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By VERA ANYAGAFU & PRISCA SAM-DURU At a forum organised by the Nigerian community in China to address the thriving illicit trade on drugs and its effects on not just China-Nigeria bilateral relationship, but also on Nigerians living and doing business in China, the President, Good Governance Initiative (GGI), Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, while saying 85 per cent of Nigerians believe that China exerts positive influence on the social and economic development in Nigeria, explained that China and Nigeria, as partners, are not deserving of any bad image the growing malaise of drug trafficking may rob on both nations' integrity.
In this interview, Festus, who also disclosed that whereas Nigerians transactions in Guangdong Province alone in China are in the region of $5,000,000 a day, Nigerians continue to suffer the worst form of stereotyping in China and many other countries abroad in addition to being placed on various diplomatic restrictions.
How do you describe China-Nigeria bilateral relations?
Both countries are committed to realising a long lasting bilateral relationship and, as the Nigeria-China cooperation continues to grow, there are over 50 Chinese official development finance projects identified in Nigeria which cut across rail, power and telecommunications within the last 10 years. But the underlying fact which Nigerians in China have failed to grasp is that Nigerian immigrants in China should have been the direct recipients of these benefits of trade development and mutual cooperation.
China looks up to Nigeria as a model of trade and economic development to boost its cooperation with Africa. At present, there over 2,000 registered Chinese businesses and companies in Nigeria alone and China seeks, avenues of mutual person-to-person cooperation between its nationals, business owners and Nigerian citizens.
Festus Mbisiogu
Why are Nigerians placed on diplomatic restrictions in China?
Today, because of the involvement of some Nigerian citizens in drug trafficking in China and other places, we cannot truly say that the consummate benefits of this relationship are robbing off on all of us. Rather we are being profiled on daily basis and denied some privileges which ordinarily should come with our residing in this country.
It is knowledge in the public domain that because of this involvement in drugs, by some miscreants, all of us are paying a heavy price for it. Like our people say, when one finger is dipped in the red oil, it will automatically affect all the other fingers even when they do not want to be rubbed with oil. However due to our abusive tendencies to law and order we are on a daily basis denied these benefits and are instead placed on diplomatic restrictions.
Would you say it is partly the reason Nigerians are denied resident permit and/or visa extension?
In Guangdong Province, Nigerians are no longer given resident permit. There is also no visa extension. Nigerians who are married and residing in China are not given resident permit. That is why many of us do not have our families here with us. Our citizens who come here to study cannot get resident permit and are not allowed to work unlike the citizens of other countries. There is no doubt that illicit drugs and trafficking undermine state authority and the rule of law by fuelling corruption, compromising elections, and hurting the legitimate economy and significant impact on the livelihood and quality of life, particularly the poor, our women and children including all of us here, because one way or the other, we are involved.
What can the Nigerian authority in China do in this regard?
I plead with the Nigerian embassy in China to find every means to look into the affairs of the many Nigerian citizens present here. The community gathering, known as "Nigerian Union", is vey paramount. We are a communal people and China recognizes the impact of our community gathering, as it aids control and management of the numerous Nigerian immigrants resident or transacting businesses across China. Our embassy authorities should help in creating a platform of legality in the leadership of the Nigerian community. This I believe will aid all our efforts to harness the activities of many Nigerian citizens who are here in China for different purposes. Although, the embassy may not be able to follow the activities of every Nigerian, a legal platform of the Nigeria Union in countries of abode can combat some of the excesses of a few robbing us the immense benefits of our cooperation with host countries.
What advice do you have for fellow Diaspora Nigerians?
We should all rise and say no to drugs because drugs and crime undermine development by eroding social and human capital. The direct impact of victimization, discrimination, image problem as well as fear of crime impedes the socio-economic development of all. It leads to restriction of movements as already highlighted by the position of Chinese authorities on some of us here in China. It also impedes access to possible employment and educational opportunities, and it discourages the accumulation of assets.
Nigerian citizens used to be the most favourite of China's selection of Africans to partner with in business and other mutual relationship but these unlawful behaviors robbed the average Nigerian immigrant and businessman in China that privilege.
The negative effects of illicit drug trafficking and unlawful behaviors go beyond the shores of China. I can't remember any former drug dealer who is at peace with the proceeds made from drug trafficking whether for himself, children and family; therefore why should you continue to plot your own ruin in life? We all must rise to say no to drugs. Nigerians must rise to say no to drugs. Let me emphasize here that religion has become a part of our cultural values, and, since it plays a major influence on how we value life, I urge religious leaders to help discourage the temptation but encourage true blessings when we work hard, pray and trust God. As much as we are foreigners in China and have come here with the sole intent to succeed and take wealth home, the issue of clash of interest and partisan politics among Nigerian citizens, whom I believe all have genuine intentions to help to organize their fellow brothers and sisters, should not be viewed in the negative but to be encouraged to take a formal approach with due respect to the laws of the land.
Accra – Ghana's new President Nana Akufo-Addo pledged to cut taxes to boost the economy at his swearing in ceremony on Saturday, whilst also promising to protect the public purse by getting value for money on services.
Akufo-Addo, 72, defeated incumbent John Dramani Mahama in peaceful elections a month ago, a rare peaceful transfer of power in a region plagued by political crises.
The major cocoa and gold exporter is half-way through a three-year aid programme with the International Monetary Fund to fix an economy dogged by high public debt and inflation.Akufo-Addo
It is not clear how the new president will cut taxes and still stick to an IMF austerity plan that was a condition of a 918 million dollars bailout.
"We will reduce taxes to recover the momentum of our economy," said Akufo-Addo, wrapped in a traditional kaleidoscopic "kente" robe.
"Ghana is open for business again."
At the venue for the inauguration in Black Star Square, thousands of Ghanaians also draped in traditional kente garments clapped. Outside the perimeters, revellers drummed and danced.
Akufo-Addo suggested government money would be spent wisely.
"I shall protect the public purse by insisting on value for money," he said.
"Public service is just that: service, and is not to be seen as an opportunity for making money."
Ghana expects growth will return to above eight per cent in 2017 as new oil and gas fields from Tullow and ENI come on tap.
Akufo-Addo served as foreign minister and attorney general in the NPP government that ruled between 2001 and 2009.
He twice previously lost close battles for the presidency. He is the son of a former chief justice and non-executive president of Ghana.
During his campaign, he had accused the Mahama administration of corruption and incompetence, charges the outgoing president denied.
Mahama attended the ceremony.
It was also attended by dozens of African leaders and other international dignitaries, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Chadian President Idris Deby, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and former UN chief Kofi Annan.
Ghanaians are proud of having a stable democracy and acutely aware that it is a rarity in turbulent region.
Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party also won a majority of 169 seats in Parliament while the former ruling National Democratic Congress now has 106 seats.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the government and people of the state will stand with the six policemen illegally dismissed by the Police High Command for political reasons because they committed no crime known to law.
The governor noted that the government and people of Rivers State will pursue the matter through laid down legal processes to its logical conclusion.
He spoke on Saturday in Ahoada East Local Government Area during the defection of Former APC Chieftain and Former Ahoada East Local Government Chairman, Mr Cassidy Ikegbidi.
He said: “They gave me policemen for my protection, but before I knew it, they have dismissed them. They think they are punishing them , but Rivers State will stand with them forever.
“By the time we finish, they will realise that they have favoured the so-called dismissed policemen. In Rivers State, we don’t abandon people. No amount of intimidation, will make me abandon these innocent policemen “.
Governor Wike added: ” The Policemen committed no offence. Simply because they followed their boss, they said they should be dismissed.
Rivers State Governor , Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (r) receiving APC Chieftain and Former Ahoada East Local Government Chairman, Mr Cassidy Ikegbidi into PDP on Saturday at Ahoada East.
“They want to discourage policemen from protecting me. For me, I am not worried. I am a village man and a grassroots politician. Before you kill me, you would have killed so many people “.
He said that Rivers PDP is on ground in the state because it delivers projects to the people .
The governor noted that Rivers people will continue to protect their votes despite the evil machinations of the APC.
“Nobody will intimidate me to change my mind. If you like bug my phone. As far as I will never plan coup, I will never be afraid. A man with the people will never beg those who are bent on intimidating us.
“The blood pressure of APC leaders is extremely high. I will continue to make their blood pressure grow higher. From now on, I have changed my name from high tension to Mr Project. ”
He pledged to execute three key projects in Ahoada East Local Government Area and also rehabilitate Western Ahoada County High School.
He commended the former Ahoada East Local Government Chairman for defecting to PDP, pointing out that the people will continue to witness Government presence.
In his remarks, Former APC Chieftain and Former Ahoada East Local Government Chairman, Mr Cassidy Ikegbidi said he and his supporters defected because of the development strides of the governor.
Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah assured all the defecting APC leaders that they will be integrated into the PDP structure.
Highpoint of the event was the hand over of the PDP logo to Mr Cassidy Ikegbidi.
A gunman wounded an official from the US consulate in Mexico’s western city of Guadalajara when he opened fire on his car in broad daylight, officials said Saturday.
The consulate posted a video on Facebook showing the shooter, dressed in blue, waiting outside a parking garage, raising his gun and firing at the car on Friday.
“According to the medical report, he is in stable condition,” the Mexican attorney general’s office said in a statement while the FBI offered a $20,000 reward for information about the shooter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "an influence campaign" in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election with the goal of undermining the democratic process and denigrating Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, a new, declassified intelligence report said on Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump agree to improve relations of both countries
"We further assess Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump," the report said.
"We also assess Putin and the Russian Government aspired to help President-elect Trump's election chances when possible by discrediting Secretary Clinton and publicly contrasting her unfavourably to him," it said.
According to CNN, The campaign — which consisted of hacking Democratic groups and individuals, including Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, and releasing that information via third-party websites, including WikiLeaks — amounted to what the intelligence report called "a significant escalation" in longtime Russian efforts to undermine "the US-led liberal democratic order."
The report was the first official, full and public accounting by the US intelligence community of its assessment of Russian cyberhacking activities during the 2016 campaign and the motivations behind that hacking.
"Russia's goals were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency," the report said.
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari over the commencement of the payment of N5000 by the Federal Government to Nigerians living below poverty line.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, CESJET Executive Director, Joyce Adamu said the implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme is a further testament that President Muhammadu Buhari is a leader who keeps his promises having similarly began the N-Power project that is paying N30,000 monthly to enrolled graduates as well as the home-grown school feeding programme.
According to her, the various empowerment programmes introduced by the President Buhari-led administration is the best way to end radicalization of youths by extremists groups.
Adamu also appealed to the President to issue a directive that the anti-fraud component of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme and the other initiatives are scaled up to check abuses.
According to her, it is unprecedented that 10,173 households are benefitting from this intervention that would make a difference in their quest to improve their standard of living.
She said, “The programme is a confirmation that the administration is committed to safeguarding the interest of the vulnerable in the society."
“As we salute this feat by Mr President, we see meaningful interventions like these by the federal government as going a long way to de-radicalize youths who fall pray to the wicked hands of terrorists and extremists who usually come from other parts of the world to indoctrinate them into ways that are alien to our culture and tradition as a people.”
Speaking further, Adamu said, “Our view is that these programmes are too vital to the populace to be allowed to collapse owing to the capacity of corruption to derail them."
“We count it fortunate that the National Identity Number, BVN and other identity data bases are assets that can and must be deployed to ensure that the bloodsucking demons that had stolen even from pension funds using multiple or ghost accounts are not allowed to repeat their trickery with these laudable programmes.”
She urged Nigerians to engage in self policing and to be whistle blowers to expose officials or individuals that attempt to steal from the poor under any guise as any money stolen from the programme would amount to snatching food from the mouth of hungry children and condemning them to starvation.
“Law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies must treat any fraud uncovered around the conditional cash transfer programme as heinous crimes that must be prosecuted to conclusion,” she said.
Mrs Mariel Rae-Omoh, the acting Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), says she will professionalise the corporation in order to maximise its potential.
Rae-Omoh, who made this known at her maiden interaction with the staff on Saturday in Abuja, promised to unite stakeholders as well as develop a template for the organisation.
She pledged to place staff members in positions where their professional strength and abilities would maximally be utilised to achieve the corporation's mandate.
"I am very familiar with the terrain and I know where the shoe pinches the Nigerian tourism industry and the corporation; so we must move from where it is to where it ought to be.
"By the grace of God and with the cooperation of the staff, and stakeholders in the industry, I will explore my expertise in the industry to propel the expected development in the industry,'' the acting director-general assured.
She said that drawing from her membership of the Institute for Tourism Professionals; she appreciated the importance of periodic meetings with the stakeholders in the industry in developing the sector.
"Hence I will ensure synergy between my administration and the stakeholders, through constant dialogue.
"I therefore call for unity among the staff because we can only record greater achievements and move the corporation forward, if we are united in the pursuit of our goals."
While commending the immediate past administration of Sir Boniface Eboka for the remarkable achievements in the short period he served, Rae-Omoh disclosed that her administration would build projects for the corporation.
Responding on behalf of the workers, Mr Martins Ohiemi, the Chairman, Almagamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) of the corporation, thanked the acting director-general for the forum.
"We thank and commend the Ag DG who is a very versatile lady, a professional, and a seasoned administrator to bring her wealth of experience to bear.
"And as a union we pledge our total support for this new administration,'' the labour leader declared.
Mr Pretty Okafor, President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has said that the economic recession facing the nation since 2016 did not stop its entertainment industry from thriving, adding that "In the whole of Africa, only Nigerian Artistes fly Private Jets around.”
He stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Okafor, in a retrospective look into 2016, noted that while other sectors of the nation's economy were grappling with the realities of the recession, the music and motion pictures industry was 'doing well'.
*Wizkid shortly after acquiring the Porsche
"The entertainment industry is the only sector that recession did not affect, and will never affect.
"While other sectors were retrenching workers in the past year and finding it difficult to pay workers salaries, the entertainment industry was employing people.
"Artistes and everyone in the industry were busy working, going for concerts, producing movies and music all over the place.
"We were shooting movies and distributing our albums all over Africa and beyond," he asserted.
The PMAN boss explained that the Nigerian brand and artistes, in the last year, gained both local and global acceptance and relevant than ever before.
He added that besides the artistes, producers, promoters and others involved in other ancillary services within the industry reaped increased income during the year.
"Everybody who is creative and hard-working chunked out albums, and within the year, thousands of music and movie albums were produced.
"Presently, there is no other African Artistes that collect the fee Nigerian artistes collect per show.
"They collect from 100,000 to 150, 000 dollars for a single performance wherever they go all over the world.
"In the whole of Africa, it is only Nigerian Artistes that fly Private Jet around, it has never happened in Africa," he noted.
According to Okafor, the Nigerian brand of entertainment is now competing effectively on the global stage.
"In the whole of Africa, it is only Nigerian Artistes that fly Private Jet around, it has never happened in Africa," he noted. According to Okafor, the Nigerian brand of entertainment is now competing effectively on the global stage.
This he said has attracted a lot of foreign investors and promoters, and thereby added to the nation's foreign exchange.
He noted that many dance steps that were originated by Nigerian artistes have gained popularity around the world.
"In many media stations abroad, Nigerian music earn not less than 75% air- time, that tells you that our brand has global market.
"If you visit many night clubs in the U.S, Jamaica and other countries, Nigerian music is played.
"In Aruba Island and the Trinidad and Tobago, they collect tax from their citizens for buying Nigerian movies and music albums.
"So other countries are making money from what we produce, and we can't even appreciate what is it has to offer back at home."
Okafor, therefore, called on relevant stakeholders and Government at all levels to focus on exploring the potentials the industry has to offer, especially as the nation advocates economic diversification.
According to him, if given adequate attention, the entertainment industry is the only viable sector that can bail the country out of its recession in no distant time.
"The era of sole reliance on oil is gone, and the earlier Nigeria realises this, the better it will be for its citizens.
"The entertainment industry does not need intensive capital and long period to yield return on investment.
"Government just needs to demonstrate a strong political will in providing the necessary regulations and enabling environment.
"We are not telling them to give us loan, but they should provide a strong system that provides adequate management and protection for the creative rights of Nigerians, "he urged.
He said since the Nigerian entertainment industry is globally acclaimed as the third largest in the world and the best in Africa, there was need to harness its potentials.
He noted that the U.S and other developed economies in the world were maximising the opportunities their creative industries had to offer.
"The entertainment industry is a major contributor to American GDP and that of other countries that have no oil.
"The income California generates, as the entertainment hub in the U.S, can run America.
"There is money in production, branding, promotion and marketing, and an investor can venture into any of these areas, "he urged.
The PMAN President extolled Nigerian music artistes who won major awards in Africa and those who got signed into international labels in the last year.
He expressed optimism that Nigerian artistes would receive nominations and pick a trophy at the prestigious Grammy Awards in 2017.
NAN recalls that in 2016, many Nigerian artistes made major breakthroughs within and beyond the African continent.
In Oct, Nigerian singers Wizkid and Yemi Alade,won the 'African Artiste of the Year' and the 'Best Female Artiste' respectively at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) in South Africa.
Also at the maiden edition of the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival held in Lagos,the duo were also named 'African Artiste of the Year' and the 'Best Female Artiste' respectively.
Nigeria young ace 'Mr Falz' was named 'Best New Artiste', while Tekno's Video 'PANA', directed by Clarence Peters won the 'Video of the Year' award.
Nigeria topped the award list, with 11 awards won by different artistes.
In the past year also, Nigerian female singer Tiwa Savage signed a management deal with American entertainment company, Roc Nation, while the ace singer Davido signed a record deal with Sony Music Entertainment.
Many Nigeria singers also embarked on music tours to Europe, America, Australia and the Caribbean
President Buhari attends Inauguration ceremony of President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana at the Black Star Square Ghana on 7th Jan 2017
President Buhari congratulating President of Ghana H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo as he attends his Inauguration ceremony at the Black Star Square Ghana on 7th Jan 2017
The Redeemed Christians Church of God,RCCG, has refuted the reports that the General Overseer of the church has resigned.
The church in a press statement signed by Leke Adeboye, on Saturday said that Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye remains the General Overseer of Redeemed Christians Church of God Worldwide.
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye remains the General Overseer, Worldwide of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG.
Leke Adeboye, the clergyman’s last son and Personal Assistant said the clarification is coming on the heels of misrepresentation of Pastor E. A Adeboye’s announcement at the Annual Ministers Thanksgiving held at the redemption camp today that the Church Nigeria is now to be led by Pastor Joseph Obayemi.
Pastor E.A. Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God and Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye at the RCCG 2016 Holy Ghost Congress. Photos: Lamidi Bamidele.The statement clarified that the latest development is sequel to the new legal requirements set up by the Financial Regulations Council, guiding all registered churches, mosques, and CSOs.
The regulation stipulates that heads of non profit organisations like churches now have a maximum period of twenty years to lead their organizations while in retirement, they are not permitted to hand over to their families.
Leke Adeboye also reiterated that Pastor Funsho Odesola, will now serve as the new Church Secretary while Pastor Joseph Adeyokunu, is the new Church Treasurer.
He advised all members of RCCG to understand this new structure and go about their service to God and humanity in holiness and soul winning.
He also appealed to members to educate people around them and not spread inaccurate information stressing that Pastor E.A Adeboye remains the General Overseer of RCCG Worldwide.
The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Bayelsa chapter on Saturday, said it would produce no fewer than 180, 000 tonnes of rice from Ayamasa and Ofoni communities in the state annually.
The Chairman of RIFAN, Mr Ezekiel Ogbianko, stated this in Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa, that the association had acquired 10, 000 hectares of land in the areas.
Ayamasa, Ekeremor Local Government Area and Ofoni are known as Agrarian communities in Bayelsa, especially in fish farming and other crops like corn, okro, among others.
"Yes, we have got the land; 5, 000 hectares each from the two communities. making it 10, 000 hectares.
"They have also given us the Power of Attorney to enable us cultivate the lands.
"The communities have agreed to partner with us in ensuring that the project is achievable.
"We have concluded plans to flag-off the plantation. The project will last for 50 years and I believe it will impact positively on the communities.
"From the two lands, we are targeting about 180, 000 tonnes of rice annually, because we will be having three crop seasons in a year," Ogbianko said.
A Chief in Ofoni Community, Mr Stephen Ovayebewho, who prayed for a successful rice farming season, described the project as a welcome development.
Ovayebewho tasked the youth on peaceful conduct to enable the project succeed as well as to drive more meaningful developments for the people.
Mr Orieware Enikenemo, a Youth, who is the Chief Security in Ayamasa Community, said they were ready to embrace the development and pledged he would work hard to mobilise the youth.
"All of us here, small, young or old are mainly farmers because this is what we have been doing, especially fish farming. Now, agriculture has been modernised, so, we are saying yes to the project.
Ghana's new President Nana Akufo-Addo pledged to cut taxes to boost the economy at his swearing in ceremony on Saturday, whilst also promising to protect the public purse by getting value for money on services.
Akufo-Addo, 72, defeated incumbent John Dramani Mahama in peaceful elections a month ago, a rare peaceful transfer of power in a region plagued by political crises.
The major cocoa and gold exporter is half-way through a three-year aid programme with the International Monetary Fund to fix an economy dogged by high public debt and inflation.
It is not clear how the new president will cut taxes and still stick to an IMF austerity plan that was a condition of a 918 million dollars bailout.
"We will reduce taxes to recover the momentum of our economy," said Akufo-Addo, wrapped in a traditional kaleidoscopic "kente" robe.
Nana Akufo-Addo
"Ghana is open for business again."
At the venue for the inauguration in Black Star Square, thousands of Ghanaians also draped in traditional kente garments clapped. Outside the perimeters, revellers drummed and danced.
Akufo-Addo suggested government money would be spent wisely.
"I shall protect the public purse by insisting on value for money," he said.
"Public service is just that: service, and is not to be seen as an opportunity for making money."
Ghana expects growth will return to above eight per cent in 2017 as new oil and gas fields from Tullow and ENI come on tap.
Akufo-Addo served as foreign minister and attorney general in the NPP government that ruled between 2001 and 2009.
He twice previously lost close battles for the presidency. He is the son of a former chief justice and non-executive president of Ghana.
During his campaign, he had accused the Mahama administration of corruption and incompetence, charges the outgoing president denied.
Mahama attended the ceremony.
It was also attended by dozens of African leaders and other international dignitaries, including President Muhammadu Buhari, Chadian President Idris Deby, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and former UN chief Kofi Annan.
Ghanaians are proud of having a stable democracy and acutely aware that it is a rarity in turbulent region.
Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party also won a majority of 169 seats in Parliament while the former ruling National Democratic Congress now has 106 seats.
Cristiano Ronaldo paraded his fourth Ballon d’Or and powered home his first goal of 2017 as Real Madrid equalled Barcelona’s Spanish record 39-game unbeaten run with a 5-0 demolition of lowly Granada on Saturday.
The Portuguese was honoured by previous Ballon d’Or winners to have played for Madrid including Luis Figo, Ronaldo, Michael Owen and his coach Zinedine Zidane before kick-off.
And Real’s relentless run stretching back to April last year continued once the action got underway as they scored four in the opening half-hour.
Isco and Karim Benzema slotted home from close range before Ronaldo, who had been rested for Real’s 3-0 Copa del Rey win over Sevilla in midweek, bulleted home a header from Marcelo’s cross.
Another simple finish from Isco made it four before the break and Casemiro turned home James Rodriguez’s free-kick for the fifth after half-time.
Defeat leaves Granada firmly rooted in the relegation zone with just nine points from 17 games.
Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo poses with his four Ballon d’Or France Football trophies before the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs Granada FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 7, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
At the top, Barca can close back to within three points of the leaders with victory at Villarreal on Sunday.
Zidane insisted on Friday that he is keen to keep Ronaldo fresh with Real facing a heavily congested fixture list between now and the end of the season.
The Frenchman made four changes from the side that saw off Sevilla with ease in midweek with Keylor Navas returning in goal and all of Ronaldo, Benzema and Isco coming in up front.
Once again Zidane was vindicated as all three of the frontline scored in a rapid start.
The hosts got a break for the opener as Isco could have been penalised for a trip on Sergi Samper before he exchanged passes with Benzema and slotted low past Guillermo Ochoa.
Madrid were also fortunate for the second as Benzema appeared offside when he prodded into an empty net after Ochoa tamely parried Luka Modric’s shot into his path.
Real captain for the day Marcelo marked the 10-year anniversary since his debut with a pinpoint cross from which Ronaldo powered home his 17th goal of the season.
And with the Granada defence once again pulled apart by Madrid’s movement, Modric’s low cross found an unmarked Isco for a simple finish at the back post for his second of the afternoon.
Madrid understandably eased off in the second half with the possibility of another 19 games to come in the next two months as Toni Kroos, Isco and Marcelo were replaced to hand them some extra rest.
However, the European champions did net a fifth just before the hour mark when Casemiro was left unmarked to bundle home substitute James Rodriguez’s free-kick at the back post.a
No fewer than 10 crocodiles escaped from a zoo in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat since floods hit the area recently, local media reported on Saturday.
The report noted tha the Deputy Mayor of the province, Manas Pongyeelar said that all the reptiles, deer and rare bird species had escaped from Thai Lad Zoo that housed over 10 crocodiles, some measuring up to five meters long.
Authorities said crocodiles were swimming through rising flood waters and warned the locals to take special caution.
They added that municipal workers had tried to locate the animals in order to keep them away from populated areas, but the rising water level made the task complicated.
Torrential rain and flooding continued to ravage 10 provinces in the south, affecting no fewer than 700,000 people and disrupting transport, including flights.
The Interior Ministry said that so far, 12 people had died in the floods.
The Presidential Committee for North East Initiative (PCNI) has developed a framework of action which it tagged as the "Buhari Plan'' to ensure the rehabilitation of the victims of insurgency and the reconstruction of their communities.
Mr Mohammed Danjuma, Head of Programme, Management and Coordination, of the committee disclosed during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday, in Abuja.
Danjuma said that the journey toward the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Northeast and its recovery efforts in 2017 required effective coordination with PCNI piloting the agenda.
He explained that the humanitarian crises has been heightened following the liberation of more people from Boko Haram held territories leaving many of them in dire need of humanitarian and psychological assistance.
Danjuma said the multiple humanitarian actors on the field, who are operating in silos, had also led to duplication of efforts which was further worsened by the lack of coordination.
These, he said, have led to lack accountability and transparency.
Buhari
He said this was prompted the committee to adopt the Buhari plan, which is optimised to direct and guide the delivery of all North-east intervention initiatives.
"The Buhari plan is working to achieve a safe and prosperous North east that will be a global model for post-conflict socio-economic recovery and development.
"The plan also hopes to achieve peace and stability in the region with the provision of equal access to basic services and facilities.
"We would also ensure the protection of women and girls against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), and target socio-economic development for women and youths to empower them," he said.
Danjuam said that in order to achieve the objectives of the plan, the committee has come up with a work plan divided into three components which includes the short term, intermediate and long term.
He explained that the short term components, which would focus on immediate comprehensive relief, social stabilization, and early recovery, is aimed at addressing the immediate challenge of over seven million people in need.
The programme coordinator said the intermediate component, which would focus on relocation, rehabilitation and resettlement, was aimed at supporting the voluntary resettlement of 2.4 million displaced persons.
Danjuma said the long term component would focus on economic and development strategies of the North-east, which is aimed at providing sustainable growth for 21.4 million citizens.
He said the committee hoped to achieve the plans in a time frame of five years; the short term component to be achieved within six to 12 months and the intermediate component within six to 24 months.
Danjuma said the last phase, which is the long term component should be achieved within 6 to 60 months.
Sokoto State Government is constructing new schools to accomodate the 1.2 million new students expected to be enrolled in 2017, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal said on Saturday.
Tambuwal made the disclosure when he inspected progress of work at the site of the new Government Secondary School, Balle in Gudu Local Government Area.
Tambuwal said: "Government will cater for its citizens already in schools and ensure that those out of school are admitted and given quality education.
Tambuwal
"Government's commitment to education will not waiver, and we appeal to the people to support the government to enable it achieve its objectives.
" Sokoto state government had recently announced plans to build 160 new primary and secondary schools across the state.
"Of the number announced, 100 new primary schools will come on stream in 2017, while 45 new senior and 15 new junior secondary schools would be built.
"They are to cater for the expected increase in the number of students to be admitted into schools for the first time in the state."
Tambuwal commended the contractor for "sticking to specifications," and appreciated supervising the project for ensuring adherence to quality.
The governor said expressed confidence that academic activities would begin in the school in the coming months.
Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has said that 111roads have been earmarked for construction in the dry season.
Obiano, who disclosed this on Saturday in Awka, said the roads were in areas with prospects for the realisation of agriculture, commerce and industrial vision.
He said that the roads would cut across the three Senatorial districts of the state.
Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State
"It would be done to standard due to the anticipated heavy duty trucks conveying products to and from the project sites,'' the governor said.
He described the year 2016 as a year of breakthrough for the state.
According to him, the state government would intensify efforts to ensure that the economy of the state remain viable to alleviate the impact of the present economic recession on the people.
Obiano said he had initiated short-term policies to guarantee the state's continued march toward greater achievements.
"This government is more focused on building strong institutions for a viable model for subsequent administrations to consolidate on,'' the governor said.
"I am committed to seeing through my social contract with the people,'' he said.
Yenagoa – The Federal Government has paid two out of four months outstanding stipends owed former Niger Delta militants under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Mr Ramsey Mukoro, leader of the 3rd phase of the amnesty programme, on Saturday that some former agitators had received two out of four months' salary backlog.
"The Amnesty Office has started paying but my third phase people have yet to get alerts, we are hoping that we in the third phase will benefit as well.
"It has really been difficult for us and we spend Christmas and New Year on empty stomach, they should try and make it go round,'' Mukoro said.
Mr Piriye Kiyaramo, the Liaison Officer at the Bayelsa Office of the Presidential Amnesty Office, that the Amnesty office began the payment after the new year holidays.
"The office commenced payment of the outstanding stipends this week after the new year, precisely on Wednesday.
"The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, retired Brig.- General Paul Boroh is concerned about the welfare of beneficiaries in the programme.
"He would stop at nothing until a sustainable reintegration of the ex-agitators into the society with sustainable source of livelihood,'' he said in a statement.
Nana Akufo-Addo was sworn in as Ghana’s new president on Saturday, promising to stamp out government corruption and kickstart the private sector.
The 72-year-old former human rights lawyer took the oath of office at a ceremony in Independence Square in the capital Accra in front of more than 6,000 guests and a roaring crowd.
Wearing a traditional robe draped over one shoulder, Akufo-Addo waved a gold sword — a symbol of Ghana’s presidency — before giving his inaugural address as head of state.
“We no longer have any excuses for being poor,” Akufo-Addo said.
“We must restore integrity in public life. State coffers are not spoils for the party that wins an election, but resources for the country’s social and economic development,” Akufo-Addo said.
The new president underlined his campaign promise to support entrepreneurs and attract investors to the country, which has suffered from lacklustre growth in recent years.
“We will reduce taxes to recover the momentum of our economy,” Akufo-Addo said.
“Ghana is open for business again.”
Eleven African heads of state attended the ceremony, as well as the outgoing president John Dramani Mahama, and former leaders John Rawlings and John Kufuor.
Accra police enforced tight security during the inauguration, with major roads in and around the venue cordoned off.
Traders set up stalls nearby hoping to cash in on the ceremony by selling Ghana flags and white, red and blue paraphernalia from Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party.
Akufo-Addo’s electoral victory — and the peaceful transition of power — cemented Ghana’s position as a beacon of stability in an often turbulent region.
– ‘Gold standard for democracy’ –
One international observer described the West African country as a “gold standard for democracy in Africa”.
The new president told AFP that after smooth handovers of power in his home country and places such as Nigeria, leaders wanting to stay in office at all costs were “fighting the tide of history”.
In Nigeria — known for contested elections and their violent aftermath — Goodluck Jonathan made an unprecedented concession to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
But in the week of Akufo-Addo’s election, beaten president Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia promised to challenge the results of elections that he had previously accepted.
Elsewhere on the continent, there are numerous examples of leaders wanting to amend the constitution to ensure more years in power.
Buhari and other African leaders will meet for talks after the inauguration to discuss the crisis in The Gambia caused by Jammeh’s refusal to step down.
“A major decision on the impasse is expected to be taken at that all-important meeting,” Buhari’s spokesman Garba Shehu told reporters in Abuja.
“President Buhari is the chief mediator in the crisis and he is committed to ensuring that the logjam is resolved.”
Akufo-Addo has vowed to put Ghana “back on the path of progress and prosperity” after an economic slump under Mahama that led to an International Monetary Fund bail-out.
This week Mahama defended his record, saying his government had been up against “strong headwinds” that caused growth to slow, public sector debt to rise and the cedi currency to fall.
But the 58-year-old encouraged Ghanaians to get behind Akufo-Addo and on Wednesday showed his successor round the seat of government, Flagstaff House, in Accra.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has retired as GO Nigeria.
Adeboye
Pastor Adeboye, on Saturday named a new General Overseer (GO), Pastor J.O Obayemi, as his his successor, ahead of his 75th birthday on 2 March.
The new GO Nigeria is Pastor Joshua Obayemi was appointed the new GO at the Annual Ministers Thanksgiving at Shimawa, in Ogun State.
The newly appointed GO was the former Special Assistant to the General Overseer (SATGO) on Finance.
Adeboye also appointed Pastor Johnson Odesola, who was the Special Assistant on Administration and Personnel, as the church Secretary Pastor Adeyokunnu as church Treasurer.
Adeboye was born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State.
Pastor Adeboye had his B.Sc. in Mathematics at University of Nigeria Nsukka, and subsequently got his PhD in applied mathematics from the University of Lagos, and worked as a lecturer in Mathematics at the universities of Lagos and Ilorin, before going into full time priesthood in 1984.
After joining the RCCG in 1973, he began working to translate the sermons of its then Pastor and founder, Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, from Yoruba into English.
In 1981, Adeboye was appointed General Overseer of the church.
He took over from Papa Akindayomi, who had died the previous year.
For three years he performed the role part-time, still lecturing at Ilorin.
He finally gave up his university position to preach full-time.
The church, which was not well known prior to Adeboye's ascendance has grown phenomenally, to become Nigeria's biggest, with branches globally in about 190 countries, including more than 14,000 in Nigeria.
Adeboye has stated that his aim is to put a church within five minutes of every person on Earth.
He married Adenike, now 68 in 1967. She was born on 13th July 1948.
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