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
A terrorist group al-wilayat al-Islamiyya Gharb Afriqiyyah has threaten Wreak havoc by bombing the Univeristy of Ibadan (UI) before October 1st.
According to reports from social media.
Also there were reports that the group in letter through as WhatsApp, e-mail to all staff of the school threatened to carryout ceaseless bombings of the institution.
Part of the letter says "Most of you are going to die before Independence day. You will not spend the independence day in peace, you and your students. University of Ibadan
Detonation will start from tomorrow till independence day and there is nothing you can do as we are among you.
Even your little searches at the gate won't do anything. By the time we are through with you, your government will be sorry."
‘You people are an embarrassment to Nigeria and are the people that brought in western education to Nigeria.
You doomed this nation and in turn you all are going to be doomed",
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said 30 political parties had submitted names of their candidates for the Nov. 26 governorship election in Ondo state.
The commission's Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang, disclosed this in an interview with journalists.
Dazang said that all the parties met the Thursday deadline for the submission of names of the candidate as specified by the Electoral Act.
He said that the names of the candidates could not be announced until the date specified by the Electoral Act, as they were still subject to change.
"As at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 30 political parties have submitted the list of their candidates for the Ondo governorship election.
"The parties can also substitute these names between now and Oct. 27, that is one month to the election when we will publish the final list.
"At that point when the list is published, they cannot withdraw or substitute any longer,'' he explained.
Dazang also said the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff's faction submitted names of candidates for the election.
He said that the commission was yet to decide on which of the two candidates, Mr Eyitayo Jegede or Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, that was acceptable to it.
Jegede emerged from the primary election organized National Caretaker Committee, while Ibrahim is the candidate of the Sheriff-led faction.
The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Saturday said residents of the north east can now sleep with their two eyes closed as a result of the gallantry of the Nigerian military which has degraded the Boko Haram insurgents in the region.
Army
The journalists also lauded the Chief Of Army Staff, lt Gen Tukur Buratai for his leadership skills which has restored glory to the Nigerian army, while also commending the military for robust relationship with the media.
The NUJ president while speaking at a parley between the COAS and the Media, said, Nigerians are proud of the army for restoring pride to the nation through their gallantry.
He said, “We are proud of our Nigerian Army, which is second to none in the world.”
He particularly commended the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and particularly saluted the efforts of the Chief of Army Staff for his courageous and dedicated war against terrorism in Nigeria.
He appreciated the Nigerian Army for the robust relationship with members of the fourth estate and lauded the Military Operation in the north east.
According to him, he was out in the city of Maiduguri till midnight where the beautiful serenity suggested that Boko Haram had never existed before. He drew comparison from his other visits to Maiduguri during his campaign to head journalists all over the country and was forced to retire to bed at barely 6pm.
In his remarks earlier, chairman of the FCT chapter of the NUJ, Comrade Abechi Paul Ella,said Nigeria has witnessed many profesional exploits in the fight against terrorism, his reign has brought about a humbling of the once dreaded BoKo Haram terrorists that once ravaged the Nigerian State.
He stressed on the need for a partnership between the Nigerian Army and journalists in the successes recorded against Boko Haram so far.
The Chapter applauded the Nigerian Army as an institution that has continued to do us proud in international operations and the record under Buratai is superlative
The council chairman in his remark said the council believes that an interaction like this today is very important in taking the war against terrorists to an enviable heights where Nigerians the world over would be proud of what the Nigerian Army has achieved in the last few months in turning the tide against the terrorists
In his response, the COAS promised a better working relationship in the development of the country and particularly called on the media to leverage on the popular slogan that security is everyone’s business, General Buratai said the war on terrorism has recorded enormous success like the President and the Chairman have properly captured in their speeches.
He decried the negative use of the media by some powerful and selfish individuals to rubbish the good intentions of the government and some actors who are doing their best to help move the nation forward.
He said the media should not allow paid detractors to seize their platforms to achieve selfish gains rather continue to rededicate themselves to national development through factual reporting that Nigerian journalists were known for in the past.
Newly commissioned Abiodun Jagun Street as part of the 114 Local Government Roads in Ojodu Local Council Development Area by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturday, September 24, 2016.Newly commissioned Abiodun Jagun Street as part of the 114 Local Government Roads in Ojodu Local Council Development Area by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Saturday, September 24, 2016.Representative of Lagos State Governor & member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (middle), flanked by member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Olusegun Olulade (right) and Sole Administrator, Ojodu LCDA, Hon. Stella Kokumo (left) during the handing over of Abiodun Jagun Street as part of the 114 Local Government Roads in Ojodu Local Council Development Area, on Saturday, September 24, 2016.Sole Administrator, Ojodu LCDA, Hon. Stella Kokumo; Representative of Lagos State Governor & member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke; Alaguda of Aguda, Oba Hakeem Agbaosi with other Chieftains during the handing over of Abiodun Jagun Street as part of the 114 Local Government Roads in Ojodu Local Council Development Area, on Saturday, September 24, 2016.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday said the State has witnessed significant influx of investors and visitors in recent times, saying it was largely due to the aggressive upgrade of infrastructure, especially road construction and rehabilitation.
Governor Ambode, who spoke in Somolu Local Government at the climax of the inauguration of 114 roads constructed across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), said each infrastructure provided has further improved the status of Lagos, both locally and internationally.
The Governor who was represented at the commissioning of two of the 114 roads-Okesuna and Anifowoshe roads, in Somolu LG by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Folarin Coker ,said from provision of security apparatus, roads, 'Light Up Lagos' project and other infrastructure has further improved the confidence of tourists and investors in the State.
According to him, "Construction of 114 roads not only gives access, but further boosts the State's economy, social welfare, creates employment and provides other benefits within the state."
In Isolo LCDA, Governor Ambode inaugurated Panada/Lafenwa Road, off Mushin Road, in a ceremony attended by the Oba of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Lagos State, Chief Henry Oladele Ajomole, party chieftains.
The Governor, who was represented by the APC South West Women Leader, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, said that the construction of the roads across the 57 Councils has made the Lagos economy the most viable in the country assuring that no effort would be spared to make life more comfortable for residents.
Earlier in her welcome address, Sole Administrator of the Council, Hon. Abimbola Osikoya, thanked the governor for the promise kept in the construction of the road, noting that the road had been unmotorable and would no doubt improve the economical pursuit of the residents of the area, especially because of its proximity to the popular Aswani Market.
At the inauguration of Olorunfunmi Street in Oworonsoki and Okeowo-Somorin Street in Ifako-Gbagada, both in Kosofe LG, the Governor said the selection of 89 local contractors to execute the project was a deliberate strategy to empower the people and stimulate the local economy.
The Governor was represented by a member of the House, Hon. Bayo Oshinowo.
A House of Representatives member, representing Ikeja Constituency, Hon. James Faleke lauded Governor Ambode's effort at turning around the face of Lagos.
Faleke who spoke at the commissioning of Abiodun Jagun Street and Ishola Bello Street, both in Ojodu LCDA, where he represented the Governor.Ongoing construction of Iyana Oworo Bus Stop, Oworosonki, Lagos, inspected by Governor Ambode at the weekend.
"We cannot help but commend the efforts of our astute governor in this state. Governor Ambode has demonstrated that he is a man who thinks outside the box. He has been able to make judicious use of funds even in these very trying times," Faleke said.
In Ikeja Local Government, Governor Ambode who inaugurated Onilekere Street, where he was represented by Iyaloja- General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, said Lagosians should expect nothing but a better and safer Lagos in the next three years.
During the commissioning of the road in Olu Akerele Street, also in Ikeja LG, former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji lauded Governor Ambode's administration for taking the dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
At Apapa LG, Governor Ambode through the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Ade Akinsanya and a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa Constituency 1, Hon Mojisola Lawal, commissioned 648 meters North Avenue Road and 227meters Caulcrick Road.
In his address, Sola Administrator of Apapa Local Government, Mr. Tunde Alao, commended Governor Ambode for the initiative to engage indigenous contractors, describing it as wise economic decision especially in the face of the dwindling rate of Naira against the dollar.
Governor Ambode also inaugurated Jinadu Street and Folawiyo Bankole Street in Itire-Ikate LCDA and was represented by Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi.
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Nasarawa state chapter, has advised Nigerians to avoid self-medication and seek medical examination before taking drugs.
Mr Agada Vincent-Agada, the state chairman of the association, gave the advice on Saturday in Keffi at an event to mark the 2016 World Pharmacists Day with the theme, "Pharmacists care for you."
The World Pharmacists Day is held on Sept 25 each year to create public awareness and engage in activities that promote and consolidate the profession's role in the society
Vincent-Agada said that the call had become imperative considering the negative effects of self medication on human health and to societal development.
He said: "the role of the pharmacists in the society cannot be over emphasised.
"Right from the points of manufacturing, handling to administration of medicine to the last point, needed to be handled by trained professionals in the pharmaceutical industry.
"That is why as key players in the health sector, there is the need for us to create awareness on the need for Nigerians to avoid self medication and seek medical examination before taking drugs.
"We condemn the attitude of those who cultivate the habit of taking drugs indiscriminately without medical examination.''
Vincent-Agada called on Nasarawa state government to establish Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the state owned University, Keffi to bridge the gap in accessing good and quality healthcare services in the state.
Also speaking, Dr Luka Samuel, Head, Clinical Unit, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, called on pharmacists to adhere strictly to the ethics of their profession.
He urged them to be of good behaviour at all the time in order to improve on the health status of patients.
Earlier, Dr Luka Samuel, Director and Head of department Pharmaceutical service, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, said that the role of the pharmacist in the society is indispensable.
He called on policy makers and other stakeholders in the health sector to formulate policies that would ensure effective healthcare service for the people.
The Chairman of Eleganza Group of Companies, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Okoya, has appealed to the Federal Government to build more technical institutions to reduce dependence on white collar jobs.
Okoya, who made the appeal at the 2016 Ileya Dance which held at the Island club, Lagos, said such institutions would encourage home-grown businesses and help tackle the current recession.
"We have a lot of universities already, which is a good thing, but we need more technical institutions because this is where the practicality of things are taught.
"When a person is equipped with the technical know-how of a profession, that person can confidently start up his or her own business.
"The present state of the economy of the country is affecting everybody, even I as an industrialist, I am affected seriously,'' he said.
Okoya prayed for God's guidance in tackling the present recession.
He also promised to continue to support the development of the club.
Mr Oladipo Opeseyi, the Chairman of Island Club, said members of the Boko Haram sect were not Muslims.
"They are not knowledgeable in Islamic teachings and are totally misguided bigots whose desire is personal aggrandisement even if they unwittingly in the process turn a peaceful religion into eruptive violence.
"They do not have enough humanity in them to appreciate that you do not kill to convert but that you convert the living and not the dead,'' he said.
Opeseyi also expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of Muslim faithful who performed the Hajj.
Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in Kogi, unveiled the peacock emblem of the club and also inaugurated the Garden Bar
President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with ace photographer, media entrepreneur and author, Sunmi Smart-Cole, who will be celebrating his 75th birthday on Sunday.
The president's congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.
Buhari, in the statement, commended the versatile and multi-talented artiste for the beauty, glamour and depth he brought into the chronicling of Nigerian history through hard work and perseverance, starting out early as a photo-journalist.
According to the president, Smart-Cole's place in Nigeria's history is assured as early in his career" he was a story teller but later as he progressed he became part of the story with his signature creative and innovative style."
" Looking into his background as a barber, jazz drummer, environmentalist and a multiple award winning photographer, Smart-Cole succeeded in almost all his endeavours because of his passion, integrity and commitment to making life better for others through his art,'' he said.
The president urged younger photographers and mentees to also emulate Smart-Cole's life style of magnanimity and contentment in addition to learning his art.
As one of the pacesetters of professional photography in the country, the president prayed that God would grant the media entrepreneur " longer life, good health and more inspiration to serve his country.''
No fewer than 1,000 pilgrims from Sokoto State have been transported back to Nigeria through the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in the state.
Alhaji Faruk Umar, the Public Relations Officer in the Sokoto State Muslim Welfare Agency, made this known to reporters in Sokoto on Saturday.
He said that the pilgrims were transported in two flights by Max Airline.
Umar commended the pilgrims for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the screening carried out by Customs and Immigration officials.
Recall that pilgrims from the Sokoto State were the first to be airlifted in the country to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj on Aug. 8.
Jose Mourinho insists Wayne Rooney can still be a key figure for Manchester United despite dropping the England striker for Saturday’s 4-1 win against Leicester.
Mourinho left Rooney on the bench after a series of underwhelming performances from the United captain and he wasn’t missed as the Premier League champions were crushed at Old Trafford.
Juan Mata, who stepped into Rooney’s number 10 role, was among the scorers, but United manager Mourinho is adamant his axed star remains an important member of the team and is not sulking about the decision to leave him out.
“Wayne Rooney is a big player for me, United and this country. He is my man, I trust him completely. He is happy,” Mourinho told Sky Sports after Rooney was limited to a seven-minute substitute appearance at the end of the second half.
After United were beaten in their previous two league games, Mourinho couldn’t afford his Rooney gamble to backfire and he delighted with the way his team blitzed Leicester with a four-goal first half.
“It was a very good performance and result. It is not easy against them and not easy to win in the style that we did,” Mourinho said.
“Today we had intensity, movement and dynamism. To be back home and beat the champions is good. Last season we couldn’t beat them and this season we have beaten them twice already.
“We have lost six points in the Premier League. We have four victories which is really important.
“Today it is about the security and the happiness of the fans, I don’t know when the last time that they had such a scoreline at half time.”
Manchester United dismantled Premier League champions Leicester in a ruthless 20-minute burst as Jose Mourinho’s decision to drop Wayne Rooney was rewarded with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Leicester imploded defensively as United racked up four goals between the 22nd and 42nd minutes.
It was a stylish display from a United side who had entered the game under pressure after losing their last two league games, against Manchester City and Watford, with Chris Smalling opening the scoring after replacing Rooney as captain.
Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, with his first United goal following his world record £89 million ($115 million, 102 million euros) arrival from Juventus, were also on target after England captain Rooney was dropped to the substitutes’ bench.
But it was a chastening afternoon for Leicester despite an improved second-half display and a brilliant consolation goal from half-time substitute Demarai Gray.
It was the second successive Premier League away game in which Leicester had shipped four goals after doing so at Liverpool two weeks ago.
Leicester held their own early on with Robert Huth lashing a shot just over but it was United who edged in front in the 22nd minute after some neat play wide on the left had forced a corner.
It was delivered by Daley Blind and Smalling escaped the United defence to power home a header from six yards.
Rashford should have doubled United’s lead moments later when Leicester squandered possession and Zlatan Ibrahimovic galloped forwards and squared for the teenager.
But Rashford’s first touch was heavy and his shot flew over.
Ibrahimovic then went close to a goal after collecting a fabulous pass by Pogba, but the Swede’s effort on the turn just cleared the bar.
Next it was Pogba’s turn to let fly with an outrageous effort from 30 yards that bent towards the top corner but was forced away by Leicester goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler.
United finally added a second goal as they turned on the style eight minutes before half-time.
Ander Herrera started the move with a fine ball to Mata before a clever pass by Pogba and a fine flick by Jesse Lingard allowed Mata to blast past Zieler.
And the third goal arrived just two minutes later as Leicester handed a chance to Rashford which the youngster snapped up.
The visitors were caught napping as Blind took a quick corner and Mata was free to square for an unmarked Rashford to finish from close range.
– Double change –
It was 4-0 before half-time as another corner by Blind was headed in by Pogba as he leapt above Christian Fuchs.
Leicester made a double change at half-time with key duo Vardy and Riyad Mahrez withdrawn ahead of the Champions League meeting with FC Porto on Tuesday.
And they almost had some joy when David De Gea dived at the feet of Islam Slimani but gifted possession back to the visitors with a poor throw.
Fuchs wasted the chance, however, with a poor cross.
And at the other end Mata tried to add his second goal with a firm shot that Zieler parried well.
It was one of the half-time substitutes who salvaged a modicum of respectability for Leicester with a goal of real quality on the hour-mark.
Gray collected a crossfield pass from Daniel Amartey and cut inside Lingard before lashing a brilliant shot past a helpless De Gea from 25 yards.
But United were soon back on the attack as Zieler made a smart save from Ibrahimovic.
Two more Leicester substitutes combined for what should have been a second goal but Andy King produced a tame shot from a Jeff Schlupp cross and De Gea saved easily.
Gray then went within a whisker of replicating his stunning goal with an almost identical effort which De Gea scrambled back to push over the bar.
It is a psunami and i am glad-Obaseki By SIMON EBEGBULEM
BENIN CITY – AHEAD the Wednesday governorship election in Edo state, over ten thousand members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), United Progressives Party (UPP) and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, have endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Godwin Obaseki.
Speaking at the defection, the PDP Youth Chairman of Egor local government Area, Mr Lambart Omoregie who lamented that his defection was long overdue said, "I have been in darkness and I have seen the light. And it is my strong believe that Obaseki is a better candidate to Ize-Iyamu so we all are supporting him".
Meanwhile, the running mate to Obaseki Philip Shaibu and over five thousand APC members embarked on a sweep away PDP exercise in Edo Edo North senatorial district Friday asserting that the PDP will not get up to 10 per cent votes from the district. Obaseki Also, the ADC state chairman, Hon Frank Osifo who lead all the members of the party to the APC described said, "Today is historical for the APC. We are here to effect the change across the state. After going through the profile of all the candidates, we have come to realise that Mr Godwin Obaseki has been prepared to govern Edo.
"A man that is knowledgeable, a man that knows the problem of the people, a man that has the people's interest at heart and has the prerequisites to be governor. It is based on these that we have come to join the APC to develop the state". He added.
The Labour Party Treasurer, Mr Fred Uwangue who lead leaders of the party into the APC said, the development in the state is crucial especially as what the party stands for is progress.
According to him, "All my leaders here have been in the Labour Party from the inception. What we used to see in Edo is lucky stone and they made every area in this state turn 'Morocco and Spain'. People that couldn't tar the road leading to their houses and villages, it was Oshiomhole that did it for them.
Responding, the APC candidate Mr Godwin Obaseki described the defection as an earthquake in the politics of the state saying "I now believe that Edo people know what democracy in Nigeria is all about. I have not seen where people will leave their parties with their candidate to another party but I have seen it today.
"Today's politics has gone passed talking, what we have now is technological politics and we have show to the people of Edo state that government can actually work. So I want to thank all of you who have decided to join us; it is the right decision and remember to vote for the APC on the 28 September".
Niger Delta Avengers on Saturday said it had carried out another attack in the Niger Delta after halting hostilities in August for talks with the government.
The militants, who said they attacked the Bonny crude export line on Friday night, have in previous months launched assaults which have cut crude production, which was 2.1 million barrels per day at the start of the year, by around a third.
According to a statement on the group’s website it said it “brought down oil production activities at the Bonny 48 inches crude oil export line” through its “strike team”.
”On the 23rd September 2016, our strike team at 20:40PM hours time has brought down oil productions activities at the Bonny 48 inches crude oil Export Line. This action is a signature to the over dramatization of the so-called dialogue and negotiation process on the side of President Muhammadu Buhari and his government.
Since, the cessation of hostilities and the commitment of the PAN Niger Delta Elders and stakeholders team, the Nigerian government and her agents are turning the expectations of the Niger Delta to shameful scenes obtainable in Nollywood acts and as well intimidations, blackmails and continuous profiling of Niger Delta sons and daughters. This is only a wake up call; we may not have other way to say it better.
We are still in favour of the dialogue and negotiations but we are warning against ” the peace of our time! We want the peace with honour". We will resist all actions undermining the ceasefire from side of the government and it security agents/ agencies.
The world is watching, time is running against the Nigerian state; while we were promised that the concerns of Niger Delta will be addresses once a truce is declared, the activities of the government and her agents are not assuring enough, there has been no progress and no breakthrough.
We cannot be continuously fooled, the government cannot justify the indiscriminate targeting of Niger Delta youths while glorifying on these victimization of law abiding citizens of the region
When people talk about West Ham United’s tradition of “cultured football” they are usually referring to the the London club’s great players, who include the 1966 England World Cup-winning trio of Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst.
But the phrase will take on a different meaning with a performance that has seen the West Ham Foundation and professional dancers team up with dozens of fans and refugees, all aged between five and 80, to create a new contemporary dance work.
‘Home Turf’ is an hour-long show being premiered on Saturday at London’s Sadler’s Wells theatre exploring “the highs and lows of football”.
While some see the arts and sport as being at the opposite ends of a spectrum, for composer Murray Gold they have plenty in common.
“For me, sport and drama is very much the same thing,” the 47-year-old, who grew up watching football in his native Portsmouth on England’s south coast, told AFP in an interview before a dress rehearsal.
“When I watch a football match, it’s the most dramatic kind of drama when you don’t know even how anything’s going to end.
“If you watched Manchester City play Bournemouth a couple weekends ago, Manchester City under (manager) Pep Guardiola looked like a ballet team.
“The movements were so precise, the choreography was perfect.”
– ‘Unifying’ –
For Gold, best known for his work on several British television series including Doctor Who, working with a mixed-ability cast of differing ages has been an intriguing experience.
“What I love is that one minute you can have on the stage this group who is clearly amazing and technically brilliant.
“And then the next minute you have for example 25 men and women who are in their 70s, who are not as agile as the young dancers but there is something about the participation and seeing them on stage which is very moving, very touching,” Gold said.
The performance doesn’t shy away from some of football’s darker issues such as hooliganism.
West Ham’s move to their new home at the London Stadium has been overshadowed by crowd control problems which saw some supporters brawling with visiting Watford fans and even with each other during a recent defeat.
“Every club has at some stage had some problem with hooliganism,” said Gold. “I find football very unifying.
“I can go anywhere in the world and talk about football to most strangers.”
While performing on a stage is nothing new for the members of the National Youth Dance Company in the cast, it certainly was for Saadia Abdullah, a 21-year-old refugee from Eritrea now living in London.
“It is my first time on the stage, I’m a little bit nervous,” she said.
“When you start dancing as child it’s easier. For us now it’s harder, but it’s never too late to be a dancer.”
The Nigerian Army said it had freed over two million women, children and adult males held captive by members of the Boko Haram sect in the North-East since President Muhammadu Buhari came to power.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai
The army said the feat was achieved after series of coordinated attacks and operations conducted against the terrorists.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, represented by the Chief of Civil Military, Maj.-Gen. Peter John Bojie, stated this in Abuja during a conference organised by Bassey Etuk Williams, President of Coalition of Civil Society Groups, a Non-Governmental Organisation, in commemoration of the United Nations World Peace Day, with the theme: "Civil society, media and military synergy in the sustainability of peace and generation of objective narratives."
According to him, such achievements would not have been recorded without the support of the Federal Government.
The COAS said the political will, clear directives of President Buhari and supports by all the tiers of government were responsible for the morale boost witnessed in the military.
Buratai said, "All symbols of government authorities and infrastructure were sacked and destroyed respectively. The situation was so bad that the entity called Nigeria was seriously threatened. Over four million people were displaced and most of them sought sanctuary in Maiduguri up till July 2015.
Lagos – The Police in Lagos State, have arrested a man, who claimed to be a trader, for allegedly raping his 15 year-old daughter and administering drugs on her to prevent pregnancy.
The spokesperson of the state Police Command, SP Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the arrest on Saturday.
Badmos said that the Gender Unit of the command was investigating the suspect, Uchena Elumadu for a case of defilement.
She said that a neighbour, who resides at Martins Street, new Oko Oba, Agege Lagos, reported the case to the police.
She said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had on different occasions, raped the JSS 3 student who is his daughter.
The police image maker said that Elumadu usually administer drugs to prevent his victim from getting pregnant after having intercourse with her.
"The victim said that her father, on countless occasions wakes her up in the middle of the night to rape her, mostly when her mother is on night duty.
"The mother is a casual worker in one of the outfits attached to airport.
"On the night of Sept. 19, the mother discovered the suspect having intercourse with the victim and raised the alarm and one of their neighbours reported the case to the police," Badmos said.
She said the victim had been admitted at the Police Cottage Hospital, Ikeja Police College, where she is receiving treatment in partnership with Mirabel Centre LASUTH.
The spokesperson said that medical examination was being carried out on the victim.
Badmos said the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni, had directed that the father, who admitted raping his daughter on three occasions be charged to court.
"The commissioner has vowed that the command will no longer tolerate cases relating to domestic and sexual abuse in the state," she said.
The first batch of 499 pilgrims from Kano state, have returned home after performing the 2016 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the pilgrims, on board a Max Airline Boeing 747 aircraft, landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport around 2 a.m. on Saturday.
The pilgrims, who, were in good health, were later transported in buses from the airport to the Hajj camp.
Alhaji Nuhu Badamasi, Public Relations Officer, Kano state Pilgrims Welfare Board, told NAN in a telephone interview, that the second batch of pilgrims from the state were expected to leave Mecca around 4 p.m. for Jeddah.
"The second batch of our pilgrims will leave Mecca for Jeddah around 4 p.m. Saudi Arabian time where they will be screened for their transportation to Nigeria", he said.
Badamasi said the board had made adequate arrangement to ensure that transportation of the pilgrims back home was hitch-free, adding that no pilgrim would be given preference.
"It is agreed that no pilgrim will be given preference during the return airlift.
"Those (pilgrims) who came with the first flight will return in the first flight," he said, adding that transportation of pilgrims from the state to Nigeria would last for two weeks.
NAN reports that a total of 5, 808 pilgrims from Kano state performed the 2016 Hajj.
AC Milan’s M’Baye Niang says he has no regrets about not moving to Leicester, but says he is sure to fulfil his dream of playing in England’s Premier League on day.
After two loan spells at Montpellier and Genoa Niang is now a regular starter for the Italian giants and endeared himself further to Rossoneri fans when he hit the third goal in a 3-0 derby defeat of city rivals Inter last January.
It came shortly after Milan rejected an offer from Leicester, the second of his career having come close to joining either Arsenal or Everton while at French side Caen.
Niang said he would one day move to England, but not if it is to sit on the substitutes bench.
“Caen had already accepted offers from Arsenal and Everton,” he said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport Saturday.
“Then in January my agent called to tell me Leicester wanted me. But Milan said no.”
Former Rossoneri coach Sinisa Mihajlovic tried to convince Niang to stay with the pledge he would score in the upcoming city derby.
Niang was good to Mihajlovic’s word and the Frenchman is now considered their second striker behind Colombian Carlos Bacca, who has hit five league goals in five games.
But Niang added: “I could have played in the Premier League already and hopefully one day I will: it’s my dream to play there because it’s suited to my kind of game.
“Even after Leicester won the title I still risked being (Jamie) Vardy’s deputy: there’s loads of money in the English game, they pay 20m for you then maybe you sit on the bench.”
Milan, who are away to Fiorentina on Sunday, sit sixth in Serie A three points behind leaders Juventus.
Five CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals facts ahead of second legs this weekend:
— TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated 2009 title-holders Stade Malien of Mali 1-0 at home and 2-1 away in a previous semi-finals appearance three years ago.
— Etoile Sahel of Tunisia featured in a semi-final of the second-tier competition for the first time last year and edged Zamalek of Egypt in a dramatic tie after winning 5-1 at home and losing 3-0 away.
— The three clubs held at home in the first leg of a Confederation Cup semi-final — Bayelsa United of Nigeria, ENPPI of Egypt and CA Bizertin of Tunisia — all finished overall losers.
— FUS Rabat took an unusual route to success six years ago in a previous semi-finals appearance, defeating Al Ittihad 2-1 in Libya and losing 1-0 in Morocco to qualify on away goals.
— First-time semi-finalists Mouloudia Bejaia are hoping to emulate the only other Algerian qualifiers for the penultimate stage, Entente Setif, who eliminated Bayelsa 2-1 on aggregate to reach the 2009 decider.
