A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Jose Mourinho expressed confidence on Friday that Manchester United will sign Paul Pogba in time for the Premier League season and criticised rival managers’ reactions to the mooted world-record transfer.
United and Juventus are believed to be putting the finishing touches to a deal for the France midfielder expected to exceed £100 million ($130.4 million, 117.7 million euros).
Mourinho described other managers, such as Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp and Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger, as “unethical” for talking openly about the Pogba fee and questioning his colossal price tag.
Whatever the validity of their claims, Pogba’s arrival at Old Trafford appears imminent and Mourinho is hopeful that his squad will be complete in time for United’s trip to Bournemouth a week on Sunday.
“Yes, we have 22 players and we are going to have 23,” said Mourinho when asked if a signing was close.
“I don’t like to speak about other clubs or players from other clubs. Other managers like to do that. They like to speak about my club and my players.
“I am very pragmatic on this. All that matters is what happens in my house and not in my neighbour’s house.
“Paul Pogba is a Juventus player until he isn’t, officially, so we stay like this. The market closes on August 31, but I think my club is trying to do everything to close our market before the 14th.
“Normally, next week, we will have our squad closed.”
Wenger described the potential Pogba fee as “completely crazy”, while Klopp said he wanted no involvement in such an inflated transfer market — comments that clearly did not sit well with United’s manager.
“I only speak about us,” said Mourinho. “I heard already two of my colleagues from other clubs speaking about us. I do not like that. It is not ethical.”
– Schweinsteiger sidelined –
He added: “There are things I do that (people say) are not ethical and when others do it, everything is normal, nobody says that. I do not speak about the others. They can do what they want.
“Our market was good. We made decisions — decided to bring four players, not 10 — that are Man United level. Four that we think can really improve the squad and not just be one more. This is the profile of our market.
“A young defender that needs time to be a top one, but who has top potential. A creative player that we know the quality (of).
“A super striker, and we are going to get a very good midfield player. We try for balance. I am happy with my squad. I am happy with the effort of the club. The others, it is their problem.”
With those signings — in order, Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic — already in at United ahead of Pogba, certain players will find themselves surplus to requirements under Mourinho.
One of those is thought to be Germany veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger, with reports Mourinho has discarded the respected midfielder, opening the United manager up to criticism.
“It is the same as in every club in the world,” said Mourinho when asked about Schweinsteiger.
“The manager decides his squad and chooses a certain number of players to face the season. That is it.
“I normally like to work with 20 players, plus the three goalkeepers, which is what I have done for 15 years, because we have so many players.
“But at the same time we have so many competitions and especially the Europa League. That is a competition that changes a lot at the start of the season, with 15 matches and playing on the Thursday.
“There is a big risk of a lot of travel. You play Premier League on Sundays. I made the decision to be with 23, plus three goalkeepers, which is still a lot. I had to make my decisions. It is simple.”
Travel and Tourism is one of the world's most dynamic economic sectors, offering enormous opportunities for growth, development and job creation. Visa facilitation is central to stimulating economic growth and job creation through tourism. In spite of the great strides made in recent decades to facilitate tourist travel, Jiten Vyas, COO in charge of Africa operations of VFS Global, thinks there are still important areas of opportunity. VFS Global, the specialist outsourcing company that offers administrative and support services to governments worldwide has been handling administrative processes related to visa and consular application procedures since 2001. In this interview, Vyas shares his thoughts on how industry trends are shaping up and ways in which VFS Global is preparing for the future.
VFS Global started as a unique idea that came to life, and in a short span of 15 years, it has become the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialists for governments and diplomatic missions, serving 50 government clients. To what would you attribute this accomplishment?
VFS Global was a pioneering enterprise that our CEO Zubin Karkaria came up with when he was working with a travel company known as Kuoni. The solution addressed challenges that would-be travellers and embassies faced, and helped to ease out the visa application process. The US Consulate in Mumbai, India, was VFS Global's very first client. And that small humble beginning kicked off the whole idea. The success of VFS Global is attributed to a number of factors most importantly the spirit of entrepreneurship that was laid out by our CEO Mr. Karkaria. People are the most critical and important aspect of our organization across the 50 client governments that we cater to in 124 countries. And it's these people that make the difference in our business.
•Jiten Vyas, COO, Africa,VFS Global
What does the acronym VFS mean? When we started off, the name of the company was Visa Facilitation Services. However, in the early stages of VFS Global, we realized that the name Visa Facilitation Services would at many a times lead to an individual getting the wrong impression, thinking we facilitate visas which is not the case. It was then that we rechristened it to VFS Global. The tasks of VFS Global are purely administrative in nature: we handle the acceptance of visa applications, the data entry, the collection and remittance of visa fees, the biometric enrollment, and dispatch of processed applications back to the applicants. VFS Global has no role whatsoever in the adjudication or decision making process and hence VFS Global is the right acronym for our company.
To what extent have your services helped ease visa application process for intending travelers? Increasingly, embassies in Africa have been moving in the direction of outsourcing the visa process, so they can focus their resources on the core job of adjudication. Africa, as a region, remains the most promising yet challenging region to operate in. VFS Global has been able to bring in high quality customer service and professionalism in operating its services for its client governments. Our well trained staff and the use of technology make the entire visa application process seamless for the African traveller. These visa application centres have also helped create significant local employment opportunities across the Africa region. VFS Global provides all the non-judgmental and administrative services related to the visa process, and has increased accessibility by setting up more centres and has streamlined the visa process for applicants to a large extent by providing a one-stop-shop in convenient, centrally located environments. These centres are open for longer working hours and have more extensive facilities (in terms of waiting areas, accessibility and network of centres) compared to what was the case before.
VFS recently celebrated its 110 million applications. How big could it get from here? What are the projections for the next 5 years? In fact, we have recently crossed processing 125 million applications! The market is absolutely out there and evolving. Over the last 15 years, we've been actively supporting 50 client governments across 124 countries in managing the administrative tasks related to visa application. We do see great opportunities within the identity management and citizen service business. Most governments especially in Africa are quite keen to streamline whether it's their citizen database, services provided to their citizens, foreigners' enrollment and registration, voters' registration, drivers' licenses, passports and ID Cards. In all these, VFS Global becomes a catalyst in ensuring that any government agenda in streamlining these services can be complimented by that of VFS operations. We do see that most of the governments especially in Africa have the need and with the operating model that we practice, it's a win-win for government and the applicants.
How long have you been processing visa applications in Nigeria? We first set up operations in Nigeria in 2005 in Lagos and Abuja, through the Governments of the United Kingdom and other Schengen countries. In total, VFS Global serves 14 client governments in Nigeria (South Africa, Canada, Ireland, S Korea, Croatia, UAE, Norway, Portugal, Austria, Sweden, France, Belgium, Spain and Italy.) We operate visa application centres in three cities in Nigeria - Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Since inception, we've been committed to creating employment opportunities for locals in the countries where we set up operations, and employ 135 staff in Nigeria.
What was it about the Nigerian market that attracted VFS to establish operations here? Nigeria is one of the top markets for VFS Global in the sub-Saharan region. The presence of large multinational companies across industry sectors; educated and qualified work force; the penchant for foreign travel amongst the rising middle and upperclass be it for studies, employment, trade and commerce, have made this country a keymarket for us.While we set up operations as per requirements that come in from our client governments,and are entirely guided by their requirements, the increase in tourist and business-related travel to and from Nigeria has been quite remarkable over the past couple of years. And it is thus that VFS took a look at how we could better the services offered to Nigerians and a lot of the governments thought it was a good idea.
Does VFS Global work with the government of Nigeria in terms of processing Nigeria visa abroad? At this point in time, VFS Global is not managing any visa applications on behalf of the Nigerian government overseas, but we recently carried out a project on behalf of the Interbank Settlement Services by providing Bank Verification Number (BVN) enrollment services for Nigerian bank account holders living in 8 countries. This initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria is aimed at providing a more secure banking platform to Nigerians and further bolsters conventional security systems of using a password and pin. VFS Global has been actively talking to the concerned departments within the Government of Nigeria and remains committed in bringing in its experience and expertise including the use of technology across various sectors: immigration, citizen services, foreigner registration, national ID, amongst others.
How does the figure in visa applications from Nigeria rank with other countries where you operate? Nigeria remains one of the largest economies on the African continent and travel has seen a significant improvement be it student travel, leisure or business. The fact that most of the foreign governments have gone the outsourcing route speaks about the demand for visa services in this country.As VFS Global only processes visas and is not involved in judgmental aspects of the visa issuing Process, all data related to visa applications is maintained by our clients.
What has been VFS's approach to handling the exponential figures in visa applications? We pride ourselves on our 15 years of experience in managing visa applications centers across 124 countries. And our team is always focused on ensuring that local talent is nurtured as this forms the bulk of our front office work force. The use of technology, training and staff development , ensures that our visa application centres are designed keeping the local sentiments in mind, whilst contributing a great deal to our efficiency in managing high volume operations such as we have in Nigeria.These are clear examples of how VFS has been able to leverage its experience and expertise purely on the basis of trust, technique and technology: The three pillars that it prides itself on.
What role has IT played in VFS's evolution? In the space of technology, innovation is a key business driver for us. We have come up with several cutting-edge technologies to aid our client governments in the services that we offer. One of our most popular services is the 'On Demand Mobile Visa' service, which effectively brings the visa center to your home or office. This service is being very well received, and is especially useful for corporates, travel agencies, and high net worth individuals, who are looking for more convenience and personalization in not just visa application, but every kind of service. We also do a lot of large-scale biometrics-based identity programmes out of Africa - foreigner registration permits in Ghana, Lesotho Special Permits (a joint programme between the South African Department of Home Affairs and the Lesotho Government) that legalises the stay of Lesotho nationals in South Africa, or the recently concluded Zimbabwe Special Permit programme. These programmes require expertise in processing large volumes of applications in highly secure environments. Integrating these processes well is a core competence for us. As a matter of fact, IT has really played a major role in our evolution helping VFS Global to work in diverse markets, whether on the African continent or Latin America or in the Russian CIS region. So technology is, in a sense, the 'backbone' of VFS Global.
What advances have you made in transforming your operating model? Has the model been replicated elsewhere by the government clients you service?
As the world's leading service provider in the visa and consular services domain, we are committed to setting benchmarks for the industry in the way we operate, across diverse ecosystems and geographies.
Our process flow has been standardized across different regions in Africa, and indeed, across the world. We are able to do VAC rollouts in timeframes anywhere from 3 months to 3o days. So no matter what geopolitical or socioeconomic circumstances we are operating in, in terms of speed, quality control, and process management expertise, we ensure every single one of our projects have been developed according to world-class standards and can withstand the most stringent internal and external audits. It is with this commitment and attention to quality and detail, that we have been able to launch and sustain operations across 124 countries.
Within our existing operating model, we also pioneered the concept of a Joint Visa Application Centre (JVAC), aimed at increasing the convenience of our visa applicants, where several client governments are served less than one roof.
What are the rewards and challenges that come with being a leader, the importance of your team and your advice to achieve success in business?
Being the leader brings with it some very peculiar challenges and most important one for us is complacency. The day we begin to think that we don't need to improve is one of the most difficult position one can find itself. Of course, we must ensure that we innovate and move ahead with time especially when it comes to use of technology. Ensuring that the team is able to constantly anticipate issues and proactively work towards upgrading our services is the key. In our line of business there is seldom a second chance.
How would you describe VFS as a company?
If I had to describe the culture of the company in two words, it would be entrepreneurial, and out-of-the-box! Serving a sovereign government is a sensitive matter and our ability to do this successfully year after year, while constantly coming up with fresh innovations, for 50 client governments, is the ultimate tribute to the zeal and commitment shown by our teams in overcoming the business pressures we face, on a daily basis. Its rapid growth in just 15 years is thanks to a leadership that leads from the front, and empowers its teams completely!
Lagos – The family of the abducted Lagos monarch, Chief Yushau Oseni, has said that an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom before his release on Saturday night.
The monarch's son, Prince Saheed Oseni, who confirmed the release, said that the first class traditional ruler returned to his palace “hale and hearty''.From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, suspected kidnappers of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oniba of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] paraded by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez
?Oseni said the family had decided not to disclose the amount paid as ransom but confirmed that the family paid to secure the release of the kidnapped royal father.
“We paid an undisclosed amount for his ransom which the family sourced without the involvement of the Lagos State Government?,'' he said.
?Oseni, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU) Chapter, said the traditional ruler returned through the waterways around Iba expressway.
According to my father, the kidnappers had put him in a canoe and asked him to paddle it to the other side of the river?, which he did.
“On getting to the other side of the road and confirming ?the location where he was from passerby, he discovered that he is on Iba expressway and that was how he found his way home,'' he said.
The prince said the family was grateful to God for the release and safe return of the traditional ruler.
Oseni said the family also thanked the Police and other security agencies for their efforts which led to his release.
He added that the king was in good health condition since his return home.
NAN reports that the74-year -old monarch, who celebrated his 40 years on the throne on Nov. 22, 2015, was abducted in his palace at Iba ?on July 16 at about 8 p.m.
Four days after the abduction, the kidnappers demanded for N500 million, which the family said they could not raise.
Gulani (Yobe) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Alhaji Zannah Bunu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the by-election for Gulani state constituency of Yobe.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Bagudu Nma, Information Officer of the commission in Damaturu.
It stated that Bunu polled 6,488 votes to beat Isa Babayaro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 1,623 votes.
The by-election was conducted on Saturday following the election of Alhaji Abdu Kukuwa to the House of Representatives to replace Khadija Abba Ibrahim who was appointed minister in the federal cabinet.
NAN also reports that APC still maintains a lead of 24 legislators against PDP’s one member in the state assembly.=
The civil aviation authorities of Ghana and Niger Republic have endorsed Air Peace's plan to spread its wings in foreign lands, saying the airline gives priority to safety and global best practice in its operations.Air Peace
In a related development, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Air Peace, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide has assured that the airline is ready to operate flights from Nigeria to Atlanta, China, Dubai, Ghana, Niger, Dakar, among other destinations, as part of its expansion drive.
Speaking during a two-day foreign air operator base inspection visit to Air Peace's facilities in Lagos, Head of Operations Department of Niger Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Bala Sani said the airline's safety standards, state-of- the-art equipment and structure qualified it for international flight operations.
Air Peace's aircraft, he said, are well maintained. Sani commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Chief Allen Onyema and his team for not compromising standards in the company's operations.
In its own assessment report, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it was satisfied with the operations of Air Peace.
The report signed by Mr. Samuel Benson, Capt. E. C. Dargbe and Dorothy Tackie, who inspected Air Peace's facilities, said GCAA's assessment of the airline was positive.
Meanwhile, speaking on the assessment of Air Peace, Mrs. Olajide confirmed that the airline is eager to operate international flights soon.
She assured that the chairman and management of Air Peace will continuously strive for excellence in all its operations and distinguish the reputable airline through quality service delivery. She stressed that Air Peace will not relent in its expansion plan, adding that the airline will strengthen the quality of its operations and facilities in keeping with its promise of assuring high level passenger safety.
The airline, she pledged, would continue to provide services that create superior value toits esteemed customers while ensuring that the comfort and safety of passengers are accorded top priority in Air Peace.
Northern Youth leaders from across the 19 northern states under the aegis of Northern Youths Leaders Assembly, NYLA, have commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his giant strides in tackling the insecurity challenges in the country.
The youth leaders who met in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, also welcomed the charge by the President to end every act of criminality like incessant herdsmen attack on helpless farmers across the region.
File: President Buhari interacts with troops of HQ 1 BDE in Dansadau Zamfara State as part of the 2016 Nigerian Army Day celebration on 13th July
The group in a communique at the end of the meeting hailed the Nigerian Army under General Tukur Buratai in particular for their professionalism and fearlessness to tackle all the hydra headed confusion created by disgruntled elements to stop Nigeria from moving to the promised land.
In the communique signed by Yakubu Danlami Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee and Secretary of Communique Drafting Committee, Kwuanu Terrence, the youth group also kicked against the call for amnesty to Niger Delta militants, describing it as a decoy plan for raising these hoodlums in the first place
The group therefore called for the arrest and prosecution of sponsors of the militants to serve as deterrent to others who are still in the business of raising armies against the state.
The youths said, if this is not adhered to, there is a tendency that militants may spring up the middle belt region as that section remains the only part of the country that have refused to carry arms or hold the Federal Government to hostage through any form of arms struggle.
They resolved amongst others to mobilize themselves to back President Buhari’s administration for doing well enough in critical areas like routing the Boko Haram terrorists from the north east and call for sustenance of the war by the Nigerian military to mop up the remnants of the rag-tag group that have refused to surrender.
According to the communique, the youth leaders agreed to inaugurate a special media task force to promote and project the image of the current administration against the backdrop of disgruntled and selfish politicians and their allies who are out to discredit the current administration.
The communique also said the youth leaders “have vowed to expose and where necessary take legal actions against such persons as the youths of northern Nigeria will no longer tolerate any act of sabotage against the current administration.”
It said all efforts for the reconstruction of the north east by the Federal Government should be supported by the Governors, stakeholders and the youths for rapid achievements and prudent use of resources allocated, while the call for amnesty for criminal elements in the Niger Delta should be discarded immediately.
It said the country can no longer sustain its existence on ambush by criminal elements who are always taking up arms and demanding for ransom either through direct cash transfer or bogus budgetary allocation to their domains under any pretext.
The communique read in part, “We salute Mr President and the Service Chiefs for turning the tide against all criminal elements who had planned to steal our humanities away from us through their devilish activities.
“We commend President Muhammadu Buhari for the progress made in fighting corruption while urging him not to relent on account of unwarranted and jaundiced criticisms from persons that have been impacted by not having access to steal from the till.”
Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, has appealed to those accusing him of being one of the sponsors of the dare-devil militant group, Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to leave him alone, urging the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government and security agencies to immediately investigate and arrest Cynthia Whyte, who purportedly circulated the report.
Olisa Metuh
Metuh in a statement on Sunday, said: “My attention has been drawn to a false and misleading report circulating in a section of the media, heinously listing my name as one of the sympathizers of the Niger-Delta Avengers.
“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to this given that I have since chosen to conduct my affairs with the decency and comportment of someone involved in a well-celebrated trial and with a severe spinal problem. I am also not unaware of the series of false reports against my person in the past few months. However, on this occasion I have chosen to respond, as this particularly borders on matters affecting national security.
“Indeed, I believe this is a wicked, cruel and devilish plot to link me with such activities and at this very time, especially as the claim is outrightly false.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I hereby state categorically that I do not have any relationship or association whatsoever either as a sympathizer or sponsor of any militant group, including the Avengers.
“I therefore find it very cruel that any person would in any manner whatsoever attempt to associate my name with anything to do with this group or its operations and I still wonder what the motive behind this sinister plot is.
“While I restate my decision not to be drawn into any controversy at this time, it is pertinent that I reiterate that my only preoccupation now remains matters concerning my health and extant court trial as I continue to conduct my affairs with dignity and single-mindedness.
“Finally, I call on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately investigate and arrest Cynthia Whyte, who purportedly circulated the report and ensure that they get to the root of this matter. This is a security issue and nobody should be allowed to play politics with it.”
The Kebbi and Katsina Chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday joined Kano, Jigawa, and others to endorse Chief Raymond Dokpesi for National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ahead of National Convention billed for August 17, in Port Harcourt, the River State capital.
Meanwhile, the former governor of Sokoto state, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa state has vowed to mobilise leaders from the North West region to support Dokpesi at the convention. He stated this when he hosted Dokpesi and his campaign team at his home in Sokoto.
Bafarawa and Dokpesi
In a statement by the media team of Raymond Dokpesi Campaign Organisation, Dokpesi’s first endorsement came in Katsina after he met with delegates and party leaders at the party secretariat in Katsina.
While soliciting support, Dokpesi said if he becomes the next National Chairman, he would ensure that power remains in the North in 2019.
He however said the position would be opened to all the three zones in the North; promising level playing field for all.
A total of 117 delegates from Katsina are expected to vote at the convention in Port Harcourt; making it the largest contingent across the country.
The State Chairman, Salishu Magigari while welcoming the media mogul wasted no time endorsing him for deeming it necessary to visit.
He expressed confidence in Dokpesi’s quality; pointing out that his competence and ability to lift the party to greater height is not in doubt.
Dokpesi’s second endorsement was from his party in Kebbi State.
Dokpesi secured endorsement after pleading and begging for their votes.
“I’ve come to beg you. I’ve come to plead with you to please allow me to be chairman of our great party. I have no godfather. The delegates and the people are my godfather and godmother,” he said.
Dokpesi told the delegates that he depends greatly on their support; restating his earlier pledge to use the mandate freely given to him to ensure that power remains in the North in 2019.
He said the contest is about the survival of PDP and about making sure that Presidency stays in the North and returned to PDP in 2019.
He urged delegates to vote their conscience and pray they have the courage to vote for him.
“They will come with government money to deceive you. If you collect it; you would have betrayed the North.? ? “I pledge that if you make me the National Chairman of our party, I will ensure that the decision of the party zoning Presidency to the North is upheld”
“I’ll work with you; and I’ll stand by you to defend the mandate you freely give”, he said.
Responding, former Speaker Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hassan Mohammed Shalla assured Dokpesi maximum support.
“We all endorse your request. We don’t betray anybody here. We’re always sincere and frank. If we’re not in your support, you will not see us here”, he said.
Receiving Dokpesi and his encourage, State Chairman, Musa Ibrahim Danillela reaffirmed Dokpesi’s endorsement.
He however advised Dokpesi to avoid imposition and impunity when he becomes National Chairman.
Iam glad that Father Mbaka of the Catholic Church has finally seen the light and that he has denounced the Buhari regime.
This coming from a man that once supported the President vigorously, even when members of his own flock and faith were being slaughtered, marginalised and humiliated, is cheery news.
Yet there are still many more Church leaders that supported the Buhari government, that need to follow Mbaka's example and recant.
The great philosopher, writer and intellectual, Mr. Dante Alighieri, once said that "the hottest place in hell is reserved for those who maintain their neutrality at a time of moral crisis".
To add to this it was our very own Professor Wole Soyinka, the distinguished Nobel Laureate, that said "the man died in him who remained silent in the face of tyranny".
I have no doubt in my mind that this is the time to speak out because we are not only in a time of great moral crisis in our country but we are also facing persecution and wholesale tyranny.
I am making this contribution not out of fear for the plight of the Christendom in Nigeria because I know that, as the Holy Bible says, "the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church". It also says "He who watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps".
It follows that no matter what the enemies of the gospel throw our way, including one million President Buharis, at the end of the day we shall prevail.
I am making this contribution not out of fear or to divide our nation but rather in an attempt to inform the Nigerian people and the world about what is really going on in President Buhari's Nigeria.
What many fail to appreciate is that the Church and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ was built and spread by the blood and the bones of the Christian martyrs.
It follows that the more you persecute, jail and kill Christians and the more you subject them to terror, shame, insensitivity and humiliation, the more the Church grows.
Where the so-called "great" Christian leaders with the mega-Churches have chosen to either side with the enemy or remain silent when confronted with the tyrrany of the state, the Lord will raise other voices to stand up for and speak for His people.
An example is Pastor Bright Bayo Oladeji, who is a journalist by profession and a Baptist preacher by calling. On August 2, 2016, he wrote the following on his Facebook page:
"Where are the Christians who sold the Church? The Islamic agenda is being perfected. Professor Ishaq Oloyede, a prominent Islamic leader who said he was not aware Christians are being attacked and killed, is now to head JAMB replacing Prof Ojerinde, a Baptist.
"Four Muslims were not replaced but left to continue. Out of the 17 offices, 9 new replacement are Muslims and 4 retained are Muslims. 13 out of 17 are now Muslims. NUC, Muslim. JAMB, Muslim. TETCOM, Muslim.
"Where are our Christian leaders? Where are those telling us Professor Yemi Osinbajo would stand for the Church being a pastor?
"Do they involve him in all these lopsided appointments in favour of the North and Muslims or not? Do we have Christians among the APC leaders? Does Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman of the ruling party, really belong to the Catholic Church?
"The fact that Buhari released these appointments the same day that a newspaper published an editorial titled, "Buhari's parochial appointments," (this is a paper that endorsed his candidacy), is a dirty slap on the nation.
"To say the least, it is corruption with impunity. Many are afraid to speak out and are being intimidated by security operatives. Have we become second class citizens in our own country?"
Pastor Bayo, as insightful and courageous as ever, has asked a pertinent question.
Sadly, the answer to that question is "YES": Since Buhari came to power, Christians have become second class citizens in Nigeria. We warned our people but they wouldn't listen.
Nigerians said they wanted "change" and now they must live with it. Every Christian that supported President Buhari and the APC, including some of the most prominent Church leaders, should bow their heads in shame.
As long as this continues, we will not remain silent and neither shall we be intimidated. No matter how hard they try, Nigeria will NEVER be Islamised and neither will our Christian faith be rubbished.
When Christians are treated with respect and dignity and when they are honored in the land, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When Yoruba Muslims are allowed to lead their northern counter-parts in prayer in the mosque, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When the secularity of the Nigerian state is reiterated and confirmed, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When southerners are regarded as being on the same level as northerners in the affairs of our nation, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When the murderous herdsmen and militias are finally diasarmed and when they stop slaughtering our people with impunity and without any fear of retribution from the state, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When Christians are no longer murdered in cold blood in some parts of the North simply for exercising their faith whilst the govetnment turns a blind eye, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When Christians leaders are no longer subjected to insults and brutal assault by over- zealous security agents simply for praying and reading the Holy Bible, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When the Igbo people are not treated as pariah citizens and when their children are no longer shot in the streets like stray dogs simply because, as a people, they have their own dreams and aspirations and simply because they are protesting against the manifest injustice that they have been subjected to in the land, that is when we will know that true change has come.
When Middle Belters and the northern minorities are allowed to carve out their own identity and when they are freed from the intimidation, harassment, hegemony, genocide, cultural imperialism and slavery of the core Muslim North, then we will know that true change has come.
Until then, the change that the Buhari administration has offered and served to the Nigerian people is nothing but fake.
Five members of the militant gang who carried out the recent abduction of Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Goriola Oseni, have been arrested by operatives of Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response team, IRT.
Vanguard gathered that the suspects, who were apprehended within Iba and Iyan-Ipaja areas of Lagos, were picked up few hours before and after the Oba was released from captive around 7:30pm last Saturday, by the IRT operatives who were deployed to Lagos State by the Acting Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris to assist the Lagos State Police Command.
From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, suspected kidnappers of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oniba of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] paraded by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.Sources at the Lagos State Police Command also disclosed to Vanguard that Oba Oseni who was released after a ransom of N12million was allegedly paid to the militants, whose camp is located within the Ijegemo creek in Isheri area of Lagos State.
Vanguard learnt on Sunday, that the leader of the militant gang known as Duba Furejo, AKA, General Duba, a native of Arogbo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, was arrested 5: pm on Saturday, by operatives of the IRT led by CSP Abba Kyari, at Iyana-School area of Iba, while trying to flee to his home town in Ondo State.
His deputy, Ododomu Isaiah, was equally apprehended 6am on Sunday, in a bus park at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos, while attempting to board a bus going to Ondo State.
They were said to have confessed during interrogation to have taken part in the abduction of the Oba and several others recently and they also led the IRT operatives in arresting three informants who were residents of Iba Town that gave them information about the Oba and their other victims.
General Duba, was also said to have confessed that he has 20 foot soldiers in his camp but eight of them took part in the abduction of the Oba, adding that he got N1million from the N12million paid as ransom for the release of the Oba, while he received another N600,000 as his share from a N3.1million which was paid as ransom before an Igbo trader residing in Iba was released.
His deputy, was also said to have gotten N800,000 as his share on the Oba's ransom and N400,000 from the Igbo trader's ransom.
They also confessed that they gave N800,000 to the informant who gave them information about the Oba's movements.
It was gathered that the militant camp was thrown into confusion when news of the arrest of General Duba filtered in.
They were said to have contemplated using the Oba a a bait to free their leader but one of them resisted and asked that the Oba be released.
It will be recalled that the 73 year old monarch was abducted by gunmen on Saturday, July 16, 2016, killing at least three persons including, Palace Security Guide, 72 year old, Sunday Okonlanwo.
The Oba's wife, fondly called Iya Jelilat, who also sustained gunshot during the encounter was discharged from the hospital.
The kidnappers subsequently, contacted the family and demanded for N500 Million ransom for the release of the kidnapped monarch.
ABUJA-As against the public outcry trailing the concessionary foreign exchange (Forex) rate of N197 to $1 granted to the intending Muslims pilgrims for 2016 Hajj operations, the Presidency has risen in defence of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the situation was unfounded.
The presidency also stated that Buhari has not at any time shown religious predilection to Muslims as against the Christian pilgrims.President Buhari commissions Road Projects in Wanke Zamfara State
Recalling that Christians pilgrims enjoyed a concessionary rate of N160 to $1 in 2015, the seat of power said that the current criticisms were mischievous attempts to discredit the president.
The presidency reaction was conveyed through the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in an exclusive chat with Vanguard.
Shehu who revealed that Muslims and Christians alike had always gotten the same and equal treatment from the government in every pilgrimage explained that the Hajj Commission never asked for concession and was never given any.
He pointed out that what the Commission requested was to be given Forex at the prevailing exchange rate which was N197 to $1 at the time of the appeal.
He said: “The Hajj Commission did not ask for concessionary rate and was not given a concessionary rate. They asked to be given Forex at the prevailing exchange rate and at that time, it was N197 to $1 and they entered into contract with intending pilgrims that they will pay at the given rate. So, no wrong had been done. People are just being mischievous by dwelling on this thing.
“It is not also true that the president is favoring Muslims. Every year in this country, Muslims and Christians have always paid the same rate. This also applied to Christians when they got their rate at N160 as CBN has explained.
“There was no concession given to Muslim pilgrims. They didn’t ask for concession and they were not given any. They asked for the prevailing exchange rate and approval was given on the basis of that.”
Shehu’s position was however a response to inquiries made by Vanguard prompted by exclusive spotting of a letter from the Hajj Commission to President Buhari.
Captained “Request for official exchange rate for 2016 Hajj transactions” with reference number NAHCON/AU/16/Vol.XXVI/907, the letter dated March 18, 2016 was routed through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF.
It made a specific request of concessionary rate “at the prevailing official exchange rate of N197 to $1 for the 2016 Hajj dollar related components.
“I have the honor to write on the above matter. Sir, you may recall that during 2015 Hajj, Government granted approval of N160 to $1 for dollar related component of Hajj transactions based on the Commission’s request.
“In view of the current global economic realities and need to take off the financial burden of providing concessionary rates on the government, the Commission had sensitized stakeholders and States Boards at two different meetings held on the 11th January and 10th of March, 2016 over the challenges of enjoying consessionary exchange rates for Hajj transactions which was all agreed that it is unrealistic at this material time.
“Therefore, the Commission is considerably sensitive to limit its request to Government for the use of prevailing official exchange rate of N197 to $1 for the 2016 Hajj dollar related components.
“Sir, if our request meets Mr. President’s kind consideration and approval, the Commission shall compute the 2016 Hajj fares accordingly without financial implication to the Government on subsidy support or concession on the foreign exchange as was the practice.
“Mr. President is kindly requested to approve the use of the prevailing official exchange rate to N197 to $1 to be used for all dollar related component of 2016 Hajj”, the letter signed by one Barr. Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammad read.
Hundreds of returnees displaced by the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in some communities in Yobe have returned to their farmlands a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria finds.
A NAN correspondent who visited Goniri, Katarko, Gotula and Ngurbuwa villages reports that many of the returnees, who left their settlements almost three years ago, have massively re-engaged in farming activities.
Malam Umar Usman, a resident of Nguburwa, told NAN that they returned to their farms after relocating to their communities.
“Agriculture is our mainstay and we were denied of farming activities by the Boko Haram insurgents following the capture of our communities and displacement of our people.
“We are now back and re-engaged in agricultural production,'' he said.
Another farmer, Bukar Kolo, said himself and other farmers were taking advantage of the rainy season to till their farmlands.
“We are taking advantage of the cropping season to improve our lives,” he said.
Musa Garba and Kakami Baba of Katarko and Goniri villages respectively, lauded the state government and humanitarian organizations for providing them with farm inputs.
Alhaji Musa Jidawa, the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said the agency in collaboration with Victims Support Fund (VSF) had launched a N135-million agricultural empowerment programme for 2,000 households in two villages.
Jidawa said the two villages were, Gujba and Gulani Local Government Areas.
He said that the empowerment programme also provided improved seeds, fertilizer, herbicides and cash assistance to returnees in Buni-Yadi and Gulani to encourage agricultural production.
He said that Yobe government also distributed bags of rice, millet and sorghum to the people to support their resettlement process.
Some of the returnees commended the efforts of the state government and humanitarian organizations for providing them with farm inputs.
They said that farming was their major trade and they have taken the advantage of the season to improve their livelihoods.
English FA Cup champion, Manchester United defeated English Premier League champion, Leicester City 2-1 on Sunday, to clinch a record 21 Community Shield title.
Manchester United’s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (up) beats Leicester City’s English defender Wes Morgan (down) to head in their second goal during the FA Community Shield football match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium in London on August 7, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK /
United got the first goal 31 minutes into the game after a Wayne Rooney free-kick was headed clear by Wes Morgan.
The Red Devils number 10 picked the ball up again 35 yards out, tapped it to Lingard who went on a run, took the ball past King and Drinkwater, nutmegged Morgan before slamming a low shot into the net.
England international, Jamie Vardy, who grabbed a 24-goal haul in the EPL last season, continued his scoring form when he stepped in at the 52nd minute to secure an equaliser for the Foxes after a howler by Fellaini.
At the 83rd minute United new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores on his competitive debut for the Reds. The big Swede restored United's lead after climbing above Morgan to nod an Antonio Valencia cross into the bottom corner.
Today's match was United's 30th appearance in the Community Shield. They've won the trophy on 21 times, a record figure (17 outright wins and four shared titles).
United have won the Community Shield in six of their last six appearances (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2016).
Chelsea midfielder and Captain of the Nigerian Under-23 male football team, Mikel Obi, has set his eyes on Gold in the ongoing Rio Olympics.
Mikel expressed this optimism on Sunday, as the Dream Team VI is set to take on Sweden today, by 11pm in the Group B second match.
Obi, who led the Dream Team VI to defeat Japan 5-4, in the opening game on Friday, in a tweet via his Twitter handle, @mikel_john_obi said a win against Sweden tonight will take the Dream Team closer to Gold.
By Emma Amaize WARRI- NIGER-Delta activist and Itsekiri leader, Chief Ayiri Emami, Sunday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the 22 alleged sponsors, members and sympathizers of the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, revealed on Saturday evening by a splinter faction, Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, RNDA.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, stalwart in Delta state, in a statement, said: "The revelation by the splinter group of Niger Delta Avengers about the sponsors of Niger Delta Avengers has vindicated my earlier position that some corrupt politicians running away from justice are the brains behind the criminal group."
"Nigerians should not take the report by Saharareporters with a pinch of salt and President Muhammadu Buhari should ensure that the fresh revelation is properly investigated with a view to bringing all those behind the economic and political sabotage to book.
"I say so emphatically because these failed and corrupt politicians are determined to bring down the economy of Nigeria and rubbish the President Buhari’s administration before gullible Nigerians," he said.
Chief Emami cautioned government not to allow any of them escape justice in the name of negotiations,
However, former President Goodluck Jonathan named as the grand patron of the Niger Delta Avengers has denied the allegation.
Meanwhile, the Adaka Boro Avengers, ADA, which recently dumped its brag to declare a Republic of Niger Delta, on Sunday, said that President Buhari was not ready for dialogue and ordered oil companies to stop further repairs of pipelines and vandalized oil installations in their own interest.
The group in a statement by its spokesperson, self-styled General Edmos Ayayeibo, said government was merely playing pranks and asked the oil companies to stay off the region until the federal government makes a pronouncement on dialogue.
On the threat by Boko Haram to kill Christians and burn churches, the militant group said: "We are also sending this message to those Northerners, who want to burn and kill Christians in North in the name Islam religion to commence immediately, but one Niger Delta soul will be exchanged for 100 Northern souls."
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday said his administration has the capacity and will to fight all forms of crime and criminality, saying that it would not relent in its efforts until criminal elements have no hiding place in the State.From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, some of the Suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] parading by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, Yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez
The Governor who addressed journalists on the safe rescue of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni, said in the last few weeks, there had been a coordinated onslaught by security agencies in the State against vandals and kidnappers, under the code name 'Operation Awatse', adding that the operation would continue until their activities are completely stamped out.
The Governor, who spoke through the State's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said that the kidnap of an Oba in Yorubaland was a sacrilege and a complete desecration of the cultural values of the Yoruba race, which according to him, must not go unpunished.
He said, "The arrest of these suspects is a clear warning to criminal elements that we value and cherish our Yoruba tradition and will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it is protected from violation by those who have desecrated our values".
The Governor also commended the police and other security agencies for their all-round efforts in securing the release of the Oba and effecting the arrests of two of the suspected kidnappers, saying the Oba has since returned safely to his palace.
"We are also pleased to announce that two of the kidnappers have been arrested and are here for everybody to see. The kidnappers are also prime suspects in the murder of two persons killed during the kidnap and they will face the full wrath of the law," the Governor said.
He urged the public to continue to be vigilant and take advantage of the State's emergency numbers 112 and 767 to alert security agencies of any suspicious actions in their areas, assuring that the State Government would continue to support security agencies to ensure that Lagosians remain safe and secure.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said the sustained pressure and hot chaise given to the kidnappers led to the rescue of the Monarch.
While responding to inquiries as to whether ransom was paid, Owoseni said: “We have always reiterated that it is not about whether ransom was paid or not. If it is about ransom, suspect will not be arrested and what I will say is that the pressure by the Lagos Command and the Special Response Team of the Inspector General of Police from Abuja, the combined efforts and pressure paid off and the most important thing is that Kabiyesi is in his palace.”
The CP added that the monarch was hale and hearty as at the time of his rescue, saying that he met personally with the monarch and debriefed him on his state of health.
Besides, Owoseni debunked insinuation that the State Government abandoned the monarch to his fate during the period of the ordeal.
He said: “As to whether the State Government did something or not, if you are seeing suspects being paraded, the security agencies are apparatus of government and that is to say that the government has worked very hard in order to get Kabiyesi liberated.
“What we want to do is to also thank and appreciate the calmness and the understanding of the family who in the process of getting Kabiyesi out of the hands of the kidnappers have been very cooperative with us in order for us to get Kabiyesi out hale and hearty.
“No matter the amount of money that is put to fund security, the United States has all it takes, France has all it takes but till tomorrow, you are still hearing of people being killed in Malls or whatever.
“In France, some people went to church to go and kill a priest, so there is no society that you can completely eradicate crime. But for you to know, the logistics and wherewithal that the government has given all the security agencies in the State also contributed to the arrest that has been made.
“All I want to say is that criminals should also know that whatever has been done, they will not go unpunished. As of now, investigation is still on and you can be assured that all the people that took part in that operation will be arrested and they will face the full wrath of the law. We will not reveal much so as not to jeopardize ongoing investigation,” the CP said.
While being interviewed by journalists, the two arrested suspects said nine people were involved in the operation that led to the kidnap of the monarch.
The two suspects – Isaiah Ododomu and Toba Forejo said they were involved in illegal oil bunkering but were stopped from the business due to the renewed efforts of government against them, adding that they were arrested on Saturday at Iyana School in Lagos.
Narrating how the attack was carried out, Isaiah said: “I was involved in illegal bunkering. As this government stopped bunkering, our leaders arranged another group and this mission of the new group was to start kidnapping and use it to manage ourselves since we can’t do oil bunkering again. I am a married man, I don’t have any job to do. We used to do security for those main guys and anytime they make about N500, 000 they will give us like N20,000."
A former minister of Education and Vice President of the World Bank, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and an erstwhile INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Mike Igini, have been selected among others, by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), to assess Ghana’s preparation for the forthcoming general elections.
Also on the list is United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Jihnnie Carson.
Others are IRI’s Country Director for Tanzania, Robina Namusisi, who was former Country Director for Nigeria, and Chris Fomunyoh, NDI’s Regional Director for Africa.
An army officer, eight soldiers and two air force men were killed, yesterday, when suspected armed bandits and gun runners opened fire on them as they went on a search and recovery operation in three communities in Niger State. Read more here
Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers.
Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers.Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers.Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers.Troops recovered items such as three AK-47 rifles,10 Local AK-47 rifles, 9 locally made pistols, six revolver guns, which fires 7.62mm (special ammunition), 45 loaded dane guns, 10 clubs and cudgels, 41 arrows, 18 bow cases, 122 cutlasses and machetes as well as 20 daggers."The suspected gun runners and armed bandits also burnt down four operational vehicles of the Nigerian army and vandalized two others.
From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, some of the Suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] parading by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, Yesterday. Photo: Bunmi AzeezFrom left: Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Commissioner of Police, Brig-Gen. Sanni Moahmmed, Commander 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Mr. Olukule Ojo, Chief of Staff to Governor Ambode and Commodore, Abraham Adaji, Commander Nigeria Navy Ship Becroft Apapa, at press briefing on the suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] at Lagos House, Ikeja Photo: Bunmi Azeez
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
AS more and more people arrive the sprawling Redemption Camp venue of the 64th annual convention of the church, countless traders are making bountiful sales and are smiling to the banks.
At every corner, there are traders who are busy selling wares ranging from food, to household items, electronic equipment, cooking utensils, clothes, and other commodities. Some of the traders are not registered while others were duly accredited and allocated space to sell their wares.
Those who are not accredited like hawkers of satchet water, pop corn and ground nuts and several others who are taking advantage of the huge presence of people, are increasingly on the watchout for security personnel who harass them and some time seize their wares.
One of the market women who sells bags of sachet water said she has sold over 40 bags of water within two days while most of the male folks that fry puff-puff also wish the Programme can be extended.
A good number of visitors to the camp for the convention, appealed to the church authorities to provide more toilet facilities for them.
When our correspondent visited the National Kitchen, security men were seen preventing vehicular movement along the Kitchen Road while a crowd of people gathered on one side of the road patiently facing the kitchen and repeatedly saying Amen to prayers coming from the kitchen department.
Some of the onlookers held bottled water, anointing oil and Bible and when asked what was happening inside the kitchen, one of them said the General Overseer is coming to the kitchen to pray and bless the kitchen workers who are always absence from the convention programmes due to the nature of their work at the camp.
He said: “Daddy G.O. will be at the kitchen today (Thursday) to pray for the workers and he always does this every year since those people cooking don’t always have time to attend the various programmes. I believe as he is praying for the workers inside the kitchen, the prayer will also have positive impact on my life outside here and that is why I came with this water”.
A bullet struck the media centre at the Olympic equestrian venue on Saturday, fuelling security fears at the Rio de Janeiro Games.
No one was hurt in the incident, but an AFP journalist at the media centre saw a clear hole where the bullet tore through the canvas roof.
A TVNZ report said the bullet narrowly missed a New Zealand team official who was badly shaken by the incident.
New Zealand’s Olympic team said it appeared to be “unintentionally fired” and landed on the media centre floor.
“Today a bullet entered the press conference work room at the Equestrian Venue at Deodoro in Rio and landed on the floor,” a statement said.
“The New Zealand police assessment is that the bullet was fired unintentionally rather than with intent,” it added.
“We have advised all team members to remain within the accredited areas at the venue and travel bubble to bubble.
“Team members should remain aware and exercise caution.”
The Deodoro equestrian venue, which was hosting the first day of the dressage competition on Saturday, is located on a military base.
Rio also has a reputation for gun crime and there were two fatal shootings near Olympic venues on Friday, including one outside the Maracana stadium where the opening ceremony took place.
On Saturday, bomb-disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion near the finish line of the cycling road race at Copacabana beach.
New signing Sadio Mane scored one goal and made another as Liverpool slickly defeated Barcelona 4-0 in a one-sided friendly match at a sun-soaked Wembley on Saturday.
A 34 million pounds ($44.5 million, 40.1 million euros) capture from Southampton, Mane struck a 15th-minute opener and then supplied the cross from which ex-Liverpool player Javier Mascherano scored an own goal.
Divock Origi added a third seconds later and substitute Marko Grujic chipped in with a stoppage-time header as Jurgen Klopp’s side registered their sixth win in eight pre-season games.
“I’m happy with the result and with a lot of the game,” said Klopp, who lost James Milner to a first-half heel injury.
“I don’t want to over-estimate this game, but it’s still good for us. We didn’t think that we were lower than Barcelona before the game and we don’t think that we’re higher than them after the game.”
Liverpool play Mainz, one of Klopp’s former clubs, in a friendly in Germany on Sunday before tackling Arsenal in their Premier League opener next weekend.
Barcelona’s defeat meant that Paris Saint-Germain won the International Champions Cup friendly tournament for the second year running.
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique was missing Neymar, who is on duty with hosts Brazil at the Olympics, but fielded both former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who hit the post in the first half.
Barca play Sampdoria at the Camp Nou in their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday and face Sevilla in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 14.
“From the beginning we saw two teams with completely different rhythms,” said Luis Enrique.
“It was definitely not our best day. But there’s enough days for us to prepare and there’s no doubt we’ll be competitive.”
– Milner injury –
The glamour game drew 89,845 spectators to Wembley — the stadium’s second-highest attendance — and it was Liverpool’s fans, comfortably in the majority, who went home with smiles on their faces.
With seven friendly matches behind them to Barcelona’s two, Liverpool were the sharper team and they took the lead with a slick goal.
After winning possession on halfway, Adam Lallana surged forward and exchanged passes with Roberto Firmino before teeing up Mane, whose rising shot beat goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Liverpool had to weather a succession of Barcelona chances before half-time.
Suarez, facing his former club for the first time, teed up Messi to roll a shot against the right-hand post, while Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet saved from Arda Turan and Suarez.
Milner, who announced his England retirement on Friday, was again deployed at left-back for Liverpool, but had to give way to Alberto Moreno before half-time. Klopp said he would undergo a scan on Sunday.
Within three minutes of kick-off in the second half, the game was as good as over.
In the 47th minute, Origi’s flick released Mane and his low cross from the right was bundled into the net by Mascherano.
Barely a minute later, Kevin Stewart caught Jeremy Mathieu dawdling on the ball and freed fellow half-time substitute Origi, who coolly beat Barcelona replacement goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
Grujic, signed from Red Star Belgrade in January, put the cherry on the cake in added time, meeting fellow Serbian Lazar Markovic’s scooped pass with a fine header that looped over Bravo.
Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure on Saturday defeated visiting Niger Tornadoes FC in a week 30 fixture of the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Michael Egbeta put the home team in front in the 45th minute of the first half, while Samad Quadri scored in the 48th minute to secure the win for Sunshine Stars.
After the match, Solomon Ogbeide, Sunshine Stars' Technical Adviser, said he was happy with the team’s performance.
Ogbeide said the expectation of every coach was for his team to play and win and he was happy his team did just that.
“Football is not basketball where you must convert all the chances you get in order to stay on top. But I am happy my team won at the end of the day.
“Also, I am cautiously optimistic that we will get there with the right motivation,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sunshine Stars will next take on Ikorodu United FC of Lagos, in a week 31 fixture of the NPFL.
Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai, has said that the All Progressives Congress, APC, will lose the 2019 elections, if the exercise is free and fair.
The former presidential adviser in the Second Republic said Nigerians will vote out the government of the APC because the state of poverty and cost of living is on the increase.
"In my opinion, Nigerians will vote out APC in 2019 because they are complaining over the cost of living and the rate of poverty is on the increase. I don’t see how APC will win if they don’t manipulate the process,”
“How much was a dollar last year, how much is it now? What about the cost of bag of rice, basket of tomatoes and other. Farmers are complaining about fertilizers but it was not like this when PDP was in power,” he said.
He said this when High Chief Raymond Dokpesi led members of his campaign team to his Kano residence to seek his support for the position of chairman of the PDP at the forthcoming national convention billed for Port Harcourt.
The Nigerian Army on Saturday expressed optimism that the Government Secondary School (GSS), Chibok, in Borno will re-open for academic activities in September.
Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, told newsmen in Maiduguri that this was based on progress of its reconstruction.
Ezugwu said the army took over the supervision of the reconstruction after a directive from the presidency.
“The school has become a national monument of a sort following the April 14, 2014 abduction of about 217 girls by terrorists at the institution.
“There was actually a presidential order asking army engineers to take over the reconstruction of the school, which led to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), giving directives for us to move in”, he said.
Ezugwu said the engineers had been on site for sometime trying to ensure the reconstruction of the school.
“We are trying to rebuild the entire structures by supervising contractors on site.
“Our target is that we shall be able to get some buildings ready before the commencement of the next academic session so that the school will be able to pick up again because of the total destruction its suffered in the hands of terrorists”, he said.
Ezugwu said Nigerian army was also working toward the take off of a Command Day Secondary School in the state.
“The one that gladdens my heart most is the Command Day Secondary School, Auno.
“The State Government is renovating the buildings of the former Government Secondary School (GSS) Auno, for the take off of the Command Day Secondary School.
“It is one of the efforts to appreciate what the army has done for the state.
“I was there with the Commissioner of Education to see things for myself and going by the level of work done, the school will begin operation in September”, he said.
He said it would be a good opportunity for the Nigerian Army to have its education corps to teach the students who are the future generals, doctors and professors.
The Emir of Katsina, Dr. Abdul-Mummuni Kabir, has urged people to stop castigating President Muhammad Buhari over the economic challenges facing the country.
Kabir made the call during inauguration of a book on family lineage of late chief Imam of Kano residing in Katsina, Muhammad Zaharaddeen, on Saturday in Katsina.
“It has come to our knowledge that some disgruntled people are castigating President Buhari and blaming the economic problems of the country on him.
“The President cannot solve the economic blunder committed in 16 years within one year.
“President Buhari needs some time to marshal plans that will solve the several challenges facing the country", he said
Kabir advised Nigerians to rally round and support Buhari to enable him to discharge his duties for the betterment of the people.
“The President needs the support and prayers of his brothers and sisters from the North to overcome the several problems facing the North and the country."
The emir commended the author of the book for writing the book on his family lineage that migrated to Katsina in 1894 during Hausa/Fulani civil wars.
He said the book will serve as a reference material for history students in tertiary institutions in the state.
Earlier, Gov. Aminu Masari urged citizens to emulate the late chief imam's family by promoting both western and islamic education.
"This prominent family has produced lawyers, doctors, university professors, administrators and politicians.''
Masari said the family had some prominent politicians like Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa and Sen. Hadi Sirike, a serving minister in Buhari's Administration.
NAN reports that the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi, who was the chief launcher of the book, donoted N1 million. Over N5 million was realized at the launch.
The book is written by retired Aminu Abdullahi, formerly of BBC Hausa Service.
A group, which calls itself Witches and Wizards Association of Nigeria (WITCAN), has described Governor Adams Oshiomhole as a workaholic while commending him for transforming Edo State.
*Dr Okhue Iboi
The group, which also asked Oshiomhole to put in place measures to ensure that the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state is successful, however, complained that its members were being persecuted, pleading that the persecution should stop.
It spoke through its Publicity Secretary, Dr Okhue Iboi.
"Members of our association are apolitical. We are not partisan. Our own concern as stakeholders in the project called Nigeria is for peace and unity to reign. Our own witches group are not evil. We do good, and promote whatever will bring progress to mankind. We love Nigeria. Oshiomhole has been working very hard in the last seven years plus, and he has transformed Edo State, but he should be very vigilant so that some hoodlums working for some political godfathers don't unleash violence which may lead to the destruction of properties and lives," Iboi, a trado-medical practitioner, told Sunday Vanguard in Lagos.
The witches spokesman disclosed that the task of delivering the message to Oshiomhole and other political gladiators in Edo State was given to the witches during a meeting members of the group held at Irrua.
"We were holding our monthly meeting at Irrua, and, suddenly, while looking at our crystal ball in the coven, we saw some things that were frightening concerning Edo and thereafter I was mandated as the spokesperson of the group to deliver this message to the governor, and other stakeholders that have one thing or the other to do with the governorship election in Edo State. But we are making a special appeal to Governor Oshiomhole because he is the Chief Security Officer of the state. He should liaise with the police, INEC and other stakeholders to ensure that peace is maintained before, during and after the elections," Iboi said.
Warning politicians in Edo State not to see the election as a do-or-die affair, he said political parties and candidates taking part in the election must respect the will of the electorate. "Power belong to God and He alone gives it to whomsoever it pleases Him to give it to. But one fact our politicians must know is that the will of the people must be respected" .
While advising politicians to take the witches warning seriously, Iboi said: "Witches are not joking over this Edo election. We will not allow any individual or group to destroy the state or give it a bad name. It is unfortunate that many Nigerians are hypocrites. When they hear witches or read about witches, what comes to their mind is evil or darkness. For our own witches group, we are children of light. We are for good. Have people forgotten that even in the Bible there is a story of King Saul who consulted a witch when he was about to go into a battle to enable him know how the battle will go?
"Again people tend to forget that Nigeria is a secular state, Nigeria doesn't belong to only Christians and Muslims, the nation is for all faiths. They should stop persecuting witches or look at us with disdain. As stakeholders they should allow us to make our own contributions to the growth and development of the country." The witches spokesperson said the election is going to be a straight battle between the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Godwin Obaseki, and that of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Pastor Ize Iyamu.
"The battle is a straight one between Iyamu and Obaseki, and the election is going to be hotly contested. But on who is going to win, we are holding an emergency meeting at Ofosu next Wednesday, and the person who is going to win the election will be revealed to us at that meeting."
Frontline chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi on Friday described as unfortunate decision to micro zone the position to the Southwest by Southern leaders; saying it is a repeat of the same mistake that led the party to where it is today.
This is even as kano and Jigawa chapters of PDP vowed to give their votes to Dokpesi at National Convention of the Party in Portharcourt.
This was stated in a statement by the media team of Dokpesi Campaign Organisation, as the media mogul took his campaign into Nigeria’s North West, berthing in the ancient city of Kano.
He told delegates in Kano to do the right thing by voting their conscience.
He said he doesn’t have any godfather but is depending heavily on them to vote for him.
“Leaders of the South met and decided to micro-zone to the Southwest.
“These are the same things we did that brought the party to its knees.
“I have come here pleading and begging that if I become National Chairman it is me and you that would be chairman,” he said.
Just as he has been massively received in the 26 states previously visited, Dokpesi was treated to a heroic welcome by party members.
“I’ve been on the road for more than 8 days; moving from hamlet to hamlet, soliciting for support, asking, pleading and begging the people to vote for me.
“They’ve received us well; warmed up strongly to our brand of populist democracy which has pledged to return power to the people “.
Dokpesi said he is enboldened by the massive support from the people; and would be holding on to their words as he goes for the challenge in Port Harcourt.
“It is this assurances that I’ll hold on to as I transverse the length and breadth of the country” , he said, calling on citizens to join in a campaign that is “bound to change the face of politics forever in the country”, he said.
Speaking earlier, Kano State Chapter of PDP led by their Chairman, Alhaji Rabiu Dansharu pitched their tent with Raymond Dokpesi, vowing to give him all of their votes for the position of National Chairman of the party.
The State Chapter said it is not concerned about the position by leaders in the south to zone the seat to the Southwest.
Dansharu thanked him (Dokpesi) for deeming it necessary to come to Kano.
He said his visit has brought new hope to members in Kano.
The State Chapter endorsed Dokpesi; promising to give him their votes.
The north is home to Dokpesi. His mother being from Adamawa State but it is from Kano that the business mogul launched his campaign to his brothers and sisters deep in the North.
From Kano, Dokpesi Campaign train journeyed to Jigawa where party members trooped out in large numbers to welcome him.
Again in Jigawa, Dokpesi pleads for votes; saying he is very much in the race.
He promised that if he becomes National Chairman, he would ensure that Presidency returns to the North and that there would be level playing field for every section of the north.
Just as it happened in Kano, delegates vows to reward Dokpesi handsomely with their votes.
He also held private meetings with prominent Nigerians including Elder Statesman, Tanko Yakasai and former governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido in Kano.
Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has presented N1.8bn retirement bond certificate to 266 pensioners in the state.
One of the 266 retirees from the Osun state civil service receiving her Retirement Bond Certificate from Governor Rauf Aregbesola
The 266 beneficiaries are the third batch of retirees under the contributory pension scheme in the State of Osun to received their Retirement Bond Certificate.
Aregbesola during the presentation made it known that two hundred sixty six (266) retirees, both in the State and Local Governments Service benefited from the scheme. This he said, includes 139 primary school teachers, 55 local government and 72 state retirees.
He assured the retirees that, presentation of bond certificates would be a continuous exercise sequel to the availability of funds, noting that, no retirees will be short changed.
Speaking at the programme, the Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye explained that, as part of government’s effort to make life comfortable for retirees, the state government has approved the establishment of a data base for the use of the bureau which will bring about improvement in the prompt remittances of monthly contribution and efficient transfers of accrued benefit to Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of workers.
Mr. Owoeye stated that, Osun is ranked among the states that is diligently implementing the scheme, noting that, this is as a result of the doggedness of the State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
He said the scheme is implemented to surmount the challenges of old defined benefit scheme. He however, advised them to spend the money judiciously.
In his address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Mr. Kayode Afolabi said that, the contributory pension scheme will assist civil servants to save towards their retirement.
Mr. Afolabi explained that, the scheme also ensures that persons who leave or retire from public service will receive their benefits as and when due because there is a system of rules and regulations for the administration and payment of retirement benefits to beneficiaries.
He maintained that, since the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the state in 2010, positive development had been recorded.
According to him, in line with the global best practices and PENCOM’s recommendation, a pre-retirement workshop was earlier organized for the beneficiaries of the scheme to assist them prepare for a new life as pensioners.
Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mrs. Moji Adeleke appreciated the state Government for the kind gesture and prayed that God will improve the state of the economy in Osun and Nigeria.
The much-awaited maiden edition of the annual Warri carnival in Delta State has been confirmed to hold September 28 - October 1, this year. This is so, as arrangements towards the successful hosting of the five-day event have reached advanced stage.
Announcing this during a media chat in Lagos, the chief promoter and initiator of the carnival, Sunny Nikoro, stated that the carnival is targeted at entrenching Warri as a gateway to the Niger Delta region, and listing it as a tourist destination in Nigeria.
Activities lined up for the five-day event include unveiling of symbol of unity, top artists performance and comedy fair, carnival float/street parade, land boat regatta, Miss Warri beauty pageant, cultural dance and performance, including carnival cup 2016 - football novelty match. The match will feature the likes of ex-Nigerian footballers, Segun Odegbami, Frank Obire, and Henry Nwosu, among others, who will be playing alongside the local team, Warri Wolves
Land Regatta will feature the festival that offers a breathtaking display of the wealth and artistic splendour of the heritage of the riverine people of Delta State. It provides an opportunity for all riverine communities and dwellers to showcase their dexterity in boat building, decoration, parading, paddling and manoeuvring. The most artistic and creative boat will win a trophy.
Noting that the Warri Carnival is being organised to also coincide with the Nation's 56th Independence Day Anniversary celebration on October 1, Nikoro assured that the event which is already attracting tourists' enquiries from African countries and across the world, will be nurtured to become Africa's biggest street carnival.
"Apart from entertaining the anticipated millions of spectators coming from within and outside the state, the Warri Carnival will bring out the joy and bliss associated with the season, while also promoting commerce, laughter and love among the indigenes of Warri," he went further to say.
Warri city is one of the major hubs of petroleum activities and businesses in southern Nigeria. It is the commercial capital city of Delta State, with an estimated population of 2,000,000 people," says Nikoro.
Two policewomen were wounded in the southern Belgian city of Charleroi on Saturday by a machete-wielding man who shouted “Allahu akbar” (God is the greatest), local police said.
The attacker was shot and injured, they said on Twitter.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised communities along the River Niger to evacuate immediately to safer ground.
The agency warned in a statement it issued in Abuja on Saturday that flooding might occur at any moment following intense rainfall and rises in water level.
The Director-General of the agency, Malam Muhammad Sani-Sidi, who gave the advice in the statement, said the agency had received alerts of the imminent flooding.
He said information given by the authorities in the Republic of Niger indicated the present water level in the river had reached a point that may result in flooding that could be compared with that of 2012.
He said: “Niger Basin Authority (NBA) notified Nigeria that rainy season, which started in the Middle Niger (Burkina Faso and Niger Republic) in June, has led to a gradual rise of the level of River Niger in Niamey, Niger Republic.
“This high level of water in Niger Republic is already spreading to Benin Republic, and invariably, to Nigeria.''
He further said that the level of water in all the hydrological monitoring stations across the country, as at Aug. 5, had already exceeded the corresponding values at that time.
According to him, this development is an alarming situation that requires the prompt and coordinated action of all governments and stakeholders.
“If the heavy rainfall continues in intensity and duration within these regions of the River Niger, it is imminent that flood situation similar to that of the year 2012 may occur,'' the director-general quoted the report as saying.
Sani_Sidi, therefore, called on all stakeholders to take necessary actions in line with their various mandates.
He said that states and local governments should ensure observance of the threat to avert imminent loss of lives and property that might arise in the event of flooding.
He identified the states along the river Niger belts as being the most vulnerable and those along its major tributaries such as in Benue river belts , the confluence states and downstream to the Atlantic Coast.
He said NEMA zonal and operation offices had been instructed to continue with advocacy visit to the state governments.
He also urged the states to utilise the flood vulnerability maps given to them earlier by NEMA to identify safer ground for temporary shelters in time of evacuation.
He advised them to always review all their contingency plans.
Tanzania's golden boy of music, Diamond Platinumz has confessed that his wife, who is older than him, gets jealous of his female fans.
He admitted this during a recent TV interview, "Whenever I'm shooting videos, she's not always there, but she could call me up to 50 times. When I eventually show her the video, and she watches some scenes where I'm frolicking with women, she asks me why I did that. But I make her understand that I'm a musician, and that's part of my job."
He continued, "There was a time I was in Europe for a tour, and I tweeted 'Where my ladies at …' She took offence to that and said why was I asking for the ladies, that do I want them to come and meet me. I told her it means nothing, and it's only part of our artistic language."
In the same interview, Diamond hinted that he will soon be releasing a song with pop twins, P-Square, and that it's going to be one of the biggest tracks in Africa, as he feels it will be a hit already.
Diamond is one of the biggest artistes in East Africa, and he has also collaborated with Nigerian acts such as Waje and Davido.
Ghollywood actor, John Dumelo recently disclosed the secrets behind his charming self, which makes him very attractive to ladies. The talented actor who made the revelations at the Nigerian launch of
Ghandour Cosmetics product range in Lagos, said keeping his hair neat is one of the features ladies find irresistible.
"I always keep my hair well cut and neat, I know a lot of boys or a lot of men who have always wanted to use the product too because it's good for the hair. It straightens out the hair and makes the hair
look neat and it attracts the women as well. "
He explained that keeping his hair neat is also part of the reasons he was chosen as a brand ambassador for Ghandour Cosmetics, 'Style Up'.
Even though I work with style app, I still have links with BO16 and other brands that Ghandour does. That's the reason I'm here. I'm here for BO16 and I always support their activities", he noted
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State says it will conduct a primary election on Aug. 8 to pick a candidate for Oorelope State Constituency re-run election.
Mr Olawale Sadare, the Director of Media and Publicity of the party, announced this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seat became vacant following the assassination of Assemblyman Gideon Aremu on July 1.
NAN also reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Aug. 20 for the election to fill the vacant position.
Sadare said that the eligible party members had been informed to visit the state secretariat for the collection of expression of interest and nomination forms.
According to him, the deadline for payment and collection of forms is Aug. 8 by 10a.m.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) says the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has fixed N150 per litre as the official depot price of kerosene.
Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, the South-West Chairman of the union, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.
According to him, the price will encourage more importation of the product by the marketers.
He said that most of the filling stations selling kerosene between N200 and N220 as the pump price was as a result of additional money on transportation of the product and some other levies paid by marketers.
The chairman said that at present, NNPC was the only importer of kerosene and was using private depots to sell the product.
“The NNPC has fixed N150 per litre as the new depot price of kerosene and has directed all its depots and private depot to comply with the directive.
“This did not include the transportation of the product or several levies and bank interests paid by marketers.
“Consequently, marketers will now add all these expenses to the depot price to arrive at N190, N200 or N220 depending on their locations.
“The advantage of this is that it will open door for more marketers to commence importation of kerosene just like petrol,'' he said.
Korodo, however, commended Federal Government for its transparent policy in oil and gas sector.
He urged NNPC to commence loading of its products from depots nationwide, adding that the System 2B oil pipelines were saved from being vandalised.
NAN reports that the Federal Government han on Jan. 24 increased the price of kerosene to N83 per litre from N50 per litre thereby officially removing subsidy from the product.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Friday to attend a meeting of Zero Hunger in Africa-Nigeria chapter and not a meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a photograph of the former president was wrongly captioned as having been seen arriving at the venue of the PDP meeting.
NAN reports that Obasanjo was at the centre for the Zero-hunger meeting and not for the PDP meeting, a party he openly left.
According to a statement by Mr Tunde Arosanyin of the Zero Hunger in Africa in Abuja on Saturday, it was just a coincidence that the two meetings were holding at the same venue.
”He came for zero hunger in Africa-Nigeria chapter meeting with commodity Association stakeholders.
”At closing, some PDP members came to greet him at the boardroom of the hunger meeting venue,” Arosanyin saidi.
NAN reports that the PDP, on Friday, Aug. 5, inaugurated a convention committee ahead of the Aug. 17 convention in Port Harcourt
Originally named Avwraka until anglicized to "abraka", Abraka town is one of the 22 towns in Urhobo kingdom, located in the southern parts of Nigeria. Endowed with some of the most beautiful sceneries in Urhobo land, the town is one of the Delta state's - and Nigeria's - most popular vacation spots for both domestic and international tourists. The city's pleasant climate makes it a very popular holiday destination, particularly for those in the southern regions of the country. Though destinations often are said to offer something for everyone, the Abraka area offers multiple enticements for everyone: its trendy nightlife, the plush hotels, and resorts, historic hideaways, the lures of deep-sea fishing and canoeing, Art festivals and outdoor food and picnics, the Abraka area offers all of this - and so much more.
TOP THREE SITES River Ethiope
River Ethiope is one of the most important rivers in Delta State with natural flowing spring water. It is the deepest inland waterway in Africa, and it flows through seven local government areas in the state before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
Abraka turf and country club
Located in Abraka, Abraka turf and country club is surrounded by a rich tropical rainforest and bordered by the River Ethiope.It is Nigeria's only equestrian leisure club, as it features a horse club where an international polo tournament takes place every year during Easter.
The Abraka beach
This beach is famous for its natural flowing spring water, and has some sports recreational facilities for outdoor activities like canoeing, fishing, swimming, barbecue, picnicking
LODGING
From intimate boutique hotels to plush resorts, you can find your perfect home away from home in Abraka. It's all about atmosphere. The rooms of most hotels may look chic, but are as comfortable as sleeping on a concrete slab. Once you decide how much atmosphere you want, the choice will be easier. Fortunately, the hotels in Abraka - though not many- are moderately priced, more casual options. Worth checking out is Abraka River Resort Motel, which has its own sandy beach on a river that flows through a beautiful forested area, and Gordon River Resort, another great spot which is a delight for those wanting to get away into the kind of serenity that an African jungle can offer. It pays to try to negotiate the price of a room. You, however, can save yourself all the stress by booking and getting the lowest possible price for rooms via Jumia Travel.
DINING Whatever you're craving, Abraka's got it. It would, however, be great to try some of the local delicacies such as Banga soup and starch. Basically, Abraka is one place you can experience fine dining without the pretense. Although travelers do not necessarily choose a hotel by its dining options, a number of Abraka's best restaurants can be found inside hotels. And with just about a handful of restaurants to choose from, dining out is unique for locals and visitors alike. You can enjoy a moderately priced meal while having a waiter hover over you. Again, because seafood is plentiful, it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy the appendages of a crab or shrimps.
SHOPPING
Abraka may not be one of Nigeria's premier shopping towns;but visitors who come every year do find what to spend their money on. The town offers some unique shopping spots, where you can buy groceries, clothes, and even electronics.
FUN FACT
Abraka is home to the prestigious Delta State University. That's why the town has nickname 'University Town'
![From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, suspected kidnappers of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oniba of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] paraded by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez](http://www.vanguardngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ambode-Parade-Kidnapper-of-Oba-Goriola-Oseni-Oni-of-Iba-in-Lagos-5.jpg)
– another win will take us closer to Gold 
![From left: Toba Foreje and Isaiah Ofodomu, some of the Suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] parading by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, Yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez](http://d19lga30codh7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ambode-Parade-Kidnapper-of-Oba-Goriola-Oseni-Oni-of-Iba-in-Lagos-5.jpg)
![From left: Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Antony-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Commissioner of Police, Brig-Gen. Sanni Moahmmed, Commander 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Mr. Olukule Ojo, Chief of Staff to Governor Ambode and Commodore, Abraham Adaji, Commander Nigeria Navy Ship Becroft Apapa, at press briefing on the suspected Kidnapper of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oni of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] at Lagos House, Ikeja Photo: Bunmi Azeez](http://d19lga30codh7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ambode-Parade-Kidnapper-of-Oba-Goriola-Oseni-Oni-of-Iba-in-Lagos-7.jpg)
