages, with Ajax versus Rostov the fifth tie in the league route.<br /> <br /> Celtic, meanwhile, meet Hapoel Be'er-Sheva in the champions route after seeing off Lincoln Red Imps and Astana in the previous two rounds.<br /> <br /> The first legs will be played on August 16 and 17, with the returns taking place a week later on August 23 and 24.<br /> <br /> The 10 winners of the play-offs join the 22 automatic entrants in the group stage, with that draw scheduled for Thursday August 25 in Monaco.<br /> <br /> <b>Draw in full:</b><br /> <br /> Ludogorets v Viktoria Plzen<br /> Celtic v Hapoel Be'er-Sheva<br /> FC Copenhagen v APOEL<br /> Dundalk v Legia Warsaw<br /> Dinamo Zagreb v Salzburg<br /> <br /> Steaua Bucharest v Manchester City<br /> Porto v Roma<br /> Ajax v Rostov<br /> Young Boys v Borussia Monchengladbach<br /> Villarreal v Monaco</div>

Latest-News Manchester City paired with Steaua in Champions League playoff

Manchester City have been paired with Steaua Bucharest during Friday’s Champions League play-off draw in Nyon. The Premier League side made it to the semi-finals last term, where eventual winners Real Madrid proved to be too strong, and Pep Guardiol…

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Messi ignored in nomination for UEFA's Best Player in Europe Award

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wYR40lSGoD4wsEqEKaRc_rzss3F2owqqg7_n1QISfzA3afy9UccfVkGvIHBgiHd7iqy1MAWjlVj6Ui3RyWEAC_FzzOKPjbg3Mv_XAAURkbRbHUxTarHdP9IKPY2qDvzKpiQf9nvaSrZ1/s1600/lm6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wYR40lSGoD4wsEqEKaRc_rzss3F2owqqg7_n1QISfzA3afy9UccfVkGvIHBgiHd7iqy1MAWjlVj6Ui3RyWEAC_FzzOKPjbg3Mv_XAAURkbRbHUxTarHdP9IKPY2qDvzKpiQf9nvaSrZ1/s640/lm6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Lionel Messi has been snubbed for UEFA's Best Player in Europe Award with Cristiano Ronaldo , Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann instead shortlisted ahead of him.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The award for 2016 is destined for Madrid after Real pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale plus Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann were revealed as the three contestants Friday.<br /> <br /> Bale led Wales on a wonderful run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals and also won the Champions League, and while Griezmann was a beaten finalist in both those tournaments he was however the top scorer at the Euros.<br /> <br /> Portuguese superstar Ronaldo is tipped to pip both of them to the award however after helping Portugal stagger to their first ever International tournament win in France in July.<br /> <br /> The winner will be revealed in late August.<br /> <br /> Lionel Messi won in 2015 but was just fifth on this year’s original list behind his Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez</div>

Latest-News Messi ignored in nomination for UEFA's Best Player in Europe Award

Lionel Messi has been snubbed for UEFA's Best Player in Europe Award with Cristiano Ronaldo , Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann instead shortlisted ahead of him. The award for 2016 is destined for Madrid after Real pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth …

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Some major road repairs have to wait till next year - Fashola

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSe4BkB1dUwxKI4bAsfX8AOwijQGflHjqptRWdoImZo8kjN9UlFIw9_LaJ3t6TtEFBGnk8JyhK4A_7i3x_oV9MBPpuBhbO_y2W3ejVHwtId6zNE1sk65zplzRs6UY8Hl1Y7Cp_H-hGvw/s1600/fashola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSe4BkB1dUwxKI4bAsfX8AOwijQGflHjqptRWdoImZo8kjN9UlFIw9_LaJ3t6TtEFBGnk8JyhK4A_7i3x_oV9MBPpuBhbO_y2W3ejVHwtId6zNE1sk65zplzRs6UY8Hl1Y7Cp_H-hGvw/s400/fashola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said in Lagos on Thursday that the Federal Government was on the verge of concluding an assessment, before embarking on the repair of the dilapidated Apapa bridge.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Fashola while inspecting the bridge in Apapa that government was also doing a nationwide audit of bridges, to effectively plan for their repairs.<br /> <br /> He recalled that the Apapa bridge was over 40 years old, noting that it had not received proper maintenance for long, but was taking axle loads that exceeded its capacity due to the busy nature of the terrain.<br /> <br /> Fashola lamented that the bridge was also subjected to all kinds of abuses, including street trading, burning and people living underneath.<br /> <br /> “The bridge has really been battered by us, abused by us, and as a result, we are having the contractor now to do a total evaluation of what is seen and unseen, so that we can restore the bridge to something close to its original form by the time we finish.<br /> <br /> “We will change the expansion joints, mill the surface, replace the surface and also replace some of the reinforcements and strengthen them.<br /> <br /> “We cannot reach a conclusion until we see all the engineering requirements, designs and costs,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> The Minister said that he was working on an evaluation for the repair of all damaged bridges in Lagos and across the nation and to make provisions for them in the 2017 budget.<br /> <br /> “We are hamstrung by budget provisions, but we hope that by next year, we will repair bridges not only in Lagos, but also in Kano, Kogi and across the country that need repairs.<br /> <br /> “We set up a bridge repair, resuscitation and replacement team in the ministry.<br /> <br /> I am waiting for their report and that will form the basis of our budgeting process for next year.<br /> <br /> “Instead of doing piece meal bridges here and there for all of the bad bridges, we want to have them all under focus.<br /> <br /> “And I think that is the way that it is useful to work, to plan to intervene nationwide and restore all of our bad bridges,“ he said.<br /> <br /> He said that other bad roads in Lagos would also receive attention, adding that contractors who were being owed for over three years were being re-mobilised back to site.<br /> Earlier, a team of engineers who had conducted the minister around and beneath the bridge, stressed the need to quickly rehabilitate the bridge.

Latest-News Some major road repairs have to wait till next year - Fashola

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said in Lagos on Thursday that the Federal Government was on the verge of concluding an assessment, before embarking on the repair of the dilapidated Apapa bridge. Fashola while inspect…

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Rio Olympics 2016: Round up men's matches on Thursday

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOdMZzN5jjubMtAdxGOC_LG-gpmBxsftGgXxFmlDZ1OSs_GedWDjn1h-xlZ5NUwW8h0f2nwkFRIJAcfMtmGwZXV7_5UBr1dTSjmip_0hZgAYRjL1cubdsZywryyV7OzFPtAbKlw7g3-8m/s1600/argentina-portugal-olympics_1fyt3uusbwddg1eq0e7d72sosn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOdMZzN5jjubMtAdxGOC_LG-gpmBxsftGgXxFmlDZ1OSs_GedWDjn1h-xlZ5NUwW8h0f2nwkFRIJAcfMtmGwZXV7_5UBr1dTSjmip_0hZgAYRjL1cubdsZywryyV7OzFPtAbKlw7g3-8m/s640/argentina-portugal-olympics_1fyt3uusbwddg1eq0e7d72sosn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Denmark 0, Iraq 0</b><br /> <br /> Despite Iraq peppering the attack zone for much of the match, Denmark was able to walk away with a 0-0 draw thanks to the stellar play of Jeppe Hojbjerg.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Denmark keeper stopped all 10 Iraqi shots on goal, including a stellar stop on Mahdi Kamil in stoppage time. Iraq had four shots on goal coming in the 85th minute or later. They finished with a 17-7 shot advantage overall, with only two Denmark attempts winding up on target. The Iraqis also held possession for 57 percent of the match; there's going to be some sting about letting this slip away with only one point.<br /> <br /> That said, Hojbjerg deserves credit for an astounding performance. If it weren't for his heady positioning throughout, Denmark probably surrenders two or possibly three goals.<br /> <br /> With a winnable match still upcoming against South Africa, both Denmark and Iraq have to feel strong about their chances of advancing.<br /> <br /> <b>Brazil 0, South Africa 0</b><br /> <br /> The window was blown wide open in Group A when South Africa held on for a 0-0 draw despite playing the last 30 minutes with 10 men.<br /> <br /> It was a remarkable result that left Brazil players being showered with boos as they left the pitch. Neymar nearly gave the home country a 1-0 win in stoppage time but his right-footed shot was saved by Itumeleng Khune. New Manchester star Gabriel Jesus also had a chance for the Brazilians late but failed to convert.<br /> <br /> Brazil's result makes it six straight Olympic hosts either losing or drawing in their opening match.<br /> <br /> For South Africa, it marks a triumph that might open up a spot in the knockout round. Their defense survived despite 20 Brazil shots, though only seven went on goal. The match was almost a back-and-forth affair until Mothobi Mvala was sent off with his second yellow card in the 59th minute. From there, South Africa gritted their teeth and just tried to come away with a draw.<br /> <br /> Brazil held possession for 65 percent of the match, had 10 corner kicks and are clearly the superior team from a talent standpoint. But now they stand one more bad result away from perhaps exiting the Olympics in the group stage—a disastrous result.<br /> <br /> With Denmark and Iraq both set as underdogs versus Brazil, South Africa could advance with just one more win.<br /> <br /> <b>Honduras 3, Algeria 2</b><br /> <b><br /></b>Honduras committed 29 fouls. Algeria attempted 29 shots. Yet when all was said and done, it was the Hondurans who walked away with a 3-2 victory.<br /> <br /> Romell Quioto and Marcelo Pereira each scored first-half goals and Anthony Lozano added a critical third in the 79th minute to stave off an aggressive Algeria. Sofiane Bendebka and Baghdad Bounedjah each scored second-half goals as part of Algeria's comeback effort.<br /> <br /> The match was one of consistent missed opportunities for Algeria, with Bounedjah's early missed goal chance setting a tone. Algeria wound up with 60 percent possession rate and eight corner kicks. Keeper Farid Chaal also saw only five shots on goal.<br /> <br /> With Argentina on deck, Algeria's Olympic bid looks likely to close Sunday.<br /> <br /> <b>Germany 2, Mexico 2</b><br /> <br /> Germany and Mexico looked every bit worthy of the billing of Group C favorites Thursday, battling their way to a hard-fought 2-2 draw.<br /> <br /> The defending Olympic champions struck first in the 52nd minute when Oribe Peralta found the back of the net, only to be answered six minutes later by Serge Gnabry. Mexico took their most extended lead of the match after Rodolfo Pizarro's goal in the 61st minute, but Matthias Ginter tied it up in the 78th to end all scoring.<br /> <br /> Germany held possession for a strong 62 percent of the match but spent most of the time failing to convert bad shot attempts. The Germans had 20 attempts, only four of which went on goal. Mexico by contrast had five shots on goal in 13 attempts.<br /> <br /> Mexico should be able to bounce back with a win over an overmatched Fijian team, while German faces off against South Korea.<br /> <br /> <b>Colombia 2, Sweden 2</b><br /> <br /> A costly penalty may come back to bite Sweden as they look to advance, as Dorlan Pabon scored a penalty in the 75th minute to give Colombia a 2-2 draw with the Swedes.<br /> <br /> Sweden had held a 2-1 lead after Astrit Ajdarevic's goal in the 62nd minute broke a 1-1 tie. Mikael Ishak also scored in the 43rd minute for Sweden, while Teofilo Gutierrez's goal in the 17th minute opened scoring.<br /> <br /> Colombia and Sweden split possession exactly down the middle at 50 percent apiece. Colombia spent most of the match acting as the aggressors, recording 15 shots to Sweden's nine and 21 penalties to the Swedes' 12.<br /> <br /> <b>South Korea 8, Fiji 0</b><br /> <b><br /></b>Ryu Seung-Woo scored a hat trick and Chang-Hoon Kwon and Hyun Jun Suk scored two apiece as South Korea ran away with an 8-0 thrashing of Fiji.<br /> <br /> Son Heung-Min also scored for the South Koreans, who ran up the score in a match that was never in question. The favorites held possession for 79 percent of the match, took 32 shots to Fiji's five and put on an all-out thrashing designed to get them into the elimination round.<br /> <br /> Seven of South Korea's goals came in the second half. Seung-Woo did not score the first until the 32nd minute, but after that it was open season. The NBC Olympics Twitter feed captured the onslaught:<br /> <br /> The Fijians will try to dust themselves off against Mexico on Sunday, while South Korea looks to strengthen their position by tying or defeating Germany.<br /> <br /> <b>Portugal 2, Argentina 0 </b><br /> <br /> Portugal vaulted to the top of Group D with a stellar 2-0 victory over Argentina on Thursday as the country continued to experience tremendous success following a victorious run at the 2016 European championships.<br /> <br /> Not only did the Portuguese dominate possession, 58-42, but they tallied a 7-3 advantage in shots on goal as they continually imposed their will on an overmatched Argentine side.<br /> <br /> That said, it did take quite a bit of time for Portugal to find the back of the net after the two squads entered halftime knotted at nil.<br /> <br /> Portugal's first conversion came on a gorgeous strike from Gonçalo Paciência, when the forward drilled a ball from outside the box into the right side of the net past the outstretched arms of Gerónimo Rulli.<br /> <br /> Then, with time winding down in regulation, Pité Trabulo provided the icing on the cake when he lofted in a a fairly harmless shot on goal that was too much for Rulli to handle.<br /> <br /> The 84th-minute gaffe sent Argentina tumbling to fourth place in the group, and provided the team with a tall task as it attempts to make up for a poor start to the tournament.<br /> <br /> Next up for Argentina is a meeting with Algeria on Aug. 7, while Portugal is slated to square off against Honduras the same day. </div>

Latest-News Rio Olympics 2016: Round up men's matches on Thursday

Denmark 0, Iraq 0 Despite Iraq peppering the attack zone for much of the match, Denmark was able to walk away with a 0-0 draw thanks to the stellar play of Jeppe Hojbjerg. The Denmark keeper stopped all 10 Iraqi shots on goal, including a stellar st…

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Aisha Buhari's gold bag allegedly worth N40m causes social media upheaval

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAOoJSvlU1G5oESB8JyBmOLsfOaoCMPE_6x9ilHI2PWoDZH-7Eog0HeepyewFGmw5qQ23MrIKq9NRF87voKv1WroaO805p6ULhagQMPn6kpfQtOoZykv40fDDLcEHfGF2XLPEjmY7A8Q/s1600/aisha+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAOoJSvlU1G5oESB8JyBmOLsfOaoCMPE_6x9ilHI2PWoDZH-7Eog0HeepyewFGmw5qQ23MrIKq9NRF87voKv1WroaO805p6ULhagQMPn6kpfQtOoZykv40fDDLcEHfGF2XLPEjmY7A8Q/s640/aisha+bag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari caused a social media storm for carrying a black crocodile skin Hermes Birkin handbag, as Nigerians on Thursday took to different social media platforms to express their mixed feelings.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mrs. Buhari was spotted with the 35cm Porosus Crocodile bag, which is estimated to cost anywhere between $50,000 and $300,000, at the airport in Washington D.C., when she arrived the United States Wednesday for some engagements.<br /> <br /> A Hermes Himalayan Crocodile Birkin bag was reportedly auctioned for $432,000 recently.<br /> <br /> The news, which was broken by an online media, The Signal, tweeting from @thesignalng, set the Twitter-sphere ablaze with the discovery.<br /> <br /> The tweet read: “Aisha Buhari spotted in the US with a Hermes Gold Bag worth $105,000 (N40,950,000) at $1 to N390.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga72guym7XrJkspS9-4ArasMetoQqhCZDM63w1hAG1FA1agd81w-fOLzdxFY2vCT4AJdzd7yRkym9eKmd8kRQF9DzGcATQyx5YB_vQ9zHDRUMt-WiQd8q195QOhc_IsGXjA2FSlks7cEw/s1600/aisha+bag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga72guym7XrJkspS9-4ArasMetoQqhCZDM63w1hAG1FA1agd81w-fOLzdxFY2vCT4AJdzd7yRkym9eKmd8kRQF9DzGcATQyx5YB_vQ9zHDRUMt-WiQd8q195QOhc_IsGXjA2FSlks7cEw/s400/aisha+bag1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> “Further checks by Signal on Thursday revealed that the exact pink version of Aisha Buhari’s Hermes handbag was auctioned in 2015 for $222,912 (N86,935,680) at a Christie’s auction in Hong Kong.”<br /> <br /> If true, given the economic recession the country is currently facing, the news of Mrs. Buhari toting the Crocodile Gold Hardware bag provided fodder for controversy.

Latest-News Aisha Buhari's gold bag allegedly worth N40m causes social media upheaval

Wife of the president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari caused a social media storm for carrying a black crocodile skin Hermes Birkin handbag, as Nigerians on Thursday took to different social media platforms to express their mixed feelings. Mrs. Buhari was spotte…

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Village generates electricity from cow faeces

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVBxQDi5IO_3G7ID45yoLnj28_YaLTZTvOv-xDvxiTKDym1QKGACPVdYvKmmhNJuNo2q30Ob9Bfb9QhLT5_n6MG2IBSwrvtwOhtISeCV7OfzdWXj_Bt5ioyfiupRf9VjEG9dZbilrkbU/s1600/cow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVBxQDi5IO_3G7ID45yoLnj28_YaLTZTvOv-xDvxiTKDym1QKGACPVdYvKmmhNJuNo2q30Ob9Bfb9QhLT5_n6MG2IBSwrvtwOhtISeCV7OfzdWXj_Bt5ioyfiupRf9VjEG9dZbilrkbU/s320/cow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Nestled in a deep pocket of forest that lies off Thailand’s electrical grid, villagers in Pa Deng have become early adopters and evangelists for an unusual alternative energy source: poop.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> After successfully lighting up their homes with solar panels and stoves fueled by cow dung, the villagers are now clean energy crusaders in a gas-guzzling country that overwhelmingly relies on fossil fuels.<br /> <br /> It was a friend from Myanmar who first told 44-year-old Wisut Janprapai that faeces could be used to power a cooking stove.<br /> <br /> “At first we didn’t believe it,” he told AFP from outside his wooden home, which is surrounded by fruit trees and under the shadow of a mountain range that lines Thailand’s western border with Myanmar.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> But with no access to state power lines and plenty of cow manure to go around, Wisut and his neighbours reasoned it was worth a try.<br /> <br /> Now nearly 100 families in the rural network have small stoves running on blue bio-gas balloons they crafted after years of experimenting.<br /> <br /> The balloons are hulking polyester sacks that fill up with methane gas after microbes break down the animal manure and other organic waste packed inside.<br /> <br /> The fuel source is healthier and more sustainable than burning wood, and also saves villagers from having to venture into the forest for kindling.<br /> <br /> “It’s nothing complicated, just put the food and waste in,” explained Kosol Saengthong, the leader of the network. “And then the gas will come”.<br /> <br /> – Land of energy –<br /> <br /> While Pa Deng is powered solely by green energy sources, the rest of Thailand runs chiefly on oil, coal and natural gas — much of it imported.<br /> <br /> Successive governments, including the current junta, have warned that the country faces an energy crisis on current consumption trends unless new power sources are embraced.<br /> <br /> The kingdom is the second largest consumer of energy in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, according to US government data from 2013, and the 22nd biggest user in the world.<br /> <br /> Consumption is also heavily skewed. Most of the power is funnelled to sprawling Bangkok, where some of the capital’s luxury malls suck up more energy than entire provinces.<br /> <br /> But compared to its impoverished neighbours, Thailand is a leading investor in renewables and plans to increase its reliance on clean-burning fuels from 12 percent to 25 percent in the next five years.<br /> <br /> Groups like World Wildlife Fund say it could be setting its sights much higher, with a recent report laying out a future that would have the country operating on 100 percent renewables by 2050.<br /> <br /> Phirat Inphanich, a policy analyst at Thailand’s Energy Ministry, agrees the kingdom could be making better use of its resources.<br /> <br /> “Thailand is the land of renewable energy,” he told AFP. “You can walk anywhere, especially in rural areas, and you will see things that can be turned into energy”.<br /> <br /> But changing mindsets is difficult, said the 38-year-old, who travels around the country urging communities to generate more of their own power in the footsteps of Pa Deng.<br /> <br /> These small-scale efforts will not overhaul the sector but they can make a dent, plus help villagers cut down on energy costs.<br /> <br /> “If any Thais are still hesitating to make their own energy, just look at (Pa Deng) as an example,” he said.<br /> <br /> – Empowering others –<br /> <br /> Villagers in Pa Deng saw their first flash of electricity when former premier Thaksin Shinawatra donated solar panels nearly a decade ago.<br /> <br /> But the panels started breaking after a few years, and no one came to mend them.<br /> <br /> “So we decided to send our own villagers to learn how to fix the panels ourselves”, said Kosol, the group’s leader.<br /> <br /> The villagers reached out to academics and travelled to factories and research centres, where they offered fruit from their gardens in exchange for lessons on how to harness other forms of renewable sources — like the biogas tanks.<br /> <br /> Now unlikely experts in solar panels and other green technologies, they are teaching other rural communities how to generate power while minimising their ecological footprint.<br /> <br /> “I was surpised at how kind and eager people were to share knowledge with me. Now that it’s my turn to teach, I will do the same,” Kosol said during a recent seminar held in the village.<br /> <br /> But not everyone in the area is sold.<br /> <br /> So far only a fifth of families in the Pa Deng area have bought into the network, which requires members to contribute money for a maintenance fund and a welfare pool used to cover medical emergencies.<br /> <br /> “Those who aren’t interested in our ideas still want electric poles from the government,” said Kosol, who believes that would waste unnecessary money and energy.<br /> <br /> Wisut, who has several solar panels hooked up to a fan and a television plus a bio-gas balloon powering the stove, says he is perfectly content.<br /> <br /> “I don’t think we need air conditioning or a refrigerator,” he told AFP, adding that he sees little to envy about life in noisy, bright Bangkok.<br /> <br /> “There is no night time there,” he said.

Latest-News Village generates electricity from cow faeces

Nestled in a deep pocket of forest that lies off Thailand’s electrical grid, villagers in Pa Deng have become early adopters and evangelists for an unusual alternative energy source: poop. After successfully lighting up their homes with solar panels…

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My family after my life because I'm a lesbains - Nigerian woman seeking aslyum in Canada

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC68JRmZ7WToHEm-0tpqbjZI6Ay-kdn9-IBthM116wu3Qxlk1SR1Q18gzC2QFnQ8EmDpU6U9UmACrvJT5QU0CjJKy8ceGqPiAuFd0NS5fecurZaErscngGjvwurmHWPJ1FzffCsLlxWqI/s1600/les.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC68JRmZ7WToHEm-0tpqbjZI6Ay-kdn9-IBthM116wu3Qxlk1SR1Q18gzC2QFnQ8EmDpU6U9UmACrvJT5QU0CjJKy8ceGqPiAuFd0NS5fecurZaErscngGjvwurmHWPJ1FzffCsLlxWqI/s400/les.png" width="400" /></a></div> A 32-year-old Nigerian woman, simply identified only as U. O who is based in Canada, has shared her fears and why she ran away from home for being lesbian.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> U. O, has been resident in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, Canada, for three months.<br /> <br /> She reportedly visited for a conference and afterwards abandoned her plans to return to her home country for fear of persecution, where homosexuality is a crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison.<br /> <br /> She said her decision came after she found out her girlfriend was jailed and police were looking for her, WinnipegFreePress reports.<br /> <br /> The lesbian, whose fate rests in the hands of a Refugee Protection Division board appointed adjudicator, Michal Fox, eventually applied for refugee protection division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to plead her case.<br /> <br /> While she awaits a ruling from the Refugee Board of Canada, her hearing continues August 22, as was adjourned on Thursday.<br /> <br /> She said several supporters from Winnipeg’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer, LGBTQ, community are the only family she has now, as according to her, her family in Nigeria has turned its back on her because of her sexuality.<br /> <br /> She said, “Nobody there wants me. They want me dead.<br /> <br /> “I’ll be lynched if I return to my family.<br /> <br /> “So, I don’t think they deserve me.<br /> <br /> “I would be happy to start a new life here and find a new love,” the lesbian girl added.<br /> <br /> The adjudicator, Fox, yesterday, said she needed more time to hear U.O.’s case.<br /> <br /> “Her journey toward refugee protection began in May, when U.O., who was an outreach worker at a non-governmental organization in Nigeria, attended an HIV/AIDS conference in Winnipeg, she told the Free Press in an earlier interview.<br /> <br /> “That’s where she was when she found out her girlfriend; her first love from university whom she’d been seeing in secret had been arrested and forced to confess their relationship, and that her husband had outed U.O. to her employer.<br /> <br /> “She was crying in a washroom during the conference when another woman approached and advised her she likely had a legitimate refugee claim.<br /> <br /> “The hearing is set to continue August 22,” Fox ruled.

Latest-News My family after my life because I'm a lesbains - Nigerian woman seeking aslyum in Canada

A 32-year-old Nigerian woman, simply identified only as U. O who is based in Canada, has shared her fears and why she ran away from home for being lesbian. U. O, has been resident in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, Canada, for three months. She r…

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Sports Minister Commends U-23 Eagles Over Japan Win

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RkHv8QYRMWj5gvW0vQ4SzloKT29NU2q-pL14QgChyphenhyphen9jIvOGNl2Hdo2UH4S-nU76733gYQMuoAet0P1bbMZSF1hP6CgrnRrMUQKbSM0yAO-zdaqZ4RC5bB7gBox5puaiSuTyjmwmQs7IF/s1600/dalong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RkHv8QYRMWj5gvW0vQ4SzloKT29NU2q-pL14QgChyphenhyphen9jIvOGNl2Hdo2UH4S-nU76733gYQMuoAet0P1bbMZSF1hP6CgrnRrMUQKbSM0yAO-zdaqZ4RC5bB7gBox5puaiSuTyjmwmQs7IF/s400/dalong.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Sports minister Solomon Dalung has congratulated the U-23 Eagles for their victory against Japan in their first Group B match of men's football event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Eagles despite arriving Manaus few hours before the game put up a strong showing in their win against the Asians.<br /> <br /> Dalung heaped plaudits on the Samson Siasia tutored lads for fighting spirit and patriotism.<br /> <br /> "I heartily congratulate the national U-23 football team for their outstanding 5-4 victory over Japan in their opening Group B game," the minister wrote on his twitter handle few minutes after game.<br /> <br /> "The Dream Team have showed resilience in the face of adversity, demonstrated  patriotism and team work and the can do spirit that Nigerians are known for globally.<br /> <br /> Read Also:  Akinwunmi: Siasia's Eagles Must Work Hard<br /> "I urge them them to put aside what happened in Atlanta behind them and focus on the challenges ahead.<br /> <br /> "The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari is proud of your achievement this morning and will continue to support you as you seek to relive the 1996 feat."</div>

Latest-News Sports Minister Commends U-23 Eagles Over Japan Win

Sports minister Solomon Dalung has congratulated the U-23 Eagles for their victory against Japan in their first Group B match of men's football event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The Eagles despite arriving Manaus few hours before the game put up …

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Police invites Jibrin for clarification over 2016 budget padding allegation against Dogara

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08xNkRsn7vUbbQR7oXGLNxpFuXOp5_iyIiTLs-b7kUlk_Z_Mxzpy2cjWdKJxqyur_IBuwKwdppCTCpNEfNxrP9uo7QkhyVjcCSVBaiDuqaQ8JWLoV5G_yufTvXJnYoO0RkEsr0esu0d0/s1600/jibrin+apc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08xNkRsn7vUbbQR7oXGLNxpFuXOp5_iyIiTLs-b7kUlk_Z_Mxzpy2cjWdKJxqyur_IBuwKwdppCTCpNEfNxrP9uo7QkhyVjcCSVBaiDuqaQ8JWLoV5G_yufTvXJnYoO0RkEsr0esu0d0/s400/jibrin+apc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin may appear before the Police Special Investigation Panel, SIP, today over his allegation of budget padding against the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers of the house.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Jibrin who accused Dogara, his deputy, Yusuf Lasun; Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Danguwa and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor of attempting to illegally insert over N40bn into the 2016 budget is expected to appear before the team led by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, IGP, Amodu Ali.<br /> <br /> Jibrin was re-invited due to some lapses identified in the petition he submitted against the principal officers of the lower legislative chambers.<br /> <br /> The report quoted a source as saying, “Having gone through the petition, the panel has discovered that more documents are required to be able to isolate allegations which the four principal officers will respond to.<br /> <br /> “The SIP on Thursday (yesterday) invited Jibrin to bring more documents to fill in some gaps in our profiling of his petition.<br /> <br /> “We expect Jibrin to be with us either on Friday (today) or on Monday. After getting all documents, we will then formally quiz Jibrin on record.<br /> <br /> “We have shifted the interaction with the principal officers until we are done with Jibrin. So, the invitation which they received has been postponed.<br /> <br /> “A new date will be communicated to the principal officers.<br /> <br /> “If you look at Jibrin’s activities after submitting the petition, he has been making more revelations. New investigative clues have come up from his comments on his tweeter handle and in interviews that granted. We have different figures to investigate which include: N284billion, N90billion, N40billion and N20billion, the amount bandied at various times.<br /> <br /> “The list of suspects has also been growing on a daily basis. Jibrin has to appear before the panel to assist it to streamline all the allegations and the suspects.”

Latest-News Police invites Jibrin for clarification over 2016 budget padding allegation against Dogara

The former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin may appear before the Police Special Investigation Panel, SIP, today over his allegation of budget padding against the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dog…

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Nigeria Made Us Nervous - Koroki

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjGTWg7vHbCjGyFnbVAMeV0GXpsppAClN1CLDiWXxiNjw0Nv0_m2ZDqPx30MmYCkGBWXyq5nTU43q1jtwffYPngdiGa9prY8n_3lqX9SmZAiMCkd4w8ApSduz8USkpXoa0kbJlEGx50lT/s1600/nigeria_japan_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjGTWg7vHbCjGyFnbVAMeV0GXpsppAClN1CLDiWXxiNjw0Nv0_m2ZDqPx30MmYCkGBWXyq5nTU43q1jtwffYPngdiGa9prY8n_3lqX9SmZAiMCkd4w8ApSduz8USkpXoa0kbJlEGx50lT/s640/nigeria_japan_0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Japan U-23 striker, Shinzo Koroki, has attributed his team's 5-4 loss to Nigeria U-23s to nervousness on the part of some of his team-mates.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Despite arriving Manaus few hours to kick-off of their first Group B match against Japan, the U-23 Eagles went ahead to win the nine-goal thriller.<br /> <br /> Oghenekaro Etebo scored four goals while Umar Sadiq got Nigeria's other goal.<br /> <br /> Koroki, who equalised for Japan from the penalty spot to make it 1-1, stated that they were second best throughout the game.<br /> <br /> “The important thing in an international competition like this is to keep your cool,” said Koroki.<br /> <br /> “It seemed like a few of the boys were nervous. If we were calm, we could have played much better football.<br /> <br /> “I think everyone who was watching saw it, but we weren’t strong enough on the ball. They won all the 50-50s. We’ve got to be more physical, be aggressive.”<br /> <br /> Japan will take on Colombia on Sunday in their next game, while Nigeria will tackle Sweden. </div>

Latest-News Nigeria Made Us Nervous - Koroki

Japan U-23 striker, Shinzo Koroki, has attributed his team's 5-4 loss to Nigeria U-23s to nervousness on the part of some of his team-mates. Despite arriving Manaus few hours to kick-off of their first Group B match against Japan, the U-23 Eagles we…

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"Anyone that cannot stay a day with sex needs deliverance" - Pastor Adeboye

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Hp3Eqd-skLeisZc3-JiDzNbYI-qI_4cZLCIPziq8vHknFQ_H_YLWtIRekKBgJvNiX-oRgluMIbMOW69Uzb_DhaeDYEEQ5W_YUzmrXOGSsIo_pNreCihThmSdwMDBAbPGvRTPci6qYuA/s1600/Pastor+Adeboye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Hp3Eqd-skLeisZc3-JiDzNbYI-qI_4cZLCIPziq8vHknFQ_H_YLWtIRekKBgJvNiX-oRgluMIbMOW69Uzb_DhaeDYEEQ5W_YUzmrXOGSsIo_pNreCihThmSdwMDBAbPGvRTPci6qYuA/s400/Pastor+Adeboye.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Oversee of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has dropped another piece of advice for Christians.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to reports, speaking at the Redemption Camp on Thursday night Adeboye said, ''if you know anyone who cannot go a day without sex, bring him/her for deliverance because sex is not food,it's a bad obsession''.

Latest-News "Anyone that cannot stay a day with sex needs deliverance" - Pastor Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Oversee of the Redeemed Christian Church of God has dropped another piece of advice for Christians. According to reports, speaking at the Redemption Camp on Thursday night Adeboye said, ''if you know anyone who cannot g…

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How My Tired Players Defeated Japan - Siasia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc4__feexXFRjFvHIhdtJY4_5IGRY-0NY1u25zRz9QLmzHAWWgmem1RNoc6YcJE5SdVj67qIK3MS0wc9i236bfQfknfh3CzFl5CnH6Z94pt0ToFPLRI_y13Pca_4MS1JJ66qBLl-bsqV_/s1600/Samson-Siasia-110605-Reacts-BPP300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc4__feexXFRjFvHIhdtJY4_5IGRY-0NY1u25zRz9QLmzHAWWgmem1RNoc6YcJE5SdVj67qIK3MS0wc9i236bfQfknfh3CzFl5CnH6Z94pt0ToFPLRI_y13Pca_4MS1JJ66qBLl-bsqV_/s400/Samson-Siasia-110605-Reacts-BPP300.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div><br /></div> <div><br /></div> <div>Head Coach of Nigeria U-23 Eagles, Samson Siasia, has said that his players' unflinching fighting spirit contributed to Nigeria's  5-4 win against Japan in their first Group B match of the 2016 Olympics early Friday Morning (Nigerian time).<a name='more' id="more"></a></div> <div><br /></div> <div>Siasia and his boys got to Manaus only a few hours before kick-off against Japan, and still went on to claim all three points.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Siasia however admitted that he was surprised by the outcome of the game.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>“I don’t know how we did it." </div> <div><br /></div> <div>“We just didn’t want to give up. We had this fighting spirit and wanted to show what we were made of. </div> <div><br /></div> <div>"Even though we were tired, we never gave up.”</div> <div><br /></div> <div>Up next for the U-23 Eagles is a clash against Sweden who drew 2-2 with Colombia in the other Group B match.</div> </div>

Latest-News How My Tired Players Defeated Japan - Siasia

Head Coach of Nigeria U-23 Eagles, Samson Siasia, has said that his players' unflinching fighting spirit contributed to Nigeria's  5-4 win against Japan in their first Group B match of the 2016 Olympics early Friday Morning (Nigerian time). Siasia a…

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Adekunle Gold Opens Up On Why He Featured Only his Rumoued Girlfriend Simi on his Album

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0Up4xQ9Hs63so446KELlgdbNgdmYIc2MINtShFm3s4uhkYWbSjoTeBwkJFvGWi2wWtHd9dkYhLNs_VGCrwEcuAKByrqKKsjlkeiJsuqXSZlPHxdhUiRPZ-EI2xPj2auBB-VmjD3-HQI/s1600/adekunle+gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0Up4xQ9Hs63so446KELlgdbNgdmYIc2MINtShFm3s4uhkYWbSjoTeBwkJFvGWi2wWtHd9dkYhLNs_VGCrwEcuAKByrqKKsjlkeiJsuqXSZlPHxdhUiRPZ-EI2xPj2auBB-VmjD3-HQI/s400/adekunle+gold.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> He shared how he was invited to the set of the Fergie’s video, his friendship with Zahra Buhari and his relationship with Simi.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> When he was pointedly asked if he was dating Simi, he tried to sidestep it. In the end, he said they’re just friends.<br /> <br /> Watch it here:</div>       <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sMK9ujvn3qg" width="600"></iframe></div>

Latest-News Adekunle Gold Opens Up On Why He Featured Only his Rumoued Girlfriend Simi on his Album

He shared how he was invited to the set of the Fergie’s video, his friendship with Zahra Buhari and his relationship with Simi. When he was pointedly asked if he was dating Simi, he tried to sidestep it. In the end, he said they’re just friends. Wat…

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Government has abandoned us - Abducted Lagos monarch's family

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnYIJCwS9GX9Fy1cNG-rvqJMskviQQd7m934ctNg6dSaTQx2Bm604WC0kbmtbUmmciqNyNUn90Iihprh7ciwZHDfsUuQfNICCHXQ8qjNeSil7XNXUTndFiBpbV2KJTGhsWqNpg0i3fEc/s1600/Oba-Goriola-Oseni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnYIJCwS9GX9Fy1cNG-rvqJMskviQQd7m934ctNg6dSaTQx2Bm604WC0kbmtbUmmciqNyNUn90Iihprh7ciwZHDfsUuQfNICCHXQ8qjNeSil7XNXUTndFiBpbV2KJTGhsWqNpg0i3fEc/s400/Oba-Goriola-Oseni.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The family members of the abducted Oniba of Iba land, Oba Goriola Oseni, say they have been left in the dark about what efforts the Lagos State Government is making to rescue the 73-year-old monarch.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The family, who spoke with newsmen on Thursday, said the government had not called them for any update or briefing on the extent of investigation 19 days after the kidnap, alleging that the government was becoming indifferent to the matter.<br /> <br /> About 16 gun-wielding militants had, on Saturday, July 16, stormed Oseni’s palace at about 8.30pm, shooting into the air, after which they whisked him away in two speedboats.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> During the attack, four residents were shot dead, including a palace guard, identified as Sunday Okanlawon, and a barber, identified as Rilwan.<br /> <br /> Six days after the abduction, the militants were said to have contacted the monarch’s family, demanding N500m.<br /> <br /> It was reported on Sunday, July 24, that the family members pleaded with the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to assist in raising the ransom and securing their father’s release.<br /> <br /> Speaking with PUNCH Metro on Thursday, one of the monarch’s daughters, who did not want her name in print, said the family had yet to hear from the state government or the police.<br /> <br /> She said, “Baba (Oseni) has not been released. We are making efforts, but we do not know what the government is doing about this. Even if an animal gets missing, you look for it, let alone the king of a town, who has spent over 40 years on the throne.<br /> <br /> “Having contributed much to the growth of the community and the state in general, his matter should be treated with more concern. The governor and his officials have not said anything lately about what is being done on the matter. As a family, we have not seen any green light from the government; we are in the dark.”<br /> <br /> Another relation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers were willing to release the monarch if some money was paid.<br /> <br /> He said, “If the state government expedited action on this, Baba should have been released.<br /> <br /> “The kidnappers are not saying they will not release him. If the government does what is necessary, the abductors will let go of the monarch.<br /> <br /> “The state government is not serious about this. What the government is doing now, we do not really understand. For now, God is our hope.”<br /> <br /> When asked whether the kidnappers had reduced the ransom, the family source said he would not want to make that public.<br /> <br /> “The ransom is not the issue now. The kidnappers are ready to release Baba, but they want to get something. If one of the foremost rulers in the state has been abducted for 19 days and at that age, nothing significant has been done, this calls for serious attention,” he said.<br /> <br /> The monarch’s son, Saheed, said he was not willing to comment on the incident.<br /> <br /> The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said on Thursday that the police were still on a rescue mission.<br /> <br /> She said, “Investigation is ongoing. The police are on a rescue operation.”<br /> <br /> The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, did not pick the calls by our correspondent.<br /> <br /> A text message sent to his phone on the incident had also yet to be replied to as of press time.

Latest-News Government has abandoned us - Abducted Lagos monarch's family

The family members of the abducted Oniba of Iba land, Oba Goriola Oseni, say they have been left in the dark about what efforts the Lagos State Government is making to rescue the 73-year-old monarch. The family, who spoke with newsmen on Thursday, s…

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I have stolen only four cars this year – Cleric

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoOnQbCwHxn65kVfhK4l6ROhVotYLZZRdTrILIloYFCwcBHE-nShR75LKlNwigCYYolqZTDfFngWmZGeU1l4DKCXSYY0vXnzzswh-xNWPxR55XXQV3jVYW3K3beCefHjvgdHhTleCv68/s1600/Ayuba-Igbekele.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoOnQbCwHxn65kVfhK4l6ROhVotYLZZRdTrILIloYFCwcBHE-nShR75LKlNwigCYYolqZTDfFngWmZGeU1l4DKCXSYY0vXnzzswh-xNWPxR55XXQV3jVYW3K3beCefHjvgdHhTleCv68/s400/Ayuba-Igbekele.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old Islamic cleric, Rasheed Ayuba, for alleged car theft.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ayuba, who hails from Igbesa, Ogun State, was apprehended along with a transporter in Ibadan, Oyo State, Falade Igbekele, who reportedly bought six of the stolen cars.<br /> <br /> It was learnt that a bunch of master keys and about 13 other car keys, as well as charms, were recovered from Ayuba.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that the suspect, who also teaches at an Arabic school in Ishasi, Lagos, was caught sometime in June after he entered into a hotel in the Ikotun area to steal a Toyota Camry parked on the premises.<br /> <br /> He was driving out the car when he was caught by vigilantes in the neighbourhood, who handed him over to officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.<br /> <br /> Ayuba reportedly told the police that he bought the master keys for N9,000 from one John, a Beninoise.<br /> <br /> He said, “I finished from an Arabic school in Ikotun and started teaching Arabic in Ishasi. At about 11pm on June 8, I went to a hotel around Ile-Iwe bus stop to steal a Toyota Camry. But I was arrested by the security guards in the area.<br /> <br /> “I got the master keys I used from John, who is from Benin Republic. We met in 2013 in Lagos and he sold the master keys to me. Since then, I had been using them to steal cars. I usually sold the cars to my customers in Ibadan. One of them is Falade (Igbekele) to whom I sold six cars, and Friday, who bought a Toyota Camry.<br /> <br /> “It was only four cars I had stolen this year before I was arrested. I sold a Toyota Camry to one pastor Dare for N100,000, and a Honda for N80,000 to another pastor. But pastor Dare had just paid me N50,000. They all knew I stole the cars.”<br /> <br /> Fifty-two-year-old Igbekele confessed to have bought six cars from Ayuba, saying a friend introduced him to Ayuba.<br /> <br /> The indigene of Ondo State added that he used some of the vehicles for commercial purpose.<br /> <br /> “I knew Alfa Ayuba through a friend called Lucky Star. Lucky told me Alfa sells vehicles and I said I had interest in buying them. He had sold six vehicles to me so far, including a Nissan Sunny and a Nissan Primero. I bought them for N150,000 each.<br /> <br /> “I bought all the cars from Alfa three years ago. He told me he stole them and I asked if I would not get into trouble; he said yes,” Igbekele said.<br /> <br /> While the police said they were on the trail of the other accomplices, Ayuba and Igbekele were brought before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on six counts bordering on stealing and receiving stolen property.<br /> <br /> The police prosecutor, Sergeant Donjor Perezi, told the court that the offences were punishable under sections 98, 285 (10), 326 (a) (b) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.<br /> <br /> The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges before the presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Olayinka, and were admitted to bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.<br /> <br /> The case was adjourned till November 8, 2016.

Latest-News I have stolen only four cars this year – Cleric

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old Islamic cleric, Rasheed Ayuba, for alleged car theft. Ayuba, who hails from Igbesa, Ogun State, was apprehended along with a transporter in Ibadan, Oyo State, Falade Igbekele, who reportedly …

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Writer Chimamanda Adichie Opens Up on Being A First Time Mother

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">                          <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI-4bFRNVpRq9rjHU07jm0y9BztOLnB4_okvuv2bzHLSEaoDu9iQqFWURxtK7-o2-auRv-y4gXcns3w9pr3ntW45OVRUwDIfDjr2ZOa7e6SciKf78v2swIkBVlZglvt_SSsT26BDUiP4/s1600/chimamanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJI-4bFRNVpRq9rjHU07jm0y9BztOLnB4_okvuv2bzHLSEaoDu9iQqFWURxtK7-o2-auRv-y4gXcns3w9pr3ntW45OVRUwDIfDjr2ZOa7e6SciKf78v2swIkBVlZglvt_SSsT26BDUiP4/s400/chimamanda.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /> Author Chimamanda Adichie recently held a webchat session with her fans through Guardian UK’s website. The insightful chat gave us a glimpse into the life of the new mum.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Chimamanda answered questions about motherhood, feminism, her creative process, female sexuality and early failure.<br /> <br /> The author who recently revealed that she gave birth to a baby girl described motherhood as exciting and terrifying at the same time.<br /> <br /> See some of the Q&A below.<br /> <br /> <b>On her protagonists:</b><br /> bobinchiclana asked: I love your writing but most of your protagonists are fairly middle-class or privileged. Have you thought of writing about people who are more in the margins of society… in the case of Nigeria in poorer rural communities.<br /> <br /> Chimamanda: I am fairly middle-class and privileged. Perhaps not surprising that I mostly write what I know. (However, Ugwu, who is the soul of Half of a Yellow Sun, is not.)<br /> <b><br /></b><b>On Traditional Values and Christianity in Modern Nigeria:</b><br /> flungoutofspace asked: I’m Udoka, and I wanted to ask if you think of the effects of the interaction between traditional Nigerian (esp. Igbo) values and Christianity in modern Nigeria, and what are the implications for fiction that attempts to address that combination?<br /> <br /> Chimamanda: I think it is catastrophic that we, in the name of Christianity, are destroying our pre-Christian heritage. An ancient tree burned down during a vigil. Artifacts destroyed in the name of ‘progress.’ We need to tell those stories. If you are thinking of ‘addressing that combination,’ please do. You have a reader here.<br /> <br /> <b>On being a new mom:</b><br /> Sarah Hannan asked: What excites you the most about being a new mom? What terrifies you the most about being a mom?<br /> <br /> Chimamanda: Most exciting – a new and unique kind of love has come into my life, glorious and joyful and encompassing and full of discovery. Most terrifying – the anxiety-filled desire to protect her from everything and the terror-filled sense that I cannot.<br /> <br /> <b>On Confidence:</b><br /> MontagandMildred asked: Would you say you’re a confident person? Do you write with the idea that people will want to read what you have to say in your mind or do you write purely for yourself? I tend to be my own worst enemy and believe that no one will enjoy what I have written.<br /> <br /> Chimamanda: Self doubt is part of the creative process. I hate to have it but I also realise it is part of the process. Otherwise you become complacent, which is cancerous for creativity. I generally write the kind of books that I like to read.<br /> <br /> <b>On Female Sexuality: </b><br /> mariannemandu asked: One of my favourite things about your books is the way your female characters own themselves and their sexuality in such a natural and unselfconscious way. How much feminist theory informed creating the characters, and what was it, if any?<br /> <br /> Chimamanda: Haven’t read much feminist theory and generally try to keep ‘theory’ away from my creative space, if that makes sense. I learned much about feminism from watching women in the world. I so long for a world in which women everywhere are no longer taught to link shame and sexuality.</div>

Latest-News Writer Chimamanda Adichie Opens Up on Being A First Time Mother

                           Author Chimamanda Adichie recently held a webchat session with her fans through Guardian UK’s website. The insightful chat gave us a glimpse into the life of the new mum. Chimamanda answered questions about motherhood, femi…

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