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
By Sam Eyoboka NIGERIAN Christians yesterday welcomed the news of the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, directing the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council to make the Christian Religious Knowledge and the Islamic Religious Knowledge distinctive subjects in the basic education curriculum.
Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, the Minister of Education Adamu Adamu
The Christians who had been at daggers drawn with the Federal Government over the controversial merger of the two subjects to be known as Religion and National Values without the input of stakeholders from the Christian community, yesterday described the new development as a temporary victory. They however submitted that a lot still needs to be done
According to the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Bayo Oladejo, "beyond the separation of the two subjects now, there is still need for Government to call for the input of CAN and JNI to rub minds on such sensitive issues like religion. There is a need for Government to organise a workshop, so that all the stakeholders could make their contribution to arrive at a consensus. We have some text books that are currently in use but bear no relevance to the development of the nation because they are garbage materials to say the least.
"Government has taken the first step but there's need for them to go the whole hug to review the entire curriclum and the things they teach our children. We should get scholars to brainstorm with stakeholders on some of our textbooks," he noted.
According to the CAN president, the other thing the Federal Government must address is that, of all the 19 states in the North, more than 15 of them have no CRK teachers. "Even if we agree that CRK should stand on its own, who will teach the CRK when state governments refuse to recruit teachers that can handle the subject?
"In Niger State, for instance, during the Babangida Aliyu administration, there were no CRK teachers and CAN in the state recruited teachers and submitted the list to the state governor, but he told the CAN leadership that he had no money to pay them.
"The same thing is happening in Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Borno, Bauchi where CRK is not allowed in their schools because there are no teachers to teach the subject. So, in addition to what has been done, the Federal Government should take an additional step to make the states to employ teachers for this subject," he prayed.
Ayokunle further argued that since the basic education derives its funding from the centre, the Federal Government should direct the states in the North to recruit CRK teachers and in the same vein direct the states in the South to recruit IRK teachers to balance the equation.
He commended the Federal Government for reacting swiftly to their demand saying "it shows that we have a listening government. Religion is a very sensitive matter which is personal to every individual. Every right thinking Nigerian who read the new curriculum knows that it represented a death trap for the country. It's absurd if at the age of four or five years you are asking a child how to masturbate; you can't call that a religious curriculum. Or you are teaching a primary school boy or girl, if you want to change your religion, your parents have no right to stop you. You can't tell me that that is a good curriculum".
The CAN Secretary-General, Rev. Musa Asake, in his own reaction, also expressed happiness, saying: "We are so thankful to the Federal Government that has given a listening ear to the cry of the people and have taken an action to that which was going to destroy our togetherness.
"We thank God and the Federal Government. We pray that they will continue to have the wisdom to lead us and when controversial and difficult issues like this come up that are capable of dividing us, they will be able to take actions as they have done".
The President of Nigerian Christian Graduates Forum, Prof. Charles Adeyinka Adisa who last week made a presentation to the Senate president on the vexed issue, also thanked God, adding that it was not yet uhuru as the battle was still very much ahead.
"We still have so many areas we need to cover. We have scheduled a meeting with the National Universities Commission, NUC, for Tuesday over the compulsory Arabic language for students studying certain courses and the issue of state governments that will not employ teachers for Christian Religious Studies.
"That's another area we want to bring before the National Assembly. So there is still a lot of grounds to cover but we are grateful to God that they have done what we have been agitating for in the last one year," Prof. Adisa added.
In a telephone interview, the National President of PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude expressed gratitude to God insisting that PFN would not stop until all its demands are fully met.
"The point that PFN made on the issue was that we want to see a complete reversal of the entire Programme back to what it used to be. We are not opposed to the Federal Government introducing national values, what we are saying is that Christian Religious Knowledge should stand on its own and that remains our stand.
"I commend the National Assembly for the efforts it has made and I will want to see their resolution being actualised," he pleaded.
According to the PFN helmsman, the world is a dynamic place which is subject to changes and if Government feels there is need for them to make more input and add some other things that will add value to our education curriculum, "they should invite all important stakeholders so we can all rub minds. Nigeria belongs to all of us. We are of the view that if we return to staus quo, the issue of NUC and the imposition of compulsory Arabic Studies would have been taken care of," he stressed.
Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa has offered Mr Joshua Erubami, the best graduating student of Delta State University for the 2015/2016 academic session with an automatic employment as a reward for hardwork and dignity.
Gov Okowa with Delsu best graduating student, Joshua Erubami
Erubami who graduated from the department of Mass Communication was also the President of the Faculty of Social Science Students Association (SOSSA) during his time and graduated with a CGPA of 4.85
Currently serving the nation in Ekiti State under the NYSC Scheme, Erubami will resume as a Graduate Assistant at Delta State University when he completes his service year.
There is much to learn from politicians. How to cuddle, relate in brotherly terms admits party affiliations. Politicians no doubt love when they should love, be in despair when one of them is. They share in each others pain and joy. An example is the condolence visit paid by APC big wigs in Anambra state to the governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Mmaduabruochukwu Obiano, Akpokuedike of Aguleri at the funeral ceremony of his late mother.
He was visited by the minister of labour and employment, Mr. Chris Ngige, Onwa, Sen. Andy Ubah and other APC chieftains in the state. Coming 18th November 2017, Sen. Andy Ubah might be contesting the governorship election under APC with Dr. Willie Obiano coming from APGA platform . Admits their political differences they still love themselves as brothers.
What say you on this?
Governor Obiano, Sen. Ngige and Sen Andy UbahAnambra APC Chieftains
Sen. Ngige, Andy Ubah, others on condolence visit to Gov. ObianoA condolence step from Andy Ubah, othersCondolence visit to the governor of Anambra state by APC chieftainsAPC chieftains visits APGA governor in Anambra stateSen. Andy Ubah holds Sen. Ngige on a political discussion while going to condole Gov. Obiano
By Simon Ebegbulem FEMALE lawmakers across the 36 State House of Assemblies under the aegis Conference of Female Parliamentarians, CONFEPA, have condemned the decision of some political leaders and Ulamas in Kano state to drop two female nominees for Local Government Area chairpersons. The two women were said to have been rejected based on religious sentiments a claim the groups said were untenable.
Funeral for the elder statesman, Late Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule (Dan Masanin Kano), in Kano yesterday
Addressing newsmen in Benin City yesterday, Chairperson of CONFEPA who also is the Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs Elizabeth Ativie assisted by the Secretary, Princess Titlayo Akerele from Ekiti State House of Assembly and Hon Shola Ogbemudaibo from Delta State House of Assembly, said the decision to drop the women, Arch. Binta Fatima Yahaya and Hasiya Ismail Mukhtar negates constitutional and global charters as it amounts to discrimination against women.
They added that it was a plot to "undermine and subvert the rights of women in Kano State.
She said, "we wish to state clearly that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the supreme law of our land guarantees freedom for all, including women to aspire and occupy political positions.
"The reason given by the Kano State political leaders and the Ulamas is that women in Islam do not lead. But this is not verifiable as some other Muslim dominated countries across the world have had female heads of state, Prime Ministers and Presidents.
"Examples of these countries include Pakistan with Benazir Bhutto who was Prime Minister for many years, Bangladesh, Turkey, Senegal, Mali, Northern Cyprus, who all had female Prime Ministers, while Indonesia had Magawati Sukarnopturi as President, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius all have had female Presidents and these countries are Muslim dominated while in Nigeria, We have had Queen Amina of Zaria who led men to war".
While commending Governor Abdulahi Ganduje for nominating the women, she urged the Kano State House of Assembly to screen the women nominees without further delay.
She also called on the Minister of Women Affairs to intervene on the issue. "It should be told that God made them male and female and none was inferior to the other. They were created to work together and complement each other for the benefit of the World"
Wilfried Zaha has accused Manchester United and Liverpool fans of 'calling him a black monkey' on Instagram.
Wilfred Zaha
The Crystal Palace winger, who spent a single unsuccessful season at Old Trafford between 2013 and 2014, claims he has been subjected to racial slurs and spoke out publicly with a message to his followers on Saturday.
"If Man United and Liverpool fans feel better by calling me a black monkey in my messages .. feel free to carry on if it makes your day better," he wrote.
Zaha didn't go into any more detail and did not choose to identify any of the accused.
The post came after the 24-year-old played for Palace against West Brom in the Premier League Asia Trophy, a game in which manager Frank de Boer claimed the Baggies were targeting Zaha for rough treatment and accused them of deliberately trying to injure his player.
Super Eagles midfielder, Uche Agbo has not given up on playing in the Premier League despite joining Belgian side Standard Liege on a three-year deal from Watford.
Agbo
Agbo joined Udinese in 2013 but spent the last three seasons on loan at Granada in Spain, prior to joining Watford on a five-year deal last year.
"I'm very happy to join an ambitious club in Belgium, but when my time is right playing in the Premier League will come," Agbo told BBC Sport.
"My focus right now is to settle at Standard Liege and give my all, by the power of God I will be there [in England] very soon. "There is no disappointment or whatsoever, sometimes God takes us on a different road to get to our desired destination."
The 21-year-old played 53 times for Granada's B team, before breaking into their first team in 2016 and he made 31 appearances in Spain's La Liga last season.,
Barcelona's board are all but resigned to losing Neymar in the biggest transfer in football history after club president Josep Bartomeu appeared to fail in a belated attempt to change the player's mind.
Neymar
Sources who witnessed the head-to-head meeting between Neymar and Barcelona's president Josep Bartomeu at the club's summer training base in New Jersey on Friday say it did not go well for Bartomeu, who departed looking less than happy with what he had been told by Neymar.
Spain's Diario AS said the meeting lasted 15 minutes and when the president left he barely acknowledged those waiting for news of how the summit had gone.
The club's president now accepts that only a stunning change of heart from Neymar can prevent his departure and Barcelona's priority is to try to take control of a situation that has caught them by surprise this summer.
The club have grown used to Neymar's complaints about not being comfortable at the club almost since he arrived in 2013 but most gripes have been seen as a push for a pay increase. Last season the player flirted with various clubs including Paris Saint-Germain but he was ultimately appeased and ended up signing a new contract until 2021 with a buy-out clause that rose to €222miliion (£196m) on July 1 of this year.
The only other potential obstacle to the deal of the century happening is that PSG have trouble making that payment to the player so he can deposit his buy-out clause with the league. One option is that they pay the fee in various stages directly to Barcelona instead of registering it with the league as buy-out regulations in Spain stipulate.
This would help them around the FFP regulations but Barcelona are unlikely to be in any way cooperative as they see their second most important asset pack his bags for Paris just a month ahead of the new season.
And Barca's new manager Ernesto Valverde, who is preparing his side for the friendly clash with Juventus, has insisted talk of his departure is simply 'rumours.'
"Neymar is with us and we absolutely want him to stay here, the rest is just rumours,' the Barca manager told a press conference.
As part of the efforts to increase egg consumption in Nigeria to 300 per person annually, Funtuna Foods and Bottling Company has introduced 'coloured hard boiled eggs' into the market.
The company said the product was targeted at children and families.
The Executive Director of Funtuna Foods and Bottling Company, Mrs. Tolulola Olumide, who spoke at the company's production plant located in Ogere, Ogun State, said the egg was inspired by what was witnessed during an international food exhibition.
Olumide expressed concern over the per-capita egg consumption in Nigeria which she observed was lower than the global average. Nigerians on average, according to her, consume less than 80 eggs per person annually while China, Mexico and the United States consume over 300 eggs per person annually, and in South-Africa, each person consumes 180 eggs per year. This, she said, highlights the opportunities for growth and expansion for the egg industry in Nigeria.
She said it was wrong to restrict egg consumption to festive seasons or the World Egg Day celebrated every first week of October.
THE Bishop of Akure Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Simeon Oluwole Borokini, says the panacea for hate speech and calls for secession is the implementation of the Report of the 2014 National Conference.
Borokini spoke during the second session of the twelfth synod of the church held in Itaogbolu, Ondo State. The theme of the synod was,"Do not compromise your faith".
Borokini advised:" The Federal Government should look into the 2014 National Conference Report. From what we read about the Report, the matter of restructuring was one of the things discussed.
"I will like the Federal Government to look into it. It seems that everybody is clamouring for it especially our brothers and sisters in certain parts of this country who feel they have been cheated, and their rights are not given to them."
Speaking on calls for secession, Borokini said: "One of the reasons for the clamour for secession is restructuring. If this matter of restructuring is looked into, the problem of secession would subside.
"But I don't support secession. "There are many challenges we are facing right now. Security and economic problems are there. We can't entertain secession calls at this time. Let us see how we can improve our economy."
Lamenting the high rate of crime, he said: "The Federal Government should take our economy seriously because if jobs are provided for the youths, definitely, they would not engage in vice".
By Vincent Ujumadu ANAMBRA State chapter of pan Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo has said that instead of calling for a sovereign state of Biafra, the proponents of the current agitation should use their pro-Biafra stand as a platform to demand a better life for Ndigbo.
Speaking in an interview in Awka, President of Ohaneze in the state, Chief Damian Okeke said the pro-Biafra agitators should be made to realize that Igbo leaders would not support any agitation that would lead to war.
Consequently, he advised that they tread softly while expressing their anger over the happenings in Nigeria.
Okeke said it would be foolhardy to expect Igbo people to abandon their investment in other parts of the country.
In addition, he said anybody who witnessed the Biafra War, like he did, would not want to experience another war.
Nonetheless, he said the fear of war would not stop the Igbo from speaking against oppression.
He said: "Anyone who is marginalized will always feel bad, but that will not make those marginalized to commit suicide.
"That is why we cannot completely condemn the youths for what they are doing. If not for what they are doing, we will not be discussing with the people of Niger Delta today. Because of what they are doing, we have a better understanding with the people of the South West today. Today, the Hausa nation, the Yoruba nation, and the Igbo nation are finding a common solution to Nigeria's problems.
We cannot exist in isolation
"For the first time since the end of the civil war, the governors of the states in the former Eastern Region are meeting to ensure a better Nigeria. Even those in the National Assembly are meeting, just as the people of the Middle Belt have indicated their interest to discuss with our people.
"We have to admit that there is a problem in Nigeria and it is only when we acknowledge this that we will begin to find a solution. That is why we need to always speak with one voice because that is the only way we can achieve our goal.
"The truth may be bitter, but the fact is that we cannot exist in isolation. I cannot stay here and order our people to abandon their investments in other parts of Nigeria and come home immediately. That will not be the solution.
"What we advocate is that the rule of law must be obeyed and justice and equity ensured for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria. We agree that peace will reign in Nigeria if the right things are done.
Meaning of Biafra
"As far as I am concerned, we are using Biafra to ask Nigeria to do the needful because that is the vehicle we should use to get our rights. What is happening to us today has gone beyond marginalization. We should work together to get what will benefit the Igbo and the important thing is to get what belongs to us in Nigeria.
"I recall when Ohaneze once asked the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, what was really the meaning of Biafra and his answer was that it is like a fully loaded trailer descending the Milikin Hill in Enugu and nobody knows where it would land. What we have in mind are equity and justice. If we get our rights in Nigeria, what else are we fighting for?
"Ohaneze Ndigbo had severally made it clear that members of IPOB and MASSOB are our children. We are all working towards the betterment of Igbo nation.
"I want to say that the leadership of Ohaneze, the governors of the South East states and many other Igbo elders are jointly on top of the situation of the quit notice to Ndigbo by the Arewa youths."
A new barrack has emerged from the ashes of the old Akim Barrack of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar, following the 36 flats residential accommodation intervention with which the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai, has transformed the place. The project was initiated by the Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brig Gen Bulama Biu.
Buratai
It is naturally the expectation of any person that soldiers, who are crucial to the territorial integrity of the nation would be provided with benefiting accommodation to enable them concentrate wholeheartedly on national defence. A befitting accommodation was not the case for the residents of Akim Barrack until the emergence of the current leadership.
Akim Barracks, which were the look of a slum, has turned to an environment so gladdening to the hearts of the occupants.
The 36-flat project was commissioned by Buratai.
In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Buratai commended Biu, for working tirelessly to see that the project was realised and promised to accord priority to troops' welfare.
In realisation of his vision "to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles", the Army chief promised robust medical care for soldiers and their families even as stated that, last year, he directed the downward review of education cost in all Army schools.
According to a statement by Assistant Director Public Relations, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army Calabar, Captain KO Owolabi,
"The COAS pointed out that while kitting and accommodation would continue to receive attention of his Army administration, the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities will remain top priority."
Biu, in his welcome address, thanked Buratai for providing funds for the project and described the Army chief as "a great military leader whose passion for troops' welfare is unprecedented."
Commander revealed that over 200 soldiers and families had for a long time lived in dilapidated buildings.
The governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, also in his address at the occasion, commended the efforts of the COAS and Biu for providing enabling environment for their troops.
Ayade also commended the Nigerian Army for the dogged fight against terrorism and other criminality across the country and promised to build one block accommodation for the Brigade.
Meanwhile, in appreciation of the newly built 36 flats, officers and soldiers of the Akim Barrack organized a Jumat Service and Church Service in honour of Buratai.
The officers and soldiers were thankful to God and the COAS for the kind gesture.
By Festus Ahon ASABA – PARTS of Asaba, the Delta State capital, were Saturday submerged, following a heavy down pour which lasted for over six hours and caused gridlock on the Okpanam road. Asaba flood Delta Broadcadting Station, DBS, Asaba, wes submerged by the flood. Okpanam road, DBS Road, SSS road, West end were heavily flooded, cutting off the Asaba shopping mall. Our correspondent reports that the drainage being constructed on the Okpanam road was overwhelmed by the flood.
The flood which led to the collapse of parts of the fence of the State Broadcasting Station, DBS, also cut off the State Police headquarters and Okpanam village from the Asaba metropolis.
Sunday Vanguard reports that commercial activities suffered setbacks as many businesses, including supermarkets and stores were forced to close shops.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah expressed worry about the development, adding that the State Government was working out modalities to tackle the problem of perennial flooding in the State capital and other parts of the State.
Ukah in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Mr. Sam Ijeh said government was concerned about the safety of all those living in the state, enjoining residents to avoid areas with high current of flood for their safety.
Noting that the state government feels the pains and inconveniences suffered by residents in terms of damage or loss of property, he assured that all contractors recently awarded drainage and flood control projects would be mobilised to site as soon as the dry season sets in.
Abuja – Sen. Aisha Alhassan, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, on Saturday said the Chibok girls were ready for academic session in September and pleaded with abductors to release the remaining girls.
Alhassan disclosed this during a lunch with the released Chibok girls and their parents in Abuja.
"They will be examined academically and placed appropriately, the ones that are qualified to enter into the university will be allowed to. "The American University, Yola had indicated interest in supporting 21 of the Chibok girls.
"We are also meeting with the university to support the remaining girls so that they all can be in one place," she said.
Alhassan said that the escaped 14 Chibok girls, who were released three years ago were given scholarships by the American University of Nigeria, Yola.
She said that the girls were properly examined academically, adding that they started a foundation courses for them.
The minister, however, pleaded for the release of the remaining Chibok girls and others in captivity, adding that the abductors should dialogue with government.
Mr Reginald Briggs, the Assistant Vice President of America University, Yola, said the girls were initially traumatised but had made significant progress.
"We have 24 of the Chibok girls with us, we try to keep their academic levels up by assessing them emotionally, psychologically, academically and we found out that they are at different academic levels.
"They have foundation in English, Mathematics and General Knowledge and gradually we moved them to advanced stage.
"They are studying difference courses such as journalism, computer science, accounting and law," he said.
Briggs said that the university was working toward supporting the 82 Chibok girls to be enrolled into the university.
The Chairman of the Chibok Girls' Parents, Mr Yakubu Nkeki said that parents of the girls were happy meeting their children and appreciated the efforts of the government.
Mrs Catherine Udida, the Head of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Office of the National Security Adviser, said that the Chibok girls were fit psychological as they had gone through various tests.
She said that the girls were fully integrated, adding that initially they were shy but they now have confidence and ready to face the world.
One of the Chibok girls, Miss Rhoda Peter appreciated the efforts of government and well-meaning Nigerians who had supported them.
Another Chibok girl, Miss Hauwa Ntakai, who said she wants to be a medical doctor, also appreciated the government for helping her to achieve her dream. (NAN)
Abuja – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the former Governor of Adamawa State, Mr Bala Ngilari on his victory at the Appeal Court.
The PDP congratulated Ngilari in a statement issued by Mr Dayo Adeyeye, National Publicity Secretary, PDP National Caretaker Committee, on Saturday in Abuja. Ngilari
On Wednesday, the Court of Appeal in Yola, discharged and acquitted Ngilari of corruption charges levelled against him.
Ngilari was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for misconduct in the award of contract for the purchase of 25 Toyota Hilux truck and misappropriation of over N160 million.
Adeyeye said the victory had once again affirmed PDP's earlier position that the anti-corruption war was a vendetta targeted at former leaders and members of the party and other perceived enemies of the government.
He said that Ngilari was one among many other innocent PDP members and other Nigerians, wrongly accused of corruption that had been vindicated in recent times.
"These innocent men and women have been harassed, intimidated and subjected to harrowing legal prosecution simply to score cheap political points and cow the opposition into silence."
He said that Elder Godsday Orubebe, the former Minister for Niger Delta Affairs and PDP agent in the 2015 Presidential Election was wrongly accused of fraud to the tune of N1.97 billion.
"He was later discharged and acquitted by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the FCT High Court on April 4, 2017."
Adeyeye also recalled the arrest and detention of some Justices of the Supreme Court by the Department of State Security (DSS), on account of various allegations of bribery and corruption.
He said that some of the Judges till date had not been charged to court for the alleged offences.
"Justice Adeniyi Ademola, his wife Omobola and Mr Joe Agi, (SAN), were all discharged and acquitted by another FCT High Court on April 5, 2017."
Adeyeye called on the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to release the report of Presidential Investigative Committee that was set up in April.
The committee, headed by Osinbajo, was set up to investigate the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr David Lawal; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ayo Oke.
Adeyeye urged members and supporters of the PDP nationwide to remain steadfast as the party work to regain power. (NAN)
The early morning downfall on Saturday no doubt restricted peoples movement from performing and tending to their various business activities. However, reports reaching us states that the early morning rainfall reduced the turn up of voters at various polling units in Lagos council election. Itire, Surulere was one of the places flood visited as their major roads were taken over by flood.
Chelsea forward Pedro was taken to hospital with a possible concussion after colliding with Arsenal’s goalkeeper during the Blues’ 3-0 preseason win over their London rivals in Beijing on Saturday.
Chelsea Champions of England
The 29-year-old Spaniard was left reeling on the ground with a bloodied face inside the first half hour of the game after Colombian keeper David Ospina flew into him while clearing a long-ball with two fists.
After receiving medical attention on the pitch for several minutes, Pedro got up and walked off with blood in his nose, lips and right ear.
“For sure (he) should be okay but I think he had a concussion,” Chelsea manager Antonio Conte told reporters after a Michy Batshuayi double sparked his side to an easy victory.
“For this reason our doctor preferred to bring him to the hospital and to check him in the right way,” the Italian added.
“It’s a pity because in this period now it’s not good to have this type of injury, but should be okay and I’m very happy for this.”
Conte said he did not know whether Pedro would have to spend the night in hospital, but if the Spaniard is better on Sunday he will travel with the team to Singapore to continue the preseason.
The injury scare overshadowed a brilliant performance by Belgian forward Batshuayi before a crowd of 55,618 at the Bird’s Nest in the Chinese capital.
– ‘Media imagination’ – The victory gave the Blues some measure of revenge against their London rivals after Arsenal stunned Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final in May to deny the Premier League champions the double.
Batshuayi shone as Chelsea prepare to be joined by Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, who could make his debut against Bayern Munich in Singapore on Tuesday following his reported 80-million-euro ($92.2 million) transfer from Real Madrid.
Batshuayi scored the second of his two goals five minutes into the second half, latching onto a pass from Marco Alonso to fire a curling shot past Ospina from just outside of the area.
Arsenal’s own star signing, former Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, had a low-key game.
French international Olivier Giroud entered the game in the second half and provided some spark but his early shots were saved or wide.
Willian opened the scoring in the 40th minute, beating Ospina with a low drive.
Two minutes later, Premier League player of the year N’Golo Kante fed Batshuayi, who beat Ospina again with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box.
After the game, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger brushed aside a question about rumours that Chile forward Alexis Sanchez could move to Paris St-Germain, saying: “It’s only media imagination”
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has won both the Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in Ward A6 polling Unit 033 located in Ogunmodede College, Papa Epe where the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode voted this morning.
Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode cast his vote at unity 10, wold A6, Ogunmodede juniors college in Epe
At the end of counting of the votes cast, the results showed that the APC polled a total of 299 votes for the Chairmanship election as against one polled by the Labour Party and zero vote polled respectively by the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party.
For the Councillorship election in the unit, the APC polled a total of 293 votes as against One polled by Labour Party and zero polled by PDP.
In the second polling unit in the ward, APC polled 298 votes for the Chairmanship election as against zero vote polled by the PDP and Labour.
Also in the councillorship election, APC polled 300 votes while the PDP, Labour and Accord Party all polled zero vote.
By Monsuru Olowoopejo Tragedy struck in Meran, Abule Egba axis of Agbado-Oke Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos State Saturday after bungalow building under construction collapsed killing a two-year-old girl and her 30-year-old mother.
The two-year-old was identified as Bisoye while the mother whose body was also recovered from the rubble was identified by relatives as Basirat.
However, fortune smiled on a five-year-old girl, who was rescued from the rubble by Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and other rescue agencies, after been trapped was identified as Moyin.
It was gathered that the building sighted at No 7 Saidu Okeleji Street, Alaro Street collapsed due downpour experienced across the state.
Sources said that the building caved in at about 11:10 am when it could no longer withstand the downpour any longer.
Residents argued that the downpour started at about 4:30 am across the state and was yet to subside at the time of filling in this report.
Confirming the number of causalities, General Manager of LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, hinted that the bodies have been handed over to deposited at the State Environmental Monitoring Health Monitoring Unit SEHMU while the injured was immediately transferred to General Hospital Ikeja where she can receive adequate treatment.
According to the Tiamiyu, "Investigation conducted by the Agency at scene of the incident revealed that an existing uncompleted bungalow under construction with sands and concrete block seen on the deck suddenly caved in with three people trapped under the rubbles.
"But proper investigation would be conducted on the incident by the appropriate Agencies, he however advised owners and developers of buildings in the State to adhere to building codes and physical planning laws of the State so as to advert unnecessary loss of lives," he added.
