Fifty-four severed human hands have been discovered inside a bag in Eastern Russia.

How did 54 severed human hands end up in a bag in Eastern Russia?

Russian police launched an investigation after a mysterious bag of 54 severed human hands was discovered at a popular fishing place near the Siberian city of Khabarovsk, the Siberian Times reports.

A single hand was spotted first, and then the bag containing the remains was found on an island in the Amur River.

It is unclear why the hands were chopped off and the identities of the hands. Fingerprints have been found on one of the hands as others are checked, according to the Siberian Times.

Local media reported that medical bandages and hospital-style plastic shoe covers were found next to the remains.

In a bid to keep its prisons free of Nigerians, the United Kingdom is paying to improve the capacity of Nigerian prisons.

The UK has agreed to pay up to £700,000 ($967,954) to build a new 112-bed wing at Kirikiri maximum security prisons, one of Nigeria’s largest.

Boris Johnson, UK’s foreign secretary says sponsoring the prison will allow for some of the over 320 Nigerian inmates currently serving time in the UK to complete their sentences in Nigeria—in line with a 2014 prisoner transfer agreement between both countries.

In the larger scheme of things, however, UK’s spend will likely not make too much of a dent on Nigeria’s prisons system. Kirkiri prison, established since 1955, has long been overcrowded with far more inmates than its official capacity of just over 1,000. The problem of overcrowding is rooted in the culture of arbitrary arrests and a slow-moving criminal justice system. Data from Nigeria’s statistics bureau shows that 72.5% of Nigeria’s total prison problems are serving time without being sentenced.

In recent years, European Union countries have tried various methods to extradite illegal immigrants more quickly while also trying to tighten border controls in their home countries. In 2015, the EU set up a fund in 2015 to pay for border security in African countries like Libya but, last year, EU leaders warned that the fund was reaching its limit.

Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and africa’s only female head of state, is to quit office over a financial row, having been accused of using a bank card provided by a charity to make personal purchases worth tens of thousands of dollars.

She is expected to step down after ceremonies to mark the 50th anniversary of independence on March 12.

The Mauritian President’s planned resignation was mentioned by the Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Friday.

“The President of the Republic told me that she would resign from office and we agreed on the date of her departure,” Jugnauth told reporters in Port Louis, capital of the Indian Ocean archipelago nation without revealing the chosen date.

“The interests of the country come first.”

When Gurib-Fakim, 58, took the honorary position of president in 2015 she became the first woman to do so in Mauritian history.

A scientist and biologist of international renown, she had been under pressure since the Mauritian daily L’Express published bank documents showing that Gurib-Fakim had used a credit card given to her by the London-based Planet Earth Institute to make thousands of dollars worth of personal purchases.

The NGO is funded by the controversial Angolan billionaire Alvaro Sobrinho who is himself being investigated for fraud.

Former commissioner and erstwhile Executive Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressive Congress (APC).Erstwhile Executive Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former commissioner during Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan’s tenure, Dr. Tony Nwaka, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Nwaka posted his move on his Facebook page on Monday, March 5, 2018. The post titled, FINALLY, I SAY GOODBYE TO PDP, reads:
“I shall not go into the details of my recent political experiences, for the palm wine tapper does not disclose all that he sees from the treetop.

“Suffice to say that, after a critical evaluation of the journey so far, it is now time to heed the advice of my followers and seek an alternative vehicle for the actualization of my political convictions.

“Although there are many political platforms, every politician craves for genuine accommodation and a sense of belonging.

“Accordingly, whilst I wish all my former fellow PDP men well, I step forward in faith to join the next available major option, the APC. I pray that my vision of politics and public service would find true expression with the progressives.

“I do this believing that, ultimately, no matter your sentiments for a political platform, effective service delivery remains the final goal of political parties, and it is on that score we shall all be judged by the people. Thanks and God bless.”

Although Nwaka is yet to make his political ambition public, many political analysts suggest he could be going to contest for the House of Representative while others say his new intentions is a curtain opener to unexpected exit of some PDP stakeholders who have hideously expressed discontentment with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s alleged sole-administrative style of governance.

Nwaka, a two-time Commissioner in erstwhile Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration is also known to have played a major role in the former James Ibori administration when he hosted Deltans to the PDP governorship primary election which held in Ogwashi-Uku as Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Council.

Nwaka who is also claimed to have been in Okowa’s political bad books because of his open support of former gubernatorial aspirant, Sir Anthony Obuh against his ambition, was however, to the surprise of many political book readers, appointed by the same man he allegedly worked against.

Political pundits have claimed that the appointment which came during two years of the administration, was one of Governor Okowa’s tacit plots to whittle down opposition strategies that may undermine his political stronghold within and outside the PDP.

Nwaka came on board the Okowa administration in September 2017 as Executive Assistant to the Governor but resigned recently before his eventual defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nwaka’s exit from the PDP has however attracted reactions.

According to the Executive Assistant to Governor Okowa on Communications, Barr. Latimore Fred Oghenesivbe, “This is a clear case of political bewitchment and unnecessary cross carpeting. What is worrisome is something that I consider to be a political voodoo or spell which has enveloped and fractured Tony’s decision.”

“I have come, I have witnessed with utmost appreciation of members of the party and by special grace of God, I have intention of going back again to represent my people.”

The Minority Leader and member representing Isoko constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Leo Ogor Okuweh has declared his intention to re-contest for the seat he is currently occupying, come 2019.

Rt Hon Ogor made his intention known during the enlarged Stakeholders PDP family Delta South Senatorial meeting hosted at his country home in Ozoro, headquarters of Isoko North local government area, Delta State.

The Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, expressed his profound gratitude to God Almighty for saving his life and for returning home hale and heathy after some months on ill health challenges.

Rt. Hon Ogor, who also thanked members of PDP, friends and family, churches for their fervent prayers performed on his behalf, reiterated that the meeting is an epoch making event in the entire Senatorial district to bring about solidarity of a people and unity as members of the party.

While reviewing his representation of his people, he maintained that he served with spirit of transparent humility, depth of vision and selflessness which he said has endeared him to the grassroots as well as the political elite in Isoko, the entire Delta State and Nigeria at large.

In an emotion laden statement, he said serving the party and the state in the House of Representative marked the beginning of new dawn for him.

“I have come, I have witnessed with utmost appreciation of members of the party and by special grace of God, I have intention of going back again to represent my people.

“This is the beginning of a new dawn for me and I thank God for saving my life”, the erudite and gallant legislator, Rt. Hon Leo Ogor opined.

It could be recalled that as early as 2003, with the full support of the Isoko people he contested and won election into the House of Representative under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Although, going by the platform of the political terrain one could succinctly say one of the banes of politics in the third world is lack of continuity in policy formulation and most importantly cognate experience is everything and without experience among ones peers, one will count for nothing.

To this end, this understanding has been the driving force why Isoko people have always supported Rt Hon Leo Ogor in his quest for re-election into the National Assembly.

Thus in 2007, he was re-elected into the House of Representative and re-elected in 2011 for a third term.

On assessment which speaks volume of his personality, this level of acceptability is a function of his achievements and good conduct and adequate representation prowess in display which he has exhibited in touching lives positively.

According to some beneficiaries of his disbursement of dividends of democracy, they maintained that his wealth of experience in the National Assembly had actually paid off.

It is worthwhile to note that right from day one in the hallowed chambers, Rt. Hon Leo Ogor has never been a bench warmer.

He is currently the Minority Leader of the House of Representative. A position he has maximized to the advantage of the Isoko people and to the envy of his colleagues, as a ranking member of the House of Representative with a high political will, understanding and wisdom to bear in all ramifications.

Most importantly, his pursuit of the desire to transform Isoko land by attracting social infrastructure such as Solar powered Street lights, roads, drainages and water projects, empowerment, employment and others are loud testimonial of a man keen on charging the fortunes of his people.

No wonder in his glowing tribute the Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr Kingsley Otuaro, said Rt. Hon Leo Ogor is a blessing to the Isoko land and prayed God to fulfill his destiny here on earth.

Highlight at the occasion was centered on the need for the collection of the PVCs, with much expression and optimism that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct credible elections which will make the votes of Nigerians count.

The meeting equally had an agenda for those who are yet to register to do so because their voter’s card is their right and power to exercise their franchise come 2019.

The PDP Delta South Senatorial meeting was well attended by top politicians from the senatorial district including former Governor of Delta state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Sen. James Manager, Rt Hon Daniel Rayenju, Rt Hon Nicholas Mutu, Rt Hon Julius Pondi, Honorable members of the Delta state House of Assembly from Delta South Senatorial District, local government chairmen from Delta South Senatorial District, Delta South political aides and appointees, women wing and others.

*By Theo UZI-

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Ebu Traditional Council in Oshimili North local government area of Delta state has unanimously endorsed Comr. Israel Amadi-Emina Jnr as the best aspirant for Oshimili North Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly in 2019

His Royal Highness, the Regent of Ebu, Sunday Ofunne who received Comr. Israel Amadi-Emina Jnr and his supporters in his palace on Sunday 25th February 2018
prayed and blessed the son of the soil, tasking him to brace up himself for the developmental of the constituency.

The Royal Father said the people of Oshimili North would enjoy the dividends of democracy if they elect the right candidate and urged them not to betray their consciences for money only to regret their actions later.

Comr. Israel Amadi-Emina Jnr has declared his intention to contest for the House of Assembly seat to represent Oshimili North Constituency under the auspices of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The House of Assembly aspirant, who hails from Ebu in Oshimili North local government area of Delta state, said his decision to contest was to render genuine representation and service to the people, adding that he has all it takes to compete for the state House of Assembly seat both at the primary and general elections.

Amadi-Emina Jnr therefore appealed to the people of Oshimili North for total support of his political ambition for youth emancipation, women and youth empowerment, genuine representation, unhindered access, as well as constituency consultations and development through prompt delivery of democracy dividends.

He further enjoined the people to be very careful in choosing their representatives henceforth, saying that the choices they made in the past has yet to make meaningful impact in the lives of the constituents due to poor representation and quest for personal enrichment at the expense of the people who voted them into offices.

While pledging his loyalty to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the ward, local government and state level, he promised to give credible and effective representation to the people of Oshimili North constituency which will make the leaders, women and youths proud.

“Comrade Israel Amadi-Emina jnr. who is currently vying for the House of Assembly Oshimili North Constituency in Delta state has all it takes in view of his administrative mien which he intend to bring to bear on the lives of the people.”

It is quite comforting recently when the call on Nigerian youths to take up the gauntlet and assist in demonstrating their leadership skills in terms of management of human and materials resources. We are aware on a sound note that the bill to give young Nigerians to lead is being given all sense of consideration that it deserves. There is no gainsaying the fact that this is a welcome development capable of reshaping or re-firing more youths to come out of their hiding as the new call beckons.

Comrade Israel Amadi-Emina jnr. who is currently vying for the House of Assembly Oshimili North Constituency in Delta state has all it takes in view of his administrative mien which he intend to bring to bear on the lives of the people.

He is a young man with clear headedness. He has served in different capacities. Those who have been fortunate to have met him or interacted with him can readily attest to his unassailable love for service. A committed, creative and visionary person with a background of successful achievements in human relations, organizations management.

I recalled with deep enthusiasm when he said he wants to serve at the level of his Constituency. I was not surprise because he has always been serving with determination and vigor quite uncommon. Throughout our sojourn, he has proved he is a man of strong and committed personality. He doesn’t discriminate. He welcomes everyone with an open arm. It takes a true and dogged leader to have stand shoulder to shoulder with him. He has demonstrated time without number that he has all it takes to lead by example. A man who takes the interest of serving others more than anything. A man driven by selfless passion.

He is the current President, Elite consolidative Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria, a member of the Human Rights Commission and als holds the position as Coordinator, African Youth Union Commission AYUC, Delta State.

He holds a Certificate in Computer Engineering and in Political science and Public Administration from the prestigious University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.

Nevertheless, his passion for education knows no bounds. He has also disclosed as a challenge to him that he will ensure that young and indigents students are supported in helping them to realise their ambition through education. He maintained that he will key into the education policy pursuit of the present administration to see that it is giving all the needed attention and supports it require such that his Constituency becomes a centre for academic pesdester to look up to by others.

He is humble, kind, responsible, accommodating, hardworking and God fearing. A man bless with ideas and beautiful innovations. He wants to set the record that with young minds on the saddle alot and more can still be achieved through a committed and serious personality like him.

For Some Elites and intellectuals who still remember the Late CHIEF ISRAEL AMADI-EMINA CON. And his great achievements in Delta State, The deformed Bendel State and Nigeria at large should know this Comrade has fire in veins.

Let us support a youth such as, Comr. Israel Amadi-Emina jnr willing to break the jinx that with the youth there are more like him willing to make a difference with purposeful leadership.

#ProjectDelta –By Joy Nkem Omeanu

“The mill with a capacity to process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour, when completed, will in a year process paddy rice worth N14 billion bought directly from the famers in Jigawa at market rate.”

Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online)/ — The Dangote Rice Outgrower Scheme in Jigawa State reached a turning point yesterday when the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote laid a foundation stone for the construction of a multi-billion Naira rice processing mill in Hadin, Jigawa state.

The mill with a capacity to process 16 metric tons of paddy rice per hour, when completed, will in a year process paddy rice worth N14 billion bought directly from the famers in Jigawa at market rate.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony in Hadin, Kaugama local government area, Dangote said the commencement of the construction of the integrated rice processing plant was the culmination of series of events which began with the signing of a $1billion agreement with the federal government for the integrated rice production in Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Niger and Jigawa.

“We have continued to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrowers programme thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes, poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agro-inputs, technical support and secured market for farmers. Also, creating access to finance, mechanization and irrigation services so as to enhance agricultural productivity.”, he stated.

Recalling that the Dangote Rice limited started the outgrowers scheme in 2016 with thousands of hectares of land  in Hadejia, Jigawa state, creating over 10,000 jobs (direct and indirect) to farmers, the business mogul said with the new ultra modern mill enough paddy rice will be grown and harvested for processing.

According to him, the mill which will take only months for installation and commissioning is the first in the series of five other mills coming up in Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Niger States in the first phase, while in the second phase, other mills will be built in Nasarawa, Kogi, and other states.

Said he: “When these planned six mills come fully on stream, we will achieve a capacity of seven hundred thousand metric tons per annum of Parboiled rice, which will make Dangote Rice the largest rice producer in Africa and will make a bold step in making Nigeria self-sufficient in Rice production, stop importation Nduka save the nation foreign exchange.”

Dangote stated further that towards co-creating value for all stakeholders, the company has engaged about 20,000 out growers who are expected to produce an average of 180,000 tons of paddy rice on about 30,000 hectares of land. “We are focused on engaging in the region of 300,000 farmers in the next 12 months when our rice mills are all functional and we achieve steady state.”

“We will continue to launch massive agricultural projects across the country in rice and dairy farming. Our push for backward integration in providing our own raw materials on a massive scale has led to the planned investment of $4.6 billion over the next three years in sugar, rice and dairy production alone. That will eliminate the country’s reliance on imported materials, and the foreign exchange headaches that comes with it.”

In his opening remarks, the Dangote Group Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin explained that the Dangote Rice team has been involved in scaling up the outgrower operations to a least 5,000 hectares this season and this will very soon increase and grow to over 15,000 hectares cultivated per cycle or season to fully optimise operations.

He said the establishment of a Multi-billion Naira state-of-the-art integrated rice processing facility to process at least 260 metric tons of rice paddy per day grown which is produced from thousands of local rice out growers within Jigawa state is a giant step forward and expresses his company’s confidence and faith in local farmers to continuously stand with Dangote to make this project a success.

Located on 25 hectares site in Hadin, Edwin noted that the mill is earmarked to begin operations in the last quarter of 2018. “During the construction phase and when it becomes fully operational, hundreds of employment opportunities will be created, knowledge transference and skills developed among our teeming youthful population thereby boosting local economy.”

According to him, “the Jigawa famers are in for a good times as the 125,000 metric tons of paddy rice that this plant requires for processing will be brought from the farmers of Jigawa for an estimated purchase price of N14 billion per annum. This is a huge benefit for the farmers in Jigawa. This mill will be producing high quality parboiled rice that competes with the best in the world this is in-line with our continuous aim to touch the lives of millions who believe in the Dangote brand.”

“Jigawa State is endowed and blessed with vast fertile land, water resources, climate and progressive people, as well as one of the fastest growing agricultural destinations in Nigeria, was identified as an ideal location for us to set up our first facility in Nigeria. This obviously reinforces our commitment to supporting the efforts of the present administration in developing a robust agro-industry in Nigeria.”

“We made commitment to Nigerians that we will produce 1 million metric ton of quality parboiled rice. Since then we have embarked on several initiatives towards achieving this objective with support and collaboration from state and federal government agencies, ministries and departments, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, traditional and financial institutions, etc., we continue to pioneer new approaches to empowering our primary stakeholders and our farmers, through the Dangote outgrower program thereby creating thousands of jobs, increasing incomes, poverty reduction in rural communities by providing high quality agro-inputs, technical support and secured market for farmers.”

Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru expressed delight at the stage of the Dangote Rice project in the state saying it was in line with the vision of the Invest Jigawa, an organ set up to accelerate investments in the state.

He said Jigawa is one of the States reputed to be on top on ease of doing business in Nigeria saying the Dangote Rice presence in the state is a pointer to the fact. He added that the state is also in the forefront of the diversification efforts of the federal government from oil to non-oil ventures especially agriculture.

He promised that the state will be willing to do whatever it will take to ensure the Dangote rice operate smoothly to the satisfaction of all parties in the state.

On Friday, March 02, 2018 Deltans witnessed the commissioning of Premium Steel Rolling Mill, exactly 36 years after Delta Steel Company was commissioned In Ovwian-Aladja.

The multi-billion dollar Premium Steel Rolling Mill was commissioned by Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to commence full operations after years of inactivity of the erstwhile moribund Delta Steel Company (DSC) Plc, Ovwian- Aladja, originally commissioned in 1982.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Premium Steel Rolling Mill, Mr Prasnata Mishra, “The company’s one million ton liquid steel capacity plant responsible for reinforcing Nigeria with steel and allied products, is targeting at least 5,000 jobs directly and indirectly, and expected to touch the lives of over 30, 000 Nigerians in the first instance before calculating the secondary opportunities it creates.”

After the acquisition of the steel company with its plants in total shamble and deplorable shape, the new owners Premium Steel retooled it with state-of-the-art equipment for competitive production.

Governor Okowa, while commissioning the Premium Steel Rolling Mill on Friday, March 02, 2018 said: “This is the right step if we must develop in Nigeria, as a nation, we must encourage development of infrastructure. It is sad that this place was abandoned for years because, there is no doubt that if we must grow technologically, we must produce our own steel.”

The Governor however disclosed that the management of Premium Rolling Mill would harness the huge oil and gas deposit in the area to also, establish a petrochemical company in the area.

He commended the Federal Government, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria and other stakeholders for the different roles they played for the company to be back on stream asserting, “obviously, there is a lot to be gained as a people and government, we will remain peaceful and the company should take note of local content in their activities.”

Minister of Mines and Steel, Mr Kayode Fayemi and the Managing Director of AMCON, Mr Ahmed Kuru who spoke through Mr Okoronkwo Onwukwe lauded the roles played by the state government for the steel company to be back to life.

“We sincerely thank Delta State government ably led by Dr Okowa for all his supportive roles, without which, we would not have been here for this commissioning; we must do everything under our power to protect this industry,” Mr Kuru said.

About 19 million babies born globally every year are at risk of permanent yet preventable brain damage and reduced cognitive function due to a lack of iodine in the earliest years of life.

A UN-backed report released on Thursday said the figure represents 14 per cent of the total global population of children, according to UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Senior Nutrition Adviser, Roland Kupka.

The report from UNICEF and its partner, the Global Alliance of Improved Nutrition (GAIN), noted that insufficient iodine during pregnancy and infancy resulted in neurological and psychological deficits, reducing a child’s IQ by eight to 10 points.

“The nutrients a child receives in the earliest years of life influence their brain development for life, and can make or break their chance of a prosperous future.

“By protecting and supporting children’s development in early life, we are able to achieve immense results for children throughout their lifespan,” he added.

The UNICEF official noted that salt iodization was both cost effective and economically beneficial at only 0.02 to 0.05 dollar per child annually.

According to him, every dollar spent on salt iodization is estimated to return 30 dollars through increased future cognitive ability.

Titled “Brighter futures: Protecting early brain development through salt iodization,” the report also notes that more than one in four affected children – 4.3 million – lives in South Asia.

While South Asia is home to the largest proportion of babies at risk globally, the region has the second highest iodized salt coverage rate at 87 per cent of the population, preceded by East Asia and the Pacific at 91 per cent coverage.

The lowest coverage with iodized salt was seen in Eastern and Southern Africa, where around 25 per cent of the population do not have access to iodized salt, leaving 3.9 million babies every year unprotected against iodine deficiency disorders.

The earliest moments of life, from conception up to age two, are the most critical for a child’s development, UNICEF said.

It added that nutrition, along with protection and stimulating activities like play and early learning, during a child’s first 1,000 days shape brain development for life.

The report outlined urgent steps to reduce the risk of mental impairment to babies’ growing brains.

This includes the integration of salt iodization into national plans to support children’s nutrition and brain development in early childhood and the establishment of surveillance systems to identify unreached populations.
(NAN)

Nigeria’s lower chamber at the National Assembly has described members of the Federal Executive Council and Ministers appointed by Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as unfit to occupy their ministerial positions.

TThe declaration followed the non-appearance of the two ministers at the session on the revival of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company holding in Abuja.

The House of Representatives at its plenary session on Thursday, March 1, 2018 passed a vote of no confidence on the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the Minister of State in the same ministry, Abubakar Bwari.

The implication of the vote of no confidence means the call on the president to relieve them of their ministerial portfolios, according to legislatives procedure and extant laws.

The legislative house described them as unfit to occupy the ministerialpositions, adding that their non-appearance was not only contempt to the House but an act of executive recklessness.

It is revealed that prior to the summit, the House had through a letter dated 16th February, 2018 invited Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Mineral and Bawa Bwari to the sectoral debate slated for Thursday, March 1, 2018, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. with special focus on the steel sector, particularly on how to revive the moribund Ajaokuta steel company.

However, the ministers through a letter signed by Abdulkadir Muazu, Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, dated February 27, 2018, with reference No: MMSD/S/BUDG2017, explained that the ministers had prior official engagements.

“The Honourable Minister has prior diplomatic schedule engagement in preparation to the focal labs of ERGP relating to the Mining Sectors while the Minister of State will be leading the Ministry’s delegation to Canada to attend the PDAC Conference.”

Speaker Yakubu Dogara unsatisfied by the reply from the ministry had observed in his letter that the sectoral debate would have provided opportunity for officials of Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to debunk the widespread allegations that the proposed concessionaires had tied their hands.

“In your letter under reference, you said the two ministers in the Ministry would not honour the invitation due to prior commitments. According to the letter, ‘The Honourable Minister has prior diplomatic schedule engagement.’ I am further directed to respectfully state that the House considers the attendance of one of the Ministers in the Ministry of crucial importance to its legislative intervention in the steel sector to ensure timely completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, and consequently requests you to reconsider the apparent boycott of the House’s sectoral debate.

“We think that the debate presents an opportunity for the Ministry to debunk the widespread allegations that the proposed concessionaires have tied the hands of the Ministry.

“We are worried that the apparent boycott of the session by your Ministry can only lend credence to the allegations that the top echelon of your ministry is deeply conflicted in the matter.

“In view of the cordial relationship that has always existed between the two Honourable Ministers and the Speaker and the institution of the House of Representatives, we urge you to take all reasonable measures to reinforce this relationship more so that the session is widely advertised and will go on with or without your participation,” the Speaker wrote.

Meanwhile, the embattled Minister Fayemi in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Olayinka Oyebode, said there was more to the action of the legislators than meets the eyes, describing it as most unwarranted and unfortunathe

The statement reads: “The attention of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari, has been drawn to the “Vote of No Confidence” reportedly passed on them by members of the House of Representatives following their inability to attend the House’s Sectoral Debate on Iron and Steel Sector on Thursday, March 1, 2018.

“While the offices of the two ministers have been inundated with countless media enquiries regarding their absence shortly after the pronouncement, it is important to state unequivocally that the inability of the two ministers to attend the debate was duly communicated to the leadership of the House in two separate letters. One then wonders why the House members took such a draconian stance against the two ministers who have very cordial relationships with the National Assembly.

“It is rather unfair for the House members to categorise the ministers’ absence as “boycott” when they were adequately notified.

“Tolerance and moderation are essential ingredients in public service engagement. In this particular case, they appear to be in short supply and the ministry believes that there is more than meets the eye on this matter.

“After all, the ministers are always willing to engage the honourable House and its leadership at all times. It is on record that Minister Fayemi was the first minister to address the sectoral debate in 2016 and the Ajaokuta Steel Complex was extensively addressed on that occasion.

”Subsequently, the House Committees on Privatisation and Public Petitions held special sessions on Ajaokuta and the Minister of State, Hon Bawa Bwari, addressed the members on those two occasions.

“Given this past record, today’s action is most unwarranted and unfortunate.”

***CP Muhammad Mustafa Vows To Prosecute Defaulters

The Delta State Police Command has constituted a task force to commence the mopping up of various categories of weapons in the state with effect from 1st March, 2018.

The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Mustafa told Blank NEWS Online in Asaba on Thursday, March 1, 2018 that the move was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police for total enforcement of the firearm Act banning the possession and use of illegal and prohibited firearms, ammunition, weapons and devices locally fabricated or modified that can cause death or injury to persons.

The already constituted task force, headed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge Operations Department, ACP. Wagbara Peter has been directed to immediately commence the mopping up of the afore-listed categories of weapons across the state.

Those affected by the new directive include vigilantes, neighbourhood watch, town unions, hunters, watch night men among others.

“Consequently, the general public, individuals and groups such as vigilantes and neighbourhood watch, town unions, hunters and watch night men or any group or association under any capacity or guise other than statutory Security Agencies recognized and gazetted by the Federal Government of Nigeria to bear firearms of specified category.

” Those who are currently possessing and using prohibited/illegal firearms such as pump action gun of all categories and the likes for whatsoever purpose in the state are hereby given twenty-one (21) days with effect from today, 1st March, 2018, to surrender them to the Commissioner of Police through the Area Commanders of their places of domicile.”

CP Muhammad Mustafa further said that “No license will be given or recognized in respect of prohibited firearms and ammunition except if granted by the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police.”

He implored concerned citizens, general public and Local Government Authorities to prevail on their vigilantes, neighbourhood watch, civil security outfits and watch night men and others attached to any organization including public and private institutions in the state to surrender all the prohibited firearms in their possession within the time limit of 21 days.

The Delta Police boss warned that “Anyone found with prohibited firearms after the expiration of the 21 days will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted, as the police will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law on any individual or group whose conduct, under any guise, run contrary to the law of the land.”

He therefore called on members of the public to report anyone bearing, possessing or in custody of the prohibited firearms anywhere in the state to Commissioner of Police, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers nearest to them in a bid to reduce crime to the barest minimum level.

Nigerian music sensation Ayo Balogun, also known as Wizkid, will make his debut at popular Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival popular known as Coachella in Indio, California.

Coachella is one of the largest, most famous, and most profitable music festivals in the United States and all over the world.

The 2017 edition of the festival was attended by 250,000 people and grossed $114.6 million.

Wizkid who is one of Nigeria’s biggest exports, confirmed his participation on Tuesday.

He tweeted: “We’re taking the African culture to Coachella BTW and am bringing out everybody.”

The “Soco” crooner will be performing alongside international acts such as The Weekend, Beyoncé, and Eminem.

Others are Black Coffee, Jorja Smith, Migos, Cardi B, Jidenna, Tyler the Creator.

Meanwhile, `Daddy Yo’, Wizkid’s 2017 hit song is part of the soundtrack for British-Nigerian actor John Boyega’s new film, ‘Pacific Rim Uprising.’

‘Pacific Rim Uprising’, is an upcoming American science fiction and action film set for release onMarch 23.

The film is co-produced by Boyega, written and directed by Steven DeKnight in his feature film directorial debut.

It is now certain that Brazilian superstar Neymar will undergo surgery on his fractured foot in Brazil,  ruling him out of Paris Saint-Germain’s do-or-die Champions League clash with Real Madrid on 6 March.

The 26-year-old suffered a hairline fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot as well as a twisted ankle late in PSG’s 3-0 win over Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

PSG said Wednesday that Rodrigo Lasmar, the surgeon with the Brazilian national squad, will carry out the operation with several Brazilian media outlets reporting that the surgery would take place as early as Thursday.

Radio Tupi said Neymar, his father and surgeon Lasmar left Paris Wednesday night for Belo Horizonte’s Mater Dei Hospital where the operation is set for Thursday according to O Globo newspaper, one of Brazil’s leading dailies.

Website UoL also reported the surgery would take place in the southeastern Brazil city but said it was scheduled for Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Brazilian’s father had claimed the player would be out for “at least six weeks”.

Speaking to ESPN in Brazil before PSG’s announcement, Neymar Senior said: “PSG know that they will not be able to count on Neymar for the upcoming matches. His treatment will last six to eight weeks, whether there is an operation or not.”

PSG coach Unai Emery had said earlier that “no decision” had been taken on whether Neymar would require surgery and that there remained a “small chance” of getting him back in time to face Real next Tuesday, March 6.

PSG lost 3-1 in the first leg in Spain two weeks ago and are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the last 16 for the second season running.

Neymar appeared to be in tears as he was stretchered off the field at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte claimed the former Barcelona player would be sidelined until May while, if his father’s estimate was correct, Neymar would not return before the semi-final stage of the Champions League in late April.

However, Neymar should be fit to play for Brazil at the World Cup in Russia in June and July.

In the meantime, PSG had to do without Neymar for Wednesday’s French Cup quarter-final at home to Marseille, the second meeting of the clubs in four days.

Argentine star Angel Di Maria replaced the Brazilian at the Parc des Princesand scored twice in a 3-0 win as PSG stayed on course to win the French Cup for the fourth season in a row.

But Emery was then confronted with another injury worry when striker Kylian Mbappe picked up an ankle injury in the game.

“Kylian Mbappe injured his ankle. He asked not to play the second half. I hope that it’s not too serious,” said Emery.

Neymar has scored 28 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for PSG since his 222 million-euro ($264 million) move from Barcelona last August.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, Neymar’s foot injury has unleashed sharp emotions and concern, rumours and speculation about the player upon whom so many hopes rest for World Cup victory.

“We just might have lost the World Cup last Sunday,” one radio commentator, Milton Neves of Bandnews FM, said early Wednesday.

Brazilians care little about the impact on PSG. Their attention is entirely trained on the World Cup, where they have ambitions of walking away with a sixth championship.

Images of Sunday’s fateful duel between Neymar and Marseille player Bouna Sarr were being shown incessantly on TV, often in slo-mo, before he was stretchered off.

Newspapers featured close-up illustrations detailing Neymar’s foot and ankle.

“I don’t think we can really talk about fears of him not being at the World Cup. But there is a noticeable haste to find a solution so that Neymar will have recovered in time,” an ESPN Brasil sports commentator, Mauro Cezar Pereira, told AFP.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cautioned Nigerians to be wary of investments in crypto currency as they are virtual currencies that are not legal tender in Nigeria.

The Apex Bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Isaac Okoroafor, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said crypto currencies such as Bitcoin, Ripples, Monero, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Onecoin, and Exchanges such as NairaEx were not licensed or regulated by the CBN.

Okoroafor said that dealers and investors in any kind of crypto currency in Nigeria were not protected by law, thus may be unable to seek legal redress in event of failure of the exchangers or collapse of the business.

The CBN further warned Nigerians against investing in crypto currencies as doing so would be at their own risk.

The CBN had in Jan. 12, 2017, issued a circular to banks and other financial institutions on virtual currency operations in Nigeria.

In the 2017 circular signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Kevin Amugo, the CBN had among other issues noted that virtual currencies were traded in exchange platforms that were not regulated all over the world.

Amugo further noted that transactions in virtual transactions were largely untraceable and anonymous, thereby, making them susceptible to abuse by criminals in money laundering and financing of terrorism.

(NAN)

“Timothy and Daniel Elombah are journalists and not terrorists who should be free to continue their journalism without legal harassment or fear of going to jail. At least four bloggers have been prosecuted under the Cybercrime Act since 2015.” –CPJ

Lomé (Blank NEWS Online)—Nigerian authorities should immediately drop plans to charge Timothy and Daniel Elombah, editor and chief executive respectively, of the independent Elombah news website, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has said.

A federal court in Abuja is scheduled to arraign the brothers on cybercrime and terrorism-related offenses on March 1, their lawyer Obunike Ohaegbu told CPJ.

“Timothy and Daniel Elombah are journalists and not terrorists who should be free to continue their journalism without legal harassment or fear of going to jail,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal from New York.  “Authorities should drop all legal proceedings against them and review Nigeria’s cybercrime law to ensure it is constitutional and is not abused to silence the press.”

Nigerian security forces detained the pair, along with several others, on January 1 for an allegedly defamatory article about Nigerian Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris that was published in the privately owned website Opinion Nigeria, and which the brothers have said they did not write, CPJ documented at the time.

Authorities released Daniel Elombah the same day he was arrested; Timothy was released on 500,000 Nigerian naira (US$1,400) bail after spending 25 days in police custody, according to Ohaegbu.

Elombah reports on the extremist group Boko Haram and has written critically about President Muhammadu Buhari’s son. Daniel Elombah denied that Elombah had anything to do with the article that police said prompted their arrest.

Jeff Okoroafor, the founder and publisher of Opinion Nigeria, told CPJ in January that police requested the article be removed, but that he refused. He said no further action was taken.

When CPJ called the headquarters of the Nigeria police in Abuja, the person who answered the phone said that he was not allowed to speak to journalists, and hung up.

If found guilty, the brothers could each face up to 10 years in jail under the Cybercrime Act, Daniel Elombah told CPJ.

At least four bloggers have been prosecuted under the Cybercrime Act since 2015, according to CPJ research.

The Delta State Government has approved the construction of ten thousand housing units for civil servants by Greenfield Assets Limited in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Council of the state.

This was made public by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, after the State Executive Council meeting held inside the EXCO chambers in Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday.
He said that the approval is to alleviate the housing challenges facing civil servants in the state, especially Asaba, the state capital, with a view to making them more comfortable to meet the demands of their offices.
Also approved is the Phase 1 of the completion of the Udu Harbour Market, as well as the construction of concrete drains and discharge channel from Refinery Road through Aribogha Street, Jesus is Lord Street to the natural waterway by Regal Clinic, Jakpa Road, Effurun, in anticipation of the raining season.
In its avowed determination to connect all communities to major cities in the state, Mr. Ukah said that the government approved the continuation of the construction of Ibusa/Achalla/Asaba Road (Phase 1: 4.125 km) in Oshimili North Local Government Area, in addition to the construction of Ogulagha/Youbebe/Biniebiama Road (1,500 metres) in Burutu Local Government Area and the rehabilitation of Orogun-Emevor Road and Erhieta Road (4.6 kilometres).
Also approved is the completion of the New General Hospital Road with a spur to Joy Ariguzor Street, off Okpanam Road, in the state capital territory, the construction of Arhagba–Orogun Road (11.294 kilometres) in Ughelli North Local Government Area and the construction of Upper Ojekpolor Street, (1,150 metres) in Ika North East Local Government Area.

Following the inconsistency in the manner President Muhammadu Buhari is addressed at different functions, the Presidency has issued a statement on how he should henceforth be addressed.

The statement was issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, in a circular dispatched to ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government.

Mustapha stated in the circular that henceforth, the president shall be addressed as: “Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

And in strictly Armed Forces programmes, “Commander-In Chief of the Armed Forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria,” shall be added.

The circular reads in part: “Government has observed with concern the inconsistent manner in which the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria is addressed during Official and Private functions. It has therefore become necessary to have a standard format for addressing him at such formal occasions.

“To this end, Mr. President shall henceforth be addressed as ‘‘MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.’’ except in purely Armed Forces Programmes, where “COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA”

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has signed the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N1.046 trillion into law.

Briefing newsmen shortly after the signing, Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akinyemi Ashade, said that Appropriation Bill, tagged ‘Budget of Development and Progress,’ would focus on completion of all ongoing projects.

Ashade put the projection for the internally generated revenue (IGR) at N897 billion, while the remaining part of the budget would be funded by deficit financing.

“Today is a good day in our state, the governor just signed the 2018 Appropriation Law.

“In terms of capital and recurrent expenditure, we have 63 per cent Capital and 37 per cent Recurrent and that shows that we are really big on infrastructural renewal.

“In terms of revenue, we are expecting a total of N897 billion both from the state and federal receipts, so the rest will be funded through budget deficit financing,” Ashade said.

Outlining the key components of the budget, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Olusegun Banjo, said capital expenditure would gulp N699.082 billion, while N347.039 billion is for recurrent expenditure.

According to Banjo, this represents a Capital/Recurrent ratio of 67 per cent to 33 per cent and a 28.67 per cent increase over year 2017 budget.

He also listed key projects captured in the 2018 budget to include the Agege Pen Cinema flyover; alternative routes through Oke-Ira in Eti-Osa to Epe-Lekki Expressway; the 8km Regional Road to serve as alternative route to connect Victoria Garden City (VGC) with Freedom Road in Lekki Phase I.

Banjo listed other projects to include completion of the ongoing reconstruction of Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane road and the BRT Lane from Oshodi to Abule-Egba.

According to the breakdown, General Public Services will receive N171,623 billion, representing 16.41 per cent; Public Order and Safety, N46.612 billion, representing 4.46 and Economic Affairs, N473,866 billion, representing 45.30 per cent.

Environmental Protection, N54,582 billion, representing 5.22 per cent, while Housing and Community Amenities got N59,904 billion, representing 5.73 per cent.

Health sector got N92.676 billion, representing 8.86 per cent; Recreation; Culture and Religion got N12.511 billion, representing 1.20 per cent; Education received N126.302 billion representing 12.07 per cent; and Social Protection was earmarked N8.042 billion representing 0.77 per cent.

Provisions were made for completion of the five new Art Theatres and establishment of a Heritage Centre at the former Federal Presidential State House recently handed over to the state government.

There are also provisions for a world class museum between the former Presidential Lodge and the State House, Marina; construction of four new stadia in Igbogbo, Epe, Badagry and Ajeromi Ifelodun (Ajegunle) and completion of the on-going Epe and Badagry Marina projects.

On Housing, there are provisions for completion of ongoing projects especially those at Gbagada, Igbogbo, Iponri, Igando, Omole Phase I, Sangotedo and Ajara-Badagry under the Rent-to-Own policy, among others.

The governor also signed two critical bills into law — the Consolidated Transport Sector Bill and the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission Bill.

The Transport Sector Law 2018 provides for the development and management of a sustainable transport system in the state, as well as development, management and maintenance of transport infrastructure and facilities within the state.

The law also regulates the provision of an efficient transport delivery system and ensures availability of a safe and affordable transport delivery system and ensures availability of a safe and affordable transportation system.

It is hoped that with this law, an efficient integrated transport management system will evolve in the state.

The Teaching Service Commission Law 2018 provides for the control and management of teaching service matters in the state, and for connected purposes.

The law regulates and coordinates the management of teaching service matters and provides uniform guidelines for the effective management of Post-Primary Schools in the state.

(NAN)

*** SAY THEY ARE IN SUPPORT OF NIGERIAN MARITIME UNIVERSITY, OKERENKOKO

The people of Ugborodo Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have told President Muhammadu Buhari that the recent visit of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja was nothing but a sham just as they restated their total support for the establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.

President Buhari last Friday in Abuja met Olu of Warri and he promised more goodies for the Niger Delta Region.

But in a Petition to President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, the people described the visit as a sham and deceitful aimed at covering up alleged atrocities carried out against the people of Ode Ugborodo on February 11, 2018.

The Petition was signed by Hon Thomas Metseagharun (The Toritsemogha of Ugborodo Land) and Pastor William Agbajor (The Balogun of Ugborodo Land.)

According to them;”Mr President, we the peace loving people of Ugborodo Community want to let you know that the visit of the Olu of Warri and his entourage to you on Friday, February 23, 2018 is a sham and deceitful in order to cover up the atrocities committed against the people at Ode Ugborodo on February 11,2018 by Chief Ayiri Emani, the Ologbotsere of Warri and his co-travellers  who have been causing mayhem, arson, killings, vandalization of property and looting in the area with the help of  illegal Military, Police, ethnic militias and hired thugs. Mr President, they  have  brought untold hardship to the people and you have been deceived by the visit of the Olu and his entourage”.

“Mr President, there have been reoccurring incidents of this manner over four times in this Ugborodo Community where the Olaja-Orori, Dube Omadeli is the head and leader of the people, where four persons- Chief Ayiri Emani, Chief Ereyitomi Thomas, Mr David Tonwe and Tuoyo Omatsuli and their cronies will not allow our Communities of Ode Ugborodo, Ogidigben, Ajudaibo, Mandagho and their environs to know peace for the past Thirteen years”.

“These  communities are underdeveloped because choice contracts such as Madangho to Ogidigben shoreline protection contract awarded to Chief Ayiri Emani, the Ologbotsere of Warri for multi million Naira without execution and Ode Ugborodo shoreline protection was also abandoned. Mr President, few  persons who have turned themselves into money bags and political hawks are milking our Communities dry. We the people of Ugborodo Community are deeply worried over the way things are going. We are being subjected to unnecessary hindrances when God has blessed us so much. All agents of destabilization should leave Ugborodo area alone. Chief Ayiri and his co-travellers disturbing the peace of Ugborodo should be called to order by the Federal Government”.

They called on the President to prevail on the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris  to investigate the raid on Ugborodo Community, allegedly masterminded by Chief Ayiri Emami, the Ologbosere of Warri kingdom, an action which they claimed led to the death of three persons in the community on February 11, 2018.

They alleged that Chief Ayiri in company of heavily armed Police, Nigeria Army and hired mercenaries numbering more than 50 patrolled Ugborodo in gunboats and suddenly there were sporadic gunshots which caused panic, pandemonium and everybody ran into the bush for fear of being killed in the ensuing gunfire.

They claimed that  three persons were instantly gun down and others in the process of escaping, sustained different degrees of life threatening injuries.

They claimed also that the house of the Olaja-Orori of Ugborodo Community, Benson Dube Omadeli  was set ablaze following the alleged instructions dished out to the hired mercenaries by Ayiri, who massively damaged the house under construction in the community.

They  alleged that  the property belonging to the National Youth President of Ugborodo Community, Mr. Ofe Penda Nene, were destroyed and others  set ablaze.

They further alleged that  the property of Richard Arubi and Williams Agbajor were also not spared as they were equally destroyed and set ablaze in Ugborodo community.

They  claimed that Ayiri  based his actions on the ground that  Omadeli  declared  himself the king of the community, hence the raid on his people.

According to them, Ugborodo is an autonomous Community in Warri South West Local Government Area and  host to many oil firms and has been existing since the 13th century, saying that;”It predates Giniwa, the first Olu of Itsekiri, then also the Colonial Masters and our present day Nigeria where the present head and spiritual leader, Dube Omadeli, the Olaja-Orori of Ugborodo land, Suoo V 1 and his people are autonomous Community.

“Ugborodo is an autonomous community. We have been in existence since 13 AD. It is the oldest community in this area and we are not under anybody. The leadership of this community is under the leadership of the Olaja-Orori  under the leadership of Benson Dube Omadeli. Because of the wealth found in this community, people outside started calling us all types of negative names. There are some people who are hell bent on destroying this community. We are fighting against  these agents of destruction and stabilization and we are saying that we can no longer allow people to use us again. All the people fighting us are not living in this community. You cannot change who we are. We know that we originate from Ode in Ijebu land. We are from the Yoruba lineage,” they added.

According to them;”Since the advent of oil exploration and exploitation in 1959 to date, the whole ecosystem both land and water have been polluted and degraded. Our lovely means of livelihood of fishing and farming are gone. We do not have good water, no electricity, no schools, no hospitals, no houses, no means of transportation and other necessary modern social amenities are lacking, yet some few individuals have enriched themselves at the detriment of the people and their communities”.

“Mr President, we are in total support of the Nigerian Maritime University already located in our next door neighbour of Gbaramatu Kingdom and this our support for the University is making those in Warri area to be angry against Ugborodo land and Gbaramatu Kingdom. The establishment of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko will bring rapid development to the area and the entire Niger Delta Region. We are next door neighbours and nobody can come between us”, they said.

By OSHALOTO Joseph Tade—
Blank NEWS Online/Nigeria:
Upfront, I sympathize with parents and loved ones of the kidnapped Dapchi schoolgirls. As a Yorùbá man, our sadness over a lost child is deeper than losing them to death. Hence the adage “ọmọ ẹni kú sàn j’ọmọ ẹni nù lọ”. When the whereabouts of one’s child/ren are unknown, the heartache this evokes is simply untold. I can only imagine how distressed the Dapchi iyayes are currently feeling.

Facts however are a stubborn thing. Facts around the objects of our national strength and defense are staggering. They are nagging, too.

From Borno to Zamfara, Benue, Nasarawa via Kogi and elsewhere in the North and South of Nigeria, women hold their heads and cry as their sons and daughters are being molested, raped, kidnapped and killed needlessly.

Our country has been hit times and again by the plague of fundamentalism and banditry that we watched grow – and perhaps nurtured – to very dangerous entities.

How sad that these forces are now clearly many steps ahead of our nationhood. They are ahead of our country’s military and intelligence community.

These are clearly leadership failures that transcend an individual leader, though each of them must bear the statistics of happen during their terms, that say so much about how poorly we have arranged our priorities. It tells of what importance we allocate to the things that really matter; like the sanctity of life, dignity of the human person. The stubborn facts are projecting us as savages. This must be reversed.

Dapchi kidnap will form the latest experiment of our government’s ability and resoluteness to wake up and shake off everything tying us down. Every single one of these schoolgirls represents the delicate but grateful and bright future that must be cared for with every single aspect of our national strength.

The legitimacy and popularity of this administration will be terribly bugged if these girls stay 48 hours longer in the camps of these devils.

KANO, Nigeria, February 23, 2018/ — Eight hundred Kano youth enjoyed a day of non-stop Rugby action at SAS Stadium, Kano last Thursday. Boys and girls, junior and seniors, schools and communities competed in eight different categories to win trophies as well as school fees for each winning team.

Once again, The Kano Rugby Grand Patron, His Highness The Emir of Kano; Muhammad Sanusi II graced the occasion, and this year, we also enjoyed the support of Acting Governor Kano State Prof. Hafiz Abubakar as well as the Deputy High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Harriet Thompson.

Watched by an additional two hundred school children and supporters, all those present agreed the tournament was not just bigger, but the rugby was of a higher standard than previous years. Credit must go to the iTry coaches and organisers who delivered the event, proof that rugby has taken hold in Kano State.

The winners were:

⁃ Junior Girls Touch Rugby – Ahmadiyya College
⁃ Junior Boys Touch Rugby – Minjibir Community
⁃ Senior Girls Touch Rugby – Basic College
⁃ Junior Boys Schools Touch Rugby – Basic College
⁃ Junior Boys Tackle Rugby – Barewa II
⁃ Senior Boys Touch Rugby – Minjibir Community
⁃ Senior Boys School Tackle Rugby – Aminu Kano Community College AKCC
⁃ Senior Boys Tackle Rugby – Barewa

Delta state government has enjoined youths to always exhaust every available means of dialogue, reconciliation and arbitrations before taking actions that may be inimical to societal development.

The Commissioner in the Directorate of Youth Development, Chief Oghenekaro Ilolo, who also expressed state government’s readiness to partner with the various youth organizations in the state, said this while playing host to leaders of the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) in his office in Asaba.

He urged them to ensure that dialogue is evolved as a necessary tool for resolving grievances so that such grievances does not escalate into an uncontrollable conflict situation, adding that youths in the state should always collaborate with government at all times.

He promised to hold meetings with leadership of youth bodies in the state across board to discuss and review youth activities in the various local governments and ethnic nationalities and come up with possible solutions to tackle the challenges faced by youths in the state.

“Dialogue with youths helps resolve grievances before they snowball into violence and conflict which is much more expensive because lives are lost and properties are destroyed.

“The youths must be seen to be collaborating with government in every possible way so that we can have less conflicts and less issues. We should put our issues on the table through proper dialogue to avert unnecessary conflicts and frictions. These meetings would help us to chat a pathway for possible collaboration.

“Our drive is to find a common ground whereby the issues associated with the youths is looked into and government will be happy to sustain the existing peace in the state and the youths have a very big role to play as far as these issues are concerned. We are creating the enabling environment for us to interact from time to time and we will all reap in the benefits.”

He futher appealed to them to become useful to the society and jettison the “Ose” ideology and erace the stigma that attaches youths to violence which he said has greatly affected the integrity of youths in the state.

According to him, “The era now is driven by knowledge, balanced wisdom, laced with technology. Our youths should concern themselves with useful engagements like awareness campaigns, enlightenment, entrepreneurial endeavors and farming.

In his remarks, President of Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA), Comrade Umuakpo Ovie said he is optimistic that Chief Oghenekaro Ilolo’s new office will turn around the fortune of Isoko youths and entire youths of Delta state, adding that INYA is ready to partner with the state government if some of the issues affecting the Isoko nation are substantially addressed.

Some of the issues raised by him include gross marginalization of the Isoko nation by both the federal and state governments, in terms of political patronage, non inclusion of Isoko youhs in the amnesty programme and inadequate budgetary allocation for infastructure and road projets in Isoko.

According to him, “We will only give support to government based on what is placed on the table of Isoko nation.”

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is scheduled to commission one of the earlier abandoned multi-purpose Skill Acquisition Centres, located in Umutu Community, Ukwuani Local Government Area.

The project which was allegedly awarded during the tenure of the second democratically elected governor of the state, Chief James Ibori who assumed office in 1999, had been left uncompleted by the successive administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, until the administration of incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Okowa decided to complete the project in line with its five-point policy programme.

Executive Director, Social Services Development, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC), Hon Christopher Ochor Ochor, who carried out an on the spot inspection of some projects being carried out by the commission in the area, disclosed on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 that in the next few weeks, the skill acquisition centre would be among projects to be inaugurated in the area.

Other projects inspected include, the section B of the de-flooding of the Obiaruku Market, the Perimeter fencing of the Emmanuel Uduaghan Civic Centre, in Obiaruku, the Ekpemili Primary School, Obi-Ogene, Ebedei, among others.

Speaking to newsmen after the exercise, Ochor Ochor, said that because of the importance the governor has for human capital development, especially for the teeming youths of the state, at assumption of office, he directed that the centre be transferred to the commission from the State Ministry of Youths and Sports, which was the original executors of the project.

“His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, because of his promises to the people of Ukwuani, and his penchant to impact on the youths in the state skills that will help them contribute positively to the state economy, directed the commission to take over the job from the State Ministry of Youths and Sports”.

According to Hon Ochor, the centre has a history which spans a period of time, saying, “The centre has a history, which was from the Ministry of Youths and Sports, and that phase has ended, this is another phase.”

While thanking the governor on behalf of the people of the local government for making provisions to ensure that the project is completed, said that if completed and commissioned, it will not only be a centre of training for basic skills that will develop human and economic capacity of the area, but will also provide both direct and indirect employment to the people of Umutu and other communities in the area.

“Completion of this centre will not only afford the people of this area the opportunity to acquire the basic knowledge in skills that will help them to leave a better life, but will also provide direct and indirect jobs for the people”

Speaking further, Hon Ochor affirmed the readiness of DESOPADEC to continue the provisions of the necessary solutions that will improve lives of the people of the mandate area, as enshrined in the agenda of the present government, which they had done since the assumption of the present board.

“The present board met a contract job of about N10 billion, and since our mandate was complete and commission, we had been completing and commissioning many of those jobs we met, and we will continue to do so for the good of the people”, he added.

*Calls On Deltans To Collect PVC

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh JP, has affirmed that the Delta Political Vanguard (DPV), has devised strategies to spearhead the re-election of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the Governor of Delta State in the 2019 general elections.

Bashorun Askia, who spoke at the backdrop of ongoing support and mobilization rallies organized by the Delta Political Vanguard (DPV), said the drive is aimed at strengthening the unity in the party in Delta state, reaffirming its stand to help build confidence and mobilize Deltans to massively support the Governor’s second coming.

Bashorun Askia, who is also a chieftain of the Delta Political Vanguard (DPV) which is the Mass Mobilisation and Sensitisation organ of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa,
expressed happiness in the resounding pledge of all PDP faithful to support the mission and vision of DPV to ensure that the party retains and sustains its firm political grip on the electorates across the state.

He disclosed that DPV has commenced harmonization processes in the 25 local government areas of the state through effective sensitization and mobilization of the people at the grassroots as well as further engaging the party executives at the ward and local government levels in the drive to facilitate reconciliatory processes and entrench discipline and unity among party members.

According to him, “As the Mass Mobilisation and Sensitisation organ of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, we are not resting on our oars as PDP chieftains. We are all out to work vigorously for the general interest of the party in Delta state headed by Olorogun Barr. Kingsley Esiso and with a commitment to ensure electoral victory for all PDP candidates.”

Bashorun Askia Ogieh said, “Governor Okowa has demonstrated equity in the distribution of projects across the three senatorial districts and in the appointment of political office holders in the state.”

He therefore encouraged Deltans who are 18 years and above to ensure that they collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) to enable them exercise their voting rights in the forthcoming elections.

Bashorun Askia, urged all PDP members who may have left the party while the internal crisis lasted to return and also encouraged those intending to join from other political parties that the PDP umbrella is wide enough to accommodate everybody willing to participate in building a peaceful, united and progressive Delta state and Nigeria.

– As Govt Signs Joint Venture Agreement On Multi-Billion Naira Agro-Industrial 

In its commitment to developing and harnessing the agricultural potentials in Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has gone into partnership with private investors to establish a multi-billion naira agro-industrial park in the state.
This was made known when the members of the Committee on Agro-Industrial Park led the joint ventures partners to the state government, Mirai Technologies Ltd and Norsworthy Investment Ltd on a courtesy visit to the governor in Government House, Asaba.
The visit came immediately a Joint Venture Agreement on the development of an agro-industrial park between the state government, Mirai Technologies Ltd and Norsworthy Investment Ltd was signed in the Office of the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Asaba.
Congratulating them, the governor expressed his delight that the joint venture has been signed and that the committee has come to the highpoint of the establishment of an industrial park.
He said the process which has taken two years is an example of Public Private Partnership (PPP) which when completed would create employment for the youths and ensure food security in the state.
He urged the investors to hit the ground running, “I look forward to the process that will lead to the ground breaking ceremony. Lots of people are interested in agriculture and are confident in investing in it”.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa charged youths in the state to go into agriculture as a sustainable means of livelihood and as the future of Nigeria. He said his administration will continue to encourage all Deltans to go into agriculture, especially the youths through the Youth Agricultural and Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and Micro Credit Scheme.
Earlier in his brief, the Chief Job Creation Officer and the Chairman of the Committee on Agro-Industrial Park, Prof Eric Eboh, emphasized that a significant milestone has been made with the signing of the joint venture agreement between the partners after 2 years ago of rigorous due process of feasibility study, review, revalidation, negotiation, approval and ratification.
He recalled that the establishment of an agro-industrial park is the brain child of the governor right from his gubernatorial manifesto in line with his vision of developing agricultural value chain and promoting agro-industrialization of the state.
Responding differently, the Managing Director of Mirai Technologies Ltd, Mr Roy Tal and the Managing Director of Norsworthy Investment Limited, Mr Gabriel Ogbechie commended the governor for his vision, saying they are ready to invest to help him realise his vision of creating employment and growing the economy of the state.
They emphasized that in a country of about 180 million people, agriculture is the way to go and is the future of Nigeria, assuring the state government that in few years to come, the fruits of the investment will be seen.

In continuation of its job creation programme, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has reiterated its commitment to building young entrepreneurs who would become key drivers of the economic diversification in the state.

Governor Okowa stated this at the three day Orientation and Personal Effectiveness Training (OPET) for 745 trainees engaged in the 2017/2018 cycle of its Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) taking place at Songhai Delta, Amukpe in Sapele Local Government Area.

Congratulating the trainees who are of the third cycle since the inauguration of the programme, Governor Okowa said it is his vision to make Delta youths self-employed and engaged in sustainable ventures. “This is an opportunity that you should not treat casually. It is packaged for Delta youths; you are at the centre right from the planning and implementation in line with best practices,” he remarked.

While stating that the third cycle underscores the commitment of the state government to ensure that the programme is sustained, he disclosed that the state government is in partnership with the World Bank through the State Employment and Expenditure for Result Projects (SEEFOR).

He added that the OPET is the first phase of the training, listing the job creation programmes to include the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and the Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP).

He said the state government is committed to building a new generation of entrepreneurs who do not only have vocational skills, but who are personally effective, efficient, disciplined and possess the ability to manage themselves, time and resources, “We are poised to move you from the state of dependency to that of independency; to transform unemployed or misemployed youths to become gainfully employed and agents of economic transformation.”

The governor represented by the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh, disclosed that the trainees after the OPET in Songhai Delta would be posted to various training centres across the state for three to six months training, after which they would receive Entrepreneurship and Business Management Training (EBMT) before establishment with starter packs. He added that they are to resume training at such centres on the 1st of March, 2018.

While advising them to take their training seriously, he said his vision is that they grow to become great entrepreneurs, leaders and managers. “Your success is our success. The success of this administration is measured by your success,” he pointed out.

Responding differently, Oghenetoni Edaghware in Fishery (Ughelli South LGA) and Henrietta Onah in Fashion Design & Tailoring (Ukwuani LGA) thanked the state government for the opportunity given to them to be trained to become self-employed and job creators.

They promised to be focused and committed to the vision of the governor of nurturing them into great entrepreneurs, leaders and business managers.

• “South Africa must come first in everything that we do.”

Cyril Ramaphosa has taken over from Jacob Zuma as the President of South Africa.

This followed his selection on Thursday by the country’s lawmakers after the resignation of Zuma on Wednesday.

Zuma had been in a power struggle with Ramaphosa, his deputy president.

Ramaphosa emerged without the casting of votes as he was the only candidate nominated, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng told assembled lawmakers at a special sitting of the parliament in Cape Town..

Cyril Ramaphosa took over the mantle of leadership of South Africa on Thursday declaring that the interest of the country must come first.

“South Africa must come first in everything that we do,” he declared.

He said that as the president of the country, he had become a servant and promised to discharge his work with humility.

He said it was no time to be frivolous, but to tackle the main issues affecting the country.

He expressed interest in the need to ensure patriotism and fight corruption among other issues.

The new president said the people of South Africa must come together and tackle their common problems without having to shout at one another.

He expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for giving him the opportunity to serve, promising to always be in contact with them.

Said he:  “I will do all these as a servant of our people. Once one is elected as president, you become a servant.

“I will seek to do that task with humility and faithfulness.

“Many of the lawmakers have spoken about unity and how to work for our people. I will adopt and accept the advice.

“We have to work together on how to improve the lives of our people rather than grandstanding.

“Issue of corruption, strengthening state enterprises are issues that we will be addressing. Also issue of patriotism.

“South Africa must come first in everything that we do.”

South Africa’s embattled President Jacob Zuma has resigned his office with immediate effect.

He made the announcement in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening.

Earlier, Mr Zuma’s governing ANC party told him to resign or face a vote of no confidence in parliament on Thursday.

The 75-year-old has been under increasing pressure to give way to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC’s new leader.

Mr Zuma, who has been in power since 2009, faces numerous allegations of corruption.

His resignation came at the end of a long speech in which he said he disagreed with the way the ANC had acted towards him.

He said he did not fear a motion of no-confidence, adding: “I have served the people of South Africa to the best of my ability.”

Mr Zuma also said that violence and division within the ANC had influenced his decision to step down.

“No life should be lost in my name and also the ANC should never be divided in my name. I have therefore come to the decision to resign as president of the republic with immediate effect,” he said.

“Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organisation, I have always been a disciplined member of the ANC.

“As I leave I will continue to serve the people of South Africa as well as the ANC, the organisation I have served… all of my life.”

The ANC issued a statement saying Mr Zuma’s resignation provided “certainty to the people of South Africa”.

Mr Zuma, a former member of the ANC’s military wing in the days of apartheid, rose through the ranks of the party to become president.

He led the country for more than a third of its time after apartheid.

But he leaves office with several scandals hanging over him, and with South Africa’s economy in dire straits.

Source:  BBC

Palestine is considering legal options in case Israel and the U.S. choose to derail negotiations on the Israel-Palestine settlement, Foreign Minister Riyad Maliki told Sputnik in an interview.

Palestine has been seeking a new format of peace talks with broader mediator participation since refusing to let the U.S. remain the sole main mediator following the latter’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“We are asking for advice from many internationally recognised legal experts to help us also to focus on different specific legal tracks and to see what we could do in the near future when it comes to this.

“You know, if the negotiations track is closed by the rejection of Israel and the U. S., that means that they are not leaving us with many options but to focus on the legal one,” Maliki said.

Maliki underlined that Palestine has signed over 100 international conventions and agreements containing certain conditions on how member states should or could act.

“We believe will be reviewing all these bylaws of the hundreds of conventions and agreements, we’ll see if we could also utilise them in order also to use them within the legal track also in that sense,” the minister stressed.

According to Maliki, Palestine may ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israel’s settlement activities in the West Bank or could go to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or courts within different countries to hold Israel accountable for its actions.

“First of all, Israel represents an occupying power, and this is something we should really address maybe through the ICJ.

“When it comes to the criminal actions committed by the Israeli government then we could back to the ICC, when it comes to some actions taken by Israel like trying to sell settlement products then we will go to the European court, or to the national country courts,” he explained.

He also said the Palestinian government does not intend to self-dissolve and hand control of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to Israel.

On Monday, Nabil Shaath, the foreign affairs adviser of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, told Sputnik that some within the Palestinian National Authority were discussing the option of dissolving the administration of the autonomy and let Israel bear the full brunt of running the occupied West Bank.

“No, you know, the current status of the Palestinian authority was created by Oslo agreements and was supposed to end in 1999 with moving into a full-fledged state.

“This did not happen, so obviously, if we want to move from where we are, we are not talking about a regression to the status, we should really talk about how we can really move closer to the state which was given to us by the UN resolution of Nov. 29, 2012, which says that the state of Palestine is under occupation,” Maliki said.

Commenting on Shaath’s words, the foreign minister stressed that these were referring to the mood of some in the administration who are dissatisfied with the fact that Israel continues to occupy the West Bank but does not pay any of the costs while refusing to move closer to the two-state solution.

“This is really a discussion that continues to be heard within the Palestinian circles just to give back Israel full responsibilities of the occupation and let them really face all this financial and others security challenges,” he said.

The minister said the main objective was nevertheless to “move forward” to declaring a full-fledged Palestinian state.

(Sputnik/NAN)

Former First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan appears to be tired of fighting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in court and has asked for out-of-court settlement.

In a January 30, 2018 letter, titled “Proposal for out-of-Court Settlement of all cases related to Dame (Mrs.) Ibifaka Patience Jonathan,” she told the EFCC of her intention to settle the matter.

The letter, which was written by her counsel, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), is being considered by the EFCC.

The letter said: “As senior counsel, representing Dame (Mrs.) Patience Jonathan (former First Lady) and companies linked to her and some family members, associates, companies and NGOs, we have thought it fit to engage your commission in a discussion over all issues involving her and the commission with a view to having amicable resolution of all cases as stated above.

“This will enable both sides create an atmosphere for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. We will therefore appreciate it, if you can give us an appointment at your earliest convenience to have a discussion over all matters involving her and members of her family.

“We believe that an amicable settlement will be in the best interest of both your commission and our client.

“We assure you of our utmost commitment and sincerity of purpose in this connection, and we solicit your cooperation in this regard. Please, accept the assurances of our warm regards.”

Her letter came as EFCC stumbled on more startling information on how she piled up dollar deposits in Skye and First banks, including how she lavished part of the money.

According to TheNation, she blew thousands of dollars at highbrow stores in various capitals of the world.

The cash came from $11,849,069.03, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said 31 individuals and companies paid into her two domiciliary accounts.

The accounts, which are Skye Bank (2110001712) and First Bank (2022648664) had “questionable deposits” between 2013 and 2017.

The Skye Bank account had about $7,452,319.32 lodged in it. Detectives found $4,036,750.00 in the second account with First Bank.

The ex-First Lady allegedly spent the cash at TFS stores, Selfridges, John Lewis, Kingsgate, Sainsbury’s, Harrods, Marks and Spencer, Dolce and Gabbana, and Gina.

She went on a shopping spree in expensive outlets in the United States, Britain, Germany, Hong Kong, UAE, Italy and China.

The highest shopping was at Goyard Beijing in Beijing CN on January 28, 2014 where Mrs. Jonathan shelled out $28,388.72.

On the same day at Hulian Xinguang Beijing CN, she blew $13, 069.68 on some luxury items.

An EFCC source told The Nation that it iDVD considering the Former First Lady’s offer if settlement.

“We have received a letter from the ex-First Lady, we are studying it on whether or not to accept the out-of-court settlement or allow justice to take its course.”

Apart from the cash, the ex-First Lady is linked to 12 choice properties and a plot of land on which a building is being built.

The investigative team had recommended that Section 7 of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 be invoked on the properties after due verification.

The assets linked to Mrs. Jonathan in Port Harcourt are: Former Customs Service officers mess; two duplexes at 2/3 Bauchi Street; landed property with blocks at Ambowei Street; 3 Luxury apartments of 4-bedroom each at Ambowei Street; and Grand View Hotel along airport road.

In Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, are two marble duplexes at Otioko GRA by Isaac Boro Expressway; Glass House along Sani Abacha Expressway which is housing Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board; Akemfa Etie Plaza by AP filling Station, Melford Okilo Road; and Aridolf Resort, Wellness and Spa on Sani Abacha Expressway.

(NAN)

South African President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday agreed in principle to resign within a time frame of three to six months, said ANC secretary general on Tuesday.

ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule said this when briefing the media in Johannesburg about ANC’s NEC (National Executive Committee) meeting last night.

He said the NEC resolved to recall Zuma and will brief Parliament caucus on Wednesday.

NAN reports that the decision by the ANC national executive followed 13 hours of tense deliberations and one, short face-to-face exchange between Zuma and his presumed successor, deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.

Tottenham Hotspur recovered from conceding twice in the opening nine minutes to secure a 2-2 draw away to Juventus in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie.

Gonzalo Higuain struck for Juve on Tuesday after two minutes and again from the penalty kick spot after nine minutes as Tottenham were rocked, but the visitors responded in impressive fashion.

Harry Kane fired home in the 35th minute to halve the deficit before Higuain wasted the chance to score a hat-trick.

The Argentine’s penalty kick on the stroke of halftime hit the crossbar.

On the other hand, Kane’s strike was the first goal Juventus have conceded in 2018.

Tottenham were rewarded for their endeavour when Christian Eriksen’s free-kick levelled it up in the 71st minute.

It means that the Londoners will fancy their chances of knocking out last year’s runners-up in next month’s second leg at Wembley.

Tottenham arrived full of confidence after winning their group containing last year’s winners Real Madrid, but they suffered a dreadful opening 10 minutes.

Juventus, unbeaten in their previous 26 home matches in Europe, took the lead after two minutes.

A clever free-kick by Miralem Pjanic picked out Higuain who swivelled to volley right-footed past Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham had barely put two passes together when they fell further behind seven minutes later from the penalty kick spot.

Ben Davies was caught napping and his clumsy foul on Federico Bernardeschi gave the referee an easy decision to point to the penalty kick spot.

Higuain duly converted in spite of Lloris guessing the right way and getting a touch on the ball.

The rest of the half belonged to the visitors as they shrugged of the double blow to dominate possession.

With Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele pulling the strings for Tottenham in midfield.

Juve retreated and they were indebted to veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for two fine saves to deny in-form striker Kane.

There was nothing he could do though when Dele Alli picked out Kane in the 35th minute and the England striker drifted past the goalkeeper before coolly sliding home.

Tottenham had a huge let-off on the stroke of half-time when they were caught on the counter-attack and Douglas Costa enticed Serge Aurier into a desperate lunge to concede another penalty.

Higuain took the ball but rather than celebrate a first-half hat-trick his penalty kick rattled against the crossbar.

Juventus played more like the away side in the second half with Tottenham again pressing.

The hosts however went close with Lloris saving well from Bernardeschi and Mario Mandzukic then heading straight at the French goalkeeper.

Eriksen, arguably the best player on the pitch, levelled for Tottenham in the 71st minute when his low free-kick deceived Buffon and nestled in the corner.

(Reuters/NAN)