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Showing posts from July 21, 2016

Brazil Olympics: Ten arrested for 'plotting 'terror'

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REUTERSImage captionThe military are to begin patrolling sports venues from 24 July, authorities said Brazilian police have arrested 10 members of a group alleged to be preparing acts of terrorism, two weeks before the start of the Olympic Games. They were not members of so-called Islamic State but had tried to make contact with the group, officials said. The justice minister said the group was in the planning stage of an attack and police acted as a preventative measure. Alexandre Moraes described the cell as "absolute amateurs" and "ill-prepared" to launch an attack. All those arrested were Brazilian and two more suspects were being sought, he said.

Facebook Completes First Test Flight Of Its Giant Internet Drone

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The 737-sized Aquila is meant to fly on solar power at altitudes of 60,000 feet or more and deliver wireless Internet for three months at a time. That morning, with the sun barely over the horizon and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg looking on with a big smile, a giant unmanned aircraft sporting the wingspan of a Boeing 737 lifted off from an airfield in Yuma, Arizona. Meant to be a half-hour demo of the experimental V-shaped aircraft—codenamed Aquila—the flight worked so well that the company’s Connectivity Lab decided to let it fly for 96 minutes. Named for an eagle that carried Zeus’s thunderbolts in Greek mythology, Aquila is a major part of Facebook’s plan to bring Internet connectivity to the many parts of the developing world where it is not currently available. It was designed to beam connectivity directly to people on the ground using laser communications and millimeter wave systems, a technology it is concurrently developing.

US election: Ted Cruz fights back for not endorsing Trump

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The moment the crowd turned on Ted Cruz Texas Senator Ted Cruz has defended his failure to endorse Donald Trump as the US Republican nominee during his speech to the party convention in Cleveland. Mr Cruz said he would not be a "servile puppy" to someone who had attacked his wife and father. Mr Trump had implied Mr Cruz's father was involved in the assassination of John F Kennedy, and criticised the appearance of his wife Heidi. Mr Cruz was booed amid angry chants of "We want Trump!" and "Endorse Trump!"

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger basically rules out signing another midfielder

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Arsene Wenger is satisfied with Arsenal’s midfield options (Picture: Getty) Arsene Wenger has stressed that Arsenal are now ‘solid’ in midfield after securing the services of Granit Xhaka ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta all left the Gunners this summer, raising doubts over the squad’s depth in midfield but the French manager remains confident over numbers. The addition of Xhaka, as well as both Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla returning from injuries, appear to have convinced Wenger that no further midfield reinforcements are necessary. ‘Xhaka brings his passing ability to play through the lines from deep positions, his work rate, and he’s good in the air,’ Wenger told Arsenal.com.

We’ll Explore New Opportunities In Gas, Technology To Resuscitate Economy – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja said his administration will continue to welcome innovative ideas in the gas, technology and agricultural sectors to reposition the economy. Receiving the Letter of Credence of the High Commissioner of the Republic of India, Mr. Nagabhushana Reddy, at the State House, President Buhari said Nigeria will strengthen cooperation with the Asian country on education, technology transfer and military training. “The relationship between Nigeria and India is a long one. The relationship pre-dates Nigeria’s independence and as soon as we got our independence we opened a mission in New Delhi. “Our relationship cuts across education, military, trade manufacturing and technology. I recall schooling at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington from 1970 to 1973 and the significant role India played in establishing the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Senate Reshuffles Committee Chairmen

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The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki on Thursday reshuffled the leadership of senate committees. Amongst the members reshuffled are Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, who previously chaired the Committee on Women Affairs. She is now the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Environment. While former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population, Kabiru Marafa, will now operate as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum. The Senate President made the announcement shortly before the Senate adjourned on Thursday. Other members reshuffled include;

Appeal Court lifts ban on Hijab in Lagos public schools

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  The special five man panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos Thursday set aside the judgment of a Lagos High Court that banned students in public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State from wearing Hijab (Muslims headscarf) with their school uniforms in a unanimous decision. The special panel which was presided over by Justice A B Gumel held that the appeal is meritorious and same should be allowed. In his judgement, Justice Gumel held that the use of hijab is an Islamic injunction and also an Act of worship hence it will constitute a violation of the appellants’ rights to stop them from wearing hijab in public schools. While resolving all the five issues raised in favour of the appellants, the appellate court held that the lower court erred in law when it held that ban of hijab is a policy of the Lagos State Government (respondent). The court also noted that no circular was presented before the lower court to show that it was a policy of Lagos State stating that “he wh

Kaduna To Demolish Over 1,000 Illegal Buildings

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Kaduna State Governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai. Over one thousand illegal residential buildings illegally erected on the Kaduna Polytechnic land at Gbagyi Villa in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been pencilled down for demolition. The state governor, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, who stated this after visiting the community to assess the level of encroachment by the residents, said his administration will not tolerate any form of land speculation or encroachment of public lands by individuals or groups. He warned citizens of the state to desist from acquiring land belonging to government or be ready to face the consequences.

Breaking: Buhari nominates Eko, Augie Supreme Court justices

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President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to screen and subsequently confirm Hon. Justices Ejembi Eko and Amina Augie as Justices of the Supreme Court. President Buhari Buhari in a letter to Senate President Bukola Saraki explained that the two nominees will represent North-central and North-west‎ respectively. President Buhari said, “In accordance with Section 231 subsection (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, I have the pleasure to forward for your confirmation, the nomination of the two nominees as Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Also yesterday at Plenary, Senate President Saraki read a letter from President Buhari seeking the screening and approval of names of former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba and 18 others as chairman and members of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

ZLATAN IS UNITED'S 7TH PREMIER LEAGUE NO.9

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be the seventh man to wear Manchester United's no.9 shirt in the Premier League since squad numbers were introduced in 1993/94. The Swedish signing has become the third occupant of the jersey in the past three seasons after Radamel Falcao and Anthony Martial, who has switched to no.11 - the figure he wore for France at Euro 2016 - following his remarkable debut season in England. Brian McClair donned the no.9 shirt in 1993/94 even if Eric Cantona was then the regular partner of Mark Hughes in attack, with the Scot ultimately dropping into a deeper midfield role. Andy Cole moved to no.9 in 1996/1997 from the no.17 he was given when completing a record move from Newcastle United in January 1995; McClair subsequently moved to no.13.

Lionel Messi will return to Barcelona with new energy - Luis Enrique

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Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi's retirement from international football wouldn't be all bad for his La Liga side. Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has said that he doesn't expect Lionel Messi to return to training with less enthusiasm despite the striker's decision to quit the Argentina national team following the Copa America loss. The Blaugrana coach gave his first news conference for the preseason, addressing speculation that his star player might be affected by Argentina's summer struggles. Messi announced he would not play for his country again after he missed a penalty during a shootout defeat to Chile in last month's Copa America Centenario defeat, in what was a third consecutive loss in a major international final.

‘Lock her up!’: Republicans have started calling for Hillary Clinton to be imprisoned, hung and shot

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Melina Mara / The Washington PostRepublicans gathered to nominate Donald Trump for president this week in Cleveland are focusing attacks on presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. The refrain of this Republican convention hasn’t been “Make America Great Again.” It has been “Lock her up!” Over the convention’s first two nights, a growing number of Republicans called for Hillary Clinton to be imprisoned. One of Trump’s advisers called for her death. The unprecedented tenor for a national political convention has prompted dismay in some corners of the GOP and even launched a Secret Service investigation into a New Hampshire state representative who said Clinton should be shot by a firing squad.

JUST IN: We are in talks with Niger Delta militants- Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari has, Thursday, confirmed that his government is in dialogue with Niger Delta militants towards putting a stop to pipeline vandalism and violence being experienced in the region. The President gave the confirmation through the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu while granting farewell audience to the outgoing Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zinner, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Buhari said that the talks are being done through oil companies and law-enforcement agencies said the dialogue is meant a to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region. Buhari also said that his administration is studying the instruments of the Amnesty Programme inherited from the previous administration with a view to carrying out commitments made that were undelivered. “We understand their feelings. We are studying the instruments.

Finance Minister Appears Before Senate, Says Nation Is Going Through Recession

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The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, on Thursday admitted that the nation is going through a recession. Mrs Adeosun, who was speaking during the plenary session of the Senate said the Federal Government is aware of the sufferings the recession may have caused Nigerians but added that steps have been taken to ensure that the nation gets out of its economic challenge. She also appealed to Nigerians not to panic over recent reports of international agencies, which puts the nation’s economy in a bad light but to believe in the policies of government geared towards achieving a stable economy.

Jordan Brand Reveals the Air Jordan 31

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Image courtesy of Nike It's finally here. Get those champagne emojis popping because the Air Jordan XXXI has officially shifted from Internet speculation, per Zack Schlemmer of Sneaker News, to an actual piece of footwear reality.

‘Star Wars’ unveils new ‘Rogue One’ character Edrio Two Tubes

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There's been an awakening in the "Star Wars" galaxy. A new character named Edrio Two Tubes, a refugee from the franchise's highly anticipated upcoming standalone, "Rogue One, A Star Wars Story," was introduced early at San Diego Comic-Con. Edrio, a mercenary pilot fixated on bringing down the Empire, is currently on display at the Lucasfilm Pavilion area of the four-day geek fest.

US Justice Department claims Wolf of Wall Street film was financed with $100m of laundered cash

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   A Hollywood film company behind The Wolf of Wall Street has become embroiled in a massive corruption scandal linked to the Malaysian prime minister. Court documents lodged by the US Justice Department claim that money from a Malaysian investment fund was used to fund the movie and gambling trips to Las Vegas.

US election: Artist builds wall around Trump's Hollywood star

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 People have come to see Donald Trump's 'walled' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles Donald Trump's controversial call for a "great, great wall" on the US-Mexico border has yet to be realised but a tiny, tiny one has been built instead - surrounding his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Court awards N5m against EFCC for illegal detention

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A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, while ruling on the bail application of an ally of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Abiodun Agbele‎, awarded N5m as damages against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as compensation for the suspect’s “wrongful and illegal detention” from July 1 till date. The court held that the order obtained ‎by the EFCC from a Magistrates’ Court in Wuse on July 13 after the anti-graft agency was served with the processes of the suit, amounted to nullity, as it (the order) was said to have been obtained to foist a “fait accompli” on the court with respect to the suspect’s suit. The judge condemned “strongly” what he described as EFCC’s “gross abuse of powers” and its “arrogant display of executive might”‎ for detaining the suspect illegally for the period.

Arms scandal: Okupe may face conspiracy charges

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Dr. Doyin Okupe A former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, may face conspiracy charges after new revelations emerged in the ongoing investigation into the arms scandal. A source at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which is investigating Okupe for receiving N100m from embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), said the anti-graft agency was making new discoveries that contradict his claims. For instance, the source said it was discovered that Okupe received N15m from the account of Destra Investment Limited, a company owned by the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olisa Metuh, who is on trial for allegedly receiving N400m from Dasuki.

A new fight broke out again in Bokkos community in Plateau state, one confirmed dead

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Few days after suspected herdsmen ambushed and killed Lazarus Agaei, a first class traditional ruler alongside his wife, son and police guard in Bokkos local government area in Plateau state, fighting broke out in the same area last night as unknown assailants stormed the village to carry out more attacks. Angry youths in the community this morning barricaded all major roads leading to the area and also blocked the convoy of the state commissioner of police Adekunle Oladunjoye who was there to assess the level of destruction. Soldiers serving with the Special Task Force in Jos opened fire on rampaging youths. In the process, one of them was hit, killing him, while many others sustained injuries.

NNPC picks Benue for $300m agro-energy project

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to establish an energy renewable plant in Benue State using agricultural products as part of efforts by the Federal Government to diversify the nation’s economy. The corporation’s Group General Manager in charge of Renewable Energy Division, Rabiu Suleiman, dropped the hint yesterday during a courtesy call on Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, in Makurdi. He said the project, which is to gulp about $300 million, would be financed through a joint venture with foreign partners. Suleiman further revealed that the corporation had already secured technical partners. He noted that the decision to diversify energy generation from existing sources to agricultural products was conceived by the Federal Government in 2005 and has since been in the pipeline.

NNPC’s $6bn JV cash calls’ a threat to Nigeria’s economic growth — SENATE

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THE Senate yesterday decried the current cash call indebtedness of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Joint Venture, which has risen to well over $6 billion. It also noted that the issue had become a huge problem staring the nation’s economy in the face. According to the Senate, investigation into the implementation of the Joint Venture Cash Calls Obligation by the Nigeria National Petroleum, NNPC, was stalled by the absence of chief executive officers of International Oil Companies, IOCs. Speaking yesterday at the public hearing on the urgent need for effective implementation of the Joint Venture cash calls obligations by the NNPC, in accordance with the appropriate Act of the National Assembly, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said the indebtedness was worrisome, especially at a period of disturbing and increased pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. He described as unacceptable the $6 billion cash call indebtedness.

Oil firms recalling sacked workers, says Ngige

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Ngige: Minister of labour The Federal Government on Wednesday  said it is making a head way in the resolution of pending disagreements in the Oil and Gas sector with an agreement reached with some oil majors to recall sacked workers as requested by the sector’s labour unions. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Nwabueze Ngige at the reconvened meeting with Petroleum Natural Gas Senior Staff Association  (PENGASSAN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the representatives of some oil companies warned indigenous and international oil companies that Nigeria would not tolerate indiscriminate retrenchment of workers, notwithstanding the economic downturn, saying that one of the cardinal objectives of the present administration is to create jobs.

Ribadu warns politicians to Stop politicising Buhari’s anti-corruption fight

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   Pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, has warned Nigerians to desist from politicising the current wave of anti-corruption fight being waged by the EFCC so as to rid the nation of the monster. *Ribadu *Ribadu Mr. Ribadu made the remark at a National Stakeholders Workshop on Recovery and Management of Recovered Assets organized by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption on Wednesday. Ribadu chastised those who are vilifying EFCC for daring to confront corruption, saying that the only goal of the commission was to protect national interest and not individual fortune. The former chairman, who recently left the PDP for APC, said that the current approach by the EFCC against corruption remained the best and most appropriate way to go in tacking graft, asked Nigerians to avoid whipping sentiments into the fight to ensure its success.

Do you think these Nigerian Celebrities Look Alike? (Photos)

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  Having a look-alike is something most people dislike while a few others love to hear that they look like someone, especially if the person is reputable and famous. But when two famous people look-alike it becomes more interesting. Two actors who look-alike can even be cast as siblings or parent and child, depending on their age difference. Often times, when two celebs look-alike, the one who attained fame first is most times seen as the original while the next is tagged an imposter or a duplicate. This may not be the case in this list, they are all originals, unique to themselves. Here are some well-known Nigerian entertainers and their carbon copies. None of these people are related but the resemblance is just striking. Check them out!

Did Donald Trump actually Said this About Running For President In 1998?

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The photo speaks for itself… It’s for sure that the Presidential aspirant will give a rational explanation for his speech just as he did for his wife, after she plagiarized Michelle Obama’s speech. Donald Trump is an American businessman, politician, television personality, and author and the nominee of the Republican Party for president of the United States in 2016.

Ex-Soldier Jailed For Bigamy After First Wife Sees Pictures Of His Second Wedding On Facebook.

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A bigamist has been jailed after his first wife discovered images of his second wedding on his Facebook page, a court was told. Simon Crudgington wed a new partner in Prague – but he never divorced Elizabeth, his first wife. After finding images of his second wedding on the Facebook, the “manipulative” 40-year-old went to great lengths to cover up his lies and even sent her a fake e-mail which stated their marriage was null and void. The ex-solider and dad-of-two has now been jailed for six months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after admitting to lying that he was free to marry.

Florida police shoot black man lying down with arms in air

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Video shows therapist moments before he was wounded by police marksman while trying to get his autistic patient to comply with officers Charles Kinsey, left, lies in street with his arms raised before a police officer shoots. Kinsey’s patient is sitting up next to him. Photograph: WSVN 7 News  An autistic man’s therapist was shot and wounded by police in Florida while lying on the street with his hands in the air. Charles Kinsey, who works with people with disabilities, was trying to get his 27-year-old patient back to a facility from where he wandered, North Miami assistant police chief Neal Cuevas told the Miami Herald . Cuevas said police – who were responding to reports of a man threatening to shoot himself – ordered Kinsey and the patient, who was sitting in the street playing with a toy truck, to lie on the ground.

Oscar Pistorius: prosecutors seek longer jail sentence

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South Africa’s national prosecuting authority says it will appeal ‘shockingly too lenient’ sentence for murder of Reeva Steenkamp   Oscar Pistorius holds the hand of a relative after his sentencing at the high court in Pretoria earlier this month. Photograph: Pool/Getty Images South African prosecutors will appeal against Oscar Pistorius’ six-year sentence for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, which they described as “shockingly too lenient”. When he was sentenced earlier this month, Pistorius’ lawyers said the Paralympic athlete would not appeal against the term, criticised by many activists as too short. High court judge Thokozile Masipa said she believed there were “substantial and compelling” reasons why the athlete should not be handed the 15-year minimum sentence for murder, including his obvious remorse and the fact he believed Steenkamp was an intruder.

Toke Makinwa’s Ex Husband, Maje Ayida’s Baby Mama, Shares New Photo With Her Son.

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Estranged husband of media personality, Toke Makinwa, Maje Ayida‘s son was a year old yesterday. Though the fitness expert and writer, hasn’t shared any photo of his son since the time of his birth, his baby mama, Anita Solomon took to Instagram to celebrate him writing:   “Happy Birthday Micah, my sweet boy! You are blessed and highly favoured. You will always bring joy to the hearts of many, and you will serve God and give Him Glory. I love you so much and I can’t imagine a life without you, and I am blessed to have you!

Naomi Campbell scolded for being late to set of Absolutely Fabulous

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'Maybe in her past, nobody’s ever asked her to be on time,' recollects Jennifer Saunders  The pair recalled Kate Moss being on the set too Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) Joanna Lumley has recalled a time she says Naomi Campbell was almost dismissed for being three hours late to the set of Absolutely Fabulous. The Absolutely Fabulous star said the 46-year-old supermodel was warned she would be sent home if she was late again while starring in an episode of the hugely popular sitcom back in the 1990s. Lumley, 70, cast her mind back to the anecdote while promoting the 2016 movie of the iconic sitcom. Speaking to Page Six , Lumley recollected a stern floor manager telling Campbell: “You’re working with a lot of very professional actresses. They all pitched up on time, and they know their lines. Darling, you’ll do that tomorrow, or you’re out.”

JUST IN: Saraki returns to PDP

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Senate President, Bukola Saraki has returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigerian Times can exclusively report. Saraki met with the PDP caucus this evening at the Abuja home of his deputy in the Senate, Ike Ekeremadu at the Apo Legislative Quarters. After the meeting,Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President, led a group of senators to Goodluck Jonathan’s Maitama home to brief him. The meeting with Jonathan is on going at press time. Saraki has been facing prosecution at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for falsely declare assets. A source who was at the meeting told Nigerian Times that Saraki, who has faced persecution from the leadership of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) decided to leave the party and return to the PDP, which he left in 2014 with five PDP Governors.

Late Goldie, OJB Jezreel And Ayinde Barrister To Be Given Posthumous Awards In London

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Podium Recognition Awards, an award ceremony in honour of distinguished Nigerians which is set to hold on August 27, 2016 at Best Western Hotel, Hendon way, London is going to be given posthumous awards to the families of three late musicians who did well for Nigerian Music: Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Goldie Harvey and OJB Jezreel.

Michelle Obama joins James Corden for ‘Carpool Karaoke’ - NY Daily News

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The First Lady got her freak on. Michelle Obama has proven her dance moves in the past and on Wednesday night she showed off her singing chops. She joined late night host James Corden on his wildly popular "Carpool Karaoke" segment to give the funny man a tour of the White House. The 52-year-old admitted she has rarely been in the passenger seat of a car since her husband became president. To mark the rare occurence, she naturally put on some tunes and belted out her favorite songs. "Stevie Wonder is my favorite!" she exclaimed as she sang along to "Sign, Sealed, Delivered."

Liverpool Transfer News: Joe Allen Bid Accepted from Stoke, Jon Flanagan Rumours

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Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images Liverpool have accepted a £13 million offer from Stoke City for defensive midfielder Joe Allen, per Andy Hunter of the Guardian. The 26-year-old failed to secure a first-team place under former Reds manager Brendan Rodgers and current boss Jurgen Klopp, meaning he could now swap Anfield for the Bet365 Stadium after Stoke met Liverpool's valuation. Per Hunter, the Potters face competition for his signature from Allen's former club, Swansea City, with the Wales international entering the final 12 months of his contract. Elsewhere, German coach Klopp is prepared to allow versatile full-back Jon Flanagan leave the club on a season-long loan deal after they were approached by Burnley.

Turkey coup attempt: State of emergency announced

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President Erdogan explains why he has declared a state of emergency Turkey's president has declared a state of emergency for three months following Friday night's failed army coup. Speaking at the presidential palace in Ankara, Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed that "all the viruses within the armed forces will be cleansed". The declaration could be used to extend the detention of nearly 10,000 people rounded up since the failed coup. More than 600 schools have been closed and thousands of state workers sacked in a crackdown by the president. "This measure is in no way against democracy, the law and freedoms," said Mr Erdogan after announcing the state of emergency.

Aisha Buhari has finally sued Gov. Fayose, aides

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President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, on Wednesday sued Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State for claiming she was involved in the Halliburton scandal. Mr. Fayose had in June said Mrs. Buhari was the “Aisha Buhari” named in a U.S. court document, alleged to have been involved in bribery case involving a convicted former U.S. lawmaker, Williams Jefferson. The governor, in what appeared to be an error, referred to the Jefferson bribery as the Halliburton scandal, which is an entirely different case. Mr. Fayose however insisted he was right, despite Mrs. Buhari’s denial and threat of lawsuit.

I’ll reveal details of 2016 budget controversies – Jibrin

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Abdulmumin Jibrin Abdulmumin Jibrin, former chairman of the federal house of representatives committee on appropriation, says he will discuss details of the controversies around the 2016 budget, in future. At the close of plenary on Wednesday, Speaker Yakubu Dogara announced that Jibrin had been replaced with Mustapha Dawaki Bala as chairman of the committee. But speaking to journalists later, Jibrin stated that he loved his job as appropriation chair but due to circumstances and issues in the house, he had to step down from the position. “I was not forced to resign, I resigned on my own. I resigned of my own volition,” he said. “As members of the press, you have a responsibility. If anybody tells you that I was forced to resign, the person is in the better position to tell you why I was forced to resign.

Igbos are landlords in Nigeria, and can't be ejected– Ohaneze tells IPOB

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The youth wing of the pan Igbo socio political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has faulted reports credited to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which described the Igbo summit held in Owerri, as insignificant as well as a stage managed jamboree, pointing that Ndigbo are the landlords of Nigeria and cannot leave it for anybody; but will only continue to seek for justice, equity and fair play for all Nigerians. In a statement signed by its Chairman of all state chairmen, Mazi Alex Okemini, the youth group said IPOB missed the point by describing a gathering of eminent Igbo leaders as a jamboree and urged the group to tender an unreserved apology to the leaders.

Women protesters storm National Assembly in support of Tinubu

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Women, numbering 50, yesterday stormed the National Assembly to protest the altercation between Senators Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West) and Oluremi Tinubu (APC, Lagos Central). Both federal lawmakers had engaged in a hot verbal exchange during a closed-door session penultimate Tuesday where Melaye reportedly threatened to beat up the wife of the former Lagos State governor and APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The protesters wore T-shirts bearing different inscriptions like “ No to impunity for gender-based violence”, “Stop violence against women” and brandished placards that read, “ Support Gender Equality Opportunity Bill”, “A Senator is a Senator, women are not threat object”, Senate Ieadership’s silence in the face of violence against women is conspiracy”, “Say no to impunity” among others.

Senate justifies Buhari’s exclusion of 4 states in ambassadorial nomination

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Senate yesterday justified the exclusion of persons from Bayelsa, Plateau, Ondo and Ebonyi states in the list of 47 ambassadorial nominees sent to it by President Muhammadu Buhari for confirmation. Recall that senate had on receipt of Buhari’s first batch of 47 Career Ambassadorial nominees a couple of weeks ago been inundated with protests from states excluded from the list leading to a petition by one of its ranking member, Senator Emmanuel Paulker (PDP-Bayelsan Central) who queried the non inclusion of Bayelsan indigenes in the list. Senator Paulker had specifically came under Order 43 of Senate Rules, faulting the non inclusion of Bayelsan indigenes in the presentation of career Ambassadorial nominees by President Buhari to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Merkel backs May’s decision to delay triggering Brexit

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel has backed Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to wait until 2017 before starting the formal process of leaving the EU, a day before the British leader was to meet with French President François Hollande on Thursday. Yet while Merkel ceded that the UK needed time to put together a negotiating stance before triggering a formal divorce from the bloc, she was clear that no one wanted “a long period of limbo”. May, appointed a week ago after David Cameron resigned over the result of the EU vote, has appealed for time to work out how best to attack the unprecedented and complex negotiation for Brexit, with the other leaders in the bloc offering little sign they will make things easy for the UK.

The moment Ivanka lost her cool

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Photo appears to shows Ivanka Trump looking less than pleased while pointing her finger sitting next to her family Another snap shows her appearing to be upset while speaking briefly with her father who also didn't look pleased Ted Cruz refused to endorse Donald Trump and instead urged Americans to 'vote your conscience' in November He delivered a calculated speech that divided the hall at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio Other photos taken show Trump's children united as they supported their father's quest for the White House

The secrets behind Trump's hair: Former stylist reveals the Donald covers it with gel, avoids professional salons...oh, and it's 100 percent REAL

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Amy Lasch, 52, used to style the Donald's hair on The Apprentice She said the presidential hopeful does not professionally cut or dye hair Lasch believes he has a family member do it, calling his dye job a 'calamity' She also revealed Trump uses so much gel his mane is 'solid and matted' Donald Trump's hair has been a hot topic of discussion long before his name landed on the Republican presidential ticket, and now his former hairdresser is revealing its secrets. Amy Lasch, 52, worked with the Donald on the early seasons of The Apprentice, where she found out that his famous golden locks were 100 percent real.

Naira depreciates to N375/$ in parallel market

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  THE naira yesterday suffered heavily at the parallel market depreciating by N7 against the dollar. Vanguard investigation reveals that the parallel market exchange rate rose from N268 per dollar on Tuesday to N375 per dollar at the close of business yesterday. The sharp depreciation was triggered by increased scarcity of the nation’s currency in the interbank market. The lack of dollar supply in the interbank market was aggravated by lack of intervention dollar sales by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) causing the naira depreciate by 12 in the market in ten days. However the naira appreciated yesterday at the interbank spot market with the interbank exchange rate dropping to N294.23 per dollar from N294.57 on Monday. It was gathered that only one transaction worth $380,000 was transacted yesterday and it was conducted at 11.50 am more than three hours after the market opened. The interbank market had seen just $300,000 traded on Tuesday, again in one transaction.

Rwanda: Pressure On Franc Continues

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Foreign exchange inflows from delegates of the just-concluded African Union Summit in Kigali are unlikely to have a direct impact on the Dollar rate on the local Forex market. The development comes after the greenback was seen appreciating against the Franc despite inflows from the more than 3,000 delegates who attended the Summit. However, economists are optimistic of a turn for the better sooner. Prof. Thomas Kigabo, the chief economist at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), said it is still early to gauge the impact of these dollar inflows. "Comprehensive information about the forex market will be provided next week after our team has put the figures together," he said. The central bank yesterday quoted the greenback at 781.8/797 (selling/buying) against the Franc compared to 775/791 at the closure of last month.

Avengers warns NUPENG, PENGASSAN, foreigners to leave oil fields

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NIGER Delta Avengers, NDA, has denied claims by the Nigerian Navy that it arrested the group’s logistics supplier, saying its operatives were intact adding that the militants were winning the war. Militants vs Buhari The militant group in a statement by its spokesperson, self-styled Brig. General Mudoch, said: “The news that the Nigerian Navy has arrested Niger Delta Avengers’ logistics supplier is the biggest joke of the 21st century. “The Nigerian Navy cannot arrest any of our operatives until we bring down the economy of this country.” Meanwhile, the Avengers has warned NUPENG, PENGASSAN and foreigners to “leave all oil fields and terminals in the Niger Delta because it is going to be dirty very soon. “As it is now, any Tom, Dick and Harry is a suspect of Niger Delta Avengers. The Nigerian Navy has lost its sense of professionalism.

Tinubu, Melaye to reconcile after Saraki intervention

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  Thanks to Senate President, Bukola Saraki's intervention, indications have shown that a possible reconciliation between Senator Dino Melaye and Senator Oluremi Tinubu is now underway, Vanguard reports. Saraki reportedly met with Melaye and Tinubu separately to finally put an end to the ongoing spat between the two senators who both belong to the All Progressives Congress political party. The Senate President is believed to have told both to end their war of words for the unity of the Senate and to protect their integrity as well as that of the Senate. At the conclusion of both meetings, Tinubu and Melaye agreed to end their squabble that has been an ongoing controversy that has been played out publicly.

APC Chieftain accuses Mimiko of misappropriating N400bn state funds

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Mimiko described Ekungba's allegations as a figment of his imagination, saying it is typical of APC members, who he said are trying hard to discredit his administration. Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state. A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ChiefJamiu Ekungba, has accused Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of misappropriating about N400 billion federal allocations. He said in the last seven and a half years, there is nothing to show for the allocations accrued to the state. Ekungba stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 20. “Ondo State has, in the last seven and a half years, collected over N600bn from the federation account but we cannot, in all sincerity, see tangible development that is reflective of the huge receipts,” he said. In reaction, Mimiko described Ekungba's allegation as a figment of his imagination, saying it is typical of APC members, who he said are trying hard to discredit his administration.

How to protect your liver from developing cancer

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The most significant risk factor for liver cancer is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. These are viruses that can spread from person to person through the sharing of contaminated needles (such as in drug use) and through unprotected sex. Hence some liver cancer may be prevented by not sharing needles and by engaging in safer sex practices (such as consistent use of condoms). Common symptoms of liver cancer. Blood transfusions were once a major source of hepatitis infection as well. But because blood banks now test donated blood to look for signs of these viruses, the risk of getting a hepatitis infection from a blood transfusion is extremely low. Other risk factors You could be at risk of having hepatitis B if you have sex with someone who is infected or if you have multiple sex partners or have a sexually transmitted disease. A baby born to a mother that is infected with hepatitis B virus is also at risk for being infected. You can lower your risk