ONE WORD

Former Ghanaian President, Jerry John Rawlings was seen busily controlling a heavy traffic situation on the Accra-Prampram road. The Former military ruler got out of his car to intervene on the heavy traffic situation that seem to have halted the road and brought the cars to a stand still. Rawlings, according to a close associate, has noticed the indiscipline on several occasions and therefore decided to “step out and direct traffic and bring a sense of orderliness”. He has since made a passionate appeal to a joint police and military operation to be posted to the area to manage traffic and ensure discipline. Mr Rawlings was seen in a picture making some gestures to drivers and road users in the middle of the road. Source: https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/watch-moment-ex-ghanaian-president.html

The United States President, Donald Trump has declared that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will be eliminated from its last territory in Syria by Thursday. Trump, who spoke at the White House, announced that the last of the Islamic State’s territory in Syria was currently being liberated by US-backed forces and that the situation would be resolved “by tonight”. While holding maps of ISIS’ territory in Iraq and Syria before and after his election, Trump pointed to a very small portion of the map that was currently being held by the terrorist group. The U.S. leader then declared that by the end of Thursday, “the mission will be complete”. “I brought this out for you because – this is a map of everything in the red, this was on election night in 2016. “Everything red is ISIS. When I took over, it was a mess. “Now, on the bottom, that’s the exact same: There is no red. In fact, there is actually a tiny spot, which will be gone by tonight. “So this is ISIS on El...

Former Senate President, Chief Ameh Ebute, has written the United States, US, President, Donald Trump over the recent report by the US Department of State on corruption and human rights violation under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government. I believe certain assumptions as contained in the report on Nigeria, which hinged on human rights violations by the Nigerian Army did not reflect the reality in our country under the Buhari Presidency in Nigeria. A report by the US Department of State titled, “2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices,” accused the Nigerian government and the military of arbitrary and unlawful killings. However, the former Senate President faulted the report, saying, “certain assumptions as contained in the report on Nigeria, which hinged on human rights violations by the Nigerian Army did not reflect the reality in our country under the Buhari Presidency.” In an open letter to Trump titled, “Time To Break off The Disintegration Of Ni...

Reports have it that a staff of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company AEDC, Muhammad Lawal, was yesterday electrocuted while going about his normal duties. It was gathered that Muhammed and his colleagues were out and about disconnecting the electricity for defaulting electricity consumers in Keffi, Nasarawa state. While they were in a particular area, they called their office to disconnect power in that area and this was done. Sadly as Muhammed was about to remove the cables of defaulting consumers from the pole, power was restored and he was electrocuted. He was buried immediately according to Islamic rites. He is survived by  a wife and two children. Source: https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/phcn-staff-electrocuted-while.html

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has tendered an unreserved apology to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, over a news report that he was taking on the payroll of the university as a facilitator. The university further made it clear that the elder statesman had accepted to be rendering free services to the university in the same capacity. The university made this known on Thursday in Abuja, through a statement signed by Mr Ibrahim Sheme, its Director of Media and Publicity. The university said it was reacting to a story in a national newspaper on Wednesday that Obasanjo would earn N40,000 per annum as “NOUN lecturer”. It explained that the story emanated from a press conference held by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdalla Adamu, on Tuesday, ahead of the university’s 8th Convocation Ceremony slated for Saturday. It said: “While we remain grateful to all the media houses that give our activities positive coverage, we insist that their news reports should alwa...

A pastor is currently making the rounds online after doing an unexpected thing during church service on Sunday, March 17th. Apostle Kenneth popularly called Kenny of the Divine Fruit Church of Christ, Kanye in Botswana, killed a dog and ate it raw in the church after claiming it has been blessed. The church members were not left out as some partook in eating the raw meat including a little baby. Sharing pictures from the service on the church’s official Facebook page, the below caption was written; ”Eat of me, whoever eats of me will never die. No one will force you to partake but that which I give is of my Spirit to confirm my word. When you eat of me it will be unto perfection. Nothing can be given unto you unless it is given by the Father. If I eat you have already eaten because you believe in me. We eat everything, if it is blessed it is approved.” source:https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/pastor-kills-dog-eats-it-raw-in-church.html

The Ooni Of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has played host to Nigeria’s music icon, 2Face Idibia and his wife Annie, at his palace. The Ooni of Ife’s official Instagram page posted a video of the visit of 2Face Idibia and his wife on Wednesday, where the first class king expressed his pleasure over the visit.   Ooni of Ife presents gift to the Idibia’s (Instagram/AnnieIdibia) He went on congratulate him on his award at the Obafemi Awolowo University. “A great pleasure receiving TuFace, the peace ambassador to the throne of Oduduwa and his adorable wifey, Annie Idibia. “I thank God for your giant strides in life so far, especially the fellowship award given to Tuface by the department of Music from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU); Congratulations!!!” he wrote. Ooni of Ife, Aare Adams task INEC on credible polls The Ooni also announced that he has given 2Face Idibia a new name ‘Tubobo’ which according to him was because of his ne...

Nigeria began the defence of their AFCON U-23 title with a shocking 2-0 defeat in the hands of Libya at the Stade de Ben Guerdane yesterday evening. Imama Amapakabo Coach Imama Amakpakabo’s midfield and attack were hugely dominated by foreign-based pros with the likes of Kelechi Nwakali, Taiwo Awoniyi, Samuel Chukwueze and a host of others on parade. The North Africans took the lead after just seven minutes when striker, Zakaria Alharaish scored to put his team ahead following a quick move which startled the Dream Team. Things got worse for Nigeria after goalkeeper Adamu Abubakar was dismissed in the closing stages of the first half for handling outside the area as the Nigeria defence showed some nervy and uninspiring displays while attempting to close down their pacy opponents. While Dennis Bonaventure made way in a tactical change after the set back, Orewale Oremade was brought on to mind the goal but that did little to stem the flow of the Libyans as they doubled their ...

By Solomon Nwoke The final week of the 2019 GTBank Lagos International Polo Tournament galloped off yesterday with 10 teams in action for the day in the Low and Majekodunmi Cups. Following the excitement that greeted the first phase, an elated Managing Director of GTBank, Segun Agbaje, reassured of the sponsor’s commitment to the tournament stressing that their bankrolling of this year’s tournament demonstrates the bank’s strong belief in the role of sports in developing and uniting the society. With the first phase concluded last weekend which saw Kaduna Trapcco and Lagos NRT emerging champions of the Silver and Open Cup titles, eight teams will start their quest for the Low Cup with Lagos teams, A+/RCF  and Weyland STL slugging it out in the first match of the day. Kano Nakudu and Iyatu Farms will then try each other for size in the second match before Lintex/ Sublime face off Anadariya in the penultimate Low Cup match which has seven Lagos teams and six visiting teams...

By Chidi Nkwopara OWERRI—The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, have again raised the alarm that government vehicles and equipment are either being moved to undisclosed places or ordered to be auctioned. Okorocha While the state PDP, through it’s Secretary, Nze Ray Emeana, distributed documentary evidence to journalists in Owerri yesterday, the deputy governor released a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Uche Onwuchekwa, which contained the memo earlier issued by the Imo State government announcing the auctioning of vehicles. According to the document, SGI/S.00500/T.2/212, no fewer than 71 vehicles, including Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prado and Toyota Hiace are being auctioned by the Imo State government. Mixed fortunes for governors’ Senate bids Part of the memo reads: “Sales of unserviceable vehicles”, signed by Mrs. Ukaigwe Julia, for the Sec...

The president of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), Paraguayan Alejandro Dominguez (middle row, 5-R), team managers, referee directors and medical staff pose for the official picture of the first edition of the Conmebol Managers’ Summit at Conmebol’s headquarters in Luque, Paraguay, on March 19, 2019. Norberto DUARTE / AFP Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay relaunched their bid to host the 2030 World Cup following a meeting of their presidents in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. The four national presidents committed to creating a local organizing committee with a representative from each country to coordinate with CONMEBOL, South American football’s governing body. The first meeting will be in Buenos Aires on April 8. They also decided to distribute the opening match, two semi-finals and final between the four potential hosts. Argentina and Uruguay originally announced their intention to submit a joint bid in 2017 before Paraguay joined the coalition late...

A Primary six pupil is being celebrated on social media after a Facebook user shared photos of the young boy's portrait of President Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The young boy identified as Ilelolawa Oluwatobi who is a student of African Church Primary School II in Meiran, had taken photos side by side with his portraits of President Buhari and Sanwo-Olu which he sketched with a blue ink pen. See more photos below... source:https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/photos-primary-school-pupil-hailed-on.html

By Emma Una CALABAR—THE Muri Munene, Professor Hogan Itam, the King of Efut and Paramount Ruler of Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, has been dethroned by a state High Court sitting in Calabar presided over by Justice Edem Koofreh. Justice Koofreh sacked the king in his judgment in a suit by Etubom Nyong Okon and five others against the recognition of Hogan Itam as the Muri Munene and President of Calabar South Traditional Rulers’ Council by the Cross River State Government. The Etuboms had sought the removal of the king on the grounds that his assumption of the throne contravened Sections 17(2), 18, 19 and 20 of the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Law of 2004. Judicial symbol The claimants had argued that by the Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council Laws of 2004, the paramount ruler of Calabar South can only be selected by and from among the clan heads in Calabar South. And Itam, they said, is not one. They said: “We seek a declaration...

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly prepared to pay £68million to sign Toni Kroos from Real Madrid this summer. Toni Kroos In the wake of their shock Champions League elimination by Manchester United at the last-16 stage, the French champions are looking to refresh their squad. With Adrien Rabiot expected to leave the club, German midfielder Kroos has emerged as a potential transfer target. According to OK Diario and Sport, PSG would be willing to pay £68m for him and also offer a 50 per cent pay rise on his current deal at Real. However, the return of Zinedine Zidane as Real’s manager could scupper their plans as the Frenchman sees Kroos as an important part of the team. Kroos was a key part of the three successive Champions League triumphs achieved under Zidane but his form dipped following a change of manager last summer. Kroos has only scored one goal in 36 matches this season and supplied five assists in all competitions as Real have struggled for momentum. Sourc...

The Senator representing Bayelsa east in the upper chambers of the National Assembly, Ben Murray Bruce, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to recognize Tanitoluwa Adewumi (the 8 years Nigerian boy who is seeking asylum in the US after he and his parents were chased out of ”volatile” North East zone in Nigeria by Boko Haram) for making Nigeria proud by dominating the game of Chess in New York, USA. Speaking via his Twitter handle, he said if the Presidency refuses to honor him, they might lose him to the USA just like Anthony Joshua was lost to England. What he said: We refused to celebrate @anthonyfjoshua, and England took him from us. Now God has given us a genius in the form of 8 year old Tanitoluwa Adewumi. I appeal to President @MBuhari: Acknowledge this boy and use him to inspire Nigeria’s youth (who are NOT lazy), or we lose him to USA — Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) March 20, 2019 Source:https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/honour-this-boy-before-...

According to a report by SaharaReporters, it was a chaotic session at the plenary of the Senate on Wednesday during deliberations on allegations that there was use of “extreme military force” during the 2019 elections. Dino Melaye, the senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, had raised a motion alleging the militarisation of the elections, as well as the “inconsistent application of electoral laws by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)”. Seven other lawmakers — senators Mao Ohabunwa (Abia North), Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East), Ahmed Ogembe (Kogi Central), Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi Central), Matthew Uroghide (Edo South), Clifford Ordia (Edo Central) Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South) — supported the motion. According to the motion, the lawmakers expressed concerns that “this extreme militarization of a democratic electoral process and the inconsistent application of electoral laws by INEC in matters of national elections pose serious threats to our democracy, ...

(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 10, 2018, shows the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court will begin March 20, 2019, to examine the case of a black man who was tried six separate times for the same crime, which he insists he didn’t commit in a process tarnished by charges of racism. MANDEL NGAN / AFP The US Supreme Court appeared vexed on Wednesday by the case of a black man who was tried six separate times for the same crime in a process tainted by charges of racism. Associate Justice Samuel Alito, one of the five conservative justices on the nine-member bench, said he found aspects of the case of death row inmate Curtis Flowers “troubling.” Flowers, 48, was convicted in 2010 and sentenced to death for the July 1996 murders of four people in a furniture store in Winona, Mississippi, where he had briefly worked until being fired. Flowers was tried five separate times for the crime before his 2010 conviction and has spent nearly half his life...

Everything you need to live well Reports say about 3 million codeine-containing cough preparations are consumed daily in Kano and about 6 million bottles in the Northwest; it is reported that 40% of Nigerian youths engage in drug abuse. ‘High’, a stage play, is set to dramatize the phenomena of drug abuse and prescription medication in Nigeria. This contemporary new play discusses a number of themes such as peer pressure, drug abuse, depression, self-esteem, sexual activity, cyber addiction, alcohol use, and body image. It tells the story of a group of teenage friends on holiday from their separate boarding schools. Even though they grew up together, they are in completely different places in their lives. When one of them suffers a drug overdose, it causes a major problem within the clique, forcing their parents to get involved and face the truth about their children and about themselves. Following the two-time sold-out runs of the Nigerian adaptation of Ntozake Shange’s fam...

A thief would probably be thanking his stars after escaping death at the hands of an angry mob over alleged theft of foodstuff in Bayelsa state. The suspect allegedly stole oil, maggi and salt and was almost beaten to death by a baying crowd at Tombia roundabout in Yenagoa, the state capital. In an incident which was captured on camera, the suspect can be seen receiving mass beating from the mob who descended on him mercilessly and left him bloodied. A man rushed to get a huge stone/weapon which he planned to use on the suspected thief but was restrained by others as the man begged not to be killed. Source:https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/thief-almost-lynched-to-death-by-mob.html

BOSTON, MA – March 18: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 18, 2019, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Brian Babineau / NBAE / Getty Images / AFP The NBA and YouTube announced Wednesday the launch of a channel for sub-Saharan Africa that will broadcast live games every week and showcase African players’ impact on the NBA. NBA Africa YouTube’s first live game broadcasts will take place Sunday with Boston at Charlotte followed by the Los Angeles Clippers at New York. Two live games will be shown each week for the remainder of the 2018-19 seasons as well as in the playoffs through the NBA Finals. READ ALSO: 2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Rohr Hints At Squad Rotation Ahead Of Seychelles Game Other original content will include a weekly magazine show, documentaries on current and former African NBA players and the league’s efforts to boost basketball in Africa as well as inspire and empower African youth. “As we enter t...

Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said that broadband penetration made remarkable improvement as it increased to about 33 per cent as at February. NCC Danbatta made this disclosure on Wednesday when Airtel Management visited the commission headquarters in Abuja. “We have seen remarkable improvement in broadband penetration; the figure is about 33 per cent, we can attribute the progress to very ambitious expansion of network operators like Airtel and other network providers. “We hit 30.9 per cent at the end of 2018; and we were supposed to hit 30 per cent by December 2018, so we have exceeded the expectation of Nigerians courtesy of the National Broadband plan. “We are steadily seeing an increase in the penetration as at February we are almost at 33 per cent. “Therefore, there is a new target, no official statement yet, but we are hearing from stakeholders that it is possible to hit 70per cent maybe in the next 5 y...

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) after a 7-hour closed-door meeting on Wednesday approved N27.4 billion intervention fund for victims of floods, conflicts, and insecurity across the nation. Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State who is also Vice Chairman of the National Food Security Council disclosed this to State House correspondents. Bagudu noted that 69, 872 persons will benefit from over 8billion Naira earmarked for the victims of conflict and insecurity while 18billion Naira was specifically for flood victims across 14 states. For the sum earmarked for flood victims, the council targeted 163,117 beneficiaries. The FEC also approved the signing of the ‘Safe School Initiative’ which makes Nigeria now committed to implementing the project’s guidelines. Also, Contract for the construction of the faculty of arts in Adamawa State university at 613million naira was approved. Source :https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/fec-approves-274billion-naira-for.html

As the world marks the International Day of Happiness, Nigeria is ranked 85 out of 156 countries and second in sub-Saharan Africa. Some Happy Nigerians This is according to the annual Global Happiness Policy Report produced by the Global Happiness Council, which was released on Wednesday. It was edited by John F. Helliwell, Richard Layard, Jeffrey D. Sachs, et al. Nigeria’s ranking is an improvement from its 91 position ranking in 2018.Finland came first as the happiest country in the world for the second year in a row, followed by Denmark, Norway, Iceland and the Netherlands. The world’s least happy country is South Sudan followed by Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Yemen, Malawi, Syria, Botswana and Haiti. My expectations were I was going to fail… – Nigerian designer, Amina Suinner The report ranks countries on six key variables that support wellbeing: income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity. This is th...

A traffic control police officer, Inspector Oluwaseun Soyebo has been killed in a fatal motor accident in Lagos. It was gathered that over the weekend, the police officer who worked in Ajah area of Lagos, was driving towards his home in Happy Land Estate, Olokonla, after closing from work. Unknown to him a truck (trailer) was abandoned on the road by its driver – with no visible cautionary sign. The officer ran into the truck and got crushed to death in the process. The corpse of the officer who is survived by wife and children – has since been deposited in a morgue. Source:https://samueljackson12.blogspot.com/2019/03/traffic-police-officer-killed-in-fatal.html