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Sudan to name first post-Bashir cabinet August 28,2019 Premier Abdalla Hamdok is set to name his key picks from a field put forward by the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) — a grouping born of a movement that initially took to the streets against Bashir’s 30-year rule and then forced the military rulers who deposed him to share power. “I received on Tuesday afternoon the nominees for ministers provided by the FFC,” Hamdok said, adding that it includes 49 nominees for 14 ministries. The planned announcement comes after a joint civilian-military sovereign council was sworn in last week to steer the country through a three-year transition period. On Saturday, Hamdok told a local TV channel that he would select technocrats based on their “competence”. “We are looking to create a homogeneous team to level up to these challenges,” he said. The cabinet is expected to be selected largely by Hamdok, with key exceptions being the interior...

Three killed in jihadist-hit Burkina region August 28,2019 Three people were killed in a village in northern Burkina Faso on Tuesday, in a hit-and-run raid bearing the hallmark of jihadist insurgents, officials said. “Four armed individuals on motorbikes attacked the village of Kourao, killing three civilians,” a security official said on Wednesday. The village is located in the province of Bam, 45 kilometres (28 miles) south of the town of Kongoussi. “The victims were executed, causing panic in the village,” a local official said, adding the attack was “carried out by suspected terrorists.” A former French colony that ranks among one of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina Faso has been struggling with an Islamist revolt since 2015. The insurgency, which came from neighbouring Mali, began in the north but has since spread to the east. More than 500 people have died, according to a toll compiled by AFP. Bam province has suffered a stri...

Dankwambo escapes kidnap August 28,2019 Former Gombe State governor Ibrahim Dankwambo Tuesday evening narrowly escaped being kidnapped by armed bandits along Abuja-KadunaHighway in Kaduna State. The narrow escape, according to an aide to the former governor, occurred on Tuesday evening when his convoy was on their way to Abuja. It was also supported by a video clip. “On our way to Abuja with my Boss, His E Excellency, Dankwambo. kidnappers blocked the Abuja Kaduna road at 4.35pm today Tuesday but our policemen chased them away and we found out that they went away with about 7 people,” an aide to Dankwambo, who pleaded anonymity told The Guardian. “Kaduna-Abuja road is still a danger zone. Today, kidnappers blocked the road, and were kidnapping passengers when Former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo’s convoy arrived the scene, his security details fired shots and dispersed the kidnappers but they went away with Many”. Meanwhile, three persons we...

Nadal offers boat to Murray for Mallorca stay August 28,2019 The Spaniard swept into the second round of the US Open with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 rout of Australian world number 60 John Millman on the same day as Murray won his second singles match at a tournament that bears Nadal’s name. “I’m very happy to have Andy Murray playing there,” Nadal said. “It’s great news for us, of course, but for him and for the world of sport that’s great news and I wish him the very best. “I just text him a couple of days ago saying, ‘If you need anything, just let me know. You want to go out with the boat or anything, I can help you, just let me know.'” Murray, playing on the Challenger circuit for the first time in 14 years, defeated 115th-ranked Norbert Gombos of Slovakia 6-3, 6-4 in an event he is using to rebuild his form. The three-time Grand Slam champion underwent a hip operation in January following his first-round exit from the Austral...

Neymar fulfils Netflix ‘dream’ as Barca say transfer deal ‘closer’ August 28,2019 The Brazil forward is anxious for a move back to Spain with both Barcelona and Real Madrid trying to seal a deal before the European transfer window closes next Monday. “We are continuing negotiations, we are closer to a deal,” Barca director Javier Bordas told reporters at Barcelona airport after returning from a meeting with PSG in the French capital. But he added: “As yet there is still no deal.” According to French newspaper Le Parisien, Neymar’s former club have upped their offer to 170 million euros, payable in two instalments, with possible players attached. Barca sold the 27-year-old to PSG in 2017 for a world record 222 million euros. Earlier Neymar tweeted his delight at appearing in the Netflix crime drama La Casa de Papel (Money Heist). He was originally edited out by pending the outcome of his rape case. Once Brazilian police drop...

Iceland cuts rates again in race to beat recession August 28,2019 The bank cut its benchmark seven-day deposit rate by 0.25 points to 3.5 percent. It had already slashed the rate in May, and then again in June. The bank expects Iceland’s economy to contract by 0.2 percent this year, less than forecast in the spring, it said. But at the same time the outlook for next year has worsened as the crucial tourism sector has been slow to recover from a slump. “The GDP growth outlook for 2020 has deteriorated,” the bank said, “as it now appears that it will take longer for tourism to recover after this year’s setbacks”. The bank now expects GDP to grow by 1.9 percent in 2020, compared to its previous 2.4 percent forecast. Slowing inflation and a stronger krona have increased the scope for monetary easing without much upward pressure on prices. Analysts at Capital Economics said they expect Iceland to cut rates at least once more this year, with a mov...

Police arrest tenant who allegedly raped, killed landlady in Ekiti August 28,2019 The police in Ekiti State have arrested a 39-year-old man, Tunmise Abraham, who allegedly killed her landlady, Mrs. Bukola Olanrewaju, after raping her to death in Ado Ekiti. The deceased, 39-year-old tailor and mother of three, was killed last week Thursday. The command also arrested two serial rapists, Babalola Olaniyo and Olupinla Dotun, who raped a girl at Olorunda area of Ado Ekiti metropolis last week. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Asuquo Amba, who paraded the suspects in Ado Ekiti, said Abraham was arrested at a church in Akure, Ondo State capital. “The suspect after committing the offence ran to Akure. He took refuge in a church and that was where he was arrested. He had immediately called his family and told them why he did not come to their place, saying he had killed somebody in Ado Ekiti. “We had already done our homework and gathered that her sister is selling chemicals. Po...

Buhari sacks NCPC boss August 28,2019 President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the removal of Reverend Tor Ujah as Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC). A statement from the office of Secretary to Government of the Federation (OSGF) in Abuja yesterday revealed that the decision was in line with section 4, sub-section 3 of the NCPC Act. Ujah has, therefore, been directed to hand over to Director of Administration in the commission, Mrs. Esther Kwaghe, who will oversee the office pending the appointment of a substantive Executive Secretary. Besides, the President Buhari has directed the Office of Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to work out an appropriate framework for the operation of the commission’s offshore account and other government agencies to streamline their operations.

‘CIPSM reaffirms commitment to professionalism, best global practice’ August 28,2019 The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSM), has reiterated commitment to training individuals across the country as procurement and supply chain management professionals. Speaking at a press roundtable organised to announce its annual conference and awards night in Lagos, the Institute registrar, Mohammed Aliyu, noted that the local content policy was supported by the Presidential Executive Order 02, which emphasises professionalism and the domestication of professional certificates received from foreign professional bodies with relevant professional institutions in Nigeria before such is used to practice. Aliyu commended the directive to government’s ministries, department and agencies to ensure that certain consultancy and professional advisory assignments must have Nigerian consultants in the lead of such firms with a view to promote knowledge...

Fashanu, Ikpeba, Tonto Dike are 2019 African Freestyle Football Championship ambassadors August 28,2019 Others are Nigerian street dance sensation, Poco Lee; hype man/MC, Kunle Oshodi-Glover popularly known as Shody; ex-Big Brother Naija contestant and ex- Big Brother contestant, Iwuchukwu Marianne Ahneeka. Chairman of Feet ‘n’ Tricks International, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, who expressed delight while announcing the ambassadors, noted that the company was on a mission to make Africa the home of freestyle football. He said: “Over the years, our selected ambassadors have demonstrated great leadership qualities and have continuously been a part of societal development and youth empowerment across Africa. With their exemplary dedication to the growth of football and entertainment, we trust their ability to engage and inspire our audience as well as promote freestyle football.” He also noted that since its inception in 2017, Feet ‘N’ Tricks has recorded...

Kogi aspirants kick, insist on open, transparent primaries August 28,2019 Dissatisfied by their disqualification for the November 16, 2019 gubernatorial election by the All Progressives Congress (APC), a coalition of the 12 aggrieved aspirants has faulted the party’s decision, insisting on inclusive, direct and transparent primaries. Spokesperson of the coalition, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, yesterday told journalists that they were unjustly disqualified to pave way for Governor Yahaya Bello to emerge unopposed as standard-bearer of the party. This is just as a former president of the National Association of Kogi State Students, (NAKOSS), Suleiman Mazai Farouq, said the Bello administration has carried out reforms in the state to warrant reelection. However, the disqualified aspirants called on Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to reverse their exclusion by the screening committee, led by Senator Hope Uzodinma, and allow the entire 16 a...

Manufacturers want government to revisit industrial, backward integration policies August 28,2019 Local manufacturers in the country have charged the new Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, to formulate a comprehensive industrialisation policy that would prioritize developmental efforts towards driving backward integration programmes and create linkages for various value chains in the manufacturing industry. Indeed, the local producers noted that the association would work with the Ministry to re-jig the industrial policy to make the real sector of the economy competitive. The president of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mansur Ahmed, explained the need for a comprehensive and coherent industrial policy that would also encourage Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) sector while also scaling up the present administration’s ease of doing business mandate. The MAN boss at a press briefing preparatory to its yearly general meeting scheduled to ...

Group warns EU governments over IPOB’s alleged plan against Nigerian citizens August 28,2019 The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has cautioned the European Union (EU) member-nations over threats by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against Nigerians in Europe and other parts of the world. The group gave the warning in a communique issued after an emergency extraordinary meeting in Lisbon. In a statement yesterday by its President, Agwu Onyeke, ANPE condemned the activities of the terrorist group and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, especially after an assault on immediate past Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and threat to President Muhammadu Buhari. The group, therefore, recommended that IPOB should be banned across Europe and its collaborators be brought to book. The statement said: “These concerned Nigerians urge the EU to begin treating anyone that hides under an umbrella to attack Nigerian citizens as criminals that should be dealt with ...

The silent consumer is gone: Welcome to marketing in the digital age August 28,2019 Even the way we consume arts and music has changed. There are now TV shows that allow for user interaction. On shows like Big Brother, audience participation influences the outcomes of the programming. A lot of people now watch the latest Nollywood flicks on YouTube channels, and some of the most popular comedians with massive followings, are online. Many musicians now release their albums online long before they are released in the stores. Even politics and governance is not left out. Many politicians and political parties now launch their campaigns via digital platforms like YouTube and social media platforms; and governments are increasingly going online to increase awareness of their initiatives. These are immense changes, with immense implications for businesses and brands. If they fail to adapt to the technological changes that are sweeping through, they will find themselves becoming obsolete a...

FCT minister charges workers to perform or be kicked out August 28,2019 • Aregbesola pledges reforms at interior ministry • Cleric urges selflessness, patriotism, diligence Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Musa Bello has warned heads of Departments Agencies as well as the six council area chairmen to braise up for better performances or be shown the way out. His words: “This time around underperformance will not be tolerated from any staff member or quarters. The duty of building the nation’s capital that will meet up the dreams of the founding fathers should be seen as a collective task where everyone must sit up and work.” Bello, who resumed duty last week for another term of four years, gave the warning yesterday when Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, officially presented with handover notes in Abuja. He assured that his second term as FCT minister would be tough for those who would fail to live up t...

Manchester City set for trophy tour of Lagos August 28,2019 English football’s serial champions, Manchester City are set to begin a trophy tour of Lagos and its environs, the organisers have disclosed. Manchester City won the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, English Premiership and the Community Shield in the 2018/2019 season and coming to Lagos will give their Nigerian fans the opportunity of seeing the laurels live. Organised by foremost sport betting company, Marathonbet, the event will afford selected fans to see the most celebrated league trophy in the world, English Premiership trophy at an exclusive venue in Lagos on Friday. The event will also give many of the fans the opportunity to take memorable pictures at close range with the iconic object. According to the organisers, “aside the EPL trophy, fans, courtesy of Marathonbet will also see the display of all the other five trophies won by Manchester City in 2018/19 season which is a record by English football standard. ...

Operators reiterate need for downstream sector deregulation August 28,2019 Operators alongside managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Ltd, Bismarck Rewane and other operators, has called on the government to urgently deregulate the downstream sector to pave way for accelerated growth of the oil and gas sector. Rewane, an economist, said the current system is strangulating the sector, noting that deregulation would open up the market. He charged the Federal Government to emulate other countries who have deregulated their downstream sectors if it hopes to reposition the industry to truly serve as growth catalyst. Rewane said this during an interaction with journalists on the challenges facing local oil companies listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange. According to him, the imposition of a price ceiling on petroleum products which affects the margins of the operators will not attract the volume of investments required to scale up their operations and explore the opportuni...

Super Falcons primed for away win in Algeria August 28,2019 Nine-time African champions, Nigeria begin their race to the women’s football tournament of next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo with a determination to earn an away win over Algeria today in order to make the second leg in Lagos next week an easier session. Coach Thomas Dennerby and squad arrived in Algiers on Monday after travelling through Turkey, and had training sessions on Sunday evening and on Monday. Their final training session was scheduled for 6.00 p.m. Algeria time yesterday. Dennerby is in the North African country without a number of his key actors, principally the Europe–based legion who are involved in club duties. First choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is also with the U20 squad at the 12th African Games in Morocco. Yet, there is quiet confidence in the squad that victory is the target and the Super Falcons will borrow a leaf from the Falconets, who hammered their Algerian counterparts ...

Delta@28: ‘Despite strides made, there is room for improvement. August 28,2019 • House of Assembly tribunal adjourns, reserves ruling for Warri North petition As Delta State rolled out the drums in celebration of its creation yesterday, August 27, the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, has declared that despite strides achieved so far in developing the state, there was room for improvement. Macaulay stated this in his goodwill message to residents of the ‘Big Heart’ state, noting that it was politically correct for Deltans to celebrate their heritage at 28. In a statement made available by his Media Assistant, Mr. Iteveh Ekpokpobe, Macaulay said at its creation Delta State had the challenge of divisiveness, as many stakeholders did not accept the state for what it eventually became. According to him, “Deltans have reasons to throw confetti for the reason that the journey has been worthwhile. We must thank God t...

Flying Eagles qualify for gold battle as Falconets prepare for Cameroon August 28,2019 Flying Eagles of Nigeria yesterday qualified for the football final of the on-going African Games following a penalty shoot out defeat of Mali in one of the semifinals. Scores at the end of regular time stood at 0-0 in the game in which Nigeria’s captain, Abubakar Ibrahim missed a 23rd minute Nigeria, who lost to the same team in the semifinals of the African U-20 Nations Cup in Niger Republic via a penalty shoot out when both teams battled to a 1-1 draw, smiled this term with goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare the hero. The Flying Eagles threw away their first three kicks, but they had Ogundare to thank as he saved the same number of Malian kicks. Mike Zaruma, Rabiu Mohammed and Emeka Chinonso wasted their kicks. Skipper Abubakar Ibrahim and Success Makanjuola scored the fourth and fifth kicks, just as the Malians did, to take the shoot-out into sudden death. In sudden death, Samuel Nnochiri an...

Police detain, release COZA pastor Fatoyinbo at force headquarters, Abuja August 28,2019 NAPTIP raises alarm over increasing rape cases Senior Pastor and founder of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, was yesterday detained and released at the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters in Abuja after he surrendered himself for questioning over rape allegations leveled against him by Mrs. Busola Dakolo. Busola, wife of Nigeria’s inspirational singer Timi Dakolo had accused Fatoyinbo of raping her several years ago, an allegation that had elicited an array of comments from Nigerians. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fatoyinbo is being interrogated at Force Criminal Investigation Division (FCID) headquarters in Abuja by a team of four officers led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Adaku Uche Anya. Meanwhile, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has urged parents to guard their wards in order not to fall vict...

Businesses, travellers suffer over tighter border watch August 28,2019 • Restriction separates grooms, brides • Perishable items rot away, rice price rises • Exercise not border closure, says customs • ‘Immigrants with valid documents move freely’ As uncertainty trails tighter border surveillance nationwide, business people and travellers continue to count their losses. The security measure has stalled business deals with other neighbouring countries. The Guardian’s investigations at a border revealed that the prices of rice and other commodities like groundnut oil have shot up. Indeed, perishable items worth millions of naira are currently rotting away as fully armed security agents on constant patrol halt all sorts of movement across borders. “More than 10 trucks of fresh tomatoes have been there since two days, almost rotting away at Bebe (around Idiroko border),” one of the drivers, who simply identified himself as Seun, to...

Many feared dead as Dangote truck rams into BRT bus in Lagos August 27,2019 Many people were feared dead Tuesday as a loaded Dangote truck rammed into a high capacity BRT bus in Ikorodu, Lagos. The truck reportedly skidded off the main express and then collided with the bus on the BRT corridor at Ogolonto area of Ikorodu. “Casualties have been taken to the hospital,” Lagos State Transport Management Authority said, adding that the two vehicles have been removed from the expressway. However, the accident caused a long stretch of gridlock outward Ikorodu. “Traffic backlog has extended to Oja bus stop for those coming from Ikorodu. The backlog is at Asolo for those going into Ikorodu,” LASTMA said.

PDP suspends former Senator, mother, 11 others over anti-party activities August 27,2019 Former Nigerian Senator Samuel Anyanwu, his mother Virginia Anyanwu and 11 other ward officials have been suspended indefinitely by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State. Anyanwu, who represented Owerri Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, was suspended by his ward, Amaimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State. His mother- Virginia was the party’s Woman Leader in the local government. In a letter dated 31st July, 2019, and addressed to the Ikeduru LGA chairman of the party, the ward executive committee said the decision was based on the recommendation of the committee inaugurated by the ward to look into the allegations of anti-party activities against the senator and the others. In the report submitted by an investigative committee headed by Chijioke Anyanwu and Felix Orji, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the suspended persons were accused of canvassin...

Police arrests three suspects over deputy governor’s convoy attack August 27,2019 The police in Nasarawa State said that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack on the state’s deputy governor convoy that led to the death of three policemen and two drivers. The state commissioner Bola Longe disclosed this to journalists in his office at the command headquarters in Lafia on Tuesday. Bola said that the three suspects were arrested at the spot where the attack took place shortly after the incidence. “Our officers arrested some two Fulani men later that night and when we interrogate them we discovered they are informants who feed the hoodlums on when to operate. He revealed further that the third suspect was also arrested with army uniform near the spot where the attack took place but acting as if he is insane. Contrary to news making the round that twenty persons were kidnapped during the attack, the commissioner said that only one person was...

Kano Hisbah arrests 146 beggars August 27,2019 The Kano State Hisbah Board on Monday said 146 beggars had been arrested in Kano metropolis for allegedly contravening the state’s law on street begging and roaming about at odd hours. The Acting Director-General of the board, Dr Aliyu Musa, disclosed this to journalists during a press briefing in Kano. Musa announced that the number arrested comprised of 114 adults and 52 children, adding that they were arrested during different raids across the city. He said that the arrests were carried out between 12.00 am and 4.00 am at various locations including Bata Bridge, Kanti Kwari market, Railway station, Wambai Market among others. “Out of the 146 beggars, 77 are from Kano while 69 are from Abia, Adamawa, Borno, Ekiti, Jigawa, Gombe, Zamfara, Niger Republic, among others. “Among those arrested, some are street urchins, street beggars and three women are mentally challenged. “The board will properly screen them, ...

Stock market reverses gaining streak as index drops by 0.4% August 27,2019 Specifically, at the close of transactions yesterday, the All-Share Index (ASI) shed 108.32 points or 0.39 per cent to 27,691.85 points. Accordingly, investors lost N52 billion in value as market capitalisation went down to N13.472 trillion. The downturn was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, among which are: Seplat Forte Oil, Julius Berger, International Breweries and Cement Company of Northern Nigeria. Analysts at Afrinvest Limited expected the bearish performance to continue, as investor sentiment remains weak. Also, analysts at Imperial Asset Managers Limited expected bargain hunting on stocks that have witnessed significant price deceleration to be prominent this week, “but we do not rule out the possibility of profit-taking considering current investors’ weak confidence on the market.” Market breadth closed negative, as 19 stocks posted gains while ...

Stray bullet kills father of four in Lagos August 27,2019 According to eyewitnesses, Daudu had gone to pack the chairs he rented to the Celestial Church of Christ, Oshodi Parish, when the policeman who escorted one of the dignitaries, an unnamed politician, started firing into the air to disperse some area boys that clustered round the dignitary. One of the bullets hit Daudu in the head. Speaking with newsmen, the late Daudu’s widow, Mrs. Yemi Daudu, a petty trader, said: “I was in the shop when I got a call from someone who asked where I was. I told the person I was in the shop. The caller asked where was my husband, I told her he had gone to work. She said I should call my husband to know where he was, that she had unpleasant information. I called my husband’s telephone number but the line didn’t go. “Almost immediately, I heard another person making calls in front of my shop. I heard the caller asking the person at the other end ...

Stemming the menace of drug abuse and addiction August 27,2019 It is not the drugs that make a drug addict, it’s the need to escape reality – Riley Blue (Fictional character portrayed by Tuppence Middleton). Addiction begins with the hope that something “out there” can instantly fill up the emptiness inside – Jean Kilbourne, a public speaker. In Nigeria, the cosmetic approach of always treating the symptoms rather than the disease has created more problems than solutions in the fight against drug abuse and addiction. The failure to deploy a sustainable holistic approach to tackle drug abuse and addiction from the source keeps impacting our society negatively. This drug-troubled situation has remained so for long given the deep-rooted nature of drugs and this has eaten far into the fabric of our nation today. It is therefore imperative for all concerned and well-meaning Nigerians to address this ravaging challenge of drug abuse in our society today by pro...

FBI’s wanted man didn’t fund my election, says Ihedioha August 27,2019 Ihedioha described the report as malicious and the handiwork of dubious characters who intend to malign his good image and integrity. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chibuike Onyeukwu, yesterday, he said he was not aware that Odionyenma was neither involved in any crime, nor being investigated for financial crimes. “It has become necessary to disclaim as false and malicious, a social media report that the 2019 electioneering campaign of Governor Emeka Ihedioha was bankrolled by Odionyenma. “Odionyenma has been reportedly implicated by the FBI of the United States of America (U.S.A) for alleged money laundering and wire transfers,” the statement reads.

Police probes Fatoyinbo over rape allegations August 27,2019 The senior pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo honoured the Nigeria Police invitation for questioning over rape allegations made against him by a celebrity photographer Busola Dakolo. He is being probed at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Garki Area 10, Abuja. This comes less than a week after Fatoyinbo refused to appear before the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) panel investigating the rape allegations made against him by Dakolo. “Unfortunately, several attempts to meet Pastor Biodun of COZA church, who is one of the important parties in this matter, failed despite efforts by the fact-finding committee to get his attention or appearance,” PFN spokesman Emma Isong said at a press conference in Lagos. “The PFN, unfortunately, wishes to announce its inability to come into a conclusion on this matter.” Busola, in June, alleged that Fatoyinbo raped...