Global Naija Info

Carrie Fisher US actress Carrie Fisher, best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars series, has died aged 60, days after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was taken ill on a flight from London to Los Angeles on Friday and was taken to hospital when the plane landed. A family statement announced she had died on Tuesday morning. Tributes have been pouring in, with Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill simply tweeting: “No words #devastated”. In a statement released on behalf of Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourd, spokesman Simon Halls said: “It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8.55 (16:55 GMT) this morning. “She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.” Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford described Fisher as “one-of-a-kind “who lived her life “bravely”. He added: “My thoughts are with her daughter Billie, her mother Debbie, her broth

Robert Smith An African American billionaire, Robert Smith is sponsoring the education of 24 Chibok schoolgirls in American University, Yola in Adamawa State. The identity of the good Samaritan was revealed today by Malam Garba Shehu, senior special assistant on the media to President Muhammadu Buhari at an interaction with media men in Abuja. The billionaire, Shehu also revealed is offering to take responsibility for the 21 girls freed in october and all the others who will hopefully be eventually set free. Who is Robert Smith? He is a 54 year-old businessman, who attended good American colleges such as Cornell and Columbia universities. At Cornell, he picked a bachelor of science in chemical engineering and an MBA at Columbia. He lives in Austin, Texas. According to a short bio written on him by Forbes, he was the son of Ph.D holders and was bussed across town to his school in the early days of desegregation. “He later convinced Bell Labs when he was in high school to give hi

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp Liverpool closed the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to six points and moved to second in the league after maintaining their unbeaten home record with a convincing victory over Stoke. Jon Walters headed home at his near post, highlighting the home team’s vulnerability in defence, to give Stoke an early lead. But Liverpool responded positively after a disjointed start, with Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino scoring before the break as the hosts took the lead. Jurgen Klopp’s men made sure of the win, which moves them one point ahead of third-placed Manchester City – whom they play on New Year’s Eve – when Giannelli Imbula directed Divock Origi’s cross into his own net. Adding gloss to the scoreline was Daniel Sturridge, who scored his first league goal of the season – and Liverpool’s 100th under manager Klopp. There was a period in the first half when Liverpool looked exposed. Simon Mignolet, again preferred in goal to Loris Karius as Klopp stu

Bob Bradley Swansea City have sacked Bob Bradley after only 85 days in charge of the Premier League club. Monday’s 4-1 home defeat by West Ham was Swans’ seventh defeat in 11 games since Bradley took over on 3 October and leaves them on 12 points, above bottom club Hull on goal difference. Bradley was the first American to manage a Premier League club. Chairman Huw Jenkins said: “We felt we had to make the change with half the Premier League season remaining.” He added: “With the club going through such a tough time, we have to try and find the answers to get ourselves out of trouble. “Personally, I have nothing but praise for Bob. He is a good man; a good person who gave everything to the job. His work-rate is phenomenal and we wish him well for the future.” Bradley managed USA, Egypt and Stabaek in Norway before leaving French second division club Le Havre to succeed Francesco Guidolin, who had himself only been appointed in January. At the time of Bradley’s arrival, Swansea

Carrie Fisher US actress Carrie Fisher, best known for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars series, has died aged 60, days after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was taken ill on a flight from London to Los Angeles on Friday and was taken to hospital when the plane landed. A family statement announced she had died on Tuesday morning. Tributes have been pouring in, with Star Wars co-star Mark Hamill simply tweeting: “No words #devastated”. In a statement released on behalf of Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourd, spokesman Simon Halls said: “It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8.55 (16:55 GMT) this morning. “She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.” Star Wars co-star Harrison Ford described Fisher as “one-of-a-kind “who lived her life “bravely”. He added: “My thoughts are with her daughter Billie, her mother Debbie, her broth

Lake Rice The Lagos State Government has once again assured residents of the state of availability of Lake rice products at designated outlets across the State. Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau who gave this assurance on Tuesday while reviewing sales reports of the product from designated retail outlets and centres, noted that the state government was working assiduously to ensure availability of the product in outlets and centres that were in short supply of it. He assured that as from Wednesday 28 December, 2016 all designated retail outlets and centres would have enough supply of the product to meet growing demands of residents. While defending the resolve of government to distribute and retail the product on senatorial district basis using designated outlets, the commissioner said the idea was mooted to ensure fair distribution, availability of the product to residents and to guard against unwanted persons diverting the product. “The product which is packaged in

The suspect Operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command at the weekend arrested Suleiman Seidu, 33, for attempting to kidnap a two year-old boy, Chimdi Udwu, in Owode area of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. The Decoy Team of the squad got a hint about a kidnap attempt on a little boy by one of the two persons whom the prime suspect had contracted to perpetrate the crime. Upon gathering further intelligence, a member of the RRS Decoy Team posed as a lady that the kidnapper sought to help give the child a good care. RRS Source disclosed that for more than two weeks while the kidnapping took shape, the investigator, pretending as an accomplice, was exchanging information with the prime suspect. It was revealed that the suspect assured the accomplice that he had gotten motorcycle to use in kidnapping the boy, stressing that the ransom was N10 million, which the father of the boy would be able to afford as a landlord and dealer in electrical appliances.

Uganda National team The Uganda Cranes are facing a financial crisis as they embark on their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Gabon – their first appearance at the finals in 39 years. Decolas Kiiza, the Uganda Football Association’s head of Finance, told BBC Sport they are still waiting for a cash-advance which the Ugandan government had promised to give them. Kiiza claims the money is vital to help the Cranes in their preparations and then at the tournament itself. “We made a budget of US$2,122,909 and after consultations and meetings with officials from the Ministry of Education and Sport and the National Council of Sports, the budget was slashed to US$1,226,855. But that money has not come as yet,” said Kiiza. He says they have had to fund the team from the FA’s own limited resources to help keep Uganda on track with their training schedule. They have a trip to Tunisia on Friday for an international friendly before heading to the United Arab Emirates for an eight-day tr

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the cast for Gabon as the hosts became the first team to name their final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations squad. The team captain and Borussia Dortmund star will lead the home players out for the opening game of the tournament against debutants Guinea-Bissau on 14 January in Libreville. Gabon have also named Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong despite the player being left out of November’s World Cup qualifier in Mali. Ndong was in the capital city Libreville but failed to turn up for international duty ahead of the Mali game last month, forcing the Gabonese Football Federation [Fegafoot] to send him back to England. But a remorseful Ndong, who held clear-the-air talks with Fegafoot has been included in a 23-man Panthers squad. Other names to make the final party include Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina, Bruno Ecuélé Manga of Cardiff City and China-based striker Malick Evouna. Gabon coach José Antonio Camacho included three do

Plane veers off runway India’s Jet Airways said that 12 passengers were injured during an emergency evacuation Tuesday after one of its planes veered off the runway before taking off on a domestic flight in western India. The airline said on its website that 154 passengers and seven crew members were on board the Boeing 737-800 at Dabolim Airport in Goa, headed for Mumbai. Seven of the 12 injured passengers were discharged after receiving medical attention, while the other five were still being treated. The airline said none of the injuries were serious. One passenger, B.K. Singh, said there was panic on board as the plane got very bumpy and veered about 200 meters (656 feet) off the runway. He said several passengers were injured as they jumped from the exit onto the runway. AP

Philippine Typhoon A ferry sank during the height of Typhoon Nock-Ten killing one person and leaving 18 other crew members missing, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Tuesday. The ship MV Starlite Atlantic with a crew of 35, sank off Tingloy town, south of Manila, on Monday and was seeking shelter in a nearby bay when it was hit by big waves and strong winds. Typhoon Nock-Ten made its sixth landfall in Tingloy. No fewer than 16 of the MV Starlite Atlantic crew were rescued. The PCG and crew of Starlite Ferries, the owner of the vessels launched rescue operations as the weather improved on Tuesday. When it made its first landfall Sunday night over the town of Bato, in the eastern province of Catanduanes, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometres per hour and gusts of up to 225 kph, the weather bureau said.

Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU). The Lagos State University (LASU) on Tuesday said that the institution was not on fire as erroneously reported‎ ‎in some national dailies and online media. ‎A statement by the university made available in Lagos gave an account of the true situation of the incident. The statement said there was indeed a fire incident but that was at a section of the lock-up shops in the university, adding that the incident occurred in the early hours of Dec. 26. According to the statement, the Lagos State Fire Service, Ojo Division which was immediately contacted responded on time to put out the fire. “Attention has been drawn to the news going round the social media and some national newspapers that LASU was on fire. “The university’s management hereby states that LASU was never on fire but a section of the lock-up shops in the university was burnt and it was immediately put off. ‎ “It is confirmed that no life was

Mourners in Pakistan At least 39 people died after consuming toxic liquor in eastern Pakistan, health officials and police said on Tuesday, as over 150 people were rushed to clinics for treatment. “We have received 105 patients and 23 have died”, said Aisf Saleemi, a doctor at the District Headquarters Hospital Toba Tek Singh. He said that over a dozen patients were in critical condition. Latif Ahmed from the Allied Hospital Faisalabad said that of the 49 patients they had seen, 16 had died. Around 10 patients were in the intensive care unit while the rest were recovering, he said. Dozens of people who drank the homemade alcohol in the district of Toba Tek Singh in Punjab province had fallen unconscious. “We have started searching for the bootlegger,” said Usaman Akram Gondal from Toba Tek Singh Police, who said the drink was consumed during festive celebrations in a Christian community.

Reuben Abati “How was your Christmas Day?” “Comme ci, comme ca” “What’s that?” “I am speaking French. You mean you don’t even understand elementary French?” “No, I don’t. Speak English. How was Christmas?” “Low-key. Like this, like that”. “For me, it was a dead-end Christmas” “God forbid. May we never have a dead-end Christmas. I reject it in Jesus name.” “If you like, summon the Holy Ghost. We have never had a Christmas like this one. On Christmas eve in Lagos, come and see people just going about, many of them aimlessly. The kind of shopping that heralds Christmas was absent. For the first time, I could see the real colour of sadness, frustration and regret on the people’s faces.” “It depends on what part of Lagos you are talking about. If you had been in Lekki or Victoria Island, you would have seen a different colour.” “I know. There are two countries in one: the real Nigeria and the other Nigeria, where people live in a bubble. But the bubble is beginning to burst eve

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno, on Tuesday called for detailed investigation on what happened to the N500 million said to have been released for the reconstruction of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok. The administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan announced the release of the money after the abduction of Chibok school girls. Former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had flown to Chibok to inaugurate the N500 million rebuilding project under the Safe School Initiative programme. Two years on, the project is yet to be completed while students of the school remain at home. Shettima told residents of Chibok that the government would pressurise the Federal Government to uncover those who might have diverted the money. The governor lamented that a lot of individuals and groups have turned the misfortune of Boko Haram victims into a money making venture. He said it was important to determine how much was released to t

Yahaya Bello, kogi-state-gov The Kogi Government is to employ 100 forest guards for effective policing of forests across the state, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Rosemary Osikoya, said in Lokoja on Tuesday. Osikoya said the process for the recruitment of the guards which would be in four different stages had commenced. “The first stage is the submission of applications which has ended on Dec. 23, while the second stage is the screening and interview of all candidates, scheduled to hold from Dec. 28 to Dec. 30. “The interviewed and shortlisted candidates will then be subjected to another interview by the Special Adviser and Law enforcement agents from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5, 2017, where the potential forest guards would have a policing/security function. “The final stage is the publication of the final list of the successful candidates, and thereafter, letters of appointments would be issued,” the commissioner said. “God willing, all the processes are to be c

Abdullahi-Umar-Ganduje-Kano-state-gov The Kano state government has suspended a Director in the ministry of Finance and 9 staff of the Ministry of Local government over alleged diversion of millions of Naira meant for payment of salaries. This is contained in a statement signed by the state Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Na’iya and made available to newsmen in Kano on Tuesday. Na’iya said the nine local government employees were scheduled officers under the platform of REMITA. He said the government has handed over four employees of the Kano State Pension Funds Trustee, including two top members of Kano Pension Union to police authorities for investigation. . The four persons, whose case files had been handed over to the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation, were accused of connivance to siphon public funds. Na’iya said the state Governor was concerned about the salary scam, warning that “any violation of due prcess, contravening the govern

Arik Airlines The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a N6 Million fine to Arik Air Limited for contravening the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs). The NCAA also ordered the airline to pay its passengers ,whose baggage were delayed on the London to Lagos route between Dec. 2 and Dec. 4 , $150 each as compensation. The authority disclosed this in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye, and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday. According to the statement, the Letter of Sanction with reference no. NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/16/439 and dated Dec. 22 ,has already been sent to Arik Air. It said in the letter, the NCAA discovered that Arik Air violated Part 19.7.2 and 19.17.2.1 (ii) of the Nig.CARs 2015. The statement said the authority was earlier inundated with complaints of delay and inability to ferry the passengers’ checked – in luggage on the airline’s services from Londo

Aisha Buhari, wife of Nigeria’s president The Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, on Tuesday, donated Christmas gifts to soldiers injured at the battlefield in Sambisa Forest. The items were distributed on her behalf by Hajiya Nana Shettima, the Chairperson of Mrs Aisha Buhari’s Committee on Distribution of Donated Items (WIPCOMDI) at Maimalari cantonment, Maiduguri. Shettima also visited other injured troops at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri. According to her, Buhari’s gesture is to celebrate Christmas festivities with the injured and to appreciate their efforts in restoring peace. “Both religions say how good and pleasant it is when God makes us enjoy together in peace, tranquillity, progress and unity. “I am not here in my own capacity alone but am wearing two caps; I am here representing the wife of the president and as a wife of Borno governor,’’ she said. She commended the gallant troops in crushing the remnants and restoring peace to Bo

Olumba Olumba The Spiritual Head of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) Worldwide, Olumba Olumba says the current recession in Nigeria would end soon if Federal Government continues with its current economic recovery programme. Olumba said this on Tuesday in Calabar while briefing Journalists on the activities lined up for the celebration of the divine manifestation of its founding Leader Olumba Olumba Obu. He blamed the current recession in Nigeria on greed and lack of love by the country’s leaders. He said: “If there is love there will be no recession; recession is a result of mismanagement of Nigeria’s resources by the leaders. “ Nigeria has abundant resources as a nation, but because leaders lack love with one another, they squander the collective wealth of the people. “President Buhari will succeed in ending recession, if he continues with his current programs, including the fight against corruption among others.’’ Olumba, who spoke through BCS spokesman, Mr Edet Arch

Kiss daniel Fun seekers in the early hours of Monday scampered to safety after armed robbers stormed the Calabar Christmas Village while a popular Nigerian musician, Daniel Anidugbe, aka Kiss Daniel, was performing. The robbers, whose numbers could not be ascertained, stormed the village at about 1am and shot repeatedly into the air while dispossessing people of their valuables. It could not be confirmed if anyone was killed in the incident, but it was learnt that several people were stabbed. It was learnt that some others, who sustained gunshot injuries, had been hospitalised. The Calabar Christmas Village, which is located in the precinct of Calabar Municipal Council Secretariat, opens for 24 hours from December 1 to December 31 every year as a central location of revelry. It was not clear if Kiss Daniel was injured, but an eyewitness said the robbers rushed to the stage while the pandemonium was on and succeeded in removing some items from the musician before he was whisked

Kiss daniel Fun seekers in the early hours of Monday scampered to safety after armed robbers stormed the Calabar Christmas Village while a popular Nigerian musician, Daniel Anidugbe, aka Kiss Daniel, was performing. The robbers, whose numbers could not be ascertained, stormed the village at about 1am and shot repeatedly into the air while dispossessing people of their valuables. It could not be confirmed if anyone was killed in the incident, but it was learnt that several people were stabbed. It was learnt that some others, who sustained gunshot injuries, had been hospitalised. The Calabar Christmas Village, which is located in the precinct of Calabar Municipal Council Secretariat, opens for 24 hours from December 1 to December 31 every year as a central location of revelry. It was not clear if Kiss Daniel was injured, but an eyewitness said the robbers rushed to the stage while the pandemonium was on and succeeded in removing some items from the musician before he was whisked

Beauty Tukura, Miss Taraba The World of Colours, an entertainment firm, on Tuesday presented a car to Miss Beauty Tukura, the current Miss Taraba to ease her movement across the state, while mobilizing youths for creative ventures. Mr Andrew Egboja, the Managing Director of the firm, presented the vehicle, a Ford Focus to the beauty queen at a brief ceremony in Jalingo. Egboja said that the organization was out to empower the youths in the country through the creative and entertainment industry. The director described Miss Tukura as a pillar of the youth in the state, given her commitment in ensuring that they were involved in meaningful ventures. He commended Gov. Darius Ishaku for providing the enabling environment for the success of the project for the good of the youth. Egboja also lauded the wife of the governor, Mrs Anna Ishaku, for her continuous support to the project. Tukura thanked the organisation for assisting her with a vehicle to ease her movement. She said the

Beauty Tukura, Miss Taraba The World of Colours, an entertainment firm, on Tuesday presented a car to Miss Beauty Tukura, the current Miss Taraba to ease her movement across the state, while mobilizing youths for creative ventures. Mr Andrew Egboja, the Managing Director of the firm, presented the vehicle, a Ford Focus to the beauty queen at a brief ceremony in Jalingo. Egboja said that the organization was out to empower the youths in the country through the creative and entertainment industry. The director described Miss Tukura as a pillar of the youth in the state, given her commitment in ensuring that they were involved in meaningful ventures. He commended Gov. Darius Ishaku for providing the enabling environment for the success of the project for the good of the youth. Egboja also lauded the wife of the governor, Mrs Anna Ishaku, for her continuous support to the project. Tukura thanked the organisation for assisting her with a vehicle to ease her movement. She said the

FRSC The Lagos State Fire Service has rescued a five-year-old girl, Faith Onifade from an 80 feet deep well, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, confirmed this incident to NAN on Tuesday. According to him, the incident happened on Boxing Day about 5.30 p.m. at No. 1, Church Street, Omiata Bus Stop, Agbeleke, Meran in Ifako-Ijaiye Council Area of the state. “On Monday, the Boxing Day, we rescued a five-year-old female child, Faith Onifade, who fell into a deep well of about 80 feet deep; she was rescued alive with no serious injuries,” Fadipe said. The Fire Service official advised parents to always monitor their children, especially those who reside near open wells. He also urged the public to immediately alert the service of any emergencies. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Bayelsa on Tuesday, said it arrested no fewer than 7, 645 arrest of traffic offenders in the state between January and November.

a well The Lagos State Fire Service has rescued a five-year-old girl, Faith Onifade from an 80 feet deep well. The Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Rasak Fadipe, confirmed this incident on Tuesday. According to him, the incident happened on Boxing Day about 5.30 p.m. at No. 1, Church Street, Omiata Bus Stop, Agbeleke, Meran in Ifako-Ijaiye Council Area of the state. “On Monday, the Boxing Day, we rescued a five-year-old female child, Faith Onifade, who fell into a deep well of about 80 feet deep; she was rescued alive with no serious injuries,” Fadipe said. The Fire Service official advised parents to always monitor their children, especially those who reside near open wells. He also urged the public to immediately alert the service of any emergencies.