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A mother of two has escaped from some suspected kidnappers, who had taken her captive in an uncompleted building in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. It was learnt that the woman, simply known as Odafe, had boarded a commercial motorcycle, which was operated by a suspected kidnapper, who whisked her to an unknown destination. The housewife, while narrating her ordeal to newsmen on Tuesday, said as the motorcyclist approached the uncompleted building, a young man forcibly mounted the motorcycle, saying she lost consciousness after. She stated that after she regained consciousness in a forest, she did not see any of the abductors. “I discovered that the boys were not around and I managed to find my way back as I fled to safer ground until I arrived at a police checkpoint where I narrated what had happened,” she said. The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said the culprits would be apprehended and prosecuted. Kalu explained

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday sent out 3,061megawatts (Mw) of electricity generated by the electricity generation companies to the 11 distribution companies (DisCos). The Nigerian Electricity System Operator (SO) made this known on its website yesterday . According to its operational report for August 30, the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the power sector on August 29, hit a peak generation of 3,556.5MW and lowest peak generation of 2,423.8MW. The TCN on the same day wheeled 2,927Mw to the DisCos . NESI said the power sector recorded highest system frequency of 51.58Hz, lowest system frequency of 49.12Hz, highest voltage recorded was 372KV, while lowest voltage recorded on the same day was 300KV. The TCN had on August 28 sent 2,766MB to the distribution companies. The lowest energy generation on the day under review was 2,520MW, while highest generation was 3,502MW. from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt

The price of cement yesterday rose to N2,300 in Lagos and other parts of the country. Before the hike, a bag of cement costs about N1, 600 marking over 35 per cent rise in the cost of the raw material used in the building and construction industry. Reacting to the development, 2nd Vice President Vice President, Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Kunle Awobodu said the increase may have been as a result of cost of production and the devaluation of the naira. He lamented that with the hike, the cost of construction will increase while the need for cost variation in all ongoing contracts and abandonment of projects may become inevitable, adding that it may also discourage people from embarking on new projects. He said: “Clients, contractors and quantity surveyors may have disagreements due to price variations. New price on old contracts in a competitive bidding may eventually lead to sub-standardisation in construction.” A cement distributor in Arepo, Ogun State said

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disowned the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary organised by the Ali Modu Sheriff’s faction. The primary was moved to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, following a court order, which restrained the Sheriff’s faction from conducting the primary. At the end of the primary, businessman Jimoh Ibrahim was declared as the faction’s governorship candidate for the November 26 election. The Igbotako-born politician’s nomination did not get the approval of the electoral body. INEC was absent at the primary, which, therefore, nullified the process. Confirming INEC’s absence, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the electoral body stands by the candidate produced by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP National Caretaker Committee. Oyekanmi, in a telephone interview with The Nation, said INEC was not represented at the Ibadan primary. He cited the confusion thrown up by dif

Detectives are probing Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi’s brother, Austine Umahi, and two others over DN400million slush funds linked to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2015 presidential campaign. The others are Chinyere Egwuche and Mabel Dikibo. Part of the cash has been traced to some companies in which the governor allegedly has interest. An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) top source, who spoke in confidence, said the suspects were interrogated on Monday and released. The source said: “The suspects, who are all employees of Brass Engineering & Construction Nigeria Limited and Osborn La-Palm Royal Resort, were arrested, following their refusal to collect and honour an invitation by the EFCC for questioning in an ongoing investigation involving the companies. Austin Umahi doubles as the chairman of both companies. Chinyere Egwuche and Marbel Dikibo are signatories to the companies’ accounts. An EFCC source said: “Investigations by the Commissio

A Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday declined to grant an order sought by Senator Buruji Kashamu to restrain the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Police from arresting him. Kashamu, a senator representing Ogun East, had through his lawyer, Godswill Mrakpor, filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit and accompanied it with a motion ex-parte for injunction. He had sought to restrain the respondents from taking steps to arrest him pending the determination of the substantive suit. Yesterday, Justice Okon Abang declined to grant an ex-parte injunction. Instead, the judge ordered that the respondents be served with the motion and for them to attend court on the next adjourned date to show cause why Kashamu’s prayers, as contained in the ex-parte application, should not be granted. The senator, in a supporting affidavit, stated that the security agencies are acting based on a “politically motivated petition” authored by one Oladikupo Adebutu from Ogun State. Ka

A barber, Mr Nurudeen Nofiu, whose wife, Sola was delivered of triplets in June has appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Nigerians to come to his family’s aid. According to Nofiu, the triplets, all males, were delivered at the Lagos Island Maternity in Lagos on June 1. But what is supposed to be a source of joy for the family is turning into a nightmare for Nofiu because of financial constraints. Nofiu, who already has a male child before the triplets is finding it difficult to cope with the upkeep of the children. Speaking with some journalists at Alausa on Monday, Nofiu said: “I work as a barber and my wife is a petty trader. It is extremely difficult for us to take proper care of the triplet and their mother financially with what we earn from our businesses. “We wrote a letter to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Alausa, Ikeja on June 22, soliciting for their assistance both morally and financially,” he said. Nofiu added that he got a cal

The Federal Government on Monday said about 25.3 million Nigerian children and youths are out of school across the country. To reduce this figure, the government said it plans to enrol about 2. 9 million pupils annually in four years to reduce the figure of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Nigeria currently has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world with 11. 4 million out – of – school children out of the 20 million worldwide. Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, said 60 per cent of the 11.4 million out-of-school children in Nigeria are girls. Adamu, who said this at the presentation of “Education for change: a Ministerial Strategic Plan (2016-2019) to stakeholders in Abuja, said only 3.1 million or 17 per cent nomadic children of school-age had access to basic education despite decades of intervention. He therefore said government would urgently raise the national Net Enrolment Rate (NER) to ensure that are enrolled in basic education schools i

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old herdsman, Ibrahim Adamumale, for alleged possession of an AK-47 rifle. The suspect, who claimed to be an indigene of Nasarawa State, was also found with 24 rounds of live ammunition. Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday. He said the suspect, who claimed to live at Hausa quarters in 9th-Mile area and had some cows at Affa-Udi bush, was arrested on Sunday. Amaraizu said: “The suspect was nabbed by the combine efforts of the police and the members of the public from Affa-Udi community acting on a tip-off. “The suspect before he was nabbed had expended about six shots on the air to evade being nabbed. “Before now, the police and members of the public have gathered information about the suspect’s antecedents in relation to bearing of sophisticated weapon within Affa-Udi axis in Udi council area and its environs.” The police spokesman said the suspect was

Osun State All Progressives Congress Chairman Prince Gboyega Famodun has urged residents to come out enmasse to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari, who will be visiting the state tomorrow. In a statement issued yesterday in Osogbo , the party chairman said the citizenry have a duty to support the President in his effort to clean up the country of corruption. He added that corruption is the cause of the economic collapse that has brought hardship to the majority of the citizenry. According to Famodun, Osun joined the rest of Nigerians to vote massively for change and the people’s hope that the President would effect change remain unshaken in spite of the difficult challenges that economic recession poses. “We in Osun are not in any doubt that a bright future lies ahead for the state under the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari and his team, who are working tirelessly to reverse the economic downturn that has hit Nigeria so badly, especially Osun State. “Since the APC came to p

Hajiya Aisha Wakil, who is believed to be close to the Boko Haram leadership, says the group is ready for talks with the Federal Government on the fate of the 219 missing Chibok girls. She said yesterday that she had been on the neck of the Boko Haram leaders, who according to her offered to honour her to dialogue with the government and release the girls and other captives. The group’s leadership might soon make a pronouncement on their plan for the girls, she said. Hajiya Aisha, who spoke with our correspondent on the phone, said she expected the Boko Haram leaders to come out and discuss with the government. She said: “Since I came back, I have been on their neck. They have now agreed to come out and discuss with the government and bring back the girls. “I am for the Chibok girls and all the captives. They are ready for peace. This is what they told me.” Although Hajiya Aisha was not forthcoming on the imminent release of the girls, whose abduction has sparked a glo

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook – the largest social media network – yesterday paid his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, his destination, has the largest mobile and internet market on the continent. The youthful American billionaire and Internet entrepreneur, who arrived in Lagos, is in the country to meet members of startup ecosystem – a large group of entrepreneurs and innovative young Nigerians. Zuckerberg announced the visit via his personal Facebook page, saying he was ready to interact with Nigerian innovators and learn about their business ideas. Zuckerberg wrote on his wall: “Next stop: Lagos! This is my first trip to sub-Saharan Africa. I’ll be meeting with developers and entrepreneurs, and learning about the startup ecosystem in Nigeria. The energy here is amazing and I’m excited to learn as much as I can.” Zuckerberg yesterday visited Co-creation Hub Nigeria (CcHUB), a multi- technological ecosystem based in Yaba, Lagos Mainland. He interacted

Children who escaped the terror of Boko Haram are now facing starvation in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps. The youngsters, some of them only infants, are being treated in a feeding centre run by Doctors Without Borders in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, according to a report by The Mail of London. Up to one in four of the youngsters in the 110-bed centre are dying, Doctors Without Borders spokeswoman Shaista Aziz was quoted by the newspaper in a report published yesterday. Most of the children were brought from the IDPs camps, she added. Parents living in the camps complain that there is not enough food, and when it does arrive, it is insubstantial. Dr Natalie Roberts, deputy emergency desk manager for the medical aid group, said the feeding programme in Maiduguri “has quadrupled in size in the last weeks, but each time it expands it becomes rapidly full’. In one camp, Muna Garage, 20 children under the age of five died in a single week. At Farm Centre

Looters who plan to hide their illicit wealth in Britain will face a hostile host, with the signing yesterday of a pact by the two countries. Britain will facilitate the return of stolen assets on the condition that: The Federal Government will ensure that stolen assets recovered from both within and outside the country will be put to judicious uses; and that such assets will not be re-looted. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN) signed for Nigeria. Minister of State for Immigration Robert Goodwill signed for Britain. The ceremony was held in Abuja. The memorandum of understanding is specifically on modalities for the return of stolen assets. Malami, who praised Britain for its willingness to cooperate with Nigeria in recovery and return of stolen assets, said the Federal Government will endeavour to prevent further looting of the nation’s wealth. The AGF, who frowned at alleged moves by some “individuals to use the proc

The Defence Headquarters on Tuesday said that the military was not targeting the militants in the ongoing operation ‘Crocodile Smile’ in the Niger Delta. The Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, said that the public should not misconstrue the ongoing operation for an offensive against the region. He said that the ongoing operation was designed to give amphibious training to elements of the Army in the area. However, he said that the troops would fight in self defense if attacked. He explained that the military was not attacking the militants because of the ongoing negotiation and to give peacea chance. He said, “We should not misconstrue our exercise in the Niger Delta. We are not doing the exercise against the militants. “We are training our personnel on water. You know we have amphibious elements in the area. We are just doing our exercise, when they were blowing pipes, was there any attack? “However, if there is any threat against the tr

Arsenal announced the signing of centre-back Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia for an undisclosed fee on Tuesday. The 24-year-old's transfer was confirmed after manager Arsene Wenger announced that the completion of paperwork was the final hurdle to clear following Saturday's 3-1 win over Watford. Wenger had been under pressure for a perceived lack of activity in the window but can now count on Mustafi to bolster a defence that has lost Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista to injury. "He is at the right age. He has good experience," the Frenchamn told the club's official website. "He is a very focused player who can play with the ball as well. "We have taken a great player but have prepared well for the future." It is a return to the Premier League for former Everton player Mustafi, who moved to Sampdoria before joining Valencia and making 64 La Liga appearances there. The World Cup winner has become the third major signing of the summ

Facebook’s Founder and one of the world’s billionaires, Mark Zuckerberg is currently in Nigeria! The tech entrepreneur is currently at  Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) in Yaba. The 32-year-old billionaire’s visit was unannounced. There’s been a lot of Facebook-related development in Nigeria so there’s a ton of reasons why Mark may be visiting. First, Free Basics launched in Nigeria and Mark showed his support for the Jobberman team. Then the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative invested $24 million in Andela . Also, Facebook’s developer workshop is happening tomorrow, and Facebook is partnering with Cool Link to launch Express Wifi in Lagos some time this week. from Gossip Mill Nigeria http://ift.tt/2bDeGzk via IFTTT

Pep Guardiola looks likely to resume rivalries with Jose Mourinho shorn of his top attacker after the Football Association (FA) charged Sergio Aguero with violent conduct for elbowing Winston Reid. Manchester City striker Aguero has been punished for catching Reid with his arm in Sunday's 3-1 win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium. Referee Andre Marriner did not include the incident in his match report, with retrospective action set to be taken against the Argentina star, who could now sit out September 10's derby against Manchester United as a result. A possible three-match ban would also rule Aguero out of subsequent fixtures with Bournemouth and Swansea City, in the EFL Cup. An FA statement read: "Sergio Aguero has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video. "The Manchester City forward was involved in an incident with West Ham United's Winston Reid in the 76th minute of the ga

Juan Cuadrado will complete a loan move from Chelsea to Juventus in the next 24 hours after the clubs agreed a deal on Tuesday. The Bianconeri have attempted to re-sign the Colombian winger, who won an Italian double with them on loan last season, all summer. Negotiations had appeared to bog down on multiple occassions but it appears there has been significant progress made, as Chelsea are now prepared to send him back to Turin on loan with obligation to buy. The Blues have been convinced to release Cuadrado after Juventus agreed to a £20 million compulsory purchase option which will be linked to the number of appearances he makes. Chelsea will also receive an immediate loan fee of £3m for the player who made a total of 40 appearances in all competition for the Italian champions last term. Cuadrado's agent, Alessandro Lucci, met with Stamford Bridge officials in London on Tuesday after a successful meeting with Juventus directors on August 18 to renew the loan. Anto

Tomas Rosicky has completed his return to Sparta Prague on a two-year deal, the Czech club confirmed on Tuesday. Rosicky started his professional career with Sparta before making a move to Borussia Dortmund in January 2001. After excelling in Germany, where he won the Bundesliga in the 2001-2002 season, Rosicky made the switch to Arsenal in 2006. He spent 10 years with Arsene Wenger's side, but was a free agent having been released at the end of the Premier League season and opted to return to Sparta. "I'm happy to be back," Rosicky, who has over 100 caps for the Czech Republic, told reporters. "[Owner Daniel] Kretinsky had my word that I would return if I'm healthy. "I'm not coming here just to play. I'm coming here to win. I'm starting to train with the team now, which is what I need right now. "The coach [Zdenek] Scasny gave me my first chance in the top division. It's unbelievable we meet here again." Kre

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebbook is currently in Nigeria. He arrived Nigeria this afternoon. His first stop is the Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) in Yaba, Lagos. He arrived Nigeria this afternoon in what is believed to be his first trip to the continent. His first stop is the Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) in Yaba, Lagos. Here are 6 possible things the Social Media giant will be doing in Nigeria... - Free Basics launched in Nigeria and Mark showed his support for the Jobberman team. - Then the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative invested $24 million in Andela. - Facebook’s developer workshop is happening tomorrow - Facebook is partnering with Cool Link to launch Express Wifi in Lagos some time this week. - Launch Express Wifi - Probably have a policy-centred conversations with the Nigerian government to further Facebook’s cause. from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2bzbF62 via IFTTT

The Iyase of Udo kingdom, Patrick Igbinidu, has placed curses on his subjects who do not vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming Edo state gubernatorial election. According to reports, the Monarch placed the curse when the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Godwin Obaseki, and his campaign team visited his palace. The Monarch said, ''The ancestors of the land await those who will vote against the governorship candidate of the APC, Mr Godwin Obaseki. You all have seen it, this is who the Udo people should support, who said he won’t vote for him, he should wait for the ancestors. The entire Udo kingdom should vote for him and anyone who gives his votes to another person is on his own. “You all should support him because he is the person who Oshiomhole, our benefactor, have chosen to succeed him.” from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2bXEQRl via IFTTT

A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused application by Sen. Buruji Kashamu, seeking an order to restrain the Department of State Services from extraditing him to the U.S to face charges. The Judge, Justice Okon Abang, refused the application on Tuesday after Counsel to Kashamu, Mr Godswill Mrakpo, argued the application in favour of his client. Abang ordered that the third respondent should be served outside jurisdiction of the court. The judge directed the applicant to filed and serve the motion on notice on the Director-General of DSS, Inspector-General of Police and Mr Oladikupo Adebutu. “It is my view that the court should give the respondents opportunity to show cause why restraining order should not be granted against them. “The court shall give them time to respond, I want to hear from the respondents,’’ he said. Abang also refused another prayer seeking to serve the respondents through a substituted means. He said the applicant did not placed any material before

Cameroon international Samuel Nlend has been sacked by Egyptian Premier League club, Al Ittihad after testing positive for AIDS. The 21-year-old was fired just four days after signing a three year contract. Despite announcing the signing, the 21-year-old’s blood test results came out positive for HIV, which in turn made the club terminate his contract. The player now finds himself in a messy situation following the club’s decision to go public with the news as this might affect all future moves in terms of getting a work permit. from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2cc45j8 via IFTTT

After 27 years of nuptial bliss, a man, Atoyebi Lawal, on Tuesday pleaded with an Agege Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his marriage, alleging that his wife beats him. “She destroyed three of my cars due to her constant violent behaviours and has beaten me on different occasions causing me grievous bodily harm,’’ he said, urging the court to dissolve the union. Lawal, a resident of Desalu Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos, alleged that his wife, Seyi, was destructive, troublesome and that she had been threatening his life. “Whenever I return home from work, my wife does not give me peace of mind; she accuses me of dating many women. “She gets angry easily for no just cause and become violent to the point of destroying things at home. “There was a day I got back home late from work, out of anger, my wife destroyed my official car and our television,” Atoyebi told the court. According to the petitioner, he has developed high blood pressure and falling sick which has affected his

Veteran Nollywood actress turned evangelist, Patience Ozokwor aka Mama G is currently in Kumasi, Ghana to win souls for Christ. The actress in an interview upon her arrival spoke about her hunger to win more souls for her father which cannot be deterred by the devil. Watch the video below      from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2bCLKaQ via IFTTT

New Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has arrived in Uyo ahead of this weekend's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Rohr's arrival was confirmed on the Super Eagles official Twitter handle on Tuesday afternoon. The German coach hit Uyo in the company of his assistants Everson Ferreira, Jean-Luc Royer, Nabil Trabelsi and Alloy Agu. He was expected to hit Uyo on Monday but the arrival was shifted to Tuesday due to cancelled flight in Lagos. "Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr has also arrived in Uyo alongside his assistants Everson Ferreira, Jean-Luc Royer, Nabil Trabelsi, Alloy Agu," the handle confirmed.  from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2byXuhl via IFTTT

Swift was called on to be a prospective juror for a trial, but was ultimately dismissed due to her own ongoing legal case that is similar in nature. The singing superstar took care of her civic obligation in Nashville this morning when she arrived at the criminal courthouse in downtown, and was instantly recognized by fellow citizens who probably woke up dreading jury duty this morning, and then became pleasantly surprised. According to local reports, Swift posed for photographs and videos with fans, and when prosecutors asked her profession during jury selection, T.Swift replied, " I am a songwriter." E! News learns that Swift was called on to be a prospective juror for a trial, but was ultimately dismissed due to her own ongoing legal case that is similar in nature. A courthouse witness tells E! News, "Taylor Swift was part of the panel of prospective jurors on a case with charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated rape and aggravated domestic assault.

Wayne Rooney has revealed he is set to retire from international football after the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Rooney has retained the England captaincy under new manager Sam Allardyce and will lead the team against Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday. But the Manchester United forward has confirmed the next World Cup will be his international farewell, insisting his "mind is made up" that it is the right time to quit. "Obviously i've been selected and I made my mind up before the Euros whether we did well or not that I'd continue so over the last few weeks I've had nothing to think about in terms of England," Rooney told a news conference on Tuesday. "I've had a fantastic international career so far and played a lot of games and enjoyed every minute but at some point it's going to come to an end. "I'm not old, I'm 30, and come Russia that'll be the time for me to say goodbye to international footbal

There was confusion in Lagos yesterday after a man  jumped into the river on the Mile Two Bridge in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area. The unidentified man, according to eyewitnesses, stood on the bridge for some minutes, loudly expressed bitterness over his sufferings and how things had gone bad for him and his helplessness. He was said to have mentioned Buhari repeatedly, muttered some other words before he finally took the terrible decision, Daily Sun reports. However, the timely intervention of a passing speedboat prevented the victim, who is in his 40s, from drowning. Passengers on the speedboat dived into the river, dragged the man who was gasping for breath to the riverbank, and continued their journey. A witness, Mr. Andy Odiaka, said the victim, who wore native clothes, was left on the floor for a while, unconscious. Odiaka told Daily Sun that he called the state emergency number – 112, which facilitated the arrival of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBU

Crystal Palace have signed Chelsea striker Loic Remy on loan for the season. The France international, 29, has only made nine Premier League starts in his two seasons at Stamford Bridge following a £10.5m move from QPR. Remy played with Palace boss Alan Pardew on loan at Newcastle in 2013-14, scoring 14 goals. "It was very important to know Alan Pardew as he is a very good manager and I am happy to be here," said Remy. Pardew said: "Loic has been a target of mine throughout this transfer window and I'm delighted the deal has been done. "I brought him to Newcastle so I know what he is capable of and I am convinced he will be a quality addition to our squad as we evolve. "Loic has international and Champions League experience as well as being a Premier League title winner and is the latest example of the high calibre of players we have brought into the club during this transfer window." from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian New

The Bring Back Our Girls, BBOG, group, on Tuesday marched to the Aso Villa, lending a voice to the continuous clamor for the release of the abducted Chibok girls. It was gathered that the group led by Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and leader of the BBOG, were denied access ‘as usual’ by a battalion of policemen at the entrance. Security operatives barricaded the entrance, stopping the group from gaining access into Aso Rock. They consequently resorted to sitting on the floor under the scorching sun with their lips sealed. from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2bOCEs4 via IFTTT

England manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that Austin Okocha is the best captain he has ever worked with. Okocha, 43, was named skipper of Bolton Wanderers following Guðni Bergsson’s retirement and as leader, he led the Trotters to the 2004 League Cup final where they bowed to Middlesbrough. And Allardyce - who manager of the team then reveals Okocha was proficient in the role and also a brilliant player. “Jay Jay Okocha. On and off the field he was the captain you looked for,” the Three Lions boss told Mirror.co.uk. "In a multi-national side from all over the world he could speak four different languages, communicate very well with some of the players who couldn't speak quite as good English. “He sorted the odd scuffle out in the dressing room, talked to the players about how we had to go out and win. He'd take the manager's instructions and apply them in the right way. “Then there was outstanding ability on the field, leading by example and showing e

The National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA has predicted that the eclipse of the sun would be experienced across the country on Thursday, September 1, 2016. Head of Media and Corporate communications of the Agency, Mr. Felix Ale, made the announcement last week as he stated that the agency would provide special solar filters to the public to watch the expected natural occurrence. In his announcement, he revealed that NASRDA has put in place a viewing centre at its headquarters in Abuja with proper eclipse viewing apparatus for school children so they could experience the annular eclipse as part of its continuous programmes to enlighten Nigerians and students on matters concerning astronomical environment. Here are seven things you need to know about this years' Eclipse of the sun. - A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. A total solar eclipse occ

The Parish Priest of Church of Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ochigbo, charged with the rape of a 10-year-old parishioner has been discharged. A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, which discharged him on Tuesday also struck out the First Information Report for lack of jurisdiction. The Upper Area Court judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, held that Ochigbo was arraigned under Section 282 of the Penal Code and not under the Child Rights Act. Kagarko said that the court had jurisdiction to try the defendant under the Penal Code and not under the Act as submitted by the prosecutor, James Idachaba. He, however, added that the court had to also allow the rule of law to take its course as matters of jurisdiction was paramount in cases. “I, therefore, terminated the FIR and discharged the defendant,’’ he said. Idachaba had applied to withdraw the FIR, contending that it was not properly filed. He said that only the High Courts had jurisdiction to try cases bordering on the Child

Arsenal have completed the signing of Lucas Pérez from Deportivo La Coruña after activating his €20million (£17.1million) buyout clause. The 27-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the club. Arsene Wenger passed up the chance to sign Lucas earlier this summer, preferring to focus on other targets, but has returned to the Spaniard after other deals failed to materialise. Lucas, who grew up a Deportivo fan, scored 17 goals in La Liga last season and can play either as a central striker or coming in from the left wing. A delighted Arsène Wenger said: “He’s not only a goalscorer, he’s a guy who combines well with partners, who can give a final ball and makes good runs. "He’s got a good eye for goal and had an outstanding season last year.” While Lucas may need time to adapt to the Premier League, the former PAOK forward does speak English and the Gunners already have a considerable Spanish-speaking contingent in the squad. from Nigeria News Today. Your online N

Obiageli Ezekwesili, leader of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, says the recent comment credited to President Muhammadu Buhari’s on his administration’s readiness to negotiate with Boko Haram, is not sufficient. In a recent video clip, the insurgents had  demanded that their members held in detention by the federal government should be swapped for the abducted girls. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Ezekwesili explained that the president needed to take the matter “hands-on” to determine the steps on the closure of the matter, rather pinning the responsibility of securing the girls’ freedom on Boko Haram. “What we have heard has been a lot of tentativeness, at the recent development where our president said that he is ready to do a prisoner swap and that Boko Haram can nominate an international NGO to intermediate that,” Ezekwesili said. “As far as we are concerned, that’s not sufficient. What our president needs to do is to take this matter hands-on and to determine a lo

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, has parted company with Nigeria Professional Football League club Ikorodu United. Shorunmu, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, said on Monday night that he has mutually stepped down from his position at the struggling NPFL side as their assistant coach in charge of goalkeepers training. “When I joined the club, I had a clause in my contract which allows me to leave if the club failed to retain their Premier League status,” the former Besiktas of Turkey shot-stopper said. “But on Tuesday, I called the chairman and told him it doesn’t make sense spending money on me any longer. “I told him the direction of things doesn’t paint a picture of possible survival for the team and as such it’s better for me to take a walk so he won’t continue to spend his money on me. “He said no!, Ike no, don’t go. Since you came things have taken a lift significantly but I said I had to leave”, Shorunmu who had previously held similar goalkee

Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, have increased by $595m to hit a one-month high of $26.196bn, in the last 5 days. Five days ago, the reserves stood at $25.6bn, down from $26.21bn on July 28. Reacting, Head of Research and Investment Advisory at SCM Capital Limited, Mr. Sewa Wusu, said several factors could cause the increase. “The increase in international crude oil prices penultimate week on the heels of production freeze expectations from OPEC may have raised the external reserves position. Although we are currently witnessing production cut due to the militants’ vandalism, the lag effect of this crude price increases may have raised the reserves.” He said another major factor that could have brought about the increase in external reserves was foreign investment. from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2coGqgL via IFTTT

We're told Ray is livid that Kanye rhapsodized about the sex tape during the VMAs ... even giving him a shout-out. You'll recall after Ray J dropped "I Hit it First," Kanye called him "Brandy's little sister" and threw in "lame" for bad measure. Ray J can't do anything about his cameo in the "Famous" video, but he's not happy about it ... and it has nothing to do with shame over the sex tape. He just feels Kanye is two-faced for turning his nose up at the tape but then embracing it to make a buck. We're told Ray is also pissed that Kim trashed him after he released "I Hit it First," but then grinned ear to ear at the VMAs when Kanye referred to the sexual tryst that made her untold millions of bucks. from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2bODGnF via IFTTT

Ooni of Ife was recently spotted leading christian praise and worship in his palace. Despite recent backlash after he called his 'Jesus' his father, a video of the Ooni of Ife leading a praise session at his palace has been released. See video below: from Nigeria News Today. Your online Nigerian Newspaper http://ift.tt/2coFeKh via IFTTT

Angry Youths said to be idol worshipers, yesterday attacked a Priest, Rev. Father Fidelis Ifeanyichukwu Ugozo of the St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Ugbenu, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. According to witnesses, they beat the priest to a state of coma before stabbing him in the face and other parts of his body. Residents accounts noted the priest and some of his followers were carrying out the ‘Blessed Sacrament’ procession around some of the villages when they were stopped by one of the youth leader in Obubo village in Ugbenu town. Ikegbunam felt the clergy man and his followers were out to burn down their deity. “Mr. Ikegbunem insisted that they will not enter his village named Obubo and when they overpowered him, he started making contacts, calling some youths from the village to attack the priest and others who were mainly women and children.” The Catholic priest who sustained injuries was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Ebenebe and later trans

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has blamed Governor Nyesom Wike and the State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the gruesome murder, on Monday in Port Harcourt, of activist lawyer Ken Atsuete, a strong opposition voice in the state. “Governor Wike and his PDP gang of vampires in Rivers State have once again exhibited the only act of governance known to them by plotting the assassination of Barrister Ken Atsuete, a well known fiery critic of Wike’s administration and defender of Rivers State APC,” the party lamented Tuesday morning in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya. Rivers APC in a statement said: “Barr. Asuete, a renowned human rights activist who was one of the speakers at the just concluded conference of the Nigerian Bar Association held in Port Harcourt, must have been assassinated principally for his stoic stand against the evil administration of Wike in Rivers State. The other reason why Barr. Atsuete

Shola Abdulazeez Agboola, a Canada-based Nigerian man, has been invited to help restructure and revitalise the country’s Conservative party ahead of the 2019 federal elections. Like Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Conservative party was Canada’s largest political party until October 2015, when it lost majority of its House of Common seats to the Liberal party. In an attempt to rebuild, the party reached out to Agboola, a politician and member on the board of the CP, to help increase the party’s support base. PLEDGE OF SUPPORT To this effect, a letter was sent to Agboola by Scott Lamb, the newly elected president of CP, who hopes to include the Nigerian immigrant in the restructuring efforts of the CP. Lamb noted in the letter that Agboola would be valuable in the party’s bid to return to power in four years. He also extolled Agboola’s deep sense of dedication, commitment and many contributions to the party. Lamb said: “This summer, I plan to travel across