Global Naija Info

Niger Delta militants An unidentified militant group in the Niger Delta have blown up a crude oil trunkline in Ughelli, Delta State, barely 24 hours after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo led a Federal Government delegation to the region, the Punch reports. Osinbajo had on Monday began tour of the Niger Delta region in a bid to usher in last peace in the troubled region. On Monday, the vice president was in Delta State where he held a meeting with traditional rulers with the objective of finding lasting peace in the region. It was not clear which militant group carried out the attack on the pipeline, but it signifies a bad omen for the region as the federal government is striving to end militancy in the area.

Ghana’s midfielder Andre Ayew Ghana’s Andre Ayew surpassed his father’s record by scoring the goal that beat Uganda 1-0 in their Group D match at the Africa Cup of Nations. The West Ham winger slotted in a penalty on 32 minutes after captain Asamoah Gyan had been pulled back. Ghana also threatened through two Gyan headers, while Ayew and Christian Atsu tested Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango. Uganda came close when Faruku Miya hit the outside of a post but they could not force their way back into the game. It was a disappointing return for Uganda, who are playing at their first Nations Cup since 1978 when they lost in the final to then-hosts Ghana. The Cranes created few opportunities of note and struggled against the Black Stars, who were happy to defend their lead. Ghana were far more positive in the first half, with Andre Ayew, his brother Jordan and Atsu posing a huge problem for the Uganda defence. Andre Ayew should have scored from a great cut-back by Jordan, while Atsu r

2Face-Annie Nigerian legendary entertainment singer Tu Baba will be shocked to know that his wife Annie Idibia has said she would rather die next to her husband since she cannot live without him. She shared this post on her Instagram page: “I stared at this image for at least 15 minutes or even more… and realised I was tearing up. “The picture made me feel all ‘types of ways.’ And the love in my heart towards Innocent just tripled instantly. “I know we will grow old and die someday, but God please I want (to) spend all my days with him, grow old with him and die beside him…next to him. “I can’t live if I have to do that without him. I won’t survive it! Life without him won’t be worth it again. Annie’s Post “Sad that when we grow old and grey, one of us will go before the other, but please can we at least grow very old together and GO together. “All of our kids and grandkids would have been all grown, graduates and well established by your grace lord.. so they will be fine..

Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State AbdulKadir Magaji, the Chairman Kaduna Football Association (FA) is dead, the Secretary, Abdulsalam Jere, announced on Tuesday. According to Jere, Magaji, died at 53 in a Lagos Hospital during a brief illness. Jere said that he graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), and is survived by his wife, aged father and three children. Jere added that the former FA chairman was two-time member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The late Magaji also served as Special Adviser to former Kaduna State Governors, Namadi Sambo and the Late Patrick Yakowa. He equally served as Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Nationwide League (NNL) Independent Committee.

Magistrate-court Edo Chief Judge Cromwell Idahosa has advised judicial officers against granting bail on stringent conditions to accused persons. Justice Idahosa gave the advice when he visited Ubiaja Prisons on Tuesday. The chief judge, who would retire on Jan. 25, cautioned judges, magistrates presidents of customary courts to grant bail on liberal terms. “You should not make it difficult by asking for a surety on a particular grade level,” he said, adding that what matters was to verify if the surety had verifiable address. According to him, if you have decided to grant bail, give condition that a surety can fulfill, not making it difficult. If you do not want to give bail, don’t give. “In our neighbouring countries, such stringent condition does not exist and please let us be mindful when giving bail condition.” Idahosa’s advice followed a case of a female inmate, Linda Agbada,35, who stood as surety to bail her son who was changed for assault. Agbada’s son refused to app

Emeka Anyaoku President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday felicitated with seasoned diplomat, elder statesman and administrator, Chief Emeka Anaoku as he turns 84 years tomorrow. In a statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Buhari said Anyaoku’s footprints will remain indelible for posterity to cherish and emulate. Read Adesina’s statement below: ”On behalf of the Federal Government, his family, and Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with seasoned diplomat, elder statesman and administrator, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as he turns 84 years on January 18, 2017. The President joins the diplomatic community, the Anglican Church, where he served many years as a chorister, and Chief Anyaoku’s family and friends in celebrating the quintessential diplomat, whose distinguished international career attracted many national and international laurels, especially after serving as the third Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Pre

Yahya Jammeh Gambia’s Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Environment have resigned from President Yahya Jammeh’s government, according to report on Tuesday. They all resigned as regional forces prepare to oust the veteran leader unless he steps down by Thursday. Jammeh, in power since a 1994 coup, has become increasingly isolated at home and abroad after he refused to accept his Dec. 1 defeat to opposition leader Adama Barrow. The surprise loss was seen as a boost to democracy in the former British colony, which has had only two presidents since it gained independence in 1965. But Jammeh’s defiance has sent the tiny West African country into crisis, causing government defections and opening up the prospect of military intervention by other countries in the region. A senior Nigerian military source said Nigeria and other West African nations were prepared to intervene militarily to remove him if he remains in office after Wednesday, when his presidential mandate ru

UNIMAID The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has condemned Monday’s bomb blast at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), in which four persons were killed, including a professor. CAN’s President Rev. Samson Ayokunle, in a statement he issued on Tuesday in Abuja, commensurate with the families of the victims and wished the wounded quick recovery. “CAN commiserate with the family of the victims of the terrorist attack and prays for the comfort of the Holy Spirit for them. “The association as well prays for quick recovery for those that were injured.” Three suicide bombers reportedly sneaked into the institution and detonated improvised explosive devices, near a mosque, killing Prof. Aliyu Mani, three others, and wounded many. According to the CAN president, “only satanic agents amidst us can perpetrate such dastardly acts,’’ adding, “ when did worshipping God become a crime. “The Christian Association of Nigeria condemns the wicked and criminal bombing of people worshippi

UNN Some students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka have decried the exorbitant price of kerosene as a litre sells for N400 at filling stations. They students in Nsukka on Tuesday, described the situation as “unacceptable’’, saying it had made life more unbearable for them given the already hardship in the country caused by the economic recession. Mr Uchenna Ngwu of the department of Political Sociology said that life had become more unbearable and challenging for students as they spent their feeding money to buy kerosene at N400 per litre to cook their food. “Students are the worst hit because they cook their food with stove that is powered with kerosene. “Government should urgently intervene to ensure that the price of kerosene returns to normal before students start dying of hunger as result of lack of kerosene to cook with. “Relevant government agencies should ensure kerosene marketers who sell the product above government price and their filling stations are sealed to serve

Microsoft Microsoft on Tuesday warned business customers to begin migrating from Windows 7, exactly three years before it reaches end of life. Mr Markus Nitschke, the Head of Windows at Microsoft Germany in a statement said that enterprises would pay dearly for sticking with the platform’s outdated security compared with Windows 10. According to him, Windows 7 does not meet the requirements of modern technology, nor the high security requirements of IT departments. “While newer tools make Windows 7 less difficult for enterprise customers to migrate from than XP, Microsoft is still urging corporate customers to begin the transition three years out from Windows 7’s end of support. “They stressed that enterprise faces enormous dangers if they do not. “Microsoft has kicked off its three-year countdown for Windows 7’s end of extended support, warning enterprises they will pay dearly for sticking with the platform’s outdated security compared with Windows 10. “Enterprises can of cou

Nigeria-police Police in Niger have appealed for information that would lead to arrest of killers of a policeman, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operative and a civilian. The command’s Spokesman, Mr Bala Elekana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), made the appeal in Minna on Tuesday. He said that although sufficient security personnel had been deployed to hunt for the killers of the persons, the police still required the help of the public. “We have put in place measures that will pave way for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the senseless killings, but the residents should complement the effort of the command. “The residents should come forward with intelligent information that will aid the command to apprehend all those involved in the act,” Elekana said. The deceased were killed during a clash between herdsmen and natives of Sabon Daga village in Bosso Local Government Area on Thursday.

Chicken contaminated with bird flu Rwanda has imposed temporary ban on all imported poultry products from Uganda and European countries due to outbreak of Avian Influenza (bird flu). Avian Influenza is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans, according to medical scientists. Uganda has confirmed the outbreak of the flu in wild terns and domestic birds which has led to mass deaths of wild birds on the shores of Lake Victoria in the country. “The species so far hit by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, are migratory white-winged black terns as well as domestic ducks and chickens,’’ Uganda Ministry of Agriculture confirmed in a statement. It warned of an imminent “catastrophe.’’ The outbreak of the disease has also been reported in dozens of countries across Europe, including Hungry, Germany, France, Denmark, Czech Republic, Croatia, Romania and the United Kingdom. “We call upon all Rwandan business operators impo

Baby born with giant tongue Aparajit Lodhi was born with a rare congenital anomaly called Macroglossia – a medical term for an unusually large tongue. She underwent surgery at just four-days-old to reduce the size of her tongue. Her tongue was so big doctors were unsure if she would survive and advised her parents she might not live very long. But mother, Mini Lodhi, 28, was determined to save her baby. Aparajit was kept alive using a breathing apparatus. Dr Agarwal, head of pediatric and newborn surgery at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College and Hospital, where the operation took place, said: “She was not able to swallow anything because of this giant tongue. Not only after birth, but the baby was not able to swallow anything because of this condition in the womb also. After the operation, she was able to swallow for the first time ever. It was a big tumour in the tongue and it took two hours for the team of doctors to remove the growth.”

Trailer accident An accident has occurred at Akiode bus stop on the popular Ojodu Berger road, Lagos. The incident which involved 3 Yahoo boys and a trailer driver took place at about 3:30am on Tuesday. Speaking with PMnews, a passer-by who gave his name as Charles Flames said ” The trailer driver was on his lane and was trying to dodge the guys with 3 different cars who were allegedly coming from a club on high speed and trying to use the U-turn”. Traffic ”Two of the guys had passed successfully except for the last car which was not so lucky as he brushed the trailer driver who in an attempt to avoid head on collision with the car swerved into a building and ended in a gutter while also destroying entrance to the house. The Yahoo boys hurriedly came down, broke bottles and beat the living day light out of the driver who has been rushed to the hospital by a good samaritan as he had gone into coma immediately Charles said”. FRSC officials at the scene Adenusi O, an FRSC of

Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram leader Leader of terrorist group, Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has taken responsibility for the bomb blasts at the University of Maiduguri early Monday morning. Shekau who spoke in Hausa in an audio message uploaded on YouTube said the institution’s mosque was ‘ungodly’, hence the reason for its attack. He also said the Nigerian Army did not kill any member of his sect in Sambisa Forest. “The bomb that happened this morning, it’s my people. Don’t deceive people that it’s a mosque, how would you build a mosque and do ungodly things in it,” Shekau said in the recording. “We are not angry with Nigeria. You didn’t kill anyone in Sambisa. We are praying that we don’t change; Koran is our teacher; this is the message we are sending to you. Are you [Buhari] as powerful as God? “You should know it’s Shekau talking and I’m alive and it’s we that did it, even if King Pharaoh repents, we will not accept it.” He added, “We carried out the University of Maiduguri

President Muhammadu Buhari Do you know what astonished me most in the world? The inability of force to create anything. In the long run the sword is always beaten by the spirit. If they want peace, nations should avoid the pin-pricks that precede cannon shots. — Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-182) The current political impasse in The Gambia has placed a burden of history on Nigeria’s President MohammaduBuhari (PMB). And unless the situation is handled with utmost care, another haven for Boko Haram, ISIL and Al Shabab elements is in the offing. Following the December 1, 2016 general elections which President Jammeh initially conceded to Mr Adama Barrow, the opposition candidate, the U-turn by the President to reject the election result based on alleged malpractices (and later cancelled), has raised the stakes not only in Gambia but also across the world. In the midst of ensuing tensions, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) set up a committee headed by President Buhari t

Louis van Gaal retires Ex-Manchester United and Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal says he has retired from coaching after a 26-year career. Van Gaal, 65, has been out of work since being sacked by United hours after winning the FA Cup in May 2016. “I thought maybe I would stop, then I thought it would be a sabbatical, but now I do not think I will return to coaching,” Van Gaal was quoted as saying in Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. He made the announcement on Monday after receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Dutch government for his contribution to football. He cited family issues for his decision, with De Telegraaf saying it was partly motivated by the sudden death of his daughter’s husband last month. “So much has happened in my family, you become a human being again with your nose pressed to the facts,” he added. The Dutchman also revealed he turned down lucrative offers to continue his coaching career in the Far East. Van Gaal played as a midfielder for Ajax, Royal

It was a glamorous event as Sound Sultan and other celebrities gathered to celebrate D-Flow as the winner of the naijanextrated.com song of the month competition for last November. The event which took place at Zassari Hotel, Lekki was organized by naijanextrated.com, a music portal that showcases the works ofupcoming Nigerian artiste, and hosts the monthly ‘song of the month’ competition, in which the song with the highest likes each month wins a cash price of N100,000. Sensational afro pop singer, Jude Anyaoha “D-Flow” emerged as the first winner with his hit single called “CONGA” which attracted over 5000 likes. The cash price was presented by Sound Sultan and veteran actor Yinka Akinlawon, after which the winner was given some pep talk by Sound Sultan. The event was rounded up with performances by D-Flow himself and Elmizzy, another artiste on naijanextrated.com

Mr Fatai Owoseni, Lagos State Commissioner of Police. The Lagos State Government on Monday allayed fears of residents on suspected explosive substance which was allegedly dropped in a manhole in one of the Streets in Agege area of the State, saying that the development was nothing to worry about. The development had led to residents scampering for safety following the bomb scare, but rising from the Monthly Security Council Meeting chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the government urged the people to go about their normal businesses as the situation had been put under control. The State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who briefed journalists at the end of the meeting alongside service commanders of security formations and top government functionaries in the State, said security agencies responded swiftly to the development and found out that contrary to rumour the substance was just pieces of thrash dropped in the manhole. He said: “Early this morning, we were aler

Bayo Onanuga The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is to launch photo portal to enable subscribers to select pictures for publication. The Managing Director of NAN, Mr Bayo Onanuga, announced this during a familiarisation visit to the Edo office of the agency in Benin on Monday. Onanuga also said that plans were underway to launch video portal soon after the launch of the photo portal. He said these were imperative as NAN was expected to be a multi media agency like other modern news agencies across the globe. He said the focus of the management was to make the agency a full multi-media agency that would provide its subscribers with infotainment and entertainment news. He said with digital switch over, NAN as a federal organ, was expected to provide content to television stations. “And this would entail the agency providing videos and audios to her television subscribers.’’ He, therefore, urged the staff to bring their talents and wealth of experience to the fore to ensure that th

Lassa Fever Dr. Daniel Iya, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health has confirmed that four persons have lost their lives to Lassa fever outbreak in the state. Iya told newsmen on Monday in Lafia that 16 suspected cases have been recorded in the state, out of which, four were confirmed positive and all of them have died. He explained that the index case for the current outbreak was recorded in November 2016 and died a day later, while the three others died between Jan. 13 and Jan. 15. According to Iya, the last three victims were discovered to be relatives of the index case, adding that 36 others, who had contact with the victims were being followed up. He said the state government was doing its best with the assistance of the federal government through the provision of protective kits for medical personnel taking care of Lassa fever patients as well as drugs for treatment of the disease. He said the state rapid response team had stepped up sensitization updates for health worker

Nigerian-Air-Force-helicopter The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has struck insurgents new hideout about one nautical mile south of Tumbum Rego in Northern Borno. The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, made this known in statement to newsmen in Abuja on Monday. Famuyiwa said NAF fighter jets and helicopter gunship assaulted the location in a coordinated day and night operation. This, he said, was due to Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) report that Boko Haram insurgents who attacked own Surface Forces at Kangarwa the night of Jan. 12, had withdrawn to the said location. “The enclosed footage of the Battle Damage Assessment indicated that the operation was successful as the insurgent’s hideout was successfully destroyed,” he said. Famuyiwa explained that the renewed efforts was aimed at denying the remnants of the insurgents the opportunity to regroup and launched attack on own surface forces or people within the host com

Togo and Ivory Coast players fight for the ball Defending champions Ivory Coast and Togo drew 0-0 in their opening Group C match at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. Jonathan Kodjia came close for Ivory Coast but his toe-poke was well saved by goalkeeper Kossi Agassa. At the other end, Sylvain Gbohouo rushed out of his goal to save smartly at the feet of Mathieu Dossevi. Late on, Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier headed wide from an unmarked position in a rare clear-cut chance. Neither side found their fluency – not helped by a poor pitch – and even from early on the game had the look of a stalemate. Wilfried Zaha, making his competitive debut for Ivory Coast after switching international allegiance from England, looked just about the liveliest player on show. Switching wings regularly, he cut in off the right to send a shot just over and later ended a good run from the left with an effort that was well blocked. Both sides were guilty of wasting set-piece opportunities. Togo

Ministers of Defence and Information and Culture during the flight over Sambisa forest The Ministers of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and the convener of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group, Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili on Monday participated in a search sorties for missing Chibok girls in Sambisa. Another member of BBOG, Hajia Aisha Yusuf, some Air Force Commanding Officers in the North East operation and selected reporters from local and foreign media participated in the exercise, The team, who were carried in two Beechcraft 350 surveillance aircraft, departed the Yola Air Force Base at about 2.30 p.m. News Agency of Nigeria correspondent, who was among the team, reports that the aircraft flying at about 15,000 feet altitude entered the Sambisa general area, 35 minutes after departure. The search sorties in the forest, which lasted for over an hour, took the team to Camp Zairo, hitherto the stronghold of the Boko Haram, captured by the home

DR Congo player tussle with the ball with Moroccan player DR Congo put their difficult Africa Cup of Nations build-up behind them to beat Morocco in their Group C opening fixture, despite finishing with 10 men. Florent Ibenge’s side, who went on strike over unpaid bonuses on Friday, almost trailed early on at Stade d’Oyem when Mbark Boussoufa struck the bar. Junior Kabananga put them ahead before substitute Lomalisa Mutambala was booked twice in 16 minutes. Morocco’s Youssef El-Arabi missed with two headed chances late on. The substitute glanced wide from a set-piece delivery and then met a cross cleanly to force a parry from DR Congo keeper Ley Matampi. The Leopards were down to nine men for several minutes in the closing stages when they lost defender Gabriel Zakuani to injury having made all of their substitutions. Morocco – managed by two-time Cup of Nations winner Herve Renard – are bottom of the group after the first round of fixtures, as defending champions Ivory Coast a

The #BBOG activists airbone in Sambisa forest. They should tell us what they saw and their impression of the flight The Federal Government team, led by the Ministers of Information and Culture as well as of Defence, Monday led the #BBOG and a select group of journalists to the Nort East to experience first hand the NAF’s daily search of Sambisa for the Chibok girls and all those abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists. The ministers and two #BBOG representatives, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili and Mrs Aisha Yusuf, and the SA to the President in the Office of the Minister of Information and Culture, Segun Adeyemi, joined one of the two search planes while the journalists joined the other. Fighter jets provided air cover. The one-hour search was very revealing. Beyond that, the men and women of the Nigeria Air Force deserved the support and commendation of all Nigerians for their onerous task. The #BBOG activists airbone in Sambisa forest. They should tell us what they saw and their impression

It was a glamorous event as Sound Sultan and other celebrities gathered to celebrate D-Flow as the winner of the naijanextrated.com song of the month competition for last November. The event which took place at Zassari Hotel, Lekki was organized by naijanextrated.com, a music portal that showcases the works ofupcoming Nigerian artiste, and hosts the monthly ‘song of the month’ competition, in which the song with the highest likes each month wins a cash price of N100,000. Sensational afro pop singer, Jude Anyaoha “D-Flow” emerged as the first winner with his hit single called “CONGA” which attracted over 5000 likes. The cash price was presented by Sound Sultan and veteran actor Yinka Akinlawon, after which the winner was given some pep talk by Sound Sultan. The event was rounded up with performances by D-Flow himself and Elmizzy, another artiste on naijanextrated.com from Entertainment – P.M. NEWS Nigeria http://bit.ly/2jYsY5X via IFTTT