Saturday, May 30, 2015

FA Cup get first title sponsor following deal with Emirates Airline

The FA Cup will be rebranded as The Emirates FA Cup after the Football Association signed a three-year contract with the Dubai-based airline.

The deal, which starts next season and runs until 2018, means Emirates become the first title sponsor of football's oldest knockout competition.

The newly appointed ADC to President Muhammed Buhari is Lt. Col. Lawal Abuka Muhammed and he hails from Kano state.

Dakuku Peterside lauds Buhari's inauguration speech

Dakuku Peterside (Facebook)

Peterside told ]NAN in Port Harcourt on Saturday, May 30, that the country is passing through hard times.

According to him, issues like security, economy, corruption and Niger Delta are topical and deserve attention.

He explained that these issues raised by Buhari in his inaugural speech are commendable.

Ambode, decked in white attire (Agabada) with a red cap to match, was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, at about 11.25am

Highpoint of the inaugural speech which attracted ovation from the crowd was the announcement by the newly sworn in governor of the creation of a new ministry and two offices.

Aliyu stoned in Niger, smuggled out of stadium

IMMIDIATE past governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu was yesterday booed and stoned at the venue of the handing over ceremony in Minna. Aliyu was at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium for the transfer of power to his successor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello. The former governor, who arrived at about 10.15 am was booed by the crowd as he walked to the podium.

Fani-Kayode: ‘’I believe his part of non vendetta will be true, all Nigerians should join hands to see Nigeria move forward.

“I believe it was a promising speech and sincerely hope that he is true to what he has said especially on the issue that he will not be on a vendetta mission. I hope he is saying the right thing; hope his words will be proved to be truth.

SEPP BLATTER has been re-elected president of Fifa, football’s world governing body, in a vote overshadowed by arrests and corruption allegations.

Blatter’s rival, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan, withdrew after the first round of voting.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has hailed the inaugural speech of President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a sign that the president is ready to serve all Nigerians, not minding their political affiliation.

The governor said, “The content of the president’s speech showed a man who is desirous of making a success of his administration.”

The United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, on Friday, described President Muhammadu Buhari’s inaugural speech as laying out “a powerful agenda.”

Kerry, who gave assurance that the United States would support the new administration to tackle insurgency and the economic challenges bedevilling the country, was accosted by journalists within the venue of the inauguration immediately after the event.

Muhammadu Buhari is sworn in as Nigeria president

The winner of Nigeria's presidential election in March, Muhammadu Buhari, has been sworn in as leader of Africa's most populous country.

Mr Buhari is the first opposition figure to win a presidential election in Nigeria since independence in 1960.

US Secretary of State, John Kerry-led delegation to arrive in Nigeria Friday, May 29

President Obama of United States of America has sent some delegation down to Nigeria for the swearing-in ceremony of Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice-president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo to Office.

The delegation, to be led by Secretary of State, John Kerry will attend the event in Abuja as representatives of President Barack Obama who will be absent.

El-Rufai appoints SSG, media aide, others

Kaduna State Governor-elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has announced the appointment of Malam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal as the Secretary to the State Government.

Abbas-Lawal, a former Chief of Staff to El-Rufai when he was Minister of the FCT, was the Chairman, All Progressives Congress Kaduna Transition Committee.

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi is 50-years-old today, May 27, 2015.

Amaechi was born on May 27, 1965 in Ubima, in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers to the family of late Fidelis Amaechi and Mary Amaechi.

He is the 5th Governor of the state and was inaugurated in 2007 after which he won another term in office.

Wishing him more years ahead of him.

S’Court affirms Aregbesola’s victory, dismisses Omisore’s appeal

The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the August 9, 2014 governorship election in Osun State, Iyiola Omisore, against the election of the All Progressives Congress’ candidate, the incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

In preparation for its final handing over formalities to the incoming administration, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, will be formally dissolved today.

The session which will be presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to witness a formal speech by the President, highlighting his achievements while in office since May 29, 2011.

Tambwal (Punch)

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, bowed out on Tuesday after handing over the leadership of the legislature to his deputy, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, who will round off the tenure of the House on June 5.

Tambuwal, who is the Governor-elect for Sokoto State, will be inaugurated on May 29 as governor.

His decision to transfer power to Ihedioha ahead of the May 29 handover date was to avoid a possible constitutional crisis of taking oath of office for two separate offices.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Globacom nears 30m subscriber base

Telecommunications company, Globacom, has said that almost 30 million subscribers across Nigeria are now on its network. National Sales Coordinator of Globacom for North West Operations, Samuel Edoho disclosed last weekend in Abuja at an award ceremony where the company was recognized as the network provider of the year 2014 by the Independent Newspaper Limited.

Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has been presented with an award by UNICEF in recognition of the state’s fruitful partnership in promoting the rights of children and women.

The state is the first in the country to attain the feat and be so awarded by the global agency.

Adoke begs Nigerians for forgiveness

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, yesterday, begged Nigerians to forgive him for whatever wrong he committed while discharging the mandate of his office.

The AGF, who tendered his “unreserved apologies” while unveiling the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, E.T.C) Act, 2015, which was recently passed into law by the National Assembly, also thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for giving him the opportunity to serve as the chief law officer in the country for five years.

Jonathan bags another Peace Award, urges Buhari to recognise contributions of Nigerians

President Goodluck Jonathan was on Tuesday honoured with another award of “Peace Loving Global Citizen” for his decision to accept the result of the 2015 Presidential poll.

The award was presented to the President by the Universal Peace Federation(UPF) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Ondo Assembly extends tenure of local government chairmen

The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday extended the tenure of the Interim Caretaker Chairmen of the state’s 18 Local Government Councils, by six months.

The decision of the House was sequel to a motion moved by the Chairman, Committee on Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Afolabi Akinsiku , representing Ondo West 1 constituency.

Payporte Global System, has thrown its full weight behind the Nigeria Pitch Awards, an initiative of Matchmakers Consult international in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Bassey Eyo, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Payporte said this was the first time his company would be getting involved in football because ‘the Nigeria Pitch Awards provides the right platform to reach players, award voters, football journalists and football fans.


Rafeal Benitez (Guardian)

Upon sacking Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid coach, club president Florentino Perez offered the solace that the 10th boss of his reign in charge will be named next week.

Moments later when questioned by the press if the new coach would be a native speaker, Perez agreed it “would be very good if he speaks Spanish.”

Two suspected kidnappers, leader’s wife arrested in Ekiti

Ekiti State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers and wife of the kingpin that allegedly abducted 11 victims, who were freed in the early hours of Saturday.

Ekiti State Governor said one Olumide, 31, and one Folorunsho, both from Esure Ekiti were arrested between Ikere Ekiti and Iju Ekiti while trying to escape.

Senate intervenes on Fuel Scarcity

Stakeholders in the petroleum sector, at a public hearing organised by the Joint Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream), on Monday resolved to mobilise their members for the immediate distribution of fuel across the country.

Senator Magnus Abe, who read a communique duly signed by the stakeholders after the session, explained that the Finance Minister / Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and other stakeholders who attended the meeting, unanimously agreed to the peace deal, in the interest of the nation.

The Nigerian Labour Congress on Monday threatened to direct workers to stay at home if the current fuel scarcity across the country is not addressed.

Factional NLC Deputy National President, Isa Aremu, stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Kaduna.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday signed two bills, earlier passed by the National Assembly, into law.

The bills, which have now become Acts, are the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and the Immigration Act 2015.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed the development to State House correspondents.

Osun workers declare indefinite strike over unpaid salaries

Labour unions in Osun State on Monday declared a total strike to press home their demand for payment of their six-month salaries.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Jacob Adekomi, who read the address of the labour unions at a press conference in Osogbo, said the strike would begin on Tuesday, May 26, after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum given to the state government.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he intends to take a year out of the game for health reasons.

The Italian is expected to part company with Los Blancos in the coming days, after enduring a disappointing end to the 2014-15 season, with the Spanish side being surprisingly knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals by Juventus before finishing second to Barcelona in La Liga.

SHOCKING: China executes patient who killed doctor over nose operation

China on Monday executed a man who stabbed a doctor to death over what he considered a botched nose operation, media reported, in a case that spotlighted the country’s overburdened health system.

Lian Enqing was sentenced to death last year for a fatal attack on an an ear, nose and throat specialist in Wenling, in the eastern province of Zhejiang.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has again criticized incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan saying that he has mismanaged Nigeria.

Obasanjo made the remark on Sunday, May 24, 2015, during a meeting with delegation of South-West women leaders who paid him a courtesy visit in his Abeokuta, Ogun State home.

Will there be change or can there be change?

Corruption a la stealing became a norm. Politicians and their cronies ran the country bone dry. It was quite obvious for all to see that morality was thrown to the dogs.

The question is now that, will there be change or can there be change?

The answer is that there can only be change if the following occur:

Eucharia Anunobi (Facebook).

Today is the birthday of Nollywood veteran actress Eucharia Anunobi.

Popularly known as UK Gold, she shot to limelight in 1996 after she starred in the Nollywood classic 'Glamour Girls'. She has starred in several Nollywood unforgettable movies such as Battle of Musanga, Died Wretched, Benita, Drug Baron 1&2.

The message was sent to their customers and the message read thus:

Dear Customer,

The current shortage of petroleum products in the country has limited our ability to supply diesel to all our branches, in order to continue normal branch operations.

Due to this, we unavoidably have to close our branches nationwide at 1pm, from Today, 25th May 2015.

Lagos Governor elect, Akinwunmi Ambode has released his official portrait. He has requested to be addressed simply as Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Governor of Lagos State.

Credit: Linda Ikeji Blog

New official portraits of Buhari and Osinbajo

The APC released these new official portraits of the president and vice president-elect about a week after their first official portrait was released.

“You can’t defend these corrupt, incompetent people” – President-elect reacts to fuel crisis

President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, while reacting to the ongoing fuel crisis in the country has faulted the outgoing Goodluck Jonathan government oil subsidy claims, describing it as fraud.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust, Buhari asked rhetorically, “who is subsidizing who?”

US requested Kashamu Buruji extradition - FG

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) has said the move by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to invade the Ogun and Lagos homes of Senator-elect Kashamu Buruji and place him under house arrest was necessitated by an extradition request by the United States.

Kashamu had allegedly been indicted in 1998 in the US for drug dealings.

Former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Sunday condemned kidnappings and the crisis between drivers and Hausa traders in Ado Ekiti.

Fayemi, who spoke at the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, in company with some former members of his cabinet, commiserated with the traditonal ruler over the crisis, which had led to destruction of property worth several millions of Naira.

Patience Jonathan fuelled my conflict with President, PDP – Amaechi

The Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, on Sunday said his disagreement with President Goodluck Jonathan was fueled in part by the President’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.

He said this after the premiere of a documentary on Amaechi years at the Silver Bird Galleria, Abuja.

According to him, the President and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party would have taken him to the cleaners, if they had anything incriminating against him.

NDLEA’s Siege On My House Is Illegal – Buruji Kashamu

Ogun State Senator-elect, Mr Buruji Kashamu has described as illegal the decision by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to surround his house situated in Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State.

A statement signed by his media aide, Austin Oniyokor, said “this latest onslaught is a confirmation of the alleged plot to illegally abduct him in spite of the pending suit against this illegality.

OAU lecturer, three Ekiti nurses, others regain freedom

A lecturer of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Dr. Femi ‎Omisore, who was kidnapped in Ekiti State about two weeks ago, has been rescued in the early hours of Saturday.

He was reportedly rescued alongside nine others, including three other nurses.

It was gathered that the victims were rescued by vigilantes at Esure Ekiti, who subsequently took the rescued victims to the palace of the Elesure of ‎Esure Ekiti.

Owolabi Money Maker, one of Davido's HKN gang members and buddy has fallen short of the sum of N880,000 after conmen fraudulently withdrew the cash from his Guaranty Trust Bank account.

Widely referred to as MoneyMakerHKN, the 27-year old created a scene at a GTB branch in Lekki after fraudsters hit his account with an N880,000 debit.

The petition to withdraw an honorary doctorate granted to Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has now gained 5,090 signatures.

The petition was started by Sunday Iwalaiye, a Nigerian resident in the US, who believes that Okonjo-Iweala is undeserving of the award.

President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, reportedly refused a conversation with the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who allegedly booked the same flight to London on Friday, May 22, with the intention of a possible dialogue.

NIGERIAN music industry’s first couple, Tunde and Wunmi Obe, otherwise known as T.W.O, hosted the crème de la crème of the Nigerian entertainment industry last weekend to a spectacular exclusive listening party for their latest studio album, T.W.O PLUS.

The event, which held at their plush Lagos residence, had in attendance several celebrities including Afrobeat icon, Femi Kuti, Nollywood actresses Funke Akindele and Kate Henshaw; popular musicians 9ice, Dare Art-Alade and dancehall legend, Ras Kimono.

A book to immortalise Toba, murdered son of ace female sports presenter, Aisha Falode, was recently launched in Lagos.

Family members, friends and sympathisers converged to launch the book titled Gift of Grace in honour of Toba Tyler Falode who was murdered in Dubai exactly a year ago. The book was written by Toba’s sister, Tolu Falode.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi says he is satisfied with the performances of the domestic league players he has been training in Abuja ahead the Super Eagles’ Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad in Kaduna on June13, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

Keshi said, “Right now, a lot of them are a bit jittery and anxious because they are in the front of the big boss.

Rap act, Reminisce has opened up on his relationship with his wife of 13 years saying they fight a lot but she remains his friend and only love.

Speaking with The Punch, Reminisce said, 'My wife and I fight a lot, we argue every time but she is my friend and I love her a lot. She acts like a man and she is my best friend. We don’t see ourselves as husband and wife. I believe she is the only person I can live with and she is the only one that can look out for me.'

VP Sambo, ministers to travel abroad after May 29

President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice-President Namadi Sambo and many ministers have concluded plans to travel abroad shortly after the May 29 inauguration of a new government.

While Jonathan had said he would travel out of the country for a much deserved rest after the May 29 inauguration, Sambo is planning to travel to London on May 31, two days after the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s new President.

Wiz Khalifa Rapper reveals title of his next album

Wiz Khalifa announced on Twitter yesterday May 21, the title of his next album “Rolling Papers 2: The Weed Album.”

The album comes four years after his Rolling Papers album. “Rolling Papers 2: The Weed Album" will be its sequel.

Jonathan opens Defence radio in Abuja barracks

President Goodluck on Friday inaugurated a radio station, owned by the Defence Headquarters, Defence Radio 107.7 FM of the Armed Forces Radio Services, in Abuja.

The radio station is located inside the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

The Joint Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream) on Friday ordered the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and her counterpart in the Petroleum Resources Ministry, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke, to appear before it on Monday next week over the lingering fuel crisis in the country.

Also summoned along with the two ministers are the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation; Managing Director, Petroleum Pricing and Regulatory Agency; and the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson solemnizes a surprise wedding

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson just made wedding history.

The Furious 7 actor surprised comedian and superfan Nick Mundy of Screen Junkies during his very special day.

M.I Abaga has expressed a desire to collaborate with a number of legendary African artistes including Hugh Maskela, Youssou N’Dour, Salif Keita and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The Chocolate City rapper disclosed this while responding to questions at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards announcement event at Cova Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Activities Commence For Buhari’s Inauguration

Activities marking the inauguration of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari commences today with Jumat prayers at the Abuja National Mosque, the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee, PIPC, has announced.

According to a statement issued by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, the processes leading to the transfer of power would end with an inauguration gala night on May 29, 2015.

Ekiti Crisis (Update) Fayose relocating Hausa people to another location (Photos)

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose ensuring the relocation of Hausa people from Atikankan, Ado Ekiti to Sasa, along Ikere road now. The governor is here making sure that the Hausas are not attacked.

Governor Ayo Fayose on Green Shirt.

More photos after the cut........

Jose Mourinho has won the Premier League Manager of the Year award for guiding Chelsea to their fifth title, while Eden Hazard has collected the Player of the Year award.

The Blues ran away with the Premier League this season, securing the title with three games to spare, and could finish as far as 11 points ahead of their rivals after the final round of fixtures on Sunday.

Ayobo-Ipaja road

Some Lagos residents on Thursday urged the State Governor-elect, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, to complete the Ayobo/Ipaja Road project in Alimosho very early in his tenure.

The residents and some motorists in the area spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group has denied allegations made by the Nigerian military that it is running a hate campaign against it.

The claim was made via a letter sent to the group by Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade.

“Indeed, there is still room for more merciful and robust engagement or interface between you and the government and security agencies in the drive to secure the return of our girls. Enough of undue hate campaign and antagonism,” Olukolade had written.

Nigerian celebrities Stella Damasus and D'banj supported Red Nose Day yesterday, May 21, 2015.

Both celebs shared pictures of themselves wearing red noses on their Instagram accounts yesterday.

Etisalat

Saturday, May 30, 2015

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Monday, May 25, 2015

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