ONE WORD

Seventy two students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, would graduate with first class degrees at the institution’s 28th convocation ceremony scheduled for Feb. 1. Federal University of Technology, Minna The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, made the disclosure at a news conference in Minna on Friday. He said 941 of the graduands are in the second class upper category, 1,905 second class lower; 707 third class and 46 pass degrees. Bala said that 3,671 students would receive first degrees, while 506 would be awarded master degrees. According to him, 58 others will be given doctorate degrees while 208 will be awarded with post-graduate diplomas. ‘‘A closer look at the figures reveals that the total number of awardees for undergraduate degrees is up by about 20 per cent compared to last year. ‘‘In addition, the numbers of Ph.D and master degrees as well as post-graduate diplomas have all recorded significant increases above those of las

‘No I have not declared my candidacy, you asked a hypothetical question and I answered it fairly. I’m very happy right now, and I just want you to know that I’m enjoying life for a change for a portfolio of what I like’ Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said speaking to Cable News Network’s (CNN) Richard Quest yesterday in Davos, Switzerland on her World Bank’s President ambition. Okonjo-Iweala She said “I know that, because I contested the last time in 2012, and many people were asking that question. It is a shareholder’s decision and they have to decide how they want it. Someone has to nominate. “If the right person were to nominate, and if the circumstances are right and people feel I can do the job, yes!” “No I have not declared my candidacy, you asked a hypothetical question and I answered it fairly. I’m very happy right now, and I just want you to know that I’m enjoying life for a change for a portfolio of what I like.” Okonjo-Iweala

Punch Metro reports that the Federal Government has welcomed the statements from the United States and the United Kingdom demanding a credible and peaceful election in Nigeria and threatening punitive measures against those caught perpetrating election malpractices. In a statement issued in Ilorin on Friday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the Federal Government was delighted that the statements came after it alerted the nation to the alleged machinations of some opposition elements who it claimed were working to scuttle the 2019 polls through widespread violence. Recall that the United States and the United Kingdom had on Thursday announced repercussions, including visa restrictions, for election interference and election-related violence. They threatened to restrict masterminds of violence during the forthcoming elections from visiting the US and UK. In a joint statement in Abuja, the two nations said the upcoming elections was important

Monaco have sacked manager Thierry Henry, according to ESPN. The club announced earlier in the day in a statement that they had suspended Henry , but it is believed that the move was only a stopgap, with the former Arsenal captain out at the principality club. Henry, who took over from Leonardo Jardim on October 13, has not won at home in Ligue 1, with his team sitting in the relegation zone in 19th place. It is understood that some of the club’s players had gone to ownership, to complain about Henry’s methods and tactics, including centre-back Kamil Glik. Henry’s Monaco side were beaten 5-1 by Strasbourg at Stade Louis II last weekend and 3-1 in the principality by second-tier Metz in the Coupe de France midweek. Monaco have put assistant Franck Passi in charge of first-team training from Friday. Source:https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/01/thierry-henry-reportedly-sacked-as.html

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Thursday, urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to investigate the Minister of Information and Culture, Ahaji Lai Mohammed. The party said the anti-graft agency should go beyond the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, Is’haq Kawu Modibbo and institute a system-wide investigation into the N2.5 billion NBC scandal, including alleged role possibly played by Mohammed. The party in a statement signed by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, pointed out that the ICPC’s uncovering of fraud in the N2.5 billion NBC Digital Switch Over, DSO, contract has further exposed the inherent corruption in the Presidency. The PDP said this was how officials and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have been allegedly siphoning billions of naira from government agencies. The statement read, “The party urges the ICPC to go beyond the N2.5 billon NBC fraud and investigate the allegat

update by Vanguard By Uche Amunike CHOOSING Peter Obi as the Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, was a great delight to Nigerians all over the world. He had indeed been tested and trusted in the area of governance with particular reference to saving a sinking economy and fighting corruption while as governor of Anambra State. Atiku Abubakar couldn’t have asked for a better partner, having been in those shoes before. Peter Gregory Obi Obi, as governor of Anambra State simply came in and turned the state around by literally pulling her out of the debris of stagnation to economic recovery, growth, sustainability and safety. Indeed, people have short memories but it can only be fair to cast our minds back to what Anambra state was like before Obi came on board. This piece will serve as a reminder, not just to Anambrarians, but to all Nigerians across the globe reading this. After your perusal of just a few of Obi’s achievements as governor, y

The yahoo boy The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of one Peter James on a one-count charge of “impersonation and attempt to cheat”. James was on January 24, 2019 brought before Justice Modupe Adebiyi, of a Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Gudu. He was arrested in connection with some suspicious activities and was investigated by operatives of the EFCC. Investigations revealed that he specializes in defrauding foreigners of their hard earned money, through internet fraud. Electronic devices recovered from him, which were subjected to forensic analysis revealed incriminating documents, linking him to online fraud. He was discovered to have been parading himself on QQ International, an instant messaging application, as “Barnett Edward” a United States Army who got injured in Afghanistan. This, he did to attract sympathy and defraud unsuspecting people. The count reads: “That you, Peter James, sometimes in 2018 at Abuja the

Abuja – Popular Nigerian disk jockey and singer, Florence Otedola a.k.a. DJ Cuppy is now a proud owner of a customised Rolls Royce Phantom estimated at N162 million. DJ Cuppy buys N162m Rolls Royce Phantom The 26 year-old daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, made this known on Friday in her Instagram handle @cuppymusic with a picture of the car. “After a 13 month wait, finally picked up my new specially built order! Florence Ote #NewYearNewRide.’’ Cuppy, who is also a producer won Best Female DJ at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Award. The Green Light crooner also collaborated with artists such as Tekno, Sarkodie in `Vybe,’ `Currency’ where she featured L.A.X, `Werk’ featuring Skuki and `Charge Up’ with MasterKraft. In April 2014, Cuppy was appointed as the Tourism Ambassador for the country’s “Fascinating Nigeria’’ campaign by Nigeria’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation. On Mar. 20, 2018, DJ Cuppy was announced as an Official DJ Ambassador for

Enugu – Chieftains of Ohaneze Ndigbo are split over the purported endorsement of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Alhaji Abubakar Atiku by the organisation. President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd right); National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole (right); Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (middle); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left) and Zamfara State Governor, Alh. Abdul’aziz Yari (left) during the APC Presidential Campaign in Kebbi State, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. It would be recalled that an arm of the organisation known as ‘Ime Obi’ arising from its meeting on Thursday, declared support for Atiku on the grounds that he was running with an Igbo man, Mr Peter Obi. This endorsement is in clear contrast of earlier stance of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation of not endorsing any of the presidential candidates. However, a former Secretary General of the organisation, Chief Obiora Ozobu,

Opposition political parties under the auspices of Coalition of Political Parties, CUPP, have welcomed the decision of the UK and the US to refuse entry visas to politicians who instigate violence or are involved in electoral fraud in the 2019 general elections. The coalition’s first national spokesperson, Imo Ugochinyere, stated this yesterday in a statement in Abuja. While lauding the foreign governments for their decision, Ugochinyere described them as the true gatekeepers of democracy. He said, “We, the opposition parties, are in full support of this decision by the UK and the USA, the true gatekeepers of democracy. “On Monday, we will be releasing a list of 15 Buhari/APC associates involved in pre-election crisis. “This statement from the UK and the US couldn’t have come at a better time. We have on many occasions reiterated the need for this visa ban on perpetrators of election violence and we are glad that finally, it is going to happen. “For the past few months

 Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II attends the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords at the Houses of Parliament in London on June 21, 2017. Carl Court / POOL / AFP Queen Elizabeth II has emphasised the need for Britons to come together to “seek out the common ground”, in what has been viewed as an appeal to overcome divisions over Brexit. Speaking to members of the Women’s Institute (WI) near her Sandringham estate in eastern England, the 92-year-old said people should never lose sight of the bigger picture. “Reflecting on a century of change, it is clear that the qualities of the WI endure,” she said, noting the foundation of the institute in 1915, to encourage contributions to World War One. “The continued emphasis on patience, friendship, a strong community-focus, and considering the needs of others, are as important today as they were when the group was founded all those years ago. “Of course, every generation faces fresh challenges and opportunities. “As we l

Olusegun Obasanjo, former President and Sanusi Lamido, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are among high-ranking Nigerians who convinced Obiageli Ezewesili, candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), to withdraw from the 2019 presidential race. Ezekwesili withdrew from the race on Thursday morning after “extensive discussions with Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora”, citing the need to “focus on helping to build a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming elections”. “It is my ardent belief that this broad coalition for a viable alternative has now become more than ever before, an urgent mission for and on behalf of Nigerian citizens,” she had said. “I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our national revival and redirection.” Talks for the emergence of a consensus candidate under the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) initiative

By Elizabeth Adegbesan The Naira yesterday appreciated to N362.43 per dollar in the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window due to a 90 percent rise in the volume of dollars traded. Naira-Dollar CBN injects $210m into foreign exchange market Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for the window dropped to N362.43 per dollar yesterday from N362.58 per dollar on Tuesday, translating to 15 kobo appreciation of the naira. The volume of dollars (turnover) traded yesterday  rose marginally by 93 percent to $175.30 million from $91 million traded on Tuesday. Similarly, the naira, yesterday,  appreciated by 50 kobo in the parallel market. According to   naijabdcs . com , the live exchange rate platform of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), the parallel market exchange dropped  to N362.5 per dollar from N363 per dollar on Wednesday, indicating 50 kobo appreciation of the naira. Source: https://samueljackson12.blogspot

Pregnant woman searching for water in Ogoniland The Federal Government has pledged commitment to thorough clean up of Ogoniland, and development of the Niger Delta region. Special Adviser to the Vice President on Niger Delta, Inyamu Edobor, disclosed this at a one-day High Level Advocacy Workshop on the Cleanup of the Niger Delta, organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development, (Centre LSD) yesterday in Abuja. He said: “As we speak, we have $1 billion in place by the different International Oil Companies (IOCs) and we have not spent $50 million out of that money yet. That is why we are in phases, and if you read the report on the Ogoni clean up, it would take 30 years to complete.” He said this administration in 2016 started the ogoni cleanup and since then, a lot have being going on in line with the UNEP report. He said there have been a lot of social engagements and programmes in the community, while some studies have been carried out to f

Chelsea will welcome Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday night. Spurs won the first leg at Wembley 1-0, thanks to a controversial Harry Kane penalty. Mauricio Pochettino will be without Kane and strike partner Heung-Min Son for the return leg at Stamford Bridge, through injury and international duty respectively. Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the league last weekend. The winner over two legs will most likely face Manchester City in the final. Kick off is 8.45pm West African time. Chelsea XI vs Tottenham: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Rudiger, Emerson, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Pedro, Giroud, Hazard Tottenham XI vs Chelsea: Gazzaniga, Aurier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies, Dier, Winks, Sissoko, Eriksen, Lamela, Llorente Thursday, January 24 First half:  Kante and Hazard have given Chelsea a 2-0 lead. They lead 2-1 on aggregate. Half time. Second half:  Llorente has levelled th

[FILE PHOTO] Voting in Progress Those who unduly interfere with Nigeria’s forthcoming general elections are to face restriction of visas and other punitive measures from the United States (U.S.) and United Kingdom (UK). In two separate statements yesterday, both countries said they would be monitoring the elections ‘closely’ to ensure that they are free, fair and credible. Specifically, the U.S. said although it had no preferred candidate, it was interested in the process because of Nigeria’s relevance to Africa and the world. “The conduct of the upcoming elections in Nigeria is important not only for Nigeria, but for the African continent. The United States government does not support any specific candidate or party in the upcoming elections. “We support the Nigerian democratic process itself. We support a genuinely free, fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process. We and other democratic nations will be paying close attention to actions of individuals who interfer

By Emeka Mamah, Clifford Ndujihe, Nwabueze Okonkwo & Chimaobi Nwaiwu Enugu—President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday affirmed that he meant well for Ndigbo, saying that his administration was working towards restoring the infrastructure in the region and also working to uplift the economy, improve security and combat corruption.  Buhari President Buhari Buhari spoke at the presidential campaign rally at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral field in Onitsha. The campaign rally in Onitsha and also in Enugu yesterday was marked by a traffic logjam in the two cities arising from road closures by security agencies. The president shortly on arrival to Onitsha, paid a courtesy call on the Obi of  Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe where he met with traditional rulers in the state,  before moving to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Inosi Onira residence where commissioned the newly completed Zik’s Mausoleum. Addressing party supporters at the rally, Buhari declared: “I am happy

Actress Omoni Oboli has issued an advice to an online beggar who crept into her page to beg for money so she could feed. What Omoni Oboli said to an online beggar who begged for 1k to feed The online beggar wrote: “Please can someone help me with just 1k. I’m hungry. I just want to eat. Thank you and may God bless you.” The above response not being enough, Omoni Oboli took a screenshot of the lady’s message and posted it on her page with the below caption; “These are the issues… I have never responded to begging comments ever because I know first hand that we’ve all needed a little assistance and maybe even still do so we have to ask but… You are asking for assistance for what exactly? What is the end game? Is it to start a business that will eventually give you some financial freedom? If so, fantastic! I applaud you! When it becomes a lifestyle is when it gets worrisome. How do you for months or years drop the same comment on hundreds or thousands of posts? It remind

AT this rate, President Muhammadu Buhari may beat former military President General Ibrahim Babangida to the record of collecting the most abusive letters from a former president. Obasanjo Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo Olusegun Obasanjo’s letters to Babangida were unforgettable. He accused Babangida of every conceivable evil, among which foisting an economic programme on Nigerians that lacked a human face and turning the country into a useless experimental lab were lesser crimes. Obasanjo supplemented his letters with scathingly lengthy interviews that would make his subsequent attacks on Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan appear like mild admonitions. Buhari is in for it. In a 16-page letter that makes the one of January 23, 2018 read like a preface, Obasanjo is not content with lashing out at what he describes as the incompetence, nepotism and narrow-mindedness of Buhari’s government. He takes the attack to a whole new level by likening Buhari to General Sani A

Everything you need to live well In the wake of the 2018 #MeToo campaign, there are lots of alleged sex abuse done by R & B singer, Robert Kelly known to the world as R.Kelly and world-renowned film producer/Hollywood executive and US comedian, Bill Cosby. Just three stated above, the King of Pop Michael Jackson has been accused of getting involved in child molestation practice. With the tell-all docu-series titled Leaving Neverland coming up this Friday at the Sundance Film Festival, his accusers Robson and James Safechuck have said that contrary to the belief to make him look back, they just want to raise awareness of his several acts. (FILES) US pop star Michael Jackson waves to photographers during a press conference in Paris on March 19, 1996. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world and tributes pouring in for the tortured music icon revered as the “King of Pop.” AFP PHOTO / VINCENT AMALVY