FG declares Wednesday May 1st Public holiday

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1st as public holiday to celebrate the 2019 Workers’ Day.

In a statement released today April 29th, the Minister of Interior, Lt.- Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Dambazau, commended workers’ effort at ensuring the full implementation of the policies and programmes of government through efficient and effective service delivery to Nigerians and foreigners.

Dambazau called for the continuous support of Nigerian workers in government’s effort at re-positioning the economy and moving it to the Next Level. He also commended them for keeping faith with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s resolve of building a better Nigeria.

The Minister in the statement, wished all Nigerian workers a successful May Day Celebration.

How Osinbajo, Borno Government are creating Education opportunities for insurgency orphans

*President commissions new primary school named after VP in Maiduguri 

* State Govt honours Osinbajo months after he builds free ultra modern boarding school in the State

 

Not many know why the Borno State Government led by Governor Kashim Shettima named a public primary school after Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in the last week. Some think it’s simply because he is the Vice President of Nigeria but there is more to this than we think, it’s the special bond he shares with the state and its people.

 

Given that Prof. Osinbajo likes to carry himself in a private and quiet way, not wanting accolades or recognitions as a public office holder and as a nationalist, some of these things go unnoticed locally and internationally but he has written his name in the sands of time through never mentioned charitable acts.

 

For starters, some observers say the naming of the School by the State Government after the Vice President is a reflection of Prof Osinbajo's passion for the North East especially Borno, where he has also privately raised funds and built a big ultra modern boarding School to address the growing number of children who became orphans as a result of the insurgency in that part of the country.

 

 

 

 

While the boarding school the VP raised funds to build has possibly thousands of children in both primary and secondary school classes, the new school built by the government and opened by the President on Thursday is only for primary students. However both the private school built by Osinbajo and the public one by the government are free.

 

As acting President in 2017, Prof. Osinbajo in defiance of security fears and expertise advise visited Borno state a day after a Boko Haram attack. Many Nigerians at the time said it was not safe to do this but he showed that service and commitment to Borno and Nigeria goes beyond mouthing it.

 

He paid a one-day working visit to Maiduguri, Borno state capital. During that visit, he flagged-off the distribution of 30,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), in the north-east. Coincidentally, this was a time when food shortages at the IDP camps were at its crescendo. He fast tracked funds to be released immediately for food and other items needed at the time, he acted following a SOS call by the World Food Programme, UNHCR, International Committee of the Red Cross and other local agancies.

 

His action saved millions of people and the people did not forget that in a hurry. They saw his hands-on approach of the VP as not only timely and life-saving but as one of a true leader. Only God knows, if one of those saved by this intervention will be the President of Nigeria someday.

 

But that was not the only time he had visited Borno or the IDP camps. In 2015, when he paid a similar hands-on meeting to the North East state, many people including the media labeled it a “Surprise Visit To Displaced Persons Camp” and that was rightly so because the Vice President was not doing it for showmanship.

 

 

 

 

In 2018, he paid yet another visit to the state to the flagship center of the special schools for children orphaned by the Boko Haram Insurgency in Maiduguri. He raised funds for this school to be built for both primary and secondary school students, and were they elated when they saw him? Yes, they were in heavens, the also showed their gratitude that they could study in a world class school for FREE, it’s the goal of the government and the goal of the man.

 

The plan of the Vice President is to establish at least 10 Integrated Learning Centres (ILC) that would provide comprehensive support to orphans in the North East of Nigeria. The Learning Centers are no ordinary buildings – they are homes of hope; to heal, to educate, to empower, and to refine the next generation of leaders from the region, and for the region.

 

The flagship Learning Centre provides 1000 students with primary and secondary School education and there is a vocational training centre too. In addition, it provides accommodation, health care services, recreational activities, life skills, exposure to innovative technology, opportunity to practice agriculture and other easy-to-learn livelihood skills for the older children.

 

The Vice President has a special place in the hearts of people from Borno State. They see him as one of theirs, they say he understands them and has been there for them when they needed him but because he is not one to blow his trumpet some of his acts go unnoticed.

 

He is doing this specifically in states affected by the Boko Haram attacks, the North East specifically where students have been forced out of school because of terrorism.

 

By Seun Bisuga

'Boyz n the Hood' director John Singleton dies at 51 after being taken off life support

American movie director, John Singleton has died at the age of 51.

Singleton suffered a major stroke after experiencing weakness in his legs, and was admitted to the hospital on April 17.  On Monday, his family decided to take him off life support and he died a few hours later at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

His family issued a statement, saying: “We are sad to relay that John Singleton has died. John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends. We want to thank the amazing doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital for their expert care and kindness and we again want thank all of John’s fans, friends and colleagues for all of the love and support they showed him during this difficult time.” — The Singleton Family.

In 1991, Singleton became the first black filmmaker as well as the youngest at just 23 years old to be nominated for an Oscar for "Boyz n the Hood." His other films include "Poetic Justice," starring Janet Jackson, and his recent projects include the TV series "Snowfall."

In addition to being the first black director to land an Academy Award nomination, he was also the youngest person to nab a directing mention, at the age of 24.

Singleton is survived by five children.

Governor Dickson declines assent to bill seeking life pension for Bayelsa House of Assembly members

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has declined assent to the bill seeking a lifetime pension police for members of the state House of Assembly.

The lawmakers passed the bill into law on Wednesday April 24th after the Leader of the House, Peter Akpe, representing Sagbama Constituency 1, moved the motion for the debate.  The bill proposes a monthly pension of N100,000 for members while the speaker and deputy speaker would be entitled to N500,000 and N200,000, respectively throughout their life after serving in the Assembly. 

In a statement released today April 29th, the State Commissioner for Information, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the governor conveyed the decision to decline assent to the bill in a letter to the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Monday. According to Governor Seriake, the bill was inconsistent with Section 124 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. The governor argued that members of the State Assembly lacked the powers to expand the categories of public servants who should be entitled to a pension.

He said that he had to withhold assent to the bill because the State which was bedeviled with a lot of challenges in spite of its low Internally generated revenue base and unstable earnings from the oil economy was the only state out of Nigeria’s 36 states to come up with such a bill.

According to him, he was guided in the decision by the principle that government should not be for a select class of the privileged in the society, and would not discard it over seven years into his administration.

He said that notwithstanding his decision to decline assent to the bill, he still holds the Assembly in very high esteem.

Parents vote to drop Michael Jackson's name from elementary school's hall

Parents at a Los Angeles elementary school have voted on whether to drop Michael Jackson’s name from the auditorium after damaging pedophilia allegations made against the late pop singer in a documentary.  

Gardner Street school’s Michael Jackson Auditorium has become a thorny issue ever since the airing of “Leaving Neverland”, an HBO documentary which alleges the singer molested two boys when they were seven and 10 years old.  

Late Micheal Jackson attended the school in 1969, but left after his family band, The Jackson 5, scored their first big hit, “I want you back”.

Officials at Gardner Street school did not reveal when the results of this week’s vote would be released.  

“Following remarks by some parents and team members about the current name of our auditorium we gave the opportunity to parents and employees to decide on the issue,” said principal Karen Hollis.  

The auditorium at the school, in the heart of Hollywood, was named for Jackson in 1989 before first allegations of abuse were laid on the singer, who died in 2009 of a drug overdose.

Sri Lanka cancels Sunday Masses until further notice following Easter Sunday bombings

The Archbishop of Colombo in Sri Lanka has announced that Sunday Masses have been cancelled until further notice following the Easter bombings in the country.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith made the announcement during a news conference in the Sri Lankan capital on Friday over concerns about possible further attacks. 

He also appealed for financial support to rebuild the lives of the victims of the terror attack and to reconstruct the churches targeted. St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Negombo, north of Colombo, was one of the churches targeted.

Over 250 people were killed in suicide bombings carried out by The Islamic State on Easter Sunday.

Police have so far arrested 75 people with officials still searching for more suspects.

Edo State NBA instructs members never to offer their services to kidnap and robbery suspects

The Edo State branch of the Nigeria Bar Association(NBA) on Thursday forbade its members from handling cases of kidnapping.  

This development was announced on Thursday in a communique signed by Collins Ogiegbaen and Pius Oiwoh, the Chairman and Secretary of the association, in Benin. The resolution of the association was necessiated by the incessant cases of kidnap and attempted kidnap of its members.

See the communique below...

“The branch hereby orders the immediate withdrawal of services of all lawyers registered with it from defending persons charged with the grievous and felonious offences of kidnapping and armed robbery. In this regard and for purposes of emphasis, the branch resolves that all lawyers registered with it are forthwith prohibited from appearing for kidnap suspects, either at the police station or in any court within the state.  

“That this order for the withdrawal of services to persons charged with the aforementioned offences shall be with immediate effect until otherwise reviewed by a subsequent meeting of the branch. Consequently, any member of the Bar found flouting the resolution/directive shall be heavily sanctioned accordingly."  

“That the Bar resolves to write to the judges of the criminal division of the high court of the state to dispense speedily with cases of kidnapping and armed robbery pending before them. They are also to formally report to the branch counsel who appears indolent or shows lack of capacity or diligence in prosecuting these cases, including members of the Bar who are fond of filing frivolous applications before the court to delay the speedy hearing and determination of these cases, for sanctions.  

“The Bar resolves to inflict maximum sanctions and punishment on state counsel who are found to have compromised their briefs or showed lack of capacity or appeared indolent in theprosecution of persons charged with the heinous crimes of kidnapping and armed robbery. And on defence counsel who have formed the habit of aiding criminals through unconventional methods and unlawful means to escape the long arm of justice."

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk beats Manchester City's Raheem Sterling to be crowned PFA Players’ Player of the Year

Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk has beaten Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling to become the PFA Players’ Player of the Year for 2019.

The official announcement is due on Thursday but the Liverpool centre-half has won the backing of his fellow professionals for his outstanding contribution in the best defence in the Premier League this season, according to Daily Mail.

Victory for the Dutch defender means the prize remains with Liverpool, following Mohamed Salah’s triumph last season. 

The 2019 PFA Awards will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday, April 28. 

The Holland international joined Liverpool in January 2018 in a £75million transfer from Southampton has made 44 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far this season. 

'The corruption taking place in higher institutions of learning is so alarming' - EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has reiterated his resolve and that of the Commission to make the fight against economic and financial crimes more severe in Nigerian higher institutions of learning.

Hamza Ridwan, second-in-command, Maiduguri Zonal Office spoke on behalf of Magu when a delegation of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone C, comprising North-east and North-central zones came on a courtesy visit in Maiduguri Zonal office.

According to Magu: “The fight against corruption in the higher institutions of learning across the North-east, North-central and the country at large is not a new one to the Commission. But the Commission cannot do it alone; we need the collaboration of stakeholders like the students union representatives.

“The corruption taking place in higher institutions of learning is so alarming and we need you to notify us with facts and your identity will not be disclosed. When you hear complaints from academic and non-academic staff in your various institutions, you should be courageous to come and report to the Commission."

As leaders of tomorrow, Magu urged Nigerian students to shun corruption. “Make sure you shun corruption at this stage, because you are representing students who are the leaders of tomorrow and the general public as well."

Parents of missing boy, 5, who pleaded for his safe return are charged with murder

The parents of a missing boy have been charged with murder after his body was found in a shallow grave wrapped in plastic.

JoAnn Cunningham, 36, and Andrew Freund Sr, 60, claimed their son, Andrew 'AJ' Freund, went missing after they put him to bed in Illinois last week. They pleaded for his return as Cunningham appeared on Good Morning America over the weekend.

But as the police and the FBI carried out a six-day search, Cunningham refused to cooperate with police investigation in locating her son. Hence, the authorities did not believe that AJ ran away or was kidnapped.

After being interviewed, the pair later gave information that led the detectives to a shallow grave in Woodstock, about 20 minutes from their home in Crystal Lake.

Cunningham and Freund are now in custody and both face five counts of first-degree murder, according to CNN.

Cunningham was also charged with four counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated domestic battery, and one count of failure to report a missing child death.

Freund Sr was charged with two counts of aggravated battery, one count of aggravated domestic battery, two counts of concealment of a homicidal death and one count of failure to report a missing child or child death.

AJ's cause of death has not been confirmed yet pending an autopsy by the McHenry County coroner.

Apostle Suleman ''acquires'' a private jet barely one year after he preached against it

General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has  reportedly acquired a private jet.

Omega Fire Ministry Facebook page published pictures and a video of Suleman inside his newly purchased jet saying, “join us as we congratulate our father, the restoration apostle, God’s general, God’s own oracle, a dispensation of our time, the lion of Africa, Apostle Prof. Johnson Suleman on his brand new private jet for the propagation of the gospel of Christ to nations of the world with his undiluted word of power, signs, wonders, deliverance, healing and restoration and the prophetic. (Mark 16:14 – 18; Luke 4:17 – 23).

Suleman now joins the club of Nigerian pastors who own private jets which include the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, Ayo Oritsejafor; presiding Bishop of the Faith Tabernacle (Winners’ Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo; and a host of others.

However, back in January 2018, Suleman had urged the rich to focus on helping the poor rather than buying expensive cars and private jets. He had preached that wealth was measured by the number of lives one has touched and not by one’s material possessions.  

“A man who pays the school fees consistently for seven people is richer than the man who has a private jet. Wealth is not the cars you buy; it is not the private jets you buy. Your wealth is the life you have affected. You are not termed successful because you have money. Your success in life is a function of how many people who have become successful through your success.  

“Success without affecting others is a failure in disguise. How many of you are rich? You are a rich person. You are not rich because you have Jesus. You are not rich because you have Christ. You are not rich because Christ didn’t promise you riches, by receiving him, you become rich; he didn’t promise you that. You are rich because somebody is living because of you. You are rich by how many lives you have affected.”

Social Media Influencer faces up to 20-Years in Prison after trying to steal domain name at Gunpoint

26-year-old Rossi Lorathio Adams II, the founder of media company, State Snaps.  is facing up to two decades in prison for hiring an intruder to break into a house to force the transfer of an internet domain at gunpoint.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Iowa, Adams, who once had “over a million followers on his social media sites, which mostly contained images and videos of young adults engaged in crude behavior, drunkenness and nudity,” had used the slogan “Do it for state” when posting videos and images. Adams tried to purchase the domain name doitforstate.com from a Cedar Rapids resident who wasn’t interested in parting with the site name.

“Between 2015 and 2017, Adams repeatedly tried to obtain ‘doitforstate.com,’ but the owner of the domain would not sell it,” court documents stated. “Adams also threatened one of the domain owner’s friends with gun emojis after the friend used the domain to promote concerts.”

In June of 2017, Adams enlisted the help of his cousin, Sherman Hopkins Jr. to force the transfer. Hopkins drove to the house, grabbed the victim by the arm, and showed him a demand letter containing instructions on transferring the domain, placing a gun against the victim’s head.

“Fearing for his life, the victim quickly turned to move the gun away from his head. The victim then managed to gain control of the gun,” court records show. The victim then shot Hopkins multiple times before calling authorities.

Hopkins was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year.

Adams who has since been arrested is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years, $250,000 fine and three years of probation.

Two women who were part of a pyramid scheme that involved sex trafficking and racketeering plead guilty to the charges in New York

Two women who were part of an alleged pyramid scheme that involved sex trafficking and racketeering each pleaded guilty to related charges in a New York federal court.  

Clare Bronfman, an heiress to the Seagram's liquor fortune, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conceal and harbor people who were not in the United States legally for financial gain and fraudulent use of identification while Kathy Russell pleaded guilty to one charge of visa fraud.

Bronfman and Russell were indicted in March on racketeering and racketeering conspiracy charges as part of the cult-like organization known as Nxivm, founded by Keith Raniere, who also was indicted and is now in federal custody.

He faces sex trafficking and forced labor charges. Bronfman was a member of the Nxivm executive board, according to a US Justice Department news release, and faces between 21 and 27 months in prison. Russell is Nxivm's former bookkeeper and faces between six and 12 months in prison.

Bronfman, who will be sentenced July 25, tearfully read a statement in court during her plea hearing.

Comedian with zero political experience who accidentally became president in a satirical drama has now won Ukraine's presidential election

Ukrainian comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky has won the country's presidential election.

The 41-year-old with zero political experience who starred in a 2015 political satirical drama 'Servant Of the People' in which his character accidentally became president of Ukraine defeated incumbent President Petro Poroshenko with more than 73 percent of the vote against about 25, according to official preliminary results.

Poroshenko admitted defeat on Sunday at a press conference and promised to assist the new president prepare for the role and his inauguration.

"Next month, I will leave the office of the head of state. This is the decision of the majority of Ukrainian people. I accept this decision. I am leaving the office, but I want to highlight that I am not leaving politics. I will fight for Ukraine," he said.

"My team and I are ready to support the president in everything that gets us close to the European Union and NATO. And between the official announcement of election results and his inauguration, I am ready to spend any length of time without any restrictions on helping the new president get up to speed," said Poroshenko.

On his part, incoming president Zelensky promised his supporters never to let them down.

"I will never let you down," Mr. Zelensky told celebrating supporters.

The star of the Servant of the People television sitcom also told reporters he would "reboot" peace talks with the separatists fighting Ukrainian forces and volunteers in the east.

"I think that we will have personnel changes. In any case, we will continue in the direction of the Minsk [peace] talks and head towards concluding a ceasefire," he said.

Dani Alves becomes the most successful footballer in history after winning his 42nd trophy with Paris Saint-Germain

Brazilian defender, Dani Alves is now most successful footballer in history after winning his 42nd trophy with French giants, Paris Saint-Germain. 

The attacking right-back wrote his name in football's history books on Sunday as Paris Saint-Germain retained their Ligue 1 title after thrashing Monaco 3 - 1.

At 36, Alves now has 42 trophies following hugely successful spells at European giants Barcelona, Juventusand now PSG.

He has now overtaken Egyptian icon Hossam Hassan in the title charts, after winning 41 trophies thanks to dominating his country's league with Ahly SC and Zamalek.

SEE DANI ALVES' 42 TROPHIES TO DATE

Bahia (2001-02):

Campeonato Baiano - 2001

Copa do Nordeste - 2001, 2002

Sevilla (2002-08): 

Copa del Rey — 2006-07

Supercopa de Espana — 2007

UEFA Cup — 2005-06, 2006-07

UEFA Super Cup — 2006

Barcelona (2008-16):

La Liga — 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16

Copa del Rey — 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16

Supercopa de Espana — 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013

Champions League — 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15

UEFA Super Cup — 2009, 2011, 2015

FIFA Club World Cup — 2009, 2011, 2015

Juventus (2016-17):

Serie A — 2016-17

Coppa Italia — 2016-17

PSG (2017-present):

Trophee des Champions — 2017

Coupe de la Lige — 2017-18

Coupe de France — 2017-18

Ligue 1 — 2017-18, 2018-19

Brazil (2006-present):

Copa America — 2007

Confederations Cup — 2009, 2013 

FIFA World Youth Championship - 2003 

'Why Africa is better than America' - Rapper, Akon explains

African rapper, Akon has just shared an inteteresting perspective on why Africa is better than America.

According to the rapper, 'the images they show about Africa are so negative. It’s conditioning what we believe. Africa has a rich story too. More people died in Chicago, more school shootings in America. Akon: Why Africais Better than America'.

Watch the video below....

Our leaders are intellectually bankrupt - Bishop David Oyedepo

Davido Oyedepo, founder and presiding Bishop of the megachurch Faith Tabernacle and Living Faith Church Worldwide has called out African leaders over their lack of character, capacity and courage to move the continent forward.

While speaking during Covenant University’s 20th inaugural lecture, on Thursday, he noted that unlike their western counterparts, African leaders do not build institutions that would outlive them. He was reacting to a lecture delivered by Jonathan Aremu, a professor of International Economics Relations at CU, themed: ‘Sequencing and negotiating Nigeria’s regional and international trade agreements.’

Aremu had bemoaned Nigeria’s indifference and lack of will power in drafting effective trade policies and negotiations with bodies such as ECOWAS, AfCFTA, EFA and AGOA. The cleric, however, blamed the situation on Nigerian government’s lack of foresight and its inability to identify opportunities that would benefit the people.

According to him: “It is unfortunate that many of our leaders are intellectually bankrupt. When confronted with some of these beautiful initiatives, it is very shameful that they often don’t know the meaning. And if they don’t know the meaning, how will they go about implementation? I have often said it that our leaders lack three Cs-capacity, courage and character.

Where is the capacity when you are bereft of intellect required of a leader? Where is the courage when you don’t have the political will to follow through with policies that will improve governance? And where is the character when all they are thinking is how to win election as many times as possible while ignoring developmental initiatives?”

Cristiano Ronaldo wins his first Serie A title with Juventus, as the Italian club is crowned champions for eighth consecutive time

Superstar footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo has won his first Serie A title since joining Juventus.

The Italian club thrashed their opponent Fiorentina 2-1 to secure an eighth consecutive Serie A title on Saturday night. 

Massimiliano Allegri’s side fell behind to Nikola Milenkovic’s early opener but equalised shortly before half-time through Alex Sandro. The home side sealed victory after the break when Fiorentina’s German Pezzellaflicked Ronaldo’s cross into the back of his own net.

The Juventus’ league title means Ronaldo, who signed from Real Madrid last summer, has become the first player to win domestic titles in England, Spain and Italy.

Speaking after the title-sealing victory, Ronaldo said: ‘I’m really happy that I have won the Italian title in my first season. ‘Of course, it did not go well in the Champions League, but there is always next year.’ 

On his Instagram page, the Portugal forward added: ‘Champions of Italy!

‘Proud to contribute to this exceptional club, which strongly supported me and for who I am honored to play for. 

‘I’m happy. We dominated a difficult championship, we fought, all together. 

‘We are a strong and extraordinary group! And this is only the beginning!’

Prime minister of Mali and entire cabinet resign following series of violence in the country

Amidst tribal violence and protests in Mali, Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga alongside his entire cabinet have resigned.

The public was enraged by a massacre of some 160 Fulani herders by members of a rival community.

Four weeks after a brutal attack on a village in central Mali, the government led by Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga offered their resignations to the country's president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.  

"The President accepts the resignation of the prime minister and that of the members of government," the president's office said in a statement on Thursday.  

Maiga's successor "will be named very soon" following consultations between "all political forces," it added. Keita's office did not specify reasons for the Cabinet's resignation. However, the move comes a day after lawmakers discussed a possible motion of no confidence in the government, with Maiga's opponents criticizing the government for failing to disarm Islamist militias and to stem the violence in the Saharan nation.

Those responsible for the deplorable state of Lagos-Badagry expressway should be ashamed - Foreign journalist, Phil Hazlewood says

AFP Bureau Chief in Nigeria, Phil Hazlewood, said this about the state of the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

The expansion of the road was awarded during the Fashola Administration and is still not completed.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu approves 17-man inauguration committee

Ahead of May 29 swearing in for elected officials, Lagos Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved a 17-man committee to oversee preparation for his inauguration ceremony.  

Sanwo-Olu approved the list nine days after directing his deputy-elect, Obafemi Hamzat, to co-chair the 20-man Transition committee with Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello.  

The governor-elect appointed former Director-General of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group (BOSICG), Tayo Ayinde as chairman. Also on the the committee were: the state All Progressives Congress (APC) woman leader, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the party’s organising secretary, Enilolobo Abdullahi and Lagos Island East Local Government, Kamal Salam-Bashua. Olabopo Odiachi, Taiwo Abiodun, Ayiri Oladunmaje, Funke Bucknor-Obnithe, Ajala Rasaq, Princess Obiageli Onu, Idris Aregbe, Bolaji Durojaiye, Lanre Adeyinka, Osifeko George, Onabanjo Bimbo, Olatunji Rilwan and Kappo Emmanuel.

As an oil producing nation, we should frustrate sale of electric cars in Nigeria - Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has said that, as an oil producing country, sale of electric cars in Nigeria should be frustrated, “this will enable us to sell our oil,” he argued.  

Ekweremadu spoke at the Plenary today as the senators debated a bill sponsored by Senator Ben Murray-Bruce (PDP Bayelsa East ). Ben Murray-Bruce had sponsored a bill for an Act to phase out petrol vehicles by 2035 and introduce electric cars.

In his argument, the senator had argued that electric cars are healthy, economical and would not deplete the ozone layer.

 “In no distant time, combustible vehicles would be phased out; and the earlier Nigeria buys into the change, the better. I own an electric car that I have been using for the past five years. It is cheaper to maintain and durable,” the senator added.

The bill ignited debates in the hallowed chamber, as each senator aired reasons for the rejection of the bill. In his submission, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu commended Murray-Bruce for his “uncommon common sense and brilliant ideas,” but noted that the ancillary to Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution grants Nigerians freedom of movement; and that there is no need to introduce a law to mandate the use of electric cars.  

Ekweremadu added, “besides, in economic sense, we are an oil producing country. So, we should do everything possible to frustrate the sale of electric cars in Nigeria to enable us to sell our oil.”

Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) said while electric vehicles no doubt would be more friendly to the environment and health, making its use mandatory was not feasible. “We have to look at individual networth. Not all Nigerians can afford the vehicles at a given time.  “We all know the importance of vehicles in our daily activities. So, banning use of fuel cars will cause hardship, particularly for those who may not be able to acquire electric cars.  

Murray-Bruce withdrew the bill ultimately.

'You are the hardest working man I know' - Ciara praises her husband Russell Wilson on becoming the highest paid player in the NFL

Singer, Ciara has taken to her Instagram to celebrate her husband, Seattle Seahawks Quarterback, Russell Wilson after he became the highest-paid player in National Football League following a  four-year contract worth $140 million that includes a $65 million signing bonus.

Sharing this photo of him, the singer wrote:

'I watch you put everything on the line every Sunday in pure amazement. Your dedication, consistency, and commitment to the game never wavers. You’re always the first person in, and the last person out. You’re 1 of 1. The hardest working man I know! So proud of you baby! Giving God All the praise. #GoHawks'

Botswana shows off country's largest-ever 2--carat blue Diamond

Botswana’s state-owned Okavango Diamond Company displayed a 20-carat gemstone on Wednesday that it said was the largest blue diamond ever discovered in the country, one of the world’s top producers of natural stones.

Blue diamonds are sought after for their colour and rarity. The 45-carat Hope Diamond is probably the best known. The company, known as ODC, announced the discovery of the Okavango Blue, a polished oval-cut stone, at an event in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone. It said the stone was graded “fancy blue” with VVS2 clarity, meaning that it contains only minute imperfections.

“Only a handful of similar blue stones have come to market during the last decade, of which the Okavango Blue rightfully takes its place as one of the most significant,” said managing director Marcus ter Haar.

Ter Haar did not offer an estimate of the diamond’s value. The Okavango Blue was discovered last year at the Orapa mine, operated by Debswana, a joint venture between Anglo American’s De Beers and Botswana.  

ODC, a diamond marketing company wholly owned by Botswana’s government, estimates the stone was formed between 500 million and 3 billion years ago.  Debswana produced 24.1 million carats of diamonds in 2018, a 6 percent jump from the previous year, and is the largest contributor to the government’s budget.

Golden Eaglets qualify for World cup 2019

The Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets have qualified for the World Cup holding later in the year in Brazil. The team defeated Angola 1-0 in Tanzania at the ongoing Africa qualifiers.

The only goal was scored in the first half through a penalty.

The Golden Eaglets dominated the game but lost many goal-scoring opportunities in both halves.

When their Angolan counterparts were reduced to 10 men following a red card to the captain, the Golden Eaglets couldn’t capitalize on the advantage.

They went on to lose more open chances to increase the tally.

Nigeria qualified having defeated host Tanzania 5-4 in the opening game of the tournament.

Netflix acquires First African Animated Series “Mama K’s Team 4,” to Recruit Female Writers from the Continent

Netflix has acquired its first animated series from Africa titled “Mama K’s Team 4,” produced by South Africa’s award-winning Triggerfish Animation Studios and British kids’ and family entertainment production company CAKE, Variety is reporting.

The series was created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema who was one of the eight winners of the Triggerfish Story Lab in 2015.

The series follows the story of four teenage girls living in a futuristic version of Lusaka, Zambia, who are recruited by a retired secret agent to save the world. The series is designed by the Cameroonian artist Malcolm Wope.

Netflix and Triggerfish are now collaborating to search for female, African writers to join the creative team for the series.

Mulendema said of her inspiration for creating the series

In creating a superhero show set in Lusaka, I hope to introduce the world to four strong African girls who save the day in their own fun and crazy way. Most importantly, I want to illustrate that anyone from anywhere can be a superhero.

Melissa Cobb, vice president of original animation at Netflix said:

In addition to giving African writers a global platform on which to be heard, we are excited to present this powerful and entertaining new animated series that brings Malenga’s incredible and unique vision to life on Netflix.

‘Mama K’s Team 4’ has the potential to give a whole new generation of African children the opportunity to see themselves on screen in the powerful, aspirational characters they look up to.

Donald Trump to award Tiger Woods the presidential Medal of Freedom after winning his fifth Masters

President Trump has announced he would be awarding Tiger Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the wake of Woods’ Masters victory Sunday.  

Tiger Woods’ one-shot victory at Augusta National capped off an amazing and lengthy comeback from personal setbacks and physical ailments. Woods earned his fifth green jacket and 15 major championship with the Masters triumph. He lives in Jupiter, Fla., near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club and has been a frequent golfing partner of Trump’s since the 2016 election.

Trump made the announcement on Twitter saying; “Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!” 

Woods is not the first professional golfer to earn the Medal of Freedom. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus also have Medals of Freedom, both bestowed by President George W. Bush. President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor to pioneering black golfer Charlie Sifford in 2014.

The medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, is bestowed by the president to individuals deemed to have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

Trump handed out his first medals last year, making a posthumous award to Elvis and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and baseball legend Babe Ruth.

Fire breaks out at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

The famous Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris was on fire and it spread rapidly across the building.

Efforts are being made to tackle the fire which broke out on Monday afternoon, but, so far, the cathedral's spire and roof have collapsed.

A spokesman for the cathedral said the whole structure was "burning".

"There will be nothing left," he said. "It remains to be seen whether the vault, which protects the cathedral, will be affected or not."

The flame attracted hundreds of spectators who gathered around the 850-year-old building to observe the flames in silence.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has arrived at the scene, said his thoughts were with "all Catholics and all French people."

Mr Macron has cancelled his planned speech to the nation following the fire, an Élysée Palace official said.

Historian Camille Pascal told French broadcaster BFMTV the fire was destroying "invaluable heritage."

He said: "For 800 years the Cathedral has watched over Paris.

"Happy and unfortunate events for centuries have been marked by the bells of Notre Dame.

"We can be only horrified by what we see".

The cause of the fire is not yet clear, but officials speculate that it could be linked to renovation work.