Saturday, 31 December 2016

Chelsea 4-2 Stoke City: Willian brace helps Blues claim 13th win in a row - 5 things we learned

A topsy-turvy clash saw stubborn Stoke twice equalise, but the sees Conte's men end 2016 on a high

Lucky for some: The Blues have made it 13 wins in a row (Photo: Seconds Left/REX/Shutterstock)

Chelsea survived a minor scare against Stoke to make it 13 Premier League wins in a row.

The Blues were pegged back twice by Stoke at Stamford Bridge before eventually running out comfortable winners.

New Year celebrations: Festivities begin to welcome 2017

Celebrations have begun as people around the world ring in the New Year. From Sydney to Pyongyang, festive crowds gathered to say goodbye to 2016, a tumultuous year in global politics.

Ondo State Governor-elect inaugurate 158-member Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee

Ondo State Governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu, has inaugurated a 158-member Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee, SDPIC, to develop a blueprint that would guide his administration’s activities.

Over 30 communities in Plateau south senatorial zone have agreed to end years of hostilities

Over 30 communities in Plateau south senatorial zone have agreed to end years of hostilities, which have culminated in the death of hundreds of people in the area.

Nadal wins fourth UAE title

Rafael Nadal ended an injury-plagued 2016 on a high by lifting the Mubadala World Tennis Championship title for a fourth time today.

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Nigerian Army to ensure that the country remained one and strong indivisible entity despite threats of secession in some quarters.

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Shi’a Community and Niger Delta militants to embrace peace and always abide by the laws of the country.

Katsina State Government key into CBN Anchor Borrower Programme

Katsina State Government has keyed into the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Anchor Borrower Programme, ABP, for rice production in dry season highlighting the state Marshal plan to tackle challenges currently facing the agricultural sector, including its vision for adequate rice for local consumption and eventually for export.

Rivers Government elevate three traditional rulers in the state

The Rivers Government has elevated three traditional rulers in the state to first class and second monarchs respectively.

First NBC Bank will sell nine of its branches and $1.3 billion in loans to Whitney Bank, a subsidiary of Hancock Holding Co., the companies announced after business hours Friday evening (Dec. 30).

A collaboration between EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Koga Studios and Inkblot Productions, “The Wedding Party” is set to premiere in Ghana. The comedy movie which holds a record as the biggest opening week in history of Nollywood will premiere in Ghana on December 30, 2016.

President Joseph Kabila has announced that he will be stepping down next year. This all important decision was reached after series of negotiations brokered by the Catholic Church. Part of the deal is that political prisoners will be released and those in exiles will be allowed to return to the country.

Former Project Fame contestant and gospel artiste Isaac Geralds married his woman, Ewaoluwa Enah Itodo yesterday December 30th. He proposed to her on stage during a performance at Hard Rock Cafe this past August.

Akin Oyebode is a professor of international law and jurisprudence. He warns President Muhammadu Buhari not to wait for Nigerians to move to the streets like in Chile under the Generals, for him to know he has a crisis on his hands. He urges the President to obey ECOWAS court ruling on former NSA, Col Sambo Dasuki. He spoke with OBIDIKE JERRY in his office recently.

President Buhari yesterday said the reason he was removed from office in 1985 was because he refused to take an advice from the IMF and the World Bank to devalue the Naira and increase prices of fuel and flour. He said this when he spoke at the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade Regimental Dinner.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Fimihan Adeoye, paraded the suspects at the command headquarters in Osogbo, the state’s capital.

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure the sustenance of peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups across the country. He said that despite the “political madness” in some parts of the country, it was duty bound for the military to ensure Nigeria’s survival as a geo-political entity. President Buhari made the remarks at an event in Abuja where he received the captured flag of the Boko Haram terrorists from the Sambisa forest.

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There are some indications President Muhammadu Buhari may have finally removed Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, from office.

The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) listed the former Ajax Amsterdam star in a 50 -man group that included illustrious football legends. Kanu was the only Nigerian on the list, supersport.com reports.

Following the sanctions US President, Barack Obama imposed on Russia by expelling 35 Russia Diplomats, the Russian President have decided not to expel any US diplomat just yet, prompting US President-elect Donald Trump to praise him on his social handle, calling him "Very Smart President".

Two Canadian sisters, Kiranjot and Tara Matharoo, as well as a Nigerian, Mr. Babatunde Oyebade, have been remanded in prison custody for blackmailing Nigerian billionaire and oil mogul, Femi Otedola, and his daughter, Florence, aka Dj Cuppy. They accused Otedola of having an extra-marital affair with a female Nigerian musician, which they threatened to expose on social media, unless he pays them.

A senior Magistrate, Olusola Aluko on Friday, December 20, 2016 had issued a bench warrant for Oluwo’s arrest. He had last Wednesday ordered the monarch to appear in court on Friday December, 30, 2016, but the traditional ruler failed to show up, when the case came up for hearing.

Mali sends back migrants deported by France

Mali has sent back two people who were deported from France on the same planes they arrived on, questioning whether they were even Malian citizens.

Police in Bayelsa state have launched the “Change Begins with Me” campaign of the Federal Government to re-position the force for effective service delivery.

Rangers African tour to begin Jan. 6

Media Officerof Rangers International FC of Enugu, Foster Chime, says the team would start its pre-season tour of African countries on January 6.

RIVERS- state House of Assembly pass appropriation bill into law

RIVERS state House of Assembly has passed the N470 appropriation bill presented to the House by governor Nyesom Wike into law.

New Abia Assembly Speaker Kennedy Njoku Resigns

The ninth Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Kennedy Njoku, has resigned his appointment, less than 24 hours after he was elected.

Just as President Muhammadu Buhari assented to ‎Endangered Species Control of International Trade and Traffic Amendment Act 2016, earlier passed by the National Assembly, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday met with him at the Presidential Villa.

Miss SME’s Delta pageant- Warri youths be encouraged to venture into entrepreneurship

The pageantry which had 8 contestants saw contestant 2, Miss Favour Idama, crowned as Miss SME’s Delta 2016/2017, and had Contestant 2, Miss Edema going home as 1^st runner up as well as Contestant 4, Miss Cherry Umudi, as Miss SME Delta Heritage.

Governor Ahmed Presents Kwara 2017 Budget

The Kwara state Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has presented a budget estimate of over 135.3 billion Naira before the state House of Assembly for the 2017 fiscal year.

Poultry products worth over N147 million illegally imported destroyed by customs

Poultry products worth over N147 million illegally imported for the yuletide season have been impounded and destroyed by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operation Unit, Zone C, in Benin, Edo State.

NDLEA arrest 215 suspected drug traffickers in 2016 in Bayelsa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Bayelsa State says it arrested 215 suspected drug traffickers in 2016, and seized 219.9 kilos of illicit drugs.

Ivory Coast's government has banned the production, importation and sale of alcohol in sachets on health grounds. The small plastic bags, containing rum, vodka or other spirits, are popular with those on a budget - costing between $0.35 (£0.28) and $1.65.

Film buff Anderson Jones has built an ABC cinema in his back garden as a lasting tribute to the defunct entertainment company. It took the bus driver four and a half years and his entire £70,000 savings to construct the 34-seat venue from scratch.

The singer, who just released her music video, ‘For You’ – stunned in a red cut out piece with metal studs as she posed for snaps.
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says his team are more focused on getting into the Premier League's top four than chasing down leaders Chelsea. Tottenham, in fifth, are a point behind fourth-placed Arsenal and 10 adrift Chelsea after 18 games going into Sunday's match against 10th-placed Watford.

Lekki-Ajah Roads Reopened After Rehabilitation

According to some motorists, the roundabouts along the Lekki – Epe expressway have been a menace to them owing to their large sizes. The removal of the roundabouts was part of the junction works and traffic system management designed by the present administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Following the new video released by Boko Haram sect leader, Abubakar Shekau that rejected the Nigerian Army and President Muhammadu Buhari’s claims that the group has defeated, the Army yesterday, December 29 dismissed the new recording as “mere terrorist propaganda”.

What is your favourite line from classic movie "Coming to America?"

There are so many standout characters, lines and scenes in "Coming to America." What is your favourite line from movie?

Coming to America Poster

Directed by John Landis, 'Coming to America' tells the story of a prince from an African kingdom who embarks on a journey to America to find a wife.

No – the Queen is not dead, Buckingham Palace confirms

Governor Ifeayin Okowa of Delta state is suing for peace in order to allow room for development in the state.

Making the plea in Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state, while presenting the staff of office to the Obi of Issele-Uku, Obi NdukaEzeagwuna, the Governor emphasized the need for peaceful co-existence among the people of the area, even as he called on those having disputes to settle them and embrace peace for the interest of the community.

While congratulating the 29 year old Obi on his ascension to the throne of his late father, the Governor urged him to rule his people with the fear of God and warned the people against indulging in acts capable of bringing disgrace to the community.

In his remarks, Obi Ezeagwuna, appreciated the people of Issele-Uku, the OmoNobaNedo, UkuAkpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, for the eye-opening orientation towards assuming the throne.

Inspector-General of Police direct residents of distressed police buildings to relocate for their safety

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, is directing residents of distressed police buildings to relocate for their safety.
Idris is however assuring that the police would provide financial support for new accommodation to families who had already been served quit notices.

Syria truce holding despite clashes

A new nationwide ceasefire between Syrian government forces and rebel groups appears to be largely holding.

China opens world's highest bridge

The world’s highest bridge has opened to traffic in China, connecting two provinces in the mountainous southwest and reducing travel times by as much as three-quarters.

The Presidency is refuting reports that President Muhammadu Buhari will conclude the appointments of members of the Federal Government boards, parastatals and agencies by January, 2017.

DELTA State Government is intensifying its effort at eliminating all social vices against women, warning that it will no longer tolerate any form of discrimination against women in the state.

education get the highest sectoral allocation in the Sokoto State 2017 budget

For the second year running, education got the highest sectoral allocation in the Sokoto State 2017 budget, presented to the House of Assembly by Governor AminuTambuwal presented Sokoto’s 2017.

Two men sentenced to years’ imprisonment with hard labour for vandalising a Benin Electricity Distribution company’s 33KVA line

Two men have been sentenced to years’ imprisonment with hard labour, by a Koko magistrate’s court near Sapele, in Delta State, for vandalising a Benin Electricity Distribution company’s 33KVA line.

Nigerian Navy stop illegal stowaways from departing Nigeria

Nigerian Navy says a total of 47 stowaways on boarding the Niger Delta, prepared to depart the shores of Nigeria have been detected and stopped by the eagle eyes of its personnel.

Findings of a test conducted on the much talked about plastic rice conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have been released.

The acting Director-General of the agency, Yetunde Oni, made public the findings at a press briefing on Thursday, December 29 in Abuja.

Below are the highlights of the findings:

US Expels 35 Russian Diplomats Over Interference In Presidential Elections

Following official reports that Russia interfered with the US Presidential elections in November 2016, President Barack Obama has approved a wide range of sanctions against Moscow.

The Soundcity MVP award was held on Thursday night at thru Expo center of the Eko Hotel and Suites. Hosted by comedian, Basketmouth, the award show was as poorly attended as the Headies, with many Nigerian celebrities choosing to stay away. It also featured performances from Simi, Lil Kesh, Victoria Kimani, Tekno among others. Nevertheless, Tekno and Wizkid were the biggest winners on the night, winning three awards each.

Here’s the full list of winners;

More than 500,000 Nigerians may lose their jobs at Seme border if the ban on importation of vehicles through land borders comes into full effect.

This is sad. Carrie Fisher’s mother, 84yrs old Debbie Reynolds, has also died. Madam Debbie who was taken to hospital by ambulance from her son's Beverly Hills home yesterday with a reported stroke died at the hospital.

The Federal Government says it has recovered 40 brand new SUVs and other vehicles from a former Permanent Secretary who single-handedly appropriated the vehicles to himself when he left office.

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has reacted to the purported leaked telephone conversation between him and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike over the Rivers rerun election.

The transfer fee would almost triple the current record paid by Manchester United for Paul Pogba, and Ronaldo would earn upwards of €100m a year.

The Chinese Super League are hunting Europe's biggest stars and have made their most audacious bid yet.

Nigerian born recording artist and song writer Awotungase Ademola Sodiq AKA Demmie Vee, discovered at a Car wash in Ikeja area of Lagos by the president of HND Records; was a real diamond in the rough, struggling to make ends meet. Inspired and motivated by his child hood dream of putting lyrics and music to his memories in a bid to entertain the world and inspire many.
Born in April 1992, he graduated Secondary school from Comprehensive High school in Ketu Lagos, where he endured shame over and over again as he could not afford the fees repeatedly. Kalaputa pikin(which means strong child) was a moniker given to him by a close friend who witnessed his pain. Today, being signed to Hope Never Dies Records is ironic and a true testimony that indeed there is light after darkness.

His musical idols have long been Asa and 2Baba with whom he was featured on a single (Awesome God). Demmie Vee is the first up and coming artist ever to be featured by the legendary artiste.
He in fact sounds very much like 2Baba and “Awesome God” is reminiscent of 2Baba’s earliest singles, though it is heavily tinged with gospel, as an ode to the singer’s gratitude to God for his talent and breakthrough.
“My greatest desire is to build homes for the less privileged and put everlasting smiles on people’s faces”.

Awesome God is an Afro Pop/ghetto Gospel song. Emotive and direct, it speaks about the greatness of God in the lives of one who has experienced a breakthrough after a prolonged period of hardship, disappointment and pain.

The single was written by Demmie Vee and Produced by Finesse.

Please enjoy the video and listen to the song.

LISTEN/STREAM/DOWNLOAD "AWESOME GOD" ON MYNOTJUSTOK
https://my.notjustok.com/track/download/id/164730

LISTEN/STREAM/DOWNLOAD "AWESOME GOD" ON SOUNDCLOUD
https://soundcloud.com/user-841302126-446003266/awesome-god-master-1/s-okqUk

N3.5bn Fraud: ASUU petitions EFCC against JAMB Registrar

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibadan Zonal office, alleging over N2 billion fraud against the administrations of Professor Isiaq Oloyede (now JAMB registrar) and incumbent Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali. ASUU called on EFCC to do a diligent and thorough investigation of the allegations, assuring that painstaking investigation would uncover a can of worms.

Serena Williams said yes to Alexis Ohanian's wedding proposal on Thursday, December 29, 2016

(Hollywood Life)

Serena Williams is now engaged to be married to Alexis Ohanian, who co-owns the social news aggregation website, Reddit.

FG fights graft with N31bn in 2017

Further to its resolve towards rooting out corruption in the country, the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government has devoted a total of N31.1billion to anti-corruption agencies and anti-graft crusade in the 2017 budget.

The amount represents a whopping 15 percent increase in the allocation to curb the social vice when compared with the N27.7 billion voted for anti-corruption expenditure in the 2016 .

Reviewing the budget document obtained from the National Assembly, almost all the ministries, departments and agencies of government voted some funds towards the fight against corruption in the 2017 budget.

The core agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting the menace of corruption include Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

According to channels, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Martins Azubuike, has been impeached. A new Speaker, Honourable Kennedy Njoku, has been sworn in.

Kelechi Iheanacho says that, he will have to wait for his chance at Manchester City, following the return of first-choice striker, Sergio Aguero from a four-match suspension.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu says that the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is pushing for Diaspora voting in the coming general elections in 2019,

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, Comrade Rex Anighorohas stated that his office will engage Civil Society Organizations in taking more pragmatic steps in dealing with issues of Environmental Challenges in Delta State.

Ondo State Governor -elect inaugurate 158 man Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee

Ondo State Governor -elect, OluwarotimiAkeredoluhas inaugurated a transition committees in preparation for the taking over of administration in the state .

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria ,CBN, Godwin Emefiele, says rice, wheat and two other top import commodities in the country consume over one trillion naira in foreign exchange annually.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. IbeKachikwu, has urged Nigerians to exploit the opportunities offered by the current economic situation to make the country great in 2017.

Popular rapper Olamide has joined the line up of A-list artists scheduled to perform at Alibaba’s ‘January 1st Concert’; holding on the 1st of January, 2017in Lagos.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has commissioned the newly completed Imeke-Ajido Bridge, a major link bridge in Badagry axis of the State, saying it is part of measures to boost tourism and enhance movement of goods.