IPMAN lauds Appeal Court judgement on leadership tussle

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has lauded the recent judgement of an Appeal Court judgment in Abuja which declared Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo as the National President.

According to a statement issued by the association’s National Secretary, Alhaji Danladi Passali, after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Wednesday, in Abuja, the new development would address the issues of misconduct and mismanagement which they said is currently rocking the association.

The statement reaffirmed that Okoronkwo remains the substantive national president of IPMAN based on the Appeal Court judgment No. CA/A/397/2014.

“The Court of Appeal in Abuja re-affirmed the High court judgment suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1479/2016 delivered on 28^thday of May 2014 which upheld the election of IPMAN National Executive committee of 10^th May 2014.

“The interest of all members of the association will be a top priority of the President. The judgment once again confirmed Okoronkwo as substantive National President of IPMAN. Now that the leadership tussle is settled, this will enable us to maintain the serenity we normally enjoyed in the distribution and dispensing of petroleum products to Nigerians in all nooks and crannies of the country,” it stated.

Furthermore, it stated that the NEC had reached an agreement with Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) for synergy in ensuring product availability in the country since DAPPMA has an advantage in storage capacity.

“IPMAN which controls 80 per cent outlets has an advantage in distribution and dispensing in both urban and hinterland in the country,” it stated.

The statement, however, confirmed the National Executive Council members to include: Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, National President; Alhaji Abubakar Maigani Shettima, Vice-President; Aihaji Danladi Passali, National Secretary; Bola Adeleke, National Treasurer; Chief Leo Nkameme, National Organisational Secretary; Alhaji Yakubu Ali Dimka National Auditor; Chief J.D. Ubani (JP) National Financial Secretary;  Dr  Hammed Adekunle Fashil, Assistant National Secretary; Alhaji Umar Baba Kano; National Legal Adviser; Chief Ezekwesili Maduagwuna Chief Whip and Alhaji Yakubu Suleman, National Publicity Relations Officer (PRO).

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IPMAN lauds Appeal Court judgement on leadership tussle

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Boko Haram: State of the Counter–Insurgency Operations

IN the past couple of weeks so much has been said and reported, particularly in the new media about the so called resurgence of Boko Haram and the progress or lack of progress in the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to deal with the crisis. A few of the reports and commentaries have recognized the nuances and ramifications of the insurgency and counter – insurgency, and have therefore offered holistic and balanced assessment of the situation. Others, unfortunately, have rendered largely sensationalized reports and simplistic commentaries on the crisis. These have seriously confused the situation and added little value to efforts at understanding the dimensions of the crisis or resolving it. However, the end of the 7th year of the Boko Haram Insurgency provides an opportunity to assess what has been achieved in the counter – insurgency efforts in the general sense, and the military line of operation in particular.

Background

Before examining the efforts of the military in the North East, it is relevant to facilitate a deeper understanding of the Boko Haram phenomenon. At its outbreak, Boko Haram Insurgency represented what Combs describes as  “a synthesis of war and theatre, a dramatization of the most proscribed kind of violence – that which is perpetrated on innocent victims – played before an audience in the hope of creating a mood of fear, for political purposes’’. Also, apart from being religious fundamentalists, Boko Haram is a terrorist social movement. Like all social movements, it represents groups that are on the margins of society and state, and outside the boundaries of institutional power, Boko Haram seeks to change the system in fundamental ways, through a mix of incendiary rhetorics, unbridled criminality and unmitigated terror. The strategic end state of the insurgency is the establishment of an Islamic State in the Sahel covering parts of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, in the likeness of what ISIS envisioned for Iraq and Syria. Without doubt, 2011 – 2014 was Boko Haram’s most active and successful years. During this period, the public lost confidence in the ability of the military to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Media editorials and commentaries in both traditional and new media clearly indicated flow of public opinion. At a point, the 3 North Eastern States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe were placed under a state of emergency. Some commentators even called for the removal of Service Chiefs. However, this order of events was not entirely strange.  Extant literature on the life cycle of terrorist organizations suggests that terrorist groups are most violent at the initial stages of their campaign. In this regard, Peter Phillips argues that “at the centre of the life cycle sits the grassroots support for the terrorist organisation. Competition for grassroots support shapes the timing and intensity of the terrorists’ competition with the government. The grassroots support that is captured during the early stages of conflict will eventually shape the life cycle of the terrorist organisation”. Therefore, the behavior of Boko Haram leadership could be rationalized within this premise.
The emergence of a new government and leadership in the Nigerian Army in 2015 resulted in a new operational framework and design for the North East. The restructuring directed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai brought about the creation of the Theatre Command and 8 Task Division, as well as Logistics and Forward Operational Bases. Additionally, the concept of Mobile Strike Teams enhanced troop’s capacity to undertake fast strike operations to suppress Boko Haram Terrorists. These efforts have given traction to full spectrum and logistics supported kinetic operations across the North East Theatre. Similarly, reorganizations carried out by the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force helped to shape the battle space for effective joint operations. For instance, the Nigerian Navy established a Forward Operational Base in Fish Dam, Baga, while the Nigerian Air Force upgraded its formation in Maiduguri to the status of a division and established a Forward Operational Base in Munguno, among others.

Evaluation of Counter-Insurgency Operations

Earlier efforts to analyse Boko Haram insurgency have been hampered by fixation on assessment metrics developed for conventional wars. These formulae are largely irrelevant to the situation at hand and accounts for the inaccurate and misleading conclusions regarding what has been noted as “ancient but new” type of warfare in the North East. Therefore, in seeking to put forward a realistic assessment of Boko Haram Counter – Insurgency Operations, it is essential to reference the pioneering work of S Bjelajac developed during the Vietnam War, as the United States Department of Defence embarked on the measurement of its success or failure in the conflict. Though developed decades ago, the determinants remain valid and applicable to similar insurgencies, such as the Boko Haram Insurgency. Some of the factors include the following:

Military/Paramilitary operations and activities 

The latitude which a nation’s security forces enjoy in the conduct of military operations, Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) and civic duties within a contested territory (the 3 States of the North East is considered contested following Boko Haram’s declaration of a Caliphate) is a huge indicator of its firm standing during a counter–insurgency war. From a position where in 2015 troops were barely able to hold positions in Damaturu, Maiduguri and Yola, to a situation where troops currently hold and conduct offensive operations in border towns like; Mallam Fatori, Damasak, Baga, Bama, Gwoza, Chikun Gudu, among others, clearly shows that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have made considerable gains in its counter – insurgency operations against Boko Haram. It is also important to note that paramilitary organistions are also re-establishing their presence in these localities. The clear conclusion therefore is that Boko Haram and its ideology are in recession.

Control of intelligence

The Chinese military Strategist and Philosopher Sun Tsu noted, “If you know your enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles”. This assertion highlights the primacy of intelligence in military operations, particularly counter – Insurgency. Consequently, the pattern of the flow of intelligence is an excellent determinant of progress in insurgency or counter – insurgency. Probably, the most significant general indicator of progress has to do with the source of intelligence. If the bulk of government intelligence is acquired as a result of volunteered support from the civilian population, it indicates strong support for the government and declining support for insurgents. The successes achieved by security forces in the North East, vis a vis the unrealised dream of an Islamic Caliphate are indicative of the direction of the pendulum. It is important to note that the critical issue is not the validity of the intelligence, but the voluntariness of the members of the public in providing information.

Public opinion

The main objective in an insurgency or counter–insurgency war is legitimacy and allegiance of the people. Popularity and support, and not geographical areas under control are the ultimate measures of success. As it stands, public opinion, both local and international are overwhelmingly in favour of government. This again shows Boko Haram in serious deficit. Inspite of healthy indicators and the general direction of the Counter – Insurgency Operations, skepticism abound. Analysts and commentators have pointed to the “slow pace” of execution of victim support programmes and reconstruction of the war ravaged communities in the North East as evidence of the lack of progress. It is therefore suggested that authorities at the relevant strata of government could look into these observations to leverage community participation in the continuing reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

Political control
The exercise of political authority and control in a contested area is also a key determinant of who has won the war, the insurgent (Boko Haram) or counter – insurgent (Government). Across the 3 States of the North East where Boko Haram had declared its caliphate, there is none where the terrorist group has political control or administrative machinery in place. Currently, the legitimate authorities in the 3 States determine and make political decisions across the strata of political authority. From all observable criteria, Boko Haram has no political influence whatsoever.

Control of legal system
Certain legal indicators also point to who is in charge and in control in contested areas. For instances, it would be relevant to ponder on the following issues; How effective is government detection and prosecution of crime in the North East? Are laws being enforced? Is law enforcement being supported by the civil population? Is Boko Haram successful in their efforts to impose their own shadow laws on the population? The answers to these questions and their implications for the North East are obvious and do not call for any debate.

Control of transportation and communication

Another critical factor in determining which side has clearly established and imposed its authority is control of transportation and communication. For instance, the degree to which government feels free to transport its goods and services in unarmed or less armed convoys is a clear indication of firm government control. Also, the degree to which government has possession or guarantees the operability of telecommunication infrastructure is an indicator of its strength. In this regard, it is relevant to note that major arterial road networks within the North East which were hitherto closed for safety reasons have reopened and are currently being used daily. The fact that occasional attacks have been reported on some routes cannot invalidate the fact that other routes still remain safe. Also, communication has been restored to most areas within the states.

Terrorism and sabotage
Contrary to the widely held belief, acts of terrorism such as the suicide bombings being experienced in the outskirts of Maiduguri of late do not represent an escalation, but a sign of weakness on the part of Boko Haram. At this stage in Boko Haram’s Insurgency, such actions serve primarily to compensate (psychologically) their sponsors and sympathizers within the population for the failures and lack of progress in other areas. Therefore, the recent resort to suicide bombings is basically an indication of Boko Haram’s frustration, declining influence and loss of confidence in its ability to achieve its strategic objective.

Conclusion 

On the whole, Insurgency and Counter – Insurgency Operations are complex conflict situations. Deliberate and painstaking efforts are therefore required, if one must observe the nuances, subtle and swift changes that occur in such conflict environments.  Drawing from the foregoing, the national strategic narrative that Boko Haram terrorists have indeed been defeated is unimpeachable. It is established. The factors discussed above are very clear indicators. However, the successes achieved by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the North East and their multiplier effects in other sectors do not summarily mean the end of Boko Haram Insurgency. It should be understood that the issue is also ideological. Therefore, credible threats still abound. Consequently, there are still imperatives for continuous investment in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly in the areas of Training, Intelligence gathering, Aerial surveillance systems and Platforms. The time to do this is now. As we say in the military; a soldier who sweats in peace time, bleeds less in time of war.

Colonel Timothy Antigha is the Deputy Director Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army

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Boko Haram: State of the Counter–Insurgency Operations

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'Mavropanos is Greece's next big defender – and deal is Neymar-esque for PAS Giannina'

The 20-year-old looks set to join Arsenal and Goal caught up with a journalist who has seen him play regularly in the Greek Super League

'Mavropanos is Greece's next big defender – and deal is Neymar-esque for PAS Giannina'

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Bayern down to bare bones after Ulreich training injury

The goalkeeper injured his finger in a training session, and joins Manuel Neuer on the sidelines in Bavaria

Bayern down to bare bones after Ulreich training injury

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Man ties, beats father, gets N100, 000 bail

A 27-year-old son, Innocent Pitman, who is standing trial for allegedly tying and beating up his father, was on Wednesday granted a reprieve on the orders of a Grade 1 Area Court in Karu, Abuja.

He was released on bail in the sum of N100, 000 for allegedly beating his father, Isaac Pitman.

Innocent is facing a two-count charge of joint act and assault which contravened Sections 79 and 265 of the Penal code.

The accused has also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The judge, Mr Aliyu Kagarko, who gave the ruling, also granted a surety in like sum.

He said the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and must also submit his driving licence or national identity card as well as passport-size photographs.

Earlier, Prosecutor Mahmud Ismail ’la told the court that the father of the accused reported him at Jikwoyi Police Station on Dec. 24.

He said Pitman reported that the accused and his brother, Humprey Pitman, who is still at large, jointly assaulted him.

“The two sons of the complainant tied him and beat him so much that he was pleading with them not to harm him.

“They beat him up because he warned them to stop disturbing the peace of neighbourhood with their criminal acts and thereafter, the second son ran away,”  Ismail said.

The case was adjourned until Jan. 29  for hearing.

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Man ties, beats father, gets N100, 000 bail

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Unity School in A-Ibom rebuffs PTA chairman over misconduct

By Dennis Udoma

UYO – Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA) of the Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State has decried the conduct of its Chairman, Mr Imo Abam in the management of the association’s affairs in the institution saying, his leadership style is a threat to the survival of the college.

Mr Abam, is accused of writing frivolous petitions and blackmailing the school management to the federal ministry of education, when his method of administration of the body is rebuffed by the parents and teachers.

Some of the parents, Mr Franklyn Bassey and Mr T. Asangaeneng said on Wednesday in Uyo that, the PTA Chairman’s attitude towards others in recent times was becoming worrisome, and wondered why Mr Abam is resorting to pulling others down.

According to them, ‘‘the PTA Chairman has so many things that he has not done well, perhaps, that is why he is resorting to blackmail.

‘‘It is on record that, on assumption of office as the school’s PTA Chairman, Mr Imo Abam unilaterally picked up a loan of N3M from the PTA’s account, and no record has shown that he has paid back the money. It is suspected that such may have prompted him to indulge in blackmail’’.

It was not clear, if the altercation with his members over a petition against the Principal, Mr Festus Dappa is in connection with the contract awarded for the construction of a 12 Km perimeter fence in the school by the education ministry as the Principal, described the alleged petition as baseless.

Attempt to speak with the PTA Chairman, Mr Imo Abam at press time was futile as he could not be reached.

Meanwhile, the management staff and PTA members have commended the Principal of the college, Mr Festus Dappa for maintaining discipline saying, they were comfortable with the way he managed the institution.

This according to them, has brought about the feat the college recorded in the just concluded all Federal Government Colleges games in Jos, Plateau State by emerging second in the competition established 45 years ago,

Others are; marked improvement in school discipline, good foods served on the students and improvement on the image of the institution.

‘‘The new Principal, Mr Festus Dappa who has not yet spent up to one full academic session in the college, has initiated commendable measures to ensure that, our children and Wards maximally achieve their aim of quality education through the introduction of ‘Sit – and – Read’ every Saturday from 11: 00 AM – 2: 00 PM and the ‘Morning Shower’ lessons from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM have greatly helped our children/wards to improve in their academics’’.

They urged that, the Principal should be allowed to discharge his duties without distraction by self-seeking individuals, whose aim is to make money by all means.

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Unity School in A-Ibom rebuffs PTA chairman over misconduct

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Relationship Wednesday: Should I tell my partner when I'm attracted to someone else?

Would I be overdoing this communication thing?

Being attracted to other people while you are in a relationship is a pretty natural, common occurrence.

As I wrote in a previous article, even marriage won’t stop you from crushing on other people.

There’ll be people you’ll see that’ll make you wonder what could have been if you were not already in a relationship with someone else.

The situation is more complicated if it’s not just some random TV face you’re crushing on.

When it’s a man or woman in your neighbourhood, in your church, at work or any other place where you could easily nurture and act on the feeling, the effort required to steer clear of the temptation can really be crazy.

Staying faithful in those situations can be daunting; those are the situations where your resolve to stay loyal will be most tested.

And this is where communication, or rather lack of it comes in. It’s been established that communication between partners is non-negotiable if that relationship is to ever thrive.

It is always advised that partners discuss everything with each other – their problems, weaknesses, secrets and more.

But how sensible is it to disclose this struggle to one’s partner? Will it be too much information?

Will it cause a rift in the relationship or make it easy to overcome the temptation, instead?

ALSO READ: 20 babes tell us qualities of the perfect guy to marry

“A married man was once crushing on me in Church and kept fighting the temptation,” says Teju, a 27-year-old employee in Lagos.

“Apparently, it was so difficult for him because he had to see and talk to me during every service as he was the [head of my department].”

“Seeing how hard it was to stay true to his marital vows, this man went ahead and confessed to his wife that he’d been having a crush to me and he’d been struggling with the temptation.”

“I know this because he told me about all this later and how he thought telling his wife was going to help him get over the crush.

“I don’t know what his wife said or how she reacted, he refused to tell me that part.”

 “What I know, though, is that the wife changed towards me immediately after that. She became rude and disrespectful and all that.” she adds.

And, right there, is the problem with disclosing this kind of sensitive and ambiguous information with one’s spouse.

Revealing this to your partner is to leave the situation and your subsequent relations with that person open to an interpretation at their discretion.

Instead of understanding, it could plant seeds of doubt and suspicion in your partner’s mind and make things really awkward for you both.

Of course, there can be sure answer to whether or not you should communicate this.

Each relationship and the partners in it should just know each other and act and share things with each other accordingly.

What should be borne in mind at all times is that although communication in a relationship is paramount, there remains some things that are better left unsaid and secrets that are best locked away forever –  away from even your partner.

What’s your take on this issue? Should you tell your partner something like this or just find a way to ride the wave yourself?

Relationship Wednesday: Should I tell my partner when I'm attracted to someone else?

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Kwara police arrest 32 suspects connected to New Year's attack on worshippers in Ilorin

Kwara police arrest 32 suspects connected to New Year’s attack on worshippers in Ilorin  TheNewsGuru Attack: Ahmed expresses commitment to peace  SundiataPost (press release) (blog) Police arrest 22 suspects over Kwara Yuletide violence  New Telegraph Newspaper Full coverage

Kwara police arrest 32 suspects connected to New Year's attack on worshippers in Ilorin

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VIDEO: Leader Of The Deadly Nigerian Cult Group, Badoo Finally Arrested

The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday made a major breakthrough in the fight against the menace of Badoo cult with the arrest of the group’s ritualist, Fatai Adebayo alias Alese.

The notorious activities of the dreaded cult group prevalent in Ikorodu and Epe axis of the state had sent many of the victims to their early graves with cruel killings through the smashing of mortar and pestle on victims’ heads.

Read more at Police Arrest Badoo Cult Chief Ritualist

The post VIDEO: Leader Of The Deadly Nigerian Cult Group, Badoo Finally Arrested appeared first on Independent Nigeria.

VIDEO: Leader Of The Deadly Nigerian Cult Group, Badoo Finally Arrested

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PDP as “a dead party, not capable of capturing Lagos in 2019 – APC

PDP as “a dead party, not capable of capturing Lagos in 2019 – APC  Vanguard Why Katsina indigenes are poor under Gov. Masari – PDP  Daily Post Nigeria PDP now an attack dog, says APC vice-chair  The Punch Full coverage

PDP as “a dead party, not capable of capturing Lagos in 2019 – APC

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Amaechi promoted insecurity in Rivers State -Engr Woke

Silva's Manchester City absence due to premature birth of baby son

The midfielder returned to a hero’s welcome against Watford, and has now revealed the reason for his absence

Silva's Manchester City absence due to premature birth of baby son

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Manchester City January transfer news LIVE: Arsenal set Alexis price

Goal brings you all the latest news, rumours and deals related to the Citizens as the January transfer window heats up

Manchester City January transfer news LIVE: Arsenal set Alexis price

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IYC warns Garba Shehu not to cause another ethnic war btw Ijaw, Itsekiri

The Ijaw National Youth Congress (IYC) has warned presidential aide, Garba Shehu, not to reignite another intercommunal war between Ijaw and Itsekiri of Delta State through his unfactual and unguided utterances about their population on a television station.

IYC, in a statement, signed by IYC President, Worldwide, Pereotubo Oweilaemi, carpeted Garba for giving wrong facts on the population of Ijaw and Itsekiri in the state.

Garba had stated on a live television on December 31 that the Itsekiri boasted of more population than the Ijaws, a submission the IYC debunked as untrue and provocatively capable of causing another acrimony.

“The attention of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has been drawn to a rather annoying and provocative umbrage by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu.

“The said media aide to the President who was featured in Channels TV today on December 31, 2017, has erroneously said without any basis or foundation that the Itsekiri ethnic group is bigger than the Ijaw ethnic group in Delta State.

“While it is not our concern to probe what informed Garba’s argument, our concern is the baseless misrepresentation of facts ostensibly to incite the Ijaws against our Itsekiri brothers.

“There is no iota of truth whatsoever in Shehu’s wrong placement of facts and figures in the Delta State population.

“As a public figure, he should be guided by the available and undisputed official datas within his domain other than to talk like a novice in government.

“Going by either the 2006 census figures or the available voting datas, the Ijaw ethnic group is the second largest ethnic group in Delta State.

“The Ijaw nation as the 4th largest ethnic group in Nigeria has a population of 14 million people which constitutes 10 per cent of the Nigerian population.

“The Ijaws are even more populous than the Fulani ethnic group who constitutes nine per cent of the country’s population.

“In Delta State, the Ijaws have three homogeneous local government areas that are densily populated, while they are in majority in two other local government areas they shared with the Itsekiri ethnic group.

“The Ijaws are in six local government areas, while the Itsekiris are just in three local government areas, which they shared two with Ijaw people and the other one with Urhobo and Ijaw.

“How on earth do people who are just in three local government areas and who do not have any single homogeneous local government area become more populated than people who are in six local government areas with three homogeneous local government areas?

“Garba Shehu should know that it was this same callous and incisive decision of the Abacha Government that caused the bloody Warri crisis.

“His statement on the Channels TV about the Ijaw and Itsekiri population has a dangerous implication to the relative peace we are enjoying.

“Such unguided utterances by a public figure like Garba Shehu may spark off another ethnic crisis in the Niger Delta,” the statement read in part.

For the sake of peace in the region, the IYC called on Mr Garba to retract his statement about the Ijaw and Itsekiri population in Delta State with immediate effect.

If he wants to learn, the group warned him not to use Delta State or any part of the Niger Delta region for his internship course, adding that he should steer clear of Delta State for the sake the existing peaceful coexistence.

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IYC warns Garba Shehu not to cause another ethnic war btw Ijaw, Itsekiri

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Teenage suicide bomber kills father, 4 others in Borno mosque

Teenage suicide bomber kills father, 4 others in Borno mosque  Daily Post Nigeria Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram barter to survive  Aljazeera.com Suicide bomber hits mosque, ‘kills 11’  TheCable Withdrawal of $1bn, abuse of ECA  The Punch Full coverage

Teenage suicide bomber kills father, 4 others in Borno mosque

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Politics: Here are all the sexist tweets Toby Young has just deleted

The free school pioneer was appointed to the board of a newly-created universities regulator last week.

LONDON — The UK government's decision to appoint Tony Young to the board of a new universities regulator has been met by a backlash due to things the journalist and free school pioneer has tweeted in the past.

Theresa May's government announced last week that Young will sit on the board of the newly-established Office for Students.

However, Labour has urged Prime Minister May to reverse the appointment, citing a series of tweets Young has now deleted which have been described as sexist, homophobic and insulting to a number of groups.

For example, Young once said that working-class students at Oxford were "universally unattractive" and "small, vaguely deformed undergraduates." He also said described wheelchair ramps being installed in schools as a symptom of "ghastly inclusivity."

He described a gay celebrity as looking "queer as a coot" and recalled visiting a bar containing "hardcore dykes."

He also made a series of apparently sexist remarks about women.

Young has denied holding any prejudices: "I’m neither misogynistic nor homophobic. I’m a strong supporter of both women’s rights and LGBT rights," he said.

He also posted a 40 tweet thread responding to the allegations.

Here are the tweets about women that Young has deleted:

Politics: Here are all the sexist tweets Toby Young has just deleted

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Pulse List: These 5 Nollywood movies will turn 10 years old in 2018

It seems like just yesterday everyone was raving about Funke Akindele's "Jenifa." Check out five Nollywood movies turning 10 this year.

2018 is here and as you may expect, Nollywood will serve us with its own offerings as it has done for many years before.

Some of those movies from way back have aged relatively well. In some way, it seems almost like yesterday that everyone was whispering slangs that Funke Akindele had made popular in the movie "Jenifa."

Just in case you were starting to feel immortal, here are five Nigerian movies that will turn 10 years old at some point during 2018.

1. "Beautiful Soul"

Released in the latter half of 2008, the movie is a story of death, loss and finding life in other people.

It featured Genevieve Nnaji in the lead role as a sickle cell patient who gives up her life in search of meaning. After being forsaken by her lover and moving to a distant settlement, she finds a connection as a governess for a young girl, Barbie who is in need of a carer.

The movie suffered some technical difficulties, such as a recurring pink dot on the face of the screen and bad editing. However, it was loved by fans, mostly for its simplistic storytelling and the themes of love, altruism and humanity.

ALSO READ: 13 YEARS AGO, 8 A-LIST NOLLYWOOD ACTORS WERE BANNED

2. "Jenifa"

 

It’s hard to imagine that Funke Akindele’s seminal classic, "Jenifa" was released in 2008. 10 years after its release, it’s not hard to draw up memories of the title character destroying English words to heavy laughter.

The movie is based on the story of a young woman, Jenifa, who gains admission into the university and spends her time making humorous attempts at avoiding social stigma and playing among the big girls.

It’s safe to say Jenifa was the movie that cemented Funke Akindele’s already strong record. Decades from now, we’re sure it will still be fondly remembered.

ALSO READ: FUNKE AKINDELE IS AN UNRIVALLED A-LIST NOLLYWOOD STAR

3. "Arugba"

 

Over the years, director Tunde Kelani and his Mainframe Productions have created a reputation using local settings to tell very relatable stories.

After a brief hiatus, Kelani returned with "Arugba," a true masterpiece. Set in a small town, the movie follows Adetutu, a young maiden who grapples with many personal and societal pressures.

As the virgin in her town’s annual festival, she also tries to manage her studies at the university. Her relationship with a gifted artist, Muyiwa also threatens her place in an all-female band.

ALSO READ: 5 NOLLYWOOD ACTORS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2018

4. "Through The Glass"

"Through the Glass" is an American-Nigerian comedy film, written, directed and produced by Stephanie Linus.

The film tells the story of Jeffrey (Garrett McKechnie), who finds himself stuck with an unknown baby.

He then ask his Nigerian neighbour (Linus) for help, as he has to find the mother of the child before his life is completely ruined.

The film was nominated for Best Screenplay at the 5th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2009.

ALSO READ: 5 MOST EMBARRASSING NOLLYWOOD MOVIE TITLES EVER

5. "Beyonce and Rihanna"

Inspired by the lives of Jay Z, Rihanna and Beyonce, "Beyonce and Rihanna" featured Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Nadia Buari and Jim Iyke as leads.

The movie follows two college rivals who go head to head in a Statewide competition to crown the next big recording artiste. With Nadia Buari (Bernice) as Beyonce and Omotola Jalaeide Ekehinde (Rhyme) as Rihanna.

The stakes are set higher as they mimic the supposed rivalry between America's Beyonce and Rihanna, with Jim Iyke as Jay Z.

"Beyonce and Rihanna" remains one of the most embarrassing Nollywood movies ever.

Pulse List: These 5 Nollywood movies will turn 10 years old in 2018

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Arsenal vs Chelsea: TV channel, stream, kick-off time, odds & match preview

Arsene Wenger’s side are in need of a positive result as they attempt to claw their way back into the top four, but the Blues are in tremendous form

Arsenal vs Chelsea: TV channel, stream, kick-off time, odds & match preview

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Man Utd & Liverpool target Max keen on Premier League move

The Augsburg full-back would relish the chance to play in English football, but isn’t expect to move in the January transfer window

Man Utd & Liverpool target Max keen on Premier League move

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Will North Korea compete in Winter Olympics?

Will North Korea compete in Winter Olympics?  BBC News North Korea crisis latest: Donald Trump has no nuclear button despite claiming his was ‘bigger’ than Kim Jong-un’s  The Independent North Korea reopens cross-border hotline with South Korea  CBC.ca ANALYSIS: Kim Jong Un pitting South Korea against US by re-establishing talks  ABC News North Korea calls hotline to South Korea in diplomatic breakthrough  CNN Full coverage

Will North Korea compete in Winter Olympics?

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Dickson urges Bayelsa youths to shun cultism

Tech: Pro-diversity group Diversity VC is planning to expand to the US

The male-dominated venture capital industry is still reeling from multiple harassment scandals.

• A British campaign group set up by young venture capitalists to boost diverse representation in VC is expanding to the US.
• Diversity VC will be backed in the US by the new Female Founders Fund, VC firm Initiative Partners, Entrepreneur First, and law firm Cooley.
• 2017 was a shocking year for US venture capital, with high-profile figures such as Uber investor Shervin Pishevar, 500startups founder Dave McClure, Binary Capital cofounder Justin Caldbeck and many others accused of sexual harassment.

A British initiative set up to tackle venture capital's monoculture will launch in the US, where the industry is currently reeling from multiple sexual harassment scandals.

Diversity VC was set up by five young venture capitalists in March to highlight the fact that most British venture capital investors are middle-class white men, with a knock-on effect on which startups get funding. It released a landmark report in May showing that almost half of British VC firms had no women on their investment teams.

Diversity VC founder and investor Check Warner told Business Insider that the group had decided to expand to the US after multiple requests from venture capital associates.

"What's been lacking in conversations in the US is that basis in fact, [research into] why we have such a big problem," Warner said. "There wasn't anything comparable to what we had done.

"People got in touch to say 'It would be great to have something like this, a system and process to start uncovering this.'"

Warner and her cofounders set up Diversity VC only a few months before a wave of harassment scandals hit US venture firms. Six women accused Binary Capital cofounder Justin Caldbeck of inappropriate behaviour, resulting in his leave of absence from the firm. Subsequent scandals engulfed Uber investor Shervin Pishevar, 500 Startups founder Dave McClure, and Tesla investor Steve Jurvetson.

"It's been interesting to see these things come out," said Warner. "It's reflective of the culture not including people, and having this sense of entitlement. You don't have checks and balances on behaviour.

"The lack of female diversity around the table is a contributing factor to people getting away with what they got away with."

Like its UK counterpart, the US chapter of Diversity VC will promote greater diversity in venture capital through four initiatives, including helping underrepresented groups build a VC network, getting minority interns into VC firms, and publishing data about diverse representation.

The group has three main US backers to support its first international launch: Female Founders Fund, launched by Jesse Draper in July; Alibaba investor Insight Partners; and the US arm of startup factory Entrepreneur First. Law firm Cooley is giving financial backing.

Tech: Pro-diversity group Diversity VC is planning to expand to the US

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"The Wedding Party 2": How sequel is breaking box office records in London and Nigeria

According to the latest data released by the producers of "The Wedding Party 2," the film has grossed 312 million naira in just 18 days.

The successful, romantic comedy film "The Wedding Party 2" has since its December 15, 2017, release, soared in London and Nigeria, breaking records.

According to the latest data released by the producers, the Niyi Akinmolayan film has grossed 312 million naira in just 18 days.

Its success started with it racking in 20 million naira on its opening day, becoming the biggest opening day in Nollywood. The momentum continued into the week, as the film hauled 100 million naira in just five days.

ALSO READ: REVIEW OF THE WEDDING PARTY: DESTINATION DUBAI

Directed by Akinmolayan, "The Wedding Party 2" boasts a star-studded cast that includes Ricard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Enyinna Nwigwe, Adesua Etomi, Patience Ozokwor, Ireti Doyle, Banky W and Daniella Down.

The movie is also distributed by FilmOne Limited, the distribution company which owns Filmhouse cinema, and also doubles as one of the producers of the film.

"The Wedding Party 2" has enjoyed favourable marketing techniques and showing times in cinemas. For its pre-screening, free buses were provided for moviegoers from Ikeja to Filmhouse Surulere.

 

The success of the original movie which was directed by Kemi Adetiba plays a huge role in the sequel's record-breaking domestic and international success.

The original film opened to 36 million naira in 2016 and went on to pull in a total of 450 million naira, which remains the largest gross ever by a Nollywood film.

So far, the sequel has also gotten a boost from ticket sales. According to a moviegoer, most people had to buy the VIP tickets for 4000 naira after they couldn't get the regular tickets.

"We were told that the regular tickets were sold out. Most people who came all the way for "The Wedding Party 2" were "forced" to purchase the VIP tickets," she said.

In some other cinemas, the tickets were sold for 2000 and 2500 naira.

 

 

 

The movie also gets a big boost from foreign crowds. In August 2017, Group Executive Director/COO FilmOne, Moses Babatope, said they were working towards releasing the movie in 15 countries.

"The Wedding Party 2" is currently showing in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Togo, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Guinea, Liberia and UK.

In the UK, the movie reportedly pulled in £16, 000 (7.8 million) to become the biggest single-day opening for a Nollywood film in the UK cinemas.

It also hauled in £48, 000 (23.4 million) to become the biggest advanced screening box office for a Nollywood film in the UK. The previous record was held by Obi Emelonye's "The Mirror Boy," which grossed  £39, 000 in six weeks of cinema release.

ALSO READ: HAS 2017 BEEN A TERRIBLE YEAR FOR NOLLYWOOD MOVIES?

"The Wedding Party 2" has also enjoyed several private screenings. It also got a boost from the season, premiering during a festive period when most Nigerians were on break and, to an extent, had quite some time to spare.

With “The Wedding Party: Destination Dubai,” the “Wedding Party” films have now earned 765 million naira, making it the most successful franchise in Nollywood's history.

 

With the current success of the sequel, it's impossible to dismiss the possibility of a threequel.

"The Wedding Party 2" is currently showing in Nigerian cinemas.

"The Wedding Party 2": How sequel is breaking box office records in London and Nigeria

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Palestinians condemn Trump's threat to halt aid payments; mixed reaction in Israel

Palestinians condemn Trump’s threat to halt aid payments; mixed reaction in Israel  CNBC Palestinians say Jerusalem ‘not for sale’ after Trump aid threat  Vanguard ‘We will not be blackmailed’: Palestinians condemn Donald Trump tweet threatening to withdraw aid  ABC Online Why Trump’s funding threat to Palestinians is even more dangerous than Jerusalem move  The Guardian Palestinians outraged by Trump’s ‘blackmail’ to cut funding  The Globe and Mail Full coverage

Palestinians condemn Trump's threat to halt aid payments; mixed reaction in Israel

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Benue killing: APC reacts to attack, says it's an invitation to civil war

Benue killing: APC reacts to attack, says it’s an invitation to civil war  Daily Post Nigeria Police arrest suspected killer herders in Benue  Vanguard Benue killings: Police confirms arrest of 8 herders  Daily Trust Full coverage

Benue killing: APC reacts to attack, says it's an invitation to civil war

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Fresh FM: Radio station calls police a liar about not capturing man who killed its OAP

The radio station confirmed that a drunk driver held responsible for the death of OAP Olujobi has been captured.

In Oyo State, Nigeria, Fresh FM, a radio station based in the city of Ibadan, has rejected a report by Punch Newspaper about the police still embarking on a capture of a drunk driver who killed OAP Oluwafemi Oluwajobi.

The victim who was returning home after a shift was knocked down by a vehicle owned by a man known as Ahmed Muritala. One person had already been slain before he reached Olujobi.

 

Fresh FM, a broadcasting company owned by popular gospel artiste Yinka Ayefele, released a statement on its Facebook page in the light of this. It explained that the killer driver was captured and was taken into police custody on the evening of the accident.

 

In response to a statement in a Punch report quoting the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Adekunle Ajisebutu, Muritala was driving a Honda Element on the night of the drunk driving incident.

He reportedly hit a pole which destabilized him before knocking Olujobi.

The image of the Nigerian police?

The Nigerian Police Force which seems to be associated with an awful intimidation of civilians who they have swore to protect, have been getting intense criticism recently.

Some notable protests carried out in the cities of Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Warri and Abuja, carried the reflection of a Nigerian populace tired of the excesses of the NPF.

 

They have however been instances when the police have won the confidence of the people.

For example the recent display of the Lagos State Police who are now in the ascendancy in the battle against the Badoo cult group prominent for terrorizing many people in Ikorodu.

ALSO READ: 16 kidnappers who drink the blood of human beings captured in Niger

 

A special tactical team sponsored by the police has reportedly arrested the herbalist who prepares 'juju' for members of the gang. The raid saw the police destroy his shrine. This looks like a big win for the NPF who are often criticized for their inefficiency.

Perhaps more attention should be placed in the recruitment process of police officers.

Having them conduct in a bad way is a reason why so many Nigerians aren't in love with the police.

Fresh FM: Radio station calls police a liar about not capturing man who killed its OAP

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Pulse Opinion: The problem with Pastor Bakare's presidency declaration

Pastor Tunde Bakare has declared for president in God's name. What exactly does that even mean?

Déjà vu swept through me like the harmattan haze, as Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly declared he’d be running for president in “due course”.

His declaration arrived from the pulpit as Nigeria ushered in the New Year in typically hopeful fashion.

“I heard the lord say, politics is not over for you, run for president”, Bakare thundered, his cadence rising and falling with the chant from the congregation.

He continued; “And (the lord) said to me, I’ll work it out myself and make it happen in due course.

“Please trust me, I lie not in the Holy Ghost. This is not easy for me to share with you. I share this with you so that you can pray along with me.

“It appears destiny is calling and the time is at hand, but who is sufficient for these things? As I hear more, You’d be the first to know by the grace of God.

 

“Please pray for me like never before. I trust you will, because we are in this together. Amen and Amen.

“It doesn’t matter what anybody says. I never listen to men, I listen to God. I’m not looking for anything. He said I will make it happen in due course.

“When that due course and that due moment comes, I will let you know. He hasn’t given me exact time. He hasn’t said where and when, but this is what he said to me on the very last Saturday of the year”.

Okotie 2.0

Full disclosure before I proceed: I’m a fan of Pastor Bakare and subscribe to his values and his annual pronunciations on the state of the nation.

ALSO READ: 'I'm running for president,' Preacher declares (VIDEO)

I watched Bakare’s ‘Moment of Truth’ all my teenage life and well into adulthood.

Call me a Bakare groupie and you’d be damn right.

In 2003, I sat in the church pew of the Household of God in Oregun, Lagos, when another fire belching Man of God, Reverend Christopher Oghenebriore Okotie, declared he’d be running for president.

 

Okotie was my pastor at the time.

I did believe God was going to make Rev Kris Okotie president against all odds, because that was exactly what the good Rev told us. I was so sold on an Okotie presidency, I volunteered as one of his foot soldiers. Heck, my elder brother, Ken, volunteered as the candidate’s spokesperson.

One Saturday, as we huddled in church to formally kick off the ‘Okotie for president’ campaign, we were handed tapes containing our presidential candidate’s manifesto for Nigerians, in his own voice.

I recall trekking round Ojota to distribute mine; stopping to explain why Okotie was the change Nigeria had long been yearning for, to passersby and motorists.

“He’s the next president, believe it or not”, I would scream after my passionate appeal for votes. Before Obama's famed door-to-door ground game was Okotie's presidential campaign.

Broken hearts

Long story short, my candidate lost that election even though he told us in clear, crystal language that God had told him he was going to be president. Instead, Olusegun Obasanjo began his second term after winning the popular vote by a landslide.

It was so bad that those of us who were invested in the Okotie for president project, still believed that somehow, since God said so, Obasanjo will probably make way for our Okotie, midway into his presidency, after the courts may have found out that the PDP rigged the vote for him.

Fat chance.

That never happened.

 

In 2007, Okotie doubled down on his ‘God said I would be president’ message as we sang ‘Yonder Place’ in the pastor’s voice and recited the FRESH (Faith, Responsibility, Equality, Security, Hope) anthem every other day of our lives.

Okotie lost that election to Yar’adua and my poor heart never recovered.

Weeks later, I left Household of God to lick my wounds, because every Okotie election loss left me with stabs to the heart and psyche.

It still does.

Another one

By the time Okotie ran for president again in 2011, I was long gone from his church. Goodluck Jonathan was elected president that year instead.

As I watched Bakare say God had told him he was going to be president of Nigeria someday, the Okotie psychological trauma returned like a hurricane. Surely, if God says a thing, he would do it, yeah? Why then is Okotie still not president? Is Okotie going to be president someday still? Maybe he missed the date and year as God spoke?

 

I understand that Bakare is not Okotie. Bakare has been rolling with some of today’s political elite and was even running mate to the current president in 2011. Okotie on the other hand preferred to fight the establishment from the outside and was a political neophyte when he first declared for the presidency.

ALSO READ: Should the church be involved in politics?

While Bakare continues to engage the ruling class from the pulpit and off it, Okotie waits for election season, declares his presidential run, throws in the God card and disappears when he loses until, well, another election season.

However, the common denominator between Okotie and Bakare remains: “God said….God told me….God spoke…God..God…God".

Hearing from God

Is it possible for a member of the clergy to run for president without throwing God’s name into the mix? It’s a good thing that Bakare has given no time-frame for when God’s word would come to pass, but should he start setting out his presidential stall already without saying God asked him to?

 

A Bakare presidency would be sweet music to the ears, make no mistake. But he’s got several hurdles in his path. In any case, if God says a thing will happen, all hurdles suddenly become stepping stones.

No, I’m not skeptical about whether God did indeed speak to Bakare or whether Bakare heard God correctly. I’m just worried that Bakare could become another Okotie.

It’s a scenario my still fractured heart is not willing to take.

Pulse Opinion: The problem with Pastor Bakare's presidency declaration

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Police arrest wanted kidnapper, recover arms in Zamfara

Police arrest wanted kidnapper, recover arms in Zamfara  Daily Trust Full coverage

Police arrest wanted kidnapper, recover arms in Zamfara

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Alaka, suspected Badoo kingpin's filling station, hotel, event centre sealed

Alaka, suspected Badoo kingpin’s filling station, hotel, event centre sealed  Vanguard Lagos Govt Seals Properties Linked To Suspected Badoo Kingpin, Alaka  CHANNELS TELEVISION Police arrest suspected Badoo cult leader, herbalist in Ogun  The Punch Full coverage

Alaka, suspected Badoo kingpin's filling station, hotel, event centre sealed

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Aguero sets sights on Champions League glory over Premier League

Manchester City’s star striker insists that he would prefer to win Europe’s top prize, one he has never lifted

Aguero sets sights on Champions League glory over Premier League

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Carragher urges Liverpool to sell Coutinho to Barcelona but not until summer

The Brazil star has told the Reds he wants to leave in January, but the former defender insists they should keep him for a bit longer

Carragher urges Liverpool to sell Coutinho to Barcelona but not until summer

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In England you don’t protect players – Guardiola

BREAKING: 11 feared killed in mosque blast near Maiduguri

Reports reaching Maiduguri, Borno State Capital, indicate that eleven people may have been killed by suicide bombers in a mosque in Gamboru Ngala about a hundred and forty kilometres from the capital.

The victims reportedly died in the mosque while observing their morning prayers in the boundary town with Cameroon.

Sources told the Nigerian Tribune that the suicide bombers went in to pray with the residents.

Several others were reportedly wounded according to civilian JTF sources but details are still sketchy.

Communication with that part of Borno State has been difficult for some time due to the fact that telecom masts there were destroyed by insurgents several months ago, so most residents there use foreign networks to communicate with their loved ones in Maiduguri.

More details soon…

The post BREAKING: 11 feared killed in mosque blast near Maiduguri appeared first on Tribune.

BREAKING: 11 feared killed in mosque blast near Maiduguri

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Nigerian Army, Innoson Motors: Two bodies partner on military equipment

In line with the the partnership, the army would acquire 100 variant of utility vehicles from the company to support its operations, especially in the North-East.

The Nigerian Army and Innoson Motors, an indigenous vehicle manufacturing company, are to partner for the manufacturing of locally made military equipment and vehicles for the army.

In line with the the partnership, the army would acquire 100 variant of utility vehicles from the company to support its operations, especially in the North-East.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, announced this when the management of the company, led by its Managing Director, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, visited the army headquarters.

Buratai also said that the army would partner with the company in the modification and production of other military equipment, including armoured fighting vehicles.

He said so far, the army had already acquired 40 vehicles from the company after it donated three vehicles to the Theatre Command of the Operation Lafiya Dole.

Buratai said the the 40 vehicles were acquired after the donated vehicles were tested and found suitable for the North-East terrain.

He added that the vehicles were deployed in combat operations and “proved to be useful, comfortable and convenient for military operations.”

He, therefore, solicited the cooperation of the company in building the capacity of its personnel.

The army chief said this was necessary now that the army was assessing its special vehicle plant and central workshop located in Kaduna State and other areas to in order to produce required equipment.

Chukwuma expressed delight that the vehicles the company had donated to support the counter insurgency operations were found suitable.

He commended the Nigerian Army for its patriotism and the success it had recorded so far in the fight against the Boko Haram terrorists.

He promised to assist the army in its quest for better vehicles for troops and resuscitation of its vehicle plant and workshop.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the visit was the presentation of another three utility vehicles to the army by the company. 

Nigerian Army, Innoson Motors: Two bodies partner on military equipment

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Ozil yet to make decision on future as Arsenal start contract talks

The Germany playmaker has courted interest from a number of clubs and his current deal at the Emirates Stadium expires in the summer

Ozil yet to make decision on future as Arsenal start contract talks

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