Pictures: Super Falcons In Training Ahead Of The Women Africa Cup Of Nations Tournament

The Super Falcons team were pictured training yesterday morning as preparations continue ahead of the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations set to hold in Cameroon 19th November – 3rd December, 2016.
Head Coach Florence Omagbemi has invited to 30 players to the camp of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, as preparations begin for the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2016.
The list is made up of eight overseas –based professionals and 22 home –based players.
Reigning Africa Woman Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala leads the overseas –based contingent while Osinachi Ohale leads the home –based.

Missing Soldiers: Nigerian Army under fire for blocking activist on Twitter

Nigerians on Twitter are slamming an “unprofessional conduct” of the Nigerian Army after the institution blocked an outspoken citizen for
raising awareness about the plight of soldiers still locked in a fierce battle with Boko Haram across the Northeast.
Kayode Ogundamisi, a rights campaigner and social commentator, attracted many to his timeline on Monday afternoon after posting heart-rending images of the undignified condition under which Nigerian soldiers were being fed.
His updates apparently rattled the Nigerian Army, prompting the handlers of its Twitter account to block Mr. Ogundamisi.
The measure was swiftly criticised by commentators, who said Mr. Ogundamisi deserved appreciation rather than scorn.
“This is the worst response I had ever come across,” a Twitter user said. “So citizens aren’t supposed to question the military again?”
Mr. Ogundamisi’s tweets came the same week PREMIUM TIMES’
report of the aftermath of a major attack by the Boko Haram on troops on October 17.
The report detailed how scores of Nigerian troops stationed at Gashigar, Borno State, were forced to abandon their position by dreaded Boko Haram terrorists approaching in a high number.
Several of the fleeing soldiers were later feared dead from drowning in the River Yobe.
Twenty-two were rescued by Nigerien soldiers and dispatched to a hospital in Diffa, southern Niger, PREMIUM TIMES gathered.
This newspaper also mentioned how the greed of a few senior officers had seen soldiers’ upkeep being arbitrarily held back or slashed.
Although the Army has not issued any updates about the missing 83 soldiers or those recuperating in Niger, some of the soldiers told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that their allowances were hurriedly paid over the weekend following the reports.
After his efforts to get the Army to provide information about the missing soldiers failed during the weekend, Mr. Ogundamisi commenced his independent findings and brought the results to social media to corroborate PREMIUM TIMES reports.
In a series of 30 posts, he used oral accounts he obtained from the troops to narrate the disturbing images they shared with him.
The details showed how the combatants were living on the edge with poorly nourished —and sometimes cold— foods, a situation the military leadership would rather hush up, Mr. Ogundamisi said.
“A lot is going on and a lot of covering up,” Mr. Ogundamisi told PREMIUM TIMES Monday afternoon.
For the most part of the afternoon, Nigerians were still lampooning the Army, which came after Mr. Ogundamisi posted a composite image of how Nigerian Army handle blocked him shortly after his tweets.
The Buhari administration’s critics said the development lends credence to their suspicion that government was actively suppressing information from coming out of the Northeast.
In December 2015, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, suggested what appeared a media blackout of Boko Haram attacks, citing national interests.
“Acting in the national interest means not playing up reports of cowardly Boko Haram attacks on soft targets,” Mr. Mohammed said during a press briefing on Christmas Eve.
PREMIUM TIMES’ checks revealed that the Nigerian Army is not the only public institution that blocks people on Twitter over for disagreeable comments.
Official handles such as those of the president (@NGRPresident) and official State House communication department (@DigiCommsNG) are known to have blocked dozens of critics.
Nigerian senators, especially Ben Murray-Bruce and Dino Melaye, have also been criticised for blocking citizens at the slightest provocation.

Adam Zango quits Kannywood

Popular Kannywood actor, Adam Zango, has announced his decision to quit the Hausa movie industry, Kannywood.
Zango made this known to his fans on his official Instagram page, @adam_a_zango.
The post which he titled Special Announcement was written in Hausa. When translated, it reads: ” I am writing this message to you all fans, producers, actors, directors and to also beg that you forgive me, from today I have quit acting. I will now only concentrate on singing and producing songs.”
The multiple-award winning actor did not give further explanations on his decision. His close aides, however, told PREMIUM TIMES that the actor told them he was suspending acting and not quitting completely.
“I read the story on Instagram and I am still in shock. I tried to call him but could not get through. Adam is an actor that we cannot bear to miss. We pray he changes his decision and returns,” Kannywood actress Ummah Shehu said.
Adam’s decision to quit the Hausa film industry came about a month after the expulsion of Rahama Sadau from Kannywood. The actress was expelled for featuring in a romantic musical video.

Osaze completes move to English club

Former Nigeria international Osaze Odemwingie has signed a short-term deal with English Championship side Rotherham United.
The 35-year-old has been a free agent for close to six months since being released by premier league side Stoke City at the end of last season.
The last meaningful football he played was during his three months loan spell at Bristol City where he scored two goals in seven appearances - including one against current team Rotherham.
Before heading off to train with Bolton to regain fitness, the Nigerian had picked great interest in Golf and is willing to take it to professional level but will have to wait as he gives one last shot to football with his new adventure with Rotterham.
Osaze becomes new manager Kenny Jackett's first signing for the Millers as he puts pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club until January.
Rotherham announced the deal on their official twitter handle: “We are delighted to announce the signing of striker Peter Odemwingie on a deal until January.”
Odemwingie has 38 premier league goals playing for the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, and Stoke City during his career.

Former Super Eagles Player and His 3 Brothers Charged with Fraud in England…See Shocking Details

For crimes related to fraudulent trading, a former Super Eagles World Cup star and three of his brothers, have been charged at the Westminster Magistrates Court in England.
According to an official statement posted on the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) website on Saturday, a former Super Eagles player, Efetobore Sodje, and three of his brothers, Bright, 50; Samuel, 37; and Stephen, 42; will appear at the Westminster Magistrates Court on November 16 to answer charges related to “fraudulent trading.”
Premium Times reported that the NCA stated that the accused who were earlier arrested on July 13 and subsequently released on bail, were charged last Friday in court after a three-year investigation into
“alleged irregularities at the Sodje Sports Foundation”.
The Sodje Sports Foundation was registered on March 1, 2010, and was disbanded on January 22, 2015. The foundation has a motley of clearly unrelated aims, according to its record retrieved by the publication from website of the UK Charity Commission.
Some of its stated aims were to relieve poverty, advance good health in people through the provision of facilities in playing amateur sports and the promotion of lifelong learning, leadership skills and health issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and nutrition. It also claimed to be focused on dealing with human rights violations such as
“discrimination, equality and diversity issues (whether relating to race, age, disability, gender, $exual orientation or religion).”
Efetobore, the most popular of the Sodje brothers, played in the defence for the Super Eagles, the Nigerian senior national football team, at the 2000 African Cup of Nations, and the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. The bandana-wearing defender had 12 caps scoring one goal in a 2-1 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland.
He was born in England and his footballing career included stint at clubs such as Huddersfield Town, Southend United, Crewe Alexandra, Bury and Macclesfield Town.
His other football-playing brother, Sam, did not play for the Nigeria national team but also had a good footballing career. He played in the English Premiership for Watford and West Brom.

Caf Champions League top scorer award: Enyimba’s Mfon Udoh delighted

Mfon Udoh is delighted to wrap up the 2015/16 season with the CAF champions league highest goal scorer award.
The 24-year old scored nine goals for Enyimba despite crashing out of the group stage.
“It’s a mixed-feeling for me anyway, the team in general did not play to expectation, we failed to do what people expected of us, but at the same time, I was able to wrap it up with the highest goal scorer in the champions league. I didn’t do that alone but with the help of my other colleagues, which shows we all still did something good, without team work, it would have happened,” Udoh told Goal.
“Though it was a bad season for us, we have accepted that and believe that in the coming season we will do better.
“Actually, I wouldn’t want to say anything concerning that at the moment, but I’m also still thinking on the next step to take, so nothing for now. So many things went wrong, played so many matches away from home, playing to many competitions at the same time, and I don’t think the team also blended well too.
“We didn’t play well to be frank, we didn’t do our utmost best and that is why we were unable to do well, so we blame ourselves for that. Everybody has his own tactics, as a coach you have your own tactics and your own problem. Aigbogun’s tactics did not work for Enyimba this season, so I can blame that on us all.”

Incredible! See How Chinese Villagers Saved A Stranded Whale From Dying Tragically

A whale stranded on the beach at Leizhou City in south China’s Guangdong Province on Sunday afternoon eventually broke out of almost certain death with a little help from some human friends.
The dying mammal, about five meters (16 ft) long, according to the witnesses, was spotted by local residents of a nearby village at around 2p.m. The whale was almost completely dried out by south China’s scorching sunshine.
The villagers rushed to the whale’s aid but soon found their effort to save the big creature was to no avail due to its sheer weight. Luckily the villagers were joined by a group of troops deployed nearby.
Nearly 60 rescuers, breaking into teams for different missions from digging tunnels which helped the whale to move towards the water, shielding the animal from direct sunlight using umbrellas and pouring water on its back to keep it wet, eventually got the whale back into the water and out of danger.

Pictures: Nigerian Soldiers Training Hard in the Desert to Battle Boko Haram Insurgency

These are pictures of Nigerian troops currently undergoing rigorous training and exercises in the forest as they learn new tactics against the Boko Haram sect.
Nigeria is currently training some special forces to intensify the 7-year battle against Boko Haram insurgency in the north-eastern part of Nigeria.
The soldiers at a designated desert are currently being trained to survive harsh weather conditions and emergency situations of surprise attacks.

Manchester United Scout Storm Abuja In Search Of Iheanacho-Like Talent

According to reports exclusively gathered by Owngoalnigeria.com, scouts from English Premier League giants Manchester United are expected in Nigeria before the end of the year.
Sources revealed to Owngoalnigeria.com that already highly respected youth teams in Nigeria have been contacted by the organisers, ahead of the scouting tournament.
Manchester United scout for Africa, will lead three other scouts from clubs affiliated to the Red Devils to Nigeria for the tournament.
” Manchester United scout for Africa got in touch with us. Very funny guy. First day we spoke, he was quick to mention Kelechi Iheanacho and wants to know if they can get his type from the three days event”. One of the organisers Moses Adeleye told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” Iheanacho performances for Manchester City has done a lot to the chances of Nigerian players in Europe, particularly in England. Since his breakthrough Liverpool and Arsenal have all conducted scouting programs in Nigeria”.

Man United Legend Blast- Pogba Is Not As Good As Mikel

Former Manchester United star Paul Parker has reservations about Manchester United record signing Paul Pogba, believing that he’s not even as good as Chelsea Nigerian midfielder Mikel John-Obi.
Mikel made a sly dig on Pogba shortly after his record breaking move to Old Trafford by posting a video on his Twitter handle of an incident at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he nutmegged the French midfielder during Nigeria’s game against Brazil, side by side with a message welcoming him to the English Premier League.
“Can he be as good as Roy Keane or Bryan Robson? I wonder about him playing that midfield role,” Parker said, speaking to 888Sport.
“I worry about him making tackles and getting across to close players down because he is rangy. He doesn’t have quick feet and his game is about going to ground.
“That’s going to be a problem. In a holding position it would be a waste because he’s not a (Claude) Makelele or even a John Obi Mikel because one thing Mikel can do is close people down.

First 10 Ballon d’Or nominees revealed

Wales captain, Gareth Bale and Portugal superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo have been named among the first nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or. The two players are Real Madrid teammates.
The duo join Man City’s Sergio Aguero, Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon as the first names to be revealed on the 30-man shortlist.
The overall list of names put forward for the prize is being announced in five-man groups in alphabetical order throughout Monday.
The Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards merged in 2010 to become the FIFA Ballon d’Or, but that partnership came to an end this year , allowing both prizes to return to their original formats.
Manchester City and Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Athletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann are among the latest big names in the second set to be announced as candidates for the Ballon d’Or award on Monday.
The duo are joined by Juventus’s Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain alongside Diego Godin.
The second batch of potential winners will join Ronaldo, Bale, Aguero, Buffon and Aubameyang, who were earlier named.
-Dailypost

Flying Eagles Ace Orji Okonkwo Scores Again For Bologna In Six Goal Thriller Against Atalanta

Nigerian forward Orji Okonkwo posted another man of the match performance as Bologna beat hard fighting Atalanta 4-2 in a heavily entertaining Primavera game.
He got off the mark with a brace in his first game for the team two weeks ago, and his latest strike which came in the 42nd minute helped his team level scores before winning the tie 4-2.
Okonkwo joined Bologna in the summer, in a transfer first reported by Owngoalnigeria.com, turning down the chance to join Serie B side Spezia,where he spent six month before heading to the U-17 World Cup with Nigeria last year.
He was among the few shining light in Nigeria U-20 failed attempt to qualify for next year Africa Youth Championship, scoring in the ill-fated 2-3 loss which ended their chances of qualifying.
Already he is rated as one of the best upcoming players in Nigeria, a tag he has lived up to since joining Bologna, where he could make his debut for the first team, if he sustains or improved on his fine performances for the Primavera.

Ph D holder dies on graduation day

A doctoral degree graduate of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Dr Abdulhafeez Adedimeji died on Saturday morning hours before the graduation ceremony of the institution.
Adedimeji’s death was disclosed by Dean, Faculty of Post Graduate Studies of the University, Professor Badmas Olanrewaju Yusuf while presenting graduates for the award of doctoral degree.
The late Adedimeji who bagged Ph.d degree in Arabic was among the 166 doctoral degree students the university graduated.
Until his death, Adedimeji was a lecturer at the Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun state.
The cause of Adedimeji’s death was not disclosed.
TheNation 

BEATING LUDOGORETS IS 'BIGGEST WIN' OF MY CAREER, SAYS IWOBI

The forward is delighted with his side's massive win against the Bulgarian outfit in Wednesday's Champions League encounter at the Emirates
Alex Iwobi has described Arsenal’s 6-0 mauling of Ludogorets in Wednesday’s Champions League clash at the Emirates stadium as the biggest victoy of his professional career so far.
The Super Eagles forward came in as a substitute for Alexis Sanchez in the 73rd minute of the encounter, and the 20-year old says the result is a good one for the Gunners.
“It was definitely the biggest win I've played in. We were professional from the start, from the first whistle to the last whistle and we played very well. It's a good result for us,” Iwobi told Arsenal website
“Well, it is early days. I'll take everything as it comes. The fact I’m playing for one of the best teams in the world at 20 years of age, I’m just buzzing and enjoying my time here.
“There's a lot of talent in this team, and whenever I'm given a chance I’m just giving my best, giving 100 per cent.
“As you can see, I didn’t start today and be able to do well so I just need to make sure I'm on top of my game.
“I’m happy for Chambo, he got his chance and Kieran got his chance as well and they did well. It just shows how much strength in depth, we have."
“Well, we did go into the first half well but in the second half we came out again and I think when we got the third goal it's kind of put them off," he continued.
“Not won the game already, but made it easier for us to express ourselves and there’s less pressure on us when we're playing and it showed.
“Yeah, we are confident. We did well at [PSG's] place and we believe that on our home ground, with the fans on our side, we probably could get the win and probably finish first."
He added: "We’re not trying to get ahead of ourselves; we're taking each game as it comes. It’s basically our mental side that we were working on"
“We’ve still added that to our game and we believed if we're mentally prepared in ourselves for this game that we would do well in November and it won’t be such a tough time, hopefully.
“It shows that everyone has the ability to score, as well as being able to create goals as well so it shows that our offensive side of the game is very strong.
“Just a congratulations and on to the next game. You’re only as good as your last performance and we're going to try and prepare for Middlesbrough at home.”
Goal.Com

Nigerian Footballer, Ogenyi Onazi Reportedly Drags Former Clubside, Lazio to FIFA….Read What Happened here

There are strong reports that Super Eagles defensive midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi is currently at war with former Italian club, Lazio over a breach of financial agreement.
Sources have reported that Super Eagles star, Ogenyi Onazi is sueing his former club to court over unpaid salaries. Lazio reportedly owe Ogenyi Onazi salaries for May and June 2016.
The midfielder has written a letter to the Italian club. A source close to the player confirmed to a sports correspondent that the midfielder is being owed two months’ salary by the Italian Serie A club.
“Onazi is taking Lazio to FIFA over unpaid salaries,” the source said.
“He is not happy with them and has contacted Lazio over the issue but it seems they are not ready to pay. He served them letter to this effect already.”
There is no confirmation from the footballer yet.

Pictures: Men Who Photocopied Naira Notes And Went To Deposit Them In A Bank Arrested

Operatives of the Rumuepirikom Division of the Rivers State Police Command, on October 18, 2016, arrested three suspected fraudsters in connection with circulating fake currency notes. They are Andrew Ogah ‘m’, Ozoemena Okeke ‘m’, and Helen Ozoemena Okeke ‘f’.
They have photocopied N500 and N1000 denomination notes of Nigeria currencies and were arrested when Mr. Andrew went to deposit the money in a new generation bank.
Investigation is ongoing at the Division as the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations is completed.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Omoni Nnamdi, “the Commissioner of Police, CP. Francis M. Odesanya, advises the public to be careful with the antics of these criminals whose stock in trade is to defraud unsuspecting customers and clients. And also, to be weary of the existence in circulation of fake naira currencies, especially within the Mgbuoba Area of Port Harcourt.”

Pictures: Men Who Photocopied Naira Notes And Went To Deposit Them In A Bank Arrested

Operatives of the Rumuepirikom Division of the Rivers State Police Command, on October 18, 2016, arrested three suspected fraudsters in connection with circulating fake currency notes. They are Andrew Ogah ‘m’, Ozoemena Okeke ‘m’, and Helen Ozoemena Okeke ‘f’.
They have photocopied N500 and N1000 denomination notes of Nigeria currencies and were arrested when Mr. Andrew went to deposit the money in a new generation bank.
Investigation is ongoing at the Division as the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations is completed.
Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Omoni Nnamdi, “the Commissioner of Police, CP. Francis M. Odesanya, advises the public to be careful with the antics of these criminals whose stock in trade is to defraud unsuspecting customers and clients. And also, to be weary of the existence in circulation of fake naira currencies, especially within the Mgbuoba Area of Port Harcourt.”

Wizkid Responds To Funny ‘Buhari T-Shirt’

The real Starboy has responded to the funny t-shirt which had president Buhari image on it.
Yesterday it was Davido advicing Nigerians to be patient with the president but today its Wizkid coming in support of the president.
Recently a photo of a T-shirt made surfaced online the T-shirt which featured president Buhari image on it with the imprint written in Igbo .. To za Oza Room! in English which means “person
who continuously sweeps the room”.
The Starboy boss in a tweet replied to this saying everyone into this to stop

Tension Mounts in Kaduna as El-Rufai Imposes 24-Hour Curfew in Kafanchan

Tension has taken over a Kaduna State community as the governor has imposed a curfew over deadly attacks in the area.

A 24-hour curfew has been imposed by the Kaduna State Government in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a local government area of the state.
According to Premium Times, the curfew was imposed on Sunday after youth in the area set up road blocks and burnt vehicles on Kafanchan-Kagoro road, in retaliation of an attack on Saturday in which many people died in Godogodo Chiefdom of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that several people had been killed in the area and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
According to residents, who spoke to Premium Times Monday, the youth took to the streets in retaliation of attacks carried out by herdsmen in some villages of the area.
“Kafanchan is still under siege and movement is restricted up till this Monday morning”, a resident, Hamza Maikifi, said.
“But it was a disaster for residents since Saturday. Many people lost their lives and properties. Many also sustained injuries,” he said.
Mr. Maikifi also said travellers were attacked in a protest that started as peaceful.
“Youth in the area wanted to show their anger to the government on the activities of herdsmen in some villages of the area when everything went out of control,” he said.
A civil servant, Hannatu Bature, said “even as I am talking to you now, we are hearing of arrival of more soldiers and policemen.
“The government was actually quick to respond to the irate boys, if not, the whole of Kafanchan would have been burnt to ashes.
“Some people were attacking innocent travellers and you know Kaduna; it would have transformed into a religious or ethnic crisis,” Ms. Bature said.
She urged government to “handle this herdsmen-villagers crisis once and for all”.
The interim chairman of Jema’a local government, Bege Katuka, told journalists in Kafanchan that the curfew would remain in force until normalcy was restored.
Mr. Katuka said the measure was to check further breach of the law by youth who were setting up illegal road blocks.
“We have received reports that youth had barricaded Kafanchan-Kagoro road along Garaje area and have burnt cars belonging to innocent persons,’’ he said.
“What is paramount now is the security of lives and property. The security will not relent in its effort to repel the attackers.’’

Nigeria naira ends at 305 after central bank dollar sales

LAGOS, Oct 17 (Reuters) - Nigeria's central bank intervened on Monday with dollar sales to support the naira , which ended at 305.50 per dollar, a range it has closed at for nearly two months, traders said.

Traders said the bank, which has been selling dollars regularly to prop up the currency, sold around $1.5 million towards the close of Monday's trade after the market was open for nearly four hours with no deals.

The naira was quoted at 455 to the dollar on the black market on Monday, firmer than 460 at its previous session, as international money transfer operators had started to sell dollars to retail currency outlets. The currency had weakened to a record low of 495 per dollar on the black market last month.

The bank held a dollar forward auction last Friday to clear a backlog of demand from airlines, manufacturers and other companies, as the country's currency crisis deepened. Result of the auction was yet to be published, traders say.

El-Rufai imposes 24-hour curfew in Kafanchan, more soldiers deployed

The Kaduna State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema’a local government area of the state.

The curfew was imposed on Sunday after youth in the area set up road blocks and burnt vehicles on Kafanchan-Kagoro road, in retaliation of an attack on Saturday in which many people died in Godogodo Chiefdom of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that several people had been killed in the area and properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.

According to residents, who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES Monday, the youth took to the streets in retaliation of attacks carried out by herdsmen in some villages of the area.

“Kafanchan is still under siege and movement is restricted up till this Monday morning”, a resident, Hamza Maikifi, said. “But it was a disaster for residents since Saturday. Many people lost their lives and properties. Many also sustained injuries,” he said.

Mr. Maikifi also said travellers were attacked in a protest that started as peaceful.
“Youth in the area wanted to show their anger to the government on the activities of herdsmen in some villages of the area when everything went out of control,” he said.

A civil servant, Hannatu Bature, said “even as I am talking to you now, we are hearing of arrival of more soldiers and policemen.

A Bigger Batch Of Chibok Girls Will Soon Be Released – Lai Mohammed

The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians of a further release of a larger batch of Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram sect two years ago.
Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, has expressed optimism that a bigger batch of Chibok girls will soon be released.
However, he warned analysts and commentators to be careful of the comments they make so that the release of the remaining girls will not be jeopardised according to The Cable.
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja at a special thanksgiving service for the 21 released Chibok girls, the minister said “reckless analysts and commentators” were not helping the situation for the other girls still in the captivity.
Mohammed said those who doubted the Buhari’s administration to ensure the safe release and the reunion of the abducted Chibok girls with their parents were disappointed.
“They are many reckless analysts and commentators who are not helping the situation. We still have many of our children in captivity. Therefore we have to be careful with the kind of comments that we make. We must not make comments that will make the release of these girls difficult or impossible,” he said.
“When the President said that the Boko Haram saga will not be closed until all the girls abducted have been released and reunited with their families safely, those who doubted did not believe us so we thank God this day has come.”
While appealing to the other parents whose children have not been released, Mohammed said: “This is the beginning and we are very optimistic that very soon another batch bigger than this will be released. I want to assure you that these negotiations are ongoing even as we speak.”
Also speaking, Yakubu Nkeki, chairman of the parents of the abducted Chibok girls, dismissed reports alleging that 18 of the 21 freed girls were pregnant.
He thanked the president for summoning the courage and the political will that eventually led to the release of the abducted girls, and appealed to the general populace to stop spreading rumours, particularly on the social media, that would put the lives of the other girls at risk.

CSKA Moscow plans Musa’s return

Russian champions CSKA will be willing to re-sign Nigeria star Ahmed Musa should his big-money move to Leicester City crash.
Ahmed Musa reportedly cost the Premier League champions 18 million pounds in the summer when he joined up from the Russian army club.
However, the Nigeria winger has yet to explode in the Premier League as widely expected as Leicester have also struggled to match the run they chalked up last season.
“Ahmed is still loved and highly rated at CSKA, where he played for five seasons and there are strong indications that should he for any reason fail to shine in England, they will be only too happy to re-sign him,” a source close to the forward revealed.
The 24-year-old Nigeria star, who has been nominated for the CAF African Footballer of the Year 2016, has made five appearances in the Premier League for ‘The Foxes’ with only two starts and has yet to find the back of the net.
Leicester City is 13th on the table, while CSKA is second on the table in Russia with 21 points from 10 matches, a point behind leaders Spartak Moscow.
-The Sun

WizkId Will Be shuttIng Down MTV african music award In Johannesburg

It is exactly 1 week, 7 days, 168 hours, 10080 minutes and 604800 seconds to the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), and Wizkid is billed to perform live at the most prestigious annual music awards in Africa.

The MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) announced its 2016 edition date and venue as October 22, 2016, at the Ticket Pro Dome, Johannesburg, South Africa.
In a recent announcement Wizkid will be one of the artistes performing at live at the event. Others who will be performing during the music awards night are Kenyan boy band Sauti Sol, famous South African music producer DJ Maphorisa, and Angolan C4 Pedro.

I Drafted the Master Plan for the Negotiation for Chibok Girls’ Release – Senator Shehu Sani

Kaduna central Senator, Shehu Sani has opened up on his role in the recovery of the first batch of Chibok girls which was already in play during the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Vocal civil liberty activist, Senator Shehu Sani, drafted the master plan for the negotiation and facilitated the involvement of Switzerland in the talks as well as Red Cross International in transporting the girls to safety, he revealed on a chat with The Nation.
His words: “I believe that this government has achieved what has never been achieved and there I have the confidence that the other girls will also be released through the same process that was taken for these ones to be released.
"The confidence has been built on both sides and the parties have agreed to do more. I can tell you that there was no prisoner swap. There was none. I was the one who drafted the master plan for the negotiation.
"I was also the one who invited the Swiss and the RCRC into it, and I was also the one who linked the Swiss with the person who negotiated, who happened to be Mustapha Zanna, a lawyer in Maiduguri.
"I was the one who brought Mustapha Zanna in with Switzerland and the Red Cross. So this effort, this success, could be said to be the joint effort of Mustapha Zanna, Switzerland , Red Cross and the Department of State Security (DSS).
"The reason for bringing Swiss into it was because we needed to have a different country that would offer guarantee to both the insurgents and the government because previous talks crashed because there was lack of trust.
"But now, we needed a country that would offer guarantee to both sides. Switzerland offered to assist after I had encountered fellows from some of the countries which we had contacted. Swiss offered to facilitate the negotiation and I linked them up to the negotiator and the master plan was for the government and the insurgents to negotiate."

Aisha Buhari Kitchen Speech: See What an American Newspaper is Saying About President Buhari

The Washington Post – an online newspaper in the United States of America has taken a close jab at President Muhammadu Buhari over his alleged $exist description of his wife – Aisha Buhari over her explosive BBC interview.
If you think Donald Trump has problems, consider those of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, the Washington Post said.
Elected last year as a no-nonsense candidate to clean up Africa’s biggest democracy, his popularity has fallen amid various spiraling crises – a faltering economy, a deadly insurgency, a devastating famine. And now, even his wife is skeptical.
In an interview with the BBC’s Hausa language service, Nigerian first lady Aisha Buhari suggested that she might not back her husband’s potential reelection in 2019 if he didn’t shake up his government.
Without naming names, she said a whole host of people in senior ministerial posts didn’t share her husband’s values or the vision of the ruling party. The first lady’s admission reinforces accusations made by critics that Buhari’s government has been hijacked by a cabal operating behind the scenes.
“The president does not know 45 out of 50 of the people he appointed and I don’t know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years,” she said. “Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position.”
According to the BBC, some in Nigeria speculate that the first lady went this route after her own chosen figures did not win the posts they desired in government. Whatever the case, it deepens the gloom around Buhari’s presidency, which he won in part on a platform that promised an end to nepotism and cronyism in the country.
Then came Buhari’s response. Speaking to reporters while on a trip to Germany, the Nigerian president offered up a tasteless jibe: “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room,” he said.
His remarks were made in front of German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, who according to reports, glared and then, briefly, laughed.

Mikel, Iheanacho, Musa Make African Player of the Year List

Three Nigerians have been shortlisted for the 2016 African Player of the Year award.
Chelsea's Mikel Obi is joined by Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho and Leicester City's Ahmed Musa.
The list was released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Saturday.
Here is the full list:
1. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
2. El Arabi Hillel Soudani (Algeria & Dinamo Zagreb)
3. Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City)
4. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon & Antalyaspor)
5. Benjamin Mounkandjo (Cameroon & Lorient)
6. Serge Aurier (Cote d'Ivoire & PSG)
7. Eric Bailly (Cote d'Ivoire & Manchester City)
8. Yao Kouasi Gervais 'Gervinho' (Cote d'Ivoire & Hebei Fortune)
9. Mohamed Salah
(Egypt & Roma)
10. Mohamed El Neny (Egypt & Arsenal)
11. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Dortmund)
12. Andre Ayew (Ghana & West Ham)
13. Victor Wanyama (Kenya & Tottenham)
14. William Jebor (Liberia & Wydad Athletic Club)
15. Mehdi Benatia (Morocco & Juventus)
16. Hakim Ziyech (Morocco & Ajax)
17. John Mikel Obi (Nigeria & Chelsea)
18. Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria & Manchester City)
19. Ahmed Musa (Nigeria & Leicester City)
20. Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo & Villareal)
21. Yannick Bolasie (DR Congo & Everton)
22. Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
23. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal & Napoli)
24. Keegan Dolly (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
25. Itumeleng Khune (South Africa & Kaizer Chiefs)
26. Mbwana Samatta (Tanzania & Genk)
27. Aymen Abdennour Tunisia & Valencia)
28. Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia & Sunderland)
29. Dennis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
30. Khama Billiat (Zimbabwe & Mamelodi Sundowns)

Aisha Belongs in My Kitchen & Bedroom – President Buhari Reacts to His Wife’s Controversial BBC Interview

President Muhammadu Buhari has officially reacted to his wife’s much-talked about BBC exclusive interview, saying his wife, Aisha belongs in his kitchen and bedroom.
While speaking with journalists in Germany, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently in the country on an official visit, has responded to an interview his wife, Aisha granted the BBC, where she said that her husband’s government had been hijacked by those who did not labour to put him there.
We had earlier reported that in an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa service , the wife of the president, Aisha, also said that she might not support her husband under the present circumstances if he seeks re-election in 2019.
"The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I don’t know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years.
"Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position," Mrs Aisha was quoted to have told BBC.
According to TheCable News, while reacting to his wife’s comments to newsmen in Germany the president who is on a three-day visit to the country, said;
“I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room,” he joked.
“I claim superior knowledge over her and the rest of the opposition, because in the end I have succeeded. It is not easy to satisfy the whole Nigerian opposition parties or to participate in the government,” Buhari said.

Five Takeaways from Aisha Buhari’s Interview That Got Nigerians Seriously Talking

President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife recently gave an interview that got people stunned. These are major quotes from the interview she granted.
Controversies have continued to trail the comments of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari in an interview with BBC Hausa where she said cabals had hijacked Buhari’s government.
However, below are five takeaways from the said interview that has left some people’s mouths wide open in astonishment.
1. “Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position.”
2. “The president does not know 45 out of 50, for example, of the people he appointed and I don’t know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years.”
3. “You will know them [the people who hijacked Buhari’s government) if you watch television.”
4. “I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up to 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again.”
On whether the president was in charge, she said:
5. “That is left for the people to decide.”

Picture: Nigeria VP meets with freed Chibok girls

Nigerian President Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has met with the 21 Chibok school girls released by Boko Haram on Thursday.
The meeting took place on Thursday evening at a medical facility operated by the west African country's State Security Service,( SSS), in Abuja. This was shortly after the girls' arrival in the Federal Capital Territory.
Most of the girls wept profusely as they met with Osinbajo.
The released girls were among the over 200 schoolgirls, who were kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists from a Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State, on April 14, 2014.
"Please note that this is not a swap. It is a release, the product of painstaking negotiations and trust on both sides," Lai Mohammed told reporters in Abuja, denying claims from local sources that the girls were freed in exchange for Boko Haram proisoners.
"As soon as the necessary confidence was built on both sides, the parties agreed on the date and the location of the release of the 21 girls," he said.
He said that the government would continue to pursue the release of the remaining girls, adding that those released would receive medical attention and care.
"We see this as a credible first step in the eventual release of all the Chibok girls in captivity. It is also a major step in confidence-building between us as government and the Boko Haram leadership on the issues of the Chibok girls," said Mohammed.

Confident Ronaldo feeling back to his best

Three-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo insists he will have a “spectacular” season despite a slow start to the campaign caused by knee ligament damage.
Ronaldo was sidelined for two months by a sprained left knee ligament picked up during Portugal’s Euro 2016 final triumph over France, forcing him to miss Madrid’s first three games of the season.
He has scored just once in four La Liga games since making his return, but netted five times in Portugal’s routs over Andorra and the Faroe Islands in the past week.
“I had a serious injury, I was out for two months. Now I am back and at the start I has less confidence, but bit-by-bit I am feeling better and more confident. I feel that I am back to what I was,” Ronaldo told Madrid sports daily Marca on Friday.
“The season is very long and I am sure I am going to have another spectacular season.”
Ronaldo is expected to sign a bumper new contract with the European champions until 2021 in the coming days and reiterated his intention to retire in the Spanish capital after becoming the club’s all-time top goalscorer since joining from Manchester United in 2009.
“I didn’t expect to be at Real Madrid for so long. I have already said that I want to retire here. It is the club in my heart.
“It gives me the opportunity to win individual and collective trophies. What I want most of all is to renew (my contract) with Real Madrid and continue here for many years to come.”
Despite bagging two Champions League titles and winning the Ballon d’Or twice during his time with Real, Ronaldo has still only won one La Liga title in seven full seasons.
Zinedine Zidane’s men need to get back to winning ways at Real Betis on Saturday after three consecutive La Liga draws have seen them cede top spot to Atletico Madrid on goal difference.
However, with still a two-point lead over champions Barcelona, Ronaldo is convinced Madrid can end a five-year wait to win La Liga.
“It is the competition in which we have to more consistent. It is an important trophy and hopefully this will be the year.
“Madrid can’t go so many years without winning La Liga, but we are confident and motivated that we are going to win it.”

I hope Aisha Buhari won’t suffer – Governor Fayose

Governor Fayose says he hopes Aisha Buhari won’t suffer the same fate like Buhari’s first wife after her explosive interview
– Hajiya Safinatu died after eight years of battling with Diabetes in 2006
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state has reacted to the controversial interview of the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari Aisha to the BBC Hausa.
Fayose, in a statement through his media aide Lere Olayinka, said that he hope Aisha will not suffer for the interview.
“I just hope Aisha Buhari won’t suffer the same fate like Safinatu Buhari… Just thinking ni ooo,” Olayinka wrote.
Nigerian First Lady has threatened her husband that she may not support him at the 2016 presidential election unless he reshuffles his administration.
In a BBC interview, Mrs Buhari said the Nigerian leader “does not know” most of the top officials he has appointed.
NAIJ.com recalls that late Hajiya Safinatu got married to her husband Gen. Muhammadu Buhari two days after her graduation from Women Teachers College Katsina at the age of 18.
In 1998 Buhari’s first wife was diagnosed to be diabetic in Saudi Arabia. Safinatu died on January 14, 2006, following the long battle with Diabetes.
Some Nigerians wonder what Governor Fayose and his allies are thinking about the wife of the president, Aisha Buhari on her interview with the BBC after blaming her on alleged involvement in the Halliburton scandal.
The governor had while reacting to the freezing of his bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission argued that Mrs Buhari was involved in the Haliburton scandal.
The wife of the president denied Fayose’s accusations.

Chelsea Sign 15-year Kit Deal With Nike Worth £60m A Season

Chelsea have signed a 15-year kit deal with Nike worth £60m a season.
Adidas was paying Chelsea £30m a season, but it will be replaced by Nike from next season.
In May, Chelsea told Adidas they would be terminating their deal six years early in 2017. The west London club paid Adidas a £40m fee in order to curtail the agreement.
Chelsea wanted to leave Adidas because the club were unhappy that they were receiving less than half of the £75m per year that Manchester United were receiving from the German multinational.
Adidas and Nike are both believed to be in negotiations with Real Madrid about a world-record kit deal that would be worth more than £100m a year.

Senate extends JAMB result’s validity to three years

The Senate,Thursday, passed into law, a Bill for an Act to amend the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Act 2016. After the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, Senator Jibril Barau laid the report, the Senate unanimously passed the amendment Bill. In his ruling, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki said the amended Act shall be “a great relief for both students and parents as it will reduce their financial and psychological burdens”. The Act among other things, supports that JAMB applicants who could not gain admission into their institution of choice for the examination year could be offered admission the following year with the same JAMB result, but not exceeding a period of 3 years.

Senate extends JAMB result’s validity to three years.

The Senate on Thursday passed the amendment to the law establishing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. The law now extends the validity of the result of the board’s examination from one year to three years. Details later…

Boko Haram Releases 21 Chibok Girls

Twenty-one of the more than 200 girls kidnapped over two years ago in a raid on their school in Chibok town by Boko Haram militants have been released, the BBC reported on Thursday citing a government official.
Two spokesmen for President Muhammadu Buhari told Reuters they were unaware of the report. Military spokesmen have not responded to phone calls or text messages.
However, Garba Shehu in a tweet wrote: “It is confirmed that 21 of the missing Chibok Girls have been released and are in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.”

Shiites in Jos should blame themselves – JTF

Capt. Ikedia Iweha, the Spokesman, Military Joint Tasks Force (JTF) in Plateau has stated that the Shiites members should blame itself for the misfortune of Wednesday morning when they were attacked by irate youths at Aguwan Rogo.
The Shiites building and members were attacked by irate youths when they staged a procession between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. to mark the killing of the grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam.
The group had recounted its own version of the incident.
But the JTF Spokesman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Jos that the task force only responded to a distressed call when they arrived at the scene of the attack.
He said “we don’t have anybody in our custody; all we did was to rescue those injured.
“We also gave the injured first aid and released them thereafter.
“For anybody to accuse us of acting on an order from above is ridiculous because there was no such order but we did what we did to maintain the peace.”
But Alhaji Adamu Tsoho, the leader of the Shiites in the state debunked Iwehas claim and called on Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau to call the JTF, the Izala and Falafiaya Islamic sects to order before they set the state on fire.
Tsoho made the call in Jos, saying that the sect’s worship building was attacked by irate youths of Anguwan Rogo in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau.
He claimed that “just when we were to finish our procession as mark of mourning of the brutal killing of the grandson of Holy Prophet of Islam which is an annual event, youths attacked us, with soldiers chasing our members away.
“Our over N2.5 million worship building was attacked with part of it set ablaze and destroyed, while equipment worth over N1 million were vandalised and carted away,” he alleged. (NAN)

Let Me Attack Pogba tells Mourinho

Paul Pogba has admitted he wants to play further forward for Manchester United, as a deeper role is “costing” him.
The Frenchman returned to Old Trafford for a world-record fee in August, but has so far shown only glimpses of his undoubted talent.
While United boss Jose Mourinho has had Pogba playing in a number of different positions, the 23-year-old is hoping to get a chance in an attacking midfield role having impressed on international duty with France.
“I try to adapt,” he was quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News . “I am a player who would rather go forward.
“The coach gave me instructions, I try to follow them. I have to retrieve balls and make defensive efforts.
“It cost me a bit to play differently, much like [Andrea] Pirlo. I have to play, be there to recover and play more for the team.”
Pogba has scored one goal in six Premier League appearances so far this season as United sit sixth in the table.
Goal.com

Pictures: Angry Youths kills and sets homes of Shiite Members ablaze in Tudun Wada, Kaduna

After losing over 350 members to a confrontation with operatives of the Nigerian army late last year, Shiite members in Kaduna have been hit by angry youths.
The woes of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria whose leader, Sheikh IB.rahim El Zakzaky has been incarcerated by the Directorate of State Security has been compounded with an attack on some members by angry youths in the northern part of the country.
According to Premium Times, angry youths in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, on Wednesday morning set fire to the home of Mukhtar Sahabi, a leader of the Shi’a Islamic sect, along Zango Road.
A resident who was at the scene confirmed the incident to a correspondent. The youths, believed to be residents of the area, attacked some members of the Shiite sect who were living in the house.
“I was wondering what was going on this morning when I saw youth in hundreds setting the house on fire,” said the witness . “Before the security operatives could come all of them had gone.”
Sahabi Mukhtar is the leader of the Shia sect in Kaduna and is popularly called the governor. The area has been cordoned by security operatives.
“We are standing at distance to see what next is going to happen. But there is peace around the area,” the witness, who preferred to remain anonymous, said.
The attack came a day after a standoff between soldiers and members of the group, outlawed last week by the Kaduna government.

Bomb blast hits Maiduguri, many feared dead

Many traders and travellers were feared killed on Wednesday as an improvised explosive suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents went off outside a car park in Maiduguri, Borno state.

The explosion went off at a park popularly called Mun Garage at about 9a.m. in the capital city of the north-east Nigerian state.

A witness who said he was lucky to survive the incident said he saw about a dozen bodies covered with blood littering the scene.

“I thank God for sparing my life,,” said Usman Kachalla, a local trader. “I don’t know if it is a suicide bomber, we just heard the blast and I saw my self covered with dust.”

An official of the Civilian-JTF, Alhaji Khalil, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES.
“Yes there was a blast early this morning outside Muna Garage along Mafa road. We have sent our operatives down there; but we have not confirmed the casualty,” said the Civilian-JTF official.
Details to follow later…

Picture: Driverless cars hit British streets in landmark trial

Technicans analise data follwong the trial of an autonomous self-driving vehicle in a pedestrianised zone, during a media event in Milton Keynes, north of London, on October 11, 2016. Driverless vehicles carrying passengers took to Britain’s streets for the first time on Tuesday in a landmark trial which could pave the way for their introduction across the country. The compact two-seater cars trundled along a pedestrianised zone in Milton Keynes, north of London, in a trial by Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) which plans to roll out 40 vehicles in the city. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS
Driverless vehicles carrying passengers took to Britain’s streets for the first time on Tuesday in a landmark trial which could pave the way for their introduction across the country.
The compact two-seater cars trundled along a pedestrianised zone in Milton Keynes, north of London, in a trial by Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) which plans to roll out 40 vehicles in the city.
Neil Fulton, programme director at TSC, said it represented a “major milestone” for autonomous vehicles in Britain.
“The special thing about today is that this is the first time that a self-driving vehicle has been tested in a public place” in Britain, he said.
Although the system is currently only being trialled on pedestrianised streets at speeds of around five miles per hour, self-driving cars on British roads “are not that far away”, he added.
The “Selenium” autonomy software running the vehicle, developed by Oxford University’s Oxford Robotics Institute and its spinoff company Oxbotica, uses data from cameras and lasers to navigate the route.
Unlike existing systems, the technology does not rely on GPS.
“On the face of it, it is another autonomous car, but under the hood, how it does what it does is very different from what others are doing,” said Ingmar Posner who leads the Oxford Robotics Institute along with Paul Newman.
“The way it works is that the vehicle experiences its environment and interprets what it sees around it in the context of what it has seen before.”
He said the system could be integrated into “anything that moves”, from cars and buses to forklift trucks, golf-carts and disability vehicles.
“The cameras peer out at the world,” explained Newman, a professor at Oxford University’s department of engineering.
“They take pictures of the world and the software compares those pictures with what it knows it should look like,” he said.
The technology will also be piloted in London’s Greenwich borough to run eight vehicles around pedestrianised areas next year.
Britain’s Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark hailed Tuesday’s trial as “a ground-breaking moment”.
“The research that underpins the technology and software will have applications way beyond autonomous vehicles,” he said.
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Palm oil can cause cancer, damage kidney – Experts

Palm oil, a common cooking ingredient in the tropical belt of Africa, Southeast Asia and parts of Brazil, has lately come under fire.
Already a cause for concern among environmental activist groups as it is linked with issues such as deforestation, habitat degradation, climate change, animal cruelty and indigenous rights abuses in the countries where it is produced, palm oil is now said to be a threat to human health.
“Palm oil is a disaster in every respect – not only for the rainforest and its inhabitants, but also for our health,” says Reinhard Behrend of Rainforest Rescue.
According to scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), refined palm oil and products manufactured with it contain very high amounts of fatty acid esters that cause cancer and damage DNA, the liver, kidneys and testes. The contaminants are byproducts of the industrial processing of palm oil, the body adds.
Behrend adds: “Toddlers and children that consume large quantities of processed foods are especially vulnerable: around half of all food products found in our supermarkets are made with palm oil – and the toxins it contains. For young children, a slice of bread with chocolate-hazelnut spread for breakfast is enough to expose them to critical amounts of the contaminants. The risk is particularly high for infants due to the palm oil used in industrial baby foods.”
According to him, non-tropical vegetable oils such as sunflower, rapeseed and olive are viable alternatives. He called on policymakers to not only warn the citizenry about palm oil, but to actively protect them from its dangers.
Palm oil is a type of edible vegetable oil that is derived from the palm fruit, grown on the African oil palm tree. Oil palms are originally from Western Africa, but can flourish wherever heat and rainfall are abundant.
Today, palm oil is grown throughout Africa, Asia, North America, and South America, with 85% of all palm oil globally produced and exported from Indonesia and Malaysia. Observers however say that the production, most of the time, does not utilise sustainable measures.
Activists are bothered by the extent to which land and forests are cleared for the development of the oil palm plantations. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), an area the equivalent size of 300 football fields of rainforest is cleared each hour to make way for palm oil production. This large-scale deforestation, according to the WWF, is pushing many species to extinction; with findings showing that, if nothing changes, species like the orangutan could become extinct in the wild within the next five to 10 years, and Sumatran tigers less than three years.

Sergio Aguero Has Night To Forget As Argentina Lose To Paraguay

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero appeared to come through Argentina’s World Cup qualifying clash with Paraguay unscathed, but had a night to forget in Cordoba.
Aguero said he would play for his country “at any cost” after limping out of Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Peru with an adductor injury and was named in Edgardo Bauza’s starting XI but missed a penalty in a 1-0 defeat.
He played 90 minutes trouble free but will not remember the game fondly as his side were surprisingly defeated, which leaves their hopes of reaching Russia in 2018 far from assured.
To make matters worse Aguero, who was booked, wasted a chance to level from the spot when his casual effort was easily saved by Justo Villar while he also spurned a one-on-one opportunity and planted a free header straight at Villar.
City host Everton on Saturday aiming to bounce back from their first Premier League defeat under Pep Guardiola and will hope to have their main striker available.

Iwobi Is Mixture Of Okocha, Davids – Ozil

The Arsenal playmaker, Mesut Ozil has said that the Nigerian young star, Alex Iwobi has a bright future ahead of him, likening him to two of the finest midfielders of recent times, Austin Jay Jay Okocha and former Netherlands star Edgar Davids.
Iwobi has become a first-team regular since breaking into Arsene Wenger’s plans last term and Ozil has been impressed by the impact he has made.
“He reminds me of his uncle, Okocha,” Ozil told Arsenal Player. “He was a player I loved watching. Alex reminds me of a mixture of him and Davids.
“He is really strong on the ball, also defensively, but he is good in front of goal too. He knows exactly what he can do. He is not scared and does not hide on the pitch.
“He just wants to have fun playing football and that really shows on the pitch, and also in training.
“He is developing really well and if he continues the way he has been playing the whole season, he will really enhance his game.
“The manager knows exactly how good he is and I wish him all the best. He is really young and is on a really good path.”
Iwobi has provided three assists in seven appearances in 2016-17.
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