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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the early morning Sunday church killing in Anambra state. At around 6:00 am (0500 GMT) at least one gunman opened fire at St. Philip's church in Ozubulu, near the city of Onitsha, unleashing terror on the congregation. The attack saw at least twelve persons dead and over eighteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
However, condemning the terror attack, PDP, in a statement signed by Prince Dayo Adeyeye, its
National Publicity Secretary and made available to newsmen, said that it was barbaric and sacrilegious, adding that the crime shows that the Nigerian society is fast degenerating into a state of anomie, total collapse and disregard for the sanctity of the human life.
St Philip Catholic Church Ozubulu, where the lone wolf struck this morning.
The party which also gave its condolence to the people of Anambra state also said that the attack is simply a wake-up call to the government to up her ante in the area of security of lives and property.
"The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is shocked to receive the news of a gunman attack in the early hours of this morning at St. Philips Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing and injuring several worshipers.
"This invasion is indeed barbaric, sacrilegious and a serious indication that our society is fast degenerating into a state of anomie with total moral collapse and utter disregard for the sanctity of human life.
"We sympathize with the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and the entire people of the State; and in particular, worshipers of St. Philips Catholic Church and families of the Victims. We wish those injured quick recovery; and may the Souls of the departed rest in the Lord, Amen.
"The killings is a call for moral rearmament by all and sundry. It is also a wake-up call for the Government to do more in the area of protection of lives and property.
"God bless Anambra State! God bless the PDP!! God bless Nigeria!"
By Dapo Akinrefon Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo Sunday, faulted the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinabjo for describing those agitating for restructuring as political jobbers. *AdebanjoAdebanjo Adebanjo said this yesterday at the Southern Leaders Forum meeting in Lagos. Reacting to the Acting President’s remarks that those championing the call for restructuring were looking for appointments, the Afenifere leader said: “That is a very unfortunate statement. I would like it to appear that we are attacking our acting president.
The Acting President was born on the principle of restructuring. Myself and his father were followers of Awolowo since the 1950s.”
Speaking further, he said “he cannot say we are looking for appointment, is it me or Horsfall or Gen Ike Nwachukwu? It just shows someone in position, but does not understand the problem of the people he is leading.
It is an unfortunate statement to make, I am not going to engage in a brick bat with him, it shows the limit of his knowledge of how the country came together. I think he should know better.
He is not only a lawyer, he has been an Attorney-General and Vice President.”
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has revealed why Former Head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, was overthrown in a bloodless coup on July 29, 1975, ushering in the government that came to be known as the Muritala/Obasanjo regime.
General Gowon was overthrown and replaced by Brigadier Murtala Muhammad as head of the new government, and Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo as his deputy when he was attending an OAU summit in Kampala.
Chief Obasanjo who gave a chronological account of his life at the Diocese of Lagos West, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Lagos, also said that despite the evil thought of the later head of state, General Sani Abacha against him, he did not, for a day, wish anything bad for the general.
Gowon and Obasanjo
“After the war, General Gowon said that military will go by 1976 but later said that it will not be realistic again and that was the major reason why he was unseated.
“That later brought about what was termed as Muritala/Obasanjo regime. But we were careless as regard security in which Muritala was killed like chicken and I would have been killed but God's grace preserved me and I was later persuaded to take over.
“We stabilized the country, conducted election and handed over. But when there was incessant coup in different parts of the country, I spoke against Military in general and Abacha's in particular.
“The consequence was that I was arrested, tried and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment which Abacha later reduced to 15 years but God in his mercy, I only spent 3 years, three months and three days.
He pointed out that the person who sent him to prison was not alive by the time he came out.
“But when I was in prison in Jos, Abacha's son died and I wrote a condolence letter to him and also when he died, I also wrote a letter of condolence to his wife of which the prison authority found unbelievable but delivered all my letters.
Obasanjo who spoke on the topic, “God in my Life” under the auspices of Torchbearers Society, said his educational career was God's destiny.
He disclosed that the respect he had for his biological father made him slap his teacher on his first day in school, after his teacher had asked him the name of his father.
“I do follow my father to farm but one day, he asked me what I wished to do and I told him I would prefer to be a mechanic. But he suggested education and I bought into it.
“We both went to Abeokuta and visited five different schools of which they rejected me because the school season was already in the middle.
“Later, I was taken to another school in the beginning of a new season. But, on my first day in school, they asked of my name and I gave them but when they asked of my father’s name, I found it irritating.
“By my own training in the village, to mention your father’s name is an insult and for him to ask for my father's name is an insult. So, I slapped him and I was punished for that.
He said that would have been the end of his educational career but God’s plan made him rise to his present level.
A Canadian and a Polish passenger jet clipped wings on the ground at a Toronto airport, causing “serious” damage but no casualties, a spokesman for Air Canada confirmed Sunday.
The Polish plane, operated by the LOT airline, was on the tarmac at Pearson International Airport late Saturday when it was struck by an Air Canada plane that was taxiing toward a nearby landing gate, Peter Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for the Canadian company, said in an email.
The Air Canada craft, a Boeing 767-300, was carrying 286 passengers from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Authorities are investigating the incident.
Chris Krepski, a spokesman for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, told public network CBC that preliminary information indicated that the Air Canada plane had struck the LOT plane as the Polish aircraft was preparing for takeoff.
CBC identified the Polish plane as a Boeing 787; its flight to Warsaw was canceled.
An Air Canada Airbus A320 was involved in a potentially catastrophic incident last month at San Francisco International Airport in California, when it came perilously close to landing on a taxiway where several planes were lined up for takeoff.
Air controllers urgently redirected the plane and it landed normally.
Senator Andy Uba has condemned in strong terms the shooting and killing of worshippers at the St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra state.
Senator Uba visits wounded gunshot victims in Anambra
In a statement issued by his media aide, Joseph Itazi, Sen. Uba who visited the scene of the incidents said that people of Anambra were not known for such violence.
He called on the commissioner of Police and the state governor to ensure that the perpetrators of such dastardly act are brought to book.
Uba who was very emotional, also donated an undisclosed amount of money to add to the treatment of the victims.
"Such acts cannot be tolerated in Anambra: for worshipper to be slaughtered during mass is something that we must not allow in this state.
"I call on the state governor and the commissioner of police to immediately swing into action to root out those who killed these innocent worshippers".
"My heart goes out to the families of the diseased.
"Although it is a sad event, we must take solace that having been martyred in the church, the deceased would have gone to a better place," he said.
Speaking wih the victims at Access Specialist Hospital and Martanity Ozubulu and Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Senator Andy Uba expressed deep shock and added that this kind of heartless evil must not be allowed to fester in Anambra State.
"We must not allow such to continue: our people cannot be allowed to be snatched by the cold hands of death due to the activities of recalcitrant members of our society.Senator Uba visits wounded gunshot victims in Anambra
"This is an eye-opener that we need a better and effective administrative system that can adequately take care of security challenges and youth unemployment in the state".
"He also said that this is a clarion call to all Anambrarians to play their individual part in maitaining the peace and unity of the state through community policing.
"We must work together to avoid a recurrence of such incident," he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has described the late Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, as a `detribalised public official' who believed in the unity of the country.
Onyeama made the remark on Sunday in Abuja at a memorial service held in honour of the late politician and former Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, First Abuja Parish.
reports have it that the late Maduekwe, a lawyer, politician and diplomat, died at the age of 71 on June 29, 2016.
In his tribute, Onyeama said: "he was a public official in the true sense of it for the whole of Nigeria and for all Nigerians; he believed that was what he was without any allegiance to any section of the country.
"One of the greatest testimonials on him was a reception that was organised for him by a particular group who told him that he belonged to them and had to do certain things for them.
"However Chief Ojo Maduekwe told them that he was a minister for the whole country and not for any particular group and I think that really spoke about this man.
"He brought this passion to his work and of course it could underpin his intellectual pedigree which is razor sharp that made him outstanding in all his endeavours."
The minister noted that the late Maduekwe was one of Nigeria's icons, adding that the country had not produced many leaders who came with many qualities as the late politician.
He said that the deceased was "a good person and an intellectual with razor sharp mind'' who occupied the most important offices in the country.
"He has been Minister of Culture and Tourism, Minister of Transport, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of a political party and Nigeria's High Commissioner to Canada.
"So he was really up the height in terms of political and public service career; he was a humble man to the core.
"I had wanted to go and see him when I was made a minister of Foreign Affairs but before I did that he came to see me.
"He gave me a master class for almost one hour on many things even beyond foreign affairs; really amazing and really helpful," Onyeama said.
In his tribute, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, who was represented by his deputy, Ude Chukwu, said the late Maduekwe was a political god father to many people.
He described the late diplomat as "transparent, very intelligent and a man that would want you to do exactly what he said.''
According to the governor, the late Maduekwe did his best to hold Abia together, as well as ensuring the unity of Nigeria.
"He was a man that would want Nigeria to be like one of the developed countries of this world if it was possible for him overnight to turn Nigeria to a great country of this world.
"When he was PDP chairman, he showcased his legendary; when he was a minister he was always outstanding.
"Left for us we would have wanted the man to be alive but what can we do as death snatched him away.
"We pray that God would continue to grant him eternal rest," Ikpeazu said.
The wife of the late former Minister, Mrs Ucha Madukwe, described her late husband as "a lover of peace who wanted the country to be in peace always.''
"My husband wanted peace in the country always; he liked peaceful atmosphere; that was one important thing for him.
"He also wanted to see the youths doing the right things.
"In the midst of this agitation in the country, he would have been in the centre and would have loved peace to reign across the country," she said.
By Chinedu Adonu ENUGU – INTER-PARTY Advisory Committee, IPAC, has flayed the pro-Biafra group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for their stand to boycott Anambra State November election if Biafra is not granted self-autonomy nor a date set for a referendum for the process. Overall Leader of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
The organisation maintains that Nigeria is still one sovereign nation and as such, such a call tantamount to a joke taken to far.
Chairman of IPAC, Enugu State Chapter, Rev. John Nwobodo, who stated this in an interview with newsmen in Enugu weekend, said that IPOB had no right to order people not to participate in an electoral process, pointing out that self-rule does not just come overnight.
Nwobodo, who is also the Enugu State chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, maintained that since the areas agitating for Biafra independence are still part of Nigeria, IPOB miscalculated by giving such order that election should be boycott.
“Telling people to boycott the Anambra polls, I think is a joke taken too far by members of IPOB because we are still part of Nigeria and should participate in the electoral process,” the IPAC boss said.
He however said that in as much as they may have genuine aspiration for self-determination, they don’t have to give orders but engage in consultations and dialogue to achieve their objective.
On the supposed rejection of restructuring and devolution of powers by the National Assembly, Nwobodo said that the matter has not been concluded because they may still revisit the issue in due course.
According to him, it was a national issue that requires wild consultations with various stakeholders and opinion moulders in the society.He stated that some of the legislators are not read while some of them are sectional, parochial and ethnic chauvinists, pointing out that it would take time for the issue to be sorted out in the interest of progress and development of the country.
While commenting on the forthcoming council polls in Enugu State in the fourth quarter of the year, Nwobodo flayed Enugu State Independent National Electoral Commission, ENSIEC, for setting the election timetable without consulting with the political parties.
The IPAC boss said that ENSIEC has no right to ask the candidates to pay money to participate in the electoral process, describing as laughable the various sums the election umpire has stipulated for the candidates to pay.
Nwobodo described the fees as illegal and said that if PDP candidates are ready to pay, others parties are not ready to pay, pointing out that should they conduct the elections without candidates of other political parties, it would be a nullity.
“The fees are illegal and the parties will not pay. We have always contested the payment of money to participate in an election. If they do the election without other parties, it will be a nullity,” the IPAC boss said. Ends.
Pastor Tim Gbasha of Sheperd International Assembly, Jos, has advised men to always resist the temptation to spank their erring wives, "no matter the provocation".
Gbasha gave the advice while delivering a sermon on Sunday.
"Women get angry easily and could shoot hard words at their men, but true men must resist the temptation to hit their wives when provoked," he said.
Gbasha, in the sermon with the theme: "The Trials of Faith", noted that trials were constant companions of Christians, but said that they should not make one deviate from the ways of God.
"Women, when angry, can provoke their husbands. They can go round, like an aircraft in the runway, raining insults on their husbands.
"At such moments, the husbands should never hit them because that period is a trial of their faith," he said.
The Pastor admonished Christians to be strong during trials, pointing out that even Jesus faced trials.
He reminded the faithful of the trials that confronted Job.
"Job lost everything including his children, wealth, health, and all that was dear to him, but he kept the faith. He did not complain," he said.
Gbasha urged Christians to always be on the watch as the devil could use just anything, including wives, children, friends, neighbours and even colleagues, to bring them down.
Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue state has said that his administration needs N40 billion to clear the backlog of salary arrears owed workers of the state.
Ortom dropped the hint in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi by his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua.
He denied owing workers up to 10 months at a stretch, explaining that he had not breached his agreement with labour leaders in the state concerning the mode of salary payment.
"I have kept my agreement with labour leaders that as a result of insufficient funds, the federal allocation of two months would be combined to pay one month's complete salary for workers."
According to him, it is the accumulation of the unpaid months that gave the wrong impression of 10 months at a stretch.
Ortom
Ortom also expressed regret that the N8.2 billion inherited wage bill had compounded the financial situation of the state.
He said his administration had, however, reduced the wage bill to N7.8 billion, adding that the recovery of looted funds would help address the challenge of unpaid salaries faced by his administration.
He alleged that N107 billion had been looted from the coffers of the state government and that one of the persons indicted by an investigative panel had refunded N370 million.
He further said that N4.5 billion bond proceeds that had been diverted, had also been recovered and channelled to the original purpose it was meant.
The governor said the state of emergency declared on the payment of salaries would focus on reducing the wage bill and clearing the backlog of arrears owed workers.
He said the government was working hard to turn around the fortunes of the moribund industries.
Benue workers are being owed eight months' salary arrears.
The state government recently received N6.4 billion from the Federal Government as its share of Paris Club refunds for the payment of salaries among other interventions.
Wesley SneijderUnfashionable Nice have made a habit of signing top class talent over the last few seasons, with France international Hatem Ben Arfa, Italian striker Mario Balotelli, Brazilian centre-back Dante and Morocco playmaker Younes Belhanda all joining over the past two years.
Sneijder
Now, 33-year-old Dutch international Sneijder, who won the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010, is set to sign a one-year deal with an option for another year, according to a club source.
On Sunday evening, Nice posted on Twitter to say they had reached an “agreement in principle” with the former Real Madrid and Ajax star.
They also posted a photo of the player at their club offices and an emoji of two shaking hands.
Sneijder, who arrived in Nice at 5pm, will undergo a medical on Monday and could put pen to paper later in the day.
The attacking midfielder, who played in the 2010 World Cup final for the Netherlands and has won league titles in four countries, was released by Galatasaray at the end of last season, meaning he is available for free.
Nice signed Ben Arfa from Newcastle United in 2015, with the talented playmaker helping them qualify for the Europa League before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain.
Nice followed that up a year ago by bringing in Balotelli, who won the Champions League alongside Sneijder at Inter, Dante and Belhanda.
The latter left to return to Dynamo Kiev, from where he’d been on loan, before signing for Galatasaray — replacing Sneijder.
Nice finished third in Ligue 1 last season and face a two-legged play-off against Napoli later this month to qualify for the Champions League group stages.
On Saturday they lost their opening league match of the season 1-0 to Saint-Etienne.
Israel said on Sunday it planned to close the offices of Al-Jazeera in the Jewish state, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Arab satellite news broadcaster of incitement.
Netanyahu had said on July 27 that he wanted Al-Jazeera expelled amid tensions over a sensitive Jerusalem holy site.
“Al-Jazeera has become the main tool of Daesh (the Islamic State group), Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran,” Communications Minister Ayoob Kara, a member of the Druze community from Netanyahu’s Likud party, told a news conference.
He accused the Qatar-based broadcaster of “inciting violence which has provoked losses among the best of our sons”, referring to two Druze policemen who were killed in a July 14 attack near the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem.
Al-Jazeera microphone
Netanyahu tweeted his congratulations to Kara “who on my instructions took concrete steps to end Al-Jazeera’s incitement” in Israel.
An official at Al-Jazeera in Doha said the channel “deplores this action from a state that is called the only democratic state in the Middle East” and called the move “dangerous”.
The official, who declined to be named, said the broadcaster would “follow up the subject through appropriate legal and judicial procedures”.
Israel’s communications ministry said “nearly all countries in the region including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, have concluded that Al-Jazeera incites terrorism and religious extremism.”
It said it had become “ridiculous that the channel continued to broadcast from Israel”.
– Credentials revoked – Regional kingpin Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt broke ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of fostering extremism and later issuing 13 demands, including Al-Jazeera’s closure.
The Al-Jazeera official said Sunday he was “surprised” at Israel’s move, and defended the channel’s “professional and objective” coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The channel’s Jerusalem bureau chief, Walid al-Omari, said his office had not received any official notification that it would be forced to close.
Speaking on Al-Jazeera, he said the move was related to internal Israeli politics.
“Netanyahu wants to distract attention from issues he is facing,” he said, in an apparent reference to ongoing investigations into graft cases allegedly involving the premier.
The Israeli ministry said it would cut the channel’s cable and satellite connections and demand that Al-Jazeera journalists be stripped of their credentials.
The closure of Al-Jazeera’s offices would come under the remit of security officials.
Israeli authorities would also seek to limit access by the Jewish state’s Arab citizens to the station’s Arabic-language broadcasts, the ministry said without elaborating.
Arab Israelis, the descendants of Palestinians who stayed after the state of Israel was created in 1948, make up 17.5 percent of the country’s population.
Israel has regularly accused Al-Jazeera of bias in its coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Netanyahu heads what is seen as the most right-wing government in Israeli history.
He has frequently criticised the news media, accusing outlets of seeking to undermine his government.
– ‘Incitement’ – In July, Netanyahu accused the channel of “inciting violence around the Temple Mount,” a sensitive Jerusalem holy site known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif compound.
The site in east Jerusalem, which Israel captured during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed, is central to the Israeli-Arab conflict.
Protests erupted there last month after Israel installed new security measures including metal detectors, after the two Israeli policemen were shot by attackers who emerged from the compound.
“I have appealed to law enforcement agencies several times to close the Al-Jazeera office in Jerusalem,” Netanyahu said on July 27.
“If this is not possible because of legal interpretation, I am going to seek to have the necessary legislation adopted to expel Al-Jazeera from Israel.”
Palestinians refused to enter the site for nearly two weeks over the new security measures imposed after three Israeli Arabs shot dead the policemen nearby.
That triggered protests which left six Palestinians dead. A Palestinian also broke into a home in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank and stabbed four Israelis, killing three of them.
The crisis ended when the Israeli authorities removed the new security measures including the metal detectors.
Palestinians, who viewed the measures as an Israeli attempt to assert further control over the compound which houses the revered Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, then ended their boycott of the site.
Under a decades-old agreement, only Muslims may pray inside the compound, although anyone can visit, including Jews.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has predicted cloudy weather conditions over the Central States on Monday morning with isolated thunderstorms over Abuja, Jalingo, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola, Ibi and Mambilla Plateau.
NiMet's Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office (CFO), released on Sunday in Abuja, also predicted prospects of rain showers and localised thunderstorms over most parts of the region later in the day.
It said that the central region would have day and night temperatures in the range of 24 to 31and 18 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively.
The agency further predicted that Southern states would experience cloudy conditions in the morning with chances of isolated rains over Port-Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo and its environs.
It also predicted prospects of isolated rains over most parts of Soutern states during the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures of 27 to 29 and 21 to 22 degrees Celsius respectively.
According to NiMet, Northern states will experience cloudy conditions with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Nguru, Katsina, Dutse, Kano, Maiduguri and it's environ during the morning hours.
"Later in the afternoon and evening period, isolated thunderstorms are likely over most part of the region with day and night temperatures of 30 to 34 and 21 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively.
"Relative instability is expected within the country. These may give rise to cloud build up, thunderstorms and rains across most parts of the cities in the next 24 hours," NiMet also predicted.
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra, has described Sunday's attack on worshippers at St. Philip's Catholic Church, Ozubulu, by a gunman as regrettable.
The church, in a statement signed by Rev. Hygi Aghaulor, Director of Communications of the Diocese, and available to newsmen, said that the Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Jude Onwuaso escaped unhurt.
He described the act as a sign of loss of what is sacred and consoled the families of victims of the attack.
"It is regrettable that our people are more and more losing a sense of what is sacred.
"What on earth would make people open fire on innocent unarmed worshippers including children and women on a Sunday morning?
"We condemn this ungodly act in its totality; we pray Almighty God to console the families affected and assure them that our hearts are with them as we pray for the quick recovery of the wounded.
"For the entire parishioners, we call on them not to be discouraged in their usual practice of faith.
"It is when the forces of darkness attempt to overshadow goodness that the light of God shines even brighter than ever just as it happened on Easter Sunday.
"Evil may make attempts but God and goodness will always triumph; we call on the good people to continue to pray for the deceased worshippers and their families," Aghaulor stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state Mr Garba Umar, has said that the command would leave no stone unturned to bring the attackers to justice.
Umar, who spoke at a news conference in Awka on Sunday, gave the updated figures of casualties as 11 dead and 18 injured.
He ruled out the possibility of a terror attack, and spoke about an isolated feud between individuals in the community.
He said that the command had invited some suspects who would be useful to the investigation.
The CP advised residents to go about their lawful businesses, assuring them that churches and public places were safe.
"At about 6.30 a.m. today, Aug. 6, I got a distress call that gunmen had invaded and shot at worshippers at St. Philips Catholic Church, Umuezekwe, Ofufe, Amakwa Village in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
"As a result I, the Commissioner of Police, led my operatives immediately to the scene to rescue worshippers.
"The command, under my watch, will leave no stone unturned in locating and prosecuting those behind the massacre of innocent worshippers.
"The intelligence report and preliminary investigation showed that the incident was as a result of a feud between two individuals from the same community living outside Nigeria.
"One of the individuals built the church where the shooting occurred; it is definitely not a terrorist attack in the mould of Boko Haram or Fulani herdsmen attack.
"The command will brief the public after investigation is concluded; I commiserate with all those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.
"I also encourage `ndi' Anambra to be vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements or strange observation of persons and actions in their localities to the security agencies.'' Umar said.
A brace from Vivianne Miedema led hosts Netherlands to a 4-2 win over Denmark and their first women’s Euro title in Enschede on Sunday.
Netherlands’ team players celebrate with the trophy after winning the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 football tournament final match between Netherlands and Denmark at Fc Twente Stadium in Enschede on August 6, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
Miedema pulled the hosts level at 1-1 on ten minutes and added her second goal two minutes from the end to round off the scoring, with Lieke Martens and skipper Sherida Spitse also scoring for the champions.
Denmark took the lead as Nadia Nadim scored from the penalty spot on six minutes after Kika van Es had brought down Sanne Troelsgaard in the box.
Miedema then fired home a superb cross from right winger Shanice van de Sanden who had outsprinted Cecilie Sandvej on the wing.
Martens turned with the ball just outside the box in the 28th minute and her low left-footer beat diving Danish keeper Stina Petersen at her left post.
The valiant Danes equalised on 33 minutes when skipper Pernille Harder picked up a long pass on the right wing, took it inside the box and wrong-footed Dutch keeper Sari van Veenendaal, scoring with a low left-foot shot to her left post.
Spitse then scored five minutes after the break with a low shot from a free-kick and Miedema made it 4-2 after fooling a defender inside the box and beating Petersen with a low shot in the 89th minute.
The Dutch are only the fourth team to lift the trophy after eight-time champions Germany, two-time winners Norway and Sweden, who won the first edition in 1984.
Denmark, like the Dutch playing in their first final, made two changes in their starting line-up as Sofie Junge Pedersen replaced midfielder Line Jensen, out with a torn knee ligament, while Sandvej came in for left-back Line Roddik.
Propelled by a sold-out Twente stadium in Enschede, the Dutch dominated the early minutes of a very lively first half, but Denmark’s first goal levelled the situation on the pitch.
Martens could have extended her scoring record after 15 minutes, when van de Sanden’s low cross found her inside the box, but Petersen had little trouble clearing her weak shot.
Nadim had two good chances to add to her opener, but her one-on-one with Van Veenendaal ended in the hands of the Dutch keeper and then she missed a cross.
In the second half, Van Es sent a long-range shot wide, Petersen superbly stopped Miedema’s blast from long range and Jackie Groenen narrowly missed from long range.
At the other end, Katrine Veje’s attempt from inside the box missed the Dutch goal, just like a rebound from a corner by substitute Frederikke Thogersen.
Troelsgaard missed the top corner by an inch five minutes from the end as the Danes pushed for an equaliser.
Twelve worshippers were shot dead at a church in southeast Nigeria on Sunday, with authorities suggesting the bloodshed was due to a local feud.
At around 6:00 am (0500 GMT) at least one gunman opened fire at St. Philip’s church in Ozubulu, near the city of Onitsha, unleashing terror on the congregation.
Chukwuma Emeka said he had just stepped out of the church to stretch his legs “when I heard gunshots and screaming and people running inside.”
“When the chaos subsided I went inside, I saw my fellow church members dead in a pool of their own blood and many others were screaming in pain.”
Attacks on churches are rare in southern Nigeria, where there is a predominantly Christian population.
Worshippers killed in St. Philips Catholic Church, in Anambra by a gunman
The country’s mainly-Muslim north has been gripped by a violent campaign by Boko Haram jihadists, who specialise in targeting religious centres.
There were varying accounts of what happened in Ozubulu. Witnesses said five gunmen in masks stormed the church, but police said the killing was the work of a lone shooter.
“So far, 12 persons have been confirmed dead and deposited in the mortuary here,” a worker at Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital told AFP.
St Philip Catholic Church Ozubulu, where the lone wolf struck this morning.
Several worshippers with gunshot wounds were also receiving treatment at the hospital, the source said. Witnesses said they feared that up to 20 people may have died.
– ‘Feud’ – Garba Umar, Anambra State police Commissioner, said the attacker was a gunman who “went on a shooting spree, killing and wounding” worshippers.
He said the violence was the result of a failed murder attempt, tied to a feud within the local community.
“The information at the disposal of the police is that the gunman had been hired to kill a particular family person believed to be among the worshippers,” he said.
Local rights activist Emeka Umeagbalasi said his information about the motive largely concurred with that of the police version.
The gunmen had gone to kill the son of a local chief but failed to find him at his home, Umeagbalasi said.
The attackers then went to the church to hunt for him, but could not find the intended target and became angry, he said.
They opened “fire on parishioners and shot indiscriminately,” he said, adding that the father of the intended target was shot and wounded.
Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara called the attack “barbaric… the height of wickedness.”
He extended his condolences to families of the victims, assuring them that the government would do everything within its power to track down those responsible.
Hundreds of churches and mosques in Nigeria’s north have been attacked since 2009 when Boko Haram began a violent campaign to impose strict Islamic law.
The rebellion has killed at least 20,000 people and forced some 2.6 million others to flee their homes, sparking a dire humanitarian crisis in the northeast.
Sen. Ita Enang, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), says Nigeria is on the pathway of economic recovery.
A statement signed by his media aide, Mr Essien Inyang, on Sunday in Abuja, said Enang disclosed this at an event organised to mark the end of the second legislative year of the 8th National Assembly.
He said the event was organised to improve the cordial relationship and goodwill between the legislature and the executive arms and to enhance good governance.
"President Muhammadu Buhari is fixing the country the right way and I'm convinced the expectations of Nigerians will soon be met by the government.
"You may not appreciate the pain of the injection caused by the needle but ultimately, it would bring cure."
The presidential aide reminded ex-lawmakers present at the event of the need to project the positive image of the country wherever they found themselves.
He also lauded the former lawmakers for their support for the Buhari administration.
Also, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na'Abba, described the legislature as the ultimate training ground for leadership in the country.
On the subject of restructuring, Na'Abba said: "Any part of the country with genuine problems must be listened to.
"Just as we listened to the South-South when the issue of militancy came up. The North-East and the South-East must also be listened to."
He described Enang as the country's most experienced legislator who had gone through all the ranks of the legislature, beginning from his local council as a counsellor.
"He has brought honour to us his colleagues.
"We are proud of Sen. Ita Enang.
"Even when he had no previous experience, he held his own as Chairman of Business and Rules. During his chairmanship, he was able to bring to the House a lot of intellectual discourse.
"Let me congratulate Sen. Enang for his commitment in the discharge of his duties as a presidential adviser,'' said the former Speaker.
Some former legislators including Amb. Jerry Ugokwe took turns to extol the exemplary leadership qualities of Enang and Na'Abba.
They urged Nigerian politicians to strive to emulate the former lawmakers.
UGHELLI – FORMER presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Prof. Patrick Utomi has denounced his inclusion as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the proposed interim government of the Republic of Biafra as announced by pro-Biafra group, Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF, led by Chief Benjamin Igwe Onwuka, last Monday.Pat Utomi
Utomi also condemned the actions of the group for seeking to relate his hard-earned reputation with its interests, stressing that he has always been an advocate for a united, peaceful and productive Nigeria that has so many opportunities, whether it be economic or social on the basis of its diversity.
Utomi in a statement, Sunday, said: "I want to register in the strongest possible terms that Biafra Zionist Federation (BZF) is totally alien to me, even by name, and it is very devious for them to have included my name as a cabinet member of its purported Interim National Government.
"I have never had any link with them, whether in word, speech, thought or in person. It is most uncharitable and unthinkable that BZF would seek to relate my hard-earned reputation with its interests. I completely dissociate myself from this body in every ramification.
"May I use this singular opportunity to make it expressly clear that my candid preference has and will always be for a solid, united, stable, peaceful and productive Nigeria that has so many opportunities, whether it be economic or social on the basis of its diversity. I do not support a break up of our country in whatever manner, and will advise the proponents of BZF to have a rethink and to set out to work towards building a Nigeria that they will be proud of."
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has condoled his Anambra counterpart, Chief Willie Obiano over Sunday’s church attack at St Philips Catholic Church Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Governor in a statement on Sunday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, condemned in strong terms the unprovoked attack by gunmen leading to the death of several worshippers.
Mr Charles Aniagwu,
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with my brother, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, the government and people of Anambra State over Sunday’s church attack at Ozubulu leading to the death of several worshippers”.
The Governor expressed sadness on the desecration of the temple of God which served as a place of worship, adding that the Church is a place of refuge and devoid of attacks even in war situations.
"This is tragic, the church is a place of refuge for all who run into it, this unwarranted attack and mindless bloodletting is not only wicked but barbaric and must be condemned by all good men of conscience”.
“Our hearts are with the bereaved families at this moment of anguish. I pray that God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest as I urge the police and other security agents to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.
Governor Okowa urged the Church not to despair as to asking God why He allowed the worshippers to die right inside the church when they were worshipping God.
“To the Church, I urge you to be cheerful, prayerful and courageous in these trying times. Do not despair for every thing that happens under the earth is for a reason. For God knows the end from the beginning,” he said
The Nigerian Anatomy Act would come under intense scrutiny as over 400 anatomists from 55 private and public universities offering anatomy would converge in Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo this Tuesday.
The chairman of the local organizing committee, Professor Jide Desalu, who disclosed this on Thursday, said there was an urgent need for the society to close ranks and see to the amendment of the anatomy act to meet the needs of the 21st century.
For this reason, according to him, the keynote speaker for the event would be no other person than the majority leader of the House of Representative, Hon. Femi Gbajabimila.
In addition, a retired United Nations Organisation's official, Professor Oladapo Walker and an official of the federal ministry of health, Mr. Wole Afolayan would deliver lead papers at the two plenary sessions.
Professor Walker, who is a Babcock University lecturer would dwell on Anatomy as a basic medical science: Re-positing for cutting edge research and innovation with Afolayan speaking on Anatomy in the context of the global sustainable development goals.
Professor Walker's presentation, among other things, would examine anatomy as basic medical science from fundamental perspectives while Afolayan's paper would examine the present state of anatomy in Nigeria.
According to Professor Adesalu, the over 80 year's old act that has never been amended since its enactment would be a subject both for academic and professional experts in the field to analyse and situate against the modern trends in medical discoveries.
"This is the time for specific answers to be provided for what the Nigerian anatomist is to be."
"We should have a fundamental philosophy for their training. We cannot pretend that we are far from answering these questions right now."
This, in addition to several other important factors, according to him, underline the uniqueness and significance of this year's conference with the theme, Anatomy Act: What Next?
The organisers express the view that Babcock University would remain a landmark in the history of Anatomical Society of Nigeria, especially as a turning point and new beginning for the Nigerian anatomist.
"This is the time to make a difference in the life of the many undergraduate students graduating annually but without being mentioned in any public announcement for employment."
This, according to the society, remained the only way to justify the essence of training and the prospective professional destination of the Nigerian anatomist.
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
Bokkos (Plateau) – The Plateau State University, Bokkos has dismissed reports claiming that it had raised fees.
"Recent reports claim that we have increased charges from N36,000 to N100,000; I want to state categorically that we have not increase the fees. The charges are still N36,000," the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Doknan Sheni, said on Saturday.
Sheni, who met with officials of the university's chapter of the Students Union Government (SUG), urged students to discard the "baseless rumour".
"I want to assure you that no fee has been increased. The university has not even considered doing that," he said.
He urged the SUG officials to relay the message to their colleagues to ensure that no 0ne was deceived.
Sheni also reacted to allegations that he was siphoning the institution's limited resources.
"I am not here to make money. I merely offered myself as a sacrificial lamb to salvage PLASU, which was in dire need of rescue when I took over as Vice Chancellor.
"I had juicy offers but ignored them to serve PLASU which was like a secondary school when I took over. All of you can testify to the difference between now and when I came in.
"Monetary gains were not part of my reasons for coming here. My prime interest was to develop PLASU into an institution that will be ranked among key universities in Nigeria and even beyond."
He challenged the students leaders to be ready to sacrifice for the welfare of their colleagues, and urged them to feel free to approach the school authorities if there was anything they wanted to clarify.
"Our doors are always open. Feel free to seek clarification from us instead of listening to rumours and gossips," he said.
The school boss promised to provide a piece of land for SUG's permanent secretariat, and called for more suggestions toward academic excellence.
Earlier, the SUG President, Mr Izang Ajik, had expressed students' anxiety over the rumoured hike in fees and its impact, and asked the Vice Chancellor to clarify the situation.
"We are worried over rumours that you are raising fees to N100,000; we want to know the truth because students are already agitated," he said.
Ajik also requested for a piece of land for the union's permanent structure, and pledged the students' support to efforts to make the school a leading academic institution. (NAN)
There's no faster killer of friendship than one friend making a banquet of another friend's left-over! Angela and Temi's friendship went way back to their secondary school days. "Even after we went to different universities, our friendship continued," Temi said. "As luck would have it, thanks to Angela's dad's influence, we got posted to the same state for our youth service. Whilst I ended up teaching in a secondary school, Angela worked in a bank.
"We often went clubbing with some other coppers and it was at a night- club that we ran into Billy, one of the customers Angela met in the bank. Later, she confessed she had fallen in love with him. Only, the feeling wasn't as mutual as Angela thought. Billy wasn't really into her as she thought as they only met up for a couple of dates before it all fizzled out. A few months after they split, I ran across Billy at another night out with a new set of friends. He came over for a chat and the attraction was mutual.
"At the end of the night, we both went back to his flat to continue drinking. I was so drunk I didn't say no when he came on to me and the sex was okay. The next morning however, we both agreed our night together was a one-off. I had my own steady boyfriend and I felt slightly guilty about Angela even though there was no chance of any romance between them. About a month or so later, we went out together again, just for the fun of it. This time Angela found out. I didn't know about this when she invited me to her flat for an evening.
"She was her usual smiley self when I arrived but as soon as two of her friends who I'd often found scary showed up, she instantly changed and became really angry. Suddenly, she started yelling at me, 'Yeye friend, why didn't you tell me – you'd slept with my boyfriend?" I was alarmed, what was there to tell? But she had a psychotic look in her eyes, like she was possessed. The other girls looked really hostile that I spluttered my apology. But she wouldn't listen. Her eyes were wild with hate. She told me if I were really sorry, I'd be crying and she was going to make sure I cried. She pushed me down on the bed in her room, clutched at my hair and threatened to punch me silly unless I shouted "I'm a cheap prostitute" ten times. When I refused, she kicked me so viciously I hit my head on the bed's headboard. The two girls joined in at this juncture and started punching me in the face and yanking at my hair extensions until some of them came off.
"1 was really scared for my life now." I knew if I didn't get away, I was going to get my face scared. I tried to run to the front door but Angela dragged me back. They all took it in turns to stamp on me as Angela took off my high-heeled shoes and started whacking me round the head with them. The assault lasted for almost an hour. By this time, my clothes were torn to shreds. Angela took a final kick at me then shoved me to the door and booted me out. Wearing no shoes and with my clothes torn, I staggered outside where many vehicles and Okadas sped past in alarm at my sight. Thank God a passerby was shocked at my appearance that he abruptly stopped his car. He thought I was a hit- and-run victim. When I told him what happened he took me to a private hospital and got Angela and her friends arrested.
"My saviour, Mark, was a well known business man locally but I'd never heard of him, He paid my hospital bills then visited me regularly. He made sure Angela and her friends were detained at the police station for a few days. I had to plead with him to allow them to be released. That, needless to say, was the end of my friendship with Angela Never in a million years could I imagine that sleeping with someone my friend fancied would provoke such a vicious and violent attack. I don't think I'll ever fully recover from the experience. Thankfully, there is a happy ending. Mark and I started to meet regularly to talk through what happened to me – then we discovered we liked each other. It was as if we had a special bond after everything that had happened.
"Our relationship lasted until I finished my youth service and relocated to Lagos. Even now, a few years after, we still remain good friends. He has since got married and I'll never forget the day God sent him to me – I will always be grateful for his assistance when I was almost at death's door. "The best way to get away with bonking your girlfriend's best friend is with her consent" bragged Vincent, a wealthy business man who imports all sorts of exotic cars. "The fact that I'm married has never stopped the girls falling over themselves to latch on to me. I might have a good physique and be passable as macho, but my money is the main attraction. I'm a very generous person who believes in taking care of my girls especially the beautiful ones. Last Christmas, I was with my latest girl friend when I met this slim pretty girl in her sitting room. Younger than my girl, she was really sophisticated. Side by side, my girlfriend looked like the ugly sister in the Cinderella story!
"Later, I got her mobile phone number when my girl went to the kitchen. When I called her the next day, she told me my girl had always been very good to her and she would be the last person to hurt her. I simply invited my girl over to my flat later and gave her a fat cheque for all the things she'd been pestering me to get for her. Then I calmly told her I wanted to have an affair with her friend, Gladys, that I would make it worth her while. I hinted that Gladys would soon be going back anyway and we would be our old selves again. When she protested, I reminded her I was a married man and she was a single mother of three. That she needed my financial muscle to keep her comfortable and I was prepared to give her all the help she needed.
"She fell for my offer and I was true to my promise. Gladys was more than worth it. By the time she left, I was hooked. We both agreed we wouldn't let on to Gladys we would still continue with the affair after she left. Gladys is based in London, so I always stop over now on my way to my business partners' factories. When I get back to Nigeria, I always bring back little items to 'bribe' my girl friend with even though she thinks Gladys is now in the past. You can get away with anything really – all you need is a bit of genius-and maybe plenty of cash! Everyone has their price!"
Would Jesus Have Used TwiHer To Spread The Gospel?
Would Jesus have joined Twitter? That is the intriguing question being debated on the pages of the weekly political magazine The Spectator. Earlier this years, author James Bartholomew wrote that
serious writers 'lose dignity by condensing their great thoughts into the meagre 140 characters of a Twitter feed. "Imagine", he wrote, "if Jesus has been required by his Father to tweet. It just wouldn't have been the same. 'Might be a bit short on loaves and fishes on the Mt. today. Take a miracle to feed everyone!'
In the letters page the following week, reader Bridget Mayes Wittily pointed out that the King James Bible boiled down rather neatly into Twitter format. The line from Luke's Gospel: 'It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than the kingdom of heaven' is a neat and succinct 111 characters. While 'come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give; you rest' from Matthew's Gospel is only 79 characters. She concluded that with these pithy statements, Christ would have been right at home on Twitter: "Ahead of the time rather than behind ours, I think."
A political pressure group, League of Burutu Democrats has said that it is out to end the era of poor representation, divisive politics played by both elected and appointed politicians in Burutu council area.
The group in a statement signed by Richard Tuedon and Ekenwan Akwagbe, Interim Chairman and Interim Publicity Secretary made the revelation in Warri.
The statement read in part: “The main objective of the League of Burutu Democrats is to put both elected and appointed politicians on their toes by making them accountable to their constituents.
“After two days deliberations in Warri, the group elected an interim executive committee led by Mr. Richard Tuedon while Mr. Karona Etonye emerged secretary.
“Others elected into the interim leadership were Mr. Ekenwan Akwagbe, publicity secretary; Mr. Ignatius Ziakede, Assistant secretary; and Engr. Dennis Bibaikefie, Treasurer.”
Membership of the group cuts across the eleven wards of Burutu local government area.
Kano – Alhaji El-Amin Ibrahim, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano state, has decamped to the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Ibrahim told newsmen in Kano on Saturday that his decision to cross carpet was borne out of his desire and commitment to serve people and ensure that promises made to the electorate were fulfilled.
"All my cross carpeting has been from the ruling parties to oppositions and on three occasions I held a party to win election.
"I am not in politics to use political office to make financial gains.
"I am in politics to serve the people," he said.
The decampee, who, is popularly known as Ibrahim-little, said his decision to move to the Peoples Democratic Party was borne out his conviction that APC had not been able to fulfilled the promises it made to electorate.
Ibrahim-little was the former state chairman of the defunct All people's Party (APP) as well as a gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the party in 2003. (NAN)
RELE thought she was secured in the love she shared with her boyfriend, Douglas. The mother of a seven-year old son, she'd clicked straight away with Douglas as soon as they were introduced by a mutual friend at a party. "We were both in our 30s, though he was a couple of years older," Rele said. "A divorcee, his ex-wife lived with her parents – along with the two children of the union.
"Within months of our falling in love, we were living together and even though money was tight, we were happy. It was also a bonus that my son liked him. I ran a thriving hairdressing salon and Doug worked as an insurance agent. His income depended on a monthly stipend and the commissions he earned, but we got by – even hanging out with friends and having the occasional nights out. Our sex life was the best part – amazing and spontaneous. We were even thinking of having a child together.
"Then after we'd been together for almost two years, Doug came home one evening with a brand new state-of the earth phone. I was a bit annoyed with him because we were supposed to be saving for a new freezer to replace the old one.
"Where did that come from?' I asked him. 'One of my clients sold it to me at next to nothing,' he explained. I didn't believe him. Most of his clients were working class people who barely made their premium payments. How on earth could any of them be this generous? And it seemed selfish of him to be splashing on a fancy iPhone when we could use his money towards buying a freezer – he already had a good phone.
"In the following months, Doug bought more designer clothes, an expensive wrist watch and aftershave. We had an almighty argument about his splashing out on himself – especially as he never bought me anything. Grudgingly, he bought me some inexpensive gifts and took me for a meal at a fast-food joint. Then I became incensed when he came home with an expensive hair cut and a manicure. I could spot all these subtle changes as I ran a salon of my own. – treatments like that don't come cheap. When he mentioned the salon he used, I couldn't believe how reckless he'd been with money. I could easily do all he did for next to nothing!
"When I confided in my best friend, she asked me one simple question, 'Do you think he's having an affair?' An affair? Why would she think that? 'Well, where do you think he's getting the money from – his commission?' Call me naive, but I'd never even considered it.
But the more I thought about it, the more it added up. I asked him outright if he was having an affair and he scoffed I was being ridiculous. But lately, he'd been going out without me and our sex life had nose-dived. We used to have it four or five times a week but now I was lucky if it was once. I was determined to get to the truth and watched his phone like a awk. Most often, it was locked and I didn't know the password but this fateful day when he was having a bath, he forgot to lock his phone. Most of his messages were wiped out except for the last two which was obviously from a woman named Lynda.
"The next day, I called her number pretending I was from a delivery firm and we had a parcel to deliver. I told her the label had been ripped and I only have her phone number. She fell for my story and gave me her full address. Bingo. After I left work, I drove straight to the address she gave me and a woman answered the door, she was at least 50 years old. Attractive but obviously a lot older than Doug. This was obviously a mistake. 'I'm sorry,' I stammered. 'I'm Doug's girlfriend and there were these suggestive messages from your phone. It must have been a mix up as you're far too old to be his girlfriend .. .'
She was enraged. 'Don't you dare call me-old,' she fumed. 'I'm 52 and it's true he is seeing me. Who do you think buys him all those lovely presents and the money you've been spending?' My mouth gaped open. She was 17 years older than Doug. I felt sick and disgusted. 'We've been seeing each other for ages," she continued. 'I prefer younger men. He told me he finished with you months ago. He'd obviously lied to both of us and I think you're better off without him. The cheek of that man.
"I would get rid of him if I were you and he's obviously no longer welcome here?' With that she slammed the door in my face.
"When I got home, he was already at the flat. I went ballistic, smashing up the new stuffs his cougar bought him and stamping on his clothes. He tried to calm me down and I wouldn't let him. He went out and when he came back hours later, he looked as if the world had fallen on top of him. 'How could you go to her house to confront her,' he cried.
'She's finished with me and it's all your fault'. He'd lost two women in one day and I told him he was paying for his greed. I was heartbroken and I needed to move. We both contributed towards the rent and I made a decision to stay until the rent ran out and I was able to find alternate living arrangements.
"I've since found out that Lynda runs a fairly successful business and lives in her own house. She bragged she liked younger men because they made her feel good. Some weeks after Doug got busted, he came home with more new clothes and a brand new iPhone to replace the one I smashed. 'Did you get those from your fancy woman?' I sneered. 'It's none of your business,' he snapped, and if you must know, we're now back together – you and I are finished. As a matter of fact, I'm hoping to move in with her soon. She wants to take things a bit more slowly. So until she makes up her mind. we're stuck with each other!'
"How could a strapping man prefer a woman old enough to be his mother over me?
I was hurt and bewildered that a cougar got her claws into my man – a gold-digger who gave up on genuine love for a fancy phone and designer clothes – I'm well rid of him. And men blame women all the time for going after sugar daddies!"
Uyo – Gov Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has denied the allegation that he plans to spend a whopping N9.1 billion to build a new governor's lodge in Lagos.
Emmanuel denied the allegation in Uyo on Saturday while answering reporters' questions on the controversy surrounding the lodge.Gov Emmanuel Udom
Public condemnation had trailed media reports that had suggested that the governor planned to execute the project especially after it was reported that the state's House of Assembly had approved the amount involved.
Also, citizens of the state had said they would stage a protest against what they described as unacceptable especially in view of the current economic situation in the country.
He said that the allegation was the handiwork of some persons who habitually cook spurious and laborious stories against his administration.
The explained that only N1.2 billion and not N9.1 billion was allocated to the governor's lodge in the budget wondered why people should go about with mischief to discredit his administration.
"Let me correct one mistake, budget is a public document. It is only when people try to change what is in the public document, it is no more than mischief.
"What we have in the budget is a paltry N1.2 billion, paltry sum.
"Let me say, there can only be one governor at a time and God gives a right vision to a right leader at one point in time.
"I think at this moment I need to let people who may not know to know that as at today that Akwa Ibom has a lot of fine property in Lagos.
"Let me also say that you can't have such asset and allow it to waste.
"An asset is supposed to generate returns, but there are certain conditions you must put the asset under to get maximum returns.
"Some people misquoted the whole thing, saying have you finished building Akwa Ibom State, why are you going to Lagos," Emmanuel said.
The governor further explained that for Akwa Ibom asset to yield good returns it must be put in proper condition.
According to him, a good businessman chased money to wherever money is found and bring it to develop where he wants to develop.
He said: "You follow money to where money can be found and bring money to develop where you want to develop. I think that is the basic concept.
"Please allow us to put these asset to a level that can yield returns. This a time when states are govern by ideas.
"We don't have so much money but we need ideas because people with ideas that will make the difference. "
The governor added that his dream was to make Akwa Ibom a destination of choice for investors. and a shining star in the comity of states. (NAN)
A political pressure group advocating the emergence of a female president in Nigeria, Nigeria Female President Initiative,NFPI, has picked holes with the report credited to the governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on the failed third term bid of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, saying had Fayose and others facilitated the move to succeed, Nigeria would have been better than its present state of abandonment.
Ayodele Fayose
The convener of the Initiative, Mr Felix Akpoyibo, pointed out that since the end of the Obasanjo era, Nigeria has not recorded any improvement in the economy and infrastructure development. He noted that it was Obasanjo who paid off accumulated external debts inherited from the military era, introduced GSM, revamped the banking sector and encouraged foreign investors to do business in Nigeria.
He said his only regret is that Obasanjo did not hand over power to President Muhammadu Buhari while Buhari was ten years younger and strong enough to fight the malady of corruption.
Governor Fayose had claimed that the aborted third term agenda of ex-Presiddent Obasanjo was real. In a recent media expose', Fayose revealed details of the third term agenda, his involvement, the outcome, casualties and the beneficiary of the failed plot. But Akpoyibo stressed that had the plot succeeded, Nigeria would have been better.
Lagos – Dangote Group and two leading African agricultural organisations — GrowAfrica and Nigeria Agribusiness Group — have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a bid to boost private sector's investment in agriculture.
The MoU was signed during the GlowAfrica and NABG Private Sector Consultative Meeting held in Lekki, Lagos.
Mr Sani Dangote, the Vice-President of Dangote Group, signed on behalf of the company, while Mr William Asiko, Chief Executive Officer, signed for GrowAfrica. Mr Emmanuel Ijewere, the Vice President, NABG, also signed the MoU on Friday.
Dangote expressed optimism that the partnership would pave way for more private companies' participation both foreign and local to improve the agricultural value chain in the country.
He said the private sector has the capacity to promote growth in agriculture with the Federal Government create the enabling environment.
Asiko of GrowAfrica said that he was excited with the development, describing it as a landmark achievement that was capable of facilitating agricultural development in Nigeria and Africa.
He noted that the partnership would provide a platform for agricultural bodies to work together and exploit opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
"Between 2011 and 2016, GrowAfrica has been able to mobilise over 200 companies from global and domestic companies in Africa to pledge nearly 10 billion dollars worth of investments in agriculture.
"These were pledges made by these companies to invest in agriculture with commitment from government on agreements with farmers and civil society and many others in the value chain," he said.
"We are launching this partnership to transform the economy by engaging different actors in the value chain to evolve business scale of investments."
On his part, Ijewere said one of the effective ways of ensuring the success of the partnership was to involve the grassroots in developing agricultural policies.
"This will create a relationship that builds from the ground to the top, thereby carrying the farmers along in decision making."
Meanwhile, Mrs Gloria Akobundu, the CEO of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), lauded the partnership, saying it will help to attract more youths to agriculture.
Akobundu, who was represented by the Director of Programmes Development and Implementation in NEPAD, Mr Folayan Ayodele, said following the depletion of the number of farmers because of age, there was need to encourage youths to return to the farms.
"It will help to stem the rural-urban drift and the private sector can play a significant role in making agriculture more attractive by helping youths to see agriculture as a business for wealth creation and empowerment, " she said. (NAN)
The UN Security Council on Saturday unanimously adopted a US-drafted resolution that significantly strengthened sanctions on North Korea, with a ban on exports aimed at depriving Pyongyang of $1 billion in annual revenue.
The sweeping measures were the first of that scope to be imposed on North Korea since US President Donald Trump took office and highlighted China’s willingness to punish its ally.
Osogbo – Unknown gunmen on Saturday shot dead a yet-to-be identified middle-age woman in Osogbo.
The incident occurred at about 9.00 am at Old Garage area of Osogbo.
An eyewitness said the deceased was a labourer who was on her way to Old Garage, where labourers usually assemble for daily engagements, before she met her untimely death.
The source said that the deceased was hit by stray bullets from a gun fired into the air by some men on a motorcycle before they sped off from the scene.
The police spokesperson in the state, Mrs Folashade Odoro, confirmed the incident to journalists, saying four suspects had been arrested.
Odoro also gave an assurance that others connected with the incident would be apprehended and prosecuted. (NAN)
Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery said on Saturday he wants to keep his top players to give superstar signing Neymar competition for a starting berth in the team.
Neymar
Brazilian Neymar was introduced to fans before kick-off at the Parc des Princes in Paris ahead of PSG’s 2-0 win over newly-promoted Amiens in their opening match of the 2017/18 season.
His new team-mates dominated throughout as South Americans Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore scored the goals.
Pastore is one of the players whose place in the team is under threat from 222-million-euro ($264m) signing Neymar, but rather than think of selling off attacking talent to balance the books, Emery wants the likes of Argentine Angel Di Maria and German Julian Draxler to stay and push Neymar for a starting berth.
“We need competition for Neymar. We need players who will give competition for Neymar’s position,” said Emery.
“Draxler can play on the left, right and in the middle. Pastore can play on the left, right and in the middle.”
Emery refused to comment on whether some players would have to be sold to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play rules as the mammoth outlay to sign Neymar from Barcelona will surely put a strain on PSG’s finances.
Emery prefered to focus on what the signing of Neymar brings to the team in terms of competitiveness.
“The signing of players like Neymar, but also the work done on the academy shows the work we’re doing to improve the club,” he said.
“Everything the club does after discussions with me is because we think it’s better. Everything we’re going to do (including possible sales) is good.”
– ‘Everything’s positive’ –
Despite some in the football world criticising PSG for opening a blank chequebook to sign star players — Neymar’s fee was more than double the previous world record 105 million euros Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba — Emery said it was good for the club and French football.
“Everything’s positive. The PSG fans’ enthusiasm for the situation, football here in Paris and France — for everyone it’s good.
“It’s given the team a bigger plus. Now, with a player like that, we have to see if we can improve and develop together.”
Some say PSG’s wealth destroys competition in France because no other team has a comparable budget.
But Amiens coach Christophe Pelissier disagreed.
“When you see the quality of the team and the full stadium — the fans come because of the stars, it creates interest,” said Pelissier.
“Stars can only improve the league and push players to be better. I’s also a present for us. I would have liked Neymar to play.
“We knew we were up against a great team. Whether it was Di Maria or Pastore, why not have Neymar as well? I hope he’ll be there when we play them at home.”
Red tape prevented Neymar from playing as his international transfer certificate wasn’t lodged in time with the French League.
With a reported salary of around 45 million euros before tax, Neymar’s status could be unsettling for those players set to be overshadowed by him.
But young centre-back Presnel Kimpembe insisted his arrival was good for the group.
“The atmosphere stays the same. We know that Neymar is one of the best players in the world,” said the 21-year-old, a product of the club’s youth system.
“It’s up to us to make the most of his qualities both on and off the pitch.”
Nigerian international, Kelechi Iheanacho was substituted in his debut appearance for Leicester because of injury. He also came into the match as a substitute. Iheanacho
The Nigerian playmaker who was signed by Leicester from Manchester City for £25 million played a pivotal role for his new club in a 2-1 defeat of Germany's Borussia Moenchengladbach in a pre-season friendly match on Friday.
He played for just 18 minutes and helped in turning the match around.
A minute after he replaced Shinji Okazaki, in the 66th minute, he set up England international, Jamie Vardy to score the equaliser after the former English champions were trailing their German visitors 0-1.
Eight minutes after, the England striker linked up with Iheanacho again to complete the turnaround in the 74th minute.
But Nigerian had to be substituted later after sustaining injury as he collided with a German player. He was replaced by Leonardo Ulloa in the 84th minute
But reports said the injury may not be a serious one as Leicester manager remarked afterwards that the substitution was a mere precautionary move.
Leicester coach Shakespeare, speaking at full-time, told LCFC TV: "He's fine in there. He's getting a bit of a ribbing from the players in terms of him coming off.
"You can see the impact he's had. We're just really making sure that was more of a precaution. He hasn't trained very often, he hasn't been able to because of circumstance.
"The more minutes he can get on the pitch, the more liable he will be to last 90 minutes."
Following the visitations recorded by the Nigerian ailing president from some political stakeholders, religious leaders and well wishers in London, former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode today reacted via his tweeter handle.
According to him, "When God has rejected u as King no matter how many Archbishops take pictures with u and declare u well u have no hope. A man that has been on sick leave for 300 out of the 600 days that he has been in power ought to resign. This is a democracy and not a monarchy."
Lagos – The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has a target to register 28 million Nigerians into the National Identification Number (NIN) system by the end of 2017.Buhari – NIMC
The Director General of NIMC, Mr Aliyu Aziz, made this known at a media briefing on Saturday in Lagos.
Aziz said that anyone without the NIN issued by the commission ran the risk of being regarded as a non-citizen.
"The commission embarked on an enrolment strategy in 2012 which has grown exponentially since 2015.
"Now we have reached 18.5 million and the focus which is our goal is that by 2017 ending, the commission would have reached 28 million people.
"The main aim of the registration is to have a single identification," he said.
He listed the many benefits of the NIN to include one person one identity, enhanced participation in the political process and its value as an important tool to fight corruption and terrorism.
Aziz said the NIN would enable citizens to exercise their rights and facilitate management of subsidies and safety net payments as applicable to internally displaced persons.
He said that to achieve this, the commission needed to tackle some of the challenges it was facing, such as data captured being very poor and absence of a central ID repository.
Others, he said, were up-scaling deficiency, legal framework peculiarity and the challenge of political will.
He also bemoaned the poor funding of the commission which he said had hampered execution of its mandate and targets.
According to him, poor funding and inadequate staff remuneration had led to constant loss of strategic human resources.
Aziz, however, said that the commission had also made some achievements which included increasing the National Identity Database which currently boasts of about 18.5 million records.
He said that 809 NIN enrolment centres had also been created nationwide just as it had launched the new electronic National ID cards with multiple functions and achievement of Global Vendor Certificate Programme (GVCP) Certification.
Aziz said that the next step for the commission would be the achievement of the presidential directive on harmonisation and consolidation of biometric data into the national identity database.
He said that the commission would soon commence the enforcement of the mandatory use of NIN and issue directives to banks to accept NIN as a valid means of identification.(NAN)
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Keffi (Nasarawa State) – Governor Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State says a committee of Northern governors and traditional rulers will soon come up with a stand in the region's and country's best interests.
Almakura stated that the committee is being led by the Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State.
The Nasawa State governor made this known on Saturday at the official installation and presentation of first class staff of office to the new Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, in Keffi Local Government Area of the state.
"I wish to say that in spite of the numerous provocative statements credited to some unpatriotic elements cloaked in the guise of restructuring, I want to assure everyone that a joint committee headed by Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Governor of Sokoto State, comprising Northern governors and traditional rulers would soon come up with a common position that will be in the best interest of not only the North, but Nigeria as a whole.
"Since our coming on board, we have remained consistent in our determination to ensure the inclusion of traditional rulers in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to enable our Traditional Institution to continue to play its pivotal role as custodian of our traditions, customs, and heritage.
"We have since incorporated the traditional institution into the machinery of governance in Nasarawa State by engaging them in the affairs of government at all levels in the state.
"This has availed government of their wealth of experience and doggedness in our governance of Nasarawa State and, indeed, the conscience of the society.
"It is our conviction that when this is done, the traditional rulers will more proactively complement government efforts toward the development of our society," he said.
Almakura also noted that the state government has embarked on robust infrastructural development in Keffi and environs.
"We have networked the city with asphalted roads and completed the abandoned Keffi Modern Market which will open commercial activities for the people.
"We have also awarded contract of about N400 million for the construction of a bridge over Antau River to link the municipality of Keffi with other communities," he added.
He urged the monarch to abide by the oath of office and to discharge his duties without fear or favour to promote peace and socio-economic development of the country.
The governor expressed gratitude to the governors, traditional rulers, and politicians within and outside the state, who attended the ceremony.
He called for sustained cordial relationship with one another in the interest of peace and tranquility in the country.
Responding, the new emir expressed appreciation to Almakura for the honour done him and gave an assurance that the Keffi emirate council would be loyal to the state government by providing all the support expected of it.
The first class traditional ruler pledged to initiate projects and programmes that would impact the lives of the people of the state and Nigerians at large.
Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Simon Lalong, and Samuel Ortom were at the event.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar 111 were among other traditional rulers and dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Recalled that the former Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chindo Yamusa II, who was enthroned on May 11, 1978, died on Dec, 4, 2015 at the aged of 70 years.
The development led to the appointment of his son, Dr.Shehu Chindo Yamusa III as the new emir on Dec.14, 2015. (NAN)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, has reiterated his administration's commitment to national unity by insisting that the Igbo people residing in the state would not be allowed to leave.
Ganduje made this vow when members of the Igbo Delegates Assembly of the 19 Northern States paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Kano.
Newsmen report that this development is in view of the recent 'quit notice' issued the Igbo by a coalition of northern groups.
"We will not allow you to leave, you are going nowhere and you have nowhere to go because Kano is your home.
"All Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious background must feel free to stay in any part of the country .
"We have enjoyed good and cordial relationship with all communities; Kano State is your home and it will continue to remain as such by the grace of God," he said.
The governor said that the Igbo people remained indigenes of Kano, just like any other Nigerian resident in Kano would continue to be indigenes of the state.
The President General of the Igbo Delegates Assembly, Chief Chi Nwogu, in his remark, lauded the State Government for making all "Nigerians living in Kano to feel at home".
He said that they had been in the North for more than 50 years and that some of them were born in the North.
"We have stayed in the North for more than 50 years, some of us were born here and we have respect for one another," he added.
He said that they were in Kano to meet with the Coalition of Northern Youths and other groups to promote peace and unity in the country.
The traditional ruler of Igbo people resident in Kano, Chief Boniface Ibekwe, also lauded the governor for promoting peace in the state.
Igbekwe, who is also the Chairman of the Igbo Traditional Leaders in the Diaspora, urged the Igbo extraction in Northern Nigeria to be law abiding and continue with their normal business.
An Ekiti State High Court has sentenced a herdsman, Ali Haruna, to two years imprisonment for destroying crops worth N1.5 million in the farm.
Fulani-herdsman
The state Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, held that the prosecution had proved the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt setting aside the appeal filed against the judgment of the Chief Magistrate's Court.
Haruna had earlier been sentenced to two years jail by an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate's Court presided over by Mr Idowu Ayenimo on a two-count charge of malicious damage preferred against him.
Ayenimo sentenced Haruna to two years imprisonment on count one and two years' imprisonment for count two which are to run concurrently.
The herdsman took his cows to the farm owned by one Abdullahi Yaho destroying crops therein. The prosecution called five witnesses during the course of the trial at the lower court.
Dissatisfied with the verdict of the Chief Magistrate's Court, Haruna through his counsel, Mr Chris Omokhafe, filed an appeal urging the High Court to set aside the conviction on grounds that it must be consistent and that the appellant was not found with any destructive weapon.
Omokhafe and prosecution counsel, Gbemiga Adaramola, frontloaded all records and adopted their written addresses.
Affirming the judgment of the Chief Magistrate's Court, JusticeDaramola said: "There is no iota of doubt at all, the prosecution proved the charge against the appellant beyond reasonable doubt.
"I see no reason whatsoever to disturb the findings of the trial court; this appeal is totally devoid of merit and is hereby dismissed accordingly."
Gov. Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State says a committee of Northern governors and traditional rulers will soon come up with a stand in the region's and country's best interests.
Almakura stated that the committee is being led by the Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State.
The Nasawa State governor made this known on Saturday at the official installation and presentation of first class staff of office to the new Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa III, in Keffi Local Government Area of the state.
"I wish to say that in spite of the numerous provocative statements credited to some unpatriotic elements cloaked in the guise of restructuring, I want to assure everyone that a joint committee headed by Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Governor of Sokoto State, comprising Northern governors and traditional rulers would soon come up with a common position that will be in the best interest of not only the North, but Nigeria as a whole.
"Since our coming on board, we have remained consistent in our determination to ensure the inclusion of traditional rulers in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to enable our Traditional Institution to continue to play its pivotal role as custodian of our traditions, customs, and heritage.
"We have since incorporated the traditional institution into the machinery of governance in Nasarawa State by engaging them in the affairs of government at all levels in the state.
"This has availed government of their wealth of experience and doggedness in our governance of Nasarawa State and, indeed, the conscience of the society.
"It is our conviction that when this is done, the traditional rulers will more proactively complement government efforts toward the development of our society," he said.
Almakura also noted that the state government has embarked on robust infrastructural development in Keffi and environs.
"We have networked the city with asphalted roads and completed the abandoned Keffi Modern Market which will open commercial activities for the people.
"We have also awarded contract of about N400 million for the construction of a bridge over Antau River to link the municipality of Keffi with other communities," he added.
He urged the monarch to abide by the oath of office and to discharge his duties without fear or favour to promote peace and socio-economic development of the country.
The governor expressed gratitude to the governors, traditional rulers, and politicians within and outside the state, who attended the ceremony.
He called for sustained cordial relationship with one another in the interest of peace and tranquility in the country.
Responding, the new emir expressed appreciation to Almakura for the honour done him and gave an assurance that the Keffi emirate council would be loyal to the state government by providing all the support expected of it.
The first class traditional ruler pledged to initiate projects and programmes that would impact the lives of the people of the state and Nigerians at large.
Newsmen report that governors Aminu Tambuwal, Simon Lalong, and Samuel Ortom were at the event.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar 111 were among other traditional rulers and dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Newsmen recall that the former Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chindo Yamusa II, who was enthroned on May 11, 1978, died on Dec, 4, 2015 at the aged of 70 years.
The development led to the appointment of his son, Dr.Shehu Chindo Yamusa III as the new emir on Dec.14, 2015.
By Joseph Erunke ABUJA-IN spite of recent resurgence in activities of Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, especially Borno State, where several people including soldiers and oil workers were killed with some abducted by the terrorists,Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, Sunday, said the Nigerian military had decimated the terrorists’ strength. Air Marshall Abubakar Sadique He insisted that the military had won the war against the terrorists, saying the remnants whose activities were noted few weeks ago would soon be silenced by the superior power of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Addressing officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, during the annual Nigerian Air Force 10km Walk/Jog Exercise, Abubakar insisted that the country was at the moment more secured than how it was before the emergence of the present federal administration, given the strength of the dreaded sect in the past.
To this end, he tasked personnel of the service to continue to rededicate themselves “so that every Nigerian territory will be secured and so that every Nigerian will be secured.”
