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
ABEOKUTA-Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advocated tax incentives for wealthy Nigerians so as to contribute to the fund meant to wage war against cancer.
Obasanjo stated this in Abeokuta, Saturday while delivering a paper at a special fund raising for the establishment of cancer awareness and diagnostic center.
Obasanjo said the call became necessary in view of the fact contained in a medical report that Nigeria would be having 21 million new cases of cancer with an attendant effect of 13 million deaths by year 2030.Obasanjo
The former president, who spoke on the topic: “Philanthropy and Ethics; a Lesson from History”, specifically mentioned building, running and adequate maintenance of a cancer awareness and diagnostic center.
He appealed to people of goodwill across the country to support what he described as “a worthy and commendable venture” .
While how the Federal Government could assist in the war against cancer, Obasanjo said the Federal Government of Nigeria could reach out to rich Nigerians who are yet to identify with the war against cancer disease in order to encourage them to do so.
“I believe in the last ten years or so we have started getting Nigerians who had made money or that fortune had smiled on them and they have tried to show philanthropic gestures, people like Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia and Sir Kensington Adebutu among others”.
“Those that are doing, let us encourage them while those that are not doing, let us give them incentives to do it. The best thing of course is that they can deduct whatever they give as deductible from tax offices which we can by setting up a foundation and ask the ministry of finance to give you a tax relief on whatever you do”.
He further emphasised that cancer diagnosis and treatments in most countries all over the world, have largely been supported by philanthropic organisations and charity since government alone cannot bear the burden of funding such treatments.
Obasanjo however, commended notable Africans such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Sir Keshington Adebutu, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia as well as Strive Masiyiwa among others whose the philanthropic contributions in the war against cancer in Nigeria and Africa are of no small measure.
Earlier, President of Primus Torchbearers, Sir Soji Amusan had in his welcome address, stated that his organisation decided to establish the cancer awareness and diagnostic center as a way of providing an avenue for the less privileged to be educated on what to do as well as to have access to medical facilities for early detection of the dreaded cancer disease.
Charlie Austin scored twice to help Southampton up to eighth place in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Burnley.
After Tom Heaton kept Austin inn check in the first half with an astonishing save to claw the striker's downward header wide of the post, Saints scored three times in 14 second-half minutes.
Austin opened the scoring when he forced the ball past Heaton at the second attempt after Virgil van Dijk's header across the six-yard box.
Charlie Austin scores against Burnley
Nathan Redmond doubled the tally with a drilled finish from a corner floated into the box on the hour mark, before Austin tucked in a spot kick after Premier League debutant Sam McQueen, on as a substitute for injured Matt Targett, was tripped by Johan Berg Gudmundsson.
Sam Vokes scored what was a consolation goal with a spot-kick himself to make it 3-1, following Dusan Tadic's push on Ben Mee, but Saints saw out the match and stretched their unbeaten run to four league matches.
By Luka Binniyat KADUNA - Alleged armed herdsmen between Saturday and Sunday killed not less than 20 persons after they lay a surprise siege on Godogodo, a semi-urban settlement, in Jema'a Local Government Area, LGA, of Kaduna State as at the time of going to press.
The police and escapees said Godogodo was razed down with a tentative casualty figure of 20, apart from the injured.
The gory incident was said to have heightened tension between the majority Christian population of Kafanchan, about 12 km, north of Godogodo, and its minority settler population of Hausa/Fulani Muslims.
The Interim Management Committee, IMC, Chairman, of Jema'a LGA, Dr. Humble Katuka, acting on mitigating measures, Sunday slammed a 24-hour curfew on the LGA.
Kafanchan is the Headquarters of Jema'a LGA, about 250 km South of Kaduna metropolis and also the commercial and socio-political hub of Southern Kaduna.
Abuja – The 21 freed Chibok Girls say on Sunday in Abuja that for "one month and 10 days'' of their abduction by the Boko Haram insurgents they stayed without food in the bush.
Ms Gloria Dame, one of the rescued girls, narrated this while giving testimony on behalf of her colleaques at a thanks giving service organised for them at a DSS health facility in Abuja.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Jummai Alhassan, attended the service.
The girl, who spoke in Hausa language, said that their survival in captivity was an act of God.
"I did not know that a day like this will come that we will be dancing and giving thanks to God among people.
"For one month and 10 days we stayed without food. I narrowly escaped bomb blast in the forest.Pictures of 21 released Chibok Girls with their parents
"We are praying to God to touch the heart of Boko Haram to repent and we are calling on Nigerians to pray and fast for the release of our remaining ones in captivity,'' she said.
while the service was going on, the parents of the freed girls arrived the venue and were reunited with their loved ones after over two years of their abduction.
With the arrival of the parents the environment was charged with emotion and tears of joy.
NAN reports that the parents took turn to address the congregation and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians for their efforts and prayers towards the rescue of their daughters.
The Chairman of Chibok Local Government Council, Mr Yaga Yarakawa, said the release of the girls was "historic'' and the Chibok community at home and in the Diaspora were happy about the development.
Yarakawa said contrary to views of some Nigerians, the 21 freed girls were the actual Chibok Secondary School girls kidnapped by Boko Haram.
"Before their abduction, I was involved in supervising their feeding which was organised by the Borno State Secondary Schools Feeding System. So I know them very well.
"These are the real girls and you can see when their parents came, you see their joy, it manifest naturally. "This is enough to tell you that it is a reality and anybody who say different things or doubting, may be the person has a different agenda altogether,'' he said.
Yarakawa appealed to the government to put all necessary machinery in place to ensure the release of the other girls. Speaking in same vein, Mr Yakubu Nkaki, the Chairman of Abducted Chibok Girls' Parents Association, thanked the President for the release of the girls.
He said from the physical looks of the girls it was obvious that they were not radicalised as claimed by some people. He also debunked the claim that many of the girls were pregnant.
Enugu – The Enugu State Chapter of the PDP has commended Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for launching 35 projects across 17 council areas of the state.
The projects included 25 roads, hospitals, water schemes and electricity installations.
The party, in a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu by its Chairman, Chief Augustine Nnamani, said the governor's robust grassroots development initiative, in spite of the current economic crisis, was a welcome development.
"It is a sign that Gov. Ugwuanyi has a clear vision of how to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people in line with the party's manifesto,'' the statement said. Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State It said that the party was optimistic that the development moves would boost the local economy and improve the lives of the people, especially at the grassroots.
The statement said the party was delighted by the commitment of the administration to fulfilling its campaign promises to the people.
It added that the governor's " unprecedented'' performance so far had increased the party's chances of winning elections in the state.
NAN recalls that Gov. Ugwuanyi on Saturday simultaneously flagged-off 35 rural infrastructural projects across the 17 local government areas of the state.
"This move is in line with my administration's promise to drive development to every corner of the state with the aim of creating more urban centres to boost economic growth and improve the lives of our people,'' the governor had said. (NAN)
By Soni Daniel Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has challenged two judges accusing him of vendetta following the raid on their homes by the Department of State Security last week, to go to court to prove their innocence.
Malami while reacting to the gamut of allegations fired against him by the two judges through his Media Adviser, Comrade Salihu Isah, described their claims as mere afterthought, which he says does not have the force of law.
It will be recalled that Justice Ademola Adeniyi and Justice Dimgba both of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had slammed Malami for being responsible for their travails in the hands of the DSS because of the previous verdicts they delivered against the justice minister.
The Lagos State Government at the weekend said it would commence total upgrade of schools in the State, especially in the slum areas, as well as evolve a robust Youth and Senior Citizens' Policy by January 2017.
Rising from an intensive three-day retreat for members of the State Executive Council and legislators from the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, with the theme, "Good Governance In A Recession", the State Government said there was need to upgrade the quality of schools through training and re-training of teachers, as well as improving the infrastructure.
Adeola said participants also resolved to evolve a robust Youth Policy that would include active Private Sector Partnership and also fast-track the development of a Senior Citizens' Policy, both of which would be implemented from January 2017.
He said participants also recognised the role of government as an 'enabler' and to create frameworks and strategies to further accelerate the growth of the State's economy.
"Participants also reaffirmed the vision of this administration to make life better and more meaningful for the people of Lagos and also enshrine the doctrine of 'inclusive governance' in the government of the State and foster collaboration amongst the three arms of government," Adeola said.
In the area of improving revenue generation, Adeola said participants agreed that the State Government must work towards increasing its tax base rather than increase in the tax rate(s).
He said aside the fact that participants agreed that there was need to evolve a better approach of financing the State's budget as against the traditional methods, they also resolved that efforts should be redoubled towards reducing the dependence on Federal Allocation and increasing the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to a target of N30billion monthly in 2017 and N50billion monthly in 2018, as well as meeting the target of yearly budget size of N1trillion commencing from 2019.
According to him, "Participants also agreed to encourage private investments towards accelerating growth in the Tourism and Hospitality sector for sustainable job creation and increased revenue generation.
"They also acknowledged the need to promote accelerated improvements in the infrastructure of the State with particular emphasis on integrated transportation system and sustainable solid waste management system by overhauling and rebranding the sectors in collaboration with the private sector."
On the health sector, Adeola said participants resolved to fast-track the implementation of the recently passed Lagos State Health Insurance Law to provide the necessary financial resources for sustainable development of health infrastructure as well as the promotion of medical tourism in the State.
The Senator also said participants resolved to evolve and promote competitive communalism strategy in fostering sustainable economic development of the State and also further encourage citizens' participation and input in the planning, implementation and monitoring of the budgetary process.
"Participants acknowledged the historic burden the country's current economic challenges placed on Lagos and in order to promote good governance, participants resolved to approach the challenges with greater commitment guided by the vision and mission of the Lagos State Government", he said.
By Chidi Nkwopara, OWERRI. The immediate past Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has said that the nation’s economy was HIV positive before the advent of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, but was professionally managed with anti-retroviral drugs.*Gov Ohakim: Politicians should not see election as do-or-die affair
Chief Ohakim made his feelings known while delivering a 52-page lecture, “Leadership in times of adversity: Navigating Nigeria’s turbulent economy”, at the 2016 Diocesan Synod of Ikeduru Anglican Diocese.
“There is no doubt that before the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Nigeria’s economy had been diagnosed HIV positive, but it was being professionally managed with anti-retroviral drugs. …..
Asaba – Chief Chigbogu Nwobodo, the Chairman, Ogbeogonogo Market Traders Association, Asaba, has decried the influx of sick beggars to the market and appealed to the State Government to curb the menace.
Nwobodo said in Asaba on Sunday that the presence of the beggars in the market constituted an eye saw and health hazard to traders and buyers.
He said that it was improper for sick persons to be allowed to troop into public places, especially markets, adding that the practice has become common but had serious health implications.
The chairman said the association was handicapped to salvage the situation because any move to drive them could be interpreted to be wickedness on the part of the traders.
"Even in hospitals, some sick persons are kept in separate wards because of the nature of their ailments.
"The essence of quarantining some patients is to ensure the disease is not transferred to other people.
"Here in Ogbeogonogo market, people with all kinds of health challenges roam about, begging for alms.
"This is very dangerous for traders and even those that come to buy things, including the house helps of top government officials.
"People can easily contract diseases here now if nothing urgent is done. Government should device a means to salvage this situation.
"Times are hard but the relations of these beggars should also help the society by assisting them out of public places," he urged.
What could have been a bloody showdown between policemen and soldiers in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state, was quickly nipped in the bud on Saturday.
Police
A witness told newsmen that the incident occurred at No. 1 Water Works road Abakaliki.
"Trouble started when a police patrol team on road check, requested for the identity cards and vehicle particulars of army officers from the Nkwagu military cantonment.
"The soldiers rode a tinted Toyota Camry car with registration number BWR 886 AE and a black Toyota Jeep with the inscription of 'Bride' used to convey a newly wed couple.
"The soldiers who were on their uniforms except one personnel, told the police team they were returning from a wedding and felt embarrassed by their request for the documents.
"At this point, one of the police officers stopped the soldiers from passing and the latter angrily fired sporadically into the air," he said.
According to the witness, who is a security agent, the police officers called the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) on phone and immediately they stormed the scene, one of them slapped a soldier.
"The clash subsequently ensued and the police who had the upper hand, took some of the soldiers to the command's headquarters while confiscating their rifles.
"The soldiers who escaped from the scene, rushed to the cantonment and on their way, allegedly attacked some policemen near the cantonment and held them hostage," the security agent told NAN.
The eye witness also noted that one of the police officers held by the soldiers was released and he quickly rushed to the command to report that some officers were being held at the cantonment.
"This development almost affected the peace moves made by both security agencies but the situation eventually normalised following intervention by top echelon of both agencies," it added.
The Ebonyi Police Command has confirmed the clash between its officers and soldiers from the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Nkwagu near Abakaliki on Saturday evening.
DSP George Okafor, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday, saying that the matter has been resolved amicably.
According to him, the clash was unfortunate and efforts have been made by the two agencies to forestall such occurrences in future.
"The matter has been peacefully resolved and we urge the public not to panic over the development but be assured of their safety at all times," he said.
Okafor, who declined further comments on the issue, also failed to confirm whether police officers involved in the clash sustained injuries.
The venue of the special Church's thanksgiving was filled with emotion laden with tears and joy when parents reunited with 21 Chibok schoolgirls rescued from Boko Haram's captivity.
The 21 schoolgirls at the thanksgiving service in Abuja.
The church service was organised by the Nigeria government to for schoolgirls who were released on Thursday.
Information and culture minister Lai Mohammed represented the government at the Church held at the Presidential Villa on Sunday.
Miss Gloria Dame, one of the girls who spoke on behalf of her colleagues was visibly happy and as she jumped for joy, she said, "we stayed for one month without food''.
Continuing her testimony, she said: "I narrowly escaped bomb blast in the forest. I never knew there would be a day like this.
"`I will give thanks to God ,'' she said. She begged Nigerians to pray for the quick release of the remaining girls in Boko Haram's captivity.
Shiktra Kwali, in her sermon at the interdenominational service, urged the girls not to allow their hallowing experience to deter them from achieving their dreams
Information Minister Mohammed said that the reunification was a day the world had been waiting for.
"It is day of joy,'' he said.
As government continues negotiation on the remaining girls, he appealed to the public against making unguarded statements that could truncate the rescue efforts.
Families of the girls left Chibok in Borno state on Friday and arrived in Abuja on Saturday night and were reunited with the girls at the Church on Sunday.
The parents saw the girls for the first time in over 900 days since they were abducted from their Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.
No fewer than 276 of the girls were abducted and 57 escaped within a week of their abduction. They were abducted by Boko Haram on 14th April, 2014.
Two buses conveyed the parents from Chibok.
The chairman of Chibok Girls Parents Association, Yakubu Nkenke, had said that the girls had eventually been identified by their parents.
The Chairman of Chibok Local Government, Mr. Yaya Yarakawa, confirmed the identification of all the girls and said those doubting their authenticity "must have sinister motive''.
He expressed satisfaction with the role played by the government.
"I am travelling to Abuja with all the parents of the freed girls, all of us are here. We are overwhelmed with joy that our girls have been found alive. I cannot talk more because we are approaching security check- points," he said.
The release of the girls was made possible through a negotiation brokered by the International Red Cross with the support of Swiss government.
President Muhammadu Buhari had also promised the negotiation would continue for the release of those still in captivity.
Chocolate City Music CEO, M.I. has just offered a new act, a one-year internship deal at Star Music The Trek in Abuja. MI was introduced to a lookalike, "Young Incredible" during his performance at the music concert held at Old parade ground, Garki, Abuja.
M.I and Young Incredible
While performing, M.I. Abaga came in contact with the budding talent who was invited on stage by the MC, Gbenga Adeyinka to rap for the super star and a thrilled audience.
M.I and Young Incredible
Young Incredible freestyled to the admiration of the crowd and M.I. was very impressed that he offered Young Incredible a 12-month internship deal with Chocolate City.
Consideration for a full signing contract with the record label would be in the offing following outcome of the internship.
Rome -Pope Francis on Sunday canonized six men and a woman, including a child martyr from Mexico and a "gaucho priest" from Argentina - in a mass at St Peter's Square, Rome.
They all "fought the fight of faith and love," said Francis in a Sunday mass before tens of thousands of worshippers.
Among the new saints is Jose Sanchez del Rio, a Mexican-born boy, who at 14 was tortured and executed in 1928.
He was executed for refusing to renounce Catholicism under the anti-clerical policies of the Calles Government.
Pope Francis salutes
Also canonized is the Dominican priest Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero, who, according to Vatican Radio, is a favourite of the current pope.
Known during his lifetime as the "gaucho priest," Brochero crossed the mountains of Argentina on a mule, helping country people by building churches, schools, roads and water infrastructure.
Rounding out the new saints were also two Italians, two French nationals and a Spaniard.
The sole woman is the French mystic Elisabeth Catez, also known as the Elisabeth of the Trinity
The Football Association of Thailand on Sunday said it will meet clubs to explain its decision to scrap the season with three matches to go following the death of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The king died on Thursday aged 88, sparking anguish among an adoring public and a prolonged official mourning period that will see all forms of entertainment — including sports events — “toned down” as a mark of respect.
The FAT swiftly cancelled the remainder of the season and said league rankings on October 14 will determine the champions and relegation candidates.
Meanwhile, cup finals will be decided by a draw.
But that sparked complaints from relegated clubs — including Thai Premier League outfits Chainat Hornbill FC and Army United — with a fighting chance of league survival with three rounds to go.
They were handed a lifeline when the FAT said it would meet them following complaints.
“The FAT invites football clubs’ chairmen, representatives and sponsors to hear the explanation,” over the decision on October 17, the body said in statement on its Facebook page.
Chainat and Army United have complained at their “unfair relegation with three matches and nine points to play for,” according to leading daily newspaper Siam Sport.
Both were on 30 points as of October 14, with five other clubs mathematically able to slip into the drop zone.
At the top, league big boys SCG Muangthong United were gifted the TPL title, although they were just five points ahead of second placed Bangkok United.
An international friendly with Iran on November has been cancelled, while Thailand wants to shift a November 15 home World Cup qualifier to Australia.
Osun State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt.Hon Najeem Salaam has tasked government to focus more on grassroots in its quest to banish poverty and fast tracked accelerated development .
The Assembly made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The day for the eradication of poverty has been observed every year since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly by resolution 47/196 of December 22, 1992 designated October 17 to promote eradication of poverty and destitution in all countries.
The Lawmakers noted that the greatest challenge of the 21st Century is inequality, a situation that had seen the world fortunes concentrated in the hands of few individual and communities.
Identifying rural urban migration, neglect of agriculture, poor agricultural practises, non utilisation of available technology, lack of energy and appetite for foreign consumption, mono-economy, policy inconsistencies as parts of factors responsible for unabating poverty in the land, the lawmakers called for new mindsets among the populace.
"the idea of handouts from governments, white collared jobs should be jettisoned for out of the box ideas "
While calling for inclusion of science in agricultural practises in rural areas, opening up of farm roads and massive production of electricity and other infrastructure to drive the economy, the parliament said conscious actions and policies to help bail out communities should be implemented.
"communities should be provided with essential basic infrastructure, by increasing the rural population’s access to potable water, basic health care, education among others"
Acknowledging the initiatives of the Federal Government to address recession, Osun Assembly pointed that with effective monitoring, projects such as NPower, and other poverty alleviations initiatives as well youths in technology programmes will bring great succor to the famished citizenry.
Also, emphasizing the need for intervention in small scale industry, empowerment of peasants' farmers, Artisans and market women, the assembly stressed that redirection of education orientation to favour entrepreneurship skills and pursuit will springboard the economy out of the doldrum.
It also identifies access to quality healthcare, basic education, improve level of literacy among adults, school attendance, local capacity-building and strengthening of civil based organisations and NGO's as vital components in addressing poverty in the country.
"with the commitment of the leadership to accountability and best practises, continuous fight against corruption, change in the approach of doing government business, the yearning of global community to reduce poverty will be a reality in the country" the assembly submitted
Osun Assembly affirmed that improvement in the quality of public administration and service delivery in rural areas through effective people’s participation in decision-making processes would go a long way to bring relief to the citizenry.
The parliament, which also acknowledged the government of Osun state for its rounded and policies in favour of the populace pointed that the approach in-spite of prevailing financial straight had helped to stabilize the polity.
“Government and other stakeholders must adopt innovative approaches at both the macro and micro level for highly efficient community development and capacity building for rural dwellers."
The assembly assured that it was committed to passage of bills that will create conducive environment for business and investors to thrive
Hot favourite Riyad Mahrez of Algeria was among 30 nominees named Saturday for the 2016 African Player of the Year football award.
The winger, who is equally efficient at scoring and creating goals, was a key figure for sensational 2015-2016 English Premier League (EPL) title winners Leicester City.
His efforts were acknowledged by fellow professionals in the most watched domestic football league in the world when they voted him EPL Players’ Player of the Year.
Mahrez has been equally impressive for Algeria, who have been consistently among the top ranked African football nations for several years.
So good has been his form on the right side of midfield that long-time Algerian football icon Sofiane Feghouli cannot always made the starting line-up for the Desert Foxes.
It would be a shock if Mahrez, who joined Leicester two years ago from French outfit Le Havre, is not named African Player of the Year in Abuja on January 5.
The Algerian is one of three Leicester stars in the running for the top African football individual award — the others are compatriot and striker Islam Slimani and Nigeria winger Ahmed Musa.
EPL footballers dominate the 30-star list with 12 included, three come from the Italian Serie A, two each from the Spanish La Liga and French Ligue 1 and one from the German Bundesliga.
CAF media, development and technical committee members, journalists and TV consultants and national coaches or national technical directors are involved in the selection process.
The lone nominee from the Bundesliga, Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, was a controversial 2015 winner. Riyad Mahrez
Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure, who was seeking a record-extending fifth consecutive award, publicly criticised the choice of the Gabon goal-poacher.
Toure dismissed the outstanding form of Aubameyang for Dortmund in the Bundesliga and the Europa League, saying 2015 Africa Cup of Nations performances should have been prioritised.
He was part of the Ivory Coast team that won the African showpiece for the first time in 23 years, ending a decade of under-achievement by a self-styled ‘golden generation’.
Toure has been sidelined amid a war of words between his agent and new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and was not nominated.
Three Ivorians made the list — veteran winger Gervinho, centre-back Eric Bailly and controversial Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier.
The defender is being investigated by world body FIFA for making a throat-slitting gesture after creating a goal for Ivory Coast in a World Cup victory over Mali last weekend.
But Mali coach Alain Giresse has hailed Aurier, saying he “saved the life” of opponent Moussa Doumbia by preventing him swallowing his tongue after being knocked unconscious.
Tanzania striker Mbwana Samatta, winner of the 2015 Africa-based Player of the Year award, is not among the nominees for that category as he now plays in Belgium.
Among those who could succeed him are Uganda goalkeeper Dennis Onyango and Zimbabwe striker Khama Billiat from CAF Champions League finalists Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
African football body CAF released Saturday the lists of nominees for the two major annual individual awards, the African Player of the Year and the Africa-based Player of the Year:
African Player of the Year
(30 nominees)
Algeria: Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City/ENG), Islam Slimani (Leicester City/ENG), El Arabi Hillel Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb/CRO)
Cameroon: Samuel Eto'o (Antalyaspor/TUR), Benjamin Mounkandjo(Lorient/FRA)
Democratic Republic of Congo: Cedric Bakambu (Villareal/ESP), Yannick Bolasie (Everton/ENG)
Egypt: Mohamed El Neny (Arsenal/ENG), Mohamed Salah (Roma/ITA)
Tunisia: Hamza Lahmar, Aymen Mathlouthi (both Etoile Sahel)
Zambia: Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe/COD), Jackson Mwanza (ZESCO Utd)
Zimbabwe: Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)
Notes
— CAF media, technical and development committees, journalists and TV consultants and national coaches or national technical directors will be involved in selection process
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
Osun State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon.Najeem Salaam has advocated the preservation and full development of historical and cultural heritage of the Yorubas
The lawmakers which described the measures as a potent ways out of economic quagmire in Nigeria made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye to congratulate the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the people of Ifeland on the celebration of 2016 annual traditional Olojo festival.
It said, there are a lot of potentials hidden in the cultural heritage of Yorubas that can be annexed and developed to drive as well as unleash economic development of the zone.
The Assembly regretted that the heavy reliance on oil has whittled away the country away from concentrating on other sector such as tourism.
“There are several hidden treasure in the cultural heritage of the people of Nigeria, especially in Yorubaland, that have been left untapped and under-developed.
“This inaction of ours has contributed to the pains of economic recession when there was fall in the price of oil that we focus on, because the country had no alternative of economic development to fall back on.
“No doubt, we are very rich in culture, tradition, heritages and festivals that can be developed to serve as a long term solution to economic quagmire in this country, but we are not paying serious attention to them.
“In Osun for example, we are blessed with cultural heritage such as Olojo festival, Olojo has potential of evoking a pilgrimage potential especially for the black in diasporia
"Other land marks such as Oranmiyan staff and Oduduwa Shrine among others in Ile-Ife; Osun Osogbo festival and grove in Osogbo; Olumirin waterfall in Erin-Ijesa; Kiriji memorial war site in Imesi-Ile and many more all over the state are notable and worthy of attention"
“These potentials have the capacity to create job for youths, enhance their creativity and sell the tourism potential of the state to the world for a self-sustaining economy”, it said.
Noting that though, the government of Osun under Governor Rauf Aregbesola has done a lot to invest in the tourism sector, the parliament said there is the need for greater partnership between the state and the Federal Government towards making the tourism potentials more attractive.
Congratulating Oba Ogunwusi and the people of Ile-Ife for the Olojo festival celebration, the Assembly urged all stakeholders to support the monarch and the government towards making the festival more attractive.
Abeokuta – Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Saturday, said the solution to the Nigeria's challenges was for the citizenry to unite and collectively evolve solution to the problems.
Abubakar stated this at the 8th Convocation of Crescent University, Abeokuta.
He cautioned political leaders to avoid making frivolous promises to the people in the face of the prevailing difficulties, and for the credibility of the fledgling democracy.
He remarked that fulfilling promises made by political leaders enhanced the credibility of leadership and raised the integrity of leaders.
The former head of state maintained that in times of difficulty, leaders would be measured by the promises kept.
He admonished the people to be moderate in their expectations, saying that there could be no quick fixes to all national challenges.
He explained that challenges were not strange to the country and recalled that collective resolutions to such challenges had seen the nation through in previous times. "We must accept that Nigeria has always had social, economic and political problems and it will continue to have them to varying degrees of intensity.
"The real joy lies for us in our determination to pursue them and solve them as brothers," he said.
Abubakar stressed the need for government at all levels to institute monitoring teams on higher institutions in the country in a bid to discourage education tourism of Nigerian students.
He explained that the step would also enable Nigeria to return to its lost glory among the comity of nations in the area of education.
He called for continued monitoring of academic performances of all tertiary institutions, especially the private ones, in order to improve the quality of education in the country.
Abubakar, who bagged Doctor of Science degree (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration of the university, described the award as one he and his family would cherish forever.
Similarly, the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who was invested as the Chancellor of the university, was also honoured with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemi expressed gratitude to the management of the university for the honour.
The monarch recalled how he, as the former Pro-Chancellor of the Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, helped to build the institution from scratch.
He, however, promised to try everything at his disposal to position Crescent University to an enviable height.
He commended the proprietor of the school, Chief Bola Ajibola (SAN), for his contribution to the development of education in Nigeria by investing his assets in the establishment of the university.
In his remarks, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, said that involvement of the private sector was the only way to improve the nation's economy, with education inclusive.
Amosun reaffirmed that his administration would not relent in ensuring that the sector remained accessible and affordable in the state.
Announcing automatic employment for the first-class graduating students, the governor advised them to strive to become self-reliant and avoid over-dependence on white collar jobs.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the school, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, had charged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the university and use their training to contribute to the growth and development of the society.
The convocation, which produced 28 First Class graduates from the 435 graduating students, saw Miss Rasheedat Modupeola of Accounting Department emerge as the overall best graduating student.
Kano – The Kano State Government has expressed concern over the violent clash between members of Shiah sect and some group of individuals individuals in the state.
It said the clash occurred because of flagrant disregard to an earlier ban by the police on public procession in the state.
The Commissioner for Information,Malam Muhammad Garba, made this know in a statement to newsmen in Kano on Saturday.
"This unfortunate violation of police order by the Shiites and taking law into their hands constitute criminal breach of law and order and will not be condoned ?henceforth.? ? "The government, therefore, reminds the group and the general public of the ban of any form of public procession in whatever guise without prior authorization," Garba said.
He said that the government would deal with any person, group, organization or individuals that violate this order.
According to him, this is part of government effort to ensure maximum security of lives and property and maintenance of law and order in the state.
?He then advice members of the shiah group and the general public to be law-abiding and live peacefully with one another.
Nigerian army has debunked claims widely publicised on some national dailies (Not Vanguard) and some online media that the military said it has no knowledge of the release of 21 Chibok girls by the islamist Boko Haram sect.
CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF (COAS), LT.-GEN. TUKUR BURATAI BRIEFING NEWSMEN DURING NIGERIA ARMY COMBAT ARMS TRAINING WEEK IN BAUCHI ON TUESDAY .NAN
In a release made available to newsmen on Saturday, the military said it is working in harmony with sister security agencies to ensure the freedom of the remaining girls as well as rid the country totally of the terrorist group. It however said negotiations for the girls’ release solely rests on the shoulders of the politicians and not the military. It read thus:
“The Defence Headquarters attention has been drawn to an online and newspaper publication insinuating that there is a mix feelings among Nigerian military ranks and files as a result of the recent release of some Chibok girls. The military wishes to state unequivocally that the Armed Forces will continue to work closely with all our sister security agencies to achieve more feat in this direction.”
“The military also want to debunk the baseless and unfounded story that there is disquiet in the military over the condition of release of the girls. The Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies are one, working together to finish the war on terror and other criminalities which can be done covertly or overtly. The most important thing is achieving our strategic objective. The DHQ has said before that negotiation with the terrorists or any other group rests purely on our respected political leaders. The military operations to rid our land of terrorists continue.”
“It is important to state that not all information are meant for public consumption due to processes which is purely political. More so, the ongoing military operation is making unprecedented progress with rescue of many captives held by the terrorists. The general public should discountenance with this baseless and misleading story.”
“While the Armed Forces holds the media veritable partner, it urges the media to be mindful and clarify with the military when reporting security and defence issues bothering on sensitive national matters of this nature.”
Super Eagles technical adviser, Gernot Rohr, has said that Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama will return to the national team if Nigeria qualifies for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Vincent Enyeama
Rohr who fielded questions from journalists said that he called Enyeama and convinced him to return from retirement to the Super Eagles.
When asked if the Super Eagles still need Enyeama owing to the goal performance of Carl, he said, "Yes, I said it that I wanted Vincent Enyeama to return from retirement and I called him and we spoke with him. He will come back if we qualify for the World Cup."
"We need very good goalkeepers in the Eagles. We have two local goalkeepers whom I don't know if they will fit in if Carl sustains an injury, so I think we need two big goalkeepers. Of course for this moment, Carl is number one. We cannot change him, he will be number one for the next game," Rohr said.
Recall that the former Super Eagles Goalkeeper had announced his retirement from Nigeria’s senior football team in October last year.
Enyeama who took to his Instagram page, 'vinny 2908', had said that he had served Nigeria his best while in the pitch and decided to retire from active play with Eagles to focus on his club career.
Abuja – Dr Musa Olaofe, Chief Imam, Ansar-ud-deen Mosque, Abuja branch, has admonished Muslims to imbibe the habit of sacrifice and good morals in the society.
The cleric, who gave the advice while speaking as a Guest Lecturer at the 1438 Annual Hijrah Anniversary Lecture organised by the Abuja Muslim Forum (AMF), on Saturday in Abuja.
The lecture with the theme: " the Significance of Hijrah to the Muslims," was part of activities to mark the new Islamic year, 1438, which began on Oct. 2, 2016.
He said that the significance of hijrah was not limited to the Muslims or Islamic history, adding that it had reshaped socially and politically the Arab Peninsula and impacted on worldwide civilisation.
Olaofe, who is also the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Abuja, said that hijrah taught Muslims to strive to be a source of blessing and relief to mankind wherever they find themselves.
The don added that the lessons of hijrah also encouraged adherent of Islam to remain persistent in standing for truth, no matter the cost.
He, however, lamented "today, those who call to the truth are rare and even those who do have little of the patience require to follow through. "
Olaofe, therefore, urged Muslims to learn from the struggle encounter by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and always put their trust before Allah.
" Hijrah, no doubt, kindled the light of hope in the hearts of the early Muslims, who set a shining example for all Muslims, in every generation to emulate.
" It is for this reason Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) adopted hijrah date to calculate months and years in Islam, in fact Muslims chose hijrah as the focal point to reckon their chronology," he said.
Earlier, the Ameer of the Forum, Malam Luqman Amoo said that the purpose of the lecture was to publicise the new Islamic year to the Muslims across the globe.
Amoo called on Muslims to endeavour to be acquitted with important Islamic events and contribute meaningfully toward the progress of the religion.
He said that the forum would undertake a philanthropic visit to the Nyanya General Hospital to offer assistance to patients on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Ilorin – Nigeria's trio of John Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho were on Saturday named among 30 nominees for the 2016 CAF African Player of the Year Award.
According to the list posted on the website of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the three Nigerians would be in contention at the award ceremony scheduled for Jan. 5, 2017 in Abuja.
The three Super Eagles players will vie for the award with other top African stars like Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon, Andre Ayew of Ghana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon.Mikel and Iheanacho
NAN reports that Mikel, who captains the Eagles and plies his trade at Chelsea of London, led the Nigerian Dream Team to win a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.
On his part, Musa helped his former team CSKA Moscow to win the Russian title before moving to England in July to join reigning English champions, Leicester City, while Iheanacho is in Manchester City's first team.
For the Award of African Player of the year based in Africa, two Nigerians also made the list of 25 nominees for the award.
The nominees are Mfom Udo of Enyimba FC of Aba and Chisom Chikatara of Wydad Athletic Club, Casablanca, Moroco. (NAN)
By Janet Adetu Everyday now more than ever there is always a reason to complain about your journey to work, office, an event etc. If it is not screaming at a public transport driver, or playing the blame game after a slight collision.
Somehow no matter how careful you may claim to be you may just fall victim of a number of the following bad motorist habits. Uncivilized behaviour on the roads is a huge problem that needs to be tackled by the authorities. Some of these behaviours have become habitual, annoying and prone to be the cause of many accidents causing accidents. Here are some of the bad behaviours we see regularly:
Are you an uncivil driver?
Speaking on phone while driving
How many times have you multitasked speaking on your phone whilst driving at the same time all without using an earpiece? Psychologists argue when you're talking on your cell phone, you're as likely to cause an accident as when you are drunk. What annoys most is that the other driver is willing to risk your life because of that mere phone call. No matter if it is for just a few seconds you become an uncivil driver each time you do this avoid all distractions.
What should you do: Ignore your phone while driving, stop to take or receive calls, then proceed.
In spite of the speed limit driving too fast
Residential estates are becoming more venues for accidents where in spite of the free road accidents continue to occur. Some drivers simply love the freedom of an empty road so tend to speed down it regardless of the speed limit expected in residential areas. Other drivers still speed even when the road is bad filled with potholes and have a slippery surface ideally this should trigger you to slow down.
What should you do: Be safe always and consider the condition of the road, the environment you are in and observe all speed limits.
Inability to signal before turning or changing lanes or leaving a signal on
Signalling your intentions is one of the most basic facts of courtesy you can engage in. Some drivers are signalling one direction but end up going the opposite way. Others simply forget to stop indicators even after navigating the said road confusing all other road users. If we can't predict what other drivers are going to do, we can't make informed decisions about what we should do, and the result is mayhem.
What should you do: Always use your indicators or signals while driving and turn them off after making the change.
Driving with a beaming full light
Driving at night introduces a variety of risks, all related to the fact that our vision becomes limited. The less well you can see, the less well you drive. There are two dangers of being on full light. You blind oncoming motorists and even those driving your way since the lighting can reflect on their side mirrors, hurting their judgement. Too many drivers careless about fellow road users
What should you do:Ensure your headlights are properly timed and use full lights when necessary, dim to oncoming vehicles.
Eating & Texting while driving
Lunch on the go is a major source of uncivil driving prone to multiple accidents. More so is texting while driving, there are way too many unfortunate incidents occurring when drivers take that one second life changing risk of texting while moving the vehicle. Either way both are extremely bad behaviour habits that risks the lives of you and many others.
What should you do: Ensure you refrain from eating and as a must never text while driving
Use of unroad worthy and unserviced vehicles.
Is your car burnt out? Too many cars are patching on our roads today forming ticking time bombs. From the wrecked body to worn out tires, broken headlights, poor wiper blades you name it all risks your life and others'. Some cars produce so much fumes which are not only a health risk to you but also to other road users.
What should you do: Ensure your car is well maintained and road worthy always.
Occupying two spaces in a parking lot
Bay parking is not so common in Nigeria so the tendency is for drivers to take up two spots instead of aligning well with other parked cars. Sometimes parking can be so tight it is an act of incivility to dominate a large parking space meant for more cars.
What should you do: Ensure your car is aligned to the well drawn marking lines showing the parking space.
Driving slowly on an overtaking lane
Do you know what lane is the fast or slow one? There is a specified lane for overtaking too are you in the wrong lane?
Too many times drivers meander anyhow on our roads and fail to keep to a dedicated lane even with heavy traffic delays. Some drivers permanently maintain a slow speed while on a fast lane, then forcing others to follow behind them at all costs.
What should you do:Keep left unless overtaking and on the left, don't block other drivers, return to the left after overtaking.
Medical experts in Lagos on Wednesday advised men to eat some walnuts daily to improve their fertility, reduce cardiovascular diseases and risk of suffering from prostate cancer.
Walnuts
They told newsmen that the seasonal fruits contain other health benefits that could reduce infertility among its consumers.
Dr Oriola Idris, a gynaecologist at Rains Hospital in Lagos, said that infertility and sub-fertility affect a significant proportion of humanity; a burden relatively unknown in men.
"Walnuts are part of foods that can enhance men's fertility; other seasonal fruits are also packed with a lot of health benefits.
"It contains high antioxidant content along with numerous micro-nutrients that may boost male fertility.
"The nuts have vital nutrients such as plant-based Omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is necessary for the improvement of reproductive health in men.
"Consuming a high amount of ALA derived from walnuts has been linked to a reduction of aneuploidy occurrence or the abnormal production of sperm cell chromosomes.
"Being a rich source of a-linolenic acid, a natural plant source of Omega-3, eating about 75 grammes of walnuts daily can help improve sperm quality, sperm vitality, motility and morphology," he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Remi Esunrunoso, a nutrition- biochemist, advised people to always eat walnuts.
Esunrunoso said that eating walnuts daily for three months would increase sperm-count and male fertility.
"We know that walnut is a seasonal fruit, but it is usually available in the market all the year round.
"Studies have shown that this fruit can reduce many sicknesses in the body.
"Walnuts contain many variants of Vitamin B : Folate at 115 mcg, B6 at 600 mcg and thiamin at 400 mcg.
"Walnuts are also high in manganese, selenium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phytosterols. That is why they can cure many cardiovascular diseases.
"Walnuts may help to reduce not only the risk of prostate cancer, but breast cancer as well.
"Walnuts also contain the amino acid l-arginine, which offers multiple vascular benefits to people with heart disease, or those who have increased risk of heart diseases due to multiple cardiac risk factors.
"Walnuts contain several unique and powerful antioxidants that are available in only a few commonly eaten foods.
"It also helps in weight control and offers support for brain development and type 2 diabetes.
Nigerians have reacted, in various ways on the social media, to the controversial comments between the wife of Nigeria’s president, Aisha Buhari and her husband, Muhammadu Buhari.
Recall that in a BBC Hausa service programme last week Friday, Buhari’s wife, Aisha had alleged that cabals have hijacked her husband’s government and are dictating to him how he should run the APC-led government as against the initial template promised the electorates during campaigns.
However, President Buhari who was on a state visit to Berlin, Germany laughed off his wife’s claims and, ‘jokingly’ said his wife, Aisha belonged to his kitchen, his living room and the other rooms. He also said he did not know which party his wife belongs to and that he claims superior knowledge of Nigeria’s political terrain more than she does.
Nigerians, however, expressed their opinions on both party’s comments thus:
It is no longer news that economic recession is taking its toll on every segment of the society and making life difficult for many Nigerians.
When the pulse of the economy is measured, emphasis is normally placed on the banking sector, the oil and gas sector, the service sector and the small and medium scale enterprises. Curiously, not many pay serious attention to the crucial informal economic sector whose drivers make their money by the roadside with all sense of pride, audacity and zeal.
The Abuja vanishing jobs!
And they come with various appellations! "Master-I-Want-Work", "Half Bread is Better than None", "How We Go Do", etc, all refer to the die-hard labourers or artisans, who spend most of their days waiting in the sun or rain on the roadside of Abuja to be hired by clients to carry out menial jobs for the patrons at fees much lower than those who own shops spread across the city.
Some of them are highly skilled while others are mere apprentices, who shuttle between their masters' shops and the roadsides in search of clients. Many others are elements frustrated out of other professions merely taking refuge in the trade just to eke a living.
The roadside workmen, a sector not usually captured by the economic planners, constitute a large chunk of Nigerians, whose contributions to the economy is high but often not measured. Although most of them are not highly educated, their trade has affected the lives of many Nigerians in many ways than one.
That is largely because hardly is any house built without the services of these individuals; no major civil work is done without the engagement of these labourers.
Unlike white collar jobs which require sitting in the office, carrying out their daily duties, the labourers scramble for customers on the road side in order to make ends meet. "Speaking about his experience, Mr. Peter Uwakwe, a painter who has been doing the same job for over 30 years, complained bitterly about the state of the economy.
He said, "Before the present administration, things were not as difficult as they are. I and my family lived very comfortably from my daily earnings.
I made between N4,500 and N5,000 for any work I did each day. But since this government came into power and they began to talk about low oil price and recession, I hardly see customers in three days. How do I fend for my family?"
Mr. Abdul Fatai, a carpenter, disclosed that he had been standing by the roadside and getting jobs for about four years and had been using the proceeds to support his education.
"With the way things are going, I will not be able to cater for my schooling. I do not want to be a dropout," he lamented. "Mr. Friday Benjamin, a technician, disclosed that he preferred to stay by the roadside in search of customers because of the cost of renting a shop.
"To rent a shop in the city centre in Abuja is between N1 million and N3 million, which I cannot afford. How much do I make a day and I have to cater for my family too? That is why I am on the road," he said. "Benjamin pleaded with the government to make provisions for apprentices in the cities willing to fend for themselves until they can stand on their own.
“If government builds small kiosks for people whose businesses are very small, the price of such shops would be affordable," he noted.
The reason you find most of us on the road is due to the cost of shops and lack of money. No one in his right state of mind would enjoy staying on the road”."He also noted that if he gets a better opportunity, he would leave his present job and switch to something more honourable to protect his image as a family man.
Another labourer, Uwen Nelson, stated that he ventured into the "Master-I-want-work'' business because of lack of job.
“I have been unemployed for about three years now and can no longer wait for any white collar job because I need to cater for my family. I had been wandering all over town looking for formal employment but none came my way and I could not continue being jobless while I am getting older and with increasing family responsibilities", he said.
"We have this adage that 'an idle hand is the devil's workshop'"."Nelson pleaded with government take urgent measures to create massive jobs for Nigerians and take them off the road amid mounting frustration and hazards. "The Information and Public Relations Officer of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Mrs. Biodun Dada, while reacting to the development, assured that the Federal Government was aware of the situation facing youths and was working hard to address it through various employment schemes.
"I can tell you that job creation is one of the major functions of the NDE", Dada said.
She explained that the NDE had designed programmes aimed at providing graduates and non-graduates with skills to earn a living.
But as many in the society look down on the roadside job seekers, many of them may be quietly smiling to the bank as no agency has ever demanded a dime from them as tax, levy or rent like the 'troubled' Abuja shop owners, who get regular quit notices for not paying rent promptly or routine invasion by tax officials from the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and agencies and groups posing as security agencies all in a bid to extort them.
The roadside job-seekers had hoped for a brighter prospect of being gainfully employed with the coming of the new administration with the mantra of 'Change' but with the slum in oil price and the slipping of the nation into full recession, the hope has fizzled, giving way to hopelessness and frustration. That, in itself, has heightened the sense of despair among them.
Family planning for underage girls poses a serious health challenge says Dr Gbolahan Oyebambi of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).
Teenage-pregnancy
Speaking with newsmen in Ilorin, Oyebambi warned against the common practice of underage family planning in the country.
According to him, some girls under the age of 18 are fond of taking measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
He added that such measures are safest when carried out in the institution of marriage where it ois legalised.
The doctor said some parents were aware of their children's wayward ways and aided them by seeking family planning options for them.
"When a girl of 17 year-old knows she is safe to be sexually active, it will make her misbehave and be wayward without any fear,'' he said.
He warned parents not to encourage the use of pills for their underage children, adding that "it was evil and suicidal''.
The doctor also advised medical practitioners to seek proper clarifications before adopting any family planning method for patients.
Oyebambi called on government to reach out to the public through the media, schools, religious houses and hospitals to discourage such practices in the society.
"It is time for the three tiers of government to take a bold step to save the future of our female children by campaigning against underage family planning,'' he said.
Japan has withheld its 2016 financial contribution to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) totalling some 4.4 billion yen (42 million dollars).
Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has confirmed that the decision was made after weighing the matter in a "comprehensive" manner.
However, many analysts pointed out that the move came after the UN body's decision in 2015 to list Chinese documents relating to the 1937 Nanjing Massacre as a Memory of the World.
The invading Japanese military brutally killed over 300,000 Chinese including defenseless civilians and unarmed soldiers, following the capture of Nanjing in 1937.
Japan has been trying to whitewash its atrocities by claiming that the number of people killed were not as many as 300,000.
Japan's decision to withhold the dues was also reportedly aimed at putting pressure on UNESCO.
China believed Japan deliberately put pressure on UNECSO at a time when an international alliance of civic organisations is bidding to have over 2,700 "comfort women"-related documents listed as a Memory of the World.
Many women were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army before and during World War II, most of whom were from Asian countries.
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa moved closer to a fairy-tale CAF Champions League title with a 3-0 home victory over Zamalek of Egypt Saturday in the first leg of the final.
Liberian Anthony Laffor and Tebogo Langerman scored in the first half of a lively match watched by a capacity 30,000 crowd at Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Stadium on the outskirts of Pretoria.
The home team moved three goals ahead less than a minute into the second half when Islam Gamal conceded an own-goal on an uncomfortably hot afternoon for the players.
Continental success for the South African outfit owned by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe will complete a remarkable turnaround this year in the premier African club football competition.
Sundowns were eliminated by V Club in the final qualifying round last April only to be reinstated when the Democratic Republic of Congo side were disqualified for using an ineligible player.
The Pretoria team went on to defeat five-time African champions Zamalek narrowly at home and away in the group stage, but taking a three-goal lead in the final exceeds their wildest dreams.
Should Sundowns be crowned champions after the return match in Alexandria next Sunday, they will become only the second South African winners of the competition after Orlando Pirates 21 years ago.
Sundowns and Enyimba
History favours Sundowns as just one club, Mouloudia Alger of Algeria in 1976, have overcome a three-goal first-leg deficit in a final.
“It is essential that we keep our feet on the ground,” warned Sundowns coach and former South Africa striker Pitso Mosimane as his players celebrated with the crowd.
“I have been in football too long to take anything for granted. We should remember that Zamalek scored four goals at home against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in the semi-finals.
“What a beautiful sight this is,” he added, referring to a singing, dancing crowd that had crammed into the rudimentary venue west of Pretoria.
“These wonderful supporters are enjoying history — this is the first time a South African club have won the home leg of a CAF Champions League final.”
Sundowns quickly stamped their authority on the game and Laffor scored with a thunderous shot past Ahmed El Shenawy on 31 minutes after a millimetre-perfect Hlompho Kekana through ball.
Langerman doubled the lead with a cross-cum-shot that dipped behind El Shenawy into the far corner of the net off the post.
When Gamal turned another cross-cum-shot, this time from Percy Tau, into his net, the record five-goal winning margin for the first leg of a final appeared in danger of being eclipsed.
But Zamalek did not wilt in the heat and 1,520-metre (4,995 feet) altitude and dominated second-half territory and possession while rarely testing Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango.
By Funmi Komolafe Glory be to God! That we are alive today , we have every reason to thank God for His mercy. Take a few minutes to reflect on events in the last nine months of this year and you would see that many people with whom you started this year are no more. Not necessarily because you are more righteous, it is because God in his mercy has kept you alive. He has not kept you alive for nothing.
You are alive for a purpose. It could also be that God wants you to fulfil the purpose for which He created you. Whichever it is, brethren, it is clear that the miracle you are still trusting God for is still possible.
By His Grace, you will not miss your miracle.
For instance a certain man built his dream house and had concluded arrangements to move into the house, but the forces of darkness around him stopped him. He was poisoned and he died. As his Christian wake keep was going on, his siblings were already fighting over his assets. This will not be your portion in Jesus name.
For us not to miss our miracles however, we have certain responsibilities. In other words, there are steps we must take as Christians. One of these is self denial.
Self-Denial: Self denial com in several forms, such as fasting, evangelizing, etc. but in this edition , I'll focus on THE NIGHT.
We'll discuss why the night is important and what could happen at night.
The night is the time we all need rest. After hours of work, we need rest. God Himself rested, Genesis 2 vs 2. " And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the Seventh Day from all His work which He had made".
It therefore means that rest is desirable and indeed necessary. However, the forces of darkness according to knowledgeable men of God are very active at this time. This explains why people are tormented in their dreams, others eat in their dreams. One of the most dangerous evil spirits, the spirit husband or wife engages in intercourse with his or her victim, mostly at night. One can go on and on.
However, as Christians , we need not be afraid of the night . Why? Luke 10 vs 19 gives us authority. It states:" Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and all powers of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you".
In other words, we can conquer and defeat the devil and his forces of darkness.
So what has night got to do with this?
First, I suggest that anyone facing a major challenge that his or her physical ability cannot tackle, must not be a Jonah. You cannot afford to spend the entire night sleeping. You must find time to pray in the night . No matter how short the prayer is.
Why? Physically, the entire environment is quitet. which makes it easier for you to concentrate on your prayer. Secondly, your prayer at this time of the night becomes your weapon to fight your spiritual battles. Thirdly, it is easier to hear from God at night. We can hear from God during the day but you must have attained a higher level spiritually, for you to hear the Lord loud and clear during the day. The night is easier for many people.
Do you doubt this? Remember Samuel; the child who wiped away the tears of Mummy Hannah. He was residing with Eli . Genesis 3 verses 3-9. But let's consider verses 3 &4 " And the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep : That the Lord called Samuel and he answered , Here I am". For those who are familiar with this story, God called Samuel thrice but he thought it was Pastor Eli that was calling.
Let's read what happened after the third call: "Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if He call thee that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth".
From that moment, Samuel began to get the attention of God. This season, by the Grace of God, you too will get the attention of God in the name of Jesus.
Are you faced with a troubled marriage? Is your situation such that you have a feeling that you are putting on a golden wedding ring but the marriage itself is rusty. First, examine yourself, honestly, and see what you have been doing that is not right. Be prepared to change for the better. Resolve to be patient and seek the forgiveness of your partner. Be humble enough to do this. Stop nagging. Then rise on your feet and take back your marriage with prayer. Every stranger threatening your marriage, the Lord will put a burden on them and they will have no option but to leave your spouse alone. I'm assured in my Spirit that this message is for someone. This season as the Lord lives, as Pastor J.T. Kalejaye of RCCG often says, "You will move from enduring your marriage to enjoying it in the mighty name of Jesus Christ". You shall testify soon.
God reveals at night. In several cases, God has revealed secrets at night and used the night to transform lives. Let's consider Exodus 12 vs. 31 " And he ( God) called for Moses and Aaron by night , and said, Rise up and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel and go serve the Lord as you have said ".
We all know that the transformation of the lives of the children of Israel from slavery to freedom began at night.
Let's also refer to Exodus 12 vs 12: "For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and I will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt , both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord".
Can you see the full manifestation of the power of God here. When did it happen? At night. Brethren, this does not mean that God is limited to the night. Remember, David killed Goliath during the day and not at night but our focus in this edition is the night and its importance.
What do you do with your night?
Pastor Peter Olawale, leader of the praying team at the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in a sermon made reference to Psalm 30 vs 5 " the later part of it which states, "weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning".
He declared "The Lord will give you His attention, He will show you his intentions and He will put your enemies in detention in the name of Jesus".
When you give God attention by spending some time praying at night, then you are sure he will show you His intentions. That is when a woman who has been waiting on the Lord for the fruit of the womb sees herself carrying her baby in the dream. That is when the one who has been waiting for a marriage partner begins to see herself having a wedding or people congratulating her.
All of these happens in dreams.
For the one who has been praying for a job, that is when you begin to see yourself in an office. If you have been asking God to break the yoke of tenancy, that is when you see yourself in your own house.
Bear in mind that our God is unlimited. He can do all things.
Let's also consider Genesis 26 vs 24 &25 " And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father; fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake". Here God was speaking to Isaac; the Child of Promise.
Note that God appeared to him at night and also revealed his intentions for Isaac, who was being oppressed by all sorts of enemies.
I am confident that as you dedicate sometime to present your issues to the Lord in the night, you will receive the attention of the Almighty God and He will fight your battle for you in the name of Jesus.
I'll end this edition, sharing with you a prayer point released by Pastor Samson Ajetunmobi " Every Altar resisting my fruitfulness, my promotion, my marriage (or whatever is yours, I command the altar to be destroyed in the name of Jesus".
Brethren, use the authority that God has given you confidently and in the name of Jesus you will be victorious.
Editor's Note- I intend to conclude the topic on the importance of the night in the next edition, by God's Grace , if the Lord Jesus tarries.
US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, are to meet Saturday in Switzerland for a fresh round of diplomatic talks on Syria.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov before their meeting at the Russian Ambassador’s residence in Paris March 30, 2014. Kerry and Lavrov met in Paris seeking to hammer out the framework of a deal to reduce tensions over Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region. REUTERS/Jacquelyn Martin/Pool (FRANCE – Tags: POLITICS)
Their already frosty relationship was further chilled earlier this month when Washington said it had broken off bilateral talks with Moscow on Syria, accusing the Kremlin of failing to do its part to end the bloodshed.
The discussions at the Beau-Rivage Palace hotel in Lausanne is also expected to involve regional powers with stakes in Syria's five-year war, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The focus of the meeting is a new ceasefire for Aleppo in northern Syria and humanitarian aid deliveries to the city's civilians, the US State Department said this week.
The US, which suspended cooperation because of Russia's continued bombing of Aleppo, emphasized that the meeting is taking place amid broader talks with several countries concerned about Syria.
Kerry "certainly wants to sit down in that format and have that discussion and continue to pursue a diplomatic approach," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in Washington.
"How the Russians react, what they come . willing to do or not is really up to them. The secretary's expectations are that all attendees will come purposefully and genuinely interested in pursuing a cessation of hostilities," Kirby said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry suggested that the meeting would have a broader focus to "consider possible additional steps for creating conditions for resolving the Syrian crisis."
Russia has maintained that its airstrikes on Aleppo have targeted militant groups, including al-Qaeda-linked fighters, holding parts of the city.
However, the US and other Western powers are calling for such airstrikes to end because of civilian casualties.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview published Friday by the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda that his military, which is strongly aided by Russia, will conquer Aleppo.
He said that the victory will provide momentum to push militant groups northward toward Turkey, "where they came from."
Novak Djokovic, defending champion and world number one has been knocked out of Shanghai Rolex Masters by Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut.
Novak Djokovic
It was Agut's first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final and his first victory against Djokovic in six matches.
He beat Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 and will now meet the winner in the second semi-final match, between Andy Murray of Britain and Gilles Simon of France.
The 28 year old right handed player, ranked 19th in the world, had on Friday ousted ninth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4 .
His first semi-final came two years ago on home soil in Madrid, where he lost to Rafael Nadal.
"I am playing well and I'm doing the things well to face Novak," said the Spaniard on Friday.
"For sure it's a good moment to face him. Novak is one of the best tennis players in history. I played against him a couple of really good matches. I know if I play good I can make it a difficult match for him," he said.
And he really played well,bigger than Djokovic, recording only one double fault to Djokovic's two and winning six break points out of 7. He also recorded more aces, 5-4, in comparison with World Number One.
He took the first set in 42 minutes with his first break point and broke three times in the next one for victory.
Djokovic trailing 3-5, after he was broken by Agut, broke Agut back to stay alive in the second set.
But he failed to save a match point, when he was serving 4-5.
U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Friday accused the New York Times and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim for his travails and his lagging in the polls.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are tightening their grips on the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations.
He accused Slim, with net worth of over $50billion, of trying to help Democrat Hillary Clinton win the Nov. 8 election through his connection to the New York Times.
Trump said Slim, as a major New York Times shareholder, is helping bankroll what he called the Times' attempt to help Clinton win the presidential election.
Slim is the largest shareholder of New York Times Co, according to a report by reuters in January 2015. He controls a stake of 16.8 percent.
Entities affiliated with Slim exercised the warrants he bought in 2009 when he loaned the company $250 million during the height of the financial crisis. Slim's total stake is valued at $341.4 million.
The Times published a story from two women accusing Trump of groping them.
"They're not journalists," Trump said of the Times reporters. "They're corporate lobbyists for Carlos Slim and foreign corporations."
"They're not journalists," Trump said of the Times reporters. "They're corporate lobbyists for Carlos Slim and foreign corporations."
At a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Trump also again said a variety of women who have accused him of making unwanted sexual advances are making up their stories.
At another rally in Charlotte, Trump said that he was a victim of a 'great political smear' to damage his campaign.
"It's not hard to find a small handful of people willing to make false smears.
"They are coming after me to try and destroy what is considered by even them the greatest movement in the history of our country."
"These claims defy reason, truth, logic, common sense. They are made without supporting witnesses.
"When the media does what they're doing now, that's rigging the system. The election is rigged," he said.
Two new accusations came from an ex-Apprentice contestant who cited a 2007 incident and a woman who described a case from the early 1990s.
Trump insists that the allegations are all false and a "concerted effort" to take down his campaign.
October may be a month in the last quarter of the year, but it certainly provides excellent opportunities for travel. Aside from the fact that travelers get to deal with fewer crowds as it is off-season, most destinations experience moderate temperatures around the time and so are favorable for all kinds of visitors.
If you are looking take advantage of all that October offers and you are planning a trip, Jumia Travel, Africa's No.1 online hotel booking portal shares 4 essential tips for traveling in October.
Check for deals and discounts when planning your trip
Most people do not know this, but some of the best travel discounts and deals are offered in the month of October. Value - Flights, accommodation especially in hotels like Beni Gold Hotel & Apartments and Grand Ibro Hotel, entrance fees and more can be found at big discounts, even up to a 50% discount. That can mean luxury at an affordable price and a cheaper vacation.
Tinapa Lakeside Hotels, Calabar, Cross River
Air travel is most reliable
Flight cancellations as result of bad weather conditions is not as common, from the month of October, especially here in Nigeria. The weather condition in October is favourable. The month features cool days and nights, also, the rains are less, so air travel is not as tedious as it could be in other months.
It is the best time for international trip
October is not a holiday season and so the ratio of foreigners to locals in most of the popular tourist attractions around the world will not be low. Thus, international travel during October, especially for tourism is best as you have a greater chance of feeling the local culture more than you would when a place is teeming with tourists. Basically, October will allow you a slice of good weather and a slice of quiet.
Start planning your Christmas trip
October is the best month to commence planning your Christmas holiday trip. Start your research on where you want to go and which of the numerous end-of-year festivals you would want to rope into your holiday trip; contract agents if you have to, but most importantly, book your flights and hotel rooms in October as the month is just 2 months away from December and gives you the specific amount of time you need to plan the perfect holiday.
(@ffsmourinhoo) 
