A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Jose Mourinho expressed confidence on Friday that Manchester United will sign Paul Pogba in time for the Premier League season and criticised rival managers’ reactions to the mooted world-record transfer.
United and Juventus are believed to be putting the finishing touches to a deal for the France midfielder expected to exceed £100 million ($130.4 million, 117.7 million euros).
Mourinho described other managers, such as Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp and Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger, as “unethical” for talking openly about the Pogba fee and questioning his colossal price tag.
Whatever the validity of their claims, Pogba’s arrival at Old Trafford appears imminent and Mourinho is hopeful that his squad will be complete in time for United’s trip to Bournemouth a week on Sunday.
“Yes, we have 22 players and we are going to have 23,” said Mourinho when asked if a signing was close.
“I don’t like to speak about other clubs or players from other clubs. Other managers like to do that. They like to speak about my club and my players.
“I am very pragmatic on this. All that matters is what happens in my house and not in my neighbour’s house.
“Paul Pogba is a Juventus player until he isn’t, officially, so we stay like this. The market closes on August 31, but I think my club is trying to do everything to close our market before the 14th.
“Normally, next week, we will have our squad closed.”
Wenger described the potential Pogba fee as “completely crazy”, while Klopp said he wanted no involvement in such an inflated transfer market — comments that clearly did not sit well with United’s manager.
“I only speak about us,” said Mourinho. “I heard already two of my colleagues from other clubs speaking about us. I do not like that. It is not ethical.”
– Schweinsteiger sidelined –
He added: “There are things I do that (people say) are not ethical and when others do it, everything is normal, nobody says that. I do not speak about the others. They can do what they want.
“Our market was good. We made decisions — decided to bring four players, not 10 — that are Man United level. Four that we think can really improve the squad and not just be one more. This is the profile of our market.
“A young defender that needs time to be a top one, but who has top potential. A creative player that we know the quality (of).
“A super striker, and we are going to get a very good midfield player. We try for balance. I am happy with my squad. I am happy with the effort of the club. The others, it is their problem.”
With those signings — in order, Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic — already in at United ahead of Pogba, certain players will find themselves surplus to requirements under Mourinho.
One of those is thought to be Germany veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger, with reports Mourinho has discarded the respected midfielder, opening the United manager up to criticism.
“It is the same as in every club in the world,” said Mourinho when asked about Schweinsteiger.
“The manager decides his squad and chooses a certain number of players to face the season. That is it.
“I normally like to work with 20 players, plus the three goalkeepers, which is what I have done for 15 years, because we have so many players.
“But at the same time we have so many competitions and especially the Europa League. That is a competition that changes a lot at the start of the season, with 15 matches and playing on the Thursday.
“There is a big risk of a lot of travel. You play Premier League on Sundays. I made the decision to be with 23, plus three goalkeepers, which is still a lot. I had to make my decisions. It is simple.”
Travel and Tourism is one of the world's most dynamic economic sectors, offering enormous opportunities for growth, development and job creation. Visa facilitation is central to stimulating economic growth and job creation through tourism. In spite of the great strides made in recent decades to facilitate tourist travel, Jiten Vyas, COO in charge of Africa operations of VFS Global, thinks there are still important areas of opportunity. VFS Global, the specialist outsourcing company that offers administrative and support services to governments worldwide has been handling administrative processes related to visa and consular application procedures since 2001. In this interview, Vyas shares his thoughts on how industry trends are shaping up and ways in which VFS Global is preparing for the future.
VFS Global started as a unique idea that came to life, and in a short span of 15 years, it has become the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialists for governments and diplomatic missions, serving 50 government clients. To what would you attribute this accomplishment?
VFS Global was a pioneering enterprise that our CEO Zubin Karkaria came up with when he was working with a travel company known as Kuoni. The solution addressed challenges that would-be travellers and embassies faced, and helped to ease out the visa application process. The US Consulate in Mumbai, India, was VFS Global's very first client. And that small humble beginning kicked off the whole idea. The success of VFS Global is attributed to a number of factors most importantly the spirit of entrepreneurship that was laid out by our CEO Mr. Karkaria. People are the most critical and important aspect of our organization across the 50 client governments that we cater to in 124 countries. And it's these people that make the difference in our business.
•Jiten Vyas, COO, Africa,VFS Global
What does the acronym VFS mean? When we started off, the name of the company was Visa Facilitation Services. However, in the early stages of VFS Global, we realized that the name Visa Facilitation Services would at many a times lead to an individual getting the wrong impression, thinking we facilitate visas which is not the case. It was then that we rechristened it to VFS Global. The tasks of VFS Global are purely administrative in nature: we handle the acceptance of visa applications, the data entry, the collection and remittance of visa fees, the biometric enrollment, and dispatch of processed applications back to the applicants. VFS Global has no role whatsoever in the adjudication or decision making process and hence VFS Global is the right acronym for our company.
To what extent have your services helped ease visa application process for intending travelers? Increasingly, embassies in Africa have been moving in the direction of outsourcing the visa process, so they can focus their resources on the core job of adjudication. Africa, as a region, remains the most promising yet challenging region to operate in. VFS Global has been able to bring in high quality customer service and professionalism in operating its services for its client governments. Our well trained staff and the use of technology make the entire visa application process seamless for the African traveller. These visa application centres have also helped create significant local employment opportunities across the Africa region. VFS Global provides all the non-judgmental and administrative services related to the visa process, and has increased accessibility by setting up more centres and has streamlined the visa process for applicants to a large extent by providing a one-stop-shop in convenient, centrally located environments. These centres are open for longer working hours and have more extensive facilities (in terms of waiting areas, accessibility and network of centres) compared to what was the case before.
VFS recently celebrated its 110 million applications. How big could it get from here? What are the projections for the next 5 years? In fact, we have recently crossed processing 125 million applications! The market is absolutely out there and evolving. Over the last 15 years, we've been actively supporting 50 client governments across 124 countries in managing the administrative tasks related to visa application. We do see great opportunities within the identity management and citizen service business. Most governments especially in Africa are quite keen to streamline whether it's their citizen database, services provided to their citizens, foreigners' enrollment and registration, voters' registration, drivers' licenses, passports and ID Cards. In all these, VFS Global becomes a catalyst in ensuring that any government agenda in streamlining these services can be complimented by that of VFS operations. We do see that most of the governments especially in Africa have the need and with the operating model that we practice, it's a win-win for government and the applicants.
How long have you been processing visa applications in Nigeria? We first set up operations in Nigeria in 2005 in Lagos and Abuja, through the Governments of the United Kingdom and other Schengen countries. In total, VFS Global serves 14 client governments in Nigeria (South Africa, Canada, Ireland, S Korea, Croatia, UAE, Norway, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, France, Belgium, Spain and Italy.) We operate visa application centres in three cities in Nigeria - Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Since inception, we've been committed to creating employment opportunities for locals in the countries where we set up operations, and employ 135 staff in Nigeria.
What was it about the Nigerian market that attracted VFS to establish operations here? Nigeria is one of the top markets for VFS Global in the sub-Saharan region. The presence of large multinational companies across industry sectors; educated and qualified work force; the penchant for foreign travel amongst the rising middle and upperclass be it for studies, employment, trade and commerce, have made this country a keymarket for us.While we set up operations as per requirements that come in from our client governments,and are entirely guided by their requirements, the increase in tourist and business-related travel to and from Nigeria has been quite remarkable over the past couple of years. And it is thus that VFS took a look at how we could better the services offered to Nigerians and a lot of the governments thought it was a good idea.
Does VFS Global work with the government of Nigeria in terms of processing Nigeria visa abroad? At this point in time, VFS Global is not managing any visa applications on behalf of the Nigerian government overseas, but we recently carried out a project on behalf of the Interbank Settlement Services by providing Bank Verification Number (BVN) enrollment services for Nigerian bank account holders living in 8 countries. This initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria is aimed at providing a more secure banking platform to Nigerians and further bolsters conventional security systems of using a password and pin. VFS Global has been actively talking to the concerned departments within the Government of Nigeria and remains committed in bringing in its experience and expertise including the use of technology across various sectors: immigration, citizen services, foreigner registration, national ID, amongst others.
How does the figure in visa applications from Nigeria rank with other countries where you operate? Nigeria remains one of the largest economies on the African continent and travel has seen a significant improvement be it student travel, leisure or business. The fact that most of the foreign governments have gone the outsourcing route speaks about the demand for visa services in this country.As VFS Global only processes visas and is not involved in judgmental aspects of the visa issuing Process, all data related to visa applications is maintained by our clients.
What has been VFS's approach to handling the exponential figures in visa applications? We pride ourselves on our 15 years of experience in managing visa applications centers across 124 countries. And our team is always focused on ensuring that local talent is nurtured as this forms the bulk of our front office work force. The use of technology, training and staff development , ensures that our visa application centres are designed keeping the local sentiments in mind, whilst contributing a great deal to our efficiency in managing high volume operations such as we have in Nigeria.These are clear examples of how VFS has been able to leverage its experience and expertise purely on the basis of trust, technique and technology: The three pillars that it prides itself on.
What role has IT played in VFS's evolution? In the space of technology, innovation is a key business driver for us. We have come up with several cutting-edge technologies to aid our client governments in the services that we offer. One of our most popular services is the 'On Demand Mobile Visa' service, which effectively brings the visa center to your home or office. This service is being very well received, and is especially useful for corporates, travel agencies, and high net worth individuals, who are looking for more convenience and personalization in not just visa application, but every kind of service. We also do a lot of large-scale biometrics-based identity programmes out of Africa - foreigner registration permits in Ghana, Lesotho Special Permits (a joint programme between the South African Department of Home Affairs and the Lesotho Government) that legalises the stay of Lesotho nationals in South Africa, or the recently concluded Zimbabwe Special Permit programme. These programmes require expertise in processing large volumes of applications in highly secure environments. Integrating these processes well is a core competence for us. As a matter of fact, IT has really played a major role in our evolution helping VFS Global to work in diverse markets, whether on the African continent or Latin America or in the Russian CIS region. So technology is, in a sense, the 'backbone' of VFS Global.
What advances have you made in transforming your operating model? Has the model been replicated elsewhere by the government clients you service?
As the world's leading service provider in the visa and consular services domain, we are committed to setting benchmarks for the industry in the way we operate, across diverse ecosystems and geographies.
Our process flow has been standardized across different regions in Africa, and indeed, across the world. We are able to do VAC rollouts in timeframes anywhere from 3 months to 3o days. So no matter what geopolitical or socioeconomic circumstances we are operating in, in terms of speed, quality control, and process management expertise, we ensure every single one of our projects have been developed according to world-class standards and can withstand the most stringent internal and external audits. It is with this commitment and attention to quality and detail, that we have been able to launch and sustain operations across 124 countries.
Within our existing operating model, we also pioneered the concept of a Joint Visa Application Centre (JVAC), aimed at increasing the convenience of our visa applicants, where several client governments are served less than one roof.
What are the rewards and challenges that come with being a leader, the importance of your team and your advice to achieve success in business?
Being the leader brings with it some very peculiar challenges and most important one for us is complacency. The day we begin to think that we don't need to improve is one of the most difficult position one can find itself. Of course, we must ensure that we innovate and move ahead with time especially when it comes to use of technology. Ensuring that the team is able to constantly anticipate issues and proactively work towards upgrading our services is the key. In our line of business there is seldom a second chance.
How would you describe VFS as a company?
If I had to describe the culture of the company in two words, it would be entrepreneurial, and out-of-the-box! Serving a sovereign government is a sensitive matter and our ability to do this successfully year after year, while constantly coming up with fresh innovations, for 50 client governments, is the ultimate tribute to the zeal and commitment shown by our teams in overcoming the business pressures we face, on a daily basis. Its rapid growth in just 15 years is thanks to a leadership that leads from the front, and empowers its teams completely!
Lagos – The family of the abducted Lagos monarch, Chief Yushau Oseni, has said that an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom before his release on Saturday night.
The monarch's son, Prince Saheed Oseni, who confirmed the release, said that the first class traditional ruler returned to his palace “hale and hearty''.From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, suspected kidnappers of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oniba of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] paraded by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez
?Oseni said the family had decided not to disclose the amount paid as ransom but confirmed that the family paid to secure the release of the kidnapped royal father.
“We paid an undisclosed amount for his ransom which the family sourced without the involvement of the Lagos State Government?,'' he said.
?Oseni, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU) Chapter, said the traditional ruler returned through the waterways around Iba expressway.
According to my father, the kidnappers had put him in a canoe and asked him to paddle it to the other side of the river?, which he did.
“On getting to the other side of the road and confirming ?the location where he was from passerby, he discovered that he is on Iba expressway and that was how he found his way home,'' he said.
The prince said the family was grateful to God for the release and safe return of the traditional ruler.
Oseni said the family also thanked the Police and other security agencies for their efforts which led to his release.
He added that the king was in good health condition since his return home.
NAN reports that the74-year -old monarch, who celebrated his 40 years on the throne on Nov. 22, 2015, was abducted in his palace at Iba ?on July 16 at about 8 p.m.
Four days after the abduction, the kidnappers demanded for N500 million, which the family said they could not raise.
Gulani (Yobe) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Alhaji Zannah Bunu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the by-election for Gulani state constituency of Yobe.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Bagudu Nma, Information Officer of the commission in Damaturu.
It stated that Bunu polled 6,488 votes to beat Isa Babayaro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 1,623 votes.
The by-election was conducted on Saturday following the election of Alhaji Abdu Kukuwa to the House of Representatives to replace Khadija Abba Ibrahim who was appointed minister in the federal cabinet.
NAN also reports that APC still maintains a lead of 24 legislators against PDP’s one member in the state assembly.=
The civil aviation authorities of Ghana and Niger Republic have endorsed Air Peace's plan to spread its wings in foreign lands, saying the airline gives priority to safety and global best practice in its operations.Air Peace
In a related development, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Peace, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide has assured that the airline is ready to operate flights from Nigeria to Atlanta, China, Dubai, Ghana, Niger, Dakar, among other destinations, as part of its expansion drive.
Speaking during a two-day foreign air operator base inspection visit to Air Peace's facilities in Lagos, Head of Operations Department of Niger Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Bala Sani said the airline's safety standards, state-of- the-art equipment and structure qualified it for international flight operations.
Air Peace's aircraft, he said, are well maintained. Sani commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Chief Allen Onyema and his team for not compromising standards in the company's operations.
In its own assessment report, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it was satisfied with the operations of Air Peace.
The report signed by Mr. Samuel Benson, Capt. E. C. Dargbe and Dorothy Tackie, who inspected Air Peace's facilities, said GCAA's assessment of the airline was positive.
Meanwhile, speaking on the assessment of Air Peace, Mrs. Olajide confirmed that the airline is eager to operate international flights soon.
She assured that the chairman and management of Air Peace will continuously strive for excellence in all its operations and distinguish the reputable airline through quality service delivery. She stressed that Air Peace will not relent in its expansion plan, adding that the airline will strengthen the quality of its operations and facilities in keeping with its promise of assuring high level passenger safety.
The airline, she pledged, would continue to provide services that create superior value toits esteemed customers while ensuring that the comfort and safety of passengers are accorded top priority in Air Peace.
Northern Youth leaders from across the 19 northern states under the aegis of Northern Youths Leaders Assembly, NYLA, have commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his giant strides in tackling the insecurity challenges in the country.
The youth leaders who met in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, also welcomed the charge by the President to end every act of criminality like incessant herdsmen attack on helpless farmers across the region.
File: President Buhari interacts with troops of HQ 1 BDE in Dansadau Zamfara State as part of the 2016 Nigerian Army Day celebration on 13th July
The group in a communique at the end of the meeting hailed the Nigerian Army under General Tukur Buratai in particular for their professionalism and fearlessness to tackle all the hydra headed confusion created by disgruntled elements to stop Nigeria from moving to the promised land.
In the communique signed by Yakubu Danlami Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee and Secretary of Communique Drafting Committee, Kwuanu Terrence, the youth group also kicked against the call for amnesty to Niger Delta militants, describing it as a decoy plan for raising these hoodlums in the first place
The group therefore called for the arrest and prosecution of sponsors of the militants to serve as deterrent to others who are still in the business of raising armies against the state.
The youths said, if this is not adhered to, there is a tendency that militants may spring up the middle belt region as that section remains the only part of the country that have refused to carry arms or hold the Federal Government to hostage through any form of arms struggle.
They resolved amongst others to mobilize themselves to back President Buhari’s administration for doing well enough in critical areas like routing the Boko Haram terrorists from the north east and call for sustenance of the war by the Nigerian military to mop up the remnants of the rag-tag group that have refused to surrender.
According to the communique, the youth leaders agreed to inaugurate a special media task force to promote and project the image of the current administration against the backdrop of disgruntled and selfish politicians and their allies who are out to discredit the current administration.
The communique also said the youth leaders “have vowed to expose and where necessary take legal actions against such persons as the youths of northern Nigeria will no longer tolerate any act of sabotage against the current administration.”
It said all efforts for the reconstruction of the north east by the Federal Government should be supported by the Governors, stakeholders and the youths for rapid achievements and prudent use of resources allocated, while the call for amnesty for criminal elements in the Niger Delta should be discarded immediately.
It said the country can no longer sustain its existence on ambush by criminal elements who are always taking up arms and demanding for ransom either through direct cash transfer or bogus budgetary allocation to their domains under any pretext.
The communique read in part, “We salute Mr President and the Service Chiefs for turning the tide against all criminal elements who had planned to steal our humanities away from us through their devilish activities.
“We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the progress made in fighting corruption while urging him not to relent on account of unwarranted and jaundiced criticisms from persons that have been impacted by not having access to steal from the till.”
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, has appealed to those accusing him of being one of the sponsors of the dare-devil militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to leave him alone, urging the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government and security agencies to immediately investigate and arrest Cynthia Whyte, who purportedly circulated the report.
Olisa Metuh
Metuh in a statement on Sunday, said: “My attention has been drawn to a false and misleading report circulating in a section of the media, heinously listing my name as one of the sympathizers of the Niger-Delta Avengers.
“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to this given that I have since chosen to conduct my affairs with the decency and comportment of someone involved in a well-celebrated trial and with a severe spinal problem. I am also not unaware of the series of false reports against my person in the past few months. However, on this occasion I have chosen to respond, as this particularly borders on matters affecting national security.
“Indeed, I believe this is a wicked, cruel and devilish plot to link me with such activities and at this very time, especially as the claim is outrightly false.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I hereby state categorically that I do not have any relationship or association whatsoever either as a sympathizer or sponsor of any militant group, including the Avengers.
“I therefore find it very cruel that any person would in any manner whatsoever attempt to associate my name with anything to do with this group or its operations and I still wonder what the motive behind this sinister plot is.
“While I restate my decision not to be drawn into any controversy at this time, it is pertinent that I reiterate that my only preoccupation now remains matters concerning my health and extant court trial as I continue to conduct my affairs with dignity and single-mindedness.
“Finally, I call on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately investigate and arrest Cynthia Whyte, who purportedly circulated the report and ensure that they get to the root of this matter. This is a security issue and nobody should be allowed to play politics with it.”
The Kebbi and Katsina Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday joined Kano, Jigawa, and others to endorse Chief Raymond Dokpesi for National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of National Convention billed for August 17, in Port Harcourt, the River State capital.
Meanwhile, the former governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa state has vowed to mobilise leaders from the North West region to support Dokpesi at the convention. He stated this when he hosted Dokpesi and his campaign team at his home in Sokoto.
Bafarawa and Dokpesi
In a statement by the media team of Raymond Dokpesi Campaign Organisation, Dokpesi’s first endorsement came in Katsina after he met with delegates and party leaders at the party secretariat in Katsina.
While soliciting support, Dokpesi said if he becomes the next National Chairman, he would ensure that power remains in the North in 2019.
He however said the position would be opened to all the three zones in the North; promising level playing field for all.
A total of 117 delegates from Katsina are expected to vote at the convention in Port Harcourt; making it the largest contingent across the country.
The State Chairman, Salishu Magigari while welcoming the media mogul wasted no time endorsing him for deeming it necessary to visit.
He expressed confidence in Dokpesi’s quality; pointing out that his competence and ability to lift the party to greater height is not in doubt.
Dokpesi’s second endorsement was from his party in Kebbi State.
Dokpesi secured endorsement after pleading and begging for their votes.
“I’ve come to beg you. I’ve come to plead with you to please allow me to be chairman of our great party. I have no godfather. The delegates and the people are my godfather and godmother,” he said.
Dokpesi told the delegates that he depends greatly on their support; restating his earlier pledge to use the mandate freely given to him to ensure that power remains in the North in 2019.
He said the contest is about the survival of PDP and about making sure that Presidency stays in the North and returned to PDP in 2019.
He urged delegates to vote their conscience and pray they have the courage to vote for him.
“They will come with government money to deceive you. If you collect it; you would have betrayed the North.? ? “I pledge that if you make me the National Chairman of our party, I will ensure that the decision of the party zoning Presidency to the North is upheld”
“I’ll work with you; and I’ll stand by you to defend the mandate you freely give”, he said.
Responding, former Speaker Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hassan Mohammed Shalla assured Dokpesi maximum support.
“We all endorse your request. We don’t betray anybody here. We’re always sincere and frank. If we’re not in your support, you will not see us here”, he said.
Receiving Dokpesi and his encourage, State Chairman, Musa Ibrahim Danillela reaffirmed Dokpesi’s endorsement.
He however advised Dokpesi to avoid imposition and impunity when he becomes National Chairman.
Iam glad that Father Mbaka of the Catholic Church has finally seen the light and that he has denounced the Buhari regime.
This coming from a man that once supported the President vigorously, even when members of his own flock and faith were being slaughtered, marginalised and humiliated, is cheery news.
Yet there are still many more Church leaders that supported the Buhari government, that need to follow Mbaka's example and recant.
The great philosopher, writer and intellectual, Mr. Dante Alighieri, once said that "the hottest place in hell is reserved for those who maintain their neutrality at a time of moral crisis".
To add to this it was our very own Professor Wole Soyinka, the distinguished Nobel Laureate, that said "the man died in him who remained silent in the face of tyranny".
I have no doubt in my mind that this is the time to speak out because we are not only in a time of great moral crisis in our country but we are also facing persecution and wholesale tyranny.
I am making this contribution not out of fear for the plight of the Christendom in Nigeria because I know that, as the Holy Bible says, "the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church". It also says "He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps".
It follows that no matter what the enemies of the gospel throw our way, including one million President Buharis, at the end of the day we shall prevail.
I am making this contribution not out of fear or to divide our nation but rather in an attempt to inform the Nigerian people and the world about what is really going on in President Buhari's Nigeria.
What many fail to appreciate is that the Church and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ was built and spread by the blood and the bones of the Christian martyrs.
It follows that the more you persecute, jail and kill Christians and the more you subject them to terror, shame, insensitivity and humiliation, the more the Church grows.
Where the so-called "great" Christian leaders with the mega-Churches have chosen to either side with the enemy or remain silent when confronted with the tyrrany of the state, the Lord will raise other voices to stand up for and speak for His people.
An example is Pastor Bright Bayo Oladeji, who is a journalist by profession and a Baptist preacher by calling. On August 2, 2016, he wrote the following on his Facebook page:
"Where are the Christians who sold the Church? The Islamic agenda is being perfected. Professor Ishaq Oloyede, a prominent Islamic leader who said he was not aware Christians are being attacked and killed, is now to head JAMB replacing Prof Ojerinde, a Baptist.
"Four Muslims were not replaced but left to continue. Out of the 17 offices, 9 new replacement are Muslims and 4 retained are Muslims. 13 out of 17 are now Muslims. NUC, Muslim. JAMB, Muslim. TETCOM, Muslim.
"Where are our Christian leaders? Where are those telling us Professor Yemi Osinbajo would stand for the Church being a pastor?
"Do they involve him in all these lopsided appointments in favour of the North and Muslims or not? Do we have Christians among the APC leaders? Does Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman of the ruling party, really belong to the Catholic Church?
"The fact that Buhari released these appointments the same day that a newspaper published an editorial titled, "Buhari's parochial appointments," (this is a paper that endorsed his candidacy), is a dirty slap on the nation.
"To say the least, it is corruption with impunity. Many are afraid to speak out and are being intimidated by security operatives. Have we become second class citizens in our own country?"
Pastor Bayo, as insightful and courageous as ever, has asked a pertinent question.
Sadly, the answer to that question is "YES": Since Buhari came to power, Christians have become second class citizens in Nigeria. We warned our people but they wouldn't listen.
Nigerians said they wanted "change" and now they must live with it. Every Christian that supported President Buhari and the APC, including some of the most prominent Church leaders, should bow their heads in shame.
As long as this continues, we will not remain silent and neither shall we be intimidated. No matter how hard they try, Nigeria will NEVER be Islamised and neither will our Christian faith be rubbished.
When Christians are treated with respect and dignity and when they are honored in the land, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When Yoruba Muslims are allowed to lead their northern counter-parts in prayer in the mosque, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When the secularity of the Nigerian state is reiterated and confirmed, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When southerners are regarded as being on the same level as northerners in the affairs of our nation, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When the murderous herdsmen and militias are finally diasarmed and when they stop slaughtering our people with impunity and without any fear of retribution from the state, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When Christians are no longer murdered in cold blood in some parts of the North simply for exercising their faith whilst the govetnment turns a blind eye, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When Christians leaders are no longer subjected to insults and brutal assault by over- zealous security agents simply for praying and reading the Holy Bible, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When the Igbo people are not treated as pariah citizens and when their children are no longer shot in the streets like stray dogs simply because, as a people, they have their own dreams and aspirations and simply because they are protesting against the manifest injustice that they have been subjected to in the land, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When Middle Belters and the northern minorities are allowed to carve out their own identity and when they are freed from the intimidation, harassment, hegemony, genocide, cultural imperialism and slavery of the core Muslim North, then we will know that true change has come.
Until then, the change that the Buhari administration has offered and served to the Nigerian people is nothing but fake.
Five members of the militant gang who carried out the recent abduction of Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Goriola Oseni, have been arrested by operatives of Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response team, IRT.
Vanguard gathered that the suspects, who were apprehended within Iba and Iyan-Ipaja areas of Lagos, were picked up few hours before and after the Oba was released from captive around 7:30pm last Saturday, by the IRT operatives who were deployed to Lagos State by the Acting Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris to assist the Lagos State Police Command.
From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, suspected kidnappers of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oniba of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] paraded by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.Sources at the Lagos State Police Command also disclosed to Vanguard that Oba Oseni who was released after a ransom of N12million was allegedly paid to the militants, whose camp is located within the Ijegemo creek in Isheri area of Lagos State.
Vanguard learnt on Sunday, that the leader of the militant gang known as Duba Furejo, AKA, General Duba, a native of Arogbo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, was arrested 5: pm on Saturday, by operatives of the IRT led by CSP Abba Kyari, at Iyana-School area of Iba, while trying to flee to his home town in Ondo State.
His deputy, Ododomu Isaiah, was equally apprehended 6am on Sunday, in a bus park at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos, while attempting to board a bus going to Ondo State.
They were said to have confessed during interrogation to have taken part in the abduction of the Oba and several others recently and they also led the IRT operatives in arresting three informants who were residents of Iba Town that gave them information about the Oba and their other victims.
General Duba, was also said to have confessed that he has 20 foot soldiers in his camp but eight of them took part in the abduction of the Oba, adding that he got N1million from the N12million paid as ransom for the release of the Oba, while he received another N600,000 as his share from a N3.1million which was paid as ransom before an Igbo trader residing in Iba was released.
His deputy, was also said to have gotten N800,000 as his share on the Oba's ransom and N400,000 from the Igbo trader's ransom.
They also confessed that they gave N800,000 to the informant who gave them information about the Oba's movements.
It was gathered that the militant camp was thrown into confusion when news of the arrest of General Duba filtered in.
They were said to have contemplated using the Oba a a bait to free their leader but one of them resisted and asked that the Oba be released.
It will be recalled that the 73 year old monarch was abducted by gunmen on Saturday, July 16, 2016, killing at least three persons including, Palace Security Guide, 72 year old, Sunday Okonlanwo.
The Oba's wife, fondly called Iya Jelilat, who also sustained gunshot during the encounter was discharged from the hospital.
The kidnappers subsequently, contacted the family and demanded for N500 Million ransom for the release of the kidnapped monarch.
ABUJA-As against the public outcry trailing the concessionary foreign exchange (Forex) rate of N197 to $1 granted to the intending Muslims pilgrims for 2016 Hajj operations, the Presidency has risen in defence of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the situation was unfounded.
The presidency also stated that Buhari has not at any time shown religious predilection to Muslims as against the Christian pilgrims.President Buhari commissions Road Projects in Wanke Zamfara State
Recalling that Christians pilgrims enjoyed a concessionary rate of N160 to $1 in 2015, the seat of power said that the current criticisms were mischievous attempts to discredit the president.
The presidency reaction was conveyed through the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in an exclusive chat with Vanguard.
Shehu who revealed that Muslims and Christians alike had always gotten the same and equal treatment from the government in every pilgrimage explained that the Hajj Commission never asked for concession and was never given any.
He pointed out that what the Commission requested was to be given Forex at the prevailing exchange rate which was N197 to $1 at the time of the appeal.
He said: “The Hajj Commission did not ask for concessionary rate and was not given a concessionary rate. They asked to be given Forex at the prevailing exchange rate and at that time, it was N197 to $1 and they entered into contract with intending pilgrims that they will pay at the given rate. So, no wrong had been done. People are just being mischievous by dwelling on this thing.
“It is not also true that the president is favoring Muslims. Every year in this country, Muslims and Christians have always paid the same rate. This also applied to Christians when they got their rate at N160 as CBN has explained.
“There was no concession given to Muslim pilgrims. They didn’t ask for concession and they were not given any. They asked for the prevailing exchange rate and approval was given on the basis of that.”
Shehu’s position was however a response to inquiries made by Vanguard prompted by exclusive spotting of a letter from the Hajj Commission to President Buhari.
Captained “Request for official exchange rate for 2016 Hajj transactions” with reference number NAHCON/AU/16/Vol.XXVI/907, the letter dated March 18, 2016 was routed through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF.
It made a specific request of concessionary rate “at the prevailing official exchange rate of N197 to $1 for the 2016 Hajj dollar related components.
“I have the honor to write on the above matter. Sir, you may recall that during 2015 Hajj, Government granted approval of N160 to $1 for dollar related component of Hajj transactions based on the Commission’s request.
“In view of the current global economic realities and need to take off the financial burden of providing concessionary rates on the government, the Commission had sensitized stakeholders and States Boards at two different meetings held on the 11th January and 10th of March, 2016 over the challenges of enjoying consessionary exchange rates for Hajj transactions which was all agreed that it is unrealistic at this material time.
“Therefore, the Commission is considerably sensitive to limit its request to Government for the use of prevailing official exchange rate of N197 to $1 for the 2016 Hajj dollar related components.
“Sir, if our request meets Mr. President’s kind consideration and approval, the Commission shall compute the 2016 Hajj fares accordingly without financial implication to the Government on subsidy support or concession on the foreign exchange as was the practice.
“Mr. President is kindly requested to approve the use of the prevailing official exchange rate to N197 to $1 to be used for all dollar related component of 2016 Hajj”, the letter signed by one Barr. Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammad read.
Hundreds of returnees displaced by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in some communities in Yobe have returned to their farmlands a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria finds.
A NAN correspondent who visited Goniri, Katarko, Gotula and Ngurbuwa villages reports that many of the returnees, who left their settlements almost three years ago, have massively re-engaged in farming activities.
Malam Umar Usman, a resident of Nguburwa, told NAN that they returned to their farms after relocating to their communities.
“Agriculture is our mainstay and we were denied of farming activities by the Boko Haram insurgents following the capture of our communities and displacement of our people.
“We are now back and re-engaged in agricultural production,'' he said.
Another farmer, Bukar Kolo, said himself and other farmers were taking advantage of the rainy season to till their farmlands.
“We are taking advantage of the cropping season to improve our lives,” he said.
Musa Garba and Kakami Baba of Katarko and Goniri villages respectively, lauded the state government and humanitarian organizations for providing them with farm inputs.
Alhaji Musa Jidawa, the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said the agency in collaboration with Victims Support Fund (VSF) had launched a N135-million agricultural empowerment programme for 2,000 households in two villages.
Jidawa said the two villages were, Gujba and Gulani Local Government Areas.
He said that the empowerment programme also provided improved seeds, fertilizer, herbicides and cash assistance to returnees in Buni-Yadi and Gulani to encourage agricultural production.
He said that Yobe government also distributed bags of rice, millet and sorghum to the people to support their resettlement process.
Some of the returnees commended the efforts of the state government and humanitarian organizations for providing them with farm inputs.
They said that farming was their major trade and they have taken the advantage of the season to improve their livelihoods.
English FA Cup champion, Manchester United defeated English Premier League champion, Leicester City 2-1 on Sunday, to clinch a record 21 Community Shield title.
Manchester United’s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (up) beats Leicester City’s English defender Wes Morgan (down) to head in their second goal during the FA Community Shield football match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium in London on August 7, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK /
United got the first goal 31 minutes into the game after a Wayne Rooney free-kick was headed clear by Wes Morgan.
The Red Devils number 10 picked the ball up again 35 yards out, tapped it to Lingard who went on a run, took the ball past King and Drinkwater, nutmegged Morgan before slamming a low shot into the net.
England international, Jamie Vardy, who grabbed a 24-goal haul in the EPL last season, continued his scoring form when he stepped in at the 52nd minute to secure an equaliser for the Foxes after a howler by Fellaini.
At the 83rd minute United new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores on his competitive debut for the Reds. The big Swede restored United's lead after climbing above Morgan to nod an Antonio Valencia cross into the bottom corner.
Today's match was United's 30th appearance in the Community Shield. They've won the trophy on 21 times, a record figure (17 outright wins and four shared titles).
United have won the Community Shield in six of their last six appearances (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2016).
Chelsea midfielder and Captain of the Nigerian Under-23 male football team, Mikel Obi, has set his eyes on Gold in the ongoing Rio Olympics.
Mikel expressed this optimism on Sunday, as the Dream Team VI is set to take on Sweden today, by 11pm in the Group B second match.
Obi, who led the Dream Team VI to defeat Japan 5-4, in the opening game on Friday, in a tweet via his Twitter handle, @mikel_john_obi said a win against Sweden tonight will take the Dream Team closer to Gold.
By Emma Amaize WARRI- NIGER-Delta activist and Itsekiri leader, Chief Ayiri Emami, Sunday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the 22 alleged sponsors, members and sympathizers of the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, revealed on Saturday evening by a splinter faction, Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, RNDA.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, stalwart in Delta state, in a statement, said: "The revelation by the splinter group of Niger Delta Avengers about the sponsors of Niger Delta Avengers has vindicated my earlier position that some corrupt politicians running away from justice are the brains behind the criminal group."
"Nigerians should not take the report by Saharareporters with a pinch of salt and President Muhammadu Buhari should ensure that the fresh revelation is properly investigated with a view to bringing all those behind the economic and political sabotage to book.
"I say so emphatically because these failed and corrupt politicians are determined to bring down the economy of Nigeria and rubbish the President Buhari’s administration before gullible Nigerians," he said.
Chief Emami cautioned government not to allow any of them escape justice in the name of negotiations,
However, former President Goodluck Jonathan named as the grand patron of the Niger Delta Avengers has denied the allegation.
Meanwhile, the Adaka Boro Avengers, ADA, which recently dumped its brag to declare a Republic of Niger Delta, on Sunday, said that President Buhari was not ready for dialogue and ordered oil companies to stop further repairs of pipelines and vandalized oil installations in their own interest.
The group in a statement by its spokesperson, self-styled General Edmos Ayayeibo, said government was merely playing pranks and asked the oil companies to stay off the region until the federal government makes a pronouncement on dialogue.
On the threat by Boko Haram to kill Christians and burn churches, the militant group said: "We are also sending this message to those Northerners, who want to burn and kill Christians in North in the name Islam religion to commence immediately, but one Niger Delta soul will be exchanged for 100 Northern souls."
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday said his administration has the capacity and will to fight all forms of crime and criminality, saying that it would not relent in its efforts until criminal elements have no hiding place in the State.From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, some of the Suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] parading by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, Yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez
The Governor who addressed journalists on the safe rescue of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni, said in the last few weeks, there had been a coordinated onslaught by security agencies in the State against vandals and kidnappers, under the code name 'Operation Awatse', adding that the operation would continue until their activities are completely stamped out.
The Governor, who spoke through the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said that the kidnap of an Oba in Yorubaland was a sacrilege and a complete desecration of the cultural values of the Yoruba race, which according to him, must not go unpunished.
He said, "The arrest of these suspects is a clear warning to criminal elements that we value and cherish our Yoruba tradition and will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it is protected from violation by those who have desecrated our values".
The Governor also commended the police and other security agencies for their all-round efforts in securing the release of the Oba and effecting the arrests of two of the suspected kidnappers, saying the Oba has since returned safely to his palace.
"We are also pleased to announce that two of the kidnappers have been arrested and are here for everybody to see. The kidnappers are also prime suspects in the murder of two persons killed during the kidnap and they will face the full wrath of the law," the Governor said.
He urged the public to continue to be vigilant and take advantage of the State's emergency numbers 112 and 767 to alert security agencies of any suspicious actions in their areas, assuring that the State Government would continue to support security agencies to ensure that Lagosians remain safe and secure.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said the sustained pressure and hot chaise given to the kidnappers led to the rescue of the Monarch.
While responding to inquiries as to whether ransom was paid, Owoseni said: “We have always reiterated that it is not about whether ransom was paid or not. If it is about ransom, suspect will not be arrested and what I will say is that the pressure by the Lagos Command and the Special Response Team of the Inspector General of Police from Abuja, the combined efforts and pressure paid off and the most important thing is that Kabiyesi is in his palace.”
The CP added that the monarch was hale and hearty as at the time of his rescue, saying that he met personally with the monarch and debriefed him on his state of health.
Besides, Owoseni debunked insinuation that the State Government abandoned the monarch to his fate during the period of the ordeal.
He said: “As to whether the State Government did something or not, if you are seeing suspects being paraded, the security agencies are apparatus of government and that is to say that the government has worked very hard in order to get Kabiyesi liberated.
“What we want to do is to also thank and appreciate the calmness and the understanding of the family who in the process of getting Kabiyesi out of the hands of the kidnappers have been very cooperative with us in order for us to get Kabiyesi out hale and hearty.
“No matter the amount of money that is put to fund security, the United States has all it takes, France has all it takes but till tomorrow, you are still hearing of people being killed in Malls or whatever.
“In France, some people went to church to go and kill a priest, so there is no society that you can completely eradicate crime. But for you to know, the logistics and wherewithal that the government has given all the security agencies in the State also contributed to the arrest that has been made.
“All I want to say is that criminals should also know that whatever has been done, they will not go unpunished. As of now, investigation is still on and you can be assured that all the people that took part in that operation will be arrested and they will face the full wrath of the law. We will not reveal much so as not to jeopardize ongoing investigation,” the CP said.
While being interviewed by journalists, the two arrested suspects said nine people were involved in the operation that led to the kidnap of the monarch.
The two suspects – Isaiah Ododomu and Toba Forejo said they were involved in illegal oil bunkering but were stopped from the business due to the renewed efforts of government against them, adding that they were arrested on Saturday at Iyana School in Lagos.
Narrating how the attack was carried out, Isaiah said: “I was involved in illegal bunkering. As this government stopped bunkering, our leaders arranged another group and this mission of the new group was to start kidnapping and use it to manage ourselves since we can’t do oil bunkering again. I am a married man, I don’t have any job to do. We used to do security for those main guys and anytime they make about N500, 000 they will give us like N20,000."
A former minister of Education and Vice President of the World Bank, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and an erstwhile INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Mike Igini, have been selected among others, by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), to assess Ghana’s preparation for the forthcoming general elections.
Also on the list is United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Jihnnie Carson.
Others are IRI’s Country Director for Tanzania, Robina Namusisi, who was former Country Director for Nigeria, and Chris Fomunyoh, NDI’s Regional Director for Africa.
An army officer, eight soldiers and two air force men were killed, yesterday, when suspected armed bandits and gun runners opened fire on them as they went on a search and recovery operation in three communities in Niger State. Read more here
Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers.
Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers.Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers.Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers.Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers."The suspected gun runners and armed bandits also burnt down four operational vehicles of the Nigerian army and vandalized two others.
From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, some of the Suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] parading by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, Yesterday. Photo: Bunmi AzeezFrom left: Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Commissioner of Police, Brig-Gen. Sanni Moahmmed, Commander 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Mr. Olukule Ojo, Chief of Staff to Governor Ambode and Commodore, Abraham Adaji, Commander Nigeria Navy Ship Becroft Apapa, at press briefing on the suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] at Lagos House, Ikeja Photo: Bunmi Azeez
![From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, suspected kidnappers of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oniba of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] paraded by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez](http://www.vanguardngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ambode-Parade-Kidnapper-of-Oba-Goriola-Oseni-Oni-of-Iba-in-Lagos-5.jpg)
– another win will take us closer to Gold 
![From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, some of the Suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] parading by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, Yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez](http://d19lga30codh7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ambode-Parade-Kidnapper-of-Oba-Goriola-Oseni-Oni-of-Iba-in-Lagos-5.jpg)
![From left: Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Antony-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Commissioner of Police, Brig-Gen. Sanni Moahmmed, Commander 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Mr. Olukule Ojo, Chief of Staff to Governor Ambode and Commodore, Abraham Adaji, Commander Nigeria Navy Ship Becroft Apapa, at press briefing on the suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] at Lagos House, Ikeja Photo: Bunmi Azeez](http://d19lga30codh7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ambode-Parade-Kidnapper-of-Oba-Goriola-Oseni-Oni-of-Iba-in-Lagos-7.jpg)
