Buhari launches Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem with N10 million

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Dennis Erezi /

President Buhari being decorated by Chairman Nigerian Legion Brig. Gen. Adakole Akpa Rtd as he participates at the Emblem Appeal Launch for 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration

Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday launched the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem with the sum of ten million Naira.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is an annual event organized to honour members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought in the first and second World Wars, and those who served or are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide as well as those who fought in the Nigerian civil war.

Buhari launched the emblem at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

President Buhari reminded the nation that the celebration was a painful reminder of the perils of war and the need for the nation to avoid a recurrence.

"The celebration forcefully reminds us of the resolve of our citizens to remain in one united country, Nigeria. It also points out the fact that we had been through a bitter and unfortunate war that led to the loss of millions of our compatriots and the need to do all within our powers to avoid a reoccurrence of war," Buhari said.

Buhari appealed to politicians and Nigerians to put the interest of the country first, before personal.

“We would have no country to lead if our acts of deliberate incitement lead to the disintegration of our dear nation."

"Let us put Nigeria first and realise that in every contest there must be one winner," Buhari said.

The President, who lamented recent murder of two aid workers Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman by Boko Haram terrorists by the Boko Haram sect, called on Nigerians to unite to fight terrorism.

"It is painful that this happened despite all the efforts of the government to ensure the release of the two victims," he said.

"We condemn the callous and cowardly act in its entirety and call on all citizens and friends to forge a united front against this common enemy of our destiny."

Buhari, however, called on corporate organisations in the aviation industry to support Armed forces amidst the government's limited resources.

"Some airlines operating in Nigeria offer discounts to members of the Armed Forces. This gesture is commendable and in line with my call for recognition, consideration and appreciation of our Armed Forces. I urge more business ventures to chip in by assisting the Security Forces in whatever way they can."

Assuring the Armed Forces, Buhari said "As Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion (Veterans), I wish to pledge my continued support and that of the Federal Government to the organisation."

He also commended state governors for their support to Armed Forces.

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Pharrell Tells Trump To Stop Playing His Songs

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Njideka Agbo / 

Pharrell Williams has become the latest artiste to tell Donald Trump not to play his song at a Trump event.

This is coming after his song Happy was played alongside Girls Just Want To Have Funby Cyndi Lauper while student farmers were waiting for Trump to address the shooting incident in Pittsburgh that left 11 Jews dead.

Williams has said in a statement that Trump cease-and-desist from playing his song or face legal action.

“On the day of the mass murder of 11 human beings at the hands of a deranged ‘nationalist,’ you played his song ‘Happy’ to a crowd at a political event in Indiana.”

“There was nothing ‘happy’ about the tragedy inflicted upon our country on Saturday and no permission was granted for your use of this song for this purpose.”

“Pharrell has not, and will not, grant you permission to publicly perform or otherwise broadcast or disseminate any of his music,” the letter stated.

Other artistes who have done told Trump to desist include The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Queen, Adele, Elton John and Aerosmith.

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Alcohol, tobacco high cause of breast cancer – expert

The Sun Nigeria / Ajiri Daniels /

NAN

A medical practitioner, Dr Toyosi Aibinuomo, on Wednesday warned against excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco, to prevent breast cancer.

Aibinuomo gave the advice  in Ilorin at a seminar on breast cancer, in commemoration of the World Breast Cancer Week.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar was jointly organised by the Kwara Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).

According to the medical expert,  excessive intake of alcohol and tobacco can cause a tumor that can lead to breast cancer.

Aibinuomo said that breast cancer could affect both sexes.

“No gender can be said to be immune to breast cancer as it affects both male and female, so, we all have to be cautious of what we consume.

“Everyone should be responsive to any change in his or her body, because the only way it can be cured is through early detection,” she said.

She advised that women especially should watch their weight and endeavour to breastfeed their babies, to reduce their chances of having breast cancer.

The doctor, however, called on the government to implement a policy to ban the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, to reduce deaths arising from breast cancer.

READ ALSO: NCS in Niger collects N1.7 bn in 10 months-Comptroller

Earlier, Chairperson of Kwara NAWOJ, Mrs Ayobola Olupinla, said the high death rate attributed to breast cancer informed the reason for the seminar.

“We realised that breast cancer is one of the diseases with high death rate, and people need to be more enlightened about it.

“As mothers, we deemed it fit to organise this seminar to raise more awareness about its prevention and control.

“We want to keep everybody abreast of what they should do when changes are noticed in their bodies,” Olupinla said.

The Immediate Past Deputy National President of NAWOJ, Hajia Bilqees Oladimeji, said that early detection was the only panacea to prevent breast cancer.

The post Alcohol, tobacco high cause of breast cancer – expert appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.

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Breaking: Buhari, Tinubu, Oshiomhole in closed-door meeting

Vanguard News / Tony / 

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has again visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Villa.

Continue reading Breaking: Buhari, Tinubu, Oshiomhole in closed-door meeting at Vanguard News Nigeria.

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Wenger vows to return in 2019

Vanguard News / Emmanuel Okogba /

Arsene Wenger has promised he will be back in football management at the start of 2019, but the Frenchman does not yet know at which club.

Continue reading Wenger vows to return in 2019 at Vanguard News Nigeria.

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Martial has world at his feet, says Man United teammate Matic

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Guardian Nigeria /

Manchester United's French striker Anthony Martial celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on October 28, 2018. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Anthony Martial can become one of the Premier League's top players if he believes in himself, according to Manchester United teammate Nemanja Matic.

Jose Mourinho's men received a much-needed shot in the arm on Sunday by overcoming Everton.

Martial's delightful curling effort proved the difference in a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford, where he was crowned man-of-the-match after also winning the penalty that eventually led to Paul Pogba opening the scoring.

The 22-year-old appears to have turned a corner at United, having struggled to earn the trust of Jose Mourinho and at times endured a testy relationship with the manager.

Martial's run of four successive starts has brought four goals and teammate Matic believes the forward has the world at his feet.

"Anthony is a great player and he needs to understand that," the United defensive midfielder said.

"He needs more confidence. He is still young and I think if he continues to score in the next game he will get that. If he reaches his top level, he can be one of the best players in the league for sure.

"Sometimes I don't think he understands how good he is. He is quick, he is good with the ball, he can run."

Asked if senior players like himself have told Martial just how good he can be, Matic said: "The manager speaks with him about it. I have told him once.

"But he is a great person and a great guy, and I am happy for him that he is scoring. It is great.

"The quality is there, confidence is there now and he just needs to be more consistent. I am glad we have him in the team."

Matic is also certain that out-of-sorts striker Romelu Lukaku will get back on track.

After eight scoreless appearances for the United, the Belgium international was dropped to the bench as his former club Everton visited Old Trafford.

"He is a great player for sure," Matic said. "He has scored a lot of goals for United so I don't see any problems for him... He will start to score again soon. I believe that."

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Aviation: Nigeria’s control towers suffer radio malfunction

The Sun Nigeria / Ajiri Daniels /

Louis Ibah

Air traffic controllers in Nigeria have raised the alarm over the collapse of radio communication equipment in some of the country’s airports, saying the trend poses threat to air safety.      

President of the National Airtraffic Communicators Association of Nigeria (NACAN), Mr. Nkambo George, who disclosed this said the malfunction of its radio equipment in some airports had culminated in the permanent use of telephone lines which ought to be deployed only as  back ups.

George, who spoke to journalists yesterday  at the Annual General Meeting of NACAN held in Benin City Edo State, disclosed that it was difficult for some stations to read each other beyond 9am and 10am in some cases.

In his words: “We resort to telephone, we are using this close user group telephone line which ought to be back up. It’s more or less the major equipment we are using now in most communication centres except for Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt where it is still functional.”

READ ALSO: Ayade: Why Israelis are training 1,000 Cross River farmers

“Normally messages are not supposed to be delayed, when you receive a message, it ought to go. ICAO recommends that three minutes at most five minutes, as you receive a message let it be sent out. So you receive backlog of messages in some centres as a result of equipment malfunction,” he added.

He noted that in some centres, the radios were not functioning at all, warning that the trend  was not good for the aviation sector. But the management of NAMA has, however, assured that it was committed to the provision of relevant technology  for its professionals to perform their duties.

Managing Director/CEO of NAMA, Capt Akinkuotu, who was represented by Mr Ayodele Otitolaye  at NACAN AGM in Benin City, said NAMA will continue to provide modern facilities required to perform the task of Air navigational services in the country’s airports.

The post Aviation: Nigeria’s control towers suffer radio malfunction appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.

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Nigeria to acquire more equipment to tackle insecurity, says Buhari

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Dennis Erezi /

Buhari steps out of the aircraft in Kaduna on a condolence visit.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said the government would acquire equipment to protect citizens and combat insecurity in the country.

Buhari, who spoke during his condolence visit to Kaduna state called on residents of the state to ensure peace.

Kaduna was under attack on Friday, October 9, which claimed lives of over 50 persons. The attack prompted the state governor Nasir El Rufai to impose a 24-hour curfew on residents on two occasions.

Despite the curfew, the attacks still continued two days after the initial one, but Buhari has assured the residents that the government was doing everything possible to ensure the security of lives and properties.

“The Federal Government will continue to work to ensure that more security assets are recruited and deployed across the country to protect all citizens going about their lawful business and to reinforce the authority of the government,” Buhari said.

“It is my earnest appeal to all who call Kaduna home to do their best to uphold peace in their respective communities. Chaos and anarchy tend to worsen and exacerbate whatever issues are agitating a community.”

To prevent further occurrences, Buhari said more police divisions, civil defence offices with equipment will be provided to curb insecurity in the state.

“In this light, the Federal Government welcomes the decision of the Kaduna State Government and its local governments to build and provide facilities for the take-off of more police divisions and civil defence offices in the state.”

“The Federal Government commends the efforts of the Kaduna State Government in responding to and managing the crisis. More Federal Security assets are being provided at the request of the Kaduna State Government to help uphold and keep the peace.”

The president also urged citizens “to be law-abiding in their conduct and within their communities.” He noted that “There is a need to avoid violence as a tool of negotiation or obtaining the advantage, and learn to listen to each other and commit to resolving differences through peaceful means.”

Buhari also assured the state residents of justice and that due punishment will be meted to the perpetrators of the violent attacks.

“The Federal Government will take strongest measures possible to punish perpetrators of these crimes. If in the past, they got away scot-free, we shall now hold everyone to account for these latest killings.”

Buhari urged the state government to expand equality of opportunity, promoting job creation and upholding law and order to prevent further crisis.

“You have a partner in the Federal Government that stands ready to provide concrete support not only to Kaduna but all states to help address the poverty and inequality that fuels some of these recurrent crises,” Buhari said.

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Labour union storms Aso Rock, march on Lagos streets in minimum wage protest

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Solomon Fowowe /

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress Ayuba Philibus Wabba leads anti-government protesters during a march in Abuja.<br />PHOTO: REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

In pursuance of their demand for a minimum wage of N30,000, members of the labour union have stormed the presidential villa, Abuja, in a protest.

Bobbi Kaigama, Trade Union Congress president, who led the protest, said the labour union will not leave the Aso villa till the governors and the executive committee on the New minimum wage respond positively to their demands.

Labour union tagged Tuesday a 'National day of mourning' and have ruled out fresh talks.

A meeting that held on Monday between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the head of the executive committee on the New minimum wage, and state governors to agree on a new national wage ended in a stalemate.

While organised labour is insisting on N30,000, the Federal Government wants to pay N24,000 and the states are still undecided.

Read More: Again, FG, governors fail to agree on new minimum wage

On Friday, Minister of Labour Chris Ngige said that Monday's meeting would produce a final position by the Federal government and the state governments on the issue.

Kaigama, insisting that the minimum wage increase will not cause inflation, said he didn't understand why the governors would not pass the new minimum wage.

In a coordinated attempt, members of the Labour union in Lagos also took to the streets in protest.

Armed with their white, red and green flag, the unionists marched on Ikorodu road with leaflets that highlighted their demands of the government.

A notice on the leaflet urged the masses to be prepared for the strike action that will commence Tuesday, November 6th.

 

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Asamoah Gyan Files For Divorce, Demands DNA Test For Kids

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Akinwale Akinyoade /

Ghanaian football star, Asamoah Gyan has filed for divorce from his wife, Gifty Gyan, at the Divorce and Matrimonial Division of the High Court, Accra.

It is gathered that the footballer is seeking a dissolution of his five-year-old marriage to Gifty on grounds of irreconcilable differences. It is learnt that the couple have been separated for months with Gyan also denying paternity of their three children. To ascertain if the kids are his,  he is also demanding a DNA test to be carried out on all three children.

There are talks that Gyan allegedly has a mistress he plans to marry as soon as the divorce from Gifty is final. His alleged mistress, Nina Atala was reportedly mistaken for his wife in June, at the grand opening of his new sports bar located in Osu, Accra.

She was also spotted with Gyan when he came to Ghana recently for his summer vacation, but Atala has continued to maintain that her relationship with Gyan is strictly a professional one. According to her, she owns a property that houses one of Gyan’s companies.

It would be recalled that Gyan was the one who scored the winning goal in Nigeria versus Ghana football match during the quarter-final of Africa Cup of Nations in 2008.

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Five Weird Fashion Trends

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Urenna Ukiwe / 

Designers are constantly trying to showcase eccentric designs on the runway that sometimes become a trend. Some of them in earlier times would have drawn disapproving stares and raised eyebrows, but they always push the limit.

Here are weird funny fashion trends that you might not try no matter how much of a fashionista you are.

Butt ripped jeans

Butt Ripped Jeans. Photo: Pinterest

Some conservative people will ask, why will I buy torn clothes? But people are buying ripped jeans and some of these designs will make your bank account weep. But butt ripped jeans take the ripped jeans trend to a whole new level.

Men’s lace blouse

Men's Lace Shirt. Photo: Instagram

Lace blouses are chic on women and a trend that most abide by but men's lace blouse (Not the African lace you might see at an Owambe) will surely draw a few stares or giggle. This is the unisex age but a lace blouse on a man?

Denim thigh high boots

Denim Thigh High Boots. Photo: Instagram

Some stars have rocked this but it just seemed like someone just turned their jeans into shoes because they couldn’t fit anymore.

Taxidermied Baby alligator handbag

Taxidermied Baby Alligator handbag. Photo: Instagram

This is just frightening and looks like there is a reptile stuck to the bag. The good thing is it will scare
superstitious pickpockets who will think you are out to get them. This bag although scary is very expensive.

Latex Socks

Latex Socks. Photo: Pinterest

We all know about latex shoes, handbags and other outfits but we should really draw the line on latex socks. Not only do we imagine they'd be highly uncomfortable to have on but we don't want to be around the wearer when they take it off.

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Ekiti lawmaker killed by unknown gunmen

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Abisola Olasupo / 

A member of the Ekiti state house of assembly, Micheal Adedeji, who was shot in the head by gunmen on Friday is dead.

Adedeji, a member of the Peoples Democratic party(PDP), was said to have been allegedly shot in the head while being accosted by gunmen during a trip to Akure, Ondo State capital.

“The lawmaker died at the Federal Medical Center, Ido Ekiti, early this morning,” the state's party spokesman, Jackson Adebayo said.

The deceased was one of the few lawmakers that had strained relationships with former Governor Ayodele Fayose before his exit as the governor.

Adedeji, representing Ekiti Southwest II , also participated actively in the removal of the former Speaker and Fayose’s political ally, Hon, Kola Oluwawole a couple of weeks ago.

However, Adedeji's death is coming two weeks after, Moses Adeoye, treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, was killed at his residence.

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Indonesian Lion Air plane crashes into sea with 188 passengers, crew

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Guardian Nigeria / 

An Indonesian Lion Air plane carrying 188 passengers and crew crashed into the sea Monday, officials said, moments after it had asked to be allowed to return to Jakarta.

The jet vanished from radar just 13 minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital, plunging into the ocean.

Search and Rescue Agency spokesman Yusuf Latif said authorities were still searching for the remains of the plane, which lost contact with air traffic control around 6.30 am (2330 GMT), en route to Pangkal Pinang on the island of Bangka.

"The plane crashed into the water about 30 to 40 metres deep," he told AFP.

Sindu Rahayu, directorate general of Civil Aviation at the transport ministry, said the aircraft was carrying 178 adult passengers, one child and two babies, with two pilots and five flight attendants.

"The plane had requested to return to base before finally disappearing from the radar," he added in a statement.

The Flightradar website tracked the plane -- which it said was a Boeing 737 -- and showed it looping south on take-off and then heading north before the flight path ended abruptly over the Java Sea, not far from the coast.

Poor safety record 
Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands but has a poor aviation safety record and has suffered several fatal crashes in recent years.

A 12-year-old boy was the sole survivor of a plane crash that killed eight people in mountainous eastern Indonesia in August.

In August 2015, a commercial passenger aircraft operated by Indonesian carrier Trigana crashed in Papua due to bad weather, killing all 54 people on board.

In 2014, an AirAsia plane crashed with the loss of 162 lives.

Indonesian investigators' final report showed a chronically faulty component in a rudder control system, poor maintenance and the pilots' inadequate response were major factors in what was supposed to be a routine flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore.

Lion Air, a low-cost airline, has been involved in a number of incidents.

Last year one of its Boeing jets collided with a Wings Air plane as it landed at Kualanamu airport on the island of Sumatra, although no one was injured.

In May 2016, two Lion Air planes collided at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport, while a month earlier a plane operated by Batik Air -- part of the Lion Group -- clipped a TransNusa plane.

In 2013 a Lion Air jet with a rookie pilot at the controls undershot the runway and crashed into the sea in Bali, splitting the plane in two. Several people were injured in the crash, although no one was killed.

Indonesia's air travel industry is booming, with the number of domestic passengers growing significantly over the past decade, but it has acquired a reputation for poor regulation.

Last year the Indonesian air traffic controllers association revealed that the rate of take-off and landings in Jakarta allowed by state-run air navigation company AirNav was more than the airport could handle, increasing the chance of accidents.

The country's carriers have in the past faced years-long bathe ns from entering the European Union and US airspace over their safety records.

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Pirates kidnap 11 ship crew members off Nigerian coast

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Timileyin Omilana /

Gunmen Monday abducted eleven crew members of a ship under a German flag, Pomerenia Sky ship, off the Nigerian coast.

"Pirates came aboard and according to arrangements made by the radio station - they abducted part of the crew, including 8 Poles, 2 Filipinos and 1 Ukrainian," Poland Radio station, Radio RMF FM, reported.

It added that although the Poland Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in contact with the shipowner, no confirmation has been done yet by the country's government.

"In order to verify whether the unit was Polish citizens, the Poland Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted the shipowner."

"Nevertheless, due to the nature of the matter, the ministry will not provide further information at the moment," the Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said.

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Japanese Princess Ayako gives up royal status to marry commoner

Vanguard News / Tony / 

Princess Ayako married commoner Kei Moriya on Monday at a traditional ceremony at Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, to become the latest female royal to leave Japan’s imperial family.

Continue reading Japanese Princess Ayako gives up royal status to marry commoner at Vanguard News.

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Real to sack Lopetegui, to appoint Conte

Vanguard News / Tony / 

Real Madrid are to sack coach Julen Lopetegui after their 5-1 humiliation by arch-rivals Barcelona and former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is set to replace him, Spanish media reported on Monday.

Continue reading Real to sack Lopetegui, to appoint Conte at Vanguard News.

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Recruitment: DSS warns public against fraudsters

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Guardian Nigeria /

The Department of State Services (DSS), has warned members of the public against activities of fraudsters using Facebook accounts of some officials of the service to defraud unsuspecting persons.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the service, Mr Peter Afunanya, said that the fraudsters in some instances had promised employment and made victims to part with various sums of money.

“The service advises applicants to verify information of recruitment from its formations across the country or send an email to dsspr@dss.gov.ng for confirmation.

“In this regard, the public is advised to be wary of the fraudsters and avoid falling victims,” he said.

He said that the criminals had cloned the Facebook accounts of some DSS senior officials, including that of the immediate past acting Director General, Mr. Matthew Seiyefa.

Afunanya said that the service was currently not recruiting any cadre of officers and does not recruit through the Facebook and does not charge money.

The spokesman said that while the service had continued to apprehend these criminals, he warned operators of the latest false accounts to desist from the illegality.

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2 to face trial for breach of public peace

The Sun Nigeria / Segun Adio /

Lukman Olabiyi

The Lagos State Magistrate Court, Igbosere,  has fixed November 16  for the trial of two men who were docked before it over alleged conduct to breach public peace.

The Defendants, Lukman Kadiri and Anthony Folarin were docked before Magistrate  Y. O. Aro-Lambo over the alleged offences by the police, other offences preferred against them include conspiracy, false information, threat to life, illegal conversion and fraud.

The offences against Kadiri and Folarin  according to the police are contrary to and punishable under sections 94, 95(1)(b)(c), 168(1), 412, 96(b), 56(1)(a) and 314(a)(b) and 314(3).

READ ALSO: FG lobbies AU on African Space Centre

However, the Defendants pleaded not guilty to the seven count-charges preferred against them.

The police, in a charge marked F/70/2018, alleged that the Defendants, on April 13, 2018, at Abdulmalik Chambers, No. 13, Calcutta Crescent, Apapa, Lagos State, and at the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), Panti-Yaba, conspired and accused the duo of Mrs. Precious Ikedia and Mr. Sanni Saibu Arewa, of forgery, illegal conversion and threat to life.

Police alleged that the false information    and fictitious made against Mrs. Ikedia and Mr. Arewa, by the two developers at the SCIID, Panti-Lagos, led to the arrest and arraignment of Ikedia and Arewa on charges bordering on forgery, illegal conversion and threat to life.

The two defendants were also accused of accused of threatening the life of  Mrs. Ikedia and Arewa.

They were also alleged to have, on February 7, 2013, fraudulently received the sum of N320, 000. from one Mrs. Joy Smart, under false pretence of subletting a room and parlour self-contained to her.

The Defendants had been granted bail by the court, the Magistrate admitted them to bail in the sum of N200, 000, with two sureties each in the like sum.

 

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Three reasons you must watch the El Clasico

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Dennis Erezi /

Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos (C) heads a ball to score the equalizer past Real Madrid's French defender Raphael Varane (3rdL) and Barcelona's Argentinian defender Javier Mascherano (R) during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on December 3, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / PAU BARRENA

El Clasico in Spanish football history marks the fierce rivalry between the two best football playing teams in the world- Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Their rivalry is one that has always been packed with emotion over the years, with scintillating and breathtaking football performance. The first leg of this year’s El Clasico at the Nou Camp promises another realm of fire and here’s why.

First in 11 years without Ronaldo, Messi

In 2007, the El Clasico had a fresh excitement for fans and football lovers when both teams had the two best players- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in their ranks.

Since then, the El Clasico rivalry got more intense due to the consistency of both players who retained their status as unarguably the best players in the world. Sunday's fixture will be different as both players will miss the game because Ronaldo has swapped Los Blancos for Juventus in the Italian Seria A, while Messi is out of the game due to injury.

Dembele, Asensio, Mariano, Coutinho have chance to impress

With the injured Lionel Messi on the sidelines, Barca's expensively-assembled squad needs to prove that it is more than a one-man team. Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele were brought in for a cost of $250 million to impact matches just like Sunday's. A defeat could see Barca's expensive project derailed, especially with their talisman unavailable.

Also, Madrid’s new number 7 and Ronaldo’s ‘successor’, Mariano Diaz, will have to prove himself as a potential go-to guy for the team. Marco Asensio on the other hand has been struggling to replicate the pivotal role he played in the team’s previous success under Zidane. But an impressive performance from him will restore his fading trust with the fans.

Julen Lopetegui is under intense pressure

Real Madrid's coach Julen Lopetegui has been under fire, with his future with the Spanish giants hanging in the balance.

His poor start to the season which had been accompanied with unrest from fans, who in the last three seasons won three Champions League and La Liga trophies under former coach and former galactico Zinedine Zidane.

A win will ease the pressure off the manager's back and the fans will have the first bragging rights at their oppositions. A win will move Madrid closer to Barcelona on the log with just a point between them. But, a defeat means Lopetegui could be looking for a new job come Monday.

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Robots to make other robots in Chinese factory

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Tonye Bakare / 

Robotic arms manufactured by ABB Ltd. position steel sheets for stamping at the auto parts manufacturing plant operated by Gestamp Automocion SA plant in Duenas, Spain, on Monday, March 27, 2017. Gestamp expects to get approval to list company in early April. Photographer: Angel Navarrete/Bloomberg

Robots will make robots at a new ABB factory in China, which the Swiss engineering group said on Saturday it plans to build for $150 million in Shanghai as it defends its place as the country's largest maker of industrial robots.

The factory, located near ABB's China robotics campus, is due to be operating by the end of 2020 and will produce robots for China as well as for export elsewhere in Asia. China is ABB's No. 2 market after the United States.

"Shanghai has become a vital centre for advanced technology leadership – for ABB and the world," ABB Chief Executive Ulrich Spiesshofer said in a statement announcing the project.

With the expansion, ABB is banking on Chinese robots sales defying concerns over trade tensions with the United States that some fear could dent demand for electronics, auto parts and other items that require automated manufacturing and robots.

China is expanding its robot workforce, as wages for human workers there rise and the country seeks to compete with lower-cost countries via greater automation. In 2017, one of every three robots sold in the world went to China, which purchased nearly 138,000 units, ABB said.

ABB's new 75,000-square-foot factory will use software meant to allow people and robots to work safely in close proximity, the company said, adding its YuMi robots -- designed to work side-by-side with people -- will also be deployed on many of the small parts assembly tasks needed to manufacture an ABB robot.

Rival Kuka, taken over in 2016 by China's Midea two years ago, has also been expanding in the country, including by building a robot park in Shunde near Hong Kong.

ABB, whose industrial robots are used, among other things, to build automobiles as well as to assemble electronic devices, will build robots for numerous industries at the Shanghai factory, a spokesman said.

It did not give a new employee count for the factory but said it will boost robotics employment that now sits at more than 2,000 ABB workers in China.

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Ex-lawmaker dumps PDP for APC

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Tonye Bakare / 

Mr Stephen Tsav, former Speaker, Benue House of Assembly, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Tsav, who announced his defection in Guma, said that he was defecting “after collecting financial inducement aimed at stopping me from defecting”.

He, however, did not state who offered the said financial inducement.

In a speech at the occasion, Sen. George Akume accused Gov Samuel Ortom of treating people displaced by the recent violence “very poorly”, saying that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), were fairing better in neighbouring Nasarawa State.

In his remarks, the APC Governorship candidate in the state, Mr Emmanuel Jime, challenged Ortom to a public debate on how to deliver good governance and improve security in Benue.

Jime promised that he would serve a single term of four years, but would replicate the development strides of the first civilian governor of the state, late Mr Aper Aku, within that period.

He appealed to Benue people to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), to enable them to decide the leaders that could best protect their interests.

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Southwest PDP says region want more than SGF slot

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Tonye Bakare / 

Former vice-President Atiku Abubakar speaks during the People's Democratic Party (PDP)'s national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on October 6, 2018. - Nigeria's main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) has picked Abubakar to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari who is seeking a second term in presidential polls scheduled for February 2019. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)

The South-West Zone of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Abubakar, to give more key positions to the zone if he emerges as president.

The South-West Vice-Chairman of the party, Dr Eddy Olefeso, made the demand in Lagos on Friday night, at a meeting of key members across the six states in the zone.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting, which lasted hours, had in attendance a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George; the current Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Yemi Akinwonmi; and a former National Vice Chairman of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo.

Also present were former Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Sola Obada; a former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Makanjuola Badru; and a member of the National Assembly, Sen. Abiodun Olujimi.

The party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde; the governorship candidate in Ogun, Mr Ladi Adebutu; and a former governorship aspirant in Osun State, Chief Akin Ogunbiyi, were also at the meeting, among others.

Olafeso said though the promise of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) slot by Atiku was a good development, the zone deserved more key political and government positions.

The Vice-Chairman said that the zone had been schemed out in the power arrangement of the party for the past few years.

Olafeso said for Atiku to give the zone a sense of belonging and compensate “for the years of abandonment”, he should zone key positions of the Chief of Staff to the President and Àttorney-General of the Federation to the South-West in addition to the SGF.

He said the South-West had the second highest voting population in the country and would demand its fair share of political positions if PDP wins in 2019.

“We have been denied for too long. In 2011, the country under the control of our party zoned the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the zone and it was taken away.

“And from 2011 to 2015, we were left just like that and the reverberating effect of that abandonment is the reason why we are still having the hangover of neglect till today.

“Now we are here again, the party is working with a zone with 14million votes, the second largest in the country. We refuse and we will not accept where we finish the job in the next election and for one reason or the other, we will not be considered.

“We don’t have to wait till after the election before we say what we want. We want to let the party and our candidate know that certain positions are strategic to governance and we want them.

“Yes, the SGF is great, but there is nothing wrong with having the Chief of Staff and Attorney-General on top of it to compensate us for the denials of the past so that all of us can work as a united front.

“We will continue to fight for it, we will speak with a loud voice. We give so much, so the zone deserves a lot,” he said.

While congratulating Abubakar on his emergence as the presidential candidate, Olafeso said the zone was pleased with the choice of Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, as his running mate.

He said the country was faced with serious economic challenges, and Obi had the pedigree that could realise the party’s economic vision for Nigeria.

Olafeso said the zone was concerned about the travails of the former governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over a case.

He urged members of the party to stand with Fayose at his trying moment, saying the former governor was paying for being truthful and standing against injustice.

“I was in the court the last time and I am glad to tell you that he has been granted bail.

“We will do our best to ensure that he perfects his bail conditions and he is released soon,” he said.

Olafeso also said he was confident that the verdicts of the Osun and Ekiti governorship elections, where the All Progressives Congress was declared the winner in both polls, would be upturned at the tribunal.

Olafeso urged members to be left behind post-primaries disagreements and work together to ensure the party’s victory in 2019.

He said the party had come out of its recent factional crisis to emerge strong, expressing the confidence that it would dislodge APC in 2019.

Akinwonmi, on his part, said the party was working assiduously hard to wrestle power from the APC in 2019.

He, however, said the party executive could not do it alone, calling on all members to do their bit to help achieve the electoral goal.

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Man killed at relative's wake

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Tonye Bakare / 

Enugu State Police Command has commenced an investigation of the alleged shooting of a man at a wake-keep in Orba community within Udenu council area.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident happened on October 24 at about 1:20 a.m. during the wake.

Amaraizu said that the deceased victim, identified as Nnamdi Abonyi of Amalla village in Orba community, who was a relative of the man whose wake-keep was being observed, was shot at close range.

He noted that Abonyi was shot by a suspect, one Sunday Odo of Obi-Agu Ohom village in the same community.

The police spokesman said that the Command’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is currently handling the investigation.

“It was gathered that the deceased, Nnamdi Abonyi, had allegedly met his untimely death on that fateful day when the suspect suddenly fired a gunshot which got the deceased on his right leg, causing him serious injury.

“The situation made everyone to scamper for safety as it rowdy.

“He was, however, rushed by sympathizers to Nwaossasi Foundation Hospital, Orba, for medical attention and was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” he said.

Amaraizu said that police recovered a locally made single barrel gun from the suspect.

“The suspect is helping the police operatives of the CID in their investigations so far."

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Ex-England manager Eriksson takes Philippines job

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Tonye Bakare / 

[FILE] Sven-Goran Eriksson of Sweden arrives for the international friendly match between Sweden and Bahrain in Doha January 18, 2012. REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad 

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been hired to lead the Philippines' football team following the surprise departure of Three Lions football great Terry Butcher earlier this year.

Philippine team manager Dan Palami said the Swede would coach the Azkals in next month's AFF Suzuki Cup and the Asian Cup in January.

"One of the legendary coaches of all time, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will be coaching the Azkals for the Suzuki Cup and the Asian Cup," Palami said in a video posted on the team's Twitter page.

"He will be a great addition to the team and I'm sure the players will learn a lot from him."

The contract terms of Eriksson, 70, have not been disclosed.

He fills a void left by the abrupt departure of Butcher, who resigned as head coach in August without ever taking charge of a single Azkals match.

Butcher, a veteran of three World Cups who had managed in England, Scotland, Wales and Australia, lasted less than 50 days in the job after deciding he could not carry out his plans for the team.

Eriksson in 2001 became the first foreigner to head England's football team, and has since also coached Mexico and the Ivory Coast as well as league clubs in Sweden, Portugal, Italy and China.

He takes charge as the Philippine team enjoys unprecedented success, having jumped as high as 111 in the FIFA rankings in May 2018.

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Ex-South African president De Klerk hospitalised for lung ailment

The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper – Nigeria and World News / Tonye Bakare / 

[FILE] Nobel Peace Prize winner and former South African President, FW de Klerk, addresses the Trinity College Law Society after he was presented with the Praeses Elit Award as a recognition of his key role in ending apartheid and his outstanding contribution to reconciliation in South Africa.<br /> On Wednesday, 18 January 2017, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner FW de Klerk has been hospitalised for a lung condition but is recovering and is expected to be discharged next week, his foundation said on Saturday.

De Klerk, 82, his country's most recent white president, became Nobel laureate jointly with his successor, Nelson Mandela, in 1993 for overseeing its transition from apartheid rule.

He was admitted to a Cape Town hospital on Friday with pneumothorax, "an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall," his foundation said in a statement.

Pneumothorax is normally associated with a collapsed lung, but the foundation did not specify if that was the case.

"He underwent a successful procedure this morning and it is expected that he will be discharged from hospital some time next week," it said.

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