Teargas fired on protesting teachers, students in Abuja

ABUJA  (AFP) – Nigerian police fired teargas at teachers and students and shot live rounds into the air as they tried to disperse a rally over college closures on Tuesday, protesters said.

The march, in the capital Abuja, was called by two academic unions who have been on strike for several months, but protesting teachers were also joined by a number of students.

Despite the stand-off, no one was reported injured during the protest.
The organisers of the rally, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), have been demanding facility improvements at a range of technical colleges across the country.

The march, which the unions said involved about 100 people, began at Abuja’s Eagle Square — which is often the site of political rallies — before moving towards the parliament, where organisers had planned to formally present their grievances to lawmakers.

“As we were about crossing the road to the Memorial Arcade, the policemen who barricaded the road started shooting live bullets, tear gas canisters and they are using their water can vehicles to disperse the crowd,” Tunde Lawal, a teacher at the rally, told AFP.

He said the security forces had tried to prevent the rally from reaching the National Assembly.
An AFP reporter saw two police vehicles and dozens of armed officers barricading the road that leads to the assembly complex.

A police officer at the scene, who requested anonymity, described the incident as a “very serious battle.”
“It involved the use of everything to disperse the protest,” he said, although he added that no one was injured.

Teachers at state-run technical colleges say they have been forced to work in buildings with decaying facilities, and lack the infrastructure and support to teach effectively.

The walk-out on Tuesday was latest in a series of strikes which have crippled parts of Nigeria’s post-secondary education system.

A six-month nationwide strike by university lecturers last year piled pressure on the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, which has been accused of presiding over the further decline of public education in the country.

Lecturers involved in that protest only went back to work after the government pledged to honour a 2009 agreement guaranteeing a series of facility improvements.

Teargas fired on protesting teachers, students in Abuja

Posted by Sylvester No comments

ABUJA  (AFP) – Nigerian police fired teargas at teachers and students and shot live rounds into the air as they tried to disperse a rally over college closures on Tuesday, protesters said.

The march, in the capital Abuja, was called by two academic unions who have been on strike for several months, but protesting teachers were also joined by a number of students.

Despite the stand-off, no one was reported injured during the protest.
The organisers of the rally, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), have been demanding facility improvements at a range of technical colleges across the country.

The march, which the unions said involved about 100 people, began at Abuja’s Eagle Square — which is often the site of political rallies — before moving towards the parliament, where organisers had planned to formally present their grievances to lawmakers.

“As we were about crossing the road to the Memorial Arcade, the policemen who barricaded the road started shooting live bullets, tear gas canisters and they are using their water can vehicles to disperse the crowd,” Tunde Lawal, a teacher at the rally, told AFP.

He said the security forces had tried to prevent the rally from reaching the National Assembly.
An AFP reporter saw two police vehicles and dozens of armed officers barricading the road that leads to the assembly complex.

A police officer at the scene, who requested anonymity, described the incident as a “very serious battle.”
“It involved the use of everything to disperse the protest,” he said, although he added that no one was injured.

Teachers at state-run technical colleges say they have been forced to work in buildings with decaying facilities, and lack the infrastructure and support to teach effectively.

The walk-out on Tuesday was latest in a series of strikes which have crippled parts of Nigeria’s post-secondary education system.

A six-month nationwide strike by university lecturers last year piled pressure on the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, which has been accused of presiding over the further decline of public education in the country.

Lecturers involved in that protest only went back to work after the government pledged to honour a 2009 agreement guaranteeing a series of facility improvements.

Police arraign `money doubler’ for defrauding woman of N108,000

The police on Tuesday arraigned a 32-year-old `money doubler”, Ikechukwu Ugo, in a Kado Upper Area Court for defrauding a woman of N108,000.

Ugo, a resident of Jabi village, Abuja, is charged with a two count charge of joint act and cheating.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that Ms Bernice Adekoke of Lugbe, Airport Road, Abuja, lodged a report against the accused at the Utako Police Station on April 7.

Ibrahim said the accused and another man, now at large, approached the complainant with a promise to produce

some dollars for her.

He said the accused collected N108,000 from Adegoke to buy some chemicals to use in making the money.

The prosecutor said the accused absconded immediately after collecting the money until he was arrested by the police.

He said the offence contravened the Penal Code.

If convicted, the accused is liable to three years in prison, an option of fine or both.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The Presiding Judge, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, admitted him to bail for N10,000 and a surety.

Sadiq ordered that the surety must have a fixed address and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case until May 19 for hearing. (NAN)

Police arraign `money doubler’ for defrauding woman of N108,000

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The police on Tuesday arraigned a 32-year-old `money doubler”, Ikechukwu Ugo, in a Kado Upper Area Court for defrauding a woman of N108,000.

Ugo, a resident of Jabi village, Abuja, is charged with a two count charge of joint act and cheating.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Simon Ibrahim, told the court that Ms Bernice Adekoke of Lugbe, Airport Road, Abuja, lodged a report against the accused at the Utako Police Station on April 7.

Ibrahim said the accused and another man, now at large, approached the complainant with a promise to produce

some dollars for her.

He said the accused collected N108,000 from Adegoke to buy some chemicals to use in making the money.

The prosecutor said the accused absconded immediately after collecting the money until he was arrested by the police.

He said the offence contravened the Penal Code.

If convicted, the accused is liable to three years in prison, an option of fine or both.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The Presiding Judge, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, admitted him to bail for N10,000 and a surety.

Sadiq ordered that the surety must have a fixed address and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case until May 19 for hearing. (NAN)

Amaka Igwe, renowned Nollywood Movie Producer is Dead

Amaka Igwe, one of Nigeria’s foremost film producers, writer, director and a leading player in the motion picture industry, is dead.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by The Nigerian Entertainment (NET).

The statement said that Amaka died on Monday night in Enugu after a brief ill health.

Confirming the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Agility Onwurah, Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abuja Chapter, said Amaka’s demise was a big blow to the Nollywood industry.

“Amaka had gone to Enugu in company of her husband for a pre-production preparation for a new Igbo soap when the sad incident occurred.

“She suffered asthmatic attack and was immediately rushed to a hospital, but died before getting there.

“Amaka is survived by her husband of 21 years, Charles Igwe, three children, and an aged mother, “the statement said.

Born Amaka Isaac-Ene, the deceased was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher.

She founded the BoB TV Expo, and was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Top Radio 90.9 FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newly-launched Q Entertainment Networks.

The statement described Amaka as a visionary, and pioneer of modern Nigerian TV drama and film.

Amaka hit national limelight as the writer and producer of the award-winning TV soap, “Checkmate’’, and “Fuji House of Commotion’’.

“Her Nollywood projects include `RattleSnake’ and `Violated’, two critically-acclaimed movies that set apart Amaka Igwe Studios in the much-criticised Nollywood industry.

Onwurah described Amaka as one of the foremost producers in the industry and an encouragement to the entertainment industry in the country.

He said her contribution to AGN would be missed, stating that she did her best to ensure that the Guild was a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry in the world. (NAN)

Amaka Igwe, renowned Nollywood Movie Producer is Dead

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Amaka Igwe, one of Nigeria’s foremost film producers, writer, director and a leading player in the motion picture industry, is dead.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by The Nigerian Entertainment (NET).

The statement said that Amaka died on Monday night in Enugu after a brief ill health.

Confirming the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Agility Onwurah, Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abuja Chapter, said Amaka’s demise was a big blow to the Nollywood industry.

“Amaka had gone to Enugu in company of her husband for a pre-production preparation for a new Igbo soap when the sad incident occurred.

“She suffered asthmatic attack and was immediately rushed to a hospital, but died before getting there.

“Amaka is survived by her husband of 21 years, Charles Igwe, three children, and an aged mother, “the statement said.

Born Amaka Isaac-Ene, the deceased was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher.

She founded the BoB TV Expo, and was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Top Radio 90.9 FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newly-launched Q Entertainment Networks.

The statement described Amaka as a visionary, and pioneer of modern Nigerian TV drama and film.

Amaka hit national limelight as the writer and producer of the award-winning TV soap, “Checkmate’’, and “Fuji House of Commotion’’.

“Her Nollywood projects include `RattleSnake’ and `Violated’, two critically-acclaimed movies that set apart Amaka Igwe Studios in the much-criticised Nollywood industry.

Onwurah described Amaka as one of the foremost producers in the industry and an encouragement to the entertainment industry in the country.

He said her contribution to AGN would be missed, stating that she did her best to ensure that the Guild was a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry in the world. (NAN)

We have suffered enough this season, says Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger

LONDON (AFP) – |Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refused to get carried away despite his side taking a major step towards Champions League qualification with a convincing 3-0 Premier League win at home to Newcastle on Monday.

Goals from Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud at the Emirates Stadium handed the fourth-placed Gunners a routine victory that moved them four points clear of fifth-placed rivals Everton with just two league games of the season remaining.

FA Cup finalists Arsenal require one more domestic league win to achieve their 17th successive campaign in Europe’s premier competition, although an Everton defeat by Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday would also suit the Gunners.

But Wenger was not ready to start celebrating just yet despite a decent performance against Alan Pardew’s struggling outfit, who lost a sixth successive English top-flight match for the first time since 1986-87 season amid calls for the Newcastle manager to be sacked from the north-east club’s travelling fans at the Emirates.

“It’s a step forward and one more win will be top four, for sure. But it’s not done,” said Wenger.
“I’m long enough in the job to know to get over the line is difficult,” added the 64-year-old Frenchman, now far and away the Premier League’s longest-serving manager after taking charge of north London giants Arsenal in 1996.

- ‘Suffered enough’ -
“We have suffered enough this season in some periods not to be complacent. The pain we went through will help us focus to do the final job well. We are in a strong position now.

“We have another home game and another opportunity to win again. What is important is our performances and, game by game, they look strong and convincing and show we have the potential to play very good football.”

Wenger allayed fears Arsenal and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, missing with a groin problem, would be unfit for England World Cup duty in Brazil in June, while Jack Wilshere should return from a fractured foot before the end of the season.

“He has an inflammation of his groin,” Wenger said of Oxlade-Chamberlain.
“He couldn’t practise… We decided to give him a complete rest for two weeks.

“Will he be involved with me? I think he has a chance. But will he be ready for England? I think so.”
Turning to Wilshere, Wenger said: “Jack is training already. When will he be ready? Honestly I cannot tell you exactly. Next week or the week after. At the moment the progress he’s making is good.”

As the game wore on, Newcastle fans vented their anger towards Pardew, but the Toon Army manager accepted the criticism and insisted he’s solely focused on beating Cardiff on Saturday to secure a top-10 finish.

“They (the supporters) are frustrated,” said Pardew.
“We had 2,000 here making this long trip. Although we’re playing a good team, they expect us to win.
“They’ve seen us lose again and they’re not happy, and I have to respect that.

“It puts pressure on the team and myself and I have to do my best to protect the team and the performance.
“But all I can do is do this job to the best of my ability. We’ve been top 10 all year. We should have performed better in this run.
“We’ve got to finish in the top 10 and a win on Saturday will guarantee us top 10.

“If Cardiff think it’s important (to avoid relegation), it’s important for us to finish in the top 10, believe me.
“All I can do is get my team in the best possible place. At 2-0, we could have copped harm, but we came out with our dignity still there.

“Our stadium has to give us the atmosphere. We’ve got the best fans in the world, and they don’t deserve the run we’ve given them. Our focus is to get that win as quickly as possible.”

We have suffered enough this season, says Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger

Posted by Sylvester No comments

LONDON (AFP) – |Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refused to get carried away despite his side taking a major step towards Champions League qualification with a convincing 3-0 Premier League win at home to Newcastle on Monday.

Goals from Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud at the Emirates Stadium handed the fourth-placed Gunners a routine victory that moved them four points clear of fifth-placed rivals Everton with just two league games of the season remaining.

FA Cup finalists Arsenal require one more domestic league win to achieve their 17th successive campaign in Europe’s premier competition, although an Everton defeat by Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday would also suit the Gunners.

But Wenger was not ready to start celebrating just yet despite a decent performance against Alan Pardew’s struggling outfit, who lost a sixth successive English top-flight match for the first time since 1986-87 season amid calls for the Newcastle manager to be sacked from the north-east club’s travelling fans at the Emirates.

“It’s a step forward and one more win will be top four, for sure. But it’s not done,” said Wenger.
“I’m long enough in the job to know to get over the line is difficult,” added the 64-year-old Frenchman, now far and away the Premier League’s longest-serving manager after taking charge of north London giants Arsenal in 1996.

- ‘Suffered enough’ -
“We have suffered enough this season in some periods not to be complacent. The pain we went through will help us focus to do the final job well. We are in a strong position now.

“We have another home game and another opportunity to win again. What is important is our performances and, game by game, they look strong and convincing and show we have the potential to play very good football.”

Wenger allayed fears Arsenal and England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, missing with a groin problem, would be unfit for England World Cup duty in Brazil in June, while Jack Wilshere should return from a fractured foot before the end of the season.

“He has an inflammation of his groin,” Wenger said of Oxlade-Chamberlain.
“He couldn’t practise… We decided to give him a complete rest for two weeks.

“Will he be involved with me? I think he has a chance. But will he be ready for England? I think so.”
Turning to Wilshere, Wenger said: “Jack is training already. When will he be ready? Honestly I cannot tell you exactly. Next week or the week after. At the moment the progress he’s making is good.”

As the game wore on, Newcastle fans vented their anger towards Pardew, but the Toon Army manager accepted the criticism and insisted he’s solely focused on beating Cardiff on Saturday to secure a top-10 finish.

“They (the supporters) are frustrated,” said Pardew.
“We had 2,000 here making this long trip. Although we’re playing a good team, they expect us to win.
“They’ve seen us lose again and they’re not happy, and I have to respect that.

“It puts pressure on the team and myself and I have to do my best to protect the team and the performance.
“But all I can do is do this job to the best of my ability. We’ve been top 10 all year. We should have performed better in this run.
“We’ve got to finish in the top 10 and a win on Saturday will guarantee us top 10.

“If Cardiff think it’s important (to avoid relegation), it’s important for us to finish in the top 10, believe me.
“All I can do is get my team in the best possible place. At 2-0, we could have copped harm, but we came out with our dignity still there.

“Our stadium has to give us the atmosphere. We’ve got the best fans in the world, and they don’t deserve the run we’ve given them. Our focus is to get that win as quickly as possible.”

Kogi United FC suspends head coach indefinitely

Abuja – Kogi United Football Club of Lokoja on Tuesday announced the indefinite suspension of the club’s head coach, Fatai Osho.

The club’s Media Officer, Wale Mustapha, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said Osho was suspended for “repeated insubordination, fragrant abuse of power and disrespect for the team’’.

The statement said the club’s assistant coach, Yinka Kelvin, would act as Head Coach while the club’s Coach/Trainer, Sanni Mohammed, would move up as Assistant Coach in acting capacity.

“The former Remo Stars coach has been asked to stay away from the club and hand over all club activities to Kelvin, pending management’s decision on his case,’’ it said.

Osho joined Kogi United FC at the beginning of the current Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

Kogi United are currently placed eighth on the NNL Group A log with 18 points from 12 matches.(NAN)

Kogi United FC suspends head coach indefinitely

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Abuja – Kogi United Football Club of Lokoja on Tuesday announced the indefinite suspension of the club’s head coach, Fatai Osho.

The club’s Media Officer, Wale Mustapha, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said Osho was suspended for “repeated insubordination, fragrant abuse of power and disrespect for the team’’.

The statement said the club’s assistant coach, Yinka Kelvin, would act as Head Coach while the club’s Coach/Trainer, Sanni Mohammed, would move up as Assistant Coach in acting capacity.

“The former Remo Stars coach has been asked to stay away from the club and hand over all club activities to Kelvin, pending management’s decision on his case,’’ it said.

Osho joined Kogi United FC at the beginning of the current Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

Kogi United are currently placed eighth on the NNL Group A log with 18 points from 12 matches.(NAN)

OKPEKPE: Injury stops IAAF World Cross Country Champion

Former International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Cross Country champion, Joseph Ebuya of Kenya is out of Saturday’s 2nd Okpekpe 10km road race.

Ebuya who won the senior men’s title at the 2010 IAAF World Cross Country Champion-ships in Bydgoszcz, Poland copped an injury in training and will be unavailable for the world acclaimed race in Okpkepke,Edo state.

‘I am sorry to have to inform you that Joseph Ebuya has suffered a setback in training and so will not be able to participate in the Okpekpe 10k (race) this weekend.Apologies for the inconve-nience,’’wrote Michael Skinner,the athlete’s representative in an e-mail message dated Monday April 28,2014 and addressed to Yusuf Ali,the Okpekpe race manager.

Ali who is a former Nigeria and Africa’s long jump champion has however assured that Ebuya’s confirmed absence will not take the shine off Saturday’s race.

“The quality of the elite cast is probably the best you can get in any road race in the world. We have some of the top road runners coming for this race,”said Ali who was also a former African record holder in the long jump.

Ali also revealed that all arrangements have been concluded for a very successful race on Saturday.                   ‘We are ready to host another world class event ,”assures Ali.

The Okpekpe 10km road race is one of the highest paying 10km road race in the world and the biggest in Africa. It has a prize money purse of over $118,000 with the highest prize of $25,000 going to the first male finisher. Kenya’s Moses Masai won the inaugural edition last year.

OKPEKPE: Injury stops IAAF World Cross Country Champion

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Former International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Cross Country champion, Joseph Ebuya of Kenya is out of Saturday’s 2nd Okpekpe 10km road race.

Ebuya who won the senior men’s title at the 2010 IAAF World Cross Country Champion-ships in Bydgoszcz, Poland copped an injury in training and will be unavailable for the world acclaimed race in Okpkepke,Edo state.

‘I am sorry to have to inform you that Joseph Ebuya has suffered a setback in training and so will not be able to participate in the Okpekpe 10k (race) this weekend.Apologies for the inconve-nience,’’wrote Michael Skinner,the athlete’s representative in an e-mail message dated Monday April 28,2014 and addressed to Yusuf Ali,the Okpekpe race manager.

Ali who is a former Nigeria and Africa’s long jump champion has however assured that Ebuya’s confirmed absence will not take the shine off Saturday’s race.

“The quality of the elite cast is probably the best you can get in any road race in the world. We have some of the top road runners coming for this race,”said Ali who was also a former African record holder in the long jump.

Ali also revealed that all arrangements have been concluded for a very successful race on Saturday.                   ‘We are ready to host another world class event ,”assures Ali.

The Okpekpe 10km road race is one of the highest paying 10km road race in the world and the biggest in Africa. It has a prize money purse of over $118,000 with the highest prize of $25,000 going to the first male finisher. Kenya’s Moses Masai won the inaugural edition last year.

Real rout holders Bayern to reach Lisbon final

(AFP) – Real Madrid reached their first Champions League final for 12 years with an historic 4-0 win at Bayern Munich in Tuesday’s semi-final, second leg to knock the holders out.

Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) scores at the end of the UEFA Champions League second-leg semi-final football match FC Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid CF in Munich, southern Germany, on April 29, 2014

Having won last week’s first-leg 1-0 in Madrid, Real won the semi-final 5-0 on aggregate as Pep Guardiola’s Bayern suffered their heaviest home defeat in European competition.

Bayern had previously never lost at home by more than two goals in Europe as the Bavarian giants saw their dreams of reaching a fourth Champions League final in five years crushed.

Real are one game away from the ‘Decima’ – their tenth European title – and will face either neighbours Atletico Madrid or Chelsea in the May 24 final in Lisbon.

Real centre-back Sergio Ramos produced two early bullet headers to dismiss Bayern’s dreams of becoming the first team to defend the Champions League title.

World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo then made it 3-0 at the break before the Real superstar netted his 49th goal of the season with a free kick just before the final whistle.

The only downside to Real’s stunning win in Germany was the loss of Xabi Alonso for the Lisbon final after he picked up his third booking of the campaign.

But there was no denying an historic night for Real, especially for coach Carlo Ancelotti who has now never lost to Bayern in eight matches, six times with former club AC Milan and twice with Madrid.

- Devastating spell -

There was a minute’s silence before kick-off for former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, who died on Friday at the age of 45, and Vujadin Boskov, the former Real coach who passed away on Sunday aged 82.

The Munich crowd soon saw their dreams of a repeat of last season’s treble of European, Bundesliga and German Cup titles swept away as Real floored the Bavarians in a devastating first-half spell.

Real needed just 16 minutes to take the lead at the Allianz Arena as Ramos powered home his first header from Luka Modric’s corner to silence the home support.

It was the start of a miserable five minutes for Bayern as centre-back Dante was shown a yellow card for clumsily scything down Ronaldo just before Ramos struck again.

When Angel Di Maria swung in a free-kick, centre-back Pepe flicked it on for Ramos to head home his second goal in just four minutes to leave Bayern reeling.

Real then compounded Bayern’s misery as Di Maria played Karim Benzema into space and the Frenchman found Bale, who accelerated away.

His pass was drilled home by Ronaldo on 34 minutes, breaking the record for most Champions League goals in a campaign, to leave the hosts 3-0 down at the break and on the ropes.

A foul by Xabi Alonso on Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger five minutes later earned the Spain star a yellow card, his third of the competition, to rule him out of the final.

Guardiola responded at half-time by swapping Mario Mandzukic for Javi Martinez, abandoning his 4-2-3-1 formation for a 4-2-4 system, pushing Schweinsteiger up into the attacking midfield alongside Thomas Mueller.

Despite Bayern’s best efforts, Real’s defence held firm and then Ronaldo put the final nail in the holders’ coffin with his second of the game when his free-kick shot under the Munich wall on 90 minutes.

Real rout holders Bayern to reach Lisbon final

Posted by Sylvester No comments

(AFP) – Real Madrid reached their first Champions League final for 12 years with an historic 4-0 win at Bayern Munich in Tuesday’s semi-final, second leg to knock the holders out.

Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) scores at the end of the UEFA Champions League second-leg semi-final football match FC Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid CF in Munich, southern Germany, on April 29, 2014

Having won last week’s first-leg 1-0 in Madrid, Real won the semi-final 5-0 on aggregate as Pep Guardiola’s Bayern suffered their heaviest home defeat in European competition.

Bayern had previously never lost at home by more than two goals in Europe as the Bavarian giants saw their dreams of reaching a fourth Champions League final in five years crushed.

Real are one game away from the ‘Decima’ – their tenth European title – and will face either neighbours Atletico Madrid or Chelsea in the May 24 final in Lisbon.

Real centre-back Sergio Ramos produced two early bullet headers to dismiss Bayern’s dreams of becoming the first team to defend the Champions League title.

World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo then made it 3-0 at the break before the Real superstar netted his 49th goal of the season with a free kick just before the final whistle.

The only downside to Real’s stunning win in Germany was the loss of Xabi Alonso for the Lisbon final after he picked up his third booking of the campaign.

But there was no denying an historic night for Real, especially for coach Carlo Ancelotti who has now never lost to Bayern in eight matches, six times with former club AC Milan and twice with Madrid.

- Devastating spell -

There was a minute’s silence before kick-off for former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, who died on Friday at the age of 45, and Vujadin Boskov, the former Real coach who passed away on Sunday aged 82.

The Munich crowd soon saw their dreams of a repeat of last season’s treble of European, Bundesliga and German Cup titles swept away as Real floored the Bavarians in a devastating first-half spell.

Real needed just 16 minutes to take the lead at the Allianz Arena as Ramos powered home his first header from Luka Modric’s corner to silence the home support.

It was the start of a miserable five minutes for Bayern as centre-back Dante was shown a yellow card for clumsily scything down Ronaldo just before Ramos struck again.

When Angel Di Maria swung in a free-kick, centre-back Pepe flicked it on for Ramos to head home his second goal in just four minutes to leave Bayern reeling.

Real then compounded Bayern’s misery as Di Maria played Karim Benzema into space and the Frenchman found Bale, who accelerated away.

His pass was drilled home by Ronaldo on 34 minutes, breaking the record for most Champions League goals in a campaign, to leave the hosts 3-0 down at the break and on the ropes.

A foul by Xabi Alonso on Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger five minutes later earned the Spain star a yellow card, his third of the competition, to rule him out of the final.

Guardiola responded at half-time by swapping Mario Mandzukic for Javi Martinez, abandoning his 4-2-3-1 formation for a 4-2-4 system, pushing Schweinsteiger up into the attacking midfield alongside Thomas Mueller.

Despite Bayern’s best efforts, Real’s defence held firm and then Ronaldo put the final nail in the holders’ coffin with his second of the game when his free-kick shot under the Munich wall on 90 minutes.

Kenyatta to visit Nigeria May 4, to sign bilateral agreements

Kenyatta to visit Nigeria May 4, to sign bilateral agreements

on April 29, 2014   /   in News 10:40 pm   /   Comments

Abuja -  Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta will pay a state visit to  Nigeria from May 4 to May 6 to finalise bilateral agreements  earlier made between both countries.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Tom Amolo, said this in an interview  in Abuja on Tuesday.
Amolo said that the visit was in return to President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit in September 2013.

“In July 2013, President Uhuru Kenyatta came to Abuja for `the Abuja Plus 12’. During that session they signed agreements including a Joint Commission of Cooperation Agreement.

“When President Jonathan came to Kenya, he invited President Uhuru Kenyetta to come to Nigeria for a state visit.

“They picked on the dates 4th to 6th of May in order to enable President Kenyatta to mesh with the World Economic Forum, Abuja.

“It is important for us because this visit occurs just after Nigeria has been recognised as the largest economy in Africa.

“It is also important for us because we will be able to finalise some of the agreements that we had agreed to, such as the avoidance of double taxation and investment protection, immigration, trade agreement, agriculture.

“We want to embed business into the way we live and work.

“A trade and investment council will be launched; equally an agriculture and investment relation package will be launched as well as the joint commission of cooperation will also be launched.”

The envoy said Kenyatta would be accompanied by eight ministers and 120 businessmen who would also be participating in the World Economic Forum.

On the security challenges in Nigeria, he said that investors were not deterred by the “temporary situation.”

“ Now, I have 120 Kenyan businessmen coming to Nigeria to look at opportunities; people who are interested in oil and gas, housing, manufacturing, in agribusiness, looking at the opportunity of animal husbandry.

“There has been no expression of disquiet. In spite of the noises we hear about terrorism, President Kenyatta has never thought twice about coming to visit.

“We know that those who seek to terrorise us want us to be scared enough so that we don’t live our lives normally.

“We embrace Nigeria completely and we are very confident that this temporary challenge will be defeated.

“We too know that the challenge of terrorism is something that we have to address very seriously; security is in the hands of all Kenyans as it is in the hands of all Nigerians.

The high commissioner said that an agreement for both countries to cooperate in the film industry would also be signed during the visit.

He said that Jonathan’s last visit in 2013 had encouraged trade relations between both countries, adding that investments from both countries were positive.

Amolo said: “From the visit in September 2013, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has decided to invest in Kenya in a cement plant which is up to the tune of U.S. $600 million.

“We can also confirm that several Kenyan businesses and companies such as Bidco Oil have invested in Nigeria.

“We can also confirm in the areas of medical technologies, a Kenyan-Nigerian-Indian firm has put together one of the best laboratories on the continent in Lagos.

“We have had an interaction with our ministry of agriculture and the technicians are learning how Nigerians have been able to change cassava into a product that is of great benefit to them.”

The envoy said that major agreements that had been implemented between both countries were on the visa policy and cooperation in the area of tourism.

He said holders of diplomatic passports of both countries were allowed entry while business people were given a five-year special visa to promote trade between both countries.

“We have already got seven Nigerians who have the five-year special visa at no cost.

“The idea is that down the line, Kenya will also submit a list of business people who will be moving between Kenya and Nigeria.

He said that in tourism, both governments were working out modalities to have Nigerians study in the Kenyan tourism school.

Amolo added that the Kenyan government will also develop plans on how to learn from Nigeria’s various festivals as the festivals were means of promoting Africa’s cultural diversity.

The high commissioner explained that in terms of infrastructure, both countries benefited from direct flights.

He also said that alternative means of transportation would be discussed during state visit.

“ We have found that there is only up to 13 per cent of intra-African trade whereas we should be looking at 50 per cent at the minimum.

“We trade more with the outside world, specifically Europe, than we do with ourselves within the continent.

“So it is very important for us to elevate the place of infrastructure and not only air transport, road and railway too,” he said.

The envoy also said that Kenyatta would also be attending the Africa Investor Magazine Awards event on May 6. (NAN),

Kenyatta to visit Nigeria May 4, to sign bilateral agreements

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Kenyatta to visit Nigeria May 4, to sign bilateral agreements

on April 29, 2014   /   in News 10:40 pm   /   Comments

Abuja -  Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta will pay a state visit to  Nigeria from May 4 to May 6 to finalise bilateral agreements  earlier made between both countries.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Tom Amolo, said this in an interview  in Abuja on Tuesday.
Amolo said that the visit was in return to President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit in September 2013.

“In July 2013, President Uhuru Kenyatta came to Abuja for `the Abuja Plus 12’. During that session they signed agreements including a Joint Commission of Cooperation Agreement.

“When President Jonathan came to Kenya, he invited President Uhuru Kenyetta to come to Nigeria for a state visit.

“They picked on the dates 4th to 6th of May in order to enable President Kenyatta to mesh with the World Economic Forum, Abuja.

“It is important for us because this visit occurs just after Nigeria has been recognised as the largest economy in Africa.

“It is also important for us because we will be able to finalise some of the agreements that we had agreed to, such as the avoidance of double taxation and investment protection, immigration, trade agreement, agriculture.

“We want to embed business into the way we live and work.

“A trade and investment council will be launched; equally an agriculture and investment relation package will be launched as well as the joint commission of cooperation will also be launched.”

The envoy said Kenyatta would be accompanied by eight ministers and 120 businessmen who would also be participating in the World Economic Forum.

On the security challenges in Nigeria, he said that investors were not deterred by the “temporary situation.”

“ Now, I have 120 Kenyan businessmen coming to Nigeria to look at opportunities; people who are interested in oil and gas, housing, manufacturing, in agribusiness, looking at the opportunity of animal husbandry.

“There has been no expression of disquiet. In spite of the noises we hear about terrorism, President Kenyatta has never thought twice about coming to visit.

“We know that those who seek to terrorise us want us to be scared enough so that we don’t live our lives normally.

“We embrace Nigeria completely and we are very confident that this temporary challenge will be defeated.

“We too know that the challenge of terrorism is something that we have to address very seriously; security is in the hands of all Kenyans as it is in the hands of all Nigerians.

The high commissioner said that an agreement for both countries to cooperate in the film industry would also be signed during the visit.

He said that Jonathan’s last visit in 2013 had encouraged trade relations between both countries, adding that investments from both countries were positive.

Amolo said: “From the visit in September 2013, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has decided to invest in Kenya in a cement plant which is up to the tune of U.S. $600 million.

“We can also confirm that several Kenyan businesses and companies such as Bidco Oil have invested in Nigeria.

“We can also confirm in the areas of medical technologies, a Kenyan-Nigerian-Indian firm has put together one of the best laboratories on the continent in Lagos.

“We have had an interaction with our ministry of agriculture and the technicians are learning how Nigerians have been able to change cassava into a product that is of great benefit to them.”

The envoy said that major agreements that had been implemented between both countries were on the visa policy and cooperation in the area of tourism.

He said holders of diplomatic passports of both countries were allowed entry while business people were given a five-year special visa to promote trade between both countries.

“We have already got seven Nigerians who have the five-year special visa at no cost.

“The idea is that down the line, Kenya will also submit a list of business people who will be moving between Kenya and Nigeria.

He said that in tourism, both governments were working out modalities to have Nigerians study in the Kenyan tourism school.

Amolo added that the Kenyan government will also develop plans on how to learn from Nigeria’s various festivals as the festivals were means of promoting Africa’s cultural diversity.

The high commissioner explained that in terms of infrastructure, both countries benefited from direct flights.

He also said that alternative means of transportation would be discussed during state visit.

“ We have found that there is only up to 13 per cent of intra-African trade whereas we should be looking at 50 per cent at the minimum.

“We trade more with the outside world, specifically Europe, than we do with ourselves within the continent.

“So it is very important for us to elevate the place of infrastructure and not only air transport, road and railway too,” he said.

The envoy also said that Kenyatta would also be attending the Africa Investor Magazine Awards event on May 6. (NAN),

$10bn investment is needed to double power generation in Nigeria

Abuja – The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said close to 10 billion dollars about N1.6 trillion investment was needed to double the power generation capacity of the country.

Nebo disclosed this when he made a presentation to the National Conference Committee on Energy in Abuja on Tuesday.

He also noted that Nigeria needed over 300 billion dollars investment in the power sector for it to meet the power generation of South Africa.

The minister said that South Africa which was a little more than one-quarter of the population of Nigeria was generating 10 times power than Nigeria.

“The implication is that South Africa is generating per capita, 40 times what Nigeria is generating.

“If Nigeria were to be at par with South Africa we should be generating 160,000 megawatts, no doubt about that.

“We must note that if that were to happen in Nigeria, the minimum that government will need to put in place would be over US$300 billion and no government on earth can do that.

“Even to double our capacity, in generation alone, the minimum investment needed to double our capacity as at today is close to $10 billion.

“On transmission infrastructure and the distribution infrastructure, Nigeria has to devote about 100 per cent of its annual budget to power alone and yet not meet the target,’’ Nebo said.

He said that the current administration under its transformation agenda had embarked on several efforts, including the privatisation of PHCN, to transform the standards of living of Nigerians.

He said that was the reason government invited private investors to invest in the sector.

Nebo said that the installed capacity as at now was 9, 920 megawatts, available capacity was 6,000MW while the average energy delivered was 80,500 MWH.

“For transmission capacity, we have nominal capacity of 6,870MW with a real capacity of closer to 4,500 MW, while the technical losses we experience is in the rage of 12 per cent.

“For distribution capacity, we have a nominal distribution capacity of 7, 325 MW,’’ Nebo said.

The minister said hopefully by the end of year 2014 Nigeria would have significant improvement in the power sector.

By the end of 2015 we are hoping for even better improvement.

“But that is the only beginning to get close to what we need to re-energise Nigeria’s economy,’’ he said.

He said that government was over hauling the major hydropower supply source in the country.

He added that in regards to solar and wind, government was moving toward development of renewable energy.

The minister, however, identified vandalism of power and gas infrastructure as major challenges in the power supply in the country.

Other challenges facing the sector, according to him, are huge request for compensation by communities along transmission right of way.

Nebo stressed the need for more of electro-mechanical engineers, technologists, technicians and artisans in the power sector.

He also called for enactment of new laws or review of old laws on how much a community might receive as compensation whenever a transmission line passed through their land.

The minister said that such laws should also ensure the effective performance of the electricity market, particularly revenue collection and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

“The law should also support development of gas infrastructure for power supply, including penalties for dealing with vandalism of gas infrastructure,’’ he added. (NAN)

$10bn investment is needed to double power generation in Nigeria

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Abuja – The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said close to 10 billion dollars about N1.6 trillion investment was needed to double the power generation capacity of the country.

Nebo disclosed this when he made a presentation to the National Conference Committee on Energy in Abuja on Tuesday.

He also noted that Nigeria needed over 300 billion dollars investment in the power sector for it to meet the power generation of South Africa.

The minister said that South Africa which was a little more than one-quarter of the population of Nigeria was generating 10 times power than Nigeria.

“The implication is that South Africa is generating per capita, 40 times what Nigeria is generating.

“If Nigeria were to be at par with South Africa we should be generating 160,000 megawatts, no doubt about that.

“We must note that if that were to happen in Nigeria, the minimum that government will need to put in place would be over US$300 billion and no government on earth can do that.

“Even to double our capacity, in generation alone, the minimum investment needed to double our capacity as at today is close to $10 billion.

“On transmission infrastructure and the distribution infrastructure, Nigeria has to devote about 100 per cent of its annual budget to power alone and yet not meet the target,’’ Nebo said.

He said that the current administration under its transformation agenda had embarked on several efforts, including the privatisation of PHCN, to transform the standards of living of Nigerians.

He said that was the reason government invited private investors to invest in the sector.

Nebo said that the installed capacity as at now was 9, 920 megawatts, available capacity was 6,000MW while the average energy delivered was 80,500 MWH.

“For transmission capacity, we have nominal capacity of 6,870MW with a real capacity of closer to 4,500 MW, while the technical losses we experience is in the rage of 12 per cent.

“For distribution capacity, we have a nominal distribution capacity of 7, 325 MW,’’ Nebo said.

The minister said hopefully by the end of year 2014 Nigeria would have significant improvement in the power sector.

By the end of 2015 we are hoping for even better improvement.

“But that is the only beginning to get close to what we need to re-energise Nigeria’s economy,’’ he said.

He said that government was over hauling the major hydropower supply source in the country.

He added that in regards to solar and wind, government was moving toward development of renewable energy.

The minister, however, identified vandalism of power and gas infrastructure as major challenges in the power supply in the country.

Other challenges facing the sector, according to him, are huge request for compensation by communities along transmission right of way.

Nebo stressed the need for more of electro-mechanical engineers, technologists, technicians and artisans in the power sector.

He also called for enactment of new laws or review of old laws on how much a community might receive as compensation whenever a transmission line passed through their land.

The minister said that such laws should also ensure the effective performance of the electricity market, particularly revenue collection and vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

“The law should also support development of gas infrastructure for power supply, including penalties for dealing with vandalism of gas infrastructure,’’ he added. (NAN)

Boko Haram, A Political Movement Against Jonathan – Asari-Dokubo

Leader of the defunct Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, has described Jamāat Ahl as-Sunnah lid-dawa wal-Jihād, popularly known as Boko Haram, as a political movement set up to cow Christians in the northern part of Nigeria against voting for President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general election.

Dokubo-Asari, who made the observation weekend in Port Harcourt at the 4th edition of the South South Youth Leaders and Elders interactive forum, said the key mission of  Boko Haram was to instil fear in Christian communities in the northern part of the country, so that they cannot come out to queue up for Jonathan during the election.

The former Niger Delta militant leader said the President would have no choice other than to run for a second term even as he stressed that Boko Haram had nothing to do with Islam.

 

Boko Haram, A Political Movement Against Jonathan – Asari-Dokubo

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Leader of the defunct Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, has described Jamāat Ahl as-Sunnah lid-dawa wal-Jihād, popularly known as Boko Haram, as a political movement set up to cow Christians in the northern part of Nigeria against voting for President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general election.

Dokubo-Asari, who made the observation weekend in Port Harcourt at the 4th edition of the South South Youth Leaders and Elders interactive forum, said the key mission of  Boko Haram was to instil fear in Christian communities in the northern part of the country, so that they cannot come out to queue up for Jonathan during the election.

The former Niger Delta militant leader said the President would have no choice other than to run for a second term even as he stressed that Boko Haram had nothing to do with Islam.

 

Eko, Ikeja DISCO withdraw ID cards of 5,075 workers

Lagos -  The managements of Eko and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Companies on Tuesday withdrew the identification cards of their 5,075 contract staff few days to the end of their contracts.

The workers, who were disengaged employees of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), were given six months contract spanning Nov. 1, 2013 to April 30.

The six-month contract offer was part of the processes introduced by the new power investors to address the labour crisis that heralded the take-over of the facilities and other liabilities.

A breakdown of the number of the affected workers shows that 2,600 workers had their identity cards withdrawn by Eko Distribution Company (DISCO), while 2,475 were stripped of their identity cards by Ikeja DISCO.

A dependable source at one of the companies said that permanent appointments would be given to those they considered fit for the jobs.

“The six months probation period was to ascertain those who would be employed permanently by the companies while others would be disengaged as from tomorrow,’’ he said.

NAN correspondent, who visited the headquarters of the electricity companies in Ikeja and Marina, reports that there was confusion at the offices as the workers were seen discussing the development.

Some of the affected workers said that they were not given reasons for the withdrawal of the identity cards.

They also said the companies withdrew some management team utility vehicles.

“We are totally confused now because we do not know what to do. Our ID cards have been withdrawn without any explanation, ’’ said one of the workers.

However, a management staff at Ikeja DISCO said withdrawal of the ID cards was part of the process of re-assessing and re-engaging competent and skilled workers.

“All workers are to submit their ID cards and then re-apply to the DISCOs as new workers.

“We will definitely re-engage some, while some would be laid off.’’ (NAN)

Eko, Ikeja DISCO withdraw ID cards of 5,075 workers

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Lagos -  The managements of Eko and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Companies on Tuesday withdrew the identification cards of their 5,075 contract staff few days to the end of their contracts.

The workers, who were disengaged employees of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), were given six months contract spanning Nov. 1, 2013 to April 30.

The six-month contract offer was part of the processes introduced by the new power investors to address the labour crisis that heralded the take-over of the facilities and other liabilities.

A breakdown of the number of the affected workers shows that 2,600 workers had their identity cards withdrawn by Eko Distribution Company (DISCO), while 2,475 were stripped of their identity cards by Ikeja DISCO.

A dependable source at one of the companies said that permanent appointments would be given to those they considered fit for the jobs.

“The six months probation period was to ascertain those who would be employed permanently by the companies while others would be disengaged as from tomorrow,’’ he said.

NAN correspondent, who visited the headquarters of the electricity companies in Ikeja and Marina, reports that there was confusion at the offices as the workers were seen discussing the development.

Some of the affected workers said that they were not given reasons for the withdrawal of the identity cards.

They also said the companies withdrew some management team utility vehicles.

“We are totally confused now because we do not know what to do. Our ID cards have been withdrawn without any explanation, ’’ said one of the workers.

However, a management staff at Ikeja DISCO said withdrawal of the ID cards was part of the process of re-assessing and re-engaging competent and skilled workers.

“All workers are to submit their ID cards and then re-apply to the DISCOs as new workers.

“We will definitely re-engage some, while some would be laid off.’’ (NAN)