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US President Donald Trump vowed to overhaul Barack Obama’s deal to restore ties with Cuba on Friday, promising to instead support the Cuban people against their “cruel and brutal” regime.
US President, Donald Trump
Trump flew to Miami’s Little Havana, spiritual home of the Cuban-American exile community, to denounce his predecessor’s “one-sided” settlement and vow before a partisan crowd to work for Cuba’s freedom.
In practical terms, Trump’s review of the deal was limited — it does not break diplomatic ties with Raul Castro’s communist regime, but it tightens rules for Americans traveling to Cuba, bans ties with a military-run tourism firm and reaffirms the existing US trade embargo.
“Effective immediately, I am canceling the last administration’s completely one-sided deal with Cuba,” he declared before a cheering audience of Cuban-Americans at the Manuel Artime Theater in Little Havana.
That may have been overstating his case; a US Treasury statement on Trump’s new measures showed that they mainly relate to stricter enforcement of existing laws that had been loosened as Obama sought a rapprochement.
But they won roars of approval and cries of “Viva Cuba libre!” from the invited crowd of Cuban-Americans and Cuban exiles, including veterans of the ill-fated Brigade 2506, which in 1961 launched the failed US-backed Bay of Pigs invasion to “liberate” the communist-run island.
“Our policy will seek a much better deal for the Cuban people and for the United States of America. We do not want US dollars to prop up a military monopoly that exploits and abuses the citizens of Cuba,” Trump said.
“We will not lift sanctions on the Cuban regime until all political prisoners are free,” he said, introducing the crowd to a group of Cuban dissidents who met him at the airport to make the case for more pressure on Castro’s one-party regime.
The new measures prohibit financial transactions with Cuba’s military-backed tourism conglomerate GAESA, a body which might otherwise have hoped for a windfall from a new surge in American visitors.
Run by Castro’s son-in-law Luis Rodriguez Lopez-Callejas, GAESA is involved in joint ventures with several foreign firms that have driven a tourism boom on the island, including the Marriott hotel chain.
– Human rights – Signing a new National Security Presidential Memorandum, Trump announced stricter application of the rules under which Americans can travel to Cuba.
American citizens will still be able to take commercial flights to Cuba, but only for 12 specific reasons — ranging from journalism to educational activities — which will be more tightly enforced.
Cuban-Americans will still be able to travel to Cuba and send remittances, limiting the impact in Florida, where many Cuban emigres settled and where many of them turned out last year to vote for Trump.
Miami’s Cuban-American population has a reputation for diehard anti-communism and an opposition to thawing ties, but in the Little Havana district on Thursday, some — even those who had fled oppression — were philosophical about detente.
“Obama did the right thing,” said 77-year-old Manuel Gonzales, who left the island in 2006. “The only person responsible for the embargo was Castro. We have to look forward, not back.”
Others were not so forgiving.
Marta Diaz, now 75, left Cuba in 1967 and time has done nothing to dull her anger towards the authoritarian regime. She urged Trump to impose “harsh measures” until the Havana regime falls.
– Small businesses – Boosting travel was a key aim of Obama’s painstaking effort to restore ties with Cuba after a half-century chill, which reached a symbolic climax with a visit by the then-president in 2016.
Some 285,000 people visited the Caribbean country in 2016, up 74 percent over 2015, with Americans the third-biggest group after Canadians and Cuban expats.
“New restrictions on engagement with Cuban economy only pushes Cuba to China and Russia who will gladly make up the difference,” argued former White House official Ben Rhodes, the architect of Obama’s Cuba policy.
“Any limitations on travel hurt Cuban small business owners — restaurants, shops, taxis — that depend on travelers for revenue.”
Engage Cuba, a group lobbying for an end to the embargo, estimates that 10,000 US jobs in aviation and the cruise business already depend on Cuba.
Cuba’s new ambassador to the US, Jose Ramon Cabanas, who re-opened the embassy in Washington last year, tweeted a picture of American tourists ambling through a street market with the ironic message: “Now it is official: these are the new enemies of US Foreign Policy. Watch out!!
Abuja – The Nigerian Mission in South Africa on Friday said it had waded into issues surrounding the alleged quit order given to Nigerians by two communities in that country.
Amb. Martin Cobham, Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner in South Africa, said on telephone from Pretoria that the mission was on top of the situation.
The Nigeria Union in South Africa had accused two communities in that country of ordering Nigerians residing within their territories to vacate.
Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner in South Africa said that he had engaged in processes to nip in the bud whatever crisis or situation that could affect the welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa.
"I engaged the union leader who has given me the graphic details of what happened.
"In view of that I have engaged with the authorities here to bring in the community, the police and the Nigerians living there for a meeting so as to prevent any mayhem.
"On Monday I am going to dispatch our officials to the Northern Cape Province to engage in a meeting with the local police and the community for a tripartite meeting," he said.
The High Commissioner said that he would also meet with the authority to ensure that instruction was given to the police not to allow any outbreak of violence.
"All we are trying to ensure is to nip in the bud any breakdown of law and order or anything that could lead to violence.
"So we in the embassy are on top of the situation. And I am engaging the union leader and my office is equally engaging the South African Foreign Ministry on the issue.
"So I believe with this measure we will be able to contain all these excesses," he said.
The President of the union, Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, had alleged that the Kuruman community in Northern Cape Province also gave Nigerians till Friday, June 16 to leave.
Anyene also said that the Klaafontein community, Extension 5, Johannesburg, directed landlords not to renew the rent of Nigerians in the community.
He said that the grievance of the South Africans was that Nigerians were responsible for some social vices such as illicit drug trade and prostitution.
Isanlu-Isin (Kwara) – The Federal Government is set to recruit 300,000 youths in the second batch of its N-Power social intervention and job creation programme.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this on Friday in Isanlu-Isin community near Omu-Aran town in Kwara State.
Mohammed said that the Federal Government would "reopen the N-POWER portal by next week to commence the process for the recruitment".
He enjoined the youths to take advantage of the recruitment exercise by completing the application process on line, adding than 200,000 people benefitted from the first batch of the programme.
The minister said that no fewer than 27,000 people had benefited from the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, while government had given 7,000 interest free loans to market men and women across the country.
The minister said the home grown school feeding programme of government had covered over 1.2 million pupils and the Kwara State would be on the team of the social intervention programme in September.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the minister was in Isanlu-Isin to explore ways to develop the road leading to Owu Water Fall, located near to the community.
The Water Fall, which is 120 metres above sea level is credited to be the highest and most spectacular natural water fall in West Africa and a significant symbol of nature.
The minister recalled that he had visited the Owu water fall in February, where he advocated Public-Private-Partnership for its development.
He said he was glad to hear that efforts had been made as far back as 2009 to develop the road leading to the fall.
Mohammed urged the community leader to make available to him documents relating to the contract to enable him move for quick execution of the project.
"It has been revealed to me that the contract for the construction of the road had been advertised and bided for and the Bureau of Public Procurement had issued a No Objection Certificate.
"If we get those documents, we can see how we can revive the contract
"The fall is one of the tallest in Africa and it is just lying there fallow.
"If we can get the road done, it will attract tourists and revive the economy of the surrounding communities," the minister said.
The traditional ruler of Isanlu-Osin, Oba Solomon Oloyede thanked the minister for the visit and expressed the support of his people for the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He commended the government for its efforts at restoring peace and security to the nation as well as the successes recorded in its anti corruption fight.
The monarch urged the government to do its best in fixing the road linking the community to the Owu Water Fall.
Earlier in an address, the President of Isanlu-Osin Development Association, Mr Emmanuel Oladele said that the contract for the construction of the road to the fall was captured in 2009 budget.
He appealed to the Minister to use his good offices for government to revisit the contract in its 2018 budget.
Port Harcourt – The Federal Government has ordered investigation into educational qualification of members of staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Uguru Usani gave the directive when he visited the commission on Friday in Port Harcourt.
He expressed optimism the investigation would expose ghost workers and staff members, who gained employment in the commission with forged certificates.
According to him, the Federal Government was committed to purge the commission of sleazy practices with focus to fast track development of the Niger Delta.
"We have observed that there are several people working in NDDC with forged certificates, which is partly responsible for the bad image of the commission.
"Directors of the various departments in the commission are expected to submit the nominal roll of their respective departments to the NDDC Managing Director, Nsima Ekere, within one week.
"We will not tolerate any delay to this directive and as such, failure to submit the nominal roll on or before one week would lead to sanction.
"Any departmental head who signed for a ghost worker would face the music," he said.
Usani, who was accompanied by the House Committee Chairman on the NDDC, Mr Nicholas Mutu, warned against political interference in the process.
He said, henceforth, political interference in the running of the commission would be resisted and assured that Federal Government was committed to "governance without partisanship."
Mr Nsima Ekere, the Managing Director of NDDC, said the commission would partner the Ministry of Niger Delta, its supervising ministry, to complete construction of the East-West road project.
He said the road project, which cut across six states in the Niger Delta, would cost in excess of N70 billion to complete.
"The strategy will be to harness private sector collaboration to complete the road project. The portions that have totally collapsed will be addressed immediately.
"We will involve multiple contractors, especially the Eleme-Refinery Junction road, which is a strategic link to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
"The East-West road is also strategic because it connects Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states," he said.
Ekere said the commission had deployed a technology designed to monitor project with focus to reduce incidences of abandoned projects in the area.
He said the technology would enable the commission to monitor project sites and record progress of work in real time.
"With this technology, contractors will longer lie to us that they are on site when the work is not going on," he said.
The Lagos State Government on Friday arraigned a suspected notorious land grabber, Chief Kamorudeen Lamina before a Special Offences Court sitting in Oshodi over alleged forceful dispossession of residents from their legitimate rights to land ownership. Suspected Land Grabbing Kingpin, Chief Kamorudeen Lamina (3rd left) along with other defendants arraigned at the Lagos State Special Offences Court on Friday, June 16, 2017. Lamina, popularly known as Sir K, was arraigned alongside six others on a six-count charge by the Special Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force set up by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.
Lamina and his gang were said to have been terrorising the people of Ikorodu area of the State for some time before he was arrested on Thursday.
Others arraigned alongside him are Mr Omotola Ogunsanmi, Mr Samson Shobule (A.K.A Samson Salau), Biliaminu Orega (A.K.A Biliaminu Salau), Alhaji Jimoh Aromasodu, Alhaji Wasiu Orenuga and Alhaji Nurudeen Kasali.
In counts one and two, Lamina, sometime in February 2017 in Mowo Kekere area of Ikorodu Local Government, allegedly took over one plot of land forcefully which was sold to one Mrs Ebere Okafor by Ifegbuwa family contrary to Section 2 (1) of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law 2016.
The action was allegedly carried out by Lamina despite the fact that the sale of the land had been ratified with proof of payment.
In count three, Lamina was accused of forcefully taking over and remaining in possession of 200 plots of land in Mowo Kekere belonging to Planet Properties Ltd contrary to Section 2 (2) of the same law, while in count five, the defendants were said to have fraudulently sold 60 hectares of land which had been previously sold by the rightful owner contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) of the law.
The fraudulent sale, which was allegedly carried out in January 2017, was perfected by the defendants fraudulently claiming to be the descendants of Ifegbuwa family.
In count six, the defendants were accused of fraudulent selling 25 hectares of land to third parties without any lawful right to do so, an offence punishable under the law.
After the charges were read to them, they all pleaded not guilty, while their lawyers, Mr E Obatayo and B.O Abdusalam applied to the court to grant them bail in most liberal terms.
The lawyers argued that the offences for which their clients were charged are bailable, and that they were ready to defend the case.
The prosecutor, Ms Mosunmola Balogun from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice did not oppose the bail application but urged the court to impose conditions which would make the defendants available for trial
In his ruling, Magistrate Lateef Owolabi granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N1million and two sureties in like sum.
One of the sureties must be a land owner in Lagos, while the other must be a civil servant not below grade level 15. The sureties must have three years tax clearance and registration with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA).
The Magistrate also ordered the defendants to deposit N150,000 each with the court, while they are to be remanded in Badagry Prison pending when they are able to meet the bail conditions.
The matter has been adjourned to July 13.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the proceedings, Chairman of the Lagos State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force, Mr. Jide Bakare said the administration of Governor Ambode, through the arraignment, was sending a strong message to others still involved in the act of forceful dispossession of property it would no longer be business as usual.
Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose has reiterated his desire to land the number one job in the country when the opportunity comes calling.
Ayodele Fayose
The governor stated this when he met with political office holders at the Government's House, Ado Ekiti. He went ahead to say that former governors Segun Oni and Kayode Fayemi who are nursing the ambition of contesting in the forthcoming governorship election will fail.
Speaking, Fayose said “Just because Ayo Fayose has won a second term to become governor of Ekiti, some people also think they can come back now, but I want to tell them that it is not possible. I am the man wholeheartedly loved by Ekiti people because of the many developmental projects that have brought great infrastructural and developmental advancement to Ekiti.
"If you go around Ekiti, you will see my handiwork dotting every nook and cranny of the state. This is why I am the man who every Ekiti people will follow in 2018."
"I have penchant for taking powers; that one in Buhari's hand. I will take it. I'm going straight to that villa. I'm the next president.
"I want to be the next president of Nigeria. My own won't be this change that has brought nothing, we are going to represent the people well and tell them the truth."
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has expressed shock at the acquittal of several high profile individuals charged with corruption saying that it was time for the country to invite international lawyers to prosecute high profile corruption cases. Buhari CISLAC in a statement Friday night particularly lamented what it described as the obvious fact of the corruption in the judiciary which it claimed the authorities seem unable to address.
CISLAC in the statement issued by its executive director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa also regretted what it claimed as the lack of synergy among the country's anti-corruption agencies and called on the authorities to address.
Noting what it described as the seeming poor capacity of the prosecuting personnel, CISLAC said:
"The use of international prosecutors should be explored since national prosecution does not seem to be effective in solving high profile corruption cases. This call is further strengthened on the face of the conviction the British Government was able to achieve on the James Ibori case when the Nigerian authority failed to deal with the situation.
"We urge citizens to continue to demand for accountability from the government and to support the anti-corruption agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting corruption.
"CISLAC has noted that the lack of synergy among anti-corruption agencies and international bodies has hampered and slowed down this fight. In addition, ill preparations and non-timely prosecution of some cases has led to the acquittal of these allegedly corrupt individuals.
"CISLAC therefore calls for an urgent and expedient judicial reform if the fight against corruption is to have any effect in the country. Special Courts to handle corruption cases should be created as a matter of urgency.
"We further urge the Federal Government to be proactive, thorough in its investigations and gathering of facts before going to court in order to avoid loopholes through which these corrupt individuals can meander their way through.
"CISLAC notes the need for highly experienced lawyers to be recruited to handle these cases in court as inadequate capacity of lawyers handling these high profile cases has worked in the favour of these individuals.
"We observe that there is need for anti-corruption agencies to be adequately funded in order to aid their work. Hence, a collaborative effort on the part of the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature in fighting corruption is expedient."
Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose has said that he will take power out of Buhari's hand as the next Nigerian president..
The governor spoke at a meeting with political office holders at the Government's House, Ado Ekiti, where he also inspected Osoko Political Institute Centre.
He said, "Just because Ayo Fayose has won a second term to become governor of Ekiti, some people also think they can come back now, but I want to tell them that it is not possible. I am the man wholeheartedly loved by Ekiti people because of the many developmental projects that have brought great infrastructural and developmental advancement to Ekiti.
"If you go around Ekiti, you will see my handiwork dotting every nook and cranny of the state. This is why I am the man who every Ekiti people will follow in 2018."
"I have penchant for taking powers; that one in Buhari's hand. I will take it. I'm going straight to that villa. I'm the next president.
"I want to be the next president of Nigeria. My own won't be this change that has brought nothing, we are going to represent the people well and tell them the truth."
Ayogu Nnamdi, a prosecution witness in the trial of Henry Ugbolue, an aide to Kingsley Kuku (former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta) on Thursday, June 15, 2017 told Justice M. M. Kolo of the FCT High Court Wuse, Abuja that the accounts of Great & Gamaliel Alliance Limited received a turnover of about N35.2million in two months.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on April 20, 2016 arraigned Ugbolue and Lawrence Pepple, both former aides to Kuku on two separate charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, false declaration of assets and fraudulent acquisition of property to the tune of N55million.
Kuku (a fugitive) and Ugbolue were alleged to have conspired among themselves and awarded contracts running into millions to companies in which they had interests. It was alleged that Ugbolue was the sole signatory of Great & Gamaliel Alliance Limited, the company which provided integrated management of communications and stakeholders' engagement chain for the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta.
On his part, Pepple was the director and sole signatory for KER Global Wave Limited, which was awarded a contract to provide Reintegration Support Services by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
Testifying, Nnamdi, a bank compliance officer, who testified as PW1, told the court that, "a sum of N35, 206,564.89 was paid to the account of Great & Gamaliel Alliance Limited between March 4 and May 15, 2014 through the Office of Special Adviser to President on Niger Delta".
Counsel to EFCC, Faruk Abdullah, sought to tender account opening documents, statement of account and mandate card in evidence, but the admissibility of the documents was objected to by Ugbolue's counsel, G. E. Ezeuko, SAN, on the grounds that the documents were originals of public documents adding that, only certified true copies of public documents are admissible.
Ezeuko argued that, "one of the account statements has no certificate of identification and the one with certificate of identification did not comply with Section 84 (4) of the Evidence Act".
He also noted that one of the account statements was not in the proof of evidence given to him.
Responding, Abdallah argued that, "we concede that the documents are originals of public document. However, contrary to the submission of the defendant's counsel, the original of a public document is admissible as it's a primary document itself. The Supreme Court had settled this when it held that, such document is the best form of document".
Abdallah added that, "It's only when you intend to tender a secondary evidence of a public document that it must be certified".
Justice Kolo deferred ruling on the admissibility of the documents. He, however, admitted the documents, in the interim, as exhibits D & E adding that, "in the event the documents were found inadmissible everything relating to it would be expunged from the court record".
The judge, thereafter, adjourned to September 20, 2017
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Friday arraigned a former branch Manager, Florence Onome Odior and four others namely; Orion Sunday, (her busband) ,Patricia Jegede a.k.a Joe Nek Services, Joseph Alexander Esiso, Zackary Petroleum Nigeria Limited and Tegha and Associates Nigeria Limited before Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele of the federal high court sitting in Benin, Edo State.
They were arraigned on a 19 count charge bothering on Stealing, forgery, obtaining under false pretence,uttering and conspiracy to defraud contrary to section 467(2)(d) of the criminal code laws of Edo State of Nigeria, 2006
The former bank manger while a branch manager in 2012 defrauded one Moses Obozokhae to the tune fifty million eight hunded and fourth thousand naira only using a forged and uttered document titled: United Bank for Africa Certificate of deposit with reference No TDO9990001445 dated 2nd August 2012
One of the charges reads: that you Florence Onome Odior sometimes in 2012 whilst being a branch manager in the employment of United Bank for Africa (UBA) in Benin, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court with intent to defraud did steal by converting to your personal use the sum of N 85,840,000,00( Eight Five Million Eight Hundred and Fourty thousand Naira Only) property of Moses Obozohae. When the charges were read to them, they all pleaded not guilty.
Consequently the prosecution counsel, Mustapha Aliyu prayed the judge for an overturn of their administrative bail asking that they be remanded in prison custody as they have all jumped bail and asked for a shortets possible time for commencement of trial .
Counsel to the 1&2 Accused persons , C.J. Ekegwuba reminded the court that today was for plea taking and bail hearing prosecution counsel responded that he had countered the bail application presented by his colleagues and had submitted same this morning.
C.J.Ekegwuba told the court that the offence her clients is charged for is not a capital offence and they have never had any criminal record adding that they have never jumped bail and needed medical attention now as 1st accused is sick moreover they have been on administrative bail hence the need to be considered.
Counsels to 3rd, 4th and 5th accused persons aligned their position with counsel to the 1&2 accused.
Prosecution counsel however told the court that he didn’t see any reason of them continuing with the administrative bail as they have jumped bail and can also be attended to at the Nigerian prison adding that in Nigerian prison, you are treated and even feed for free all at no cost.
After listening to all the counsels argument, justice Ohimai Ovbiagele adjoined to Thursday, June 24,2017 for ruling on continuation of bail and 12 and 13 July ,2017 for commencement of trial .
Cristiano Ronaldo, battling accusations of tax evasion and speculation over his club future, is concentrating only on the Confederations Cup, his Portugal teammate Andre Silva said Friday.
“He takes this tournament very seriously and is focused. He is motivated, just like me,” said the 21-year-old Silva at a news conference in Kazan ahead of Portugal’s opening Confederations Cup match against Mexico on Sunday.
“He is concentrating on playing for the national team and he wants to give the motivation to have a good tournament.”
Ronaldo insisted Wednesday he had a “clear conscience” after Spanish prosecutors accused the Real Madrid star of evading 14.7 million euros in tax through offshore companies.
“Conscience clear, always,” Ronaldo told reporters at Lisbon airport as he and his Portuguese teammates prepared to fly out to Russia.
Real Madrid also gave their backing to Ronaldo, releasing a statement saying the club had “full confidence in our player Cristiano Ronaldo, who we understand has acted in accordance with the legality regarding compliance with his tax obligations”.
Mrs. Ngozi Olojeme, former Deputy Chairman, Finance Committee of former President Goodluck Jonathan campaign organisation has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman of the commission, told TheCable on Friday..
Ngozi Olojeme
"Yes, she (Olojeme) has been declared wanted," he said in response to a question from TheCable.
Olojeme, who is also the former chairman of the National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), was alleged to have diverted $48m of the organisation's fund.
"It was discovered that the NSITF accounts in First Bank of Nigeria and other banks have witnessed a total turnover of over N62,358,401,927 between 2012 and 2015 from the Employee Compensation Scheme contributions," an EFCC report detailing the allegations, read.
"That out of the N62bn, the federal government contributed N13,600,000,000 while the sum of N48,758,401,927.80 was contributed by the private sector. That there were several payments to individuals and companies from the NSITF bank accounts for purported contracts or consultancy services.
"That some individuals and companies that received these payments, in turn, transferred part of the monies directly to the NSITF officials while others transferred huge sums to bureau de change operators who changed them to dollars."
"That through this process, Dr Ngozi Olojeme, the then NSITF board chairman, has collected a total sum of $48,485,127 from Mr Chuka Eze (her account officer at FBN), which cash he collected on her behalf being the dollar equivalent of monies paid to BDCs by NSITF contractors.
"That she has refused to honour invitation and all efforts to get her to come and tell her own side of the story have proved abortive hence her arrest warrant has been obtained from court.
"We ask for the EFCC chairman's approval to declare the suspect wanted."
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 16 suspects alleged to have been involved in armed robbery and kidnapping.
The state Police Commissioner, Mr Abiodun Odude, on Friday in Ibadan, said the suspects were responsible for the spate of robberies in Akobo and other parts of the state.
He said that their arrest followed their latest attack on Wisdom Estate, Akobo, Ibadan, at about 2am on June 3.
Odude said that the suspected bandits attacked residents of the Estate and robbed victims of their valuable properties and cash.
"During a raid carried out by the Idi-Aro Police Division, one of the suspects was arrested and some of the jewellery and mobile phones earlier snatched from victims during the robbery operation were recovered from him.
"His arrest and subsequent confession led to the arrest of other members of the gang by operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad of the command.
" More stolen items were recovered from the suspects who confessed to have carried out several armed robbery operations in Egbeda , Olodo and other places in the state," he said.
The CP said that the suspects used machetes to maim and kill innocent victims.
Odude said that three of the victims who sustained severe machete cuts on the head, stomach and hands were lying in critical condition at the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Ibadan.
Newsmen report that some victims who were present to identify the robbers at the parade ground narrated how the suspects terrorised the entire estate.
According to them, the bandits forcefullly gained entry into their homes breaking walls, windows and burglar proof.
One of the victims explained how the robbers killed two of his security dogs and inflicted machete cuts on his grandmother during the operation.
Items recovered from the suspects include three long cutlasses, five finger rings, 10 different mobile phones, 12 assorted wristwatches, two gold pendants, a pair of gold earrings and 13 different criminal charms.
Arsenal must spend more on wages if it hopes to keep players away from global competitors, former midfielder Emmanuel Petit told said Friday, adding fans also needed to lay off embattled manager Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger holds the FA Cup trophy on the pitch after their win over Chelsea in the English FA Cup final football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley stadium in London on May 27, 2017. Aaron Ramsey scored a 79th-minute header to earn Arsenal a stunning 2-1 win over Double-chasing Chelsea on Saturday and deliver embattled manager Arsene Wenger a record seventh FA Cup. / AFP PHOTO
It is 13-years since Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ won the last of his three Premier League titles and the club has just come through their worst season in two decades.
Former French national Petit was at the heart of Arsenal’s glory days under Wenger but he said fans risked fixating on that era without understanding the present.
“I think that at times it has gone much too far (criticism of Wenger),” he said in Bangkok where Petit was taking part in the first-round draw of the EFL’s newly rebranded Carabao Cup.
“I think that, once again, people have been suffering from amnesia. I think that they tend to focus on what happened in the past, rather than the whole picture.”
Wenger has spent much of the last year facing down a growing fan rebellion against his long tenure that looks unlikely to subside unless the team returns to their winning ways.
A surprise FA Cup win against Premier League champions Chelsea last month briefly lifted supporter spirits and was followed by the news that Wenger had signed a new two-year contract.
Wenger now faces a tough task of attracting new talent and keeping his best players.
For starters, he has to persuade Alexis Sanchez to sign a new contract amid rumours the Chile forward will attract offers from Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Sanchez and team-mate Mesut Ozil are both holding out for weekly wages of around £300,000-per-week and have just one year left on their current deals.
Petit, still sporting his trademark ponytail, said Arsenal has no choice but to compete on wages.
“I think it’s time now for Arsenal to be competitive both in the transfer market but also in terms of its wage structure, because all the big European clubs are forced to spend crazy sums of money now,” he said.
“There’s so much competition nowadays, you see it with China, where you have clubs which are able to offer 40 million a year to the top players in Europe, obviously that upsets the market.”
Wenger’s transfer mishaps have left Arsenal lacking presence in midfield and bereft of an instinctive finisher, while their myriad defensive woes were exposed time and again.
Majority shareholder Stan Kroenke is ready to give Wenger £100 million ($128 million, 114 million euros) to spend, with Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez, Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe and AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca all linked to the Gunners.
Asked what he thought about Mbappe, Petit replied: “A kid who no-one had heard of six months ago and now is worth more than a hundred million euros, you know what I mean… things move very fast in football.”
Kaduna – The Gender Awareness Trust, on Friday urged the Kaduna State Government to legislate against early marriage, so as to provide adolescent girls with opportunities to live productive and meaningful lives.
The group made the call in Kaduna while unveiling a new tool kit in Hausa language developed to guide faith leaders preach against early marriage and providing opportunities for adolescent girls to excel in life.
The event was organised as part of activities to mark the Day of the African Child.
The group said that the government must intervene to delay the time for marriage and allow girls acquire meaningful education.
Tida Leo, the group's Project Officer, called for the domestication of the Child Right Act in the state, to insure the welfare and safety of children, as well as protect them from violence.
"The Kaduna State Government, CSOs and other concerned citizens should support institutions to give proper care to children with disabilities and children caught up in violence."
Leo stressed that Muslim and Christian leaders should use scriptural evidence to influence the attitude of their congregation to stop early marriage and allow girls access to educational and empowerment opportunities.
On the tool kits, the project officer said it was developed "as a guide for faith leaders to adequately address specific issues that negatively affect the social and economic growth of girls in Northern Nigeria."
She explained that the group had targeted 12 communities in Kaduna State to ensure that faith leaders there use the Hausa tool kits to campaign for better lives for girls.
The tool kit is tagged in Hausa as `Inganta yin zabi da bada dama ga “yan mata masu matsakaitan shekaru -Kundin aiki ga Shugabannin Addini.'
Leo stressed that the main message was to highlight the increasing challenges faced by young girls due to lack of economic empowerment and education.
She stressed that culture had played significant role in denying young girls opportunities to explore their potentials in life, with some forced to abandon school and marry early.
"Religious and traditional leaders can significantly influence the behaviour of the society and individuals to ensure that girls have better opportunities in life," she said.
A 20-year-old US woman was convicted of involuntary manslaughter Friday for ordering her teenage boyfriend to follow through on his long-planned suicide and for failing to save him from harm.
Michelle Carter broke down in tears and sobbed into a tissue during the 20-minute juvenile court hearing in Massachusetts, which is likely to break new ground in a state that has no law against encouraging someone to commit suicide.
Conrad Roy, 18, was found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning in his pickup truck in a parking lot in July 2014.
The trial heard that Carter and Roy exchanged hundreds of text messages in which the young woman, who was 17 at the time, urged him to follow through on his plan to kill himself, to conceal it from his parents and lie to his mother.
But Judge Lawrence Moniz said it was her instruction to Roy to get back into the vehicle — during a telephone call after he stepped out — and her failure to sound the alarm that was crucial to the conviction.
Failure to take reasonable steps to alleviate the risk to another “can result in a charge of manslaughter,” he noted in his decision.
“This court, having reviewed the evidence and applied the law thereto, now finds you guilty on the indictment charging you with the involuntary manslaughter of the person Conrad Roy,” Moniz told the packed court room.
Carter, who waived her right to a jury trial, faces up to 20 years in prison. She will remain on bail until sentencing on August 3 in Taunton, south of Boston.
In the closely-watched case, legal experts had questioned whether Carter’s actions were enough to secure a conviction under involuntary manslaughter.
The defense argued that Roy had been on a path to suicide “for years” and sought to minimize Carter’s role in her boyfriend’s life, saying the pair were in a “long-term texting relationship” and had met in person only a handful of times.
The judge agreed that Roy had been “struggling” and “took significant action” himself, such as extensive research, securing a generator, water pump, parking his vehicle in an unnoticeable area and starting the pump.
– ‘No action’ –
“However he breaks that chain of self-causation by exiting the vehicle, he takes himself out of the toxic environment,” Moniz said.
He did the same thing during previous attempts on his life, pausing to tell someone — first a parent and then a friend who got him help.
But it was different when he told Carter, in July 2014.
“Instructing Mr Roy to get back into the truck constitutes wanton and reckless conduct by Miss Carter, creating a situation where there is a high degree of likelihood that substantial harm would result to Mr Roy,” the judge said.
In subsequent text messages to friends, Carter admitted to hearing him coughing and the loud noise of the motor, the judge noted.
Prosecutors told the trial that the defendant stayed on the telephone listening to her boyfriend as he died in the truck.
“She called no one,” Moniz said, despite knowing where he was and having his family’s telephone numbers. “And finally, she did not issue a simple additional instruction: ‘get out of the truck’.”
The judge rejected a theory of involuntary intoxication raised by psychiatrist Peter Breggin, a defense witness who testified that Carter’s own medication would have hindered her state of mind.
Conrad Roy’s father, who has the same name as his son, welcomed the verdict, and thanked the judge before bursting into sobs.
“This has been a very tough time for our family,” he told reporters.
“In reality there are no winners here today,” prosecuting attorney Katie Rayburn said.
“Two families have been torn apart and will be affected by this for years to come. With that being said, we fervently hope that today’s guilty verdict will bring some measure of justice to the friends and family of Conrad Roy.”
Keffi (Nasarawa State) – Striking workers of Nasarawa State Government on Friday said that non-payment of their salaries had made them to break Ramadan fast with only water.
In interviews in Keffi, the workers called on the government to pay them their three months' salary arrears and other entitlements to save their families from hardship.
The workers began an indefinite strike on May 12 to press home their demand for payment of salary arrears, and regular promotion of workers, among others things.
A teacher, Alhaji Garba Audu, said: "I am a teacher with the state Ministry of Education.
"For more than three months, we have not been paid our salaries, and this has caused untold hardship for us and our family members.
"To have money to buy foodstuff to break Ramadan fast is a problem; most of us break our fast with water due to the non-payment of our salaries.
"Fasting has a lot of blessings from Allah, and every Muslim is expected to partake in it; hence, the need for the state government to pay workers' salaries.''
He appealed to the state government to meet the workers' demands to end the strike and restore industrial harmony.
Another worker, Mr Samson Dauda of the Ministry of Works and Housing, said that the strike had also negatively affected all sectors of the state economy.
"To meet my basic needs and those of my family members is a challenge. For over three months now, we have not been paid. This is not fair,'' he said.
Hajiya Maryam Sani, who works with the state Ministry of Agriculture, told NAN: "Most of us are breaking our Ramadan fast with water, which is not supposed to be," she said.
She also appealed to the government to meet the workers' demands to alleviate their suffering.
Some other workers, who pleaded anonymity, accused the state government of neglecting its civil servants.
They said that no nation could achieve speedy development without the contributions of its workforce.
They urged the government to meet their demands.
Mr A. Adeka, who was recently removed as the Chairman of the workers' union, announced the suspension of the strike on May 26, saying that the government had begun meeting the workers' demands.
However, on May 27, Mr Bala Umar, who replaced Adeka, told the workers not to resume work, saying that the government had yet to meet the demands.
The state Gov. Tanko Al-Makura, on May 29, said that the workers were not on strike as far as he was concerned.
He warned that any worker who would not resume work, would be taking a risk.
Calabar – Mr Christian Ita, Senior Special Assistant and Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River, says the directive on dress code for public servants is yet to be implemented. Governor Ben Ayade Ayade recently gave an order to members of his cabinet to wear only clothes made from the Calabar Garment Factory beginning from June 1.
The factory, which produces finished clothing items, is a brainchild of his administration.
Ita who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, in Calabar, in a telephone interview said that the Cross River Garment Factory was yet to begin mass production. .
"Presently the garment factory is only producing on demand from organisations and institutions; they are yet to have sales outlet in Calabar or elsewhere.
"The governor's directive has not actually taken effect but I know that the clothes worn by all the cabinet members during the June 1 inauguration of the factory by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo were produced at the factory, '' he said.
He added that, already some organisations have placed orders at the factory including the National Peace Corps of Nigeria and some government schools in Akwa Ibom state.
Ita further stated that the recent commissioning has increased the volume of activities in the factory, adding that, it has boosted the economy of the state.
"The inauguration has added momentum to the production process and we believe that, in no distant time, the fabrics from the factory will hit the Calabar market and spread to other parts of Nigeria.
"And in a matter of time too it will go global, as you know, it is the largest garment factory in Africa, '' he said
Similarly, an economist, Dr Richard Agan, said the directive, if fully adhered to, would improve local production of clothes in the factory.
Again, a lecturer in the University of Calabar, further suggested that the state government should employ competent hands in the factory with a view to meeting the trending designs and styles.
Also, Mr Chukwudi Azinta, a businessman, said he was waiting for the factory to open sales outlets in the Calabar metropolis, adding that such outlets could be effectively managed by seasoned businessmen.
Azinta added that with the short distance from the factory, it would be easier for him to stock his shop with varieties from the attires.
Meanwhile, a source closed to the governor's office who pleaded anonymity told NAN that the governor's directive was not backed with additional increment in salaries "to make his orders effective.''
"In view of the current economic recession, it will be difficult to enforce the decision of the governor without cash backing.
"The governor's directive is in line with his mandate to promote the true Nigerian dressing culture but it will be best implemented if our pay package is increased,'' the source said.
Lagos – Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the Minister of Finance, said the Federal Government invested the sum of N200 billion on roads in 2016.Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi ADEOSUN
According to the minister, the amount is part of N1.2 trillion earmarked for capital projects to ensure ease of doing business.
Adeosun said this on Friday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bloomberg Chief Executive Officer roundtable held in Lagos.
She said that the N200 billion was against N90 million earmarked for road construction in 2015.
According to her, government will continue to prioritise infrastructure development to unlock growth potential.
The finance minister said that diversification of the economy would not be achieved without a good transportation system and power supply to improve ease of doing business.
She said that the country was vast, adding that to actualise its potential, infrastructure development was crucial for sustainable growth and development.
"For the past two years in Nigeria, the road had been rough in economic terms but the worst times are over and we have the opportunity to grow,'' she said.
According to Adeosun, Nigeria cannot rely on oil to grow, as oil contributes 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product and 60 per cent of the government revenue.
"We must not rely on oil but must use the oil revenue to generate activities in other sectors of the economy.
"We cannot benchmark ourselves with Saudi Arabia because their oil production was far away from us.
"They have 30 million populations and generate 10 million barrels of oil every day and Nigeria with 190 million generates 2.2 million barrels of oil every day.
She added that the country must use the oil revenue to generate and stimulate activity in other areas of the economy.
"This is encapsulated in our recent release of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).''
The finance minister said that the country needed three things to grow, partnership with the private sector in service delivery, infrastructure development and effective revenue generation to ensure sustainable growth of the economy.
She said that government would strengthen revenue mobilisation by driving tax payment through tax collection strategy to achieve inclusive growth.
Adeosun lamented that the country had only 14 million active tax payers as against 69.9 million qualified tax payers.
"These practices harm Nigeria and this practice must stop,'' she said.
She added that only 214 firms in the entire nation pay tax of N20 million in the country, noting that all of these companies were based in Lagos State.
"If we want to grow, we must address this and we must step on big toes,'' Adeosun said.
She stated that more effective revenue generation and blockage of leakages were crucial to economic growth and development.
Lagos – The Nigerian Stock Exchange on Friday moved a total of 493.27 million shares valued at N6.24 billion exchanged by investors in 5,474 deals.
The turnover was lower by 14 per cent when compared with 573.60 million shares worth N7.85 billion transacted in 6,584 deals on Thursday.
NAN reports that Lasaco Insurance emerged the most active, trading 87.01 million shares valued at N43.52 million.
It was trailed by Zenith Bank with an exchange of 73.67 million shares valued at N43.52 million, while Access Bank sold 64.01 million shares worth N639.99 million.
A breakdown of the price movement chart indicated that Nestle led the gainers' table, growing by N7 to close at N907 per share.
Presco followed with a gain of N3.44 to close at N72.33 and Okomu Oil increased by N3.44 to close at N70.18 per share.
Consequently, the All-Share Index improved by 12.72 points or 0.04 per cent to close at 33,810.56 against 33,797.84 recorded on Thursday.
Also, the market capitalisation which opened at N11.687 trillion rose by four billion naira or 0.03 per cent to close at N11.691 trillion.
On the other hand, Total Nigeria topped the losers' table, declining by N11. 50 to close at N271 per share.
Beta Glass trailed with a loss of N2.74 to close at N52.17 and international Breweries shed N1.90 to close at N26.05 per share.
Mobil Oil was down by 90k to close at N264.10 and Oando lost 32k to close at N8.36 per share. (NAN)
A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
By AbdulSalam Muhammad KANO – Suspended House of Rep member, Abdulmumuni Jibrin Kofa has dismissed his purported expulsion from All Progressive Party, as he declared it was the handiwork of impersonators.
Abdumumin Jibrin
In a reaction to his expulsion by the local chairman of his party Thursday evening, the embattled lawmaker said “this is yet another round of character assassinations from career political antagonizers who are perpetually threatened by our advocacy for transparency in public service and political leadership. ”
Jibrin said “the initiators of this false claim of my expulsion by my party are hired hacks engaged by some politicians in Abuja in continuation of their futile bids to frustrate my anti-corruption campaigns. ”
He stressed ” I wish to remind the public, and especially the media, that this report did not originate from my party, the APC. I have a cordial relationship with my party, and we have been working hand in hand to actualize our agenda for a better Nigeria. ”
Speaking further on the characters of those behind the expulsion, Jibrin said ” this report, I’ve gathered, came from a dubious character and known fraudster who is neither the chairman of my party at the local government level nor a part of the party executive at the state level. The party is not even aware of this impersonation making the rounds in the media. ”
The federal Mp said “recall that I honored the invitation of the EFCC in a bid to shed light on the cases of corruption perpetrated by some principal officers of the house of representatives, despite dissuasions by these saboteurs of my party’s change agenda and stand against corruption. “
Hayat Kimya Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of Hayat Group, Turkey, a home care company, has expanded its fast moving Consumer Goods, FMCG, product line with the launch of two products; papia and Familia. Both products are toilet tissues.
Managing director of company, Haran Misri, said the company is establishing itself in the Nigeria tissue market with the launch of these products.
He said: "Papia aims to offer the highest quality products in Nigeria, by adopting the latest technology, Visconip. Papia updates and improves herself and offers innovative products . we will continue to break new grounds in the industry.
Unlike ordinary toilet tissues, the brand is produced from 100 percent natural cellulose, it is a three-layer toilet tissue with the logo embossed on the tissue sheets."
On Familia, he said, "Familia redefines tissues with wide range of high quality products. Just like Papia, Familia is manufactured using a fully automated process without any human contact and unhygienic conditions."
He said also that Familia is produced under the same condition like Papia, using the 100 percent natural cellulose, but it is scented with the strawberry smell.
He said that the company has deployed some marketing materials like point of sale materials which include branded tables, umbrellas and flyers to draw the attention of end users.
The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Wednesday said that culture is more important to Nigeria than petroleum especially if well preserved and given the value it deserved.
Mohammed made the statement in Lagos when he declared open an exhibition of stolen artifacts recently repatriated from Europe and America.
The exhibition of the no fewer than 150 artifacts was titled "Return of the Lost Treasure."
Some of the artifacts on exhibition at the National Museum include NoK Terracotta head, Oba Esigie ivory pendant, Plague of One Ozolua Nibarami Eko and the Ogiurho Game Board.
The minister said the country's diverse cultures had more value than any natural resource including petroleum.
Lai Mohammed
Mohammed, however, said there must be conscious efforts by all stakeholders to appreciate and harness the potential of culture to drive the economy.
"Culture is as important to the economy as petroleum. As a matter of fact, culture is even more important to the economy than petroleum.
"This is because, petroleum is an exhaustive resource. Culture is not, because it is about us as a people," he said.
The minister said the country's artifacts were part of our culture as they told our history and represented our way of life.
While saying artifacts had immense economic value, Mohammed called for perception change of the works by Nigerians.
He said a good number of Nigerians erroneously linked artifacts with fetish practices, saying the belief had affected appreciation of the works locally.
He described as ironical that foreigners valued Nigerian artifacts more than Nigerians themselves, hence, why some of them were smuggled out of the country.
Mohammed said the repatriation of some of the most valuable artifacts from the West was cheery news in view of their historical, cultural, social and aesthetic values.
"Als,o the importance of these artifacts as a source of education and an enabler of tourism cannot be over-emphasised.
"Nigerian traditional art, the works of our forefathers bears testimony to skilled craftsmanship, and creative ingenuity of the great dynasties that once existed in our country," he added.
He said the artifacts, some of which he claimed were centuries old, were repatriated after series of engagements between the government and governments of those countries into which they were smuggled.
He said other stakeholders, as well as international security agencies also helped in the repatriation of the works.
The minister said, but for legal challenges and the fact that some of the works were being hidden in homes abroad, more would have been repatriated.
He however said government was unwavering in efforts at combating the smuggling of artifacts and recovery of stolen ones.
He commended the governments of Switzerland, France, South Africa and the United States for their efforts in helping to repatriate the artifacts from their respective countries.
The minister also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts at tracking some of the artifacts especially at the borders.
He, however, said illicit trade in stolen artifacts was still a challenge and urged the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to double its effort in checking the trade in the cultural property.
"It is my wish that the commission will begin to look at the means and opportunities to re-invigorate its export and clearance permits operations and even devise other methods of checking the illicit trafficking in cultural property "he said.
The minister said he would liase with the police authorities to see the possibility of creating a special unit to fight trafficking in artefacts.
He also said the ministry would continue to study the cases of trafficking and see how it can domesticate the provisions of UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Cultural Property.
In his speech, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Alhaji Yusuf Usman commended the efforts of the minister in the repatriation of the artifacts.
He said the great synergy between the ministry and the repatriation unit in his office helped a great deal in achieving the feat.
Usman said the commission would come up with result oriented strategies to ensure a lid was put on illicit trafficking of artefacts.
In a remark, Chairman of Culture and Tourism of the House of Representatives, Mr Omoregie Ogbeide described the return of the artefacts as a welcome development.
Ogbeide, represented by Rep. Oghene Egoh however urged Nigerians to show more interest in artefacts by visiting museums in the country to learn more about them.
"The return of these artefacts is commendable but Nigerians especially young people should appreciate these artefacts by visiting museums.
"If the works are back in the country and nobody goes to see them at the museum, then what we are celebrating today is nothing more than a carnival "he said.
A culture expert at UNESCO, Prof Folarin Shylon said policing was central to combating trafficking of cultural property.
He, therefore, advocated the setting up of a special unit to fight the menace in the police, saying that is the practice in most advanced countries.
Also known as the the Tournament of Champions, the FIFA Confederations Cup is a curtain-raiser for the World Cup holding the year after. It is a tournament that brings together the champions of the six confederations registered under FIFA.
The tournament this time around goes to Russia as they are the host of the World Cup holding next year. Here we take a quick look at how the participating teams qualified and the key players to watch out for.
Confederations Cup
Russia: Qualified as host
Qualified: 2 December 2010
The Sbornaya qualified for their first FIFA Confederations Cup as hosts, when they were chosen to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, almost seven years ago
Player(s) to watch: Igor AKINFEEV
Germany: Qualified as winners of FIFA World Cup 2014
Qualified: 13 July 2014
Germany reached Russia 2017 after their dramatic 1-0 victory against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Final, with Mario Gotze's extra time wundertor the decider.
Player(s) to watch: Julian DRAXLER, Leroy SANE
Australia: Qualified as winners of 2015 Asian Cup
Qualified: 31 January 2015
Australia reached their first Confederations Cup as an AFC member after winning the 2015 AFC Asian Cup on home soil, defeating Korea Republic in the final in extra time in Sydney.
Player(s) to watch: Tim CAHILL
Chile: Qualified as winners of the South American (CONMEBOL) Cup
Qualified: 4 July 2015
La Roja reached their maiden Confederations Cup with a historic Copa America victory. They claimed the first major trophy in the nation's footballing history with a penalty shootout win against Argentina at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago.
Player(s) to watch: Alexis SANCHEZ, Arturo VIDAL
Mexico: Qualified as winners of CONCACAF Gold Cup
Qualified: 10 October 2015
The CONCACAF Cup was held in 2015 to determine which CONCACAF Gold Cup winner (USA, from 2013 or Mexico, from 2015) would be heading to Russia 2017. Mexico won an enthralling tie 3-2 in extra time in front of over 90,000 at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, which hosted the 1994 World Cup Final.
Player(s) to watch: Javier HERNANDEZ, Giovani DOS SANTOS
New Zealand: Qualified as winners of Oceania Football Confederation Cup
Qualified: 11 June 2016
A goalless draw after extra time meant a penalty shootout determined the winner of the OFC Nations Cup, which also doubled as Oceania's second round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Marco Rojas's spot kick sent the All Whites to the Confederations Cup, defeating Papua New Guinea to claim the continental crown.
Player(s) to watch: Chris WOOD
Portugal: Qualified as winnners of Euro 2016
Qualified: 10 July 2016
Portugal won their first major trophy in dramatic fashion to claim an inaugural FIFA Confederations Cup spot. Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo withdrew injured early in the UEFA EURO 2016 final, but an unlikely hero emerged. Eder scored an extra time stunner to defeat hosts France and seal his side’s Russia 2017 place.
Player(s) to watch: Cristiano Ronaldo
Cameroon: Qualified as African Champions
Qualified: 5 February 2017
The Indomitable Lions claimed their first continental crown for over a decade by coming from behind to see off Egypt in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final in Gabon. Vincent Aboubakar's 88th-minute strike saw Cameroon crowned Africa's kings, and complete the line-up for Russia 2017.
Player(s) to watch: Benjamin MOUKANDJO, Vincent ABOUBAKAR
By Emeka Aginam In a committed effort to extend its products and services to its customers across the nation, Infinix Mobility has unveiled first set of exclusive stores in seven cities in Nigeria.
Assuring to give customers the exclusive Infinix experience with an all Infinix products and accessories store, the exclusive stores, according to the company are located in Lagos, Asaba, Owerri, Enugu, Warri, Uyo and Benue.
As Infinix continues to give consumers the best experience with its smartphones, the brand has been innovative about bringing about a better shopping experience for its fans and customers in the region.
Infinix product series range from Hot, Hot S, Note and Zero. It would be recalled that recent products launched in Nigeria included Infinix S2, Infinix Zero 4 and 2016 most searched android smartphone in Nigeria 'Infinix Note 3'.
For customers looking to purchase the Infinix Zero 4, Infinix is offering an exclusive promotion when you buy the Infinix Zero 4 and Zero 4 plus to win free home appliances.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is not aware of any moves to recall Sen. Dino Malaye, representing Kogi West Senatorial District.
INEC Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Mr. Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
Explaining the processes involved in recalling an elected lawmaker, Osaze-Uzzi said that a petition signed by at least 50 per cent of the registered voters in that senatorial district must be submitted to the commission.
"It is only when the petitioners get 50 per cent of the registered voters that they can submit a recall petition to the commission.
Sen. Dino Melaye
"That is when INEC can commence the recall process, but we have not received such petition.''
Osaze-Uzzi said that upon the receipt of such petition, the commission would also embark on a verification, to ascertain whether the recall petition was actually signed by registered voters in that senatorial district.
He said that in conducting the verification of the signatures, the commission would also need to inform the senator involved and the petitioner, to set a date for agents from both sides to be involved in the exercise.
"It is only when we are satisfied with that, we now go for a referendum. That is what the constitution states.
"For now, we don't know if anybody is trying to recall him until a petition is submitted to the commission.''
The director further said that the commission would notify the public if anybody or group was able to mobilise the required number of signatures and send a petition to the commission.
Meanwhile, Melaye had alleged that Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi had released N200 million for the reported ongoing moves to recall him.
The Omagbemi family in Warri, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (I-GP) to investigate the mysterious death of their nephew, Samson.
Mr Henry Omagbemi led the bereaved family on Thursday to the secretariat of the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Warri to brief newsmen on the incident.
Henry said that their nephew died alongside his colleague identified as Darlington Taire both students of Challenge Secondary, Kolokolo in Uvwie.
He said that the duo left home on June 12, in company of their colleagues to "cool off '' in a popular hotel (name withheld) in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta and did not return home.
He alleged that the deceased were led by one of their teachers identified as Robinson, to go and swim after they had successfully written their Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSCE).
"The matter was first reported at Enerhen Police Station by Rolland and Marcus Omagbemi when they noticed that our nephew was missing on Monday, June 12.
"They later informed the larger Omagbemi family who in turn set up a search party to visit all the police stations around to check if they were in their custody.
"On June 13, we searched the swimming pool of the hotel and other places with security men on guard and staff of the hotel to no avail.
"We were later called by Ebrumede Police Station in Uvwie to come and identify the corpses lying down in their station.
"On getting to the station, the management, staff of the hotel and police officers tendered a blurred photograph but we insisted that we must see our child, Samson.
"After so much argument, two police officers led us to Central Hospital, Warri mortuary where we identified our nephew, Samson and his friend Taire.
"They did not look like people who were in the pool as they bled from their mouths and the faces.
"If somebody is drowned in the swimming pool, you will see some signs of swollen stuff," he said.
Mr Morrison Taire, the father of Darlington called for justice over the demise of the two students who were aged 15.
"We want justice to be done; their death looks mysterious to us; we want the truth.
"Covering somebody's corpse or taking somebody's corpse to the mortuary without the knowledge of his people is suspicious." he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Andrew Aniamaka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on phone that he could not comment on the incident now.
"Until I have done my investigation, I cannot comment on it.
"I have to contact the Warri Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ebrumede police station for details before I can comment," he said.
The Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Senator Dino Melaye has asked the Federal Government to stop speaking grammar and provide Nigerians with the much needed electricity.
He lamented that Nigerians are not interested in grammar or document but that they want electricity stable electricity.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has lost one of its respected leaders, Mr. Olisaemeka Akamukali, a member of its yet to be inaugurated Board of Trustees (BoT).
Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party`s National Publicity Secretary, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, adding that the party received the news of his death with shock.
He said the deceased, aged 57, died in a tragic motor accident in Abuja on Tuesday and prayed that the Almighty God grants his immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Abdullahi said that the deceased served the APC as its first interim National Auditor.
He added that he was one of the stabilising forces in the party, who always identified with progressive causes to strengthen it and ensure unity among members.
"Sadly, Akamukali has left us at a critical time when he was needed to contribute to nation building and the implementation of the APC change agenda.
"We, however, take solace knowing that the late party chieftain lived a fulfilled and impactful life during his time on earth; may his soul rest in peace," Abdullahi said.
The late Akamukali was a former National Chairman of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) that merged with other political parties to form the APC in 2013.
He had also served as the first Assistant National Secretary of the All Peoples Party (APP) and the Director-General of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso campaign for President.
The deceased also served as a member of the APC Presidential Campaign Committee that worked for the successful election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Authorities said seven people were killed and nearly 60 injured on Thursday in an explosion at a kindergarten in eastern China.
The official Xinhua news agency on China's Twitter-like "Weibo", did not say if any children were among the dead.
Blasts and other accidents are common in China, because of patchy enforcement of safety rules, although the government has pledged to improve checks to stamp out such incidents.
Many parents were picking up their children when the blast took place around 5 p.m. near the entrance of the kindergarten in Xuzhou, in the coastal province of Jiangsu.
China explosion at Kindergarten kills 7, injures over 60
Vinhua reporter said that two people died on the spot and five more died of their injuries, while 59 people were injured, nine among them being treated for severe injuries.
Pictures circulating on Chinese social media showed about a dozen women and children lying on the ground in what appeared to be the immediate aftermath of the blast.
One video showed an injured woman with scorched clothing staggering unsteadily, while others sat on a floor holding crying children in their arms.
In a matter of hours, ace comedian and UN ambassador, Francis Agoda, AKA I Go Dye will be joining 24 other eminent Africans at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos to received the African Child Prize. I Go Dye, who is being honoured in the ‘Comic Art and Creativity’ category was selected after rigorous voting process.
*I go dye with his award
The letter from the organisers of the award, which was posted on I Go Dye’s Instagram wall reads in part : " On the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, Senate has approved that the African Prize for Comic Art and Creativity, be awarded to you."
" By this honour, you will be listed with all benefit into the United Nations Volunteers for Africa (UNVA), and rated under this category among African Union (AU) member States, subject to acceptance and compliance with the policy of the African Child Prize (ACP), upon which certificate, plaque and all entitlements will be issued during the laureate dinner on Friday, June 16, 2017," the letter further stated.
In his response to the award, the humour merchant par excellence asserted that it is another means for him to further add value to humanity, thanking all that made the award possible.
"Often we pass through our daily routine without knowledge that our little contribution to humanity is noticed. I feel astonished that my actions caught the attention of many people. Indeed this African Child Prize honour, got me thinking – just another means to add value to humanity; by recognizing our contributions. I appreciate all those that made this honour possible," he wrote.
For the Delta State-born comedian, this is another feather to his feathers-laden cap of honours. His truck-load of international and local industry awards include: three-time Best African Comedian award; Best Nigeria Comedian by Nigeria Entertainment Award, New York; Most Outstanding Performing Comedian in Nite of a Thousand Laughs for 10 years by Opa Williams; Best Niger Delta Comedian; amongst others.
He became the most sought after and most traveled comedian in Africa. Francis Agoda is a United Nations Millennium Development Goal Ambassador. In 2016 I Go Dye was made United World Habitat Ambassador which he dedicated to Hillary Clinton. He was listed among 100 Most Influential Persons in Africa by Global Icon and 100 Most influential Deltans with the Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Tony Elumelu, also on the list by Happenedings9ja.
The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism on Wednesday said culture could be the mainstay of the country's economy if well preserved and given the value it deserved.
Mohammed made the statement in Lagos when he declared open an exhibition of stolen artifacts recently repatriated from Europe and America.
The exhibition of the no fewer than 150 artifacts was titled "Return of the Lost Treasure"
Some of the artifacts on exhibition at the National Museum include NoK Terracotta head,Oba Esigie ivory pendant, Plague of One Ozolua Nibarami Eko and the Ogiurho Game Board .
The minister said the country's diverse cultures had more value than any natural resource including petroleum.
Mohammed, however, said there must be conscious efforts by all stakeholders to appreciate and harness the potential of culture to drive the economy.
"Culture is as important to the economy as petroleum. As a matter of fact, culture is even more important to the economy than petroleum.
"This is because petroleum is an exhaustive resource. Culture is not, because it is about us as a people," he said.
The minister said the country's artifacts were part of the our culture as they told our history and represented our way of life.
While saying artifacts had immense economic value, Mohammed called for perception change of the works by Nigerians.
He said a good number of Nigerians erroneously linked artifacts with fetish practices, saying the belief had affected appreciation of the works locally.
He described as ironical that foreigners valued Nigerian artifacts more than Nigerians themselves, hence why some of them were smuggled out of the country.
Mohammed said the repatriation of some of the most valuable artifacts from the the West was cheery news in view of their historical, cultural, social and aesthetic values.
"Also the importance of these artifacts as a source of education and an enabler of tourism cannot be over-emphasised.
"Nigerian traditional art, the works of our forefathers bears testimony to skilled craftsmanship, and creative ingenuity of the great dynasties that once existed in our country," he added.
He said the artifacts, some of which he claimed were centuries old, were repatriated after series of engagements between the government and governments of those countries into which they were smuggled.
He said other stakeholders, as well as international security agencies also helped in the repatriation of the works.
The minister said but for legal challenges and the fact that some of the works were being hidden in homes abroad, more would have been repatriated.
He however said government was unwavering in efforts at combating the smuggling of artifacts and recovery of stolen ones.
He commended the governments of Switzerland, France, South Africa and the United States for their efforts in helping to repatriate the artifacts from their respective countries.
The minister also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for their efforts at tracking some of the artifacts especially at the borders.
He, however, said illicit trade in stolen artifacts was still a challenge and urged the National Commission for Museums and Monuments to double its effort in checking the trade in the cultural property.
"It is my wish that the commission will begin to look at the means and opportunities to re-invigorate its export and clearance permits operations and even devise other methods of checking the illicit trafficking in cultural property "he said.
The minister said he would liase with the police authorities to see the possibility of creating a special unit to fight trafficking in artefacts.
He also said the ministry would continue to study the cases of trafficking and see how it can domesticate the provisions of UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Cultural Property.
In his speech, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Alhaji Yusuf Usman commended the efforts of the minister in the repatriation of the artifacts.
He said the great synergy between the ministry and the repatriation unit in his office helped a great deal in achieving the feat.
Usman said the commission would come up with result oriented strategies to ensure a lid was put on illicit trafficking of artefacts.
In a remark, Chairman of Culture and Tourism of the House of Representatives, Mr Omoregie Ogbeide described the return of the artefacts as a welcome development.
Ogbeide, represented by Rep. Oghene Egoh however urged Nigerians to show more interest in artefacts by visiting museums in the country to learn more about them.
"The return of these artefacts is commendable but Nigerians especially young people should appreciate these artefacts by visiting museums.
"If the works are back in the country and nobody goes to see them at the museum, then what we are celebrating today is nothing more than a carnival "he said.
A culture expert at UNESCO, Prof Folarin Shylon said policing was central to combating trafficking of cultural property.
He, therefore, advocated the setting up of a special unit to fight the menace in the police, saying that is the practice in most advanced countries
The Acting Secretary, FCT Area Councils Services Secretariat (ACSS), Mr Joshua Kaura, said on Thursday that the six Area Councils in FCT shared N13, 828 billion between January 2015 and April 2017.
Kaura disclosed this at a news briefing on the achievements of the present administration in office in the last two years in Abuja.
According to him, the ACSS provides secretariat services to Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meetings through which N13.8billion was disbursed to the councils as well as coordinate issues relating to Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
He said within the period under review, the secretariat also audited Local Education Authority (LEA) staff in the six Area Councils.
"We sensitised the residents on the Community and Household Environmental Sanitation Exercise.
"We are trying to come up with a date that will serve as sanitation day to be observed by all the council areas in the FCT.
"ACSS also intervened over flood in three area councils which include Kuje, Kwali and Abaji. We also harmonised Area Councils Environmental By-Laws,'' he said.
The acting secretary said that the secretariat also facilitate the intervention of the release of N1.9billion as bail out to the councils to settle staff salaries for Jan., Feb. and March 2015 which led to the suspension strike by workers.
Kaura noted that the secretariat intervened and averted 37 looming threats to peace and security in the six Area Councils, relating to chieftaincy and communal clashes.
He said the ACSS also completed database of Primary Health Care facilities, which are 217 in the six area councils, saying it is now easy to access information with the data on the number of staff, state of the facilities and their requirements.
Kaura said the challenges facing the secretariat include inadequate office space, equipment, working materials, inadequate budgetary provision, inadequate funds for staff training and welfare.
A Petroleum Industry Bill seeking to promote host communities' participation in oil process and local content, on Thursday, passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill also seeks to create an environment conducive for business as well as protect health and safety of the environment.
Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Joseph Akinlaja (Ondo-PDP) and others, while debating the bill, said that when passed into law, it would address challenges facing the petroleum sector, especially as it related to host communities.
Akinlaja said that the bill would also provide framework relating to petroleum producing community's participation, cost and benefit sharing among the government, petroleum exploration companies and host communities.
House of Representatives
In his contribution, Rep. Victor Nwokolo (Delta-PDP) said the essence of the bill in its entirety as obtained in other parts of the globe was to make host communities stakeholders in oil activities.
"Coming home here, look at the case of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). Have you ever heard that NLNG is being shut down for a day?
"The basic reason is because they have taken care of the host community; this is what the bill wants to address.
"When you are talking about mineral resources today, it is not only petroleum we are talking about.
"By the Grace of God, the government is trying to give a drive towards other mineral resources, like coal that you find in Plateau, Kogi and other areas.
"So, when you talk about host communities, it is going to be applicable to all parts of the country.
"It will not be seen as a means of empowering only the Niger Delta region or oil-producing communities again," Nwokolo said.
Bill and Memorandum on Legal and Regulatory Framework, Institutions and Regulatory Authorities for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry to establish guidelines for operations of upstream and downstream sectors also passed second reading.
The bills were passed alongside the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).
The Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, however, constituted an ad hoc committee to conduct public hearing on the bills.
The committee is headed by the Chief Whip of the House, Rep. Alhassan Doguwa.
By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor Touched by the devastation that has affected the people of the north east as a result of the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, the European Union (EU) Commission on Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, announced a support package of €143 million to help the early recovery and reconstruction needs of the area.One of the 82 Chibok schoolgirls set free by Boko Haram
The package is for the provision of basic services including energy, education and health, job creation, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems as well as public financial management systems.
The package was unfolded when Nigeria's Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma arrived Belgium for a meeting with EU officials on Thursday.
At the meeting where the package was announced, Udoma signed the package agreement on behalf of Nigeria and said the support showed yet another positive effort in the collaboration between the EU and the Nigerian Government to collectively work towards ameliorating the sufferings of the victims of Boko Haram insurgency.
The Minister noted that the Financing Agreement signed on Thursday was for the sum of €20 million from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. “A total sum of €143 million is now secured from the EU under this framework for ameliorating of the sufferings of the affected population estimated at more than 14 million people," he added.
He said that since the resurgence of the humanitarian situation in the North East, the Nigerian government has devoted substantial resources to bring the situation under control, meet the humanitarian needs of the victims and restore normalcy to the area.
However, in spite of the efforts, the Minister said there is still a huge funding gap, which is why the Nigerian Government appreciates the support of the EU and the United Nations systems, which have been very useful in leading the other development partners in the support process.
Senator Udoma noted that the process for the selection of implementation partners has reached an advanced stage with the World Bank and some of the components of the project.
“This demonstrates the fact that the EU is committed to timely execution of the project and the bureaucracy that is traditionally associated with the EDF instrument will be minimized in the implementation of this project,” he added.
EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, said the support package will assist approximately 1.3 million internally displaced people and affected communities in and around the Borno State.
“Our assistance will not only target the immediate needs of the people but, it will also help to restore basic services, stimulate employment and create livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and young people”.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides added: “The European Union is committed to get lifesaving aid to those in need in Nigeria. Emergency aid can help them but to do so aid organisations need safe and full access to do their job.”
He added that EU also needs to think about the long term implications and how to help communities recover. “I have visited the country several times and seen the suffering caused by the victims of terrorism but also the strength and determination of the local people to rebuild their lives. It is this desire to rebuild a better future that the EU will support.”
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has approved a major re-organisation of the upper echelons of the Nigerian Navy.
•Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas
In a major posting of senior officers, 21 Rear Admirals were affected. The new Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command is Rear Admiral SAG Abbah, formerly Navy Secretary while Rear Admiral VO Adedipe, formerly Deputy Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, moves to Eastern Naval Command as Flag Officer Commanding. Rear Admiral PA Onaji, formerly Fleet Commander Eastern Fleet, has been appointed Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, while Rear Admiral OF Ofodile, formerly Chief Staff Officer Eastern Naval Command is now Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command.
Furthermore, Rear Admiral AB Al-Hassan, formerly Director Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, is the new Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command. Rear Admiral SMD Usman, formerly Chief Staff Officer Logistics Command moves to Naval Headquarters as Director Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate. Rear Admiral HA Babalola retains his appointment as Chief of Policy and Plans Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral JO Oluwole, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command resumes at Naval Headquarters as Chief of Logistics.
The reshufflement also affected Rear Admiral AA Osinowo, formerly Chief of Training and Operations Naval Headquarters, who is now the Commandant National Defence College, while Rear Admiral FD Bobai, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, moves to Naval Headquarters as Chief of Training and Operations. Rear Admiral BEE Ibe-Enwo, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, resumes at the Naval Headquarters as Chief of Naval Standards and Safety, while Rear Admiral IO Mohammed, formerly Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, is now appointed Deputy Commandant Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji. Rear Admiral T Dick, formerly Chief of Logistics has been reappointed Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral MA Emuekpere, formerly Director of Naval Intelligence is now Chief Staff Officer Western Naval Command. Rear Admiral NP Aliyu, formerly Chief Staff Officer Naval Training Command moves to DIA as Director of Logistics, while Rear Admiral SI Enoch, formerly Chief Staff Officer Central Naval Command, has been appointed Director of Search and Rescue at the Defence Headquarters.
Rear Admiral MM Kadiri, formerly Commandant Naval War College, is now the Navy Secretary, while Rear Admiral TC Udofia, formerly Chief Staff Officer Western Naval Command, resumes as Commandant Naval War College. Rear Admiral OH Ngalabak, formerly Fleet Commander Central Fleet, has been appointed Director of Operations Naval Headquarters while Rear Admiral FF Ogu, formerly Director Manning Naval Headquarters, resumes as Chief Staff Officer Central Naval Command. Rear Admiral AZ Gambo, formerly Director of Search and Rescue Defence Headquarters, resumes as Chief Staff Officer Naval Training Command.
In view of the importance of this information, you are please requested to disseminate for general public awareness.
ABUJA – ACTING President Yemi Osinbajo Thursday met behind closed-doors with the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido II departing after a closed-door meeting with Ag. President Yemi Osinbajo at the VP’s Wing, Presiidential Villa, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida
The Emir arrived Osinbajo’s office at exactly 2:40pm and the meeting lasted until 4:50 p.m when the emir came out from the Acting President's office with few of his palace aides that accompanied him.
The emir however declined to comment when State House Correspondents approached him to know his mission at the Villa as he proceeded to exchange pleasantries with some presidential aides and workers in the Vice Presidential wing of the State House.
No official communication from the Presidency to explain the visit at press time, it was gathered that the visit may not be unconnected with the ongoing consultations of prominent Nigerians on the recent quit notice given to Ndigbo in the 19 Northern States to vacate the region before 1st October this year.
Recall that Prof. Osinbajo began series of meetings with stakeholders with Leaders of thought from the Northern States of Nigeria on Tuesday, that of the Ohaneze Ndigbo and Igbo leaders on Wednesday and is expected to meet South East traditional rulers today.
He will also meet with northern traditional rulers next Monday as well as governors of the 36 states of the federation on a date to be arranged by the authorities and a finale with all stakeholders on Thursday 22nd June.
A Petroleum Industry Bill seeking to promote host communities participation and local content on Thursday passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill also seeks to create an environment conducive for business as well as protect health and safety of the environment.
Sponsor of the bill, Rep. Joseph Akinlaja (Ondo-PDP) and others, while debating the bill, said that when passed into law, it would address challenges facing the petroleum sector, especially as it related to host communities.
Akinlaja said that the bill would also provide framework relating to petroleum producing community's participation, cost and benefit sharing among the government, petroleum exploration companies and host communities.
In his contribution, Rep. Victor Nwokolo (Delta-PDP) said the essence of the bill in its entirety as obtained in other parts of the globe was to make host communities stakeholders in oil activities.
"Coming home here, look at the case of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), have you ever heard that NLNG is being shut down for a day?
"The basic reason is because they have taken care of the host community; this is what the bill wants to address.
"When you are talking about mineral resources today, it is not only petroleum we are talking about.
"By the Grace of God, the government is trying to give a drive towards other mineral resources, like coal that you find in Plateau, Kogi and other areas.
"So, when you talk about host communities, it is going to be applicable to all parts of the country.
"It will not be seen as a means of empowering only the Niger Delta region or oil-producing communities again," Nwokolo said.
Bill and Memorandum on Legal and Regulatory Framework, Institutions and Regulatory Authorities for the Nigerian Petroleum Industry to establish guidelines for operations of upstream and downstream sectors also passed second reading.
NAN reports that the bills were passed alongside the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).
The Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, however, constituted an ad hoc committee to conduct public hearing on the bills.
The committee is headed by the Chief Whip of the House, Rep. Alhassan Doguwa.
Dr. Ademola Adeleke, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Osun West Senatorial District bye-election, said he was a card-carrying member of All Progressive Congress (APC).
He told newsmen at PDP National Secretariat on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the party's flag for the July 8 election. He noted that he defected to the PDP due to "injustice'' in APC's screening process for primaries.
Adeleke, younger brother to late Sen. Isiaka Adeleke, described APC as party of liars, claiming that he won the party's "first and second screening of aspirants for the election'' but was denied.
Dr. Ademola Adeleke
"I was a PDP member before we had little problem which made my late brother and I to decamp to APC at the same time.
"Immediately we left PDP, they gave everybody a card; we registered, signed and showed it to the whole world.
"How can they come now and lie? They lied and they are shaking now.
"I was a member and I have left their party. That is not a party; a party that lied and not steadfast, thank God I am back home now to PDP,'' he said.
On his chances of winning the bye-election, Adeleke, who emerged PDP candidate in Wednesday's primaries, expressed optimism that he would win, saying that he was not new in Osun politics.
He said that most political parties, including the Accord and Labour, and people of the state, were in full support of his candidature.
National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, who presented the flag to Adeleke, assured him of the party's support towards winning the election.
Sheriff promised to be at the candidate's flag-off campaign at Ede, and urged him "to go and win the election''.
Everton made Jordan Pickford Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper on Thursday as they signed the Sunderland star in a deal worth up to £30 million ($38 million, 34 million euros).
Pickford
England Under-21 international Pickford will cost Everton an initial £25 million, surpassing the £10 million Southampton paid to sign his international colleague Fraser Forster from Celtic in 2014.
The 23-year-old is the third most expensive goalkeeper in the world behind Manchester City’s recent 40 million euros signing of Benfica goalkeeper Ederson and Gianluigi Buffon’s 53 million euros switch from Parma to Juventus in 2001.
“Last season was my first in the Premier League so to get this opportunity with Everton now, to be able to go forward with my career and show everyone what I can do with Everton is unbelievable,” Pickford told Everton’s website.
“It’s a great club, a massive club and I think it’s a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton.
“This is an exciting time for the club and for me, too, with the ambition being shown. I just want to be the best I can be to help.”
Pickford, who has signed a five-year contract with Everton, was manager Ronald Koeman’s top target to take over from Maarten Stekelenburg and Joel Robles, who both endured inconsistent spells at Goodison Park last season.
Pickford was one of the few bright spots as Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League last season and earned a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
He earned a call-up to England’s senior ranks in October and has represented the country at each of the six youth levels from Under-16 upwards.
Should the terms of each of the add-ons be met, Pickford would become Everton’s record signing, eclipsing the £28 million they paid Chelsea for Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku in 2014.
“I’m really pleased we’ve made what I’m sure will be a significant signing,” Koeman said.
“Jordan is a very talented young professional who also has a real hunger for success, and that’s important for us.
“We’ve seen the quality he has through his performances in the Premier League last season and, given his young age, we’re sure he will get even better.”
