Buhari says investing in agriculture is Better than giving jobless unemployed Nigerians N5k

“This largesse of N5,000 for the unemployed, I have got a slightly different priority.

I would rather do the infrastructure for the school that request them and empower agriculture, mining so that every able bodied person can go and get work instead of giving 5,000, N5,000 to those who don’t work.”

Armed Fulani herdsmen attack Agatu LGA, Benue State, scores killed, village set ablaze - Graphic images

Several people were killed and many houses razed to the ground when suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Okoloko in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday.

According to reports, the heavily armed men who came in large numbers on life boats through the Benue river from Nasarawa and raided Akwu, Aila, Okoloko and other villages of Agatu.

Benue State All Progressives Congress (APC) in a statement released through its Media Director, Mr. Anthony Ikwulono, confirmed the attack and called on the state governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and his Deputy to make an unscheduled visit to the area to assess the situation for themselves and mobilize security to the area.

It describes the attack as barbaric and unwarranted. Below is the statement:

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Super Eagles interim coach Samson Siasia to recall Enyeama and Emenike to Super Eagles

Samson Siasia, who is one of the coaches appointed by NFF as a caretaker coach for Egypt clash has revealed plans to recall Vincent Enyeama and Emmanuel Emenike to the national team.

The two football stars announced their retirement from Super Eagles after reported clash with former coach, Sunday Oliseh.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Siasia said;


“It is an emergency assignment. If they (the NFF) say we should do the rescue job, we have to do it for the sake of Nigeria. We will go for the best legs.

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3 Young American Muslims shot dead

On Friday evening, police arrived at a home in Fort Wayne, Indiana and found the bodies of three young men, shot multiple times in what police called "execution style" murders.

The young men were Mohamedtaha Omar, age 23 (left) , Adam Mekki, age 20 (center) and Muhannad Tairab, age 17 (right) . All 3 men were from Africa's eastern Sahel region.

Police have identified no motive in the killing, which appears to be something of a mystery.
The modest white building had apparently become something of a "party house" used by local youths, but police said there was no known connection to gangs or any other violent organization.

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Lol .... Jamie Foxx clowns Will Smith's Oscar snub

Aren't Jamie Foxx and Will Smith friends? The Oscar winning actor clowned the Oscar nominated actor who was shut out of the nominations for Best Actor at the 2016 Academy Awards, causing his wife Jada Pinkett Smith to launch a boycott of the awards.

Sharing his opinion about the #OscarsSoWhite boycott, at the American Black Film Festival on Sunday, Jamie, who won an Oscar in 2004 for his portrayal of Ray Charles, told black actors to act better and kinda took a dig at Will Smith. He said;

“All these Oscar talks, I don’t even trip about that.”

“I mean, what’s the big deal? I was sitting at home with my Oscar, like ‘What’s all the hubbub?’”

“Me and Denzel were like, ‘Hashtag "what’s the big deal?" Hashtag "act better."”

Surrogate mother who had triplets is now seeking for parental rights

Remember the 50 year old man who asked a surrogate to carry his fertilized eggs for him in the hopes of having a child only for her to end up being pregnant with triplets? Remember he asked her to abort 2 of the 3 fetuses because he couldn't afford to take care of 3 children? Well, she gave birth to all 3 children on Monday in a California hospital, and is now seeking parental rights.

The babies were delivered several weeks premature Monday night, according to a lawyer for Melissa Cook, who is the 47-year-old surrogate mother.

That man, a deaf, 50-year-old postal worker from Georgia identified in court papers as “C.M.,” paid Cook to carry a child for him.

"I'm healthy, I'm 28 weeks pregnant, the babies are doing great, the three little boys I have inside me," Cook told Fox News outside court earlier this month before they were born.

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BRT vehicle crushes motorcycle rider to death

There was apprehension at the Agric end of the Ikorodu Road, Lagos State on Thursday after a Bus Rapid Transit vehicle crushed a motorcyclist, Taiwo Adeleye, to death.

A crowd of angry motorcyclists, sympathisers threatened mayhem, but they were held back by the heavy presence of security personnel who swiftly responded to the emergency.

Policemen from the Owutu division, together with police officers from surrounding divisions, were supported by officials of the Rapid Response Squad and military officers to maintain the peace in the area.

A chopper belonging to the RRS also hovered around the scene to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Adeleye had encroached on the BRT corridor while searching for a prospective passenger.

As the Oyo State indigene rode on the corridor, he reportedly crashed into an iron barricade and fell to the ground.

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Buhari heeds Soyinka’s advice, convenes conference - photo

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the convocation of a national economic conference aimed at rallying the country together to offer solutions to the current economic challenges facing Nigeria.

A top government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed this to a group of journalists in Abuja on Thursday.

The approval came barely a week after Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, called on the President to summon an emergency economic meeting to recommend specific solutions to the nation’s prevailing economic challenges to save the country’s economy from further drift.

The nation’s currency has slumped drastically against the dollar in recent months due largely to the scarcity of the foreign currency and the tough regulations of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

This appeared to have led to spiralling inflation in the country as most products are produced abroad, putting the nation’s foreign reserves and currency under intense pressure.

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Sunday Oliseh resigns as Super Eagles coach

Sunday Oliseh has announced his resignation as Super Eagles Coach.

The former Nigerian International announced his decision to end his increasingly controversial tenure on Twitter early this morning.

He attributed the decision to lack of support and contract violations by the Nigerian Football Federation.

Due to Contract violations,lack of Support,Unpaid wages,Benefits to my players,Asst.Coaches & myself, I resign as Super Eagles Chief Coach

The 41-year-old, who was appointed as the Super Eagles Head Coach in July 2015, has had a tough time leading the National team with a poor run of results recently. He had recently had to apologise to the NFF and Nigerians after posting a video in which he attacked his critics. Earlier in his tenure he had fallen out with former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, leading to the latter’s decision to quit the team. Oliseh noted that he was, however, grateful for the opportunity to lead the Super Eagles.

I feel fortunate, blessed and eternally grateful for having had the honour to Play,Captain & Coach this great Nation of ours,Nigeria.

Sunday Oliseh shuns NFF Technical committee meeting

The Nigerian Football Federation Technical committee had planned a meeting with coach Sunday Oliseh on Friday in Abuja, but the Delta state born tactician snubbed the meeting citing 'travel reasons' according to reports.

The NFF technical committee had summoned Oliseh to a meeting today to explain his choice of players and planned tactics ahead of Nigeria's must win AFCON Qualifier next month, but the coach says he will be traveling to London this weekend on a scouting mission so can't meet the committee.

This might cause more problems between the coach and the NFF after he reportedly told the technical body that he wasn't answerable to them and earlier criticized the NFF for not motivating the players enough by paying them their salaries and allowances.

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House of Reps to investigate alleged NAPIMS $260m Oil Contract

The House of Representatives yesterday Feb. 24th directed its Committees on Petroleum Upstream and Public Procurement to investigate an alleged $260 million dollars oil contract awarded by the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

This directive followed a debate on a motion raised by Rep. Gabriel Kolawole (Akoko South East/South West Federal Constituency, Ondo State  – APC). Hon Kolawole said that NAPIMS, granted approval for Esso Explora­tion, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobile to award four single source contracts for projects in Exxon Mobil’s Usan Deep water project at the total sum of $260 mil­lion without a tendering process.

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Afghan boy finally gets signed jersey, authographed football and a personal message from Leo Messi

Five-year-old Murtaza Ahmadi, from the Jaghori District, Afghanistan who shot to fame after photographs of him wearing a makeshift Leo Messi jersey has finally received real signed jersey from the Barcelona football star.

Unicef Afghanistan shared the photos of Ahmadi showing off his brand new jersey and dribbling the ball on Facebook.

"I love Messi and my shirt says Messi loves me," UNICEF quoted Murtaza as saying.

"Murtaza realized one of his biggest dreams today! He received team jerseys and an autographed football with a personal message from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Leo Messi. The right to play and practice sports promotes the well-being of all children, especially the most vulnerable trapped in emergencies around the world.

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Adam Johnson's girlfriend breaks up with him and tells court he cheated on her with other women

Footballer Adam Johnson's world seems to be crashing gradually everyday as his girlfriend and mother of his child Stacey Flounders has not only broken up with him but also admitted at his child sex trial in court today that the England footballer cheated on her with other women.

Stacey, has stood by the side of the player all through his child sex scandal and even when he admitted to two charges of kissing and grooming a 15 year old girl, she was still giving him moral support by accompanying him to his court proceedings.

While weeping in court today she revealed that they had broken up, but she will still remain friends with him.

She described how he had told her everything about kissing a 15-year-old girl when he returned home after police questioning.
Asked if he talked about other things during their discussion, she said:
'The other women that he cheated on me with.'

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Buhari meets with President of Islamic Development Bank, welcomes offer to develop Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari says the offer by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to organize a financing roundtable in Abuja to mobilize more funds for investment and development of infrastructure in Nigeria, is highly welcomed by his government.

Buhari said this during his meeting with the President of the IDB, Dr Ahmed Mohammed Ali in Saudi Arabia today February 25th.

A statement by Presidential media aide, Shehu Garba, states that Buhari during the meeting, restated his government's determination to revamp and diversify the Nigerian economy rapidly.

"The days of Nigeria as a big oil producer with plenty of money are gone. We need all the support we can get to diversify our economy as quickly as possible. We also need to rehabilitate our infrastructure, develop the domestic capacity to feed ourselves and export the surplus,".

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Woman claims she was sacked after she took three days off after a break up

A 24 year old single mum Katy Payne says she was sacked from her new job at DHL haulage depot in Ruddington, Notts for taking just three days off - because she broke up with her boyfriend. She said she was sacked for "unauthorised absences".
She, said:

"The odd time when my three-year-old has been ill I have had a day off but never anything more. "On the Monday I told my manager I needed to take a bit of time off because I had to sort my flat out as I broke up with my boyfriend and she seemed fine with it."

"Then when I got back in on the Thursday I was handed this letter and told to clear my desk with no other explanation than that," Katy said. "I was so upset because I have been trying to build a life for me and my child. I had worked hard for my promotion and was looking forward to a new challenge.
"I just did not see this coming because, I haven't even been given a chance to even start. "I feel so disappointed that it has come to this."

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Jonathan’s former ADC files N100million lawsuit against EFCC ‎over unlawful detention

Former ADC to former President Jonathan, Col. Ojogbane Adegbe, has filed a N100 million lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over claims of unlawful detention.

In a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by his counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN) before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Gudu, Adegbe said he has been in EFCC custody since February 11 and has not been charged with any offence.

Adegbe argued that the EFCC has violated his right to personal liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Section 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution by his detention. He said the army authorities had summoned him from the United Kingdom where he had been attending a course since he finished serving as Jonathan’s ADC on May 29, 2015 to honour EFCC invitation over his alleged involvement in the disbursement of the $2.1 billion arms deal fraud.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit..

Boko Haram has been defeated' - Army Chief, Buratai

Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, says the military has defeated Boko Haram. Buarati said this during a meeting with some Borno state elders at the military command and control centre in Maiduguri, Borno state yesterday February 24th.

According to Buratia, the fight against the insurgents is at the mop up stage. “We were given three major tasks and we have made efforts toward achieving two.
The first task is to defeat Boko Haram and I want to tell you that as at today Boko Haram has been defeated.

When I say defeat, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there won’t be hitches here and there. We have entered the mop up stage of our operation.”he said

FIFA Appeal Committee reduce football bans of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini to 6 years, order them to pay fine

One soldier was killed as Nigerian troops foiled an attempt by Boko Haram terrorist to attack Dikwa town in Borno state yesterday February 24th. A statement by the acting spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, the terrorists aimed at causing havoc at the Internally Displaced Persons camp located at Dikwa.

However and unknown to the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, the Armed Forces Special Forces in blocking positions decisively dealt with the terrorists; killing many, recovered vehicle, arms and ammunitions.

A member of the local vigilante (Civilian JTF) were seriously injured. A military vehicle was damaged by a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) suicide bomber.


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One soldier dies as Military foils Boko Haram attempt on an IDP camp in Dikwa town

One soldier was killed as Nigerian troops foiled an attempt by Boko Haram terrorist to attack Dikwa town in Borno state yesterday February 24th. A statement by the acting spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, the terrorists aimed at causing havoc at the Internally Displaced Persons camp located at Dikwa. However and unknown to the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, the Armed Forces Special Forces in blocking positions decisively dealt with the terrorists; killing many, recovered vehicle, arms and ammunitions.

A member of the local vigilante (Civilian JTF) were seriously injured. A military vehicle was damaged by a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) suicide bomber.

The troops recovered 26 bodies of the Boko Haram terrorists, while others escaped with gun shot wounds, destroyed 3 VIED, 1 MBIED and 2 Gun trucks. The gallant troops recovered 1 Gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Dushka Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Browning Anti-Aircraft Gun, 1 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Tube.

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Wike orders Rivers state indigenes on scholarship abroad to come back to Nigeria to complete their studies

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, has asked all indigenes of the state who are on scholarship abroad to return to Nigeria to continue their scholarship programmes in any University in the country as the state is currently facing financial crisis and can't continue to sponsor them.

This directive is contained in a letter sent out to the students early this month. The affected students are those that are not in final year as all final year students will be allowed to complete their programmes at their various universities.

Senate to Probe DSTV

The Senate has instituted a probe into the activities of DSTV owned by the South African based Multichoice Africa, in Nigeria. At the plenary session yesterday February 24th, the Senators expressed dissatisfaction over the services of the company when Senator Isah Hamma Misau (APC, Bauchi Central) sponsored a motion tagged, " Unwholesome practices of Multichoice Nigeria (DSTV).

Misau while moving the motion, accused Multichoice of dominating the Nigerian satellite television market, thereby enabling it to engage in negative and unhealthy practices amongst which are arbitrary increase in subscription charges, refusal to adopt pay 'as-you-use' model applicable in other countries, poor service delivery and absence of toll free lines for customers complaints.

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Pregnant secretary of Pope Francis found dead in her home

The Pope's seven-months pregnant receptionist, 34-year-old Miriam Wuolou was found dead in her apartment on the outskirts of Rome. She had reportedly worked at Pope Francis' home and a priests' guesthouse called Santa Marta for years.

Wuolou is from Eritrean descent The Italian press reports she worked as a kind of gatekeeper for the Pontiff, as well as for the bishops and cardinals who stay there.

Ms Wuolou had a serious kind of diabetes which had led doctors to warn her that her pregnancy was at risk.

Police are investigating the matter as a case of neglect and have interviewed her family members, including her ex-husband whom she is separated from, and most recent boyfriend, thought to be a policeman in the Vatican, according to Rome-based newspaper il Messaggero.

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Bobby Brown and wife expecting their third child together and his 7th child - Photo

Bobby Brown and his wife Alicia Etheredge are expecting their third child together. Etheredge, who has been married to Brown since 2012, just gave birth to their daughter Bohdi on July 11 last year, around the same time his 22-year old daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown who was found unresponsive in a bathtub.

This will be Bobby Brown's 7th child including Bobbi Kristina

Two arrested by Ghana Immigration Service for attempting to traffick 42 children to Nigeria

The Ghana Immigration Service has rescued 42 children who were being trafficked to Nigeria from Tatale and its surrounding communities in the Northern region. The children were aged between 10 and 17 years.

Two persons were arrested over the crime. The suspects identified as Paul Waabem, 24 a Ghanaian from Tatale, resident in Nigeria, and Moses Yaw Kumah, 27, a Togolese, who also lives in Nigeria were remanded in prison custody and reappeared in court yesterday, February 23, 2016. Thirty-three of the children were rescued first and nine others later.

The Northern Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), Assistant Director of Immigration (ADI), Mr Eric Afari,(pictured) who disclosed this in Tamale on Saturday, February 20, said the command had intensified its border patrols in the eastern corridor of the Northern Region to clamp down on the activities of child traffickers.

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MTN withdraws suit against NCC, pays N50bn from fine

Telecommunications company, MTN has withdrawn its suit against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and has paid N50 billion from the N780 billion fine, The Cable reports.

NCC, Nigeria's telecommunication regulatory body had fined MTN N1.04 trillion for failing to deactivate 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards. After much appeal, the fine was reduced to N780 billion. Unsatisfied with the reduction in the fine, MTN filed a suit against NCC on Dec. 31st 2015.

According to a statement by MTN, the sum of N50bn was paid to the federal government “as a gesture of good faith and commitment to continued efforts towards an amicable resolution”.

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