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| Slay Queen after been used for ritual |
Sunday, 30 July 2017
''Anybody That Calls You SLAY QUEEN Is Telling You That You Are Efulefu (Waste & Worthless)''... Alaigbo
If you can slay, slay with sense. To all girls that lives a life of I don't care what tomorrow may hold, that can go out with guys to anywhere because of money and because they wants to enjoy their lives. Please be calm and think about your life and how you gonna be a good daughter to your family, how you gonna be a good wife to your husband and a good mother to your children. It not a must for you to sleep with all guys before you can enjoy life or before you can have money. Support your one and only guy, pray for him, plan with him and manage little he is giving u and use it wisely. What you lack now you will surely have more than enough when the time is right. Dont compare yourself to others, dont live someone's else life. Find something doing that can keep you busy and still fetch you money not using your bodies. Look at this girl and see how she ends up her life.
All because she wants to live a good life, because she wants to use what her mates are using and because she wants to spend money without knowing its source. R.I.P
Saraki: We will revisit Devolution of Powers Bill
In what appears to be a reassuring development, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has assured Nigerians that the defeated bill on devolution of powers still stood a chance of being passed, as part of the amendment to the 1999 Constitution after the resumption of both chambers of the National Assembly from the annual recess which commenced last Friday.
President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (middle) with a group of youths supporting the NotTooYoungToRun in Ilorin, Kwara State, yesterday.
Saraki gave the assurance in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, while speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving a delegation of the #NotTooYoungToRun# group in the state.
The Senate President, traced the defeat of the devolution of powers bill to the current wave of hate speeches across the country, while adding that the current mistrust among Nigerians also contributed to the defeat of the bill.
He said some stakeholders had misunderstood the intent of the proposed amendments in the bill as a clever way of introducing restructuring and were not ready to back such a move without proper consultations with their constituents.
A state emts from the Media Office of the Senate President, quoted the number three citizen thus:
“As you know, we have three senators representing each state and one from the FCT and they all represent their constituencies and whatever they do there, they must engage with and get feedback from their constituencies. I believe that if this constitutional amendment had come maybe eight months ago, the devolution of powers bill would have passed easily.
“But I think we must be honest with ourselves that presently there is a lot of mistrust in the country at the moment; the air is very polluted and let us be very frank, that blame must go all round; whether it be the politicians, or opinion leaders, socio-cultural group leaders and some others who are running commentaries and even some of you in the media who sometimes write stories that amplify hate speeches and points of view that are inaccurate.
“And I think what happened was that a lot of of our colleagues misread or misunderstood or were suspicious of what the devolution of powers to states was all about; whether it was the same thing as restructuring in another way or attempt to foist confederation on the country or to prepare the ground for other campaigns now going on in the country. And they made a lot of appeal that they had not consulted with their constituencies and you can see what is happening; there was a meeting in Kaduna yesterday where it was clear that certain parts of the country wanted more time to understand what restructuring is all about before joining the discussion.
“So it is clear that not all Senators were on board. My own advise; we have spoken a lot with the Senators because we cannot bully them or stampede them, because at the end of the day, this country belongs to all of us. You cannot hassle me out of the country. Neither can I hassle you out. What we must do is dialogue; reassure each other and let people understand that this concept is for the purpose of making a modern Nigeria; that it is not going to in any way undermine any part of the country.
“Nothing is foreclosed in this exercise; you dont foreclose passage of bill. We must have a good understanding of how parliament works. It is not foreclosed. It has been defeated as at today but it does not mean that it would be defeated when it comes tomorrow. The gender bill was defeated in the bid to include it in the constitution but what was not reported in the media is that the sponsors got a victory in that they got an undertaking from members that what was defeated would be included in the Gender Opportunity bill. That was something that would not have happened before. So the fact that devolution of powers to state lost that day does not mean that after the recess, if a lot of consultations are done again it will not scale through.”
The#NotTooYoungToRun group, led by its state coordinator, Olasupo Abideen, had visited Saraki to express gratitude over the passage of the NotTooYoungToRun bill and solicit his support for the remaining parts of the proposal by the Joint Committee on Constitutional amendment to make the amendment a total success.
Olasupo thanked Saraki and members of the 8th Senate for their interest in the future of the youth which made them to pass the bill. He recalled that agitation for the passage of the bill started in 2012, adding that the Nigerian youths will forever remain grateful to Saraki over his kindness towards them.
Saraki gave the assurance in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, while speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving a delegation of the #NotTooYoungToRun# group in the state.
The Senate President, traced the defeat of the devolution of powers bill to the current wave of hate speeches across the country, while adding that the current mistrust among Nigerians also contributed to the defeat of the bill.
He said some stakeholders had misunderstood the intent of the proposed amendments in the bill as a clever way of introducing restructuring and were not ready to back such a move without proper consultations with their constituents.
A state emts from the Media Office of the Senate President, quoted the number three citizen thus:
“As you know, we have three senators representing each state and one from the FCT and they all represent their constituencies and whatever they do there, they must engage with and get feedback from their constituencies. I believe that if this constitutional amendment had come maybe eight months ago, the devolution of powers bill would have passed easily.
“But I think we must be honest with ourselves that presently there is a lot of mistrust in the country at the moment; the air is very polluted and let us be very frank, that blame must go all round; whether it be the politicians, or opinion leaders, socio-cultural group leaders and some others who are running commentaries and even some of you in the media who sometimes write stories that amplify hate speeches and points of view that are inaccurate.
“And I think what happened was that a lot of of our colleagues misread or misunderstood or were suspicious of what the devolution of powers to states was all about; whether it was the same thing as restructuring in another way or attempt to foist confederation on the country or to prepare the ground for other campaigns now going on in the country. And they made a lot of appeal that they had not consulted with their constituencies and you can see what is happening; there was a meeting in Kaduna yesterday where it was clear that certain parts of the country wanted more time to understand what restructuring is all about before joining the discussion.
“So it is clear that not all Senators were on board. My own advise; we have spoken a lot with the Senators because we cannot bully them or stampede them, because at the end of the day, this country belongs to all of us. You cannot hassle me out of the country. Neither can I hassle you out. What we must do is dialogue; reassure each other and let people understand that this concept is for the purpose of making a modern Nigeria; that it is not going to in any way undermine any part of the country.
“Nothing is foreclosed in this exercise; you dont foreclose passage of bill. We must have a good understanding of how parliament works. It is not foreclosed. It has been defeated as at today but it does not mean that it would be defeated when it comes tomorrow. The gender bill was defeated in the bid to include it in the constitution but what was not reported in the media is that the sponsors got a victory in that they got an undertaking from members that what was defeated would be included in the Gender Opportunity bill. That was something that would not have happened before. So the fact that devolution of powers to state lost that day does not mean that after the recess, if a lot of consultations are done again it will not scale through.”
The#NotTooYoungToRun group, led by its state coordinator, Olasupo Abideen, had visited Saraki to express gratitude over the passage of the NotTooYoungToRun bill and solicit his support for the remaining parts of the proposal by the Joint Committee on Constitutional amendment to make the amendment a total success.
Olasupo thanked Saraki and members of the 8th Senate for their interest in the future of the youth which made them to pass the bill. He recalled that agitation for the passage of the bill started in 2012, adding that the Nigerian youths will forever remain grateful to Saraki over his kindness towards them.
Lagos now on street view in Google maps
Those who still believe that Nigeria will miss the digital society should better have a rethink. Just last week during Google for Nigeria event when the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Google, Sundar Pichai, visited Nigeria, the Country Manager of Google Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, revealed that the search engine has improved address search experience in Lagos.
No Mourinho season, Conte tells Chelsea players
Antonio Conte fears he is locked in a fight to avoid becoming the third manager in a row to be sacked as a champion.
A difficult pre-season has taken its toll on Chelsea’s plans with injuries to key players and frustrations in the transfer market.
As the new campaign looms, the Italian feels there is still much work to do to avoid the fate which befell Jose Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri.
“We know the next season will be tough,’ said Conte.
“We want to avoid what happened in the previous season for Chelsea, two years ago, when the team finished in 10th place in the Premier League.
‘We want to try to avoid this and I want to try to avoid what happened two seasons ago.
‘Two coaches have been sacked from Chelsea and Leicester after winning the league and I want to avoid this and the players want to avoid the bad season they had with Mourinho.
‘We are working very well and we hope to find the best solution in the future. We have a lot of young players and if necessary we will have to try to put these players.’
Mourinho was fired in December 2015, seven months after winning the Premier League for the third time as Chelsea manager.
Ranieri led Leicester to the first title in their history but that did not spare him the sack as they slipped towards relegation danger last season.
Transfer targets including Romelu Lukaku and Kyle Walker slipped away and Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic were told they could leave.
Tiemoue Bakayoko did sign but arrived injured and will miss the start of the campaign, as will Eden Hazard, who broke an ankle on international duty at the end of last season.
Pedro Rodriguez was sent home from the tour after suffering facial fractures in a friendly against Arsenal.
With several young players sold and loaned and John Terry released, Conte’s options are suddenly limited and he has used roughly the same team in three friendlies on tour in venues where the heat has been stifling and the training sessions have been gruelling.
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| Antonio Conte |
As the new campaign looms, the Italian feels there is still much work to do to avoid the fate which befell Jose Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri.
“We know the next season will be tough,’ said Conte.
“We want to avoid what happened in the previous season for Chelsea, two years ago, when the team finished in 10th place in the Premier League.
‘We want to try to avoid this and I want to try to avoid what happened two seasons ago.
‘Two coaches have been sacked from Chelsea and Leicester after winning the league and I want to avoid this and the players want to avoid the bad season they had with Mourinho.
‘We are working very well and we hope to find the best solution in the future. We have a lot of young players and if necessary we will have to try to put these players.’
Mourinho was fired in December 2015, seven months after winning the Premier League for the third time as Chelsea manager.
Ranieri led Leicester to the first title in their history but that did not spare him the sack as they slipped towards relegation danger last season.
Transfer targets including Romelu Lukaku and Kyle Walker slipped away and Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic were told they could leave.
Tiemoue Bakayoko did sign but arrived injured and will miss the start of the campaign, as will Eden Hazard, who broke an ankle on international duty at the end of last season.
Pedro Rodriguez was sent home from the tour after suffering facial fractures in a friendly against Arsenal.
With several young players sold and loaned and John Terry released, Conte’s options are suddenly limited and he has used roughly the same team in three friendlies on tour in venues where the heat has been stifling and the training sessions have been gruelling.
Mbappe worth the price — Real boss
Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe is worth €180million if that is what the market dictates, says Los Blancos legend Raul.
Mbappe is one of the most sought-after talents in European football after helping fire Monaco to the Ligue 1 title and Champions League semi-finals last season.
Reports in Spain suggested Madrid were closing in on a deal for the France forward, while Manchester City are also rumoured to be preparing a rival bid.
Raul, who was the club’s record goalscorer before being usurped by Cristiano Ronaldo, is unsure whether a deal will happen but says nothing should be ruled out until the transfer market closes.
Speaking to Marca, the former Spain striker said: “The market will set the price. There has to be an agreement between several parties and that will define it.
“Real Madrid have great players but it is clear that until August 31, anything can happen. For now you have to focus on those who are here and we’ll see what happens.”
Despite having yet to acquire Mbappe, Madrid allowed Alvaro Morata to leave for Chelsea with the Spain striker having grown frustrated at a lack of playing time.
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| Monaco’s French forward Kylian Mbappe AFP PHOTO |
Reports in Spain suggested Madrid were closing in on a deal for the France forward, while Manchester City are also rumoured to be preparing a rival bid.
Raul, who was the club’s record goalscorer before being usurped by Cristiano Ronaldo, is unsure whether a deal will happen but says nothing should be ruled out until the transfer market closes.
Speaking to Marca, the former Spain striker said: “The market will set the price. There has to be an agreement between several parties and that will define it.
“Real Madrid have great players but it is clear that until August 31, anything can happen. For now you have to focus on those who are here and we’ll see what happens.”
Despite having yet to acquire Mbappe, Madrid allowed Alvaro Morata to leave for Chelsea with the Spain striker having grown frustrated at a lack of playing time.
Nokia bounces back to Nigerian market with new series
Beautifully crafted to deliver the latest pure Android experience, Nokia has raised the bar in the smart phone segment with the introduction of the Nokia 3, 5 and 6 series in the Nigerian market.
New Nokia 3
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, explained at the introduction of the new devices in Lagos that the products combine superior craftsmanship, distinctive design and powerful entertainment features, giving users the ability to use your phone your way.
Speaking about the devices, Justin Maier, vice president Sub-Sahara Africa, HMD Global said that, “I believe that HMD Global will be able to offer something for everyone. From the new Nokia 3310 feature phone to our premium Nokia 6 smartphone, we are bringing phones to Nigeria that will entice and delight, while offering simplicity, reliability, quality and importantly, the human touch. I am looking forward to this new chapter in Africa for Nokia Phones.”
For Joseph Umunakwe, General Manager, West, East and Central Africa, HMD Global, “Phones have become an extension of ourselves and are integral to so many aspects of our lives.
“From capturing memories and keeping us entertained, to keeping in touch and remembering important dates and anniversaries, our smartphones are often at the heart of everything we do.”
Combining superior craftsmanship and distinctive design with an immersive audio experience and a 5.5″ full HD screen, the new Nokia 6, he explained delivers a truly premium smartphone experience. The unibody of the Nokia 6 is crafted from a single block of 6000 series aluminium and is perfect for those who want a robust phone with outstanding entertainment credentials, he said.
The smart audio amplifier with dual speakers allow consumers to experience a deep bass and unmatched clarity, whilst Dolby Atmos sound delivers a powerfully moving entertainment experience.
HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, explained at the introduction of the new devices in Lagos that the products combine superior craftsmanship, distinctive design and powerful entertainment features, giving users the ability to use your phone your way.
Speaking about the devices, Justin Maier, vice president Sub-Sahara Africa, HMD Global said that, “I believe that HMD Global will be able to offer something for everyone. From the new Nokia 3310 feature phone to our premium Nokia 6 smartphone, we are bringing phones to Nigeria that will entice and delight, while offering simplicity, reliability, quality and importantly, the human touch. I am looking forward to this new chapter in Africa for Nokia Phones.”
For Joseph Umunakwe, General Manager, West, East and Central Africa, HMD Global, “Phones have become an extension of ourselves and are integral to so many aspects of our lives.
“From capturing memories and keeping us entertained, to keeping in touch and remembering important dates and anniversaries, our smartphones are often at the heart of everything we do.”
Combining superior craftsmanship and distinctive design with an immersive audio experience and a 5.5″ full HD screen, the new Nokia 6, he explained delivers a truly premium smartphone experience. The unibody of the Nokia 6 is crafted from a single block of 6000 series aluminium and is perfect for those who want a robust phone with outstanding entertainment credentials, he said.
The smart audio amplifier with dual speakers allow consumers to experience a deep bass and unmatched clarity, whilst Dolby Atmos sound delivers a powerfully moving entertainment experience.
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Advice to our ladies of this century that forms slay Queen's and pepper dem gang...
Dear ladies, there so many facts you don't know about guys. Guys will never marry a girl that fucks like a pornstar, smokes like a dragon, drinks all kinds of alcohol and Pierce everywhere pierceable ,
Who wants to take a girl that customized her body with tattoos, can't do without heavy make up and dresses like a bitch, home ? Cooking skills - zero, laundry game - novice, traditional etiquettes - poor, home management - terrible. Just to wash plate, you'll complaining, washing your own clothes na war, noodles is your best food and you always hate environmentals.
Shey you want to hear the bitter truth, guyss will tell you to keep it up, keep slaying. He will take you to shoprite, justrite, tantalizer, Mr Biggs, cinema, and everywhere you want to go. Shebi you can do Snapchat and carry flower on your head. Every time "nails on fleek", "eyebrows on fleek", " pepper dem nonsense" your future will still pepper you. Too much atarodo sauce and chivita juice. Continue, he will keep encouraging you and dating you, he will hangout with you and have fun with you but at the end of the day, he will leave y'all and go and look a very decent Girl and marry.
He won't even care if she's from the village self. So far she can perform all wiffy duties and make us comfortable and happy. By then where will you be? What will you do with your life? Better slay with your sense and let your thinking be on fleek. A word is enough for the wise.
Good luck
Frentmedia cares!!!!
Good luck
Frentmedia cares!!!!
PDP’s Makarfi escapes death in auto crash
Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sen Ahmed Makarfi, yesterday, escaped unhurt as his vehicle collided with others along Abuja/ Kaduna Highway.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the PDP said neither Makarfi nor other occupants of the vehicle sustained any form of injury in the course of the collision.
PDP Chairman Sen. Ahmed Makarfi
The statement reads: “Earlier today, July 28, 2017, a vehicle conveying the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, was involved in a multiple collision with other vehicles along the Abuja-Kaduna High-way. “However, we are happy to report that fortunately, the distinguished Senator and all other passengers in his vehicle came out unhurt. This is to allay the fears of our party members, teeming supporters as well as wishers who heard of the accident and have been making frantic calls; as well as those who may stumble on half-baked information,”
As at the time of going to press, the identity of the other occupants could not be established.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the PDP said neither Makarfi nor other occupants of the vehicle sustained any form of injury in the course of the collision.
The statement reads: “Earlier today, July 28, 2017, a vehicle conveying the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, was involved in a multiple collision with other vehicles along the Abuja-Kaduna High-way. “However, we are happy to report that fortunately, the distinguished Senator and all other passengers in his vehicle came out unhurt. This is to allay the fears of our party members, teeming supporters as well as wishers who heard of the accident and have been making frantic calls; as well as those who may stumble on half-baked information,”
As at the time of going to press, the identity of the other occupants could not be established.
Barca players beg Neymar to stay after training spat
Barcelona star teammates said Friday they have begged Neymar to resist the temptation of moving to Paris St Germain after a training ground altercation with new signing Nelson Semedo.
Neymar
The French giants are supposedly ready to launch a record-breaking $256 million (218 million euros) move for Neymar, sparking exit fears as the Spanish club prepared for a Saturday “El Clasico” friendly matchup with Real Madrid at Miami.
The unsettled 25 year-old Brazilian stormed off the practice pitch in disgust and has yet to commit his future to Barcelona ahead of the transfer deadline, still more than a month away.
“It’s true, something did happen, but that’s sometimes what happens in training,” Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta said.
“All the talk about Neymar right now, everything is magnified. Things like this can happen. It’s a personal decision for him, but of course we want him to stay.”
Strike partner Luis Suarez has formed a deadly partnership with Neymar and echoed Iniesta’s calls for the interest from PSG to be dismissed once and for all.
“As soon as he clarifies the situation it’s better for us and him. He will have his say when he is ready and as a teammate I will support him,” Suarez said.
“Our relationship won’t change. We want him to stay.”
Boss Ernesto Valverde swerved the media on the eve of the match with arch-rival Real, but Iniesta sang Neymar’s praises.
“For me, he’s one of the best players in the world. He brings so much to the team and hopefully he will stay for many years,” Iniesta said.
“He is worth more than $200 million or $300 million. His playing style suits us and he can only improve with us.”
Neymar made an appearance at a Nike shop in Miami on Friday afternoon to celebrate the release of his new boots.
But the superstar striker refused to talk about the speculation and just posed for photographs with fans a day after the training spat at Miami’s Barry University training complex.
Barca are set to return to Spain after the clash at the home stadium of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, but Neymar is still lined up to travel to China on business for the La Liga giants.
The French giants are supposedly ready to launch a record-breaking $256 million (218 million euros) move for Neymar, sparking exit fears as the Spanish club prepared for a Saturday “El Clasico” friendly matchup with Real Madrid at Miami.
The unsettled 25 year-old Brazilian stormed off the practice pitch in disgust and has yet to commit his future to Barcelona ahead of the transfer deadline, still more than a month away.
“It’s true, something did happen, but that’s sometimes what happens in training,” Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta said.
“All the talk about Neymar right now, everything is magnified. Things like this can happen. It’s a personal decision for him, but of course we want him to stay.”
Strike partner Luis Suarez has formed a deadly partnership with Neymar and echoed Iniesta’s calls for the interest from PSG to be dismissed once and for all.
“As soon as he clarifies the situation it’s better for us and him. He will have his say when he is ready and as a teammate I will support him,” Suarez said.
“Our relationship won’t change. We want him to stay.”
Boss Ernesto Valverde swerved the media on the eve of the match with arch-rival Real, but Iniesta sang Neymar’s praises.
“For me, he’s one of the best players in the world. He brings so much to the team and hopefully he will stay for many years,” Iniesta said.
“He is worth more than $200 million or $300 million. His playing style suits us and he can only improve with us.”
Neymar made an appearance at a Nike shop in Miami on Friday afternoon to celebrate the release of his new boots.
But the superstar striker refused to talk about the speculation and just posed for photographs with fans a day after the training spat at Miami’s Barry University training complex.
Barca are set to return to Spain after the clash at the home stadium of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, but Neymar is still lined up to travel to China on business for the La Liga giants.
Ronaldo to start season in court
Cristiano Ronaldo faces a brutal return to Madrid before starting pre-season training with Real Madrid as he is expected in court on Monday, accused of evading millions in taxes.
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Euro 2016 semi-final football match between Portugal and Wales at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium in Décines-Charpieu, near Lyon, on July 6, 2016.
Portugal beat Wales 2-0 to move into the finals. / AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU
The 32-year-old — the world’s highest paid athlete according to Forbes magazine — will be questioned by a court in Pozuelo de Alarcon, a wealthy suburb of Madrid where he lives, over allegations he evaded 14.7 million euros ($17.2 million) in tax.
The Portuguese star follows in the steps of his arch-rival, Barcelona forward and Argentina star Lionel Messi, who was found guilty of the same offence last year, although the sums involved were smaller.
Madrid’s public prosecutors accuse Ronaldo of having taken “advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities”.
They say this was a “voluntary and conscious breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain”.
Prosecutors accuse the four-time world player of the year of evading tax via a shell company based in the British Virgin Islands and another in Ireland, known for low corporate tax rates.
In addition, they say the Real Madrid striker only declared 11.5 million euros of Spanish-related income from 2011 to 2014, while what he really earned during that time was close to 43 million euros.
And finally, they accuse him of “voluntarily” refusing to include 28.4 million euros in income linked to the sale of his image rights for the 2015 to 2020 period to a Spanish company.
– ‘Conscience is clear’ –
Ronaldo has defended himself, saying his “conscience is clear”.
But the allegations still took their toll, and the man with the “CR7” brand, Real’s all-time top goalscorer, threatened to leave Spain over the affair, giving supporters a fright.
He has since hinted he will stay on, telling Spanish sports daily Marca that he would like to continue to win trophies for Real.
Ronaldo is not the only footballer to fall foul of authorities in Spain, which is only just recovering from a damaging economic crisis that saw countless people lose their jobs and inequalities rise.
Messi was sentenced to a 21-month jail sentence and 2.09-million-euro fine last year for tax fraud.
His prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of 252,000 euros, which corresponds to 400 euros for each day of jail.
Barcelona’s Argentine defender Javier Mascherano, meanwhile, agreed a one-year suspended sentence with authorities for tax fraud last year.
Brazil star Neymar, another Barcelona forward, and his parents are also due to stand trial for alleged corruption over his transfer from Santos in 2013.
– Super-agent Mendes –
Real have not been spared either.
Apart from Ronaldo, former player Angel di Maria, Portuguese defender Fabio Coentrao and Jose Mourinho, who coached the club from 2009 to 2013, have all been accused of tax fraud.
All are clients of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who was also questioned and put under official investigation last month by a Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, another footballer in his stable.
Mendes defended himself, telling the closed door hearing that he “never” advised players in tax matters.
Where Ronaldo is concerned, Mendes’s company Gestifute has denied any “fiscal set-up” and said “the player didn’t hide anything”.
But if he were put on trial and found guilty, Ronaldo risks “a fine of at least 28 million” euros and could potentially be jailed for three-and-a-half years, the Gestha union of experts at Spain’s Inland Revenue has said.
Since extending his contract last November until 2021, Ronaldo is the highest paid sports star in the world with $93 million (80 million euros) earned in 2016-2017, according to Forbes.
Portugal beat Wales 2-0 to move into the finals. / AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU
The 32-year-old — the world’s highest paid athlete according to Forbes magazine — will be questioned by a court in Pozuelo de Alarcon, a wealthy suburb of Madrid where he lives, over allegations he evaded 14.7 million euros ($17.2 million) in tax.
The Portuguese star follows in the steps of his arch-rival, Barcelona forward and Argentina star Lionel Messi, who was found guilty of the same offence last year, although the sums involved were smaller.
Madrid’s public prosecutors accuse Ronaldo of having taken “advantage of a company structure created in 2010 to hide income generated in Spain from his image rights from tax authorities”.
They say this was a “voluntary and conscious breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain”.
Prosecutors accuse the four-time world player of the year of evading tax via a shell company based in the British Virgin Islands and another in Ireland, known for low corporate tax rates.
In addition, they say the Real Madrid striker only declared 11.5 million euros of Spanish-related income from 2011 to 2014, while what he really earned during that time was close to 43 million euros.
And finally, they accuse him of “voluntarily” refusing to include 28.4 million euros in income linked to the sale of his image rights for the 2015 to 2020 period to a Spanish company.
– ‘Conscience is clear’ –
Ronaldo has defended himself, saying his “conscience is clear”.
But the allegations still took their toll, and the man with the “CR7” brand, Real’s all-time top goalscorer, threatened to leave Spain over the affair, giving supporters a fright.
He has since hinted he will stay on, telling Spanish sports daily Marca that he would like to continue to win trophies for Real.
Ronaldo is not the only footballer to fall foul of authorities in Spain, which is only just recovering from a damaging economic crisis that saw countless people lose their jobs and inequalities rise.
Messi was sentenced to a 21-month jail sentence and 2.09-million-euro fine last year for tax fraud.
His prison sentence has since been replaced by another fine of 252,000 euros, which corresponds to 400 euros for each day of jail.
Barcelona’s Argentine defender Javier Mascherano, meanwhile, agreed a one-year suspended sentence with authorities for tax fraud last year.
Brazil star Neymar, another Barcelona forward, and his parents are also due to stand trial for alleged corruption over his transfer from Santos in 2013.
– Super-agent Mendes –
Real have not been spared either.
Apart from Ronaldo, former player Angel di Maria, Portuguese defender Fabio Coentrao and Jose Mourinho, who coached the club from 2009 to 2013, have all been accused of tax fraud.
All are clients of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who was also questioned and put under official investigation last month by a Spanish court investigating alleged tax evasion by Monaco striker Radamel Falcao, another footballer in his stable.
Mendes defended himself, telling the closed door hearing that he “never” advised players in tax matters.
Where Ronaldo is concerned, Mendes’s company Gestifute has denied any “fiscal set-up” and said “the player didn’t hide anything”.
But if he were put on trial and found guilty, Ronaldo risks “a fine of at least 28 million” euros and could potentially be jailed for three-and-a-half years, the Gestha union of experts at Spain’s Inland Revenue has said.
Since extending his contract last November until 2021, Ronaldo is the highest paid sports star in the world with $93 million (80 million euros) earned in 2016-2017, according to Forbes.
Dangote still Africa’s richest man as net worth falls to $12.2b
Aliko Dangote: still Africa’s richest despite naira fall
Although, Africa’s richest man, Nigerian Aliko Dangote dropped to 105th on the 2017 Forbe’s real-time billionaires’ ranking, he maintains the lead in Africa, as the richest man.
Aliko Dangote
Dangote, who was ranked 51st in 2016 with a net worth of $15.4 billion, currently has a net worth of $12.2 billion, africannews.com reports.
The businessman was ranked 37th richest man in the world in 2014 with a net worth of $25 billion.
The decline is attributed to the devaluation of Naira, the Nigerian currency.
There are 21 African billionaires living in Africa worth a combined $70 billion.
The next African on the is South African diamond magnate Nicky Oppenheimer who ranks 199th with $7 billion, followed by another South African, luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert who ranks 237th with $6.1 billion.
Nigerian telecom tycoon Mike Adenuga ranked 250th with a net worth of $5.8 billion, followed by Egypt’s richest billionaire Nassef Sawiris ranked 269th and worth $5.6 billion.
Retail magnate South African Christoffel Wiese ranked 269th with a worth of $5.6 billion.
South Africa retains its dominance on the Africa list and is tied with Egypt for the largest number of individual billionaires.
Only two female billionaires in Africa made it on the list including daughter of Angola’s president Isabel dos Santos – who is Africa’s richest woman – and Nigeria’s Folorunsho Alakija, vice chair of Nigerian oil exploration company, Famfa Oil.
Tanzanian Mohammed Dewji is Africa’s youngest billionaire at age 41. He is CEO of conglomerate METL, which his father founded in the 1970s.
Onsi Sawiris of Egypt is the continent’s oldest billionaire at age 86 and the father of two other African billionaires — Nassef and Naguib Sawiris.
Thirteen out of Africa’s 21 billionaires have self-made fortunes, while the other eight inherited their fortunes.
They hail from 7 countries: South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Angola, and Tanzania.
Although, Africa’s richest man, Nigerian Aliko Dangote dropped to 105th on the 2017 Forbe’s real-time billionaires’ ranking, he maintains the lead in Africa, as the richest man.
Dangote, who was ranked 51st in 2016 with a net worth of $15.4 billion, currently has a net worth of $12.2 billion, africannews.com reports.
The businessman was ranked 37th richest man in the world in 2014 with a net worth of $25 billion.
The decline is attributed to the devaluation of Naira, the Nigerian currency.
There are 21 African billionaires living in Africa worth a combined $70 billion.
The next African on the is South African diamond magnate Nicky Oppenheimer who ranks 199th with $7 billion, followed by another South African, luxury goods tycoon Johann Rupert who ranks 237th with $6.1 billion.
Nigerian telecom tycoon Mike Adenuga ranked 250th with a net worth of $5.8 billion, followed by Egypt’s richest billionaire Nassef Sawiris ranked 269th and worth $5.6 billion.
Retail magnate South African Christoffel Wiese ranked 269th with a worth of $5.6 billion.
South Africa retains its dominance on the Africa list and is tied with Egypt for the largest number of individual billionaires.
Only two female billionaires in Africa made it on the list including daughter of Angola’s president Isabel dos Santos – who is Africa’s richest woman – and Nigeria’s Folorunsho Alakija, vice chair of Nigerian oil exploration company, Famfa Oil.
Tanzanian Mohammed Dewji is Africa’s youngest billionaire at age 41. He is CEO of conglomerate METL, which his father founded in the 1970s.
Onsi Sawiris of Egypt is the continent’s oldest billionaire at age 86 and the father of two other African billionaires — Nassef and Naguib Sawiris.
Thirteen out of Africa’s 21 billionaires have self-made fortunes, while the other eight inherited their fortunes.
They hail from 7 countries: South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Angola, and Tanzania.
Banning of ASUU: NLC to report Bello to ILO
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has told Governor Yahaya Bello, that he has no right to ban any trade union including the Academic Staff Union, ASUU, activities in lKogi State University, KSU.
Wabba and Gov. Bello
Governor Bello had fortnight ago proscribed ASUU in the university for allegedly embarking on strike and ignoring entreaties from government to suspend the strike.
But NLC in a letter to Governor Bello yesterday signed by its National President, Ayuba Wabba said the action of the governor was contrary to the International Labour Organisation, ILO, convention that had recognized freedom of association.
Wabba said, “Even in the dark days of the military when such obnoxious actions were attempted against the unions, the Juntas had to reverse themselves in compliance with International Conventions and laws of the land.
“We therefore call on Your Excellency to allow reason and sound judgement to prevail as well as desist from these ill-advised and thoughtless steps that would make the country a laughing stock in the comity of nations.
“Coupled with this, we are afraid to state that such precipitate actions are capable of exacerbating the already fragile social and industrial relations atmosphere in the state. And although we do not intend a threat, the non-reversal of this abhorrent and repugnant decision will inevitably provoke a serious national action in the state.”
Wabba who registered the protest of the organised labour against the purported ban of ASUU in in the university as a result of their seven-month strike in protest against unpaid salaries, allowances and pensions, described the governors action as hasty and ill-advised which contradicted all known and extant national and international laws and conventions.
He said “the Governor has no right to ban a Union. Trade Unions as independent workers organisations are neither under the control of the state government nor registered by it.
“According to ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, which has been duly ratified by the country, workers shall have the right to organise and form trade unions, and “public authorities shall refrain from any interference which would restrict this right or impede the lawful exercise thereof”, and the unions “shall not be liable to be dissolved or suspended by administrative authority.”
“This Convention is not only reinforced by ILO Convention 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining, but buttressed and domesticated by the 1999 Constitution which states unequivocally in Section 40 that every person shall not only be entitled to freely assemble or associate, but in particular, shall “freely form or belong to trade unions and other associations for the protection of his interests”
“The contravention of these laws by Your Excellency is not only a violation of ILO Conventions and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but an abuse of the fundamental human rights of the lecturers in Kogi State. Your action is also a representation of the height of impunity and high-handedness that has, unfortunately characterized governance in Kogi State since your assumption of office.”
The letter was copied to the Minister of Labour and Employment and other relevant Government agencies for appropriate action.
Governor Bello had fortnight ago proscribed ASUU in the university for allegedly embarking on strike and ignoring entreaties from government to suspend the strike.
But NLC in a letter to Governor Bello yesterday signed by its National President, Ayuba Wabba said the action of the governor was contrary to the International Labour Organisation, ILO, convention that had recognized freedom of association.
Wabba said, “Even in the dark days of the military when such obnoxious actions were attempted against the unions, the Juntas had to reverse themselves in compliance with International Conventions and laws of the land.
“We therefore call on Your Excellency to allow reason and sound judgement to prevail as well as desist from these ill-advised and thoughtless steps that would make the country a laughing stock in the comity of nations.
“Coupled with this, we are afraid to state that such precipitate actions are capable of exacerbating the already fragile social and industrial relations atmosphere in the state. And although we do not intend a threat, the non-reversal of this abhorrent and repugnant decision will inevitably provoke a serious national action in the state.”
Wabba who registered the protest of the organised labour against the purported ban of ASUU in in the university as a result of their seven-month strike in protest against unpaid salaries, allowances and pensions, described the governors action as hasty and ill-advised which contradicted all known and extant national and international laws and conventions.
He said “the Governor has no right to ban a Union. Trade Unions as independent workers organisations are neither under the control of the state government nor registered by it.
“According to ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, which has been duly ratified by the country, workers shall have the right to organise and form trade unions, and “public authorities shall refrain from any interference which would restrict this right or impede the lawful exercise thereof”, and the unions “shall not be liable to be dissolved or suspended by administrative authority.”
“This Convention is not only reinforced by ILO Convention 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining, but buttressed and domesticated by the 1999 Constitution which states unequivocally in Section 40 that every person shall not only be entitled to freely assemble or associate, but in particular, shall “freely form or belong to trade unions and other associations for the protection of his interests”
“The contravention of these laws by Your Excellency is not only a violation of ILO Conventions and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but an abuse of the fundamental human rights of the lecturers in Kogi State. Your action is also a representation of the height of impunity and high-handedness that has, unfortunately characterized governance in Kogi State since your assumption of office.”
The letter was copied to the Minister of Labour and Employment and other relevant Government agencies for appropriate action.
Nigerian Army to deploy 230 personnel to Liberia – Buratai
The Nigerian Army is to deploy 230 personnel, including 19 officers and 211 soldiers to Liberia, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has said.
Speaking in Kaduna at the end of a a four-week intensive training on leadership and peacekeeping for the personnel, Buratai, charged them to shun acts that could tarnished Nigeria’s image.
“You must observe human rights, and respect the cultural and religious sensitives of Liberians,” he said.
The army chief said that since 1960, Nigeria has deployed over 20, 000 troops to 40 peacekeeping missions in Africa and across the world.
Earlier the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji was renamed Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, in recognition of his commitment to peacekeeping efforts and excellent service.
The centre was established in 2004 by Agwai as a Wing, when he was the Chief of Army Staff.
Speaking, Agwai noted that peacekeeping was gradually becoming an intra-country issue with the military at the centre stage following internal conflicts such as ethnic, religious other crises.
He, however, noted that Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in Africa and world at large, but had not repeat the economic and diplomatic benefits of such venture.
Agwai, who was also a Chief of Defence Staff, called on government and private-owned organisations to partner the centre in leadership training on conflict prevention and management in the quest to achieve enduring peace.
He thanked current and past leadership of the army for the honour done him by naming the centre after him.
Agwai, was former Deputy Force Commander, United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Chief of Army Staff Nigerian Army, Force Commander of African Union/United Nations Mission Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
He was later Special Adviser to Secretary-General of the UN.
NAN
 |
| CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF (COAS), LT.-GEN. TUKUR BURATAI BRIEFING NEWSMEN DURING NIGERIA ARMY COMBAT ARMS TRAINING WEEK IN BAUCHI. NAN |
“You must observe human rights, and respect the cultural and religious sensitives of Liberians,” he said.
The army chief said that since 1960, Nigeria has deployed over 20, 000 troops to 40 peacekeeping missions in Africa and across the world.
Earlier the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji was renamed Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, in recognition of his commitment to peacekeeping efforts and excellent service.
The centre was established in 2004 by Agwai as a Wing, when he was the Chief of Army Staff.
Speaking, Agwai noted that peacekeeping was gradually becoming an intra-country issue with the military at the centre stage following internal conflicts such as ethnic, religious other crises.
He, however, noted that Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in Africa and world at large, but had not repeat the economic and diplomatic benefits of such venture.
Agwai, who was also a Chief of Defence Staff, called on government and private-owned organisations to partner the centre in leadership training on conflict prevention and management in the quest to achieve enduring peace.
He thanked current and past leadership of the army for the honour done him by naming the centre after him.
Agwai, was former Deputy Force Commander, United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), Chief of Army Staff Nigerian Army, Force Commander of African Union/United Nations Mission Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
He was later Special Adviser to Secretary-General of the UN.
NAN
Nigerian youths urged to use talents for national unity
The Buhari administration will encourage young people with viable ideas including those who apply their gifts and talents to promote the unity of the Nigerian nation, according to Mr. Laolu Akande, Spokesperson to the Acting President.
Mr. Akande stated this on Friday when he received a Nigerian International Classical Artiste based in the United States, Abiodun Koya, in his office.
Miss Koya was on a courtesy call to the office of the acting president and to present a new song, “Lift Up Nigeria,” composed towards the celebration of Nigeria’s 57th Independence Day anniversary on October 1, this year.
“The acting president has said over and over again that it is important that we should continue to project especially to the youth of this country that we are better living together,” Akande said, stressing that “the strength of Nigeria is in its diversity.”
Akande said it was because of this that the Office of the Presidency will support Koya to promote the song, especially because it was geared towards the celebration of Nigeria’s independence anniversary.
He said: “Whatever we can do, as a government, to support causes like yours we will be willing to do it. And we encourage young Nigerians; we encourage talented Nigerians; we encourage artistes, anyone using their skills, using their talents to advance Nigeria’s unity. It is what is right and it is what is going to benefit each and every one of us. Regardless of our differences whether it is in language, or it is in ethnic background or religion, Nigeria brings us together and we are bigger together.”
In her response, Miss Koya, who has been living in the United States for 18 years, said she hoped that her song would give Nigerians hope.
She said: “The song, ‘Lift up Nigeria’ is for our great country; it’s for everybody. I’d like to say this: this song is divine. It was given to me by God. It may sound cliché but it is. It is just for a time like this and I really, really do hope that the song can turn hearts and give Nigerians lot more hope. We really need to lift Nigeria up with our voices.”
She said: “We are better united. The beauty of Nigeria is in the diversity. So, let’s come together and love ourselves and be grateful that we have such a great and powerful country, the giant of Africa. We are the giant of Africa, we are the trend setters in everything, fashion, business, politics. Whatever it is, they look up to us.”
Koya said her success as an international classical artiste is traced to her Nigerian cultural background.
She said despite travelling to many countries of the world, she is still moored to her cultural backgrounds in Nigeria, which have had great impact on her act.
She said: “A lot of people think that I have been successful as a classical artiste because of my talents but they don’t know that talent is different. Talent is separate. It is the culture, it’s your mentality, sort of your approach to life that makes you successful. And I want to seize this opportunity to say that it is the Nigerian culture in me that enable me to forge ahead and be ahead of my colleagues globally in terms of classical music and whatever I lay my hand to do.”
According to her it was the culture, the home training, the food that makes Nigeria the great country it is.
She said she has continued to project the Nigerian culture everywhere she goes and in everything she does, and has, for the past four years, worn the Nigerian indigenous fabric, the ‘ankara’ in all her classical music performances.
Abiodun Koya an Opera Singer, Actress, Poet and Screenwriter has sung around the world for numerous world leaders including Presidents, Kings & Queens, Ambassadors and Members of the US Congress. She is the only Nigerian to date to have sung for two consecutive American Presidents at the White House.
Mr. Akande stated this on Friday when he received a Nigerian International Classical Artiste based in the United States, Abiodun Koya, in his office.
Miss Koya was on a courtesy call to the office of the acting president and to present a new song, “Lift Up Nigeria,” composed towards the celebration of Nigeria’s 57th Independence Day anniversary on October 1, this year.
“The acting president has said over and over again that it is important that we should continue to project especially to the youth of this country that we are better living together,” Akande said, stressing that “the strength of Nigeria is in its diversity.”
Akande said it was because of this that the Office of the Presidency will support Koya to promote the song, especially because it was geared towards the celebration of Nigeria’s independence anniversary.
He said: “Whatever we can do, as a government, to support causes like yours we will be willing to do it. And we encourage young Nigerians; we encourage talented Nigerians; we encourage artistes, anyone using their skills, using their talents to advance Nigeria’s unity. It is what is right and it is what is going to benefit each and every one of us. Regardless of our differences whether it is in language, or it is in ethnic background or religion, Nigeria brings us together and we are bigger together.”
In her response, Miss Koya, who has been living in the United States for 18 years, said she hoped that her song would give Nigerians hope.
She said: “The song, ‘Lift up Nigeria’ is for our great country; it’s for everybody. I’d like to say this: this song is divine. It was given to me by God. It may sound cliché but it is. It is just for a time like this and I really, really do hope that the song can turn hearts and give Nigerians lot more hope. We really need to lift Nigeria up with our voices.”
She said: “We are better united. The beauty of Nigeria is in the diversity. So, let’s come together and love ourselves and be grateful that we have such a great and powerful country, the giant of Africa. We are the giant of Africa, we are the trend setters in everything, fashion, business, politics. Whatever it is, they look up to us.”
Koya said her success as an international classical artiste is traced to her Nigerian cultural background.
She said despite travelling to many countries of the world, she is still moored to her cultural backgrounds in Nigeria, which have had great impact on her act.
She said: “A lot of people think that I have been successful as a classical artiste because of my talents but they don’t know that talent is different. Talent is separate. It is the culture, it’s your mentality, sort of your approach to life that makes you successful. And I want to seize this opportunity to say that it is the Nigerian culture in me that enable me to forge ahead and be ahead of my colleagues globally in terms of classical music and whatever I lay my hand to do.”
According to her it was the culture, the home training, the food that makes Nigeria the great country it is.
She said she has continued to project the Nigerian culture everywhere she goes and in everything she does, and has, for the past four years, worn the Nigerian indigenous fabric, the ‘ankara’ in all her classical music performances.
Abiodun Koya an Opera Singer, Actress, Poet and Screenwriter has sung around the world for numerous world leaders including Presidents, Kings & Queens, Ambassadors and Members of the US Congress. She is the only Nigerian to date to have sung for two consecutive American Presidents at the White House.
Man, 36, nabbed for allegedly enticing underage girls with N500 to fondle his…
Lagos – A 36-year-old man (name withheld), who allegedly enticed some underage girls to pat his sexual organ affectionately for N500, was on Friday in Lagos nabbed, according to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT).
The suspect was apprehended by some residents of Silver Crescent Estate, Oke-Afa in Isolo area of Lagos.
The Coordinator of the team, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the agency’s intervention followed a report by residents of the community.
DSVRT is a collection of professional service providers and officials that respond as a group and in a timely fashion to the various needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors by providing legal, medical and emergency assistance.
It also provides counselling and psychological and psycho-social support as well as encourage and create unprecedented level of collaboration among professionals working to end sexual and gender-based violence.
To report domestic and sexual violence as well as other gender-based abuses, the agency has advertised the following numbers — 112, 08137960048 and 07032165181.
Vivour-Adeniyi said:“The man was nabbed on July 27 at 8.00 a.m. in the community; some young girls in the area said they once reported the case to a woman in the neighbourhood, who alerted other residents to watch out for such acts and strange faces in the area.
“Luck ran out of the man on Thursday morning when one of the young girls in the area sighted him in the street and called the attention of some residents.
“The suspect, who said he had a shop at Ladipo in Mushin, blamed it on the devil.”
“The residents asked him to call his relatives which he did and his wife and children arrived at the scene.
“The Divisional Police Officer, following a distress call by the community, took the suspect accompanied by his wife and children, the girl that identified him and others to the station,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi said after investigation had been concluded, the agency would prosecute the suspect in court. (NAN)
The suspect was apprehended by some residents of Silver Crescent Estate, Oke-Afa in Isolo area of Lagos.
The Coordinator of the team, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the agency’s intervention followed a report by residents of the community.
DSVRT is a collection of professional service providers and officials that respond as a group and in a timely fashion to the various needs of domestic and sexual violence survivors by providing legal, medical and emergency assistance.
It also provides counselling and psychological and psycho-social support as well as encourage and create unprecedented level of collaboration among professionals working to end sexual and gender-based violence.
To report domestic and sexual violence as well as other gender-based abuses, the agency has advertised the following numbers — 112, 08137960048 and 07032165181.
Vivour-Adeniyi said:“The man was nabbed on July 27 at 8.00 a.m. in the community; some young girls in the area said they once reported the case to a woman in the neighbourhood, who alerted other residents to watch out for such acts and strange faces in the area.
“Luck ran out of the man on Thursday morning when one of the young girls in the area sighted him in the street and called the attention of some residents.
“The suspect, who said he had a shop at Ladipo in Mushin, blamed it on the devil.”
“The residents asked him to call his relatives which he did and his wife and children arrived at the scene.
“The Divisional Police Officer, following a distress call by the community, took the suspect accompanied by his wife and children, the girl that identified him and others to the station,” she said.
Vivour-Adeniyi said after investigation had been concluded, the agency would prosecute the suspect in court. (NAN)
Friday, 28 July 2017
I can’t disclose our discussion with Buhari, says Udom
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State Friday told Nigerians waiting to be told the outcome of the visit of the seven governors to President Muhammadu Buhari in London to forget it as the discussions with the recuperating president remain secret.
President Muhammadu Buhari in
a group photo shortly after receiving in courtesy visit delegation of
Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum led by its Chairman Governor Abdulaziz Yari in
Abuja House London on 26th July 2017 in the photo are R-L: Governor Samuel
Ortom of Benue State, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State,
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of
Zamfara State, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Governor David
Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi state and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State
The governor also said that God has answered the prayersvof Nigerians as the President’s health has recorded tremendous improvement, saying that the President appreciated for their prayers.
Governor Udom who met with the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday told State House Correspondents that though the governors discussion with President Buhari remained a secret, it was for the overall interest of Nigerians.
He said, “Let me thank God for the life of the president and thank God for Nigerians too. And also appreciate Nigerians who have prayed sincerely and earnestly for Mr. President and I think God has actual answered the prayers of Nigerians.
“From what you could see from the photographs you could see that God has actually answered our prayers, so some of us were quite excited to see Mr. President welcome us. He discussed with us and he was also happy to see us. So what you are seeing both on TV and newspapers are genuine and correct. God has actually healed our president and we thank God for that.”
When asked on what the governors discussed with the President, he said, “I don’t think when you hold meeting even with your wife and children you will come and make that public. The president is father of the nation and we represent the sub unit of this nation and so is not everything that we discussed that we should just come and say.
“It was a closed door meeting but be ready assured whatever the president will discuss with the governors will be in the best interest of all the citizens of this country.”
On whether the doctors will give green light to the President based on his new state of health the Akwa Ibom State governor who was one of the two Peoples Democratic Party members that visited Buhari said that he was not in the position to know as he was not a medical doctor.
When prodded further to comment based on his observation, he said, “I am not a medical doctor. Let me say something here, even when you have a biological father you love your father, you take interest in his well being. I mean as a father to the nation, in my personal opinion, I don’t think that is the issue now.
“The issue is that we should thank God that God has answered our prayers, that is where I am coming from. And let me also say, some of us behave as if the president, the governors are superhuman, we are normal human beings, we also have challenges.
“So let us not think that because we are governors or president we are superhuman. No. We are not God we mere mortals like any of us here. So that should also make us play down on the way we look at certain issues.”
a group photo shortly after receiving in courtesy visit delegation of
Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum led by its Chairman Governor Abdulaziz Yari in
Abuja House London on 26th July 2017 in the photo are R-L: Governor Samuel
Ortom of Benue State, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State,
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of
Zamfara State, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Governor David
Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi state and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State
The governor also said that God has answered the prayersvof Nigerians as the President’s health has recorded tremendous improvement, saying that the President appreciated for their prayers.
Governor Udom who met with the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday told State House Correspondents that though the governors discussion with President Buhari remained a secret, it was for the overall interest of Nigerians.
He said, “Let me thank God for the life of the president and thank God for Nigerians too. And also appreciate Nigerians who have prayed sincerely and earnestly for Mr. President and I think God has actual answered the prayers of Nigerians.
“From what you could see from the photographs you could see that God has actually answered our prayers, so some of us were quite excited to see Mr. President welcome us. He discussed with us and he was also happy to see us. So what you are seeing both on TV and newspapers are genuine and correct. God has actually healed our president and we thank God for that.”
When asked on what the governors discussed with the President, he said, “I don’t think when you hold meeting even with your wife and children you will come and make that public. The president is father of the nation and we represent the sub unit of this nation and so is not everything that we discussed that we should just come and say.
“It was a closed door meeting but be ready assured whatever the president will discuss with the governors will be in the best interest of all the citizens of this country.”
On whether the doctors will give green light to the President based on his new state of health the Akwa Ibom State governor who was one of the two Peoples Democratic Party members that visited Buhari said that he was not in the position to know as he was not a medical doctor.
When prodded further to comment based on his observation, he said, “I am not a medical doctor. Let me say something here, even when you have a biological father you love your father, you take interest in his well being. I mean as a father to the nation, in my personal opinion, I don’t think that is the issue now.
“The issue is that we should thank God that God has answered our prayers, that is where I am coming from. And let me also say, some of us behave as if the president, the governors are superhuman, we are normal human beings, we also have challenges.
“So let us not think that because we are governors or president we are superhuman. No. We are not God we mere mortals like any of us here. So that should also make us play down on the way we look at certain issues.”
Thursday, 27 July 2017
Amazon’s Jeff Bezos overtakes Bill Gates as world’s richest man
According to Forbes, Bezos’ net worth was estimated at $90.6 billion as at Thursday morning when he gained $1.4 billion in the stock market.
His new net worth makes him $500 million richer than Gates.
Bezos is the seventh person to hold the title of the world’s richest person.
The Amazon CEO’s first feature on the Forbes 400 list was in 1998, a year after his company went public.
Bezos was ranked third richest in the world on Forbes 2017 list of the world’s billionaires.
At the time, he had a fortune of $72.8 billion.
Bezos was only able to dethrone Gates as a result of the philanthropic efforts of the Microsoft founder.
Gates had reportedly given $31.1 billion to charity as at the end of 2016.
The last person to surpass Gates on Forbes’ world’s richest ranking was Spanish retail giant Amancio Ortega.
The personal fortune of Ortega was boosted as shares of Inditex, parent company to Zara, Massimo Dutti and Pull&Bear, rose by 2.5%.
Following the spike, his net worth had risen from $77.8 billion to $79.5 billion.
Barcelona eye Dybala as possible Neymar replacement
Running out of ideas, the Catalan giants look set to lose one of their prize possessions after failing to convince both Neymar and his father that his future would be brighter in LaLiga with La Blaugrana.
Nonetheless, in a bid to raise the morale of the Catalan faithful, the LaLiga giants will be poised to challenge for Juventus’ Paulo Dybala with the team already contacting the representatives of the Argentine.If the Sao Paolo native is to depart the city of Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde could have 222 million euros at his disposal, with reinforcements also needed in midfield. Although, much to their disappointment, the highly coveted Marco Verratti will be off-limits due to his imminent renewal with the Ligue 1 club.
During the club’s tour of the United States, there has been various attempts made by the board and players to change the mind of the Brazilian, but it’s almost established that he will the don the colours of the Parisian outfit.
According to MARCA, the 25-year-old had considered reversing his stance when the club made it their priority to keep his services, however, the superstar believes the negotiations are far too advanced at this current stage.
Gerard Pique did his part to reassure the fans, though his message on social media only hindered the striker’s mood, due to the defender having nothing to do with the transfer. Josep Maria Bartomeu is now planning for the worst, as he scours the market to cushion the possible blow of losing one of his star players to a European rival. On top of that, the club president will also be keen to keep the atmosphere surrounding the club positive, especially with Agusti Benedito’s attempts to launch a vote of no confidence against him.
Be Media Entrepreneurs, Alumni Tasks MAPOLY Students
It was a sweet home coming for the AMACOS 1992 set as selected members of the association, brought to bear their professional expertise in media relations, public relations, media ownership and management recently during a mentorship session for students in the department.
The set, that graduated at the institution that was previously named Ogun State Polytechnic, tutored the students practical aspects of public relations, advertising, print journalism, broadcast journalism and blogging to mark their 25 years post-graduation anniversary from the institution.
The programme, which had as theme: “Classroom Experience and Post-Classroom Reality,” was held at the auditorium of the Mass Communication Department.
It had in attendance were; the Rector, MAPOLY, Prof. Oludele Itiola; the Director, School of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Goke Raufu; the Head of Department, Kolawole Amos; and the Sub-Dean, Lekan Oketokun.
An alumnus and Founder, Rave FM 93.7, Osogbo, Osun State, Femi Adefila, who spoke on: “How To Become A Successful Media Entrepreneur,” told the students that the days of white-collar jobs were gone and advise them to develop the mentality of job creators.
Speaking further, Adefila urged the journalists in training to develop the “can-do spirit”, saying that all positive thinking and ideas are possible.
“You must be pregnant with ideas and deliver it. You should dream big and always think out of the box. At times, there may not even be any box,” he stated.
Debo Abdulai, Editor, Nigerian Tribune, who spoke on: “How Journalists Can Remain Relevant In Today’s Newspaper World,” noted that for a journalist to stand out, he or she must be creative and constantly seek knowledge by reading wide.
Abdulai also listed adaptability, carving a niche for oneself, taking initiatives, integrity and nurturing relationship as some of the ingredients that would make the students relevant in the media practice after leaving school.
He noted that the media industry, especially print journalism, in the country was shrinking with significant drop in circulation figures, saying that the online media remains the biggest threat.
“Your success as a journalist isn’t just dependent on the right skills and experience; it is dependent on practical demonstration of initiative. How you show initiative plays an active role in your career and it determines how far you will go in your career,” he said.
In the same vein, Dotun Oladipo, the Publisher of The Eagle Online, who spoke on online publishing, allayed the fears that online journalism might kill newspapers, arguing that newspapers would continue to survive despite the penetration of online media.
Oladipo challenge the students to start making money from their smart phones even while in school.
Adekunle Adeshina, the Vice-Chairman of AMACOS ’92, speaking on public relations practice, urged the students to dare to be different in whatever they were involved in and encouraged them to ‘Walk with confidence and engage in self improvement.”
In addition to the donation of giant generator set to the department at the end of the mentorship session, Adekunle Adams, Chairman of the set, said the association had in the past donated equipment worth over N2 million to the department.
Adams expressed the support of the set for the transformation of MAPOLY to a university of technology.
Appreciating the former students, Prof Itilola, the Rector, who was represented by Raufu, said the Department of Mass Communication was the flagship of the institution.
Nigeria to partner Google in ICT training for youths
Communications Minister, Barrister Adebayo Shittu in a goodwill message delivered at the event closing of Google For Nigeria held on Thursday in Lagos, said that Nigeria as a nation has so much more to learn and gain from the digital revolution being championed by Google.
The minister commending the commitment of Google Nigeria to implement ambitious reforms and bring about macroeconomic stability in the context of the country’s ongoing Smart Digital Nigeria transition process stressed that the efforts are bearing tangible results and have laid the foundation for a credible path to fiscal sustainability and collaboration.
He added that Google, being one of the tech giants in computing and the web, has been at the centre of this digital penetration, with the popularity of its open platforms, powering lots of smartphones with android and other digital tools.
“A lot has changed in Nigeria since the huge wave of Internet and mobile adoption globally. Today, access to smart phones and the web is growing. Indeed, there are about 149 million mobile subscribers and 97 million internet users, 76% of them can access the internet on their phones.”
“The growth in adoption of these trends amongst Nigerians presents huge opportunities for businesses which is important for Government’s ambition on economic diversification. However, only a small number of Individuals and enterprises are currently taking full advantage of new digital opportunities available.”
“It is also worthy to note that through critical partnerships and collaborations, support of Government and leveraging on Google’s strong community relationships, the goal to train one million people in Nigeria and Africa at large has reached its target. The plan to train more Africans in digital skills in the coming year is therefore commendable.”
“It is also instructive to note that the web is a driver of economic growth, and is transforming society as a whole. People must be equipped, through training and re-skilling to make use of the tools and take advantage of it for entrepreneurship, employment and e-inclusion.”
The minister said there is no better time to collaborate with Google Nigeria and to harness the benefits of ICT than now when the Nigerian economy is in dire need of diversification, adding that ICT is strategic in driving productivity and efficiency in all sectors of the economy and that virtually all sectors leverage ICT for optimal performance. To this end, I charge you to key into the ministry’s mandate and collaborate with my Ministry.
“It is only logical that Government is determined not only to create policies and incentives but also collaborate with global tech leaders like Google to ensure smart digital Nigeria initiative and to make technology more accessible and useful to drive more businesses and in turn, contribute to a richer and diversified economy,” he said.
The minister who look forward to where all Nigeria’s major languages would have web portals recalled that Google in 2016 announced its commitment to training One million young people in Africa in digital skills as part of their contribution to growing digital economy across Africa and shortly after the announcement, launched digital skills web portals in English, French and Portuguese as a way to reach individuals in areas where physical training was unavailable.
“Having over one million digitally skilled young people in Africa is not good enough, you can do more than that. If many young people have the right skills, they will build businesses, create jobs and boost economic growth across the continent,” he charged Google
Shittu promised that the ministry will continue to support the establishment of companies or organizations in the areas of hardware and software development by ensuring that they are protected through requisite regulations.
Google hopes to train 10 million people in Africa in online skills
The United States technology giant also hopes to train 100,000 software developers in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, a company spokeswoman said.
Google’s pledge marked an expansion of an initiative it launched in April 2016 to train young Africans in digital skills. It announced in March it had reached its initial target of training one million people.
Reuters said the company is “committing to prepare another 10 million people for jobs of the future in the next five years,” Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai told a company conference in Nigeria’s commercial capital of Lagos.
Google said it will offer a combination of in-person and online training. Google has said on its blog that it carries out the training in languages including Swahili, Hausa and Zulu and tries to ensure that at least 40 percent of people trained are women. It did not say how much the programme cost.
Africa, with its rapid population growth, falling data costs and heavy adoption of mobile phones, having largely leapfrogged personal computer use, is tempting for tech companies. Executives such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd’s chairman Jack Ma have also recently toured parts of the continent.
But countries like Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, which Google said it would initially target for its mobile developer training, may not offer as much opportunity as the likes of China and India for tech firms.
Yawning wealth gaps mean that much of the population in places like Nigeria has little disposable income, while mobile adoption tends to favour more basic phone models. Combined with bad telecommunications infrastructure, that can mean slower and less internet surfing, which tech firms rely on to make money.
Google also announced plans to provide more than $3 million in equity-free funding, mentorship and working space access to more than 60 African start-ups over three years.
In addition, YouTube will roll out a new app, YouTube Go, aimed at improving video streaming over slow networks, said Johanna Wright, vice president of YouTube.
YouTube Go is being tested in Nigeria as of June, and the trial version of the app will be offered globally later this year, she said.
Lagos has 4 billionaires, 360 multi-millionaires, 6,800 millionaires •Ranks 4th wealthiest in Africa:
With no other Nigerian cities listed in the ten-city fortune club, the nation’s commercial nerve-centre automatically clinches the wealthiest spot among Nigerian major cities.
In a report by AfrAsia Bank and New World Wealth, Lagos, considered to be home to
US$120 billion Africa’s wealth, is only topped by two South-African cities; Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as Egyptian city of Cairo.
The Nigerian state is unofficially believed to be most populous too in the country.
Four billionaires in dollars are mentioned to be resident in Lagos, with 360 multi-millionaires and 6,800 millionaires.
Two Forbes-recognized wealthiest Nigerians, Femi Otedola of Zenon Oil and Mike Adenuga of Globacom reside in Lagos.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote also has investment in the city.
The report says by “Total wealth”, it refers to the “private wealth held by all the individuals living in each city. It includes all their assets (property, cash, equities and business interests) less any liabilities. We exclude government funds from our figures.”
Cities ranked below Lagos include, Nairobi in Kenya, Luanda, Durban, Pretoria, Casablanca and Accra.
While Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Egypt, Angola and Kenya have a city each to their fortune consideration, South-Africa has five of its cities listed, making it the richest country in Africa.
Highlight of the report;
Johannesburg: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$245 billion. Home to 18,200 millionaires (HNWIs), 970 multi-millionaires and 2 billionaires. Our figures for Johannesburg include Sandton. Major sectors in the city include: financial services (banks, accountancies, insurance), professional services (law firms), construction, telecoms and basic materials.
Cairo: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$140 billion. Home to 8,900 millionaires, 480 multi-millionaires and 5 billionaires. Major sectors in the city include: real estate & construction, financial services and basic materials.
Cape Town: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$135 billion. Home to 8,200 millionaires, 440 multi-millionaires and 2 billionaires. Major sectors in the city include: real estate, financial services (fund management), retail and tourism. Cape Town is also a second home hotspot for the wealthy with over 1,500 multi-millionaires living in the city during peak holiday months (many of these individuals are from outside South Africa).
Lagos: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$120 billion. Home to 6,800 millionaires, 360 multi-millionaires and 4 billionaires. Major sectors in the city include: real estate & construction, telecoms, transport, financial services and basic materials.
Nairobi: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$55 billion. Home to 6,800 millionaires and 280 multi-millionaires (no billionaires). Major sectors in the city include: financial services, real estate & construction, retail, tourism, FMCG, telecoms and basic materials.
Luanda: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$48 billion. Home to 4,100 millionaires, 240 multi-millionaires and one billionaire. Major sectors in the city include: real estate & construction, transport and basic materials (oil & gas).
Durban: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$46 billion. Home to 3,200 millionaires, 130 multi-millionaires and one billionaire. Our figures for Durban include Umhlanga, Ballito, Zimbali and La Lucia. Major sectors in the city include: real estate, finance, healthcare, construction, retail and transport.
Pretoria: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$42 billion. Home to 2,600 millionaires and 110 multi-millionaires (no billionaires). Major sectors in the city include: basic materials, manufacturing and financial services.
Casablanca: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$40 billion. Home to 2,300 millionaires, 110 multi-millionaires and 2 billionaires. Major sectors in the city include: basic materials, manufacturing and financial services.
Accra: Total wealth held in the city amounts to US$35 billion. Home to 2,300 millionaires and 100 multi-millionaires (no billionaires). Major sectors in the city include: basic materials, manufacturing and financial services.”
Let Ibadan Technical Varsity be...
For some reasons, some right, many other clearly incomprehensible and apparently politically-laden, there have been debates about whether or not Oyo State Government should venture into establishing any type of university at all. Part of the arguments is the prevalence of economic recession affecting virtually all the states of the federation, except, perhaps Lagos, with the state owing its workers some month salaries, and with the LAUTECH debacle unresolved. Given the foregoing, some critics would not even want to hear of establishment of any capital project, which they consider a misplaced priority at this point in time. I have looked at some of the issues raised by critics of the establishment of the Technical University Ibadan (TUI) critically and come up with my views on why the establishment of the university is a laudable project for which kudos should be given to the governor for his foresight and his uncommon courage.
First and foremost, the importance of education cannot be over-emphasised as it is the pinnacle of universal knowledge and a platform for global development. Indeed, one of the factors that indicate development in any society is the provision of access or avenue for universal knowledge. Thus, Oyo state, and in particular Ibadan, being the largest city in West Africa, undoubtedly deserves the establishment of its own university with prospects of not just access to indigenes and non-indigenes of the state to universal knowledge, but also the tendency for job opportunities for teaching and non-teaching staff alike. The issue of access to higher education has been particularly problematic in Nigeria year in year out. On the average, while about two million candidates seek admission to higher institutions annually, the total carrying capacity of all the universities combined is less than a quarter of admission seekers. This scenario becomes a big challenge especially in states without own university, forcing parents to seek alternative avenues for their children and wards, including private and foreign universities for those who can afford them.
In addition, the newly established Technical University Ibadan is not just any university; it is a special type specialising in engineering, technology, applied science and natural sciences to solve societal problems. These special courses not readily available in the regular universities and which would be provided by the institution will give tulip to technological advancement at this period in the life of Nigeria. According to Governor Ajimobi the Technical University is founded on the “principle of unique innovation, research collaboration, exceptional service, integrity, excellence, and uplifting of the human condition, knowledge, skill, classroom, industry and theory and practical”. The university, he added, would provide succour for parents who often send their wards to neighbouring countries for higher education. As argued by the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, the twelve programmes to be offered in the university are in line with tackling unemployment in the country, with teaching emphasis being on “building skills, aside from imparting knowledge”.
The newly established Technical University Ibadan is the first technical university in Nigeria. It is a specialised university with prospects of achieving highly trained professional for driving the technological advancement of the country, particularly at this time when global development agenda is largely driven by access and use of technology and innovation.
Prospects of employment creation. The main objective for establishing the university, according to governor Ajimobi, is to produce professionals that are technically competent and imbued with requisite entrepreneurial skills, and graduates that can solve numerous societal problems using science, technology and engineering. At inception, twelve programmes will be offered all of which will be geared towards tackling unemployment in the state.
Perhaps the loudest criticism of the establishment of the university is from Oyo State chapter of Accord Party (AP), which has criticised the location, not the merit of establishing the university. The AP wants the state government to be sensitive to the geographical composition of the state by siting the newly created Technical University Ibadan (TUI) in Oke-Ogun zone, which has 40 per cent of the state’s landmass; 10 Local Government Areas and population next to Ibadan, the state capital. In truth, Oyo state is made up of five geo-political zones, namely Ibadan (11 LGAs), Oke-Ogun (10 LGAs), Ogbomoso (5 LGAs), Oyo (4 LGAs) and Ibarapa (3 LGAs). The party had argued that Ibadan and other towns jointly owned the state, hence there is need for fair and equitable distribution of projects in the state.
In countering this argument it is noteworthy that Oyo state is not the only state that has established its University at the state capital. Osun state university is located in Osogbo, the state capital, while the newly approved university of science and tehcnology in Ogun state is located at Abeokuta. It is my sincere wish that all stakeholders and lovers of Oyo state will have the necessary political will to rise above partisan politics and support the noble effort of Governor Ajimobi in the task of repositioning and restoring the lost glory of the pacesetter state. I am deeply convinced that what Nigeria needs at this time are institutions which could offer career development to the middle level needs in the field of technical knowledge. Such middle level technical know-how is necessary for the country to achieve inclusive development, tackle unemployment and conquer poverty. Nigeria can no longer totally depend on the traditional system of University education. It has served a good purpose, and it is still serving a purpose. But, in my view the immediate need is to diversify the tertiary education system with an emphasis on technical and vocational education, which is the focus of technical university Ibadan. At a minimum, this effort should be supported by all and sundry.
Technical education, like University education, should become an integral aspect of the development process in the country. Only an Institute of this nature, with varied products of highly skilled labour, can respond to labour market demands in a country like ours. The reason is that such Institution can operate multi-disciplinary programmes in various technical fields and the TUI promises exactly that. I want to end this piece by quoting from Albert Einstein to wit: “Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything learnt in school.”
Alexis Sanchez returns to Arsenal training
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| Arsenal's Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 26, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON / |
Sanchez missed Arsenal's pre-season tour to Australia and China while he rested after playing for his country at the Confederations Cup.
The former Barcelona star's absence couldn't quell speculation he could be on the way out of the Emirates Stadium after refusing to accept Arsenal's offer of a new contract.
Sanchez's current deal runs out at the end of the forthcoming season and with Arsenal so far unable to meet his reported demand for wages of £300,000-per-week ($393,000, 336,000 euros), he has been linked with Paris Saint Germain, Manchester City, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Despite Sanchez's apparent desire to leave, Wenger, who reportedly clashed with the striker after dropping him for a match at Liverpool last season, has remained steadfast in his belief he will be able to persuade the 28-year-old to stay.
Sanchez won't feature in this weekend's Emirates Cup friendly tournament at Arsenal's stadium, but the £50 million-rated ($65 million, 56 million euro) star will link up with his team-mates at their London Colney training base.
Germany defender Shkodran Mustafi, who also missed Arsenal's tour after Confederations Cup duty, is scheduled to return to training alongside Sanchez.
"Alexis and Mustafi, their first training session will be on Sunday, the day we play against Sevilla (in the Emirates Cup). They are practising on the day," Wenger told Arsenal Player.
Wenger will keep close tabs on Sanchez and Mustafi's fitness before deciding whether to include them in the FA Cup holders' starting line-up when they face Premier League champions Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 6.
Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign against Leicester at the Emirates Stadium on August 11.
"First of all you make a really good check up of where they are, how much they have worked during their break," Wenger said.
"After, once you know where you stand, they need an adjusted programme and to see how quickly you can fit them in again.
"Of course it depends as well on what is the need in the squad, what is their quality. All of these things together make your decision.
"Do you put them on the bench when they are not ready? It is easier to put a striker on the bench than a defender, sometimes. Because in a short period they can make an impact. We'll see."
Pop star Justin Bieber hits photographer with car
Justin Bieber left a photographer with minor injuries after accidentally striking him with his vehicle near Los Angeles, police said Thursday.
The pop star hit the 57-year-old male pedestrian, who was hospitalized with non-threatening injuries, at approximately 9:24 pm (0424 GMT) on Wednesday evening, Beverly Hills police detective Chris Coulter told AFP.
Bieber, 23, "was cooperative and was released," Coulter said. No citations were issued at the scene.
The incident follows the Canadian superstar's abrupt cancellation of the remainder of his world tour earlier this week, citing "unforeseen circumstances."
Bieber is a fixture of tabloids who has frequently faced legal trouble over incidents including racing a car through Miami and throwing eggs at a neighbor's house.
But his career had gone back on track with the spectacular success of his album "Purpose" in late 2015 that generated a stream of hits including "Sorry."
Watford keeper Gomes signs new contract
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| Heurelho Gomes PHOTO:AFP |
Gomes's deal was given the green light by new Watford manager Marco Silva and will keep the Brazilian at Vicarage Road until June 2019.
"Watford FC is delighted to announce that goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has signed a new two-year deal with the club," a club statement read.
Gomes joined Watford from Tottenham in 2014 and has made 122 appearances for the Hornets.
The 36-year-old was voted the club's player of the season in 2016 and has won the players' player of the year award for the last two seasons.
Gomes played a key role as Watford secured promotion to the Premier League in 2015 and has helped them preserve their top-flight status for the last two seasons.
Samsung Electronics’ record earnings see it overtake Apple
South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics posted record-breaking earnings Thursday, putting it on course to better rival Apple's quarterly profits as it seeks to move past a bribery scandal and a damaging recall debacle.
The firm said huge sales of its new Galaxy S8 smartphone and demand for its memory chips were behind the jump in April-June and predicted another blockbuster report for the current quarter to September.
It said operating profit soared a forecast-beating 72.9 percent from the previous year to 14.07 trillion won ($12.6 billion), compared with consensus forecasts of $10.6 billion for US titan Apple, which is due to report next week.
However, Greg Roh, an analyst at HMC Investment Securities, told AFP: "Samsung has surpassed its rivals for now but Apple usually sees little fluctuation in its profits whereas Samsung's profits fluctuate largely on memory chip prices." Apple is expected to outstrip Samsung in full-year results.
The world's top maker of smartphones and memory chips also said net profit surged almost 90 percent to 11.05 trillion won, its best quarterly result in five years.
Samsung shares ended down 0.08 percent in Seoul.
"The S8 has indeed helped get Samsung back onto its feet, hopefully putting the Note7 debacle behind it," Bryan Ma, a technology industry analyst at IDC, said before the announcement.
"But we also have to keep in mind that a lot of Samsung’s momentum is from memory and displays too, so it’s not all about the S8, either," he said, according to Bloomberg News.
Reputation
Samsung has been trying to overcome an embarrassing recall last year of its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone over exploding batteries, which cost it billions of dollars and dealt a blow to its reputation.
It has also been buffeted by a scandal that has seen vice-chairman and heir Lee Jae-Yong charged in connection with the sprawling corruption scandal that brought down South Korean president Park Geun-Hye.
The semiconductor business raked in 8.03 trillion won in operating profit in the second quarter, up 204 percent from the previous year. Samsung provides its chips to other companies including Apple.
"The components businesses drove significant earnings growth... thanks primarily to strong memory demand for high-density DRAMs and SSDs for servers," the company said.
This month the firm said it will invest 20.4 trillion won by 2021 to expand and upgrade its chip plants in the South Korean cities of Pyeongtaek and Hwaseong.
The factory in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometres (44 miles) south of Seoul, is the world's biggest and has recently started production after the firm spent 15.6 trillion won in two years to build it.
Samsung also plans to expand its NAND chip plant in the Chinese city of Xian to meet booming demand for the chips used in high-end storage products, it said.
With demand for Samsung's memory chips forecast to continue until next year, analyst Roh said: "Samsung is expected to post another record profit in the third quarter at around 15 trillion won."
Shockwaves
Peter Lee, an analyst at NH Investment Securities, said the biggest variable of Samsung's earnings for the latter half of the year will be the launch of Apple's new iPhone.
"The increase in sales of iPhones will weaken profit in the mobile business but Samsung will supply more semiconductors and display panels to Apple and improve profit in the components part," he added.
Samsung is set to unveil its new Note device next month in New York, just over a year after the exploding battery crisis that saw it remove the Note 7 from shelves.
Lee is being held in custody accused of bribing the now-disgraced Park and her secret confidante with millions of dollars in a bid to seek government favours.
He has effectively been at the helm of the group since his father suffered a heart attack in 2014.
The indictment in February sent shockwaves through the firm and triggered the announcement of a major reform of its top-down management style.
The scandal has cast renewed light on the cosy ties traditionally enjoyed by the government and the family-controlled conglomerates known as "chaebols" that dominate the economy.
A court is due to give its verdict on Lee by the end of next month.
Villar resigns from FIFA and UEFA roles
Deposed Spanish football boss Angel Maria Villar, in custody on corruption charges, has resigned as vice-president of both FIFA and UEFA, the two governing bodies announced on Thursday.
The 67-year-old's near three-decade tenure as head of the Spanish federation ended this week when he was suspended following his arrest on July 18.
"Mr Villar has stood down from his post as senior vice-president at FIFA," a spokesperson for world football's ruling body told AFP.
At UEFA, European football's governing association said his resignation tendered "with immediate effect" on Wednesday had been accepted by the organisation's president Aleksander Ceferin.
Ceferin "thanked him for his many years of service to European football".
"Following his resignation, Mr Villar will no longer have any official functions at our organisation.
"In view of the on-going court proceedings in Spain, we have no further comments to make on this matter,” the statement concluded.
Villar was detained with his son as part of a fraud probe launched last year.
Also arrested in a series of early morning raids on federation headquarters and other sites last week were the Spanish federation's financial vice-president Juan Padron and Ramon Hernandez Baussou, general secretary of the Tenerife federation.
They face charges including falsifying documents, misappropriation of funds, collusion and administrative breaches linked to skimming profits from international friendly games.
Buhari, just come back home
Even if all the state governors, the officials of the presidency and political parties travel to London and return with the verdict that Buhari exudes great health and a stellar sense of humour that belies the stern stuff he is made of, this would make no difference to Nigerians. Let Buhari write again to his Guinean counterpart that he is well and that he would soon return to Nigeria to assume the responsibilities he has abandoned for months, this would not still douse Nigerians’ doubts. They would maintain the skepticism that Buhari is yet to recover from his debilitating sickness that has kept him away from Aso Rock.
This cynicism is well founded. The officials of government have so much lost the citizens’ good will that they cannot be trusted. Remember? It was the same way that politicians and even clerics visited the late President Musa Yar’Adua but when they returned they did not tell Nigerians that he was incapacitated. It was only the then Minister of Information, the late Dora Akunyili who had the courage to shed off the carapace of propaganda for Nigerians to be confronted with the reality: the truth that the health of their president was beyond recovery. Yes, we take cognisance of the fact that a glaring misalignment of the creeds and deeds of politicians, especially the ones in these climes, oftentimes makes trusting them as amounting to self-immolation.
But the politicians of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have taken this vice of unreliability to an intolerable height. How does one expect the citizens to believe politicians of the APC hue when to the amazement of Nigerians they have disavowed the promises they made during electioneering? It was the same party that promised restructuring that has now dismissed it as unthinkable. It is thus not surprising when we see the Minister of Information Lai Mohammed engages in futile attempts to portray the president as having recovered from his affliction. When he strove on a national television programme to tell Nigerians that Buhari was no longer sick, he only succeeded in confirming the suspicion of the citizens that he is afflicted with a pathology of lying that he has not bothered to cure himself of. Or how do we explain a situation where Mohammed said that he had neither seen nor spoken to the president since he travelled yet he was so sure that he was not as sick as suggested by some Nigerians?
It was in the same mould of politicians hectoring the citizens to accept canards as the ultimate truths that a former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, who defected to the APC from his All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) last year, declared that he had seen Buhari in London. He further declared that the president would soon return to Nigerians.Indeed, Kalu mentioned June 11, 2017 as the specific date that Buhari would return. But Nigerians who had been eager to see their president return home were disappointed when he did not come back from London. Up till now, Kalu has not found the decency to apologise to Nigerians for misinforming them.And without his offering any explanation, he left the citizens with the impression that he might not have even seen Buhari; he might just have spoken the way he did to announce his new-found closeness to the president, hoping that this would intimidate the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and make it to relax its hunt for him over the corruption charges against him.
Thus, it is only those who visit Buhari and the president who gladly receive them who know the real reasons for which they go to London. It is not because they want to allay the fear of Nigerians that the president has been incapacitated that they return from London with the news that the president’s mental faculties are intact. For if this were their real motive, they should have gone the whole hog of not leaving room for the citizens to doubt their sincerity. In this regard, the visit of the APC leaders and governors to Buhari has only confirmed their ulterior motive. For they ignored the opportunity of dispelling all doubts. They left room for doubts by circulating only a single photograph of the meeting where a healthy Buhari was lavishly dining and wining with his Nigerian visitors. Knowing that they would prove to Nigerians at home that Buhari is alive, they should have taken more photographs of the meeting and equally videoed the event to effectively silence the increasing band of traducers.
Not even the latest visit involving two governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would make Nigerians to believe them when they return with the inevitable verdict that Buahri is alive and well. In this case, it is not only the ordinary citizens who doubt their sincerity. Other governors of the PDP are equally skeptical that their colleagues can be relied on. They wonder why Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel and his Ebonyi State counterpart Dave Umahi should be the ones to go to London. When they say that they know themselves, it is a way of implying that some of them cannot be entrusted with such a responsibility and be expected to be loyal to the truth in the face of pressure to say what clearly negates their conscience. Umahi even has more credibility problems as he is alleged to be mulling defection to the APC. Obviously, the skeptical governors of PDP and other citizens would not have raised any objection if Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose were among the governors from the opposition party. After all, all these visits and attempts to prove that Buhari is alive were triggered by Fayose’s consistent position that Buhari’s ill health has so rendered him vegetative that he cannot function as president when he returns from London.
If Buhari is as healthy as to exchange banters as his associates and those who visit him want Nigerians to believe, then he has demonstrated egregious disdain for the citizens by his not really deeming it necessary to assure the public at home that he has recovered from his sickness. Buhari’s stay in London is being paid for with the funds of the poverty-ravaged Nigerian citizens who are doomed to using the poor medical facilities that he has failed to fix at home. The citizens have been praying for him. They have waited patiently for him to get well and return home in the face of his medical sojourn that has left many issues about the wellbeing of the citizens unattended to as the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo does not enjoy full presidential powers to take decisions for the good of the country.
Buhari owes them the assurance that he appreciates their patience and goodwill to him. If really he is well and his doctors advised him against returning to the country now, he should have simply addressed the citizens on television to assure them of his recuperation. Buhari does not enjoy the prerogative of choosing the medium of telling Nigerians the state of his health as his spokesman Femi Adeshina who has not seen the president like other Nigerians would like the citizens to believe.
Now that information about Buhari’s health has been smeared with noxious spoof in such a measure that we do not even know what ails him and whether he is actually recuperating or he has become irretrievably vegetative, Nigerians at home would not accept the reports of the endless visitors to London. Buhari can only prove to the citizens his so much-advertised good health by returning home to assume his office and save them the national embarrassment of Nigerian officials turning London into a newfangled tourist delight on account of him.
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