Life Daily

FT Huddersfield Town 0 - 4 Tottenham Hotspur FT AFC Bournemouth 0 - 0 Leicester City FT Manchester United 4 - 0 Crystal Palace FT Stoke City 2 - 1 Southampton FT West Bromwich Albion 2 - 2 Watford FT West Ham United 1 - 0 Swansea City FT Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City

Reports according to Sputnik says that North Korean missiles are been transported from a rocket facility dedicated to the production of intercontinental ballistic missiles in Pyongyang. Unnamed South Korean and US intelligence sources have reportedly detected several missiles being moved from North Korea’s Missile Research and Development Facility at Sanum-dong in northern Pyongyang. The report does not provide any information on when the transportation occurred or where the missiles have been moved. The KBS report speculates that amid escalating tensions over Pyongyang’s nuclear program, such development could mean that North Korea is preparing to take additional provocative actions. North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un looks on during the test-fire of inter-continental ballistic missile Hwasong-14 in this undated photo released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang, July, 4 2017. However, a source from South Korean Ministry of Defense could not confirm

October 1st has been planned for demonstration against the discrimination and neglect of the anglophone Cameroonians by the Francophone dominated government of President Paul Biya. The protests have become a lightening rod for opposition to Biya’s 35-year rule. The planned protest follows the three-day ban by the authorities of all gatherings of more than four persons, the shut down of bus stations, eateries and shops and the ban on the movement of people between divisions of its English-speaking region. The draconian measures were taken to prevent the planned protests, which appear unstoppable. The last time there were big protests in the western region, the government responded by unplugging the internet, shooting dead six protesters and arrested hundreds of others, some of whom were charged with crimes that carry the death penalty. “Public gatherings and assembly of more than four persons shall be strictly forbidden. All off licenses, snack bars and night clubs shall not op

Manchester City demonstrated their Premier League title credentials with a dominant 1-0 victory at champions Chelsea. Kevin De Bruyne scored the only goal as Pep Guardiola's men suffocated Chelsea with their intensity to move six points clear of the holders after seven games. Chelsea lost striker Alvaro Morata to an apparent hamstring problem in the first half and were second best to a City side denied when Thibaut Courtois saved from David Silva and then Fernandinho. De Bruyne's left-footed strike from the edge of the area proved decisive against his former club, to give City a sixth win from seven games and inflict Chelsea's second loss of the season. De Bruyne left Chelsea for Wolfsburg in January 2014 and moved to City for £58million 18 months later. He is proving his calibre after being deemed surplus to requirements under then Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. Antonio Conte's champions were the only side to beat City at home and away last season, but City had

The US State Department has ordered more than half its Embassy staff and all diplomatic family members to leave Cuba because of a mysterious “specific attacks” that have caused myriad health problems to 21 diplomats. Only those who carry out the main U.S. diplomatic and consular duties, including providing emergency assistance to American travelers in Cuba, will stay at the embassy in Havana, officials said. The State Department issued an advisory for Americans not to visit Cuba, although no tourists or other travelers have been affected by the still-unexplained attacks, which some outside experts suspect came from an acoustic device. The embassy, an iconic building on Havana’s waterfront, also will suspend processing U.S. visa applications. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he had decided to trim staff and warn Americans in response to what he called “attacks of an unknown nature.” He emphasized that the moves were intended to ensure the health and safety of embassy person

Nigeria’s new ambassador to Cote D’Ivoire, Ibrahim Isah has called for the revival of the commission set up by the two countries four years ago. The commission was established 1 August 2013. Isah made the call when he presented his letters of credence to President Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Friday. The ambassador said he would work to deepen the collaboration between the countries. “I will exert efforts to expand and deepen trade relations, friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation, work to realizing and bringing Nigeria-Cote d’Ivoire relations to a new height,” he told President Ouattara. “I am confident that with concerted efforts of the two sides, the long-term constructive and cooperative Nigeria-Cote d’Ivoire is bound to scale new heights”, he added. Ambassador Isah also traced six decades of of relations between Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire. “The two countries have since their independence nearly six decades ago, maintained a strategic relationship. It is a kn

The Edo state Government has sacked Dr. Osayuware Idahosa, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Youth and Special Duties, over allegation of padding the budget for the conduct of primary school examination. The government also announced the suspension of three officials involved in the alleged scandal, which was put at N283 million. The decision announced by the Commissionrr for Communications and Orientation, Mr Paul Ohonbamu, was the outcome of an extraordinary session of the State Executive Council. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Governor Obaseki vowed to unmask the people that sent a N283 million request for the conduct of primary school examination in the state, which was eventually conducted at the cost of N30 million. Ohonbamu said that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, submitted a report of the panel of enquiry on the conduct of the 2016/2017 Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination and after due consid

Two micro finance institutions, Grooming Centre and Fortis Microfinance bank, have been given the Smart Certification for client protection. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Smart certification provided an independent, objective seal of confidence that a financial institution is doing everything it could to treat its clients well and protect them from harm. The Smart campaign began in 2008 when a group of microfinance industry leaders came together to launch a campaign that established the Client Protection Principles. To put the principles into action, the Smart campaign was launched in October 2009. In her welcome address at the occasion on Friday, Ms Isabelle Barres, Vice President, Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) and Director of the Smart campaign, noted that low financial literacy levels was one of the biggest client protection issues in Nigeria. Barres said that the campaign focused on the microfinance industry and how to assist them to achieve glo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said a total system collapse of the national grid was recorded on Sept. 28 at 8:03 p.m., resulting in temporary loss of electricity generation. A statement from TCN’s management on Friday in Abuja said that reports obtained from power stations and the sequence of events generated by the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) had revealed the cause of the collapse. It said the SCADA system report indicated that the system collapse was triggered by the tripping of Egbin power plants Units ST4, ST6 and ST5. It, however, said that restoration of grid system had also commenced at 8:22 p.m. on Sept. 28. According to the statement, a post mortem analysis of the issue indicated that grid generation was curtailed to about 4,262.7 Mega Watts (MW) before the disturbance. It explained that the capacity under-utilisation and the operational capability required to maintain grid stability, which had waned, made the grid system vulnerable.

The Federal Government is committed to the completion of ongoing projects in the South East including the second Niger bridge, East West road and others, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Prof. Osinbajo gave the assurance in his remarks earlier today in Ifitedunu, Anambra State, at the funeral service of Mrs. Roseline Akabueze mother of the Director-General of Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze. He said President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed a fair-minded and just leader that takes into account, the interest of all Nigerians regardless of their backgrounds. According to the Vice President who spoke after the Bishop of Awka, Paulinus Eze Okafor gave an homily at the event raising issues about marginalization and restructuring, said, “we have a listening President, and I can assure you that President Muhammadu Buhari is a man who in his heart wants to be fair and just.’’ Prof. Osinbajo said the President had in many instances exhibited attributes of a fair leader in his choi

Members of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) have rejected the list of delegates for its forthcoming National Delegate Conference, a communiqué has said. The communiqué made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, alleged that the process of selecting the delegates was not transparent. It was co-signed by Comrade Elkana Nabodi, Bayelsa State Chairman and Comrade Abdullahi Balange, Kastina State Chairman. The communiqué was drawn at the end of meeting of state chairmen and secretaries and National Coordinating Committees (NCCs) of AUPCTRE on Thursday. “These concerns came up at deliberations on the 6th quadrennial delegate conference on the apportionment of delegates to the National Delegate Conference(NDC) scheduled from Oct. hold on the 18th and 19th of October, 2017 at Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria. “The aforementioned state chairmen and secretaries of NCCs frown vehemen

The UN Human Rights Council voted on Friday to extend its investigation into suspected crimes against humanity in Burundi, dealing a blow to an attempt by a group of African countries to dial down the level of scrutiny. Burundi had hoped that by promising to cooperate fully with the UN human rights office and inviting three experts to the country, the Council would drop its commission of Inquiry. It appeared to have succeeded on Thursday when the council agreed to send the three experts, backing a resolution that also welcomed Burundi’s decision “to restore full cooperation” with the high commissioner for human rights. Burundi’s ambassador, Renovat Tabu, told the council that after that decision, there was no longer any need to continue with the commission of Inquiry, as demanded by the EU. “There is a clear will of the EU to instrumentalise the council to politicise human rights,” he said. But the EU, with strong backing from the U.S., pressed the case for the commission of

Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi on Friday suspended Mr Augustine Eze, Headmaster, Community Primary School, Amazu, Ishielu Local Government Area of the state and seven other teachers for absenteeism. Umahi who paid an unscheduled visit to the school directed the suspended teachers to report to the Chairman of the local government, Mr Henry Eze. He further directed that the council chairman should refer them to the Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education,(UBEB) for more disciplinary actions. He gave N300,000 cash to the 15 teachers present during the visit to change their wardrobe, expressing dissatisfaction with the way they dressed. The governor engaged them in an academic exercise, drilling them in English Language and Mathematics. He condemned the nonchalant attitude of some civil servants in Ebonyi and warned that the State Government would no longer tolerate the conduct of workers who were not committed to the duties. “It is very unfortunate the way and manner some o

95% of the time, We forgive people because we still want them in our lives. Before sleeping, 90% of your mind begins to imagine stuff you'd like to happen When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. Via.. @thefactsbook

University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has fixed the date for 2017 post-University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). It is to hold  from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Charles Igwe, has said. Igwe made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka, Enugu State, on Friday. He said that measures had been put in place to ensure a successful 2017 screening examination. “Qualified candidates for the exam are those who scored 200 and above, made UNN their choice university and have registered online for the exam. “Invigilators, supervisors as well as other personnel that will be involved have been mobilised and are ready for the exam,” he said. He said the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps would provide security for the exercise. “The army, police, civil defence and SSS will help to ensure adequate security as they will patrol 24 hou

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Friday assured air travelers and other airport users of safety, security and comfort at airports across the country during and after independence anniversary. The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs Herrienta Yakubu, gave the assurance in a statement in Lagos. Yakubu said necessary safety and security facilities needed to ensure movement of air travellers had been put in place. “Our aviation security, fire and other operations officers at the airports are fully ready to play host to our highly esteemed guests, who would be travelling through our network of airports at this period. “While wishing the nation a happy independence anniversary, FAAN remains committed to its core values of safety, security and comfort,” she said. The Federal Government has announced Oct.2 as public holiday to mark the Oct. 1 anniversary. Via...  News Agency of Nigeria

Troops of 242 Battalion of 8 Task Force Division have continued to deny the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the Lake Chad area freedom of action and access to logistics within the Division’s area of responsibility. At about 3.00pm yesterday, troops responding to a distress call intercepted terrorists mounted on 14 horses in Malamti village, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State. In the ensuing fire fight, gallant troops killed 2 terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 riffles, 3 magazines, 26 rounds of 7.26mm ammunition and one hand grenade. Other items also recovered include 18 mobile phones, 3 mini solar panels, soap and detergents, bundles of assorted clothes and 8 horses. Unfortunately, 2 soldiers were wounded during the engagement and are currently receiving medical attention. Other terrorists who fled the fire fight were being pursued in the exploitation which followed the engagement. Via...  NTA

Mr Umar Kuki, Director, Motor Administration Department in Niger, on Friday said the state government would set up mobile courts to try traffic offenders in the state. Kuki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that setting up the courts would minimize road accidents in the metropolis. He said the department was collaborating with Board of Internal Revenue, Ministry of Justice and other security agencies for the successful take up of the courts. “Motorcycle operators, civil servants and other motorists do not obey traffic rules, especially around central market, Bosso, and traffic junctions in Minna. “We usually record not less than 10 road accidents daily in the metropolis due to violation of of traffic rules by road users,” he said. The director, however, said that the department had reached out the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Commercial Motorcycle Association to mobilize their members on the need to obey traffic rules.” Via..  News Agenc

Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, the principal figure in a galvanised protest movement against the country’s leadership, was detained on Friday ahead of a rally. Navalny said he was detained in the lobby of his apartment building in Moscow. The rally was supposed to take place in Russia’s fifth-largest city, Nizhny Novgorod, about three hours away by high-speed train. State media cited authorities as saying Navalny was detained for calling on supporters to attend unauthorised rallies. But Navalny has insisted that Friday’s rally was authorised. “This is, of course, a new level. Now they are detaining me for an attempt to take part in a sanctioned meeting,” Navalny said on Twitter. Navalny, who has challenged Russia’s long-time leader Vladimir Putin for the presidency in next year’s election, was similarly detained near his home on the way to a major rally in Moscow in June. He served a month in jail. Navalny, who came in second in Moscow’s 2013 mayoral race, wil

A Minna Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered the remand of a 38-year-old Arabic teacher, Bashiru Isah, accused of strangling his own son. Isah was arraigned on a one count charge of culpable homicide, punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code Law. The Police prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Danladi, told the court that one Aisha Bashiru, wife to the accused person, reported the matter at Lapai Police Division on Sept. 19. Danladi said the complainant alleged that on the same date at about 1:15 am, her husband, a resident of Ebbo village in Lapai, took their son into his room and strangled him to death with his hands without any reasonable excuse. He said Isah admitted committing the crime during police investigation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that when the charge was read to the accused person, he pleaded guilty. However, the Magistrate, Maryam King, said the court would not record the plea of the accused because it lacked jurisdiction to try the case. King

The former chairman of Vietnam’s state oil company Nguyen Xuan Son, was on Friday sentenced to death for fraud, state media reported. Xuan Son, who chaired the board of PetroVietnam from 2014 to 2015, was sentenced to death in a Hanoi court after being found guilty of stealing 13.6 million dollars from Ocean Bank, which was partially owned by PetroVietnam, the Vnexpress news site reported. The bank’s former Chairman, Ha Tham, was sentenced to life imprisonment for violating rules on both economic management and lending. He was found to have given illegally generous deposit rates to favoured customers, including PetroVietnam. Tham was accused of causing losses of around 70.4 million dollars owing to the violations. The Ocean Bank case, which has already involved 51 other defendants, is among the biggest economic scandals in Vietnamese history. PetroVietnam has been hit with series of corruption scandals in recent years. Trinh Thanh, former Head of the PetroVietnam Construc

A Karmo Grade I Area Court in the FCT, on Friday sentenced a 29-year-old man, Stephen Yahaya, to 12 months imprisonment for intimidation and extortion. Yahaya of Suleja in Niger had pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of extortion and criminal intimidation. The judge, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, advised the convict to desist from committing crimes. The prosecutor, Mrs Florence Auhioboh, had told the court that the complainant, one Saliu Augustine of Kado, Abuja, reported the incident at Life Camp Police Station on Sept 24. Auhioboh said that on July 18 at about 4.00 p.m., Yahaya criminally called the complainant on phone and told him that he was going to hire someone to kill him. She told the court that Yahaya sent his account number to the complainant that he should pay some money into the account in order to save his life. The prosecutor said when the threat became so much the complainant was compelled to deposit N30, 000 into an Ecobank account sent by Yahaya. She said during

Unknown gunmen at midnight attacked Gyangyang village in Jhar Chiefdom of Kanam Local Government area of Plateau killing the acting village head, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman. A family source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos that the gunmen invaded the house of the deceased at about 1:00 a.m on Friday and killed the traditional ruler. The source said that the gunmen who carried sophisticated weapons stationed some of their men outside the house to ensure that nobody interfered with their operation. “We heard when they shot him and when we made efforts to come out, the gunmen stationed outside started shooting sporadically,” the source said. The Chairman of Kanam Local Government area, Mr Hamidu Bale, confirmed the incident to NAN. “I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer and other security agents and they have moved to the area. “They will tell us after their investigation exactly what happened,” he said. However, when contacted, ASP Terna Tyopev, the Pla

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said over 57 per cent of schools in Borno remained closed, in spite the new school year, due to the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria. A statement signed by UNICEF, Abuja, Chief of Communications, Ms Doune Porter, on Friday said as a result, an estimated three million children were in need of emergency education support. “Since 2009, across the North-East, over 2,295 teachers have been killed and 19,000 displaced. “Almost 1,400 schools have been destroyed with the majority unable to open because of extensive damage or because they are in areas that remain unsafe, “ Porter. Porter quoted the Deputy Executive Director, UNICEF, Mr Justin Forsyth, who said, “Children in North-East Nigeria are living through so much horror. “In addition to devastating malnutrition, violence and an outbreak of cholera, the attacks on schools is in danger of creating a lost generation of children.’’ She, however, stated that UNICEF was working

The World Health Organization on Thursday rejected an anti-smoking foundation endorsed by tobacco giant Philip Morris. WHO said it would not engage with the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World due to “a number of clear conflicts of interest involved with a tobacco company funding a purported health foundation,” the UN health agency said in a statement. “WHO will not partner with the Foundation. Governments should not partner with the Foundation and the public health community should follow this lead,” the statement said. WHO policies including tobacco taxes, graphic warning labels and advertising bans, the statement said, are effective approaches to tobacco control. Philip Morris International pledged 80 million dollars of annual funding to the foundation over 12 years in mid-September. The company had not yet responded to dpa’s request for comment. Via...  DPA

Twitter has identified and blocked 201 suspected Russian-linked accounts connected to the spreading of false information in last year’s US presidential election, the social network said Thursday. In an online statement, Twitter said it had looked at around 450 accounts shared by Facebook, after that social network conducted a similar investigation, and found that 22 had corresponding Twitter accounts. It also found another 179 related accounts and blocked those after determining they broke the site’s rules. The social media giant spoke about its investigation behind closed doors at a US Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, however committee members Adam Schiff and Mark Warner said they were disappointed by the briefing. “Frankly I don’t think they understand how serious this problem is,” Democratic Senator Mark Warner tweeted afterwards. Twitter also identified 274,000 dollars of advertising bought in 2016 by broadcaster Russia Today “which has strong links to the Russian

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has promised to repay the nearly $52,000 cost of his seats on private charter flights, as President Donald Trump reportedly fumed over the penchant of aides to hop on private jets. The expensive obsession, which had cost the US treasury several millions of dollars, is also drawing sharp scrutiny from Congress, according to Reuters. “Today, I will write a personal check to the U.S. Treasury for the expenses of my travel on private charter planes,” said Price, a former member of Congress, in a statement. “The taxpayers won’t pay a dime for my seat on those planes.” Price was one of a handful of senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration put on the defensive over reports about their use of charter flights and government aircraft, sometimes for personal travel, when they could have flown commercial for less money. Price told Fox News on Thursday that Trump had spoken to him about the matter and was not happy. Ask

Nigeria has restated zero intolerance for human trafficking, saying it has put in place strong measures to eradicate the menace in the country. The Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Nigeria to Vienna, Mrs Vivian Okeke, stated this in New York at the High-level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Appraisal of the UN Global Plan of Action against Trafficking in Persons. Okeke said Nigeria considered the meeting very important, in view of the need for global solidarity and cooperation to fight the menace of trafficking in persons. “Nigeria is not exempted from the scourge.  It has been both a destination country and an export country where vulnerable persons especially young women and boys are lured across the Sahara to other continents especially Europe. “Our Government has zero tolerance for trafficking of human beings, whether young or old, men or women. “And this is the reason why we have put in place strong institutional measures and legislations. “To eradicate t

The Office of Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) and some stakeholders have opposed the proposed exemption of para-military organizations from the contributory pension scheme. The OSGF made its position known at the public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Pension on a Bill to exclude personnel of paramilitary and anti-graft agencies from the contributory pension scheme. Representative of the OSGF, Mr Roy Ogor, disclosed that the white paper issued by the Federal Government, prohibited all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and paramilitary outfits from pulling out of the contributory pension scheme. He explained that the provision of the exemption bill contravenes federal government’s position, so it should be jettisoned. Ogor urged National Assembly to jettison any proposed legislation that could further compound the socio-economic predicaments of the country and Nigerian workers. He also noted that status quo should be mai

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to release the timetable for Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections coming up in 2018. At a meeting with resident electoral commissioners on Thursday in Abuja, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that INEC had started preparations for the elections in the two states. “The end-of-tenure governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states will be conducted next year. “In keeping with the commission’s tradition of giving all stakeholders ample time to prepare, the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections will be released on Thursday,” Yakubu said. He added that INEC would on Saturday conduct bye-election in Eti-Osa state constituency in Lagos state. “Only yesterday, we received the official declaration of vacancy by the Honourable Speaker House of Representatives for the Kware/Wamakko Federal Constituency in Sokoto state. “The timetable and schedule of activities for the

The Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, has described the Peace Corps of Nigeria as agent of peace, unity and national integration. Usman who is the Chairman, Katsina State Council of Emirates said Nigeria was in dire need of organisations such as Peace Corps, at a time the nation was sliding into deep crises. He said that insecurity, hate speeches, chauvinism, agitations, quit notice, unpatriotic and selfish interest of some leaders needed to be addressed. Speaking in his palace on Thursday when he received the national officers of Peace Corps of Nigeria, the Emir said Nigeria should use the opportunity to prove to the world that “We are truly giant of Africa”. “Religious and tribal sentiments are the greatest enemies of this country. Until we learn how to tolerate each other, no matter the tribe or religion, we would not get it right in this country”, the Emir said. The Paramount Ruler who is also the Chancellor of the University of Il

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said it has arrested Ekiti state commissioner for finance, Chief Toyin Ojo and the accountant-general, Mrs O.O Owolabi. They were arrested today in Abuja, during an event by Governor Ayodele Fayose, in which he declared his presidential aspiration in the 2019 election. The ceremony at the Chelsea Hotel in Garki-Abuja, was attended by former senator and deputy governor of Osun State, Iyiola Omisore and a former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, under trial for money laundering by EFCC. In a short statement by spokesman Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC said the two officials are in its custody. “They were picked up today following their refusal to honour previous invitations for interrogation in relation to pending investigation on the misuse of bail out funds by the Ayodele Fayose administration”, Uwujaren stated. In July, Ekiti state acknowledged receiving  N4.7 billion as Paris Club refund, according to a statem

The Federal Government has declared Monday public holiday in commemoration of the nation’s 57th Independence anniversary on Oct. 1. The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on behalf of the government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Abubakar Magaji. Magaji said the minister congratulated Nigerians on the occasion, urging them to sustain the collective efforts at strengthening the country’s unity. According to him, Dambazau emphasised government’s commitment to promoting national unity, economic growth and political development rooted in democratic principles. He noted that in the past 57 years, Nigeria had made a lot of progress and positive impact not only on its citizens but also on human development globally. He enjoined all Nigerians to remain steadfast in love and care for the country, noting that a strong sense of ownership of one’s country was critical to sustainable national development.

Dr Rufus Egbegba, the Director-General, National Bio-safety Management Agency says Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are designed to solve specific agricultural problems. Egbegba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that the production of GMOs was meant to reduce or completely eliminate problems that face the agricultural sector for greater productivity and sustainability. “The essence of GMOs is to solve specific problems, not necessarily because you want to have variety of products, you could solve specific problems that are difficult to solve over the years. “For instance, we have a particular bean now that have been genetically modified for insect resistant, this insect may disrupt 90 per cent of the beans on the field. “But with the modification that has been carried out, the infestation has been controlled. “Since 2009 it has been on the field for experiment, it is being discovered that the productivity has increased between three to four times,’

Don’t listen to yourself; listen to the advice that you give others. - Michael Lottner It's ok and "I'm fine" are the two most common lies spoken in the world. Don’t be afraid of death, be afraid of an unlived life. Via @thefactsbook

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, declares  his presidential ambition for 2019, though against his political party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s zoning policy, was in line with democratic tenets. He said that the party’s democratic disposition on issues of aspirations had allowed some members to defy the zoning policy in the past. Fayose, who is also the Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he formally declared his ambition to contest in the presidential election in 2019 on the party’s platform. The PDP had its 2019 presidential ticket to the North. Fayose listed Sen. Barnabas Gemade, Victor Attah, Peter Odili, Sam Egwu, Donald Duke, Chimaroke Nnamani, Rochas Okorocha and late Abubakar Rimi among members who flouted the party’s zoning policy in the past. According to him, zoning formula produces incompetence because it makes political parties to throw out considerations for merit and performance. He, however, challenged northern p

Arsenal had an impressive away performance as they sealed a victory over Bate. Theo Walcott scored twice and Olivier Giroud notched his 100th Arsenal goal as the Londoners notched a second successive Europa League win, 4-2, at BATE Borisov . After 10 minutes, Arsenal  had the advantage when Jack Wilshere burst into the box and Theo Walcott's header was half-stopped by Denis Scherbitski before he made sure from point-blank range. The home side burst into life after 20 minutes when Olivier Giroud lost possession and Mirko Ivanic shot narrowly wide from outside the box when a cross was half cleared. Within three minutes, however, they were two down as Walcott struck again, accepting a gift when Scherbitski's terrible attempt to pass the ball out of his area gave him the chance to roll a finish inside the post. After 25 minutes it was 3-0 when Borisov failed to deal with the resulting corner and Per Mertesacker's header went in off Rob Holding for his first Arsenal go

Nigeria can generate four million jobs annually taking advantage of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to invest on Micro Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs). Mr. Fred Oladehinde, the President of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that AGOA’s plan was to reduce unemployment through creation of 20 million jobs in Africa annually The Washington DC based NGO founder, said: “We need to mobilise MSMEs so that we can improve and enhance not only the value chain from supply side but also include their participation in the global supply chain and create the needed jobs. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) scheme was initiated by the U.S. government in May 2000 to assist the economies of sub-Saharan Africa and to improve economic relations between U.S and the region. It is to offer tangible incentives for Africa countries to continue their efforts to open their economies and build free markets. After completing its init

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday withdrew its motion seeking a court order to serve the recall petition on Sen. Dino Melaye through substituted means rather than personal service. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, struck out the motion after INEC’s counsel, Mr Yunus Usman (SAN), announced the withdrawal in court. In striking the motion, Dimgba directed that all issues pertaining to the case should thereafter be taken to the Court of Appeal. He noted that since Melaye’s appeal against the Sept. 11 judgment of the court had been entered at the Appellate court; all pending applications should be taken there. The judge added that the application filed by Melaye, the senator representing Kogi West, for a stay of execution of the verdict, should also be taken to the court. INEC had on Sept. 15 filed the ex-parte motion seeking substituted service of the recall petition on Melaye. The motion was filed following the alleged refus

The  Government of Nigeria State has revoked the N70 million contract agreement with Shelter Suit to construct a hotel at Gurara tourist site. Mr Daniel Kolo, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, disclosed this at a press conference in Minna on Thursday. Kolo said that Gov. Abubakar Bello gave approval for the revocation of the contract at the weekly State Executive Council meeting. He said that there was no record of a Memorandum of Understanding between the past administration in the state and the company to acquire 1,105 hectares of land to build a hotel at the Gurara tourist site. According to him, out of the 1,105 hectares of land acquired by the company, it only paid N70 million for 389 hectares to the state government. “As government, Gurara water fall is meant for the people of state, we cannot allow individual or group of people to claim ownership of the site. “For Shelter Suit to say they want to build, operate and own the land is not acceptable. “As g

A former Military Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, has called on Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another. Abubakar said this on Thursday in Gusau, Zamfara, while responding to questions from journalists. He advised those agitating for the restructuring of the country to follow due process and the rule of law. Abubakar said that Nigeria had evolved through a long history which began as a region, expanding to additional regions up to what are now the 36 states and the FCT. He said that the present administration was doing its best to restore the country’s lost glory and that this could only be achieved through the support of all Nigerians. He said that he was in the state to check on his mining site in order to boost its potential, especially, now that the Federal Government was focusing on the non-oil sectors. The former head of state commended the state government for the provision of infrastructure in the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) repor

After the UN Security Council passed new sanctions two weeks ago, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said North Korean firms and joint ventures in China would be closed within 120 days. Following North Korea’s sixth and largest nuclear test this month, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to expand sanctions on Pyongyang. It has halted the country’s textile exports and capped fuel supplies. It is the ninth UN Security Council sanctions resolution over North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs since 2006. Last week, China’s central bank told the country’s lenders to strictly implement UN sanctions against North Korea. They were ordered to stop providing financial services to new North Korean customers and to wind down loans with existing customers. Chinese banks have been accused of transferring funds to and from Pyongyang. Sources told Reuters the banks were warned of the economic losses and risks to their reputation if they did not comply. On Tuesday, the US ann

Egor Magistrates' court on Thursday sentenced  Ekene Nwanne  to 14 years imprisonment. He was charged to court for  for attempting to use a minor for ritual in Benin. The Police Prosecutor, Mr O. Omoruyi, told the court that Nwanne, committed the crime on Sept. 19 at No. 62, Siluko Road, Benin. He said that the defendant was arraigned on a count charge of stealing a minor with intension of using the minor for ritual. Omoruyi said the offence was punishable under Section 371 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol. II Laws of the old Benue State of Nigeria, 1976 as applicable in Edo State. The defendant, however, pleaded guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Igho Bramah, sentenced him to14 years imprisonment without an option of fine and with hard labour. Earlier, the prosecutor told the court that the defendant was paid N20, 000 by one Rochas, residing at Orlu in Imo to carry out the assignment. He said that on Sept. 19, while the minor was playing outside with her 1

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has described the establishment of an endowment fund for Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) as timely. Osinbajo spoke while receiving ACP Chairman, Amb. Amadou Diop, Secretary General, Dr Patrick Gomes and other dignitaries. He said that the endowment fund was a timely initiative that will put members on the path of sustainable growth and development. In a statement issued by Laolu Akande, SSA Media & Publicity, Osinbajo said that the fund would guarantee Africa’s true independence from development partners. He said that with such a fund, development partners would no longer have the power to determine the direction of development they want for Africa. “Setting up of an endowment fund like the one proposed will, in a way, guarantee an independent ACP because if our development partners continue to give us the kind of support that they are giving now, they will definitely want to determine our course of development in the future,” h

"Be thankful for the bad things in life. They open your eyes to see the good things you weren't paying attention to before". ......via@thefactbooks

The jail sentence of Brazilian goalkeeper Bruno Fernandes for 2010 murder of a former girlfriend has been reduced by 18 months, according to court documents filed in the state of Minas Gerias. A panel of judges voted to lessen the prison term from 22 years and three months to 20 years and nine months following an appeal. Report says the decision means Bruno, as he is known in Brazil, will be released in 2031. The 32-year-old was convicted in 2013 of killing his former partner Eliza Samudio, mutilating her body and feeding it to dogs. He was granted a writ of habeas corpus in February and briefly resumed playing for national Serie B club Boa Esporte before returning to jail in April. Bruno’s career included spells at Atletico Mineiro, Corinthians and Flamengo. In 2009, he was captain of the Flamengo team that won the Serie A championship. Via.. Xinhua

A man named Obinna Nwafor has been sentenced to three years in prison by Jos Upper Area Court on Thursday. The tricycle operator was charged for resisting arrest. Nwafor, whose address was not stated, had pleaded guilty to a count charge of resisting arrest and begged for mercy. The judge, Yahaya Mohammed, in his judgment, however, gave the convict an option of N5,000 fine. Mohammed said the sentence would serve as deterrence to others. The Prosecutor, Sgt Ibrahim Gukwat, had told the court that the matter was reported by Insp. Lawal Habu and his team on Sept. 25 Gukwat said Nwafor wrongfully parked his tricycle on a public road and refused all pleas to properly park the tricycle. The prosecutor said when Nwafor refused to park properly, an officer ordered for his arrest but he resisted and rode away with the officer in the tricycle to unknown direction. Gukwat said the offence contravened Section 144 of the Penal Code. Via...  News Agency of Nigeria

Anthony Martial has Not been selected by France coach Didier Deschamps for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Belarus. The United forward  impressed in the Champions League win over CSKA Moscow this week before limping off with a thigh injury and has not been included for France's games on Oct. 7 and 10. The players selected were;Marseille forward Dimitri Payet, is recalled along with Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane. Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Arsenal duo Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscileny and Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante are also included, with Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi and Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann among the other big-name players selected. France will face Bulgaria on Oct. 7 before taking on Belarus three days later as they bid to secure their place in the tournament. Les Bleus are top of qualifying Group A and lead Sweden by a point, w

The move follows Bayern's 3-0 humbling at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday -- their biggest Champions League group-stage defeat in 21 years. Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge warned there would be consequences following the defeat, with SportBild reporting on Thursday morning that a meeting was due to be held later in the day to discuss Ancelotti's future. Bayern assistant coach Willy Sagnol could reportedly take over from Ancelotti, who replaced Pep Guardiola as coach in 2016, while former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel has also been linked with the role. Ancelotti won the Bundesliga title in his debut season at Bayern, but saw his side knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid at the quarterfinal stage and by Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal semifinals. A slow start to the new Bundesliga season has seen Bayern lose one and draw one of their opening six games to leave them third in the table. Via... ESPN

According to Mr Emeka Anuforo, the Communications Officer of African Development Bank (AfDB) said that the organization  is promoting the creative and cultural industries to diversify the economic base of African countries and attract tourism, Anuforo in a statement on Thursday said the bank marked 2017 World Tourism Day on Sept. 27, with a call for collaborative actions from all stakeholders for sustainable tourism development in Africa. He said that the Bank recognised that Africa’s tourism and travel industry could serve as an engine of progress for socioeconomic transformation. The United Nations’ World Tourism Day, with the theme ‘Sustainable Tourism − a Tool for Development’, presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the contribution of sustainable tourism among public and private sector decision-makers and the international community. “In addition to its investments in tourism infrastructure (ports, airports, roads and rail, among others), the AfDB is promot