Marcus Rashford: Man Utd striker signs new deal until 2020

Manchester United's 18-year-old striker Marcus Rashford has signed a new deal which will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2020.

He scored twice on his first-team debut against Midtjylland in February and finished the season with eight goals in 18 appearances.
Rashford was selected in England's 26-man squad for Euro 2016 and scored on his debut against Australia on Friday.
"I am grateful for having the chance to prove myself," he said.
"To be able to play football at the biggest club in the world means everything to me and my family."
Rashford's new contract is thought to be worth £20,000 a week.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "He is still very young and we need to be patient, but he is developing in the right way and we believe he has a great future ahead of him."
Defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, 19, who like his team-mate had a year left on his deal, also signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2020.
There is an option to extend both deals - announced three days after new manager Jose Mourinho joined United on a three-year contract - by a further year.
After scoring twice on his United debut in the Europa League, Rashford repeated the feat in his first Premier League game three days later.
He also found the net just 138 seconds into his first senior international appearance, making him the youngest player to score on his England debut.
The teenager was represented in negotiations by family members, with advice from Chris and Wayne Welbeck, brothers of former United forward Danny, who now plays for Arsenal.

Jose Mourinho is pictured with Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton (centre) at the club's training ground on Sunday along with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward (left).

Euro 2016: Marcus Rashford in England squad - Townsend and Drinkwater miss out

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has been included in Roy Hodgson's 23-man England squad for the 2016 European Championship in France.

Rashford, 18, scored on his international debut in the 2-1 friendly victory over Australia on Friday.
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is also included, but Newcastle United's Andros Townsend and Leicester City's Danny Drinkwater both miss out.
England face Portugal in their last Euro 2016 warm-up match on Thursday.
Hodgson's side begin their campaign in France by playing Russia on 11 June, before meeting Wales on 16 June and Slovakia on 20 June.
Rashford, who signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United on Monday, only made his professional debut on 25 February, but scored eight goals in 18 club games to earn an international call-up.
Sturridge, 26, missed England's last two friendly matches but did take part in a training session on Monday.
Drinkwater helped Leicester claim a shock Premier League title, while Townsend was a member of the Newcastle team relegated from the top flight.
Hodgson initially named a 26-man squad after the final round of Premier League games, having intended to reveal his final selection on 12 May.
That was cut to 25 when Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph was moved to the standby list after picking up an injury.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Tom Heaton (Burnley).
Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool).
Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
Strikers: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

Africa Focus Nigeria Vs Luxembourg: Iheanacho to lead Eagles attack

Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho is most likely going to get the nod to lead the Super Eagles’ hunt for goals in Tuesday’s friendly against Luxembourg.
Camp sources hinted that that the 19-year old will be partnering Brown Ideye upfront as Coach Salisu Yusuf is keen to try out another attacking formation since the Alex Iwobi and Odion Ighalo did not deliver the goals in last Friday’s 1-0 win over Mali in France.
Iheanacho actually saved the day for the three-time African Champions as he netted the solitary goal of the day off a well-worked out assist from Qatar-bound Babatunde Michael after coming in as a 74th minute substitute for Arsenal man, Iwobi.
If he indeed gets to start against Luxembourg, this will be the second time the 19-year  would be doing so for the Eagles having earned his first start in an AFCON 2017 qualifier in Kaduna against Egypt.
, South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi may start in place of Carl Ikeme while there is the likelihood that former U-17 and U-20 star Wilfred Ndidi could start in midfield alongside stand –captain Ogenyi Onazi and Shehu Abdullahi.
Also, Turkey –based defender Kenneth Omeruo is a candidate for a starter’s shirt in central defence.

21-Year-Old Man Beheads His 7-Year-Old Brother In Order To Join Illuminati (Photos)

A 21-year-old man named Herbert Were has been arrested by Ugandan police for killing his little brother.
Herbert said the beheading of his 7-year-old brother named Joel Ogema was to enable him join a powerful cult named Illuminati where he will earn superpowers, fame and wealth.
A conversation between the suspect and the supposed Illuminati member who told him to kill a victim was found on Herbert’s phone as well.
Police spokesman Fred Enanga said the incident happened at Busia district on the Kenya-Uganda border.
His words: “Were has told us that he cut off his brother’s head but we arrested him on the way to meet the alleged Illuminati member who had asked for the head.”

Dapper Windscreen Cleaner, Abdulahi Olatoyan, Meets Senator Ben Bruce (Photos)

Senator Ben Bruce who caught wind that the dapper, windscreen cleaner Abdulahi was at the STV studio for an interview, came out of his Silverbird Galleria office and asked: “Where is the man that wears suit to clean car windscreens?”

The Senator was particularly interested in Abdulahi’s inspiration behind wearing suits to wash windscreens.
They both had a brief chat and a photo session.

See The ‘Giant’ Fish Akume Donated To Shehu Sani During Late Mother’s Fidau Prayers (Photo

A former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, has donated a giant fish to the senator representing Kaduna Central on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Shehu Sani.
Akume, who represents Benue North-West senatorial district on the platform of APC, made the donation weekend at the Tudun Wada residence of Senator Sani during the seven days fidau prayers of Hajiya Fatima Sani.
Hajiya Fatima, who is Sani’s mother, passed away penultimate Saturday at the age of 75 after a brief illness and Senator Akume was among senators that attended the fidau prayers.
The giant fish, which became the centre of attraction as soon as Akume’s aides brought it out from the car, was lifted by two men and taken into Senator Sani’s compound where residents and well-wishers began taking photographs with their mobile phones.
Earlier, Akume, who came in the same car with Senator Abdullahi Gumel (APC, Jigawa Northwest), said the number of people that came for the prayers showed that Senator Sani was a grassroots politician.
The senator, therefore, offered prayers for the repose of the soul of Hajiya Fatima and urged parents to always ensure good and qualitative upbringing of their children.

Seun Egbegbe RUBBISHES Toyin Aimakhu Apology Reports [Read True Story]

Popular Nollywood movie producer, Oluwaseun Olasunkanmi, otherwise known as Seun Egbegbe, has slammed reports that he prostrated before Nollywood actress and ex-girlfriend, Toyin Aimakhu in the presence of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni.
He also denied signing any undertaking before the CP on account of the rancour between himself and the actress.
The CEO of Ebony films has expressed great dissatisfaction at the report which emerged several days ago. He described the reports as not only being unfounded but also baseless.
“To start with, I don’t know anything about that. And to say that I signed any undertaking before the Commissioner of Police because of what happened between Toyin Aimakhu and myself is a lie. Also anybody saying that I prostrated for her before the CP or any where should come forward with a proof. How can I be prostrating for her? It’s an unfounded rumour.
“I, Seun Egbegbe, didn’t appear before the CP to sign any undertaking and I didn’t prostrate for Toyin or beg her for any reason. It’s just a rumour. Maybe those writing or posting that are only looking for unnecessary attention or maybe it’s being sponsored. If that’s true, I believe there should be a photograph as evidence just like it happened in the case of Wizkid and Linda Ikeji. So, it’s just a waste of time believing that kind of rubbish. All I know is that Toyin and I have settled and there’s no issue between us again.”
He however did not mention the tweet that appeared on his Twitter handle telling producers to star Aimakhu in their movies because they have ended their fight.

Lady Who Claims She’s Pregnant For Burna Boy Warns Him That She Will ‘Never Let Their Baby Go’

Uju Stella, the young lady who claims she’s pregnant for Burna Boy, is letting the music artiste know via social media, that she will not let her baby go when the time comes (probably when she gives birth).
She shared a photo of the singer via her Instagram page and wrote, “A man’s joy will never be complete if a part of him is away from him and will always be. Cause this is 1 tin I will never let go.”

Army Insists Second Rescued Girl Is Chibok Student

The announcement of the rescue had generated debate, with some people questioning the Army’s claim, saying Sarah Luka is not one of the names on the list of the abducted girls.
In a telephone interview with Channels Television, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sanni Usman, said the Army carried out thorough investigation, including consultation with the authorities at the Government Secondary School in Chibok before announcing the rescue of Sarah Luka.
“Before we informed the public, we carried out some form of confirmatory check in respect of her true identity and what she told us.
“The fact is she was abducted from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, and hails from Madagali in Adamawa State”.
He further stated that the military is working hard to ensure that the abducted Chibok Girls are rescue
Colonel Usman disclosed that a special operation has been set up called “Operation Crack Down” to wipe out the Boko Haram terrorist in Sambisa Forest and ensure those held hostage are released.
He stated that the operation was embarked upon due to an intelligence report, describing the criticisms going around as “sad and unfortunate”.

Ahmed-musa-wins-premier-league-title-

 

 Ahmed Musa has won the 2015/2016 Russian Premier League title with club side CSKA Moscow

 The Super Eagles forward helped his team to the title with 13 goals in 29 domestic league games as his side finished two points ahead of surprise challengers FC Rostov. CSKA claimed the crown in 2014 but lost out to Zenit St Petersburg last term and got the last match day victory they needed to win the title. The capital club went into the final day knowing a win was required and duly delivered, Alan Dzagoev’s 19th-minute strike proving decisive, although goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was called upon to produce a brilliant double save late on. Rostov won 2-0 at Terek with goals from Christian Noboa and Aleksandr Yerokhin to end two points behind CSKA.
 Meanwhile Dynamo Moscow were relegated from the top flight for the first time in their history after a 3-0 defeat at home to Zenit. The 2015/2016 title was Musa’s third with the club having won titles in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014.

President Buhari Coming To Lagos On Monday, State Govt Advises Residents On Traffic Diversions

The Lagos State Government will formally welcome President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, May 23, 2016 on a two-day working visit to the State.
It will be President Buhari’s first official visit to the state since he assumed office about a year ago.
A statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, stated that this is the first time in about 15years that a sitting President will be visiting the State on a working visit and is a testimony to the landmark achievements in the last one year of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as well as the good working relationship between Lagos State and the Federal Government.
Ayorinde added that President Buhari during the visit, would formally commission the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Rescue Unit in Cappa Oshodi built by the State Government to ensure prompt and swift response to emergency situations in the State.
He said the President would thereafter commission the newly constructed Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo after which he will pay homage to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Rilwanu Aremu Akiolu at the Iga Iduganran, Lagos Island.
The Commissioner disclosed further that the President would later in the day be hosted to a reception rally by the State Government at the Tafawa Balewa Square, (TBS) Lagos where he will also commission and hand over security equipment and vehicles contributed by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration to securities agencies to beef up security in the state.
The release added that activities for the first day of the President’s visit would be rounded up with a State Banquet in his honour at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.
The President will on Tuesday participate as the Special Guest of Honour at a breakfast session with Corporate Lagos to be hosted by Governor Ambode at the Lagos State House, Marina, after which he will have a short session with the public service at the State House, Alausa-Ikeja.
The Commissioner quoted Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as being joyous over this landmark presidential visit to the State that contributed so much to his emergence as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He added that Lagosians are looking forward with excitement to receive the President in the State, just as he urged residents to bear with law enforcement agents and traffic control authorities who will effect road diversions in some of the routes that the President motorcade will pass through during the visit.
SIGNED
STEVE AYORINDE
COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND STRATEGY
LAGOS STATE
MAY 21, 2016.

WATCH!! “I Don’t Mind Dating Falz” – Simi Reveals In New Interview With HipTV

Last month, comic rapper Falz, real name Folarin Falana, fuelled rumours that he may be dating alternative singer Simi after sharing a photo of the two of them on Instagram along with a kiss emoji.
The adorable picture had caused fans of the two artistes to react, saying they should get married already while others gushed at how they made such a great couple.
However, Simi may have just burst her fans’ bubble and killed any hope of herself and the Karashika crooner dating with her latest interview with HipTV.
When asked about her relationship during the interview, Simi made it clear that herself and Falz were nothing more than good friends even though she stated that she didn’t mind dating him.
Watch Below:-

Walter Mazzarri agrees deal to become new Watford head coach

Walter Mazzarri has been confirmed as the new head coach at Watford and will start his role on July 1. The 54-year-old former Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter Milan coach has signed a three-year contract at Vicarage Road. Mazzarri will become the eighth head coach to work under the Pozzo family since they completed their takeover of the club in 2012. Watford parted company with Quique Sanchez Flores at the end of the season, with the Spaniard having steered the Hornets to a 13th-place finish in the Premier League and the FA Cup semi-finals. Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury told the club's website: "Walter has been the target of a number of approaches for his services, so we're delighted to secure him as head coach at Watford.
"We're thoroughly looking forward to working with such a highly-regarded coach, with the progress and development of the club always remaining the highest priority."
Mazzarri won the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2012 and led the club to a runners-up finish in Serie A the following season.

However, he has been out of work since leaving the San Siro in November 2014, when he was dismissed by Inter following a disappointing 18 month-spell. Mazzarri started his managerial career in the lower leagues in Italy, guiding Livorno to Serie A promotion before keeping strugglers Reggina in the top flight for three seasons. He then led Sampdoria to a sixth-place finish in Serie A in 2008, qualifying for Europe, before losing to Lazio in the Coppa Italia final the following season.

Diego Costa, Juan Mata, Fernando Torres left out of provisional Spain squad for Euro 2016

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is among a string of high-profile names left out of Spain's provisional squad for Euro 2016.

Costa, who scored 16 goals in 41 appearances for Chelsea this season, last played for Spain in the 2-0 friendly win over England in November last year, but has lost his place in Vicente del Bosque's initial 25-man squad for the tournament in France with Athletic Bilbao's Aritz Aduriz instead earning a call

 Costa missed Chelsea's final two Premier League games against Liverpool and Leicester with a hamstring injury and could still earn a call if he proves his fitness ahead of the May 31 deadline. Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has also missed out despite playing in Spain's last six internationals, but Costa's Chelsea team-mates Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Cesar Azpilicueta are included in a squad which must be trimmed to 23 players at the end of the month.

United keeper David de Gea and Manchester City's David Silva have been named, but Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, who made his first appearance since the end of November in Sunday's 4-0 win over Aston Villa after a long-term injury, has been omitted.
Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has also been unable to force his way into the squad, despite an impressive end to the season with Atletico Madrid.

Torres has scored 10 goals in the last 19 games, helping Atletico to the Champions League final and third place in La Liga, but that has not been enough to earn a first call-up since the 2014 World Cup.
Del Bosque also named an 11-man reserve list including Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin, who will join up with the squad to compensate for the absence of 17 players still involved in domestic and European competitions with their clubs.
Holders Spain are in Group D, along with Croatia, Czech Republic and Turkey.
Goalkeepers: Casillas, De Gea, Rico
Defenders: Alba, Pique, Bartra, Ramos, Carvajal, Azpilicueta, Juanfran
Midfielders: Busquets, Iniesta, Silva, San Jose, Koke, Saul Niguez, Fabregas, Alcantara, Isco, Soriano
Forwards: Pedro, Morata, Aduriz, Nolito, Vazquez

Man Kills His Father, Mother And 2 Sisters In Potiskum, Yobe (Photo)

A 20-year-old Adamu Mai-bisco has killed his father, mother, and two sisters in cold blood at Batayya ward in Potiskum town, Yobe state.
Daily Trust gathered that the incident happened last night around 11:35pm before a distress call to the police led to arrest of the suspect.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Toyin Gbadegesin confirmed that the suspect used a shovel to kill four of the family members and he was under investigation.
He said they were yet to find motive behind the killing, though the suspect confessed to the police that he had taken ‘Tramadol and Indian hemp’ before carrying out the killings.
A witness, Malam Ibrahim told our correspondent that “Ado as the suspect was fondly called by his late mother came out of the house with a shovel and jack knife and said he had wiped out his family.
“He told me that ‘na gama da su’ meaning ‘l have finished them.’ I asked what he meant by that, and he started chasing me with the knife.
He was intercepted by good Samaritans, bundled and handed over to police around 1:00am” he said.
A neighbor who doesn’t want his name mentioned told our correspondent that the suspect is of the habit of threatening to kill even before the attack.
The family members killed were his father Malam Magaji Mai-Bisco, 65; Mother, Mama Ado, 50; sisters Aisha, 16; and Zainab,14.

Ronaldo surpasses 50 goals for the SIXTH year in a row for Real Madrid

The 31-year-old has set a new record in football after scoring twice in Saturday's 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna - although it wasn't enough to pip Barcelona to the title Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score at least 50 goals in six consecutive seasons. The Portugal international scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna on the final day of the Liga season to take his tally up to 51 for the campaign. In comparison, Lionel Messi netted over 50 goals in three consecutive seasons between 2010 and 2013.

Exclusive picture As Barcelona Retain LaLiga

CONGRATULATION TO THE BADDEST TRIO MSN ......................................................................................................................AND THE ENTIRE TEAM

congratulation to asisat oshola.........BUT

Asisat Oshoala also secured the @WomensFACUP with @ArsenalLadies... Remember that Nigerian Arsenal fan in the BG?

Granada 0-3 Barcelona: Luis Suarez hat-trick helps Barca to 24th La Liga title

Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick as Barcelona claimed their 24th La Liga title with a 3-0 win over Granada to pip rivals Real Madrid by a point. The Uruguayan finished from close range on 22 minutes before converting a header from Dani Alves' fine cross before the break, and then easily rounded off the win late on from Neymar's unselfish play. The treble took Suarez's final goal tally to 40 in La Liga and secures him the 'Pichichi' top scorer crown ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. Neymar vies with Granada's midfielder Fran Rico (L top) and defender Jean Sylvain Babin (R) Neymar vies with Granada's midfielder Fran Rico (L top) and defender Jean Sylvain Babin (R) Real Madrid needed to win at Deportivo and hope Barcelona stumbled - and Zinedine Zidane's side did their bit with a 2-0 victory thanks to a double from Ronaldo. The result hands Barcelona their second successive title and, despite Champions League disappointment, they can claim a domestic double when they face Sevilla in the Copa del Rey final on Sunday, May 22. Going into the game one point ahead of Real and with a superior head-to-head record, Barcelona raced out of the blocks to take control. Gerard Pique saw his header from point-blank range saved well by Andres Fernandez after eight minutes, before Ronaldo gave Real the lead in La Coruna. Fernandez then tipped over Lionel Messi's right-footed effort from 20 yards, but the visitors were ahead midway through the first half. Suarez opened the scoring at Granada Suarez opened the scoring at Granada After being released by Neymar on the left wing, Jordi Alba centred across the face of goal for Suarez, who converted into the empty net from six yards. Real then went 2-0 up through Ronaldo, and Barcelona replied like-for-like with a second of their own through Suarez. Andres Iniesta's superb diagonal was kept in play by Alves on the right byline, and his fine cross found the head of Suarez, who got to the ball ahead of goalkeeper Fernandez to convert with ease. Fernandez was winning his personal battle with Messi at least, beating away the Argentine's superb free-kick from 25 yards after the break, before Marc-Andre ter Stegen was put into action for the first time in the game, parrying Fran Rico's one-on-one effort away from goal. Neymar forced Fernandez into another fine save down low to his left and the Brazilian stretched to turn the ball towards goal from Suarez's pass, but Barcelona wrapped up the title with four minutes remaining. Having been put through on goal with Suarez for company, Neymar unselfishly handed his team-mate the ball to convert into the empty net for 3-0, his 59th goal of the season in all competitions. Barca's rivals Real Madrid have now won just three La Liga titles in 13 years, while Barcelona have claimed eight in that time and 24th overall.

Pilots, Engineers Back Deregulation Of Oil And Gas Downstream Sector

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has expressed support for the position of the Federal Government to fully deregulate the downstream sector of the Oil and Gas.

“This step is in the right direction and is long overdue, but its better late than never,” the union said in a statement by its National President, Comrade Isaac Balami.
The union further commended the Federal Government for what it called a bold decision, saying that the subsidy scheme was extremely fraud-prone.
“Trying to reform it was like attempting to reform Satan (devil) – an impossible task. It was therefore best to scrap it.”
Begin Refining
NAAPE further advised the government to ensure that money that would be saved was put into infrastructures that would create jobs for Nigerians and ensure that the nation’s refineries were at optimum production capacity.
It also urged the government to encourage local production to ameliorate the temporary hardship that Nigerians were going through.
In the Aviation industry, the union advised the government to begin the refining of the Aviation fuel popularly known as Jet A1 from the Kaduna and Port Harcourt refinery, pointing out that it would go a long way in reducing the cost of operation and cost of flight ticket.
“Fuel alone constitute about 30 to 40 per cent of the cost of operation.
“The Government should also look into the issue of a National Carrier as promised or strengthen the local domestic Carriers as suggested by various stake holders. One of the above needs to be done ASAP as the industry in currently in a stand still.
“We need more jobs to be created for our pilots and Engineers.
“We want to reiterate our unalloyed support for this novel and bold decision the Federal Government have taken to secure the future of Nigeria,” the Union’s leader stated.
Mr Balami further assured Nigerians that it would not ask Pilots and Aircraft Engineers to go on strike, a statement that negates a decision that the Nigeria Labour Congress may take to force the government to revert the price of petrol which was raised on Wednesday from 86.50 Naira to 145 Naira per litre.
After the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, announced the increase, the labour union said it would resist it.
It issued a four-day ultimatum on Saturday to the Federal Government, asking it to revert to old pump price.
But the Pilot and Engineers’ union said: “As far as we are concern, Nigerians should go ahead with their travel plans. The truth is that the industry itself is already being affected by the current challenges in the country and any move to short down the Aviation Sector will lead to a total collapse of the Sector”.

Labour Union Gives FG Four Days To Revert Petrol Price

civil servantsThe Nigeria Labour Congress has issued the Federal Government a 4-day ultimatum to revert to the old petrol pump price of 86.50 Naira or risk a nationwide protest. The ultimatum will expire on Tuesday midnight. After the Nigerian government announced a new price band of 145 Naira per litre on May 11, the labour union kicked against the increase, saying it will resist it. “Height Of Insensitivity” It said the unilateral increase in prices of petroleum products “represents the height of insensitivity and impunity”. The new price band of 145 Naira per litre for Premium Motor Spirit was announced by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu. No fuel service station is, however, allowed to sell above the price band, the Minister stressed. He had explained that the increase had become necessary due to the scarcity that had lingered for months caused by unavailability of the product occasioned by the challenges of getting foreign exchange and low production capacity of the refineries in the oil producing nation. Dr. Kachikwu had assured Nigerians that in the next six months, competition would force the price down. However, the labour union said the increase was the least one had expected at this point in time, insisting that the reason for the increase was unacceptable. Not Removal Of Subsidy The unions four-day ultimatum came a day after the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, further gave reasons for the increase which critics said carried with it ‘hardship’. He said: “I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points. “The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy. I will hopefully address that in another note”. Professor Osinbajo explained that the real issue was not a removal of subsidy, pointing out that with $40 a barrel there was not much of a subsidy to remove. Petroleum Sector Unions Back Price Hike Meanwhile, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, which are part of the labour unions, have supported the new petrol pump price by the Federal Government. The voiced support formed part of a communique released by the two bodies at the end of a Joint National Executive Council Meeting held on Friday in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State in southern Nigeria. The communique stated: “The increment was a step in the right direction. “Government needs to engage with stakeholders to work out a clear direction on how to invest the gains into the economy to cushion the effect of the price”.

Watch!! I Used To Be An Okada Rider & Conducter Before I Started Music, “Small Doctor” Opens Up In New Interview

In an exclusive chat with NET, Small Doctor recounts how, after his secondary school education, he became a conductor, then an Okada rider and now a fast-rising artiste.

His story is quite touching and I believe you all will enjoy watching the video

Nigeria, France To Strengthen Agreements In Defence Matters

Nigeria and France will sign a letter of intent that will further strengthen the agreements in defence matters between both countries. Addressing journalists on Saturday, after holding talks with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President of France, Francois Hollande, said the letter embodies the operation between the two countries. He did not give details of the agreement. Providing Intelligence The French President, however, stated that France had been supporting the counter-insurgency activities by providing intelligence, equipment and training for the mission of the Multi-National Joint Task Force. Mr Hollande further pointed out that the Boko Haram group had been forced to lose ground and forced to give up territories they were controlling. He said the regional summit on security holding in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Saturday would afford the leaders an opportunity to discuss further on the Multi-National Joint Task Force. Discussions at the Security Summit are expected to focus on the formal deployment of a new regional force comprising troops from Nigeria and her neighbours. Mr Hollande played a major role in the formation of the task force that had added impetus to counter-terrorism operations against the insurgents in Nigeria’s north-east. He had in 2013 called a meeting of the leaders of Nigeria and its neighbours to figure out a strategy that would end the cross-border movement of terrorists.

Workers to strike next week over petrol price -unions

Nigerian unions on Saturday called for a national strike from next week to protest a 67 percent increase in the pump price of petrol in Africa’s largest crude producer. “If by midnight on Tuesday next week the government fails to reverse the price of petrol to 86.50 naira per litre, we will have no other option than to order workers to begin an indefinite strike from Wednesday,” Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) general secretary Peter Ozo-Eson told AFP. He said the decision was taken after a meeting of both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) — the two umbrella organisations for Nigerian workers. “We have directed our affiliates and civil society allies to mobilise their members for the impending showdown with government over this anti-people policy,” he said. Ozo-Esson said the proposed strike was also to force government to reverse a recent hike in the electricity tariff in the energy-starved country which generates just around 4,000 megawatts for a population of more than 170 million people. The unions said businesses including banks, airports, seaports, markets and government offices would be shut during the strike. Nigeria raised the price of petrol to 145 naira ($0.73) per litre on Wednesday after months of fuel shortages caused by a foreign exchange shortage which left Africa’s biggest economy running on fumes. For months motorists have been waiting for petrol in queues kilometres long, while others were forced to buy fuel on the black market, sometimes for triple the previous official price of 86.50 naira. The government said the inability of oil importers to source foreign exchange at the official rate was to blame. Nigeria’s naira currency is trading at around 350 to the dollar in the black market, far above the official rate of 197-199. Despite being Africa’s No. 1 crude producer, Nigeria has to import petroleum products because of a lack of capacity at its four functioning domestic refineries. The government keeps prices at the pump low and pays the difference to fuel importers, who frequently hold the country ransom by refusing to distribute fuel over tardy subsidy payments. The oil sector accounts for 70 percent of government revenue but has been hit by the global fall in crude prices since mid-2014, weakening the naira currency and forcing up the cost of living. In January 2012, the government tried to end the fuel subsidies, causing petrol prices to more than double, but was forced to partially reinstate them after tens of thousands of people took to the streets in violent protests that left more than a dozen dead. Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/workers-strike-next-week-petrol-price-unions/

President Buhari to name looters on May 29th

In an interview in London yesterday before he returned to Abuja, President Buhari said that the names of corrupt Nigerians will be made public in a speech he intends to deliver on May 29 and that those named will be prosecuted. He also said he was coming after people bombing and destroying pipelines in the Niger Delta; “So far, what has come out, what has been recovered in whatever currency from each ministries, departments and individuals, I intend on the 29th to speak on this because all Nigerians are getting from the mass media because of the number of people arrested either by the EFCC, DSS. But we want to make a comprehensive report on the 29th. On whether the names of those indicted will be published, he said: “Yes, eventually, it has to be done because we want to successfully prosecute them. But you know you cannot go to the courts unless you have documents for prosecution. “People signed for these monies into their personal accounts, their banks gave statements that the money is there, when it came, how much and so on.” Also speaking on allegation of selective prosecution, Buhari said: “That is an accusation against the law enforcement agencies. But I assure you that we do not interfere. Try and get those who are now under arrest, you will find out it is across the board.” On Militants... "What I know is that I was elected by the whole country and the least I can do is to keep the country together somehow. I assure you we will develop the capacity to do it. If you can recall, the militants, I appointed a retired Brigadier General (Boroh). When I give people assignment, I develop terms of reference for them and I allow them to do their work. I understand the problem. I spoke with the Chief of Naval Staff and other service chiefs to work with him and help him to make sure that those who are blowing the installations, sabotaging investments in Nigeria, we will deal with them eventually.” On the killer herdsmen, Buhari said they are non-Nigerians who came into Nigeria from Libya. "because of what happened in Libya, when Ghadaffi, during his 43 year-regime, trained some people from the Sahel militarily. When his regime was overthrown, those people were dispatched to their countries. They found themselves in the Boko Haram and others. “It is a major regional and virtually African problem now. There is one called Al Qaeda, there is Boko Haram and so on. It is a governmental project now to trace them, disarm them, try them and discipline them.” He said the Fulani herdsmen “culturally do not stay in one place; they move with the season. “Normally, harvest is complete much earlier in the North. They have to go southwards for greener pasture. “Initially, there was what they call cattle routes and grazing areas. They were marked. Infrastructures were put in terms of dams and veterinary clinics. “Later, the big ogas that came, took over these places and turned them to farms. If we have like 500 cattle, if they do not eat for 24 hours or they want water, you can’t stop them. “But what they used to do then, if anybody goes outside, he would be arrested, taken before a court and he is fined. If he can pay, the money is taken and given to the farmer. If he can’t pay, the cattle is sold and the farmer is paid. So, people are behaving well. “So, when people came and took away the land for the cattle route and grazing area, you find out that from Kaduna to Bayelsa, Nigerians are fighting cattle rearers now. “When I was in PTF, we made a comprehensive study of cattle routes and grazing areas throughout Nigeria. So, I am referring the Governors’ Forum to it and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Let them see what they can do and save the situation.” On 2016 Budget implementation, he said: “It depends on the efficiency of the technocrats. Yes, we have six months to implement the budget. You know why there was a delay. There is something called padding. I have been in government since 1975. I was governor of what is now six states: Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, that used to be North East. Then I was in Obasanjo’s cabinet, Petroleum for three and a quarter years. I was Head of State for 20 months. “I had never heard about that one padding until this year. And what does it mean? It means that the technocrats just allowed the government to make its noise, to go and make the presentation to the National Assembly. They will remove it and put in their own. “When we uncovered this, we just had to go back to the basics again. Ministers had to go again and appear before the Minister of Budget and National Planning and make presentations again. This was clearly brought out by the Minister of Health. “I saw with my own eyes, nobody told me. I was watching NTA and he appeared before a committee that said the minister should come and defend his budget. He looked at what was presented to him as his budget and he said he had nothing to defend, that that was not what he presented. “Subsequently, we discovered that it was not only the ministry of health. So they allowed us to talk rubbish as government and they do what they like.”
 Source: The Nation

Controversial Loan request: Ministry of Information exonerates Lai Mohammed

The Ministry of Information has cleared the air on the reported request for loan from the National Broadcasting Commission. Some reports have it that the request was from the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed. In a press release signed by the Director, Public Relations and Protocol in the ministry, N.P.D. Dama, the ministry explained that the request was to fund an official assignment of the ministry, where the minister and other four officials will be embarking on a trip to China. The statement explained the need for the trip which is tied to a United Nations conference on Tourism. The federal government is exploring the potentials in Tourism as an alternative source of revenue. While explaining that the procedure of requesting for the loan did not violate any civil service rule as it will be repaid as soon as the ministry receives its allocation, Mr. Dama, who signed the loan request letter, stressed that the N13.1m loan is not for the person of the minister as was being reported in some quarters. See the full statement below: My attention has been drawn to a letter I endorsed to the Ag. Director General, National Broadcasting Commission requesting for a loan of N13,120,470.00 to cover tickets and travel expenses of a five-member delegation being led by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture to Beijing, China, which was mischievously leaked to the social media by staff of National Broadcasting Commission. 2. The loan being requested for is for the Ministry to meet up its obligations to enable the Minister and members of his delegation attend an all important Conference on Tourism for Development in China, that is meant to benefit this country. 3. The loan is not meant for the Honourable Minister alone as personal expenses, but for the expenses of all members of the delegation. 4. The Conference, which is being organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in conjunction with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, under the overall theme “Tourism for Peace and Development,” will feature amongst others discussions on major issues for sustainable development including the contribution of Tourism to poverty reduction and peace. 5. The Conference will also feature discussion on major issues that have direct bearing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), poverty alleviation through Tourism and the linkage between Tourism peace at the National and International levels. 6. China on this occasion as chair of G20 will also host the 7th T20 Ministers meeting under the theme “Sustainable Tourism, An Effective Tool for Inclusive Development.'' 7. The Conference is a veritable platform to develop synergy and partnership with players in the global Tourism Industry which will go a long way in boosting our drive to diversify the Nigerian economy. 8. It is also important to note that the Minister and his delegation were to have discussion in China with Set Top Box Manufacturers, who are meant to establish manufacturing factories in Nigeria for these boxes for our digital broadcasting processes, rather than the current situation in which the boxes are being imported. This is meant to conserve our foreign exchange and to also create avenue for job creation for our citizens. 9. From the foregoing, it is clear that the Conference is an all important gathering that will benefit Nigeria, contribute towards diversification of its revenue base and create employment opportunities for Nigerians. 10. Again, it is not unusual for an agency under the Ministry to assist in order to carry out government functions. Moreover, the request was discussed with the Ag. Director General NBC, who agreed to assist with the loan before the letter was written. It is therefore shocking to find out that an internal memorandum from the Ministry could be leaked out to the social media by saboteurs in order to embarrass the government. 11. Please note, multiple letters were not written to government agencies as alleged, we only wrote to NBC after discussing with the Ag. DG. Payments were to be effected if the fund were loaned out based on extant financial regulations. There is nothing wrong with the request of the Ministry to meet up with an important assignment meant to benefit the country. 12. Finally, the loan that was requested for is NOT meant for Lai Mohammed as being imputed but for the entire five members of the delegation to cover for tickets, travel allowances and other incidentals. Dama, N.P.D. Director, Public Relations and Protocol

Everton Sack Manager Martinez

Roberto Martinez's three-year spell in charge of Everton is over, media reports said on Thursday.

The Spaniard has come under increasing criticism this season after a mediocre Premier League season that has left them 12th in the table.

According to the reports, Martinez failed to take training on Thursday ahead of the final game of the season against Norwich City on Sunday while the BBC and Sky Sports television said he had been sacked.

The team reached the semifinals of the League Cup and FA Cup but Martinez's side have under-performed in the league despite boasting a squad many regard as Everton's best for many years.

Everton have won just one of their last 10 league games and some fans turned on the manager after they lost 4-0 to local rivals Liverpool last month.

Banners calling for him to be sacked have appeared at recent games and a protest was planned for Sunday's finale.

Martinez gained a reputation for an attractive football style in previous stints at Swansea City and Wigan Athletic.

He won the FA Cup with Wigan but the club were also relegated in the same season before he joined Everton in 2013, taking over from David Moyes.

Everton finished fifth in his first season in charge but struggled to back that up last term when they were down in 11th.

They have managed only five home league wins this season.

Adekunle Gold Flirts With Mo’cheddah In The Presence Of Her Boyfriend

Hitmaker, Adekunle Gold has revealed he lost all his good deeds after he revealed he has a crush on singer Mo’Cheddah while she was with her man.
Adekunle Gold Told EbonyLife TV when he was asked who his celebrity crush was.

“My celebrity crush is Mo’cheddah. I have been crushing on her since 2012.
“I have always liked her style and I have always thought that she was stylish. She is very cute.
“Mo’cheddah, I know you are hooked o but we can still negotiate, I really like you and I’m sure you know that.I’m sure you remember because I told you.”
“Weird enough, I told her I was crushing on her when she was with her boyfriend and he was mad at me,”

Now, let us analyse the craziness that is in this statement made by Dekunle Gold.
How can you go ahead to tell a lady that you can still negotiate her relationship with you, despite knowing fully well she is in another relationship.
Dekunle should know that this assertion is enough to break her relationship with her boyfriend and does not even guarantee her coming to him.
I wonder why some people think with their Anus.

I will defeat Okowa in Delta – Edo state governor, Oshiomhole says

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, says if given the opportunity, he will defeat the Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa in any election in Delta state. Oshiomole said this today May 12th while reacting to a comment credited to PDP governors in the South-South that their party will take over the Edo state government house after the state governorship election holds on September 10th.

“I will defeat Okowa in Delta State. My pedigree speaks for me. My power is not money but my oratory and pedigree. Those who cannot pay salaries want to come and take Edo. We pay salaries before the end of the month. The workers are already kicking against them. We will not allow them take Edo back to Egypt.”he said

FG explains removal of fuel subsidy, new fuel price

Abuja - The Federal Government has explained its position on the deregulation of the downstream oil sector, saying that the measure was put in place to help marketers with difficulties in importation of fuel.
According to a Premium Times report, PPRA boss Sontonye Iyoyo has stated that a review in the price of fuel had become necessary due to difficulties faced by distributors in sourcing for FOREX.
The announcement has led to a surge in petrol prices, resulting in petrol now costing a whopping N145 per litre as opposed to the original pump price of N86.50.

Naij has reported that The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has since reacted to the move with shock, describing the decision as insensitive and saying that the Government is harbouring a culture of impunity.
"The unilateral increase in prices of petroleum products today by government represents the height of insensitivity and impunity and shall be resisted by the Nigeria Labour Congress and its civil society allies," NLC leadership said in a statement released yesterday.

Olamide’s Son Batifeori Takes The Wheel Of His Mercedes G-wagon SUV (See Photo)

Olamide and his son are the best of buddies as the singer spends more than enough quality time with his handsome son, Batifeori. We love Olamide’s son and we love to show you how handsome and grown up he’s become. Olamide spent some quality time with his Son, as they both chilled inside his G-Wagon automobile. Olamide also revealed that little Bat short form for Batifeori loves climbing, we can say he takes after his dad who loves to climb up musical charts as well. See some photos below:-

Man accuses police of unlawfully arresting him in Lagos