ONE WORD

Jihadists aligned with the Islamic State group released a video Thursday purporting to show a female aid worker and five male colleagues kidnapped in an attack in northeast Nigeria. Aid group Action Against Hunger said earlier that one of its staff members along with three health workers and two drivers were missing after their convoy was attacked last Thursday near the border with Niger. In the three-minute video a woman wearing a bright blue hijab who says she is the abducted aid worker addresses the camera in English while seated in front of five men she describes as her colleagues. The footage seen by Channels Television was released through the same channels as previous videos from the IS-linked Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). An employee at another NGO confirmed the identity of the missing aid worker. Villagers see captives The hostages are believed to be held in the ISWAP enclave on the shores of Lake Chad. Villagers told AFP the kidnapped aid workers

The Nigerian Institute of Space Engineers (NISE) has called on the Federal Government to provide more earth observation satellites to aid national security and socio-economic development. Dr Sadiq Umar, the National Chairman of NISE made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the institute’s Third Annual Lecture held in honour of Brig.-Gen. Michael Agu (Rtd), the pioneer chairman of NISE. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the lecture focuses on “Remote Sensing Technology and National Security’’. Umar said the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration is making progress securing lives and properties, but more could be achieved if the country leverage on satellite technology. He said the available earth observation satellites were not sufficient in providing data for national security and economic development. “For Nigeria to be where it needs to be, we need to have more satellites providing data that will help government address our security problems. “Nigeria Sat 1

Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youth and Sports Magnus Oku, a writer and media consultant, says that Barrister Solomon Dalung, the immediate past Minister of Youths and Sports deserves another tenure going by the landmark transformation he led in the sports sector. Oku in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said that Dalung performed creditably in his first tenure as sports minister. He said that Dalung’s achievements could not be overemphasised being that during his tenure Nigeria won numerous medals for the nation and brought certain sports that had died back into lime light in Nigeria. “Dalung Democratised the sports sector and ensured a level playing ground for all. “He ensured funds were prudently spent and his tenure ensured prompt payment of match bonus to players and athletes hence the robust growth collaboration and success we have registered,” he said. Oku also dismissed media reports that Dalung insisted he must be made minister saying that the former minister o

Attempt by members of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) to shut down the office of the mobile telecommunications giant, MTN, in Awka yesterday was stalled by the state Commissioner of Police, John Abang. Members of the association had started assembling at the Amaenyi office of MTN in Awka, the Anambra State capital, as early as 8a.m. before its leadership was summoned by the commissioner. The Coordinator and leader of the protest, Anthony Ojiaku, told THISDAY that its leadership had been summoned by the police commissioner, “so for now, we are shelving the protest until after the meeting.” NANS had said it would shut down South African businesses in Nigeria over the continued attack on Nigerians living in South Africa. A copy of notification letter dated July 22, 2019, which was signed by the National Director of Sports of NANS, Mr. Anthony Ojiaku, and addressed to some South African businesses in Nigeria, which was obtained by THISDAY, revealed that the stu

The Reds boss saw the Portugal international up close in Wednesday's friendly clash and believes he would strengthen the Red Devils Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Manchester United-linked Bruno Fernandes, admitting it wouldn't be nice if the Portugal international signs for the Red Devils. The 24-year-old has reportedly been a target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side all summer as part of the Norwegian's rebuild at the club. Klopp had a front row seat to witness Sporting CP's Fernandes score and assist against his Liverpool side in a 2-2 friendly draw at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday. And he was impressed by what he saw, insisting that, should United push through a deal to sign him, he would make their rivals stronger. "If he [signs for Man Utd] then we will face him. He's obviously a really good player," Klopp said. "They have already a few really good players, so that will probably make them stronger. It's not nice, but

The properties belonging to ex-Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha sealed off by the EFCC have now been revealed.     Photos have emerged showing choice properties belonging to former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha that was sealed off by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission.   The properties include: Dews of Hope Hospital traced to Dr. Paschal Obi, former Principal Secretary to ex-governor Okorocha; Market Square Super Market; All in One Shop; and premises belonging to Imo State Broadcasting Corporation now hosting Rochas Foundation College owned by Senator Okorocha.   Other properties are: East High Academy and East High College, owned by Okorocha’s daughter, Uloma Okorocha-Nwosu; Royal Spring Palm Hotel and Apartment, a 16 block cum 96 flats and eight bungalow multi-million Naira estate traced to Okorocha’s wife.   Speaking about the seizure, EFCC in a statement in Abuja through its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Tony Orilade said the properties w

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole has declared that monies from staff pension deductions are not meant to be used for budget deficit by the Federal Government and State governments. According to him, it is meant to address the critical issues of the masses who contributed the money. He spoke during opening ceremony of the Presidential Policy Retreat at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. President Muhammadu Buhari had declared the retreat open. Oshiomhole also called for rejig of security architecture in the country. He urged the retreat to brainstorm towards getting practical solutions to the problems facing Nigeria. On corruption, he urged the government to effectively plug leakages with all the Ministries Departments and Agencies reviewing ‘how’s to achieve it. Oshiomhole also recommended long term national economy plan to replace the current Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP). Those at the retreat included