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Showing posts from April, 2018

PRESS STATEMENT BY MR. PRESIDENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE WHITE HOUSE ROSE GARDEN, DURING HIS VIST TO THE UNITED STATES.

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Pfandergloria 30TH APRIL, 2018 Good day, Ladies and Gentlemen of the media. It has been a pleasure and honour to visit Washington DC at the kind invitation of President Donald Trump. Nigeria and the United States share a long history of close and cordial relations, which encompass political, economic, military, social and cultural cooperation. Our two countries maintain a strategic partnership for peace and security, conflict resolution as well as the global fight against terrorism. We also share common features as secular federal states, practicing a similar democratic model of governance and committed to the universal values of fundamental human rights and freedoms, free enterprise, social justice and the rule of law. President Trump and his team and myself and the Nigerian team discussed issues related to security, trade, governance, human rights and humanitarian crises. SECURITY We congratulated the leaders of North and South Korea on their historic summit and we applaud t

Kwara workers are dependable allies – Ahmed.

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30 April 2018 Pfandergloria Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has described workers in the state as dependable allies in entrenching good governance and efficient service delivery . The governor , in his May Day message to the workers signed by his Chief Press Secretary , Abdulwahab Oba , said workers remained indispensable companions in his administration’ s quest to build a prosperous Kwara for all . He said the government could not have recorded remarkable achievements in various sectors of the economy without the contributions and support of the workforce. Ahmed, therefore , congratulated the workers in the state on the occasion of May Day celebration. He assured them that the present administration would continue to make their welfare a priority through improved working condition , to enhance their productivity . Ahmed reassured the workers that his government would not renege in prompt payment of salaries and other benefits, in spite of the prevailing economic realities . “

Police arrest Adamawa SDP gubernatorial aspirant

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 The police in Adamawa have arrested a Social Democratic Party ( SDP ) gubernatorial aspirant, Mr Abel Behora, for alleged inciting statement . The command spokesman , SP Othman Abubakar , who confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Monday in Yola, alleged that Behora committed the act in a political programme aired on a private radio station in Yola. Abubakar said Behora would be charged to court on four counts , including defamation of character and dishing out false information against the police. Abubakar urged politicians to play the game according to the rules, adding that the police were committed to ensure sustainable peace in the state.

AGF declares Omo-Agege’s suspension illegal

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 The Attorney- General of the Federation ( AGF ) Mr Abubakar Malami, ( SAN) told the Federal High Court Abuja on Monday that the suspension of Sen. Ovie Omo -Agege was unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful . Malami, who is the 3rd defendant in the ongoing suit brought by Omo - Agege challenging his suspension from the Senate, made his position known through his counsel , Mr Dayo Apata . Apata , who doubles as the Solicitor -General of the Federation , in his submission, said that the role of the AGF was to defend and protect the constitution, adding that he had to react to any issue that had to do with the constitution. “ According to Section 4( 8) , 39, 40 of the Constitution and Articles of the African Charter on Human Rights, all the actions of the senate relating to the suspension of the plaintiff ( Omo -Agege) are unconstitutional, illegal and unlawful . ” The solicitor - general urged the court to hold that the senate ’ s actions were unlawful .

Ex-Oyo governor’s son faces N40m fraud charge.

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 Akinkunle Olunloyo, son of former governor old Oyo State , Dr Victor Olunloyo, was on Monday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates ’ Court , Lagos , for allegedly defrauding a financial institution to the tune of N 40 million. Olunloyo, 40, a former night club owner, was charged alongside his entertainment firm , Code Media Ltd, by the Police Special Fraud Unit ( PSFU ) , Lagos . They are standing trial on a two -count charge of conspiracy and fraud . Police Prosecutor Sylvester Azubuike told the court that Olunloyo and others still at large, committed the offences sometime in November 2014 in Lagos . He said the accused fraudulently obtained N 40 million under guise of using it to renovate his company’ s entertainment premises and hall . According to the police, Olunloyo did not pay back the money, instead , he converted it to his own use. The offences contravened Sections 312( 1) , ( b) , 312 ( 3) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State , 2011

Seeking security support, Buhari meets Trump

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 Nigeria ’ s fight against the Boko Haram jihadist group was expected to top the menu for talks Monday when President Donald Trump meets Nigeria ’ s Muhammadu Buhari , president of Africa ’ s most populous and wealthiest country. Buhari will be the first leader from sub- Saharan Africa to visit Trump, and they plan a joint press conference in the White House gardens after their meeting around midday . In his talks with Trump, Buhari will be seeking support in his battle against Boko Haram , as well as investment in Nigeria ’ s rickety infrastructure. Trump, meanwhile, has to overcome the hard feelings left by his insulting reference to “ shithole countries” in questioning why the US should accept immigrants from Africa . The US president also raised eyebrows in March by firing Rex Tillerson as secretary of state while he was visiting Nigeria , in part to prepare the ground for Buhari’ s visit. But Trump’ s receiving Buhari at the White House just afte

NANS Confers Hon.Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba With Prestigious Award.

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Pfandergloria April 30,2018. The Cross River State Director General for Due process and price intelligence bureau,Hon. Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba, has been awarded with the prestigious prize of an Icon Societal Development by the National Association of Nigerian Student. The award which was conferred on him on April 27, 2018 was in recognition of his pragmatic and transparent leadership, commitment to the overall development of Cross River State. However, instead of taking all the glory accorded to him by NANS, the DG swiftly dedicated the award to Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Senator Benedict Ayade. He disclosed that without the appointment and self belief been bestowed upon him by the Governor of the state, perhaps, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity of serving the people. The DG praised Gov. Ayade for his selfless service and the massive growth and development that Cross River State have witnessed with the few years of his administration. A self made young

Barnier warns Brexit talks at ‘risk’ over Ireland issue

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 . The European Union ’ s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned Monday that the talks were at “ risk ” due to disagreements over the future of the Irish border after Britain leaves the EU . At a press conference during his visit to Ireland , Barnier called for a “ clear and operational solution for Ireland ” to be included in the Brexit deal , adding: “ Until we reach this agreement , there is a risk” . Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warned that Britain ’ s “ approach to negotiations will need to change in some way” if there is to be agreement over the issue . “ Without a solution to the Irish border question , there can be no EU withdrawal agreement , ” he added . London has committed to avoid a “ hard border” with checkpoints between Northern Ireland , part of the UK, and EU -member Ireland , which all sides agree is vital to maintaining the 1998 Good Friday peace accords . However, Britain has also said it will not enter into a customs u

Drug addiction allegedly turns hardworking young man into a scavenger in Borno state (photos)

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Pfandergloria Apr 30, 2018 - A Nigerian man has shared photos of a man who became homeless due to substance abuse - The man revealed that the homeless person was once an hardworking Nigerian man before substance abuse destroyed his life NAIJ.com  has come across the photos of a man who became homeless after he became a victim of substance abuse. The photos of the young man were taken by a photographer while he was scavenging for codeine syrup. A Nigerian photographer identified as Mohammed Chiroma shared photos of a young man who became homeless in Borno state. The photographer revealed that the young man became homeless due to substance abuse. Chiroma who shared the photos on Facebook also revealed that the homeless man used to be very hardworking before he became a victim of substance abuse. Drug addiction allegedly turns hardworking young man into a scavenger in Borno state Photo source: Facebook user Mohammed Chiroma According to him, he took the man's photos while he

Christians protest, urge sack of service chiefs.

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Pfandergloria April 30,2018. Christians across the country yesterday protested against the killings of their fellow believers and other innocent citizens in Benue State . Following the killing of two Catholic priests and 17 other worshippers in a church in Benue last week , the Christian Association ( CAN ) , directed all Christians in the country to protest peacefully on their church premises, demanding an end to the callous disregard for human life. In compliance with the directive , the Christians in Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday staged a peace protest to condemn the Benue killings and passed a vote of no confidence in the service chiefs . They called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack them and restructure the nation ’ s security apparatus. The protesters who also blamed President Buhari for what they described as poor handling of security in the country and excesses of Fulani herdsmen , threatened to campaign against him if the killings of Christians continue. CAN President

Klopp’s assistant to take a break for the rest of the season.

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 . The announcement comes two days before their second leg tie with Roma in the Champions League, with the club claiming that Buvac stepped back due to personal reasons rather than a bust -up with Klopp . Reports had emerged earlier that Buvac had been absent from tactical meetings and was no longer involved in the team selection . Liverpool confirmed that the well- respected coach remains an employee of the club and his position at the club is not affected by his absence . Buvac has worked alongside Klopp for 17 years with their relationship going back to Klopp ’ s spells at Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund . Klopp brought in Buvac immediately he got to the Anfield to continue their partnership in the dugout. It is believed that Peter Krawiet, who was second coach, will step up into the assistant manager role

Real Madrid and Zidane look to overcome Bayern in Champions League semi-final

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 Zidane may have won two consecutive Champions League titles but he refuses to admit a third would brand this his very own era at Real Madrid . Real stand on the brink of a trio of finals ahead of their second leg against Bayern Munich in the last four on Tuesday, when they will carry a 2-1 lead , and two away goals , to the Santiago Bernabeu . It makes them favourites to go through and , for many, heavy favourites to win the tournament after already beating Paris Saint - Germain and Juventus in the knock- out stages . For Zidane , a third European crown as coach is now in sight, which would put him level with Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley in the pantheon of successful managers. Only the three triumphs of Paisley , however , came at one club , Liverpool, and over a single era, in 1977, 1978 and 1981. Ancelotti’ s treble stretched across 11 years , with two clubs , Real and AC Milan . “ We cannot talk about this , ” Zidane said on Friday. “ Coaches

NEPC lauds FCMB for supporting export initiatives.

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 The Nigerian Export Promotion Council ( NEPC) has commended First City Monument Bank ( FCMB) for executing initiatives that drive export trade , particularly non- oil exports in the country. The action of the bank , according to the stakeholders, has gone a long way to impact positively on the various initiatives of the Federal Government to diversify and develop the nation ’ s economy in a sustainable manner . The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Olusegun Awolowo , said this when exporters and other stakeholders attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) between FCMB and NEPC on export development, recently in Abuja . The ceremony also provided an opportunity for the bank and the council to further engage and build the capacity of exporters on new and emerging developments in the segment. According to the bank, it was the fifth consecutive year that FCMB has organised such forum in partnership with a Federal Gover

Catholic Sex Scandal:Pope receives victims of Chilean paedophile priest

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 Three victims of a Chilean paedophile priest have held private meetings with Pope Francis, as the Vatican tries to quell a sex abuse scandal that has rocked the Roman Catholic Church in Chile . The men, all victims of the paedophile priest Fernando Karadima , were in Vatican City at the personal invitation of the pope, who in April admitted “ grave mistakes ” in his handling of the abuse controversy in Chile. Juan Carlos Cruz said his meeting with Francis on Sunday , which lasted more than two hours, was wide - ranging and gave him “ more hope for our Church , even though the task is enormous ” . “ I am moved , he listened to me with great respect , affection and closeness, like a father , ” Cruz said on Twitter . The Vatican had said last week that Francis would seek to “ ask for their forgiveness , share their hurt and the shame they have suffered ” . Jose Andres Murillo said he told Francis in his audience late Friday how important it was to under

Japan’s Abe in the UAE to boost ties, with 27 companies in town

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 Japan ’ s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday hailed cooperation with the United Arab Emirates as a “ strategic relationship” on a visit aimed at boosting political and economic ties . Abe arrived in the oil - rich Gulf state late Sunday on the first leg of a Middle East tour which will also take him to Jordan , Israel and the Palestinian territories. “ Over the past five years since I last visited Abu Dhabi, our bilateral relations have made dramatic progress to a relationship that has been called a strategic relationship, ” Abe told a UAE - Japan business forum.

Work commences at Cross River's ultramodern haulage city.

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Pfandergloria April 30,2018 In its resolve to decongest Calabar metropolis while ensuring that the roads remain safe for users, the Cross River Government has commenced the building of a haulage city. Designed to accommodate 8000 trucks daily, the city will also have a police station, a bank, hotel, restaurant as well as a sophisticated tracking and marking system with cortex-like plastic linings. The state governor, Prof Ben Ayade while inspecting ongoing works at the site said the idea of building the haulage city became imperative as "Calabar plays host to 19 active tank farms creating an aggregate of 7000 trucks a day and when you look at that in synergism with what we experience with the quarries, the flour mill, ports and the cement factory, then we have up to 8000 trucks a day." Ayade remarked that the scenario was creating a very huge embarrassment to the state and indeed Calabar, adding that, "to be able to contend with the social miasma that is associated

Shareholders applaud Access Bank’s involvement in Etisalat

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 Shareholders of Access Bank Plc have commended the lender and other consortium of banks for their involvement in the $1. 72 billion Etisalat loan facility , which saved the company from total collapse . Speaking at the 29th yearly general meeting in Lagos , last week, the shareholders noted that the bank’ s decision to restore a business that was on the verge of collapse is a good step in the right direction. Besides, the shareholders at the meeting approved a final dividend of 40 kobo per ordinary share due to every investor of the bank for the 2017 financial year, which an interim dividend of 25 kobo had already been paid to shareholders earlier in the year . Specifically, the immediate - past Secretary of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria ( ISAN ) , Adebayo Adeleke, said the bank’ s decision to accommodate a business that was going into comatose would help many Nigerians to retain their jobs in the telecommunications sector. He noted

Fayose committed no offence supporting deputy – PDP Chieftain

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018. Ekiti State Governor , Ayodele Fayose A Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Chieftain , Sen. Ighoyota Amori, said Gov . Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti had not committed any offence by supporting his deputy , Prof. Kolapo Olusola , to succeed him . Amori told the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Monday in Abuja that Fayose , like every other PDP member, had the right to support any aspirant to be the party’ s flag - bearer for any election . He said that what was important was to have credible primary to elect a candidate for the July 14 poll, and assured that the PDP national leadership would conduct a fair primary for the candidate to emerge. “ The good thing is that the delegates for the primary are known already ; so , the process cannot be manipulated . “ There are statutory delegates , who are also known to everybody , and there is no dispute about that . “ If you also look at the committee that will conduct the primaries, they are made up of credible peo

Egypt football star Salah signals progress in image dispute

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 . An image rights storm that has seen star Mohamed Salah lash out at Egyptian football authorities is on the way to being settled, the Liverpool playmaker has signalled. “ We were promised a solution and God willing the issue is on its way to being resolved , ” the midfield maestro tweeted late Sunday, while thanking his fans for their “ unreal” support. The dispute has centred on an advertising campaign by the national team’ s main sponsor , Telecom Egypt’ s mobile arm WE, which has relied heavily on photos of Salah , who has his own contract with global telecom giant Vodafone . An initial hint of major discord came on April 20, when Salah ’ s representative Ramy Abbas Issa tweeted “ we are having a very serious issue with the Egyptian Football Association ” . Salah had signalled his growing frustration earlier on Sunday by tweeting “ unfortunately the way it is being dealt with is very insulting . I was hoping the interaction would be classier than

Eagles will defeat DR Congo, says Assistant Coach

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 Super Eagles Assistant Coach Salisu Yusuf said on Monday that the Super Eagles would defeat DR Congo in their May 28 friendly, slated for Abuja . Yusuf , who made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) in Abuja that the Eagles would use the match to send signal of hope to Nigerians. He described friendly matches as fundamental in shaping the fitness of teams, adding that friendly matches were not just meant to record victory but to strengthen teams. “ We are sure of winning Congo DR in order to keep our hope in the World Cup alive and tell Nigerians that we are very ready for the task ahead . ” The coach pleaded with Nigerians to continue to support the team, assuring that the Eagles would not disappoint. He said that the Eagles were one of the best teams in Africa , noting that the team had demonstrated its ability at different times . Yusuf noted that Nigeria had done well in both qualifications and preparations for

Ex-dictator Garcia Meza dead at 88

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 Garcia Meza , jailed for murder and sedition nearly two years ago after his extradition from Brazil, was released after four days of treatment for a heart aliment . Bolivian ex -dictator Luis García Meza , who was serving a lengthy prison sentence for crimes committed after his 1980 military coup , died Sunday in a La Paz hospital at the age of 88, his attorney told local media. The frail Garcia Meza died of cardiac arrest and respiratory failure at the Cossmil military hospital in La Paz , where the former general had spent more than a third of his 30- year prison sentence, attorney Frank Campero said . Garcia Meza took power in a violent military coup in July 1980, near the end of the period of military dictatorships in Latin America. Scores of people were killed as his forces seized power , including historian and socialist leader Marcelo Quiroga Santa Cruz, whose body was never found . A fierce anti -communist , Garcia Meza cracked down on lefti

IS claims twin Kabul suicide attacks that claim many lives.

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a double suicide bombing in Kabul on Monday that left at least 21 people dead , including four journalists . In a statement issued via its propaganda agency Amaq , it said the first bomber had hit the Kabul headquarters of Afghanistan’ s intelligence services and security forces , with a second blast targeting journalists who had rushed to the scene. The statement from IS’ s “ Khorasan ” province, the group ’ s Afghan branch, said a first attacker “ struck the headquarters of the Afghan intelligence services in Kabul” . “ Apostate security forces , media and other people rushed to the scene of the operation , where a brother took them by surprise and martyred himself with his explosives vest, ” it added . It gave the name of the first bomber as “ Kaaka al -Kurdi ” , suggesting he was of Kurdish origin, and the second as Khalil al- Qurashi . According to a provisional toll by the health ministry ,

Benue killings:Catholic Pope reacts to killing of Rev. Fathers, 17 others by Fulani herdsmen.

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Pfandergloria April 30, 2018 Pope Francis on Sunday decried the attack on a church in Nigeria. The Pope was reacting to the killing of two Catholic priests and 17 other worshippers in Benue State by Fulani herdsmen last week Tuesday. Associated Press reports that the pontiff spoke concerning the killings in Nigeria during his remarks to the public in St. Peter’s Square. The newspaper reports that “The pontiff prayed that Nigeria’s Christian community find harmony and peace.” Pfandergloria  had earlier reported that suspected herdsmen, Tuesday morning attacked Ayar Mbalom village in Gwer East local Government Area of Benue State, killing 19 persons and burning down over 35 houses. Among those killed were Rev Fathers Gor Joseph, Felix and many others.

How plan to recall Senator Dino Malaye failed

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 • PDP accuses Bello of wasting N5 billion on exercise • Senator lauds constituents for rescuing him The move to recall Senator Dino Melaye by his supposed constituents in Kogi West senatorial district has failed. The results of the signature verification conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) at the weekend as part of the recall process show that the petitions were not from the constituents . In the results announced after the exercise on Saturday , INEC stated that out of a total of 351, 140 registered voters in the senatorial district , only 18, 743 signatories representing 5. 34 per cent , showed up. Curiously, the commission observed that 189, 870 petitions were received by it but 20, 868 petitions were presented for accreditation , suggesting fictitious claims . For a recall process to proceed to the level of referendum, the number of signatories must reach 51 percent of the total number of registered voters in the di

Twin Kabul suicide blasts kill at least 25, including journalists

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Pfandergloria 30 April 2018 At least 25 people were killed, including Agence France -Presse chief photographer Shah Marai and five other journalists , when two suicide blasts ripped through Kabul on Monday , police and AFP have confirmed . The attacks , claimed by the Islamic State group , are the latest deadly assaults on the Afghan capital and have spurred an outpouring of grief among journalists , many of whom took to Twitter to post tributes to their colleagues . Kabul police spokesman Hashmat said the second explosion came minutes after the first , and targeted reporters at the scene . "The bomber disguised himself as a journalist and detonated himself among the crowd , " he said . The interior ministry confirmed the death toll and said six journalists were among those killed. It also said 49 people had been wounded , amid fears the death toll could rise . AFP confirmed that , along with Marai, two journalists from 1TV , one from Tolo news and one from Jahan TV

Coalition Demands Zoning of Lagos APC Chairmanship Post

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Pfandergloria: 30/04/2018 President Buhari discussing with APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun at the NEC meeting in Abuja on Monday Coalition of Lagos Progressives in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded that the party should allow the chairmanship of the party in the state to rotate to other senatorial zones. The coalition said besides the position rotating, Chief Henry Ajomale, the state chairman of the party, should step aside after 14 years as chairman of the Action Congress (AC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the APC. The group said there was need for change in the system not only in the interest of fair play, but in order to inject new blood in the system. According to the group in a statement signed by Mr. Taoridi Jinadu Akapo, “Lagos State is a state of extraordinary diversity and as such, one of extraordinary complexities. These complexities are a reflection of the avalanche of ethno-cultural and socio-political groups co-habiting the

Trump is hosting the president of Africa's biggest oil state

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Pfandergloria: 30/04/2018 President Donald Trump is hosting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House Monday. The event will mark Trump's first official visit from an African head of state. Last April, the Trump administration tied up a $600 million deal with Nigeria over the sale of military aircraft intended to be used in the fight against Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. President Donald Trump is hosting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House Monday in what will be his first official visit from an African head of state. The "struggle against Islamic terrorism in the Sahel," an area to the far north of Nigeria, as well as a "White House attempt to make nice to Africa after a series of false steps," could be part of the agenda, John Campbell, U.S. ambassador to Nigeria from 2004 to 2007 and now a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CNBC last week. Campbell emphasized that his suggestions were just "

Bill Gates, Peter Obi in sync

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Pfandergloria: 30/04/2018 WHEN one of the world’s richest men visited Nigeria recently, his firm advice to Nigeria’s Federal Government was straight – your Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ERGP is faulty! Bill Gates was speaking on his last visit to Africa’s biggest economy intended primarily at seeing the first-hand progress the country is making on primary healthcare provision, polio eradication, nutrition and financial inclusion. The American, who is the co-chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was speaking at an expanded National Economic Council, NEC, presided over by Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. He added that Nigeria’s fiscal situation was at a low equilibrium. Bill Gates Gates, whose foundation has invested more than $1.6 billion in the country should know what he was talking about. A man whose networth($91 billion) is over four times Nigeria’s annual budget is not one any sane person will take his economic assessment lightly. Expanding, the former Microso