Saraki Advises Unemployed Youths To Go To Farm

The Chairman of Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Sen. Bukola Saraki, has advised unemployed youths to go into farming.
Saraki gave this advice on Wednesday in Ilorin at an interaction with some of his political associates across the state.
He said the only way to end unemployment was to introduce large scale farming, which would also guarantee food security for the country.
According to him, massive agricultural production is the only programme that will give Nigerians a brighter future.
The immediate past governor assured unemployed youths of government’s assistance and funding if they chose to farm.
According to Saraki, Nigeria is blessed with so many natural resources, particularly fertile land and good weather.

Revealed: The Intrigues Behind Obasanjo’s Exit

The emergence of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hastened the resignation of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), THISDAY has learnt.
The old rivalry between Obasanjo and his erstwhile “Mr. Fix It”, Chief Tony Anenih, over the chairmanship of the BoT is at the centre of the latest intrigues, according to party sources.
Obasanjo displaced Anenih as the chairman of BoT in a “palace coup” in 2007 with the amendment of the party’s constitution which stipulated that only a former president elected on the platform of the PDP could occupy the position.
However, another amendment was effected in 2009 which threw the chairmanship open, thereby terminating Obasanjo’s monopoly.
According to party insiders, Obasanjo was interested in running for another term after the five-year tenure ends in July this year, but would now have to contend with other candidates.

Church gift is corporate social responsibility – Presidency

The Presidency, yesterday, described as laughable and desperation on the part of political opponents, suggestions that President Goodluck Jonathan should be impeached on account of the controversy arising from the construction of a church building in his country-home, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, by an Italian construction firm.
The Presidency’s reaction came as the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, described the call for the President’s impeachment by the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, as reckless, infantile and reflective of a party limited by its obsession with provincial ideas.
CPC upbraids President
There was, however, no respite for the President, yesterday, as the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, described the Presidency’s defence as reflective of a President inclination towards imperial tendencies. CPC’s spokesman, Mr.  Rotimi Fashakin, told Vanguard, yesterday, that the nation was now at the mercy of the President.

15 pupils injured as fire guts school bus in Ibadan

About 15 pupils of Divine Wisdom Group of Schools, Amosun area in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State were injured in a fire outbreak on Wednesday as the school bus conveying them to school suddenly caught fire.

The affected pupils, who were said to be between ages five and 11, were rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. They were said to have suffered various degrees of burns.

  The bus driver, Mr. Serif Oyedele, who gave the account, said that he drove to Iyana Church area of the city around 8:10am after picking some pupils from the bus stop when the engine of the bus (Ford) suddenly stopped working.

Resignation’ll give Obasanjo time to mentor others –Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party in the South West on Wednesday said the resignation of former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees should not be construed as a sign of his loss of relevance in the nation’s politics.

The PDP National Vice Chairman in the South-West and former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Segun Oni, said this in an interview with newsmen during the visit of the newly elected executive of the party in the region to Obasanjo in his Abeokuta residence.

According to Oni, the former president will continue to remain relevant not only in the politics and affairs of the South-West, but also that of the country.

He stressed that Obasanjo’s resignation as chairman of the party’s BoT would also enable him to have more time for the party in the region, adding that he was bound to play a significant role in the re-engineering of the PDP in the region and the country at large.

Luxury bus robbery: PTA to sue transport company, denies rape

The Lagos branch of the Parents Teachers Association of Holy Rosary College, Enugu, has threatened to sue Ekene Dili Chukwu Transport Company for negligence.

This decision was taken following the robbery of 42 pupils of the school at Oke-Odo in Ogun State on Saturday when the company’s bus conveying them to Lagos broke down.

About 37 parents met at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos, on Wednesday to decide on the course of action. Twenty of the pupils were also in attendance.

The PTA Chairman, Mr. Cyril Akunyili, told PUNCH Metro that the association would take the matter to court.

Holyfield’s visit will be inspiring –NBF

The Nigeria Boxing Federation expects the planned visit of former world boxing champion Evander Holyfield to Nigeria’s boxing camp in Benin City, Edo State to inspire the pugilists who are preparing for the London 2012 Olympics.

The four-time world champion is in Nigeria on a humanitarian visit to Ogoniland to assess the level of environmental degradation caused by years of oil exploration in the area.

Holyfield, who is also an Olympic bronze medallist, has promised to visit the Nigerian boxers with the aim of encouraging them ahead of the games.

Technical director of the NBF, Idika Nsofor, said on Monday he had yet to be informed of Holyfield’s visit but he would welcome the American, whom he described as a role model for the new generation of boxers.

“There’s no doubt about it, Holyfield is one of the best boxers in the world. Even if I’m not aware of his visit to Nigeria, his presence at our camp will be a source of inspiration to the boxers,” Nsofor said.

Messi breaks more records

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi set a Champions League scoring record when he took his tally to 14 in the competition so far this season as the holders knocked out AC Milan to reach the semi-finals.

 The three-time World Player of the Year netted a penalty after 11 minutes, scored with a second spot kick just before the break and then helped to set up Barca’s third goal for Andres Iniesta as they ran out 3-1 winners at the Nou Camp.

 The Argentine passed the previous competition record of 12 goals set by himself last season and Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy with Manchester United in 2003.

Rep laments leadership failure in Nigeria

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said on Wednesday that governance in the country was failing to meet the aspirations of Nigerians and their desire to have a country that would provide for their welfare.

She explained that the development was partly responsible for the exodus of Nigerians to other countries in the hope of getting a better life only to be caught on the wrong side of the law.

Dabiri-Erewa spoke in Abuja on the findings of her committee, which recently visited Brazil over the plight of 457 Nigerians held for various alleged drug offences.

She noted that were adequate provisions made for the welfare of the  governed, the citizens would not have had to go to less-endowed countries in search of greener pastures.

She said, “About 15 years ago, Brazil was not better than Nigeria. They faced challenges, but it took the will of only one leader to transform that country.

“For us in Nigeria, we are not where we should be as a country. Nigeria is getting richer as a country, but Nigerians are getting poorer.

“There is leadership failure in Nigeria; let us get our leadership right.”

Don Jazzy moves on with his flock: takes Dr SID, D’Prince, Wande Coal to SA

Since the news settled that D’banj and his best friend of many years Don Jazzy had kissed their business and perhaps personal relationships goodbye, there had been palpable fear that the music future of the rest of the Mo’Hits clan was under threat.
The heavy silence from Don Jazzy had not helped matters that even Dr SID in a tweet published some weeks back had not been able to hide his apprehension, acknowledging that their respective careers were in a “sensitive situation”.
But the hit making producer Don Jazzy has moved to calm all their fears.

Sasha Pee is Pregnant?

Yetunde Alabi popularly known as Sasha is heavy with her first child. She was spotted at the Shop-rite in Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday, March 21,2012 alongside her fiance.

One glance at her revealed that she has added weight on strategic areas of her body with swollen face. Clad in a flowery green and brown mini dress, the mullato guy that was with her was putting on a blue jeans and a white stripe shirt.

The rapper is aware of the rumors going round but has refused to make a statement-confirming or denying it. But a close source confirmed the happy news to us. Recalled, Sasha has been romantically linked with Kini Big Deal crooner,Naeto C. We shall keep you posted on further findings.

Tonto Dikeh - "If I keep waiting for an Igbo man, I will just end up like Genevieve Nnaji who is eternally single"

This piece was culled from an interview Tonto Dikeh had recently with a reporter from Punch. Excerpt from the interview:

Interviewer: We just learnt that you will be getting married soon to your new boyfriend who happens to come from Benin, Edo state. Why are so many Nollywood female starts getting snapped up by Benin or men from Edo state?

Tonto Dike: First of all, it is nobody’s business where my fiance is from. That out of the way, yes Benin men are great and very understanding. They are not sitting and judging you unlike an Igbo man that will want to be poke-nosing in everything you do. You make your money and the Edo man is not interested in your personal affairs . "If I keep waiting for an Igbo man, I will just end up like Genevieve Nnaji who is eternally single."


Tonto Debunked the statement above...
In a reaction to the alleged interview, which has spread like harmmatan fire, Tonto reacted this way, "I have never and will never say anything against Genevieve. I will not even interfere in her personal issues. I did not grant such interview."

Her publicist also denied any such statement from Tonto. The publicist said, "after her interview with you (NFC) last year December, Tonto has only granted an interview with a soft-sell magazine, which was done about three months ago.
So, I don't know where that purported interview came from or when such was granted."

Bishop Oyedepo's camp denies the existence of Dominion Airline

Last week there were reports all over the internet that the GO of Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo was getting ready to unveil his own airline company called Dominion Airline. But the spokesperson for the church has debunked the report, saying its mere fabrication and a figment of someone's imagination. The spokesman in a chat with reporters said the Bishop had absolutely no intentions of floating an airline and also will not commercialize his private jets.

Even airport officials who spoke with reporters also denied the existence of the airline, saying its mere rumour.

Desailly not best man for Ghana – Siasia

A former coach of Nigeria, Samson Siasia, has warned the Ghana Football Association against giving the Black Stars job to Marcel Desailly.

The former Nigeria international said Ghana will be gambling with the fate of the senior national team if the vacant Black Stars coaching position is handed over to the 1998 World Cup winner.

According to Siasia, the former Chelsea defender is a novice in the coaching business and it will be a major risk to give him the Black Stars job now, although he is an experienced player.

“He (Desailly) has not coached before and just going to the national team, I think you need time to prepare yourself even though you have played at the highest level,” Siasia told Accra-based Citi FM.

“You have to start somewhere that will give you the kind of experience and you will know exactly how to talk to the players and getting them motivated and get them out there and do the job you want them to do.”

Tukur urges EFCC to extend pension probe to ministries

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to extend the investigation of corrupt practices beyond the pension fund to other ministries and agencies.
He lamented the pension fund fraud, saying it is a crime against humanity.
Tukur, whose comments were contained in a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisah Metuh, on Tuesday, hailed the EFCC for prosecuting the suspects of the pension fraud.
He said, “The sleazy tales of national shame oozing out of the pension probe is an undisguised heinous crime, an inhumanity to mankind. To deny at sunset, the wages of men and women, compatriots whose morning and afternoon were engaged in toils for fatherland is the most wicked toga and colour of corruption.
“We urge the EFCC to sustain this momentum and spread its investigations into every ministry and agency of governments so as to expose and bring to book, this tiny percent of over 170 million Nigerians obsessed with attrition against good governance.”

IG orders patrol of federal highways

Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, on Monday directed the police to start the patrol of all federal highways across the country with immediate effect.
The reported raping of 42 female pupils of an Enugu-based school by a 12-man robbery gang along the Ore-Shagamu Expressway, Ogun State on Saturday night and other cases have forced many Nigerians to demand immediate deployment of police patrols in highways.
The IG, who met with senior officers in Abuja on Tuesday to review the security situation in the country, said the patrols would be complemented by a Rapid Response Structure.
However, Abubakar ruled out the return of roadblocks, which were being used by corrupt policemen to extort money from motorists and commuters, saying the issue was closed.

Luxury bus robbery: Police arrest five suspects

Men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested five suspects for the robbery attack on the luxury bus that was conveying 42 female pupils of Holy Rosary College, Enugu, on Saturday.
The spokesperson for the command, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, told our correspondent on the telephone that one of those arrested was the bus’ driver, whose name was not disclosed.
Adejobi said the driver was assisting with investigations and had identified one of the suspects.
He said, “We’ve arrested the driver of the luxury bus conveying the pupils from Enugu that were robbed on Saturday at Ogbere as well as four other suspects.

Why Jonathan has not signed 2012 budget –Okonjo-Iweala

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Tuesday said President Goodluck Jonathan had not signed into law the 2012 budget, which was recently passed by the National Assembly, because of the need for the Executive to scrutinise the document.

She said the scrutiny became necessary because it was not always the same Appropriation Bill sent by the President that the National Assembly passed.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke with State House correspondents shortly after the meeting of the Economic Management Team presided over by Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

She said, “What we are doing now is that the National Assembly just gave us the budget back about few days ago, and of course, when they pass the budget, we have to look at the details because it is not always the same as the budget Mr. President passed to them.

“So, we are doing that work, we are looking at the details. After looking at the details, we will have a meeting with the leadership of the National Assembly on Thursday to make sure that we reconcile and understand all the changes that may have been made, and after that, we will be ready to move on to the next step. That is where we are.”

Okonjo-Iweala identified the increase of the oil benchmark price from $70 to $72 per barrel as one of the major changes carried out by legislators on the budget.

She said the change was used to reduce deficit and create additional fund for spending, which the government is comfortable with.

The minister said, “We are still ending up with fiscal deficit that is reasonable and under three per cent as well as reduced debt, that is okay.

“But now, the details, most of the specific MDAs and how the budget may have changed, that is the step we are looking at now and that takes a little bit of time, but we must do it because we will make sure we have a budget that can be implemented. We are trying to speed up the work so that we will meet with the leadership of the National Assembly on Thursday.”

Meanwhile, the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Dr. Bright Okogu, told journalists that the implementation of the 2012 budget had begun though it had not been signed into law.

Okogu said the law allowed that implementation of a budget that had been submitted to the National Assembly could start in as much as it was not more than 50 per cent of the previous year’s budget.

Source 

Police get own varsity

Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, has been upgraded to a degree awarding institution.

This followed an approval given to the institution by the National Universities Commission on Tuesday.

Although the institution is meant to serve as a training ground for police cadets, its degree awarding status brings the total number of Nigerian universities to 124.

Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie, who conveyed NUC’s approval to the institution, urged the police authorities to ensure that standards were maintained.

He stressed the need for adequate courses to be run due to its specialised capacity.

Okojie said courses offered by the institution must be for capacity building.

He said for maximum standard to be maintained, policemen seeking admission to the academy should be made to sit for UTME examinations since the academy is now a degree awarding institution.

Prepare your handover note, PDP tells Aregbesola

The Peoples Democratic Party has told Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola to start preparing his handover note, claiming that the opposition party will sweep the polls in 2014.
Osun PDP Chairman, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, who stated this in Osogbo on Tuesday, said the days of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Osun were numbered.
Olaoluwa said, “It is becoming clearer by the day that the ACN has nothing to offer the people of Osun. Where is the heaven-on-earth the ACN promised?
“The transparency of the PDP congress held a few days ago is a signal to the fact that we are ready to take back Osun. We challenge the ACN to conduct local government election and see where the pendulum will swing.
“Osun people are tired of running governance on the pages of newspapers, radio and television. Osun people need action; enough of castigation of Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration.
“The Rauf Aregbesola administration should begin to work and shun pettiness. Oyinlola has been blamed for all the lapses in this government. The ACN should leave Oyinlola alone and face governance.”
But the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, said the PDP was daydreaming.
Akere said, “The latest outburst of the Osun PDP shows the party as conscienceless and shameless. Here’s a party, whose over seven-year tenure was disastrous and calamitous.
Source 

Obasanjo resigns as PDP BOT chairman

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has resigned as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP.

In a statement he signed and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday, Obasanjo said he had sent the letter of resignation to the chairman of the party.

“I have formally sent in my letter of resignation as the Chairman of BOT of PDP to the National Chairman of the party as prescribed in the party’s constitution,’’ he said.

The former president added, “I have formally requested the President to allow my bowing out and to issue a short statement to that effect.

“By relieving myself of the responsibility for chairmanship of BOT of the PDP, I will have a bit more time to devote to the international demand on me.”

He added that the step would give him time “to give some attention to mentoring across the board nationally and internationally in those areas that I have acquired some experience, expertise and in which I have something to share.”

Obasanjo said his exit would afford him more time to develop his Presidential Library and to mobilise and encourage investment in Nigeria and Africa.

Source 

World Bank: NY Times picks Okonjo-Iweala over Obama’s choice

THE influential New York Times, perhaps,  has picked  Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala over US President Barack Obama’s nominee for the World Bank presidency, Jim Yong Kim.
Comentators on the paper said: “Whereas Okonjo-Iweala has already attracted strong endorsements from publications at the cutting edge of global financial journalism like The Economist, and The Financial Times, this new endorsement enhances the profile of Okonjo Iweala.
Conventional qualities
The New York Times is unequivocal in its support saying as an “economist, diplomat and former World Bank managing director, she offers many conventional qualities of bank presidents” adding, “she breaks the mould as a woman from an African country where she fought to reduce the country’s debt, gain greater access to international credit markets and battle corruption.”

Eagles need more time, hard work — Taiwo

Super Eagles defender Taye Taiwo, who is basking in the euphoria of his club’s victory over Arsenal in the English Premier League on Saturday, is expecting a tough road to the top for the Nigerian team. Taiwo who spoke on the backdrop of the African Nations Cup and the World Cup qualifying matches said that fans needed to be patient just as the players need to work extra hard to return to greatness once again.

“It will not be easy (the qualifiers) because we will just be coming off a busy season but the target would be to win the full points in these matches irrespective of the scores,” he said.

“We need more time and hard work to return to the top.”

Iyabo Ojo's Pink Ladies Party (Photos)

"The Pinkies’ Foundation founded March 1st 2011, is all about different class of women- married, single mothers, single ladies and students from all walks of life e.g. business women, corporate women, artistes and students, we belong to a BB Group called The Sexy Pink Ladies where we discuss different issues affecting the women folks both negative and positive, we share ideas on how to keep a happy home, relationship and a healthy business etc."

Genevieve Nnaji, Beverly Naya, Susan Peters, Dudley O' Shaughnessy, Agbani Darego and others at The AMFW 2012- OUT & ABOUT 4 & 5 (Photos)

Genevieve...all smile..

Genevieve Nnaji, Top Nollywood star actress with Beverly Naya, fast rising Nollywood actress, Susan Peters, Dudley O' Shaughnessy, Agbani Darego "Ex-Beauty queen" and others dazzle at the AMFW 2012 - OUT & ABOUT 4 & 5.

Genevieve Nnaji's lovely Shoes

 

Ojy Okpe with Pretty Genevieve Nnaji

 

 

Mercy Johnson, Oge Okoye and Ruth Kadiri dazzle in new movie entitled "Fazebook babes" :::)))

Nollywood is at it again ooo hahahahahahahaha, From Blackberry babes to Fazebook babes now we should just be expecting twitter babes lol. The new movie stars Mercy Johnson, Oge Okoye, Ruth Kadiri and others.

In this movie, director Ifeanyi Ogbonna captures the lives of ladies from different works of life, who, simply armed with cellphones and a facebook account are determined to leave behind their different backgrounds, and make it at all cost. Will they succeed or will their backgrounds continue to hunt them?

To watch movie Click Here

Funke Akindele Prepares for JENIFA part 3

Funke Akindele goes the Tyler Perry way as she prepares for JENIFA part 3. “I have decided that I will do with Jenifa what Tyler Perry has done with the character Madea.”
Funke Akindele has promised a return for her highly successful character Jenifa. The actress, who came to limelight casting as the eponymous character in the self produce movie ‘Jenifa’, has revealed that the much loved character will be returning for a third spell after a successful second installment last year.

“We are already working on the script for Jenifa three,” Akindele told in an interview. “Jenifa has come to stay now; the third part will be out before this year is over.”

“I have decided that I will do with Jenifa what Tyler Perry has done with the character Madea. We all watch Madia and love her. So I will make Jenifa a character that will always come back as a means of bringing laughter to my fans and also passing important messages to the general public,” Ms. Akindele said.

Akindele created the Jenifa franchise and alter-ego in 2008 to wide critical and commercial success. In 2011, she brought the character back in ‘The Return of Jenifa’ which even recorded a greater success and was premiered in Illinois in America as well as in Lagos to excellent reviews. ‘The Return of Jenifa’ only started selling on DVD last week.

Bukky Wright, Segun Arinze and Others Signed a multi million Naira Deal with Vodafone

The buzz going around the industry now is that Bukky Wright, Segun Arinze, Lola Alao and Ngozi Ezeonu have been blessed with a new deal. The deal, which we learnt is multi million naira worth, was recently signed by the actors.

The deal was said to be signed with the United Kingdom's mobile network carrier, Vodafone.


The company is set to roll out its services across Nigeria, and it has enlisted the Nollywood stars to promote its brand. According to reports, television commercials featuring the Nollywood stars have been shot across the country. Vodafone is expected to kick start its operations in Nigeria soon.
Congrats !!!

List Of JAMB 2012 Post UTME Cut-Off Marks For Every University

Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna) – 190
> Kwara State Polytechnic, – 180
> University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – 180 or 200 depending on course
> Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) – 180 UTME
> Kaduna State University (KASU) – 180 UTME (first choice only)
> Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) – 180
> University of Ibadan (UI) – 200 (Only Accept Students who Choose them as First choice only)
> Lagos State University (LASU) – 200

Tuface to Wed in July

Going by the information reaching our desk,star hip hop cum R n B singer Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly called Tuface is very serious with his marriage proposal to his heartthrob,actress Annie Macaulay.
Despite being together with Annie almost all the time since February when the proposal took people unawares, the Implication crooner is candidly moving towards making the statement “Yes I Do”.
As gathered from insider sources, the two entertainers are said to have chosen their traditional wedding date.
According to the source, plans are seriously underway for this most controversial couple in entertainment industry to tie the nuptial knots.

Robbers attack police patrol team in Ogun

A gang of armed robbers yesterday attacked  a patrol team  of policemen at Opako, on Abeokuta-Lagos  old road, leaving one officer  identified as Mukaila, seriously injured while others escaped with gun shots wounds. The robbers were said to be returning from  a  successful robbery operation in Abeokuta, the state capital.
According  to an eye-witness, the robbers, numbering about  ten, attacked  the policemen on their way out of the state after they dispossessed  an oil dealer of  N3.5 million at Panseke in Abeokuta.
Vanguard gathered that the robbers  had  struck  at Panseke, opposite a popular eatery and immediately headed towards Adigbe road to link Obada Oko via Abeokuta/Lagos road before they met some policemen on patrol at Opako.
It was learnt that a white bus which was ahead of the gang’s vehicle suddenly  stopped at Opako bus stop to alert the Police team, which forced  the robbers to  make  a u-turn few meters after the stop and search point and attacked the officers.
The source told Vanguard that, the gun duel lasted for about 30 minutes  after which it was discovered that Mukaila had sustained severe injury in his arm as bullets reportedly  shattered  his  left hand.
When Vanguard  visited the scene, it was discovered that a  nearby slaughter slab  had been deserted  while the place looked like a ghost town  as the butchers and their customers  scampered for safety.

Source

Wing kings Valencia and Young fire Red Devils five clear at the top with late show

Manchester United moved five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table as they claimed a 2-0 win at Blackburn Rovers.
With Rovers scrapping for their lives at the foot of the table, they were anything but sacrificial lambs and it took a moment of true brilliance from Antonio Valencia with 11 minutes remaining to break the deadlock. And five minutes later Ashley Young snuffed out any thoughts of a Rovers comeback by beating Paul Robinson with a fizzing drive from the edge of the box.
The gap at the top is five points and with United playing before City at the weekend, the Red Devils could open it out to eight points.
United made a bright start, with Wayne Rooney demonstrating his range of passing with a raking 50-yard ball that put Grant Hanley in a spin. His failure to clear his lines presented Javier Hernandez with a chance, but he snatched his shot and pulled it wide of target.
The Mexican came close to atoning shortly afterwards when showing great striking instincts to anticipate a ball into the box and fire on target, but a combination of Rovers keeper Paul Robinson and the post denied him.
It took Rovers some time to get a foothold, but they have pace to burn in the shape of Junior Hoilett and he collected a layoff from Yakubu and drove deep into United territory before unleashing a shot that forced a fine diving save out of David De Gea.

Obasanjo in Ibadan to woo Ladoja back to PDP

THE  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday dispatched  its chieftains to the Ibadan home of former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja to lure him back into its fold.

Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) former President Olusegun Obasanjo led the delegation.
Ladoja  dumped the PDP and formed Accord, the platform on which he contested the last governorship election against his erstwhile deputy, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Ladoja’s Bodija home in  Ibadan has in the recent past hosted politicians from various parties who have tried to lure the former governor to their side.
Arriving to a tumultuous welcome from hundreds of Ladoja’s and PDP supporters, a smiling Obasanjo immediately requested for lunch at Ladoja’s home.
Details of the 45-minute parley between the Owu  chief and Ladoja, held behind closed-door, were not disclosed.
But a source close to Ladoja said the former President was in  Ibadan to assure Ladoja that all obstacles against his return were being removed and that he has nothing to fear.
Dressed in a multi-colour attire made of Kampala and a matching cap, Obasanjo told reporters, whospoke with him that “it was circumstances that made crayfish to bend”, and that “it  can be straightened again at any time.”
He was accompanied by former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja; former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Chief Olayiwola Olakojo; former Commissioner for Environment Alhaji Mukaila Aborode; and some other leaders of the faction led by Arapaja and Federal Capital Territiry (FCT) Minister of State Chief Jumoke Akinjide.
Ladoja said negotiation between the Accord and the PDP is ongoing and  there may be a merger of both parties.
The attempts to bring Ladoja back into the PDP has widened the gulf between factional leaders of the party.
The Alao-Akala faction is not favourably disposed to Ladoja’s return to the PDP.
The thinking in the party is that Ladoja’s return would   increase the chances of the PDP in the 2015 election.
Five years ago, Obasanjo shunned entreaties to save Ladoja from being impeached by the House of Assembly.
Obasanjo, who was on a visit to Ibadan on January 11, 2006, spurned the appeal of  the late elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Alayande, and other to save Ladoja.
He was in Ibadan to congratulate Alayande on his birthday.
Source

Tanker explodes, killing at least 12

A tanker crashed then later exploded and caught fire in northern Nigeria, killing at least 12 people who had rushed to the scene to scoop fuel from the damaged vehicle, a local official said Monday.
As residents swarmed the crashed truck, a spark “led to a huge explosion from the tanker which killed 12 people,” said Obana Jatau, the head of Ganigaku village in Adamawa state, where the accident occurred on Sunday.
He said the tanker had skidded off the road and overturned when the driver attempted to avoid a pothole. Local media said up to 30 people died in the fire, though the figure could not be confirmed.
Adamawa state police spokesman Nemuel Yoila confirmed the incident, but could not give details of casualties.
Petrol tanker accidents are common in oil-rich Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation where fuel is distributed with trucks on poorly maintained roads. - AFP