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Friday 31 May 2019

At least 13 people are dead and and six more hospitalized after disgruntled employee opens fire at Virginia Beach municipal center

At least 13 people are dead and and six more hospitalized after disgruntled employee opens fire at Virginia Beach municipal center
A longtime city employee shot and killed 13 people and injured six others after opening fire on Friday afternoon in the public works building, making it the United State's deadliest mass shooting this year.  

Police said officers killed the man, whom they did not name, after he fired at them.  One officer was shot during the exchange but was saved by his bulletproof vest, Police Chief James Cervera said during a news conference a couple of hours after the incident in the city's Municipal Center in Princess Anne.

"This is the most devastating day in the history of Virginia Beach. The people involved are our friends, co-workers, neighbors and colleagues"  Mayor Bobby Dyer said at a news conference.

The gunfire in Virginia Beach began shortly after 4 p.m. as workers were preparing to leave for the weekend. The shooting occurred in building 2, next to City Hall near the intersection of Nimmo Parkway and Princess Anne Boulevard. The planning, public utilities, public works departments and others are located there.

At least 13 people are dead and and six more hospitalized after disgruntled employee opens fire at Virginia Beach municipal center

The shooter on Friday was a current employee of the public utilities department. Megan Banton, an administrative assistant in the public utilities office where the man worked, said her supervisor heard a noise then shouted for everyone to get down.  The supervisor then pulled Banton and others into her office and shoved a desk against the door while Banton called 911.

Friday’s rampage is believed to be the worst mass killing in Virginia Beach’s history. Prior to this week, a shooting on June 30, 1994, at the Witchduck Inn held that distinction: Four people the business owner, two employees and a patron were shot to death at the restaurant.

In the U.S., it is the deadliest attack since the November shooting at Borderline Bar & Grill in California, when 12 people were killed.

Thursday 30 May 2019

Chelsea thrash helpless Arsenal 4-1 to win Europa League Final

Chelsea thrash helpless Arsenal 4-1 to win Europa League Final (Photos)
Chelsea have been crowned champions of the Europa League competition after thrashing  Arsenal 4-1 to lift the trophy on Wednesday night at Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
The Gunners had a good start into the game, but Chelsea ran riot in the second half with three goals in quick succession following a disastrous second-half performance from Arsenal.
Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, broke the goalless deadlock with a wonderful header in the 49th minute before Pedro Rodríguez doubled Chelsea's lead in the 60th minutes.

Chelsea thrash helpless Arsenal 4-1 to win Europa League Final (Photos)

Eden Hazard added a third in the 65th minutes after Giroud was fouled in the box.

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi did produce a moment of inspiration after scoring a thunderbolt goal in the 69th minutes before Hazard sealed the win for Chelsea in the 72nd following a sweeping counter-attack.

Chelsea thrash helpless Arsenal 4-1 to win Europa League Final (Photos)

Wednesday's final appeared to be the last game for Eden Hazard who is moving to Real Madrid for £115m, with Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri set to be named the new manager of Juventus.
Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech also played his last game. The 37-year-old who is set to be Chelsea's sporting director announced he would retire at the end of the season after 15 years playing in England's top-flight.

Wednesday 29 May 2019

MacKenzie Bezos pledges to give away at least half of her $37 billion fortune to charity

MacKenzie Bezos pledges to give away at least half of her $37 billion fortune to charity
MacKenzie Bezos, the ex-wife of the richest man in World, Jeff Bezos, has promised to give at least half of her fortune to charity, just months after finalizing her divorce from the world's richest man, Jeff Bezos.
Following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos earlier this year, MacKenzie Bezos received a stake in the retail giant that puts her net worth at almost $37 billion, according to current prices.
MacKenzie became the latest person to join The Giving Pledge, an organization created by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett that invites billionaires to commit to donate more than half of their fortune to philanthropy or charitable causes either during their lifetime or in their will.
The Giving Pledge, started almost a decade ago by Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, is signed by some of the wealthiest families and individuals in the world. Other tech billionaires who have joined the pledge include Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, Airbnb founder Brian Chesky, and LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman.
"No drive has more positive ripple effects than the desire to be of service. There are lots of resources each of us can pull from our safes to share with others — time, attention, knowledge, patience, creativity, talent, effort, humor, compassion," MacKenzie Bezos, 49, said in a May 25 letter on the organization's website.
"In addition to whatever assets life has nurtured in me, I have a disproportionate amount of money to share. My approach to philanthropy will continue to be thoughtful. It will take time and effort and care. But I won’t wait. And I will keep at it until the safe is empty," she added.
Jeff Bezos, who is one of the richest tech executives in the world that has refused to sign on to the Giving Pledge: Jeff Bezos, took to Twitter on Tuesday to praise his ex-wife for her Giving Pledge commitment.
"MacKenzie is going to be amazing and thoughtful and effective at philanthropy, and I'm proud of her," Bezos posted to Twitter. "Her letter is so beautiful. Go get 'em MacKenzie."
Back in April,  MacKenzie and Jeff Bezos announced they had finalized the terms of their divorce . Under the agreement, MacKenzie Bezos granted the Amazon CEO all her interests in The Washington Post and Blue Origin, as well as 75% of the Amazon stock they owned and voting control over the shares she retained.
The terms of the divorce left MacKenzie Bezos with a stake in Amazon worth almost $37 billion, placing her in the top five among the world's richest women.

Tuesday 28 May 2019

Premiership club Newcastle United 'set to be sold for £350m' to the cousin of Manchester City's Arab owner Sheikh Mansour

Premiership club, Newcastle United
Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan, the billionaire half-brother of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour, is on the brink of sealing an extraordinary £350m takeover of Newcastle United.
His representatives told Sportsmail on Sunday night that a deal is 'concluded' between Mike Ashley and Sheik Khaled, an Emirati member of the family who governs Abu Dhabi. 
The representatives also insisted that the prospective new owner is very keen to keep Rafa Benitez as manager of the club and that the takeover is expected to be done in time for this summer's transfer window.
Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan who is a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi and half-brother to Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour is believed to be a billionaire and has interests in the construction, energy and real estate sectors among others.  
Both Sheik Khaled and City owner Sheik Mansour are sons of the late Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nehayan, President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi. Khaled is the youngest of 19 sons.

25-years after FG fulfils pledge to give a house to former Super Eagles’ coach Clemens Westerhof

25-years after, FG fulfils pledge to give a house to former Super Eagles? coach, Clemens Westerhof
Today, the federal government redeemed a 25-year pledge when it presented documents of the apartment promised to Clemens Westerhof, former Super Eagles’ chief coach, for leading his team to world glory in 1994.  
Babatunde Fashola, the minister of power, works and housing, who made the presentation on behalf of government, said it was regrettable that a promise took so long to redeem.  
“It is unfortunate that this is a promise that has taken us so long to redeem. But it is indeed better late than never in this case,’’ he said.
25-years after, FG fulfils pledge to give a house to former Super Eagles? coach, Clemens Westerhof
Westerhof, a native of Holland, in 1994 led the senior male national football team to Nigeria’s second continental triumph. The team won the Africa Cup of nations (AFCON) at Tunisia, coming 14 years after the first triumph in Lagos in 1980. His team went on to shock the world at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., where they lost in the second round 1-2 to Italy after extra time.  
Fashola said Nigeria as a country and all Nigerians as a group are grateful to the Dutchman because he really did the country proud with his achievements. “I thank Westerhof on behalf of all of us for the services he rendered to Nigeria, and we are proud that he has come to receive the documents alive,’’ he said.  
The minister went on to disclose that Westerhof’s apartment was under renovation and he would only get the keys after the apartment was ready for occupation.

25-years after, FG fulfils pledge to give a house to former Super Eagles? coach, Clemens Westerhof
In his response, Westerhof said he was highly surprised and thankful that he was finally getting the apartment which is in the Gwagwalada area council of the FCT.  

“I am thankful to you all, and now I can feel myself more of a Nigerian now. I can now stay here when it is so cold back there in Europe. I also thank God for this blessing of being invited here today to collect my papers. I hope I will soon get my keys, because you never know with Nigeria’’ he said.

Those calling me ‘Baba Go Slow’ will be shocked in my second term - President Buhari

Those calling me ?Baba Go Slow? will be shocked in my second term - President Buhari
President Buhari has said that the people who have referred to him as Baba Go Slow during his first term in office, will be shocked at the pace he will work in his second term which commences tomorrow Wednesday, May 29th.
The President made this known during a special interview session with the Nigerian Television Authority NTA which aired last night. According to President Buhari, he will be more ruthless and he will ensure the judiciary and police work effectively.
When asked if he will be more ruthless in his second term, he said “Those who call me ‘baba go slow’ will see whether I am slow or fast.”
Expantiating, President Buhari said
“It means I will persuade the police and the judiciary to be hard and where I uncover that they are not hard, I will find out who is responsible for the slowness in terms of command from the DPO upwards. The IG cannot do it alone; he needs to depend on commissioners who in turn depend on DPOs.”

Monday 27 May 2019

Bolanle Ambode hands over to wife of Governor-elect, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu

Photos: Bolanle Ambode hands over to wife of Governor-elect, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu
Wife of the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Bolanle Ambode, has officially handed over to the wife of the Governor-elect, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urging her to take the Committee to higher heights. 
At a brief handing-over ceremony in Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Mrs. Ambode lauded the vision of the founding mothers of the Committee, which is to compliment the efforts of government, in critical areas that are women and children- friendly. 

Photos: Bolanle Ambode hands over to wife of Governor-elect, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu
She reflected that the Committee under successive chairmen, had continued to walk in that great vision, leading to remarkable improvement in the lives of women, girls and children, in vital areas of health, empowerment, education and others.
She also recalled some of the achievements recorded under her chairmanship in the last four years: “My lovely women, with all sense of modesty, we happily recall some of our collective achievements in the health sector of the state, by way of interventions in maternal and child health, year after year.
“The various phases of intervention led to the sponsorship of goiter surgery for 30 women, free hearing aids for 15 children, 3 women and 2 men; as well as the upgrading of the ENT Department of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos. We also purchased and installed state-of-the-art audiology equipment, including Otoread OAE capable of detecting hearing defects in newborns”.
Photos: Bolanle Ambode hands over to wife of Governor-elect, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu
Other phases of intervention saw the procurement and donation of two Transport Incubator Ambulance to Gbagada General Hospital and Island Maternity Hospital, coupled with the donation of 32 neo-natal incubators to 13 General Hospitals and 6 fully fitted Birthing Suites for Amuwo-Odofin Maternal and Child Centre, Epe General Hospital and Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, among others’.
She thanked members of the committee for their robust support for herself and the Ambode Administration over the past four years, while also appreciating her predecessors for their kind advice and words of wisdom.

Sunday 26 May 2019

'Cost of University education in Nigeria is too low, quality has been compromised' - Oby Ezekwesili

Nigeria's former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesil has said the cost of tertiary education in Nigeria has been reduced to the extent that quality has been compromised.  
Speaking on Thursday at the launch of Edfin, Nigeria’s first educational microfinance bank, she advised that the federal government find a solution that does not compromise the quality of education.
“There is a matter of how do you share the cost of getting a tertiary education. Unfortunately, our society did not come to the understanding that even education financing does not have to be a problem.
You must have a solution that the pricing of education does not get taken down to the level where it cannot sustain quality. That is what’s going on now. We are taking down tertiary education to a level where a person is comfortable to pay almost N500,000 for the children in a top secondary school but once the children go into the university, their parents are ready to join them to protest about the pricing of university education. In the process of doing that, you are compromising quality and relevance” she said.
Proferring a solution, she said: “Those who have the capacity to pay should pay the right price for tertiary education and for those without the capacity to pay, edufinance and a subsidy from the federal government that is well designed will come to ensure that they are not left out of education.”  
The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria said the country is in trouble because the crisis in the educational sector is not being addressed.
“Our country is in trouble because education is in crisis. A decade plus ago, I told the mission that if we did not address the crisis in education that in a matter of years. In fact, my prognosis at that time was that by 2020 that we will produce the most hardened criminals,”  
“There are people who called me to say you said 2020, it happened earlier than that. As minister of education, I said the problem is not about funding. If you fund a dysfunction well, you will get a well-funded dysfunction” Ezekwesili said.

Saturday 25 May 2019

Nollywood actor Saka shares the only regret he has as he celebrates his 16th wedding anniversary

Nollywood actor Saka shares the only regret he has as he celebrates his 16th wedding anniversary
Nollywood actor, Afeez Oyetoro popularly known as Saka, is celebrating his 16th wedding anniversary today.
According to the actor who was quite emotional with his post, 'the only regret I have is that I got married to her just only sixteen years ago and not earlier than that' he wrote.
See his full post below...
Today, (May 24 2019), sixteen years ago, Olaide Saidat said "yes" and we became husband and wife. But I have a regret. In my life, the only regret I have is that I got married to her just only sixteen years ago and not earlier than that.
It has been sixteen years of loving and mature understanding. Sixteen years of sharing same vision, dreams, aspirations as a result of divine love. We have been moving from glorious heights to glorious heights. Every time that I consider the trend of things when I got married to this woman sixteen years ago, I always regret I didn't marry her earlier, much more earlier.
May be thirty years ago, forty years ago or even fifty years ago. Well better late than never. I thank ALLAH for granting me the grace to marry this wonderful, superb, and beautiful mother of our precious kids. Glory be to ALLAH for HIS grace and favour.
Please kindly join us to celebrate our sixteenth wedding anniversary. Wishing you all a divinely blessed weekend.

Friday 24 May 2019

Nigeria’s OluTimehin Adegbeye wins the 2019 Gerald Kraak Prize

Nigeria?s OluTimehin Adegbeye wins the 2019 Gerald Kraak Prize
Nigeria’s OluTimehin Adegbeye has emerged winner of the 2019 Gerald Kraak Prize.
Adegbeye was awarded the prize for her submission, a nonfiction piece titled Mothers and Men. 
The announcement was made on Thursday, May 23, at the Gerald Kraak Prize ceremony in Johannesburg.
Asegbeye's submission was described by the judges as "a sensitive memoir casting new light on questions of rape, secondary victimisation and motherhood."
OluTimehin Adegbeye is a Nigerian writer, speaker, and activist whose work focuses on gender, women’s rights, sex, sexuality and sexual violence, urban poverty, and sustainable development. Her TED Talk, “Who Belongs in a City?”, was chosen by TED Lead Curator Chris Anderson as one of the ten most notable talks of 2017.
Adegbeye is a Carrington Youth Fellow and a Women Deliver Young Leader. Her writing has appeared in Latterly Magazine, Premium Times, This Is Africa, StyleMANIA, Essays Magazine, Klassekampen, and Women’s Asia 21, among others. 

"It is in the best interest of the country for a new prime minister to lead" - Theresa May announces she will resign on June 7th

"It is in the best interest?of the country for a new prime minister to lead" - Theresa May announces she will resign on June 7th
UK Prime Minister, Theresa May has said she will quit as Conservative leader on 7 June, paving the way for a contest to decide a new prime minister.  
In an emotional statement delivered today, she said she had "done my best" to honour the 2016 EU referendum result and It would remain a matter of "deep regret" that I have been unable to deliver Brexit, she added.  
May said she will continue to serve as prime minister while a Conservative leadership contest takes place. She will step down as Tory leader on June 7th and a leadership contest is due to begin the following week.
Theresa May has faced a backlash from her MPs against her latest Brexit plan, which included concessions aimed at attracting cross-party support.
Andrea Leadsom quit as Commons leader on Wednesday saying she no longer believed it would "deliver on the referendum result". May met Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt at Downing Street on Thursday where they are understood to have expressed their concerns about the bill.
In her statement today, she said that in order to deliver Brexit, her successor would have to build agreement in Parliament. "Such a consensus can only be reached if those on all sides of the debate are willing to compromise," she said.

Nigeria's diversity is a source of strength - President Buhari

Nigeria
President Buhari has said Nigeria’s diversity will remain a source of strength for the development of the country.
President Buhari spoke on Thursday in Abuja, while receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Shimon Ben-Shosan. The President said Nigeria and Israel have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations, highlighting that many Nigerian Christians look forward to performing pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Israel.
‘‘I congratulate you on your appointment as Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria. Enjoy your stay in Nigeria and take time to go round to see the beauty and diversity of the country,’’ the President told the Israeli ambassador.
The ambassador congratulated President Buhari on his re-election, thanking the Nigerian government for extending an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister to attend the Democracy Day celebrations on June 12.
‘‘Next year will be 60 years of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Israel, and the last time a Prime Minister of Israel visited Nigeria was in 1958. My dream is to bring my Prime Minister and President to visit Nigeria and for President Buhari to visit Israel. That will be historic for us,’’ Ben-Shoshan said.

Thursday 23 May 2019

Chelsea unveil Christian Pulisic at Stamford Bridge after completing £58m move from Borussia Dortmund

Chelsea unveil Christian Pulisic at Stamford Bridge after completing ?58m move from Borussia Dortmund (Photos)
Christian Pulisic has been officially unveiled as a Chelsea player as he posed with the club's shirt at Stamford Bridge.
According to MailOnline - Sports, the 20-year-old American footballer completed his £58million move from Borussia Dortmund last week when the transfer window officially opened.
The deal was first struck in January but the youngster stayed with the German club for the rest of the season.
Chelsea unveil Christian Pulisic at Stamford Bridge after completing ?58m move from Borussia Dortmund (Photos)
In his first interview for the club, Pulisic revealed he is especially looking forward to playing with N'Golo Kante next season. 
He told Chelsea's official website: 'There's so many good players here. I'm really excited to play with N'Golo Kante.
'I'm excited to meet him, I love him as a player. The backline too, Luiz, Rudiger and those guys.
'It feels amazing I'm super excited. I can’t wait.'
Chelsea unveil Christian Pulisic at Stamford Bridge after completing ?58m move from Borussia Dortmund (Photos)
'It’s going to be an amazing experience. To be back in England, to be able to speak English and to meet the guys. I'm thrilled.
'It's one of my biggest dreams to be here and play in the PL. To be a Chelsea player is a huge honour.'
When Pulisic was asked what the Chelsea supporters can expect from him he said: 'They can expect a really good team guy who is going to give everything.
'He's going to bring his attacking style to the team and doing everything he can to win games.'

Wednesday 22 May 2019

I’ll step up action against drug traffickers – President Buhari

I?ll step up action against drug traffickers ? President Buhari
President Buhari has said that the sweeping offensive against drug trafficking will be sustained by his administration in its second term in office.
President Buhari said this when he received leaders of Nigerian Community in Saudi Arabia at the end of his Umrah trip in Saudi Arabia today May 21st. The president said efforts should be intensified to expose those involved in drug trafficking and illegal trade in the country, assuring that appropriate actions would be taken.
The President said the recent exposure of a network of drug dealers operating at one of Nigeria’s international airports, who were discovered to be tagging bags filled with drugs in the name of innocent passengers, called for expansion of searchlights.

He urged citizens to refrain from breaching the laws of Nigeria and other countries.
“Every country has its own unpatriotic citizens. In China and Saudi Arabia, the laws are stringent on these things. Our citizens must obey our laws. They must respect the laws of other jurisdictions and if they don’t, then they should blame themselves, not the harsh laws that they meet,” President Buhari said.
The President said he was grateful for the support and prayers of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia for wellbeing of the country, assuring them that his administration will do its best to secure the country, improve economy and fight corruption.
“We have tried in the war against terrorism and citizens in the Northeast are our best witnesses. Agriculture is doing well, to the point that we are food self-sufficient, as a result helping the nation to save money on imports,” he added.
On the renewal of his mandate for a second term, President Buhari said he owed Nigerians a debt of gratitude.
According to him, “we are doing our best. I will continue to keep the trust of citizens. I am happy Nigerians have confidence in us. The crowds I witnessed in my campaign across the 36 states were not staged. No amount of money could have generated that enthusiasm. I assure everyone that I will continue to do my best. I will keep the trust of Nigerians.’’

Federal Government engages US government over suspension of the drop box visa regime for Nigerians visiting America

Federal Government engages US government over suspension of the drop box visa regime for Nigerians visiting America
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama says the federal government has engaged the US government over suspension of the drop box visa regime for Nigerians visiting America.
Onyeama however lamented most of the unpleasant migrant decisions taken by some countries were triggered by the negative perceptions about few Nigerians who do not obey the rules of those countries.
He spoke on Tuesday during an interactive session with the Diplomatic Correspondents on his stewardship. The issue of migration is a challenge and such a sensitive topic because the US has just suspended the drop box for visas renewals.
“And a lot of it is that they released statistics to show that 10 per cent of people who overstayed their visas globally are Nigerians. Those who do not obey the rule of other countries’ have more negative impact on those who obeyed.  
“The issue of those who overstayed their visa is a real issue. We have engaged with the US government over it. We are just trying to work through them and they are looking at various alternative and solutions and to make less difficult for the genuine visitors and the like. Things like you have to have guarantor or surety and the like all those things are what they are trying to apply to really address this prickly issue,” he said.
He said the ministry was doing what it could to ensure the issue of the recent suspension of drop box for visas renewal does not affect genuine visitors to the US.  
“We are doing what we can they (U.S. Embassy) told me that notwithstanding the suspension of drop box mechanism that there would be expedited interview for certain people.  “And that there would be that flexibility to request for interview that might make it easier for those seeking visa,” he said.

Tuesday 21 May 2019

Arsenal announces midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss Europa League final against Chelsea over safety fears

Arsenal announces midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss Europa League final against Chelsea over safety fears
Premiership club, Arsenal have announced Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 30, will not be involved in the Europa League final against Chelsea.
The Armenia international’s safety was a concern due to the dispute between his country and Azerbaijan, the host nation of the final tournament clash.
For this reason,the Gunners decided against him travelling to Baku for next Wednesday’s game with Chelsea.
A statement read: “We are very disappointed to announce that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling with the squad for our Uefa Europa League final against Chelsea.
“We have thoroughly explored all the options for Micki to be part of the squad but after discussing this with Micki and his family we have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party.
“We have written to Uefa expressing our deep concerns about this situation. Micki has been a key player in our run to the final so this is a big loss for us from a team perspective.
“We’re also very sad that a player will miss out on a major European final in circumstances such as this, as it is something that comes along very rarely in a footballer’s career. Micki will continue to be part of our preparations until we depart for Baku at the weekend.”
The former Manchester United player also admitted he is “hurt” to miss the final. He tweeted: “Having considered all the current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the UEL Final against Chelsea.
“It’s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often for us players and I must admit, it hurts me a lot to miss it. I will be cheering my teammates on! Let’s bring it home Arsenal.”
UEFA said in a statement: “Working alongside Arsenal FC, UEFA sought and received assurances regarding the player’s safety in Azerbaijan from the highest authorities in the country.
“As a result of these guarantees, a comprehensive security plan was developed and given to the club. While the club acknowledges the efforts that Uefa and the Azeri government have gone to in this matter, we respect the personal decision not to travel with the player.”

INEC withdraws 25 certificates-of-return

INEC withdraws 25 certificates-of-return
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has withdrawn 25 Certificates-of-Return issued to some candidates that won some elections during the 2019 General Elections.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Festus Okoye, at a `Forum on Media Coverage of 2019 General Elections’ held in Enugu today Monday, May 20th.
According to Okoye, the certificates were withdrawn following different court orders. He disclosed that 20 of the 25 certificates-of-return were withdrawn from All Progressive Congress (APC) members to other APC members; while two from People Democratic Party (PDP) members were withdrawn and issued to other PDP members. He said that the other three were withdrawn from APC and PDP; and given to other political parties.
Speaking at the forum, Okoye said
“The commission has withdrawn 25 certificates-of-return from the first owners to their new owners following court orders to do that''.

Monday 20 May 2019

Manchester City confirm Vincent Kompany is to leave the club after 11 years and 360 games

Manchester City confirm Vincent Kompany is to leave the club after 11 years and 360 games
Premier League champions, Manchester City have confirmed Vincent Kompany is leaving after 11 years of service and 360 games at the club.
The announcement comes just a day after the centre-back and captain played in City's 6-0 win against Watford in Saturday's FA Cup final. 
The 33-year-old who played 360 games for the club will now move  to boyhood club Anderlecht where he will become player-manager.   
Kompany leaves a superb legacy and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: 'There have been many important contributors to Manchester City's renaissance, but arguably none are more important than Vincent Kompany.
'He defines the essence of the club. For a decade he has been the lifeblood, the soul, and beating heart of a supremely talented squad.
'A booming voice in the dressing room yet a quiet and measured ambassador off it, Vincent can be as proud of himself as we are of him.
'I am not sure he expected to lift the Premier League trophy on four occasions during his captaincy but he will be remembered and revered whenever this period of unprecedented City success is spoken about by future generations.
'His leadership, intelligence and determination have seen him adapt brilliantly to playing under four different managers and overcome some debilitating injuries. He is a special character who has answered every demand the club has made of him.
'We now look forward to celebrating his testimonial match in September so that we can properly celebrate his City contribution. He will always be part of the City family.'

The Belgian who joined City in 2008 for an undisclosed fee from Hamburg has 10 trophies: (four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups).

Manchester City confirm Vincent Kompany is to leave the club after 11 years and 360 games

Kompany wrote an open letter to City supporters explaining his decision. It read: 'Dear all,
'Community Shield Winners! Back 2 back League Cup Winners! Back 2 back Champions of England! FA Cup Winners!
'We’ve just seen the close of an incredible season. My 11th as a Blue. And I cannot believe I’m writing this but... also my last as a Blue. Countless of times have I imagined this day, after all, the end has felt nearby for so many years. It still doesn’t feel real. Man City has given me everything. I’ve tried to give back as much as I possibly could. How often does someone get the chance to end such an important chapter, representing a club with such great history and tradition, in such a great fashion?
'The time has come for me to go now.
As overwhelming as it is, I feel nothing but gratefulness. I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club. I remember the first day, as clear as I see the last. I remember the boundless kindness I received from the people of Manchester. 
He went on to speak about his regret that his mother, who died of cancer 11 years ago, never saw him play for the club he loves. 
'I also want to use this platform to express the love that I have for my nearest and dearest. It knows no boundaries. Carla, Sienna, Sire and Kai, the one and only quadruple that matters. My dad (Pierre), Christel and François, my true Invincibles. 
'I live with only one regret. I would have loved to take my mother, Jocelyne, to the Etihad, seeing her chant the City songs sat next to my children and wife. I would have wanted her to see me happy, playing the game that I love at a club that I love. Deep down, I know she’s been with us through all this time.'

Sunday 19 May 2019

Former President Jonathan speaks on withdrawing ‘Billions’ from Nigerian treasury

Former President Jonathan speaks on withdrawing ?Billions? from Nigerian treasury
Former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has denied allegations of withdrawing Billions of Naira from the Nations treasury while he was in office.
The former president who spoke at a meeting organised by the Anglican Community in Abuja on Friday described the allegation as false and misleading.  He expressed sadness at what he described as ‘low’, people who tell lies against others.
“I remember a particular incidence where somebody was talking about billions that were removed from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and I asked them, how many trucks were used to carry all these billions?  
“In Nigeria, we get carried away by figures and it’s sad that we go too low to tell lies against people.”
Jonathan urged for more prayers over the spate of insecurity in the country and asked that more should be done to nip the crisis in the bud.
“As a nation, we have been passing through a lot of challenges; the issues of kidnapping, armed robbery, and even to travel to very near cities like Kaduna is becoming a nightmare to Nigerians. But I believe with your constant prayers, asking God to take the lead, the country will get through all its challenges.”

Saturday 18 May 2019

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas to retire from football after suffering a heart attack in training

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper, Iker Casillas to retire from football after suffering a heart attack in training
Legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas is set to announce his retirement from football following his recent heart attack.  
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, the 37-year-old World Cup winner intends to call time on his career at the end of the season as he does not want to feed uncertainty about his future,
Casillas, who made 725 appearances for Spanish giants Real Madrid, was hospitalised after collapsing with an acute myocardial infarction earlier this month.
He was discharged five days later but hinted that he may have to call time on his career. Upon leaving Porto hospital, Casillas told reporters: 'I don't know what my future holds but the most important thing is being here today. I'm feeling a lot better, I'll be resting for a couple of weeks or even a couple of months.'  
Casillas intends to announce his retirement after his sides final two matches, including a Portuguese Cup final against Sporting on Saturday May 25.

Juventus confirm Massimiliano Allegri will leave at end of the season after five years in charge of the club

Juventus confirm Massimiliano Allegri will leave at end of the season after five years in charge of the club
Italian giants, Juventus have announced that coach Massimiliano Allegri will leave at end of the season after five years in charge.
The 51-year-old Italian coach has won five Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia four times during his five years in charge of the Turin-based side, as well as finishing runners-up in the Champions League in 2015 and 2017.
The club released a statement to confirm the news, which read: 'Massimiliano Allegri will not be on the Juventus bench for the 2019-20 season. 
'The coach and the president, Andrea Agnelli, will meet the media together at tomorrow's press conference - Saturday 18 May, at 2pm in the press conference hall of Allianz Stadium.'  Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiolaare among those who could replace Allegri with Mauricio Pochettino, the favourite to take over at the Allianz Stadium.
Reacting to the annoucement, Allegri told Italian TV programme Striscia La Notizia: "They were five marvelous years, five years is a lot for me," he said.  
"Six months to build a team and then leave like this? What do you mean six months? Five years to build Juventus.  
"Life is like this, things come and go." 
Italian media reported that the club had made contact with the Tottenham boss last week, with the Argentine coach reportedly demanding an enormous £17million-per-year contract, according to last Saturday's Corriere dello Sport. 

ALLEGRI'S JUVENTUS  TROPHY HAUL.
Serie A: x5 (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19)
Copa Italia: x4 (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18)
Supercoppa Italiana: x2 (2015, 2016)

FG to shut down Enugu airport for 'security reasons'

FG to shut down Enugu airport for
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to shut down the Akanu Ibiam International Airport due to security reasons.  
Speaking in Lagos at a stakeholders forum on Friday, Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika explained that the airport will be degraded for international operations, because the runway length is not ideal for such operations.  
According to him, the market, television masts and free trade zone needs to be relocated for the airport to be fit for safe flights.

Friday 17 May 2019

Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana’s first lady as he shows off his latest collection

Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana?s first lady as he shows off his latest collection (Photos)
The Jesu Segun London was established in 2016 and quickly attained a reputation for being bold, luxurious and the epitome of statement pieces. 
Each shoe is designed with unrivaled attention to detail, with experienced artisans delivering far beyond aesthetics, because we believe that quality, beauty and comfort should work hand in hand.

See More Photos below...

Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana?s first lady as he shows off his latest collection (Photos)

Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana?s first lady as he shows off his latest collection (Photos)

Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana?s first lady as he shows off his latest collection (Photos)

Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana?s first lady as he shows off his latest collection (Photos)

Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana?s first lady as he shows off his latest collection (Photos)

Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana?s first lady as he shows off his latest collection (Photos)
Jesu Segun London strikes a pose with Ghana?s first lady as he shows off his latest collection (Photos)

Boris Johnson seeks to become British PM after Theresa May’s resignation

Boris Johnson seeks to become British PM after Theresa May?s resignation
Britain’s Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday he will seek to become prime minister when Theresa May quits as she promised to set out a departure timetable early next month.  
“Of course I’m going to go for it,” the former foreign minister, ex-mayor of London and leading Brexit campaigner said at a business event in Manchester.
The decision comes as little surprise as Johnson, one of Britain’s most identifiable politicians known simply as “Boris”, has long been known to covet the top job. But it effectively fires the starting gun on a race that already has more than a dozen runners and riders even though there is no official vacancy.  
May has promised to step down once the first stage of Britain’s exit from the European Union is secured, but this has been put in doubt by repeated Brexit delays. At a meeting of senior members of her Conservative party on Thursday, May resisted growing demands to set out a detailed plan for her departure right now.

Thursday 16 May 2019

Ex-young Money rapper, Flow sentenced to life in prison for double murder of two brothers

Ex-young Money rapper, Flow sentenced to life in prison for double murder of two brothers
New Orleans rapper, Flow, an artist formerly signed to Lil Wayne’s Young Money record label, has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2015 double murder of brothers Kendred and Kendrick Bishop.

According to NOLA.com, Criminal District Judge Tracey Flemings-Davillier sentenced the rapper to life in prison on Tuesday without the benefit of parole on each of the second-degree murder charges, and to 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder. She also sentenced Flow, born Widner Degruy, to 40 years for obstruction of justice, and 30 years for conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Flow’s life sentences come after a jury came back with an 11-1 verdict to convict him of two counts of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder on April 8.

On the 25th of May 2015, the bodies of Kendrick, 22, and Kendred Bishop, 18, were found in a car in New Orleans’ East Side. The pair had been shot inside a black Kia vehicle.

Prosecutors say that Flow, 27, killed the brothers in retaliation because he thought they stole $8,000 and two guns from his girlfriend’s car a week earlier.

During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Irena Zajickova read a statement on behalf of the victims’ mother, Sherry Strauss, who said her children “were our heart, until you ripped that away from us. Maybe your parents didn’t love you enough like you wanted, but our boys were well-loved, and you knew it.”

Flow who signed to Young Money Entertainment in 2012, made his first appearance on record with Lil Wayne on the song “Inkredible (Remix),” off the 2011 mixtape Sorry 4 the Wait.

Wednesday 15 May 2019

Antoine Griezmann confirms he is leaving Atletico Madrid with Barcelona move imminent

Antoine Griezmann confirms he is leaving Atletico Madrid with Barcelona move imminent
France World Cup winner, Antoine Griezmann has announced his departure from Atletico Madrid with an anticipated move to Barcelona expected to happen soon.
Reports in Spain suggested Barcelona had triggered the Frenchman's £108million release clause after he informed the club about his desire to join the Catalans.
Last summer, Griezmann snubbed a move to Barcelona and instead committed his future to Atletico, before making the big news this evening that he is leaving the club.
The forward bid his farewells in a heartfelt video posted on social media, saying: 'It's been an incredible five years; Thank you very much for everything, I take you in the heart.' 

According to Daily Mail, the Frenchman who penned a new deal at Atletico worth around £22m 12 months ago is expected to sign for Barcelona ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

Tuesday 14 May 2019

South African man arrested for eating at KFC free for 2-years, by lying that head office sent him to taste if meals are up to standard

South African man arrested for eating at KFC free for 2-years, by lying that head office sent him to taste if meals are up to standard
A 27-year-old South African student at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), will reportedly appear in court after he was caught for fooling KFC employees by pretending to be doing inspections at a KFC outlet in Durban for free food.
The man whose identity is yet to be revealed tricked the company for two -years into thinking he was sent from KFC headquarters for quality assurance.
According to Xpouzar, he was so convincing that it took them two years to realise they were being robbed, He had a name card from “head office” and dress very smart and arrives in a limo. 
The report also revealed that his friend a part-time limo driver was also an accomplice.
“When he arrived we will all try to act our best so that we don’t piss off man from head office, he was so convincing because he was so confident and even colleagues from other KFC’s knows him”
“When he comes in he rushed to the kitchen and check everything taking notes and then ask for samples of whatever he wants. He probably worked for KFC before because he knows everything.”