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Senate confirms all 43 ministerial nominees, seeks 12-month budget cycle July 31,2019 The lawmaker had to postpone their yearly end of session break to get the job done – even sitting on Friday and Monday – their off days. It was learned that the ministers-designate would be assigned portfolios and sworn today. This comes as Buhari praised the swiftness of the lawmakers and the process he described as efficient. The commendation was contained in a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu. Senate President Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks to round off the exercise, commended his colleagues for displaying what he called total devotion, urging the would-be members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to discharge their duties in a way that promotes the existing cordial relationship between the legislative and the executive arms of government. He submitted: “For those that have been confirmed by this Senate, the message is that they must be prepared to work with the National Ass

Why war against Boko Haram may not end soon, by Borno governor July 31,2019 The insurgency-affected states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe have lost many lives and property in the last decade. Umara raised the alarm yesterday at the Government House, Maiduguri, while briefing the House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other National Assembly members on the security situation in the state. “This Boko Haram war may not end soon because the [terrorists] now deploy drones in their operations,” he said. According to him, the terrorists seem to possess better technological weapons of warfare than the military. “Without adopting proper and up-to-date technological warfare edge over Boko Haram, this war will never end,” he warned. Responding, Gbajabiamila assured that the House of Representatives would, among others, consider increasing the numerical strength of security personnel in the Northeast. Meanwhile, the president, Association of Industrial Security and Safety O

Drama as witnesses confirm irregularities in Plateau governorship election July 31,2019 The All Progressives Congress (APC) witnesses, Sani Inusa, Munzeli Lawal and Abdullahi Maigoro, said that there were irregularities in results sheets of their respective polling units in Jos North Local Council. Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni (rtd) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is challenging the victory of Governor Simon Lalong of APC at the polls. Inusa, during cross-examination by counsel to Useni, Mr. Sunday Odey, told the tribunal that the number of valid votes and rejected votes surpassed the number of accredited voters at the Seriki Mangu polling unit where he served as APC agent and that the actual number of valid votes recorded on Exhibit P25 was 346. Also, when cross-examined whether there were additions of figures or not on the original copy, Lawal, an APC agent at Dilimi polling unit, said: “Yes, it’s true there are additions on the copies. “The additions were done with the cons

Women group flays male oppressors over rape, female maltreatment July 31,2019 The South-East Co-ordinator of the organisation, Lady Ethel Eruchalu, who spoke with newsmen in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday, said that harmful and discriminatory traditional practices against women and girl-child were contributory factors to the growing trend and dehumanisation of womenfolk.

World’s largest atmospheric tower built forDangote refinery leaves China for Nigeria July 31,2019 China’s leading energy and chemical company, Sinopec, on Monday, said that it had built the world’s largest atmospheric tower for Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery. On its verified Twitter handle, the company shared photos of the tower and revealed that it (tower) had already left its port in China and was traveling to Nigeria. It tweeted: “On July 29, the world’s largest atmospheric tower built by Sinopec slowly left a wharf in Ningbo. Following the Maritime #SilkRoad, it will travel to #Nigeria and be installed at the world’s biggest single-train facility – Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery.” The piece of equipment is designed to process crude oil for Dangote refinery. Citac analyst, Jeremy Parker, told Reuters on Monday that for the type of refinery the company is building, the atmospheric tower is the primary unit processing crude oil into fuels. The company expects the refinery to start produc

Ruiz Jr plans to lose one stone ahead of Joshua rematch July 31,2019 The Mexican-American underdog was unfancied by the watching public, in many cases due to his physique, before his shock victory over AJ in June. At the weigh-in, Joshua’s fans chanted ‘you fat b*****d’ at Ruiz Jr, though he, of course, had the last laugh by knocking out their man 24 hours later. Despite this, the new champion insists he does want to make some changes before the second fight. Ruiz Jr told USA Today: “I want to be more toned. Just shock the world, even more, you know? I’ll have more ability, more speed, more power if I turn the little flab I have into muscle. “I’m not trying to be with six-pack abs and big muscles and all that. None of that, you know. But just look a little different and leaner.’’ In the rematch he hopes to be around 250lbs (17st 12lbs) or 255lbs (18st 3lbs), losing a stone or so to get there. He continued: “That’s something I’m working on now, choosing the right foods. If not,

Senate erred on takeover of Edo assembly, say lawyers, others July 31,2019 Adopting a report presented by its ad hoc committee, which investigated the development in the state assembly, the Senate claimed that the process leading to the June 17, 2019 inauguration was improper and a breach of global parliamentary practices. It also mandated the governor to properly inform all the 24 members of the assembly through adverts in print and electronic media. “In the event that a new proclamation is not issued as stated above within a period of one week, the National Assembly is at liberty to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,” the Senate declared. But according to renowned constitutional lawyer James Ezike, the lawmakers have no right to interfere in the matter unless there is a complete breakdown of law and order necessitating the president to declare an emergency in the state. To him, the order indicates Nigeria is yet to embrace t

Arsenal programmes Pepe for EPL opener against Newcastle July 31,2019 The Lille forward is on the verge of completing a £72 million move to the North London club, after flying to London to undergo a medical yesterday. Pepe’s signing will shatter the club’s transfer record, currently held by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and is reportedly set to earn a bumper £150k per week deal at the Emirates. Arsenal boss Unai Emery previously praised Pepe’s ability, but the Spaniard is not likely to rush the 24-year-old into first-team duties. The Metro report that Pepe will not feature in today’s friendly with Angers, or Sunday’s Joan Gamper Trophy clash with Barcelona. Instead, Emery will aim to get Pepe up to full speed in time for their domestic curtain-raiser away at Newcastle on Sunday August 11. Pepe will become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer, following completion of deals for Dani Ceballos, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli. Emery said previously: “We are working with the c

Again, protesting youths kill eight persons in Taraba State July 31,2019 The development was said to have compelled youths from the other ethnic group to launch reprisals on the group suspected to have hacked down the farmer. An eyewitness confirmed that trouble started yesterday when a Jukun man was murdered on his farm along Takum-Wukari road, saying he narrowly escaped being lynched, as eight persons have so far been killed in the reprisals. Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP David Misal, said only two persons were killed and that the situation has been brought under control. Wondering why the people have continued to resist the government’s effort at restoring peace, the said land issues have been in court and two months ago a relation of the deceased, who was earlier killed on the land yesterday had earlier been killed on the same farm. He, however, said: “We have since brought the situation under control.” Other residents of the area who

Kano Pillars aim to go beyond CAF Champions League semifinal July 31,2019 AITEO Cup champions, Kano Pillars believe they can go beyond the semifinals of the CAF Champions League, which they reached in the 2009 edition of the competition. Kano Pillars got to the semifinals of the competition in 2009 where they lost to Heartland of Owerri. The Sai Masu Gida, who finished second in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) last season, are billed to meet Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in the first round of the competition. On Monday, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje directed Pillars to remain in Kaduna for closed camping ahead of their encounter with Ashanti Kotoko in Kano on August 9. The Media Officer of the club, Idris Malikawa said the governor made the decision to free the players and officials from the worries that normally dog teams before crucial games. A top official of the club, who pleaded anonymity, said the players have decided to work hard to ensure they scale the

Fayemi faults revenue sharing formula July 31,2019 The governor, who expressed his displeasure over the present revenue sharing formula where the larger chunk is allocated to the Federal Government, leaving the states and local councils with low allocations, said approval of the new minimum wage by the Federal Government required that government makes move to increase states’ funding to enable them effectively take up the responsibility. Fayemi, who stated this in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, however, assured workers that his colleagues are committed to the payment of the new minimum wage as soon as the Federal Government releases the template. He reiterated the need for government at all levels to diversify the economy and think of ways to generate more revenues to enable them to effectively address the socio-economic challenges facing them. Speaking on the issue of the minimum wage, Fayemi said: “Governors were part of the negotiations. It’s been signed into law; so, governors definite

Semenya to miss Doha 2019 as court overrules suspension of regulations July 31,2019 The AFP reports the ruling means the 28-year-old can no longer compete in events between the 400m and mile, as she did in June and July. The World Championships are scheduled between September 28 and October 6 in the Qatari capital. “I am very disappointed to be kept from defending my hard-earned title, but this will not deter me from continuing my fight for the human rights of all of the female athletes concerned,” said the South African who is also a two-time Olympic gold medallist. Semenya’s representatives said in a statement that, on Monday, “a single judge of the Swiss Federal Supreme Court reversed prior rulings that had temporarily suspended the IAAF regulations pending the outcome of Caster’s appeal against the CAS award”. “In this latest decision, the Supreme Court emphasised the strict requirements and high thresholds for the interim suspension of CAS awards and found that these were no

Police ban IMN’s activities nationwide, recruit 40,000 July 31,2019 Communicating the position of the Federal Government in the wake of the sect’s proscription by the court at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, warned that any person associating in the group’s name henceforth would be treated as a terrorist and tried under the Terrorism Act. He said the force and other security agencies were committed to giving full effect to the judicial pronouncement in the interest of internal security and national cohesion. The IGP accused members of the sect of pledging allegiance to foreign nations with the intent to destabilise Nigeria. Adamu held that the Islamic movement had over years constituted a serious threat to good governance, sovereignty, security and the corporate existence of the country. He clarified:“Hence, it is to be emphasised that while all adherents of the Shiite sect in Nigeria remain free to continue to practi

Lagos Lawn Tennis Club elects officers July 32,2019 Mr. Ademola Akin-Taylor was elected unopposed as president, while Mr. Kola Peregrino became vice president also unopposed. The post of the Honourary Secretary went Mr. Olumide Odusoga unopposed and Mr. Apatira A. Akeem won Honourary Treasurer seat. Other elected officers include Sunday Igbinovia as Tennis Captain; Henry Shedrack as Assistant Tennis Captain; Ogundare John Campus as Social Secretary; Akanji K. Olansile as Bar Secretary; A. Y. Laja as Publicity Secretary, unopposed. Olugbenga Macgregor was elected Squash Captain; Sadiq Abiodun as Table Tennis Captain; Matthew Odili as Darts Captain; Captain Muftau K. Adigun as Billiard and Snooker captain and Captain Ibrahim Olanrewaju as Other Games. The ex-officio members elected include Bassey Alfred Udu, Kanimodo Abdulrasaq, Remilekun Talabi, Henry O. Jacintho, Kenneth O. Oboh, and Uzor G. Okiti. The newly elected president, Mr. Ademola Akin-Taylor, has enjoined the new execu

Insecurity, breaches on pipelines worsening oil firms’ challenges July 31,2019 Are indigenous players doing enough in the exploration and production of crude oil? Indigenous producers have contributed significantly towards exploration and production in Nigeria. We used to contribute about 10 percent of Nigeria’s total oil production, today that contribution has moved to about 22 percent. The aspiration at a time by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was for indigenous producers to contribute 30 percent of the total daily production; we are not there yet, but we are consistently growing our production and I am sure within the near future, we can attain that target, which has been more or less requested for by NNPC.  However, we have been able to work closely with the host communities regarding the issues of security, though, we still face significant security challenges and breaches on the pipelines which traverse our acreages en route to the export terminal. These

Labourer wins first saloon car in Dangote Cement Promo July 31,2019 The winner, Mujahid Shiabu, who said he returned from Borno State two weeks ago was full of surprises as the management of Dangote Cement officially presented his car to him amid ecstasy by his other colleagues and friends. Making the car presentation, the Group Executive Director, Dangote Industries Limited, Halima Aliko Dangote, explained that the promotion is meant to give economic empowerment to Dangote Cement end-users, adding that the company had also done same for its retailers and distributors in the past. Besides, she said the consumer promotion was in tandem with the philosophy of the Dangote Group to touch people’s lives by providing their basic needs. She pointed out that Dangote Cement considered its customers as partners, and “you know the meaning of partnership; we are all working together for our mutual benefits. We are all winners when you buy Dangote Cement. “At Dangote Cement, we don’t just pr

‘Technology can drive value chain in Nigeria’s retail industry’ July 31,2019 The call was made by the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, FoodCo Nigeria Limited, Ade Sun-Basorun, who was a guest speaker at the just-concluded, Google Business Group Training, Ibadan Chapter. Delivering a paper on the topic: “Leveraging Technology for Business Management and Growth,” Sun-Basorun, stressed that while the government continues to make efforts at diversifying the economy, such investments will only be amplified in the retail sector if stakeholders key into technology to enhance their processes and harness the opportunities that abound therein. “The proper application of digitisation has significant potential to improve the quality of service delivery for customers across key functions within the retail value chain. It has huge upsides for individual companies and the sector as a whole especially in the areas of predictive analytics, forecasting and demand for various products

Here's How Football Stars Enjoyed The Season Break [PHOTOS] July 31,2019   Cristiano Ronaldo plunging into the sea from a luxury yacht on the French Riviera. Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard relaxing by the pool at a plush Miami hotel. Lionel Messi frolicking in the surf with his family in Antigua.Mo Salah calmly wading through the azure waters on Egypt's Red Sea coast...or was it the Mombasa waters? The world's leading football players head to the four corners of the Earth when they jet off on their summer holidays. And wherever they go, they expect the very best. For those who work in the exclusive corner of the travel industry dedicated to meeting the needs of superstar footballers, it is a case of sparing no expense and pulling out every stop.   "They want to have the best of the best: the best villa, the best car, the best yacht, the best adventure," says Johnny Vegas, CEO and founder of luxury lifestyle concierge firm Kloudout.   Vegas felt his wa

Be careful with Arewa pastors, Fulani Christian leader tells Buhari July 31,2019 He lamented that recent pronouncements of the Arewa pastors, a non-denominational initiative for peace, could have generated discord between the Federal Government and leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) if the situation was not properly handled. In a statement in Jos yesterday, Aliyu noted that the leader of Arewa Pastors, Bishop Richard John’s recent utterances portrayed CAN leadership in bad light before President Buhari and the Federal Government. He said the leadership of CAN had nothing against the Federal Government, as it only gives words of caution when necessary to promote peace in the country. Aliyu also refuted claims that he was the Northeast Coordinator of Arewa Pastors, wondering why he would be linked with the group, which refused to operate under CAN, as the overall leadership of Christians in Nigeria. “It a difficult time for both Christians and Muslims in the cou

Stock market reverses gaining streak, loses N64 billion July 31,2019 Wema Bank lost 3.23 per cent to close at 60 kobos, and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) 3.03 per cent to close at 96 kobo, per share.       However, the total volume traded rose by 66.7 per cent to 155.21 million shares worth N2.23 billion, traded in 3,192 deals. Transactions in the shares of Guaranty Trust Bank topped the activity chart with 22.27 million shares valued at N640.11 million.     UBA followed with 21.23 million shares worth N123.79 million, while Zenith Bank traded 14.97 million shares at N276.29 million.     FBN Holdings traded 12.05 million shares valued at N67.53 million, while African Alliance Insurance transacted 10 million shares worth N2 million.

Retract your statement or face N3b libel suit, Osoba tells Okurounmu July 31,2019 Osoba, in a letter sent to Okurounmu through his counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), a copy of which was obtained by The Guardian, also demanded a public apology to be published on the front pages of seven consecutive editions of national newspapers, starting from Monday, July 29, 2019. The letter reads in part: “We act as solicitors to Chief Olusegun Osoba, hereinafter referred to as ‘our client’, and on whose instruction we write you on the above subject, particularly in relation to the interviews recently granted by you to two leading national dailies, that is, the Daily Independent newspaper and the Saturday Sun newspaper, respectively published on Thursday, July 11, 2019 and July 20, 2019. “In your interview with the Daily Independent newspaper published on Thursday, July 11, 2019, appearing on pages 13-15, you maliciously stated and caused to be published, circulated and disseminated concerni

Union Bank posts N12.1b H1 profit, deposits up 4 per cent July 31,2019 In the unaudited report, released yesterday, UBN’s gross earnings declined nine per cent to ₦76.0 billion against ₦83.3 billion in H1 2018, due to a decrease in average earning assets. The Interest income was also down eight per cent to ₦57.3 billion from 62.2 billion a year earlier. The bank’s Net interest income after the impairment was up three per cent to ₦30.5 billion above ₦29.7 billion in H1 2018; supported by an aggressive drive in collections. UBN informed that its non-interest income was down by 12 per cent to ₦18.7 billion from ₦21.1 billion, due to muted volatility negatively impacting trading income, despite a 27 per cent growth in credit-related fees, and 169 per cent growth in cash recoveries at N5.3 billion against N1.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2018. The firm’s net operating income was slightly down two per cent to ₦49.6 billion from ₦50.9 billion. The operating expenses were also

CMD urges healthcare providers to ensure best treatment outcomes July 31,2019 Healthcare providers in the country have been called upon to leverage their training and communicate with empathy to ensure best treatment outcomes. Chief Medical Director (CMD), Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Dr Olushola Amure, made the call at a stakeholders’ forum organised by Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), King Zone, held at Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos State. Delivering a paper entitled ‘Improving Treatment Outcomes through better Patient-Healthcare Provider Communication’, the CMD, represented by Dr Toyin Aiyelotan, said practitioners must continue to build competence in their questioning, explaining, listening and relational skills to be able to consistently create a good rapport with their patients for desired outcomes. The medical practitioner, who identified low literacy level, stress due to work overload, language, attitudinal and emotional issues as barriers to effective commu

Buhari obtained a Cambridge University WAEC with 5 credits – Official tells tribunal July 31,2019 Mr Henry Adewumi, Deputy Registrar of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in charge of School Registration on Wednesday said that President Muhammadu Buhari obtained a Cambridge University West African Examination certificate with five credits. Adewumi made this known while testifying before the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja. NAN reports that Buhari on Tuesday opened his defence against the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. NAN reports that the PDP and Abubakar, alleged in their petition challenging the victory of Buhari’, that results were transmitted to a central server managed by INEC. The two witnesses, Abba Kyari, two former secondary school mates testified to having obtained Cambridge University West Africa Examination Certificate in 1961.

Apple gets lift from services, offsetting iPhone weakness July 31,2019 Profit in the quarter ending in June fell 13 percent from the year-ago period to $10 billion while overall revenues increased one percent to a better-than-forecast $53.8 billion. The results beat reined-in expectations of analysts, and Apple shares rose more than four percent in after-hours trade. As iPhone sales weakened, Apple has been shifting to earnings from digital content and services sold to the legions of fans of its devices. “This was our biggest June quarter ever — driven by all-time record revenue from services, accelerating growth from wearables, strong performance from iPad and Mac and significant improvement in iPhone trends,” said Apple chief executive Tim Cook. Apple has more than 420 million paid subscriptions across its array of services and is confident that number will eclipse 500 million next year, according to chief financial officer Luca Maestri. Apple has stopped reporting iPhone uni

Bashir party headquarters now home to Sudan paramilitaries July 31,2019 The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which sprang out of the notorious Janjaweed militia and helped oust the long-time leader in April, have moved in. Unfinished and flanked by a yellow crane, the high-walled building, once the headquarters of Bashir’s National Congress Party, towers at least nine stories over a city neighbourhood close to Khartoum airport. Inside members of the RSF can be seen coming and going, and every time the gates to the complex swing open, their heavily-armed vehicles can be spotted inside. As Bashir’s three-decade rule was toppled on April 11 amid a wave of determined protests, the RSF moved into many of the buildings which had belonged to his party. The ruling military council which seized power after Bashir’s ouster, set up a committee to control the seizure of the party’s goods and properties. “The property of the party against which the Sudanese revolted has now fallen into the hands

NDLEA nabs 2 suspected drug dealers with 2.193 tonnes of hard drugs in Kebbi July 32,2019 The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kebbi Office, has arrested two suspected drug dealers and recovered 2.193 tonnes of hard drugs hidden in bags and compressed blocks in the state. The state Commander of NDLEA, Mr Suleiman Jadi said this in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday. Jadi said that the suspects were tailed from Yauri Local Government Area of the state on their way to Sokoto State. “Our men on patrol have succeeded in intercepting two suspected drug dealers with hard drugs weighing 2.193 tonnes of cannabis Sativa stuck in bags and compressed in blocks. “They were intercepted in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of the state on their way from the South Western States to Sokoto State,’’ he said. Jadi said the suspects were tailed over one month after the command had received a tip-off from its undercover agents. “You can see the content yourselves as it runs to hundreds of mi

Klopp says City showdown won’t influence Liverpool’s title bid July 29,2019 The two sides will renew the rivalry that saw them take the title race to a tense final day last season. City eventually claimed their second successive Premier League crown by a single point as Liverpool’s bid for a first title since 1990 reached a painful conclusion. Klopp’s men made amends for that angst just weeks later as they beat Tottenham in the Champions League final and the Reds are expected to fight it out with City for the major honours again in the coming campaign. A win against Pep Guardiola’s team at Wembley would be a welcome psychological boost for Liverpool. But, having seen his pre-season plans disrupted by the absence of key players such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and keeper Alisson due to the Copa America and African Cup of Nations, Klopp isn’t putting too much stock in the result of the curtain-raiser to the English top-fight season. “For me, it has nothing to do

Bayern gear up with questions over Mueller, Hoeness and transfers July 29,2019 Back from a tour of the United States, home friendlies against Fenerbahce on Tuesday and Real Madrid or Tottenham on Wednesday are followed by Saturday’s German Super Cup at last term’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund – the start of the real campaign for fans. With a German Cup first-round date at fourth-tier Energie Cottbus following on August 12 before the Bundesliga start at home to Hertha Berlin on August 16, coach Niko Kovac is hard at work with the future of Thomas Mueller occupying his thoughts. The boss seems to have settled on a 4-3-3 formation, meaning the role of a number 10 behind striker Robert Lewandowski, often filled by Mueller, is not required. The former Germany player is not quick enough to occupy the flanks, where Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman are set to start unless Bayern manages to bring in the extra winger they so covet following the departures of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.