Racism: Malawi coach to report Stephen Keshi to FIFA

Malawi coach Tom Saintfiet is to report coach Stephen Keshi to FIFA after the Nigeria coach reportedly called him “a white dude who should go back to Belgium.”

Both coaches have been arguing since Malawi asked FIFA to move next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier from Calabar for safety reasons.

Saintfiet told BBC Sport, “It is unacceptable that any person says these words – it is clear racism. “It is 100% sure that my lawyers will lodge a complaint with FIFA.”

 The row erupted earlier this month when the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) wrote to FIFA, seeking a new venue for their 7 September, 2013 Group F qualifier away to the Super Eagles – a match which Malawi, who trail Nigeria by two points, must win to progress to the play-offs.

Racism: Malawi coach to report Stephen Keshi to FIFA

Malawi coach Tom Saintfiet is to report coach Stephen Keshi to FIFA after the Nigeria coach reportedly called him “a white dude who should go back to Belgium.”

Both coaches have been arguing since Malawi asked FIFA to move next month’s crucial World Cup qualifier from Calabar for safety reasons.

Saintfiet told BBC Sport, “It is unacceptable that any person says these words – it is clear racism. “It is 100% sure that my lawyers will lodge a complaint with FIFA.”

 The row erupted earlier this month when the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) wrote to FIFA, seeking a new venue for their 7 September, 2013 Group F qualifier away to the Super Eagles – a match which Malawi, who trail Nigeria by two points, must win to progress to the play-offs.

I Was Scared When I Was Appointed Deputy Governor –Prof Adelabu, Ekiti State Deputy Governor

Professor  Modupe Adelabu is the deputy governor of Ekiti State and also the chairperson of the State Universal Basic Education Board. She shares her life experiences in this interview with ADEOLA BALOGUN

How demanding is the office of the deputy governor?

It is very demanding but very interesting because it is a commitment. Once you see it as a ministry, you have to also work within that. First of all, you have to see it as a ministry to serve your people, even at a very first notice. Once I am here, I know that I can be called upon at any time to serve the people and that is why you witnessed the kind of functions here this morning. Some are unplanned and at a very short notice. I am able to cope because I have taken it as a ministry.

The office of deputy governor is said to be an idle one. What is your own experience?

This office of the deputy governor of Ekiti State is very busy. Apart from the fact that I am the deputy governor to assist the governor to make sure that his 8-point agenda is fulfilled and his mission is accomplished, I also have oversight function for local government and for the ministry of education. I am also chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board which on its own is demanding. Being the chairman of SUBEB is demanding; overseeing local governments is demanding and education too is demanding. The governor distributes functions and distributes roles and he defines roles. He has entrusted me with a lot of things to do and I hope I will be able to do them at the speed he expects.

My friend and I once beat up a guy for messing up – Anita Joseph

Actress, Anita Joseph, tells ‘Nonye Ben-Nwankwo about her career and why she is seen as a controversial actress
Did you eventually see your FJ Cruiser that armed robbers stole?
No. I didn’t even insure the car. It was just two weeks old. I feel sad anytime I remember it. I thank God I am alive. I was with my two nephews when they accosted us. They took us to Ogun State. Anyway, I still thank God.
You seem to have moved up in your career
I thank God. The industry has really been favourable to me in recent times. I have been getting roles.
Was it a movie that made you scrape your hair recently?
Yes. But I just did another job that required me to look like a lady. Now I wear weaves. My hairstyle actually depends on the job I am doing at a particular time.
What is happening to your music career? Is it still alive?
Oh yes, it is. It is just that movie took over. Movie is a very jealous profession. It will be difficult for you to do movie and music at the same time. Movie has taken the better part of me. But I still cannot stop music. My album is not out.

Strike grounds federal hospitals, JOHESU says Health Minister insincere

The nationwide strike called by the health workers’ union has taken a toll on federal health institutions across Nigeria and patients have been at the receiving end.
Visits to some of the affected hospitals in the country on Friday, showed either skeletal work or a total collapse of activities.
For instance, business activities were grounded at the National Hospital, Abuja, on Friday, following the nationwide strike declared by the Joint Health Workers Union.
The development came as JOHESU accused the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu of insincerity.
The Minister stated that the Federal Government had appealed the ruling of Justice Babatunde Adejumo of the National Industrial Court on the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding, signed by government and the workers.

Frank Edoho, New Wife Sandra In Increasing Spats Over Ballooning Cost Of Living

Popular television presenter and anchor person, Frank Edoho is quietly coming back on the front burner of social discuss for an issue that riled his former marriage. Insiders revealed he is having increasing spat with new wife, Sandra.

Sources claimed but unlike former wife's associations with friends and associates that wrecked their matrimony, the cause of Frank & Sandra Edoho increasing disaffection in the new marriage is tagged 'growing cost of lifestyle'.

Frank is said to be uncomfortable with ballooning expenses of flamboyant lifestyle Sandra initiates. Insiders revealed Sandra relishes in unique leisure experiences that comes at high cost.

Tonto Dikeh Shows Off Dad

Controversial Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has showed off her dad. The Ikwerre, Rivers State-born actress posted a picture of her kissing her father on the head on her Instagram page, which is a picture sharing platform.

She also wrote, "he really doez look cluelezz. He iz ma Mother n Father. Shout out to d buziezt [and] mozt lovin Papa Eva for comin thru. MaKing MaBaby MaLife, Love. Tnx 4 Bin dere Mom/Dad."
Tonto has been more in the news for controversial issues than positives matters, which she sometimes creates for herself. One of her recent stunts almost got her into trouble.

Nigeriafilms

SCANDAL: My S** Affair With Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo Of COZA – Ese Walter

This article contains stories that most ‘church people’ don’t want to address. So, if you are one of those living in denial and covering up crap going on in the church, this is where you should stop reading. Thanks for stopping by.

**************************************************************************

Now, for the rest of us, please sit down and switch on your open mind. I want to talk about something I have kept bottled up inside for longer than necessary. I have also decided to use real names, as my defense for any accusation of slander is justification. I tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but. However, feel free to throw your doubt around but know that I am past the shaming game (where victims of abuse are shot down by blame) I am no longer a victim but a survivor who is sharing her experience to help others caught in same web of abuse, guilt and shame. We only get to live once right? So here, it goes…

Happy Birthday to Nollywood Stars Funke Akindele and Osita Iheme

Two Nollywood icons; Funke Akindele and Osita Iheme are a year older today, Saturday, August 24, 2013. The duo, fondly called Jenifa and Pawpaw respectively, have come a long way in the movie industry in Nigeria.

Funke blew into fame in her self-produced movie, Jenifa only a few years ago and she has become a household name since then. On the part of Osita, the 2003 Aki Na Ukwa movie brought him into stardom and has remained stronged afterwards.

Funke is a graduate of Law from UNILAG while Osita is a graduate of Mass Comm from Enugu State University. From Nigeriafilms.com, we say happy birthdays to Funke and Osita

Hold government accountable, Uduaghan charges Editors

Asaba – DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has charged the Editors of various media houses in the country to ensure that they discharge the role properly as the watchdog of the society by monitoring the implementation of budgets, in order to achieve transparency and accountability in governance at all levels.
The governor who stated this on Saturday during an executive session of the ongoing 9th edition of  Nigerian Guild of Editors conference in Asaba, he also lamented the high cost of governance which he attributed partly to numerous appointment of political appointees.

Three to die by hanging for robbery

An Ado Ekiti   High Court   has sentenced three men to death by hanging,just as the men of the State Police Command have arrested one David Oloruntoba  , 57, for allegedly defiling his 5-year old step daughter.
The three men sentenced to death for robbery   were: Taiwo Hassan(39), Henry Okeke(30) and Oladimeji   Olanrewaju(27) .
The prosecuting Counsel , Mr. Oluwaseun Fasote, a Legal Officer in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP)had   told the court that the convicts committed the
offence on Dec.7,2010, along Ado-Afoa Road, in the   Ado-Ekiti judicial division of Ekiti State.
The charge sheet preferred against them read thus:  That you ,Taiwo Hassan, Henry Okeke and Oladimeji Olanrewaju on Dec.7,2010, along Ado-Afao Road, in the Ado judicial Division conspired together to commit felony to wit: Armed Robbery.

SHOCKING: Prophet Ajanaku Was AN Occultist

It was claimed that Prophet Ireti Ajanaku resurrected but this may have been a false attempt to keep his memory alive by some of his church members.

The Prophet, Tope Alabi estranged spiritual father has already been confirmed dead and the Oro traditional worshippers have conducted a funeral rite for the late pastor.

OJB leaves for India

Pic taken today at the airport. OJB with his first wife, Mama J, who's going with him to India and their children. Please pray for him as he undergoes a kidney transplant in a hospital in India.

Amosun launches 150 taxi cab in ogun

Ogun State government says all arrangements have been concluded to inaugurate its 150 new metro taxi cabs.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Gbenga Opesanwo, disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen in Abeokuta on Monday.
He said the inauguration of the air conditioned Nissan Saloon cars would mark the second phase of the mass transit scheme of the present administration in the state.
The taxi scheme, he added, was in fulfilment of Gov. Ibikunle Amosun’s promise during the inauguration of the State Bus Mass Transit Scheme to ease transportation problem in the state.
Opesanwo said the taxis would be given out to interested labour unions, cooperative societies and other groups in the state.

Al-Bashir fled just before arrest – FG

Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, has told the International Criminal Court, ICC, that the Federal Government was already making plans to hand over Sudan’s leader, Omar Al-Bashir, during his controversial visit to the country in July to attend an African Union summit, before he abruptly cut short his visit and left the country.
In a letter to the registrar of ICC, Herman von Hebe, sighted by an online publication, the AGF explained that Mr. Al-Bashir left the country “at the time officials of relevant bodies and agencies of the Federal Government were already considering the necessary steps to be taken in respect of his visit in line with Nigeria’s international obligations.”

Cameroonian lady buys Nigerian 3-day-old baby for N1.2m

Mrs Evelyn Atemkeng, the suspect and the baby.

  A  42-year-old Cameroonian lady who gave her name as Evelyn Atemkeng was, Wednesday, arrested  in Calabar with  a three-day-old baby she allegedly bought for N1.2 million.
Mrs Atemkeng accompanied by her 70-year-old mother, Anastasia Fambong, was said to have bought the baby boy from a matron of a clinic in Delta State into whose account she paid the N1.2 million.
Commander of the Cross River State Immigration Command,  Mr Samuel Ichoi, who ordered the arrest of the woman told Vanguard in his office that his men accosted the lady while boarding a ship to Cameroon and after interrogation, she confessed that she bought the baby.

He said: “The lady came from Cameron on Friday without any sign of pregnancy but this morning (Wednesday) she was found to be carrying a baby and when my men examined her there were no signs that she just gave birth, so she and the baby were  apprehended.”

Man shot by drunken policeman loses eye

Ozoemena

When Nonso Ozoemena, a 28-year-old man, arrived in Lagos, his plan was to set up a business so that he would be able to support his widowed mother and his seven siblings in Anambra State.

Soon after, he was able to open a restaurant in Trade Fair Complex, FESTAC, and it seemed his dream was coming true.

His expectation was however eroded after a drunken police corporal, Mohammed Abubakar, shot him in the eye.

Ozoemena said he was shot in the eye in the FESTAC area on August 5, 2013.

Narrating what transpired on the fateful day, he said, “I had just returned from work and I was about entering my house at Amuwo Odofin when I heard the policeman arguing with someone in the next house. The policeman then called his colleagues for help.

Opposition will be more confused in 2015 – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan  has said that members of the All Progressives Congress and other opposition parties will be “more confused” in 2015 as they prepare to wrest  power from the  Peoples Democratic Party.

Jonathan,  at the 62nd National Executive Committee meeting  of the PDP  in Abuja on Thursday, said  any party or group that believed that the PDP would be rocked by crises during the 2015 elections would be “terribly  disappointed.”

But the APC, through its   Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji  Lai Mohammed,   said the President would wake up one day and realise that in politics, “there is a limit to good luck. “

Jonathan had  told  the NEC  members,  who  resolved to shelve Saturday’s  South-West congress of the party  that  the early commencement of political activities  was not unconnected with   opposition’s worry  over the “intimidating credentials” of the PDP.

Jumbo pay: Reps accept Ezekwesili’s public hearing challenge

The House of Representatives  has said  it welcomes the request for a public hearing  on the controversial jumbo pay of  its members and senators  by a former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili.

Ezekwesili had  stated on Monday   that the National Assembly consumed over N1.1tr.  since 2005.

She spoke at a dialogue on the “cost of Governance in Nigeria”, where her comments dwelt on the controversial jumbo pay of national lawmakers.

Twenty-four hours later, the Senate and the House reacted, accusing her of blackmail.

They also alleged that she  reeled  out false figures that failed to capture other variables, including capital projects and the cost of running the bureaucracy of the legislature, among others.

Why we chose Ondo for communication conference – Minister

The Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, said Ondo State was chosen for the ongoing communication stakeholders’ national conference because of the state government’s bias for ICT-driven programmes.

The minister said this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

She said organisers of the conference took into account the fact that the state was at the forefront of ICT-driven programmes.

She mentioned one of the state’s programmes that elicited the conference organisers’ interest as its metrofibre project, which will enhance ICT connectivity and promote development across the state.

Another programme, which caught the conference organisers’ attention, she said, was the Residency Card (Kaadi Igbeayo) project, among others.

Lagos rescues 25 children from alleged trafficker

Lagos State Government has rescued 25 children from an alleged child trafficker in the Egbeda area of the state.

It was learnt that the suspected trafficker, Mrs. Rosemary Nwachukwu, was also arrested and had been handed over to the Alausa Police Division, while the children were currently in government’s custody.

The government accused Nwachukwu of operating an illegal orphanage named, Saint Stephen Charity Foundation, on Abiodun Adebanbo Street, Egbeda.

It was gathered that officials from the Office of Youth and Social Department, led by the Director, Child Development, Mrs. Alaba Fadairo, in conjunction with personnel from the Office of Public Defender and policemen, stormed the orphanage on Saturday.

The government said findings showed that the suspect was using the orphanage as a front for another illegal business.

If I Listen To What People Say; I Will End Up Getting Depressed — Funke Akindele

In Hollywood there are lots of depressed and unhappy celebrities even here in Nollywood, there are several movies stars that are unhappy with how life is treating them. Life treats some fairly while some are badly treated but out of it all, what really matters is one’s happiness which cannot be measured with anything.
But for Funke Akindele, the talented actress and the most sought-after face in brand endorsements, has revealed that she is not going to be subjected to ridicule due to what joker life is playing with her. In an interview recently, Funke said despite all that has happened she is still as happy as she has always been and nothing is going to take her happiness away from her.
“I’m happy with my life, I am living my life for myself, not for anybody, I am not going to live my life based on what people say; if I do that, I am going to end up being the loser. We all are fallible, we are human, forget the fact that we are celebrities. Being a TV person doesn’t make me a super human being! If I listen to what people are saying, I will end up getting depressed and that’s one thing I won’t allow to happen to me.”
– Nigeriafilms

America Wants to See More of Genevieve Nnaji - According to Elle Magazine

In a recent feature titled, "International Superstars: The Next Big Crossover Acts", Elle writers listed about seven stars from other countries who have been making some inroads into the American and international entertainment scene. Among those listed was Genevieve Nnaji. Read her feature below.

Bola Tinubu recuperates after knee surgery in the US

Former Governor of Lagos State and leading founder of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been absent from public engagements in the past few weeks. He sent out a statement in early August explaining that he would be traveling out of the country for knee surgery.

"Based on a previous sports injury on one of his knees and recent further aggravation on the knee from rigorous political and family related activities, he has been advised by his doctors, despite his persistent reluctance, that orthopedic surgery is necessary at this time.

The week of the 5th of August has been slated for the surgery. Governor Tinubu is expected to resume his normal political activities and public engagements following clearance from his doctors." The statement read

Tinubu has since had the surgery in a hospital in the US and is said to be recuperating.

Egyptian ex-President Hosni Mubarak Leaves Prison In Helicopter

Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has been released from prison and flown by helicopter to a military hospital.
Television pictures showed him leaving Tora prison on the southern outskirts of Cairo and landing minutes later in the nearby suburb of Maadi.
It comes after a court ordered his release in relation to charges of receiving gifts from a state-owned newspaper.
He is expected to be placed under house arrest at the hospital on the orders of Egyptian prime minister Hazem el Beblawi.
Mubarak could not be seen as his stretcher was taken from the helicopter and loaded into an ambulance, which was heavily guarded as it made the short journey to the military hospital.
The 85-year-old is believed to be suffering from a heart condition, although the severity of his health problems is disputed by critics  who claim he is trying to gain public sympathy and court leniency.
He was sentenced to life in prison last year for failing to prevent the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising that led to his downfall.
However, a court accepted his appeal earlier this year and ordered a retrial, which is expected to resume next week.

Bola Tinubu recuperates after knee surgery in the US

Former Governor of Lagos State and leading founder of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been absent from public engagements in the past few weeks. He sent out a statement in early August explaining that he would be traveling out of the country for knee surgery.

"Based on a previous sports injury on one of his knees and recent further aggravation on the knee from rigorous political and family related activities, he has been advised by his doctors, despite his persistent reluctance, that orthopedic surgery is necessary at this time.

The week of the 5th of August has been slated for the surgery. Governor Tinubu is expected to resume his normal political activities and public engagements following clearance from his doctors." The statement read

Tinubu has since had the surgery in a hospital in the US and is said to be recuperating.

Veteran musician Bongos Ikwue appointed board chairman of NFC

Kanayo O Kanayo is not the only entertainer to get an appointment from the presidency. Veteran musician and creator of the soundtrack of popular 80's TV drama series - Cock Crow at Dawn, Bongos Ikwue, also did. He has been appointed the new chairman of the board of the Nigerian Film Corporation by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Teju Babyface Shares Hilarious Story Of How His Car Once Disgraced Him At Psquare's Home

The comedian and host of popular Teju Babyface show hours ago shared a quick but hilarious story with his fans. He narrated the story thus:

"In the year 2011, when I went to invite Peter and Paul of P-square to invite them to The Teju Babyface Show, they were very nice and quite cool with being on the show. After praising us for doing a good show so far, they escorted me outside.

Their mom (of blessed memory) was standing outside with a few friends and she was very warm to me as well. And so, in the sight of all of them (Peter, Paul, Jude, their dancers, mom and family), I entered my battered Honda Accord and started saying a silent prayer; 'This car please do not disgrace me in the presence of these boys with all their Range Rovers, X6 and Hummer'.

American Star, Brandy Performs For Empty Seats In South Africa

American star in South Africa at the weekend when she performed for empty seats at the 90,000-capacity FNB Stadium in Soweto, South Africa. She was meant to be a surprise artiste for the day-long arts and sports event held in Johannesburg, South Africa, but spectators at the stadium left before she started her performance because they weren't aware she was around to perform.

Shortly after some fans became aware that she was performing, they took to twitter to say, "Brandy is going to perform for herself and Mbaks (SA Sport Minister) only,"

Even the country's national television, SABC, closed its live transmission of the event before Brandy mounted the stage to perform for the seats.

Photos from Ngozi Nwosu's 50th birthday party

Actress Ngozi Nwosu, who battled kidney and heart ailment for a while, turned 50 on August 1 and to celebrate her, Best of Nollywood Ventures threw her a little shindig with her friends and colleagues in attendance. The party held yesterday Wednesday August 21 at the Eagles Park, Obokun Close in Ikeja.

 EAD MORE:  http://news.naij.com/44621.html

Ex-BBA Vimbai is new Face of Nokia Lumia 520 campaign in Africa

Nokia and Africa Magic have launched a brand new campaign for one of the most remarkable products in the Lumia smartphone series, the Nokia Lumia 520. Not only is it one of the most affordable smartphones on the market, it is a stylish user-friendly device with cutting-edge technology and precision in customer experience.

Ailing OJB Jezreel Donates N200,000, Part Of HIs Fund Raised To Charity

Ailing music producer OJB Jezreel a few days ago gave back to the society by donating N200, 000 to Hearts of Gold Children Hospice situated in Surulere, Lagos state.

The money was part of the amount he raised for his kidney transplant.

The popular Nigerian producer, who has recently been in the news soliciting the sum of $100,000 to undergo a kidney surgery in India, also received a financial lifeline from the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

In an interview with Entertainment Rave Newspapers, the producer opened up on the lessons learnt and other issues.

Read excerpts from the interview below:

Eagles’ 42-Man List: Your list is outrageous, NFF tells Keshi

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has ordered the Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, to cut down on the list of 42 players invited preparatory for the World Cup qualification match against Malawi next month.
Keshi had yesterday released a list of 24 home based and 18 foreign based players to prosecute the crucial final match of the first qualification round slated for Calabar, September 7.
According to a statement made available to NationSport yesterday, and signed by the Head Media, Ademola Olajire, the NFF said the focus should primarily be to earn for Nigeria a 2014 FIFA World Cup finals ticket, before the business of full preparation for the 2014 Nations Cup.
And rising from its meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the NFF Technical and Development Committee told Coach Keshi to come up with a 23-man list for the World Cup cracker against the Cranes, instead of the outrageous 42- man list submitted.

Gana backs ASUU, says education requires better funding

Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has stated that for a meaningful transformation to take place in the country, government at all levels must be ready to fund the education system adequately.
Professor Gana, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of University of Lagos, also threw his weight behind the agitation of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, in its ongoing strike.
He noted that ASUU’s demand was not about salary but the need for required infrastructure to function better.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and the Federal Government had been at loggerhead over failure of the latter to fully abide by the 2009 agreement reached with the former.

Grace Egbabe, Agbani, Oshiomole and Others at Daisy Danjuma's Birthday Celebration

Some of the guests that attended Daisy Danjuma's 61st birthday celebration included Governor Adams Oshiomole, Nduka Obiagbena, Grace Egbagbe, Juliana Edewor-Thomas, Agbani Darego, Bola Balogun, Salome Danjuma, Chief Musa Danjuma, Isi Omenai, Rebekah Osewegi, Lady Tess Ikimi, Tunde Ogunleye, Chief Innocent Oparadike, and Benji Ofori, among others.

Boko Haram: Analyst explains how JTF reached conclusion on Shekau

By Uduma Kalu, with agency report
A security analyst, Captain Umar Ali (rtd.) says the timeline used by the Joint Task Force, JTF, in concluding that the Boko Haram Leader, Abubakar Shekau, was killed could be true.
Ali spoke in a Channels Television programme yesterday, adding that confirming the possibility of the sect leader’s death still leaves “room for doubt” on the part of the people.
JTF in Borno State, Operation Restore Order, reported, Monday, that Abubakar Shekau might have died as a result of injuries sustained during a recent military onslaught on his group.
Though this was yet to be verified, Ali said the verification process was the possible explanation for the time lag before the information was released.

Malaria vaccine: Another breakthrough from abroad

The development of another malaria vaccine by US scientists calls to question efforts being made by Nigerian stakeholders, writes BUKOLA ADEBAYO

A group of scientists from the Vaccine Research Centre at the National Institutes of Health, in Maryland, United States earlier this month broke the news. According to them, they have found a vaccine, PfSPZ, that could protect 12 of every 15 persons from getting malaria infection. As a result, many people across Africa, known to be the ‘base’ of the disease, received the news with enthusiasm.

Of course, they have every reason to celebrate the feat knowing that malaria is one of the highest killer diseases on the continent. In fact, statistics have it that the disease kills over 600,000 persons annually in Africa, and parts of Asia.

In Nigeria, records also show that malaria kills about 300, 000 children under the age five and 7,000 pregnant women annually. Nigerians also spends about N480m for the treatment of malaria annually. So, for stakeholders, especially medical practitioners, the accomplishment is a welcome development as they want to see a turnaround in the health status of their people.

Keshi invites 42 players for Malawi game

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has invited 24 home-based players and 18 foreign-based professionals to camp ahead of next month’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Malawi in Calabar.

Nigeria, on nine points, need to avoid defeat against seven-point Malawi at the U. J. Esuene Stadium on September 7, to reach the 10-team final elimination round of the African qualifying race for next year’s showpiece in Brazil.

Only five of the 24 home- based players will eventually join their 18 foreign-based counterparts for the crucial game, as well as for the international friendly against the Etalons of Burkina Faso in Kaduna on September 10.

Regulars Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe , Benjamin Francis, Sunday Mba and Muhammad Gambo lead the domestic league players while defender Godfrey Oboabona may come in as a foreign-based player if he seals a deal with Turkey’s Rizespor before the match.

The home-based players are expected at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja, on August 24, while the Europe-based stars will arrive in Calabar on September 2.

PDP set for stormy NEC meeting on Thursday

The Peoples Democratic Party governors are set to clash over the PDP National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur,  as the party’s National Executive Committee meets in Abuja  on Thursday.

It was gathered on Tuesday that  governors in the Jang faction of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum  were bent on ensuring that Tukur  retained his job. However, those  backing  the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi,  as the NGF chairman,  our correspondents gathered, might  at the meeting  table alleged constitutional breaches by the PDP chairman as a prelude to getting him booted out of office.

A pro-Jang  governor, who confided in one of our correspondents  said   his  group would  resist any attempt to remove Tukur during the meeting.

He said, “We have told the President (Dr. Goodluck Jonathan)  that he should not listen to those   calling for Tukur’s removal. We know that the gameplan of some of our colleagues is to remove the man so that they can install their lackey as chairman.”

Eagles bonus: Minister leaves implementation to NFF

The prepared Super Eagles code of conduct will be presented to the Minister of Sports Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi on Thursday in Abuja. But even though the committee that investigated the players’ strike in Namibia was set up by the minister, he has said that the involvement of his office and that of the National Sports Commission will end with the production of the rule book as the implementation of the content will be that of the Nigeria Football Federation.
Abdullahi also told our correspondent on Monday that the commencement of the implementation of the decision on the match-win bonus rests with the NFF, who are directly in charge of the running of football in the country.

Primaries: Jonathan not afraid of Lamido, says Presidency

The Presidency on Tuesday said President Goodluck Jonathan was not afraid to contest the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket with Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State in 2015.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents.

He  was  commenting on   the emergence of a group called National Forum for Lamido 2015,  which urged the governor to contest.

The  group, had in a statement on Tuesday, urged the governor to contest the 2015 presidency.

It said that it was not established by Lamido.

The group stated, “We have gone to Jigawa State. We have seen what he has done. Go to Jigawa State, you will see it yourself.

“Jigawa State is the only state you will go in this country and you will get tap water to drink. You don’t need to go and buy pure water,” it added.

Nigerian players are very proud –Di Matteo

Former Chelsea coach, Roberto Di Matteo, has described Nigerian players as very proud and ambitious, saying he enjoyed working with them while coaching in the English Premier League.

The 2012 UEFA Champions League winning coach was in Nigeria recently on a two-day visit courtesy of beer brand, Guinness, to launch a new online game, the Guinness Football Manager.

“I signed Peter Odemwingie and he was one of the best performers for the season I signed him. I also worked with Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel at Chelsea. I have really enjoyed working with them because they are very proud people, very ambitious people,” Di Matteo said.

Primaries: Jonathan not afraid of Lamido, says Presidency

The Presidency on Tuesday said President Goodluck Jonathan was not afraid to contest the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket with Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State in 2015.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak, said this in an interview with one of our correspondents.

He  was  commenting on   the emergence of a group called National Forum for Lamido 2015,  which urged the governor to contest.

The  group, had in a statement on Tuesday, urged the governor to contest the 2015 presidency.

It said that it was not established by Lamido.

The group stated, “We have gone to Jigawa State. We have seen what he has done. Go to Jigawa State, you will see it yourself.

“Jigawa State is the only state you will go in this country and you will get tap water to drink. You don’t need to go and buy pure water,” it added.

BREAKING: Pastor Ajanaku Refuses To Die...Relapses Into Coma

Like a proverbial cat with nine lives, controversial pastor and estranged spiritual father of popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, Prophet Iretiola Ajanaku is said to have regained life after being certified dead.
Hospital sources revealed that while effort were being made to prepare him for morgue, the man, who has refused to die, awoke and shouted ‘Thank You Jesus!’ and relapsed into a spiritual slumber.
Meanwhile, his wife, we gathered, has been telling sympathisers that “I knew daddy would come back to life again.” Right now, we cannot categorically tell you if the man will awake again or not.

Pictures: Obadare Finally Interred

Highly placed individuals from all walks of life have continued to eulogise the virtues of Prophet Obadare as the remains of the renowned evangelist were committed to mother earth in Ileki area of Ilesa, Southwest Nigeria on Saturday.

Prophet Obadare, the renowned evangelist and Founder, World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry, was finally laid to rest at exactly 11am local time with dignitaries in and out of the country in attendance. His country home, Ilesa literally stood still for several hours as dignitaries from all walks of life converged to pay their last respect to the preacher noted for his frankness and uprightness.

Many members of his church, admirers and sympathisers meandered their ways to the revival ground on foot because of traffic gridlock. Hawkers had a field day doing brisk business, selling sachet water, soft drinks, snacks and memorabilia.