EU, ECOWAS Partner On Security, Economy, Election In Nigeria, W/Africa

The EU and ECOWAS have agreed to pursue and maintain common political engagement in supporting free, fair, credible and peaceful election in Nigeria and other West African countries.

Mr Hubert Fuchs, the Chair of the Council of the European Union Representative said this on Friday in Abuja at a joint news conference on EU and ECOWAS political dialogue meeting.

“We have agreed that on the regional security, there is need for even greater coordination in the Sahel and to strengthen our common work in the Gulf of Guinea.

“On trade and economy, we agreed on the need to take our partnership even further, since we understand the need for more investment in West Africa,� he said.

He noted that the President of EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker launched in September the “Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable investment and jobs�.

According to him, the West Africa region is particularly fit to benefit from this alliance as it has resources including people and talent, dynamism and drive.

“This alliance also lends support to the effective implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and regional grouping in Africa, including ECOWAS.

“Together they will help lay a firm basis for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“The alliance, the EPA and ACFTA will provide opportunities to expand trade, encourage investment, diversify economies, promote industrialisations, and create jobs.

“We have exchanged ideas as well on challenges and opportunities over population growth, job creation, migration and mobility. These phenomena need to be jointly managed, in mutual interest and in a balanced way,� he said.

Speaking on the issue of irregular migration the envoy said that there was the need for the two regions to find a common and constructive solution to it.

“The EU is not fortress, but it cannot be borderless either. So on irregular migration in particular, I wish to stress that this matter is of such high political importance in Europe.

“And, that we look to our partners in West Africa to find common and constructive and mutually beneficial ways forward.

“We aim to do this through solidarity, partnership and shared responsibility,� he said

 

He said the two regions had fruitful and constructive discussion around cooperation covering all areas include political, economic, trade, development, humanitarian and security.

“It shows the depth of our cooperation and highlights how the interest of Europe and West Africa closely linked. We have reviewed our work together and outlined key actions for the future,� he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Mustapha Sulaiman, earlier said the meeting had discussed various areas of cooperation between the EU and the ECOWAS.

“It has been a fruitful discussion ranging from security to economic cooperation that will enhance both regions; essentially areas of concern have been raised and assurances and commitment have also been given in all those areas.

“We have discussed elections and political situation in some of ECOWAS countries.

“We have also isolated some challenges and proffered some solutions that both EU and CEOWAS would pursue toward the resolution of political crisis in some of these countries,� he said.

Sulaiman said that the discussion had been on economic cooperation as they related to migration, job creation and economic programme and “these are all well taken in the various level of discussions.

“EU and ECOWAS will also pursue all these elements that we have established in all these discussions.

“We are quite happy with the discussion and the support and the commitment the EU had given in this strategic regional partnership and all other areas that we need to tidy up and make recommendation to the authority,� he said.

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Today’s Noisemakers: Aluko Ifeoluwa on ‘Yahoo boys’, Omoni Oboli, Samuel Otukoya, others

APGA Chairman demands apology from Bianca Ojukwu over verbal attacks

Bianca Ojukwu 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Victor Ike Oye has expressed dismay at over unwarranted verbal attacks on him by Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu.

Addressing Newsmen in Awka on Friday on the issue, Oye said that he deserved an apology for the misplaced and unwarranted attacks on him by the wife of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu.

The chairman said that Ojukwuâ€s widow had not been fair to him or the party in spite of all the support and privileges she enjoyed.Oye also said that Ojukwu should apologise to him and the party for the allegations against them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bianca on Nov 26 advised the national leadership of APGA, to immediately refund all monies collected from political office aspirants for the partyâ€s alleged botched primaries and honourably resign thereafter.

Ojukwu, who spoke in Owerri at the 7th memorial anniversary of her husband, Ikemba Emeka Ojukwu, accused APGA leadership of fleecing aspirants.

She also said that for APGA to survive as a party, Oye must resign.

Oye explained that though Bianca joined the Anambra South Senatorial contest for APGA ticket a bit late, she got a lot of assistance from the party to enable her to clinch the nomination, and wondered why she lost.

The APGA chairman said he did not offend Bianca in any way and expressed surprise at her invectives on him and the party.

He said rather than castigate the national chairman and the party, Bianca should have been explaining her loss after receiving so much logistics to enable her to win.

Oye said that Biancaâ€s media swipe on APGA did not befit her status as the mother of the party, but smacked more of anti party activity.

“Bianca is my personal friend and there is no way I could have done any wrong against her.

“I must tell you that I was surprised when she started attacking me in the media. I think that was a very serious mistake on her part, because she is fighting the wrong person.

“I did not do any wrong against Bianca. People were sent to conduct the primary election and they returned the result to me and that was all I cared for.

“APGA gave her support, I would not want to announce it openly, but we gave her all the support she needed to win but she did not win.

“She calls herself Mother General of APGA, but as a mother she should not be castigating the party like that.

“Her action is anti party, but we donâ€t want to go into all that, because I know that very soon she will know the truth as truth is immutable,â€� he said.

Oye said the report available to the party showed that primary election for Anambra South Senatorial District ticket which Bianca participated in held and ended well with a clear winner announced to the public.

The chairman, who recalled the partyâ€s insistence on fair and open primary elections, said Bianca could have been awarded the ticket if she had indicated interest much earlier.

Oye said it was wrong for Bianca to blackmail him or APGA, because of her marital status, adding that such emotions and sentiments were not accommodated by the constitution of the party or any other in the country.

“The report I got is that it went well and that a winner emerged. The report said she was there, she participated and the votes were counted and result declared, including her own and the man won.

“They said we gave Senator Victor Umeh ticket unopposed yes, because he indicated interest early enough and he deserved it too. If Bianca had shown interest much earlier, I would have announced that she should not be opposed.

“But she joined the fray after Nicholas Ukachukwu and Ifeanyi Ubah had declared and was already running.

“That she is a widow does not confer on her a special status. It is not in APGA constitution that once you are a widow we give you ticket.

“I donâ€t think it is in the constitution of any party in Nigeria that once you are a widow you get automatic ticket.

“Remember we said that it was going to be contested openly, and it was contested. I hold her in high esteem; I respect her as the wife of Ojukwu.

“But she has been castigating me in the media, she owes me an apology, a serious apology, because I have done nothing against her,� he added.

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Wilder Vs Fury Heavyweight Thriller To Be Aired Live on DStv

The almighty heavyweight boxing clash between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, billed to hold on Sunday in Los Angeles, will be broadcast live on SuperSport 1 (Channel 221). The fight is exclusive to Premium customers at no extra charge. Wilder, who has had 39 KOs in 40 fights, is statistically the heaviest puncher in heavyweight […]

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Lifestyle: Vintage photos of offices show how the workplace has changed

Today, open floor plans are the norm — but old photos show how offices used to look with typewriters, cubicles, and plenty of cigarettes.

Thanks to the popularity of shows like "Mad Men" and "Masters of Sex," people love to see what offices looked like back in the day — often through dense clouds of cigarette smoke.

We've rounded up vintage photos of what offices used to look like, so we can appreciate how far we've come in regards to technology, interior design, and even safety!

Keep scrolling to see what your office might have looked like back in the day.

One of the most glaring differences between offices now and in 1940 is all the smoking — cigarettes were everywhere.

Technically, there are still some states where it's legal to smoke inside an office — the only federal bans on smoking are on planes or in federal buildings.

However, you'd be hard-pressed to find an office building that allows people to light up at their desk.

And not just cigarettes — pipes were common sights as well. It's a far cry from the smoke-free offices of 2018, which have designated places outside for people to smoke in.

The popularity of the traditional tobacco pipe has been steadily decreasing since the '90s — though they're making a comeback with hipsters.

Before every desk had a computer, there was more space to spread materials out.

This is a far cry from the tech-heavy workplaces of 2018.

Open plan used to look a little different.

Before electronic stock tickers made it possible to see the stock market in real time, employees had to print out the news on ticker tape and distribute it.

The last ticker tape machine was released in 1960 — they were first invented by Thomas Edison in the late 1800s.

Ticker tape has two legacies that live on in 2018. First, the stock prices running along the bottom of your TV screen are still called stock tickers. And second, ticker tape was given a second life when New Yorkers discovered that ticker tape made great confetti.

Ticker tape parades still happen, but shredded paper is used instead.

There are a lot of layers to unpack here. This secretary appears to be copying down a conversation she's having with someone on the phone, that she is listening to using a proto-speakerphone device.

The above situation would be completely different in 2018. There are apps that can record a phone conversation, and headphones so that you don't need to broadcast the conversation loudly.

That telephone amplifier is also obsolete — most phones now have speakerphones built in.

As technology advanced, every desk became equipped with its own typewriter.

The typewriter was first invented in 1867, but didn't become popular until a couple of decades later, during the Industrial Revolution. It became people's jobs to record facts and figures, and the typewriter was the easiest way to do that.

They stayed popular for over 100 years.

Bookkeepers used these machines, which appear to be a mixture of computer, typewriter, and calculator.

If you take a closer look, you might notice that all these bookkeepers are women, a trend that's still prevalent to this day. According to Accountants Daily, 80% of bookkeepers are women — so maybe not everything has changed.

When typewriters became obsolete, offices implemented computers — and cubicles, which gave people a little privacy.

Cubicles first entered our lives in 1968, when they were invented by Robert Propst, who wanted to improve upon the typical open bullpen office. He thought cubicles would increase productivity and give workers privacy.

At first, cubicles flopped. But when companies realized that using cubicles would increase the number of people that could be crammed into a space, they really took off. The '80s and '90s were a booming time for cubicles.

Now, many offices have abandoned them in favor of the original open office space — just a take a look at the offices of Jet, Etsy, or even INSIDER.

Before email and Slack, some offices used to communicate via messengers who were given roller skates to speed up the process.

That's some literal instant messaging.

Probably due to violating dozens of workplace safety violations, and the advent of computers, roller skating in the office is a thing of the past.

This office had a designated "tea lady" who would walk around providing refreshments.

Some offices still offer amazing perks.

Now, everything is totally digital and located in the cloud. But for years, all important records had to have physical copies.

This machine handled 80 individual records cards a minute — now, data can be uploaded to the cloud in just a few seconds.

Phone booths seem so old-fashioned today.

So do typewriters.

Note the ash tray, rotary phone, and old-fashioned radio. A far cry from what your typical desk looks like today.

Overall, it's impossible to overstate just how different our work spaces use to be, even just 30 years ago. It makes you wonder — how different will they be 10, 15, 30 years from now?

Visit INSIDER's homepage for more.

• Read more:
• 13 ways to hack your workspace for optimal productivity
• 16 mind-blowing job perks that real companies offer
• 18 of the coolest offices in the US
• 17 ways your office job is destroying your health

Lifestyle: Vintage photos of offices show how the workplace has changed

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Winning AFRIMA dream come true – Praiz

Multiple -award artiste, Praiz, couldnâ€t hold back his emotions as he was announced the winner in the category that he was nominated.

Continue reading Winning AFRIMA dream come true – Praiz at Vanguard News Nigeria.

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Diamond Bank receives CBN approval to operate as a national bank

Diamond Bank Plc, Nigeriaâ€s fastest growing retail bank, has received the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria following its application to operate as a National Bank with immediate effect (subject to conclusion of the sale of Diamond Bank UK- DB UK Plc). With this approval the bank will cease to operate as an International […]

Diamond Bank receives CBN approval to operate as a national bank

Diamond Bank receives CBN approval to operate as a national bank

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Business Development Manager at Willers Solutions Limited

Willers Solutions Limited – Our client, a reputable Oil and Gas firm located in Lagos State is seeking applications from qualified candidates to fill the position below in the Upstream Oil & Gas Sector:
Business Development Manager at Willers Solutions Limited

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Cameroon stripped of hosting 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Cameroon are stripped of hosting next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, says the Confederation of African Football.
Cameroon stripped of hosting 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

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Lifestyle: This company is making cheap condoms for Nigeria and other African countries

In a bid to fight the spread of HIV, low-cost condoms have been made specifically for Africa.

HIV/AIDS is a major public health concern across the world and particularly in Africa. According to DoSomething.org, a global movement, 69% of the 34 million HIV-positive people worldwide are found in sub-Saharan Africa.

This implies that there are about 23.8 million infected persons on the continent. This is why a popular company is introducing cheap condoms for Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana and other African countries.

Bloomberg reports that Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc's Durex is making a new condom label named Feels, which started selling in November 2018.

Manufactured in South Africa, it is priced a lot less than other products. Durex's Featherlite, for instance, goes for 39.99 Rand (N1,057) per pack while the new product is sold at 9.99 Rand (N264) per pack of three.

In an interview in Johannesburg, Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Kapoor further explained the need for Feels.

He said that the company also intends to use the new product to normalize the conversation about condom use in Africa.

"This special pack is priced for this market, with the same quality you would expect from any of our other brands," Kapoor said.

 

ALSO READ: Zimbabwean men complain condoms imported from China are too small and want local manufacturers to make a bigger size

In a different statement, the company announced its plans to donate some money to help fight the spread of the disease in Africa.

Reckitt Benckiser said Durex, as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will each donate $5 million to the Global Fund.

Global Fund is an international financing organization that aims to "attract, leverage and invest additional resources to end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria to support attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations."

HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

The first two AIDS cases in Nigeria was diagnosed in 1985, according to the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences.

It quickly spread as a total of 220,0000 new HIV infections were reported in 2014.

Now, an estimated 3, 229, 757 Nigerians are said to have HIV making the nation the second largest country with the disease after South Africa which has 6.8 million infected people.

Avert also reports that the country has one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa.

80% of these new HIV infections are attributed to unprotected heterosexual sex while sex workers account for the majority of remaining HIV infections occurring in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the federal government has vowed to end the HIV/AIDs epidemic by 2030.

Daily Post reports that the pledge was made by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the commemoration of this year's World AIDS Day at the State House in Abuja.

Lifestyle: This company is making cheap condoms for Nigeria and other African countries

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Police Arrest 3 Suspected Kidnappers In Ondo State

The Police in Ondo State on Friday arrested three suspected kidnappers for allegedly kidnapping, Ayomide Ogunsuyi, a 23-year-old female student of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.

The suspected kidnappers are: a 38 year-old woman, Bola Ojo, Olumide Falaye and Kayode Ajayi.

Mr Femi Joseph, the Commandâ€s Public Relations Officer, who paraded the suspects before newsmen said that the arrest was made possible through a surveillance patrol team of Akure Area Command.

Joseph said that the patrol team were patrolling Ondo Road when a “good Samaritanâ€â€ alerted the officers that there was a lady going to Ondo town, who boarded a car and instead of the driver going to Ondo, made a U-turn and headed toward Akure metropolis.

He explained that the vehicle was trailed by the police to High School area where the officers had an opportunity to overtake and blocked the suspected kidnappers.

According to him, the driver, whose name was later given as Cherubim, jumped out of the car and ran away, while the remaining three occupants of the vehicle were immediately arrested.

“Ogunsuyi, who looked sedated at that time, later told the police that she was on her way to Ondo town after boarding this very vehicle at Isinkan.

“The police immediately arrested two suspects identified as Bola Ojo and Olumide Falaye.

“On interrogation, the suspects confessed to be working for one Kayode Ajayi a.k.a Ekun. They later said that they were fraudsters and not killers.

“Their story sounded incredible because the young lady, a student of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, did not look wealthy enough to be defrauded.

“It is the quick response of our men that saved the lady.

“We are told that the kingpin “Ekun� is a notorious human being but we will ensure he goes to where he should go,� he said

The police spokesman advised members of the public to always be wary of the type of vehicle they board; “even if it is a taxi and to be prayerfulâ€â€.

Speaking to newsmen, Ajayi, who denied knowing about the kidnapping, said that he was a fraudster before he left the job some years back.

Ajayi, who admitted that Bola Ojo was his former wife, said that she might have learnt the job when she was with him as his wife.

Ojo explained that she had been a fraudster for three years, noting that they were just fraudsters and not kidnappers.

She said that she was doing it due to lack of job and needed to survive.

“Actually, Ajayi is my former husband but he does not know anything about the issue,â€â€ Ojo said.

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Papua New Guinea Has A Village For LGBT Community

As an openly gay man in Papua New Guinea, where sex between men is illegal and stigma and violence widespread, 24-year-old Kapera Patrick remembers thugs pelting him with abuse, stones and bottles.

His life changed when he was taken in by a family in Hanuabada, a settlement in Port Moresby that has become a haven of tolerance, offering sanctuary for dozens in a gay community that is gradually coming out of hiding.

A ramshackle collection of thousands of dwellings built on stilts over the water and connected by rickety and treacherous wooden planks, Hanuabada is a world away from the sanitised districts of the capital that recently played host to Asia-Pacific leaders.

The sprawling settlement, whose name means “big village” in the local Motu language, was built over the sea as locals believe the water protects them from sorcery coming down from the mountains.

A caged pig squats outside many of the huts — for meat or barter — and naked children at play squeal with delight as they skip expertly on the narrow and often broken planks that serve as the village’s “streets”.

Home to as many as 50,000, Hanuabada has become synonymous with a small but thriving gay, lesbian and transgender community that has flocked here as word spread that they would be safe.

This photo taken on November 15, 2018 shows residents walking past homes in Hanuabada, a settlement in Port Moresby which has become a haven of tolerance, offering sanctuary for dozens in a gay community that is gradually coming out of hiding. – As an openly gay man in Papua New Guinea, where gay sex is illegal and stigma and violence widespread, 24-year-old Kapera Patrick remembers thugs pelting him with abuse, stones and bottles. His life changed when he was taken in by a family in Hanuabada, a settlement in Port Moresby which has become a haven of tolerance, offering sanctuary for dozens in a gay community that is gradually coming out of hiding. (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP) / TO GO WITH 'PNG-HOMOSEXUALITY-POLITICS-SOCIAL' STORY BY RICHARD CARTER AND DANIEL DE CARTERET

“I used to live in a place called Joyce Bay and I got abused. They threw bottles at me, stones at me. And then I heard about this place. I came here and the family brought me in and accepted me,” says Patrick, who does informal jobs to get by.

Hanuabada is “a very free place and the people know me. They don’t abuse me. I’ve been accepted for my sexuality,” he told AFP, speaking through an interpreter in his native Pidgin.

While nothing like as open as the West, the community has still hosted small drag parties and men both gay and curious come to Hanuabada to meet up, many having their first sexual experiences here.

Patrick’s adoptive “sister”, Marelyn Baita, an eloquent 29-year-old, explained how the community grew.

“They used to live outside but some of their friends brought them here,” she said. “The community knew them and protected them.”

Now the only “abuse” Patrick gets is affectionate and good-natured.

This photo taken on November 15, 2018 shows 24-year-old gay man Kapera Patrick (R) talking to family members outside his home in Hanuabada, a settlement in Port Moresby. – As an openly gay man in Papua New Guinea, where gay sex is illegal and stigma and violence widespread, 24-year-old Kapera Patrick remembers thugs pelting him with abuse, stones and bottles. His life changed when he was taken in by a family in Hanuabada, a settlement in Port Moresby which has become a haven of tolerance, offering sanctuary for dozens in a gay community that is gradually coming out of hiding. (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP) / TO GO WITH 'PNG-HOMOSEXUALITY-POLITICS-SOCIAL' STORY BY RICHARD CARTER AND DANIEL DE CARTERET

His friends refer to him as “she” and “sister”, and wolf-whistle when he poses with — possibly exaggerated — campness for photos.

People in the village have accepted the gay community “because that’s the way they are,” said Baita.

“We cannot change it. That’s their personality. That’s their life,” she told AFP.

– ‘Just silly’ –

Gay rights advocates in Papua New Guinea detect a gradual improvement in hostile attitudes but say real change cannot come until sodomy is decriminalised.

Parker Hou, who was once beaten up and deliberately burned for his sexuality, said the law meant “illegal” gay people lack access to medical services — explaining the high rate of HIV.

The law “causes most of our friends to go into hiding. If I’m infected, I’m too scared to go to the clinics,” said the 44-year-old, who is campaigning to change what he derides as an “English Victorian law from the 1800s”.

“We are using this English law to discriminate against our own Papua New Guinean citizens. I find it just silly,” he said with sadness in his voice.

Low levels of education — nearly half the population is illiterate in the poverty-stricken country — also plays a huge factor in prejudice faced by the community, says David Lawrence, a prominent gay rights activist.

Bullied and hounded out of school, Lawrence twice attempted suicide but has since become a vocal campaigner and met Queen Elizabeth in 2015 after winning an award for his work.

He said he has met gay people raped for their sexuality and at least three have been murdered, allegedly by “ashamed” members of their family or community.

– ‘Dress up like ladies’ –

But social media has transformed life for Papua New Guinea’s gay community in recent years, said Lesley Bola, who works for UNAIDS.

Members of the community mainly contact each other via Facebook — often using fake accounts — and “can express themselves freely” without fear of retribution, said Bola, adding that he had seen a shift in the past 10 years.

This photo taken on November 15, 2018 shows 24-year-old gay man Kapera Patrick talking to family members outside his home in Hanuabada, a settlement in Port Moresby. – As an openly gay man in Papua New Guinea, where gay sex is illegal and stigma and violence widespread, 24-year-old Kapera Patrick remembers thugs pelting him with abuse, stones and bottles. His life changed when he was taken in by a family in Hanuabada, a settlement in Port Moresby which has become a haven of tolerance, offering sanctuary for dozens in a gay community that is gradually coming out of hiding. (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP) / TO GO WITH 'PNG-HOMOSEXUALITY-POLITICS-SOCIAL' STORY BY RICHARD CARTER AND DANIEL DE CARTERET

Bola works with clinics on changing attitudes in the medical profession but admits it can be a struggle at times.

Being gay in Papua New Guinea is “like survival of the fittest”, said the affable 51-year-old.

But small pockets of tolerance like Hanuabada show that attitudes can change with increased “exposure” to the LGBT community, campaigners say — something Marelyn Baita has seen first-hand with her father.

“When he first came here, seeing gay people, my father couldn’t try to understand them. He was so angry. They are men but they tend to… dress up like ladies,” she said with a smile.

“He was angry but they continued to live with us year after year and he came to accept them.”

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When is the South Africa vs. Nigeria Africa Women Cup of Nations final and how can I watch?

Goal brings you everything you need to know about the Awcon final showdown billed for the Accra Sports Stadium

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Why NBC never banned my songs — CDQ

Nigerian indigenous rapper, Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, better known as CDQ has revealed why his songs have never been banned by Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC)  unlike Olamide, Falz and others.

Continue reading Why NBC never banned my songs — CDQ at Vanguard News Nigeria.

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Rita Ora Is Reportedly Dating Famous Spider-Man Star, Andrew Garfield

According to The Sun, 28-year-old British singer, Rita Ora, is in the early stages of a relationship with 35-year-old Hollywood star, Andrew Garfield, after her 13 months relationship with 27-year-old music producer Andrew Watt (she must have a thing for Andrews) packed up in September.

Andrew played the Spider-Man role in 2012 and dated the La La Land actress, Emma Stone for 4 years until they broke up in 2015.

A source close to Rita told The Sun:

Rita let slip to pals about her brewing romance about a month ago, but in recent days things have started to heat up and she says what they have is the real deal. It is still very early days but they like each other and are seeing what happens.Their schedules make things difficult but they have a real connection.

 

This post first appeared on www.234star.com

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2019: Amosun’s Chief Of Staff Resigns

The Chief Of Staff to Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state, Chief Tolu Odebiyi has resigned his appointment from the service of the state. In a statement issued on Friday afternoon in Abeokuta, the state capital, Odebiyi said he was resigning his position from Amosun’s cabinet to enable him pursue his Senatorial ambition in the […]

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President Buhari Lauds Nigeria-Ireland Relations

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed Nigeriaâ€s appreciation to the Republic of Ireland and its people for standing by Nigeria during her difficult moments.

The president, who spoke when he received the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland, Mr Sean Hoy, cited Irelandâ€s support during the Civil War, and the current efforts to rebuild the devastation in the North-Eastern parts of the country.

The Ambassador was on a farewell visit to the State House, Abuja.

The President noted in particular, the work of Irish doctors and priests in their humanitarian support for Nigerian communities at all times.

“Nigeria and the Irish Republic enjoy excellent bilateral relations marked especially by the work of Irish medical teams and missionaries during the civil war, and the ongoing efforts in dealing with the humanitarian situation in the North-East.

“We appreciate what your country is doing for us,â€â€ he said.

President Buhari also thanked the outgoing ambassador for enhancing the relationship between both countries.

In his remarks, Hoy said he was leaving Nigeria to his next post, Brazil, with mixed feelings considering the enormous goodwill he enjoyed in Nigeria, and the improvements in the relations between the two nations.

He promised the continued assistance of his country to the efforts in rebuilding the North-East, stressing that, “It concerns all of us. We will continue to support you.�

The post President Buhari Lauds Nigeria-Ireland Relations appeared first on Independent Newspapers Nigeria.

President Buhari Lauds Nigeria-Ireland Relations

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Festus Ogun: On Ganduje and insincerity of EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recently said it cannot immediately yield to calls to investigate Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, who is accused of receiving millions of dollars in bribe, because Mr Abdullahi enjoys constitutional immunity from criminal proceedings. During a tweet meet organised by Tap Initiative for Citizens Development, the […]

Festus Ogun: On Ganduje and insincerity of EFCC

Festus Ogun: On Ganduje and insincerity of EFCC

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Police begin recruitment of 10,000 personnel

A statement by the commissionâ€s Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, on Friday in Abuja, said the exercise was free of charge.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it has begun the process of recruitment of 10,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force.

A statement by the commissionâ€s Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, on Friday in Abuja, said the exercise was free of charge.

Ani warned interested candidates against paying any money to apply and not to return the completed forms to anybody who might in the process demand for processing fees.

He added that applications from interested candidates would be received online through the commissionâ€s portal, http://bit.ly/2QuVWtV.

The spokesman said application would close on Jan.11 2019, adding that applicants who must have passion for a career in the force must be Nigerian citizens.

The head of press and public relations said applicants should be not less than 18 or more than 25 years.

“Candidates must have an 0†level certificate or its equivalent with at least five credit level passes including Mathematics and English Language obtained in not more than two sittings.

“Candidates must also be of good character and must not have been convicted of any criminal offence,� he stated.

Ani said that the commission would deal ruthlessly with anybody no matter how highly placed who tried to circumvent this process or engaged in fraudulent activities.

“Specifically staff of the commission or police officers caught demanding or collecting money to assist candidates in this exercise will not go unpunished,� he warned.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently gave approval for the recruitment of police constables into the Nigeria Police Force to address manpower shortage in the force.

Police begin recruitment of 10,000 personnel

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Barcelona send Umtiti to Qatar for treatment on knee injury

The centre-back will follow a “conservative” plan to help solve the knee problem that has limited him to just eight appearances this season

Barcelona send Umtiti to Qatar for treatment on knee injury

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2019: 73 Political Parties Field Candidates For Presidential Election – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that a total of 73 political parties fielded nominations for 2019 presidential election, at the end of deadline for withdrawal and substitution of candidates for the election.

The National Chairman of INEC,  Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of a two-day capacity building workshop  for journalists on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the commission had earlier announced receipt of 79 candidates as at the close of submission of nomination forms in October.

Yakubu said:�at the end of the period for the substitution and withdrawal of candidates for the Presidential election, a total of 73 political parties have now fileded their nominations.

“Even so, a few parties have nominated candidates below the mandatory age of 35 years as Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates.

“We have drawn the attention of the parties concerned to the breach of the constitutional requirement ahead of the publication of the full list of presidential and vice presidential candidates for the 2019 General Elections.

“For National Assembly elections, a total of 1,848 candidates (1,615 males and 233 females) are vying for 109 Senatorial seats, while 4,635 candidates (4,066 males and 569 females) are competing for the 360 seats in the House of Representatives,� he said.

The chairman also said that the full list of candidates and their political parties would be published for public information in line with the commissionâ€s timetable and schedule of activities.

“As for State elections, a total of 1,068 candidates made up of 980 males and 88 females are contesting for 29 Governorship positions with 805 males and 263 females as deputy governorship candidates.

“The commission is working on the list of candidates nominated by political parties for the 991 State Assembly constituencies as well as the 68 Area Council Chairmen and Councillors for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He expressed concern about what he described as “acrimonious party primariesâ€�, saying that  internal party democracy was still a source of concern to the nationâ€s electoral process.

Yakubu said that so far, INEC had been joined in 396 pending actions in various courts across the country arising from the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates by political parties.

“We have similarly received 302 requests for Certified True Copies (CTC) of documents, mainly our monitoring reports of party primaries and copies of personal particulars of candidates. These requests are obviously a prelude to more court actions.

“In addition, we have also received 52 petitions and protests from aggrieved party aspirants. The implication of these challenges is that as we prepare for the General Elections, we are also going to grapple with pre-election litigations.

“Parties that fail to respect the democratic process in selecting candidates during primary elections lose the moral right to complain about secondary elections,� he said.

He reassured Nigerians that INEC was ready and committed to free, fair and credible elections, adding that the commission would continue to maintain its neutrality as the umpire, registrar and regulator of political parties.

The chairman, then, disclosed that the commission had successfully implemented seven out of 17 activities toward the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

The Project Coordinator,  European Centre For Election Support (ECES) , Nigeria,  Mr Rudolf Elbling,  said that in view of INECâ€s commitment to conduct free and fair elections in 2019, it became Imperative to engage the media on emerging electoral Issues.

Elbling said that the workshop was  one in several other activities ECES had supported the INEC to organise in the lead up to the general elections in 2019.

“ECES has supported a review of the INEC Communication policy, several voter education outreaches and Electoral Operations departments through the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC), an election management tool which is currently ongoing.

“These include several workshops to enhance the capacity of the INEC legal, Election and Party Monitoring, Election Alternative Dispute Resolution and Voter Education and Publicity departments among other initiatives of the Commission,� he said.

Speaking on the aims and objectives of the workshop,  the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman,  Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, said that it was aimed at deepening journalists†understanding of INECâ€s vision, mission and actions.

 

Oyekanmi said the event was also to enhance their  understanding on the commissionâ€s processes and procedures with the aim of improving their ability to report on these aspects more accurately.

 

“It also aimed at providing the participants with the opportunity to seek clarification on all issues connected to the electoral system and conduct of elections.

“The depth, quality and accuracy of their reportage of INEC activities will largely depend on the quantum of information at their disposal on one hand, and how knowledgeable they are about the organisations†processes and procedures on the other,� he said.

He enjoined all participants to take full advantage of the opportunity by attending and actively participating in all sessions.

The Chairman of INEC Press Corps,  Mr Oke Nnabuchi, said members of the group were commitment to supporting the commission to conduct credible elections through credible and professional reportage of electoral activities.(

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2019: 73 Political Parties Field Candidates For Presidential Election – INEC

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Hockey World Cup 2018: England draw 2-2 with China in their opening game

England are held to a 2-2 draw by China in their opening World Cup match, while holders Australia beat Ireland 2-1.
Hockey World Cup 2018: England draw 2-2 with China in their opening game

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Presidency says military will never get enough funding

The president's media aide said the military has to compete for funding with other problems facing the nation.

The presidency has revealed that even though President Muhammadu Buhari is doing his best to provide for the Nigerian military, there will never be enough funding as troops continue to deal with the resurgence of terrorist group, Boko Haram, in the northeast.

While speaking during an interview on Arise News Television on Friday, November 30, 2018, President Buhari's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the military has to compete for funding with other problems facing the nation.

Despite the challenge, he said President Buhari's administration has funded the military's operations more than any other leader in Nigeria's democratic history.

He said, "I make this statement, on my honour, to the best of my knowledge, that there's not been one administration under this constitution that has funded the military as much as President Muhammadu Buhari has done.

"They will never get enough because the Nigerian military will have to go into the budget process. They'll go before the National Assembly and have to compete for money  with the unemployment, education, health and all of that.

"They cannot have everything, but the beauty of the Commander-in-Chief is to ensure that they have as much as they need in order to confront the situation.

"When there are new challenges, then you have to come together and rise to the challenge ."

Shehu's comment is similar to that of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, who recently said no Army in the world can possibly have enough equipment to conduct its operations.

He said, "I must also add that no Army can ever have enough equipment to conduct its operations; hence, it is incumbent on all commanders and senior leaders of the Nigerian Army to recognise that we're involved in asymmetry warfare which calls for dynamism and flexibility if we're to succeed with minimal casualties."

Their statements come nearly two weeks after terrorists belonging to Boko Haram faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), overran the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele village in Guzamala local government area of Borno State during an attack on November 18.

Even though many reports indicated that over 100 soldiers were killed in the attack with many others missing, the Army disclosed in a statement on Wednesday, November 28, that 23 soldiers were killed with 31 others injured.

The statement also revealed that terrorists staged a series of attacks on Nigerian troops between November 2 and November 17. The attacks took place in Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram, all in Borno, but were 'successfully repelled' by troops who killed 'several members' of the terrorist group. However, 16 soldiers were killed in the attacks while 12 were injured.

The Army also noted that despite systematically degrading Boko Haram in the past three years, the terrorists are staging a resurgence with daring moves that include the increased use of drones against troops' defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks.

In the wake of the Metele attack, several soldiers complained about the lack of proper equipment to fight the terrorists who have made several attempts to overrun army bases.

The attack has also fueled speculations about the nation's defence spending as the opposition accused the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, of diverting the funds meant to arm the military to President Buhari's re-election campaign.

Eliminate Boko Haram 'from face of the earth'

 

President Buhari was in Maiduguri, Borno on Wednesday to declare open the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference as the guest of honour.

While delivering his speech, the president charged the military's leadership to ensure that their plans and programmes meet the nation's security challenges. He also urged the Army to remain committed to defeating Boko Haram.

"I want to encourage our troops not to be distracted by whatever speculations but remain focused and committed to the task of eliminating Boko Haram from the face of the earth," he said.

He said security remains one of the cardinal objectives of his administration and promised that no effort will be spared to support troops, including reviewing their welfare package.

"I want to assure you that, as your commander in chief, I will do everything within my powers to continue empowering you by providing all the necessary equipment for you to prevail on the field.

"I also want you to be aware that I'm currently looking into measures to improve your entitlements and welfare generally," he said.

Presidency says military will never get enough funding

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FG programmes aimed at solving problems of poor–Osinbajo

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo , says the Federal Governmentâ€s Social Investment Programmes(SIPs) are designed to provide solutions to the problems of poor Nigerians.

Continue reading FG programmes aimed at solving problems of poor–Osinbajo at Vanguard News Nigeria.

FG programmes aimed at solving problems of poor–Osinbajo

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Manchester United's #ILOVEUNITED event comes to Chennai

Club Ambassador Dwight Yorke and legend Wes Brown will attend the screening of the match against Liverpool…

Manchester United's #ILOVEUNITED event comes to Chennai

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