Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari has constituted a separate campaign team for the re-election of her husband.

Aisha is chairing the team herself while the Vice Presidents wife Dolapo Osinbajo would co-chair it, according to a list published by Daily Trust

Mrs. Adejoke O. Adefulure, former deputy governor of Lagos, who now runs the SDG and wife of Nasarawa Governor, Mrs. Mairo Al-Makura would serve as Vice chairpersons for South and North respectively.

Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar Eluma is the National Coordinator of the team, Barr. Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagu (Dep. Nat. Coordinator South) and Haj. Binta Muazu (Dep. Nat. Coordinator North).

Other members of the team include Nollywood and Kannywood stars, sports stars, and social media influencers. There are also names included in the original Presidential Campaign Council announced by the All Progressives Congress.

Read the full list below:

1. H.E. Mrs. Rashida Bello North Central

2. H.E. Mrs. Hadiza M. Abubakar North East

3. H.E. Dr. Zainab Bagudu. North West

4. H.E. Mrs. Nkechi Rochas Okorocha South East

5. H.E. Mrs. Florence Ajimobi South West

6. H.E. Mrs. Judith Chibuike Amaechi South South

1. Dr. Hajo Sani

2. Dr. Nasir Ladan

3. Zainab Kassim

4. Rose Audu

5. Fatima Rafindadi

6. Dr. Nasiru Ajoge

1. Solomon Dalung

2. Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd)

3. IGP Suleiman Abba (Rtd)

4. Brig. General Lawal Jafaru Isa

5. General Abubakar Alkali

6. General Buba Marwa

7. H.E Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif

8. H.E Orji Uzor Kalu

9. Dr. Mohammed Mahmud

10.H.E. Dame Pauline Tallen

11.Haj. Naajatu Mohammed

12.Professor Pat Utomi

13.Dr. Nasiru Ladan

14.Col. Abdallah (Rtd)

15.AIG Sani Ahmed Daura (Rtd)

16.Prince Tonye Princewill

17.Festus Keyamo SAN

18.Muiz Banire SAN

19.Barr. Obla

20.Amb. Justice Muhammadu Dodo

21.Amb. Mohammadu Rimi Barade

22.Amb. Aminu Dalhatu

23.Amb. Aminu Iyawa

24.Amb. Baba Jidda

25.Amb. Yusuf Tuggar

26.Amb. Deborah Iliya

27.Amb. Suzanne Aderonke Folarin

28.Amb. Ayuba Ngbako

29.Amb. Oji Nyimenuate

30.Mr.Terry Waya

31.Rear Admiral Dutse James

32.Alh. Bashir Ibrahim

33.Alh. Nasiru Danu Dan Amanar Dutse

34.Al Amin Kamselem

35.H.E Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi

36.Engr. Ife Oyedele

37.Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande

38.Gen. India Garba

39.Hon. Kawu Sumaila

40.Hon. Umar Dambo

41.Senator Abu Ibrahim

42.Chief Sam Sam Jaja

43.Colonel Mohammed Abdul (Rtd)

44.Engr. Samuel Ajagbe

45.Hon. Igo Aguma

46.Chief Precious Osaro Ngelale

47.Saleh Ahmadu

48.Alh. Bello Isa Bayero

49.Chief Felix Idiga

50.Dr. Noble Abe

51.Patrick Pascal

52.Longes Anyawu

53.Barr. Honor Ihuoma Onyebuchukwu

54.Yusuf Adamu

55.Yewande Amusan

56.Engr. Umar Abubakar

57.Rilwanu Umar

58.Alh. Mohammed Sani Musa

59.Agatha Benson

60. Alh. Rabiu Isyaku Rabiu

61. Hon. Ahmed Wadada

62. Chief Rapheal Ikurusi Sambo

63. Saidu Uba Malami

64. Sani Sarkin Gobir

65. Gambo Lawan Kareto

66.Suleiman Umar

67.Dr. Cairo Ojougboh

68.Chief Emma Ejiofo

69.Dr. Betty Nnadi

70.M.B. Shehu

71. Bello Waziri

72.Chief I. Mokelu Onwa

73. Amb. Fatima Adfa

74. Gbemi Saraki

75. Wada Ibrahim Kawu

76. Mrs. Fatima Balla

77. Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagu

78. Sen. Abubakar Umar Gada

79. Faruk Salim

80.H.E Sullivan Chime

81.Sen. Ovie Omoagege

82.Rt. AVM Terry Okorodudu

83.Hadi Ukashatu

84.Mustapaha Habib

85.Comrd. Garba Mustapha (4 4)

86.Dr. Macaulay Aigbe Ojeaga

87.Alh. Gambo Lawan Kareto

88.Ahmed Gulak

89.Jessica Ine

90.Sen. Ini Okori

91.Scott Tommy

92.Alh. Bashir Ibrahim

93.Maimo Mohammed

94.Sen. Andy Uba

95.Alh. Sani Anka

96.Iro Dan Puloti

97.Engr. Iliya Saleh

98.Sen. Bello Tukur

99.All APC SSAs, SAs, PAs, to the President

1. Dr. Mohammed Mahmud

2. Haj. Salamatu Beiwa Umar Eluma

3. Dr. Nasir Ladan

4. Dr. Ibrahim Dauda

5. Bala Usman

6. Barr. Mary Eta

7. Haj. Sadiya Farouk

8. Eng. Aliyu Aziz

9. Hadi Uba

10.Dr. Kamal Mohammed

11. Zainab Kassim

12.All APC Women Leaders at all levels

13.All APC Women/Female Heads of government agencies and Parastatals

14.All APC Female Candidates

15.All APC Youth leaders at all levels

B.

At all levels

Director: Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed

Dep. Director: Barr. Mary Etta

1. Mrs. Alayangi Sylva

2. Mrs. Unoma Akpabio

3. Mrs. Saida Bugaje

4. Ms. Joy Nunieh

5. Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun

6. Haj. Nana Shettima

7. Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola

8. Chief. Kemi Nelson

9. Mrs. Umana Umana

10.Haj. Zuwaira Bakori

11.Hon. Ahmed Rufai

12.Alh. Mohammed Nma Kolo

13.Mrs. Nsidem Roberts

14.Barr. Mohammed Bello Mustapha

15.Barr. Kabiru Dodo

16.Haj. Ladidi Bawa Bosso

17.Fatima Mohammed Faruk

18.Sam Edem

19.Jonah Okah

20.Halima Buba

21.Hindatu Danmalam

22.Sadiq Ahmed

23.Terfa Robert Swem

24.Mrs. Abdul Aziz Yaradua

25.Maimuna Yahya Abubakar

26.Saadatu Dogon Bauchi

27.Iman Suleiman Ibrahim

28.Hafsat Musa

29.Zainab Buba Marwa

30.Alh. Al Amin Kamselem

31.Ibrahim Mo Allah Yidi

32.Salamatu Jibril

33.Hon. Inna Galadima

34.Lydia Gora

35.Hon. Asabe Vilita

36.Hailmary Aipoh

37.Maryam Salihu

38.Hussaina Kurfi

39.Salima Makama

40.Daniel Amokachi

41.Tina Adike

42.Zainab Jafaru Isa

43.Shattu Bazza

44.Laila Danbatta

45.Aisha Gana

46.Halima Ben Umar

47.Dr Salma Kolo

48.Haulatu Yahaya Karami

49.Amina Abdu

50.Mrs Ali Adamu

51.Hauwa Abdu

52.Kareen Mohammed

53.Mrs. Hadiza DanBazzau

54.Mrs. Yasmine Dalhatu

55.Mrs. Aisha A. Malami

56.Mrs. Indo Rimi

57.Aisha Dada Ismail

58.Mrs Mary Paul

59.Barr. Murtala Isa

60.Aliyu Ibrahim

61.Musa M/Madori

62.Muhammad Albashir

63.Baffa Saleh

64.Zarau Wali

65.Halima Yauri

66.Kabiru Kamba

67.Abba Allero

68.Princess Aderemi Adebowale

69.Chief Sade

70.Jamil Abiola

71.Helen Bendiga

72.Mrs. Bariyaah Magnus Abe

73.Mrs. Elima Peterside

74.Mrs. Modupe Oguntade

75.Barr. Zubaida Damaka

76.Hon. Amina Dalhatu

77.Jamila Adodo

78.Barr. Tala Anthony

79.Dr. Mike Whelagi

80.Dr Safiya Mohammed

81.Alhaji. Naim Bawan Allah

82.Belema Dikibo

83.Tunde Amady

84.Ibrahim Audu Mato

85.Ibrahim Bagudu

86.Mohammed Albashir

87.Hon. Enyi C. Enyi

88.Minabowan Baro

89.Muhammad Sale

90.Etito Emmanuel

91.Osivwe Otega

92.Collins Mukoro

93.Haj. Ambaru Sani Wali

94.Jelili Adams

95.Hon. Mrs Lorember

96.Hon. Sara Kegnen

97.Hon. Ann Itodo

98.Hon. Ojonugwa Achimugu

99.Hon. Abdullahi Musa

100. Iyabo Adebisi

101. Alhaja Laide

102. John Taiwo

103. Hon. Ambali Abiodun

104. Eleojo Veronica Sadiq

105. Abisetu Ozioma Salihu

106. Sefia Abbas

107. Hon. Omotayo Oduntan Oyeledu

108. Hon. Akinpelu Johnson

109. Evang. Caroline Nagbo

110. Victoria Olowoleni Tayo

111. Abdulkarim Fatima Allah Dey

112. Princess Joy Oguche

113. Haj. Rakiya Ahmed

114. Amina Mohammed (Lentena)

115. Dr. Sam Ankeli

116. Haj. Fatima Danjuma Goje

117. Hon. Comfort Alege

118. Fatima Mohammed ( Mama GMB)

119. Jamilu Yusuf

120. Uche Franklin Opara

121. Charles Akabueze

122. Barr. Aliyu Yusuf Shehu

123. Hon. Mustapha Fanarambe

124. Ali Manchester

125. Balaraba Madugu

126. Eng. Arafat S Yero

127. Hon. Nasiru Maikano

128. Sani Aliyu

129. Abdullahi M Bature

130. Haj. Rabi Gambari

131. Maryam Garba Bagel

132. Haj. Nana Fatima Tsokwa

133. Hon. Micky Kassim

134. Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya

135. Hon. Magaji Dau

136. Hon. Ayo Omidiran

137. Hon. Mohd Tahir Mongunu

138. Hon. Haliru Jika

139. Hon. Raph Nanna

140. Hon. Abdullahi Kontagora

141. Hon. Aliyu Betara

142. Hon. Peter Akpatason

143. Hon. Samaila Sulaiman

144. Hon. Abu Sarkin Yamma

145. Hon. John Dyegh

146. Hon. Austine Chukwu

147. Ibrahim Shehu Naira

148. Yusuf Danladi

149. Alh. Hussaini Baba

150. Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

151. Arc. Ranti Odesile

152. Fatima Mohammed

153. Iliyasu Hamidu

154. Hajiya Rabi Ishaq

155. Shamsuddeen Giwa

156. Onyemauche Nnamani

157. Dr. Ike Odikpo

158. Mathew Iduriyekenwen

159. Chief Jerry Joe

160. Dakuku Peterside

161. Dame Julie Okwah Donli

162. Stella Okotete

163. Kabiru Kamba

164. Chief Ezekiel imiya

165. Sadiq Yamaltu

166. Daniel Onjeh

167. Saadatu Bokane

168. Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi

169. Dan Asabe Kakanda

170. Dr. Dominic Bako

171. Hon. Zanwa Liman

172. Air Comdr Mohammed Umar (Rtd)

173. Hon. J.T Orkar

174. Prof. Boniface Orbunde

175. Arc. Asema Achado

176. Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Onma Ogenyi

177. Hon. Mrs. Juliana Anja

178. Hon. Dele Uzuku

179. Evang. Echo Catherine O

180. Hon. Phillip Tse Ayoungur

181. Hon. James Mede

182. Hon. Yahaya Garin Ali

183. Alh. Adamu Uba

184. Sen. Wilson Ake

185. Mrs. Mary Allagoa

186. Mr. Chenge Emmanuel

187. Hon. Abraham Uke

188. Hon. Mbaaka ler Akaaka

189. Amee Tser

190. Mr. Jude Nyor

191. Hon. Ephram Aondowase Kunde

192. Eng. Aondokaa Nenchi

193. Musa Ayisa

194. All APC Female National Assembly Members

195. All APC Female State Assembly Members

196. All APC Female Candidates

Director: Dr. Garba Abari

Dep. Director: Prof. Almustapha Ussiju Medaner

1. Alh. Wada Maida

2. Dr. Kamal Mohammed

3. Mrs. Laureta Onochie

4. Sen. Khaira Gwadabe

5. Dr. Ibrahim Dauda

6. Aisha Shettima

7. Haj. Hannatu Akilu

8. Dr. Mahmood Halilu Ahmed

9. Mr. Hakeem Olagunju

Director: Mohammed Jibirilla

Dep. Director: Prince Ohakelem

1. Chief Solomon Akpotu

2. Danjuma Maduwa

3. Wale Aboderin

4. Engr. Nwabueze Onwuneme

5. Dr. Mohammed Kamal

6. Joseph Joschima Nathaniel

7. Charles Kurobo

8. Ali Yahya Ibrahim

9. Funke Fowler

10.Ope Mike

11.Reps. Of all Ethnic Youth Groups

Spokes Person: Abdul Mumin Jibril (Phd)

1. Barr. Aliyu Abdullahi

2. Gawat Jubril

3. Dada Olusegun

4. CBN Akinsola

5. Olasunbo Apanpa

6. Jack Obinyan

7. George Udom

8. Sunday Aghaeze

9. Bright Eugene

10.Ayo Akanji

11.Mohammed Murtala Musa

12.Geo Uguwu

13.Bukky Hassan

14.Disu Adeyemi Yusuf

15.Kayode Ogundamisi

16.Tobi Wojuola

17.Aisha Alubankudi

18.Jafar Umar Abba

19.Aisha Augie

20.Nenna Ukwachikwu

21.Huraira Yakubu Umar

22.Azumi Buba

23.Gloria Adagbon

24.Barr. Daniel Bwala

25.Mohammed Habbo

26.AbdulAziz Musa

27.Musa Khalid

28.Haruna Abdullahi

29.H.B Gumi

30.Emeka Aneke

31.D. Omano Edigheji

32.Alwan Hassan

33.Maryam Shettima

34.Niyi Akinsiju

35.Ahmed Siji

36.Mohd. Adamu Yayari

37.Khalid Ahmed

38.Bappa Abubakar

39.Afan Abuja

40.Ireti Ojekhoa

41.Akeem Akintayo

42.Chukwudi Enekweci

43.Dapo Okubando

44.Hon. Bappa Waziri

45.Dalaram Fatima S Liberty

46.Ebunoluwa Olufunke Oglegba

47.Racheal Ijanatu Jantiku

48.Kunle Somoye

49.Suzan Henshaw

50.Jamilu Yusuf

51.Slim Eburajolo

52.Fatima Oyelami

53.Tope Ajayi

54.Khalid Baba Lau

55.Aisha Aminu Malumfashi

56.Olive Udeh

57.Dr. Zarah Musa

58.Olujonwo Obasanjo

59.Barrister Ditan Okope

60.Hafiz Bayero

61.Elsie Ijorogu-Reed

62.Aisha Halilu

63.Jafar .S. Jafar

64.Faiza Busari

65.Hamida Busari

66.Chidia Madueke

67.Ardo Zubairu

68.Uju Eze

69.Mohammed Musa

Director: Sony Marshal Harry

Deputy Director: Hauwa Abdul

1. Dr. Bashir Gwandu

2. Barr. Emmanuel Umohinyang

3. Dr Bashir Dan Mallam

4. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

5. Hon. Funmi Tejuosho

6. Ms. Joy Nunieh

7. Mrs. Bariyaah Magnus Abe

8. Baba Kyari Mohammed

9. Ahmed Indimi

10.Mohammed Babagana Sherrif

11.Musa Halilu Ahmed

12.Aisha Abdullahi

13.Jamilu Yusuf

14.Sakina Abba Wali

15.Kabiru Sani

16.Rabi Bobbo

17.Rose Audu

18.Laila Ribadu

19.Dr. Omole Ukwede

20.Sadiya Lawal Abdullahi

21. Saidu Suleiman

22. Mrs. Maryam Mamu

23. Aisha Folorunsho

24.Zainab Kassim

Director: Mohammed Jibril

1. Alh. Nasiru Danu

2. Sarki Mohammed Abba

3. Mr. Ige Ayeni

4. Hadi Uba

5. Dr. Mahmood Halilu

6. Murtala Haladu Danu

7. Zainab Kassim

8. Hadiza Dahiru Abba

9. Owolabi Awosan

10.Toye Adegbite

1. Funke Adesiyan

2. Hon. Desmond Elliot

3. Foluke Daramola

4. Rabiu M. Yaro

5. Isiyaku Furest

6. Salisu Dan Baiwa

7. Musa Mani

8. Fati Abdullahi Washa

9. Halima Atete

10.Asiya Ahmad

11.Rukayya Dawaiyya

12.Maryam Yahaya

13.Fati Yola

14.Kemi Afolabi

15.Edith Iraboh

16.Iya Awero

17.Kayode Salako

18.Aina Gold

19.Funke Etti

20.Femi Branch

21.Ronke Ojo

22.Dotun Ologede

23.Murphy Afolabi

24.Muka Ray

25.Fati S.U

26.Amal Umar

27.Bilkisu Abdullahi

28.Rukayya Niger

29.Amina Yobe

30.Naajatu Taannabi

31.Aminu Ala

32.Elmuaz Birniwa

33.Adam Zango

34.Hannatu Bashir

35.Ali Isa Jita

36.Husainin Danko

37.Baban Chinedu

38.Alfa Zazee

39.Adamu Nagudu

40.Abubakar Sani

41.Ibrahim Ibrahim

42.Ibrahim Yala

43.Audu Soda

44.Yahaya Makaho

45.Jamilu Roja

46.Jaddah Garko

47.Sadi Sadi

48.Ado Gwanja

49.Jamila Nagudu

50.Fati Shiuma

51.Hauwa Waraka

52.Fati Niger

53.Autan Waka

54.Abdul Ahmad

55.Sadiq Mafiya

56.Zuwaira Ismail

57.Murjah Baba

58.Kabiru KB Sure

59.Musa Gombe

60.Zakirai MC Big Boy

61.Ali Nuhu

62.Aminu Ala

63.Adam Zango

64.Hannatu Bashir

65.Ali Isa Jita

66.Husainin Danko

67.Baban Chinedu

68.Alfazazee

69.Adamu Nagudu

70.Abubakar Sani

71.Ibrahim Ibrahim

72.Ibrahim Yala

73.Audu Soda

74.Yahaya Makaho

75.Jamilu Roja

76.Jaddah Garko

77.Sadi Sadi

78.Ado Gwanja

79.Jamila Nagudu

80.Fati Shiuma

81.Hauwa Warka

82.Fati Niger

83.Autan Waka

84.Abdul Amart

85.Sadiq Mafiya

86.Zuwaira Ismail

87.Murjah Baba

88.Fati Yola

89.Fati Abdullahi Washa

90.Halima Atete

91.Asiya ahmad

92.Rujayya Dawaiyya

93.Maryam Yahaya

94.Fati Yola

95.Fati S.U

96.Amal Umar

97.Bilkisu Abdullahi

98.Rukayya Niger

99.Amina yobe (S.K)

100. Naajatu Taannabi

101. Asmau Sani

102. Shehu Kano

103. Zainab Abdullahi

104. Ladidi Fagge

105. Bosho

106. Dan Auta

107. Rabiu Rikadawa

108. Hamza Talle Maitafa

109. Hajara Usman

110. Hankaka

111. Sani Garba S.K

112. Ebun olaiya

113. Yinka Quadri

114. Sola Kosoko

115. Adebayo Salami

116. Madam saje

117. Dayo Amusa

118. Saheed Balogun

119. Olaiya Ebun

120. Taiwo Hassan

121. Yinka Quadri

122. Jide Kosoko

123. Ladidi Tubales

124. Haj. Sadiya

125. Dan Azumi Baba

126. Haj Maryam CTV

127. Rahama M K

128. Fati Nayo Dadin Kowa

129. Haj. Mama

130. Baba Daduwa

131. Aminu Saira

132. Ibrahim Maishinku

133. Ibrahim Birniwa

134. Adebayo Salami

135. Kemi Afolabi

136. Madam Saje

137. Iya Rainbow

138. Funke Adesiyan

139. Tayo Ijebu

140. Ronke Oshodi oke

141. Yinka Quadri

142. Sunny Alli

143. Rose Odika

144. Saidi Balogun

145. Yisa Muhammed

146. Abbey Lanre

147. Daddy Showkey

148. Samira Ahmad

149. Sadiku Artist

150. Rabiu Baffa

151. Kabiru KB Show

152. Musa Gombe

153. Abubakar gboy

154. Alasan Kwalle

155. Sani Sabo Kwarko

156. Rashida Adamu maisaa isa ferushkan

157. Hadiza dadinkowa

158. Rabiu M. yaro jega.

159. siyaku furest gaskiya Dokin large

160. Salisu Bas Dan baiwa

161. Musa Mani

162. Musa Gombe

163. Zakirai MC Big Boy

164. Bello Mohammed Bello

165. Sadiq Sani Sadiq

166. Ibrahim Maishinku

167. Naziru Ahmad

168. Sani Sabo Garko

169. Falalu A Dorayi

L. VOLUNTEERS
All President Buharis Supporters

Source: NAN

In a press statement on Tuesday, she said that if well-managed,
Nigerias economy would outshine that of its contemporaries in Africa.

The ACPN presidential candidate said that this was achievable through
the creation of a special fund for science and technology and
reformation of key financial institutions.

She said, We will be creating a $1bn Science, Technology and Innovation
fund to ensure that science, technology and innovation becomes the
enabler for socio-economic development and structural transformation.

The goal is to kick-start the process of becoming Africas number one
innovation and knowledge economy. The STI fund will support the
building of a robust national innovation system, carry out reforms and
re-organisation of existing institutions, and fund the scale-up of Small
and Medium-scale Enterprises and start-ups in the technology space,
research and development, knowledge transfer, among others. The fund
will function as a partnership between the government and the private
sector.

Ezekwesili also said policies that would ensure increase of technology
start-ups in the country by at least 500 per cent in the next four years
would be designed and implemented.

We will set up an Information and Communications Technology programme
with a focus on ensuring Nigerians are growing in the remote working and
outsourcing global market. The plan will be to create centres of ICT
advancement in all states with a focus on an average of 10,000
developers in each state, the presidential candidate said.

Simultaneously, a group of technology ambassadors will be engaging
global sourcing centres, providing them with comparative advantage of
opening or expanding current operations in Nigeria. The ICT programme
will partner the private sector in investing in real estate that allows
remote tech workers involved in tech development, data science,
Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to comfortably work.

Ezekwesili added, 360,000 persons will be impacted directly through
this programme; N1.5m Nigerians will be indirect beneficiaries. This
plan is costed at N100bn, which will be financed by the STI Fund, which
is in turn financed from the oil subsidy savings.

Source: NAN

Roger Federer took the honours in the much-anticipated mixed doubles clash with fellow great Serena Williams in what the latter described as the match of her career at the Hopman Cup in Perth Tuesday.

In the biggest mixed doubles drawcard in the 31-year history of the tournament, in what is expected to be its final edition, Federer teamed with Belinda Bencic to win the match in straight sets under the Fast4 format and win the Group B tie for Switzerland.

With 43 Grand Slam singles titles (Williams 23, Federer 20) and more than US$200 million in prize money between them, the two 37-year-olds had welcomed the chance to face each other on the court in an official match for the first time.

As it turned out, the tie was decided by the mixed doubles, after both Federer and Williams won their earlier singles matches.

A capacity crowd of 14,064 turned out for the tie, and they saw Federer and Bencic largely capitalise on the mixed doubles inexperience of Williams teammate, Francis Tiafoe, to clinch the deciding rubber under the Fast4 format, 4-2, 4-3 (5/3).

Williams, who seemed to be troubled by her right shoulder during the match but said it wasnt a concern, was disappointed her doubles experience didnt give the Americans the edge.

However, even a rare defeat couldnt take the gloss off the experience of facing Federer for the first, and almost certainly the only, time.

I was so excited and literally it was the match of my career, she said.

Playing someone so great and that you admire so much in a match that actually means something.

It is really great and special to go against the greatest of all time.

Federer said he was thrilled to play against one of the few players with more Grand Slam titles.

I really enjoyed playing against Serena, what an honour and pleasure, he said.

I was nervous returning because people talk about her serve so much.

It was great fun, she is a great champion, you see how focussed and determined she is and I love that about her.

The pair posed together for a selfie after the match.

In his singles match, Federer scored successive wins to start the new season with an impressive 6-4, 6-1 victory over Frances Tiafoe.

The world number three was challenged early by the 39th-ranked American, but then secured the first set with a break in the 10th game.

Federer won seven games in succession and eight of the last nine as Tiafoe dropped away.

It was another encouraging performance from Federer as he builds his preparation for the upcoming Australian Open in Melbourne, where he will be looking to win a third successive title and seventh overall.

Its been a great start to the season for me, I found a way and I have to be happy right now, Federer said.

Its about staying fit and healthy and managing the game day by day.

Williams raced to an early 3-0 lead against Bencic, but then lost her way as the Swiss number 54 gained successive breaks of serve to secure the first set.

Although the American was hitting more winners, she was also making more errors and looked in trouble until she broke Bencic in the 10th game to take the set and level the match.

An early break in the final set to Williams was crucial as she used her big serve to hold Bencic at bay and win 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

It was definitely a relief, Williams said of the result.

She played really well but I knew I could play better.

If Switzerland beats Greece on Thursday they will be through to the final, where they will defend the title they won last year.

Source: NAN

Brazils new far-right President Jair Bolsonaro declared a crusade against crime, corruption and leftwing ideology as he took office Tuesday for a four-year term at the helm of Latin Americas biggest nation.

In his first public speech wearing the presidential sash, Boslonaro said Brazil will start to free itself of socialism and political correctness, breaking with policies brought in under decades of leftist rule.

The 63-year-old former paratrooper and veteran lawmaker received swift congratulations via Twitter from US President Donald Trump, with whom he shares a similar, brash style and outlook.

Congratulations to President @jairbolsonaro who just made a great inauguration speech the U.S.A. is with you! Trump wrote.

Bolsonaro responded by saying: I truly appreciate your words of encouragement. Together, under Gods protection, we shall bring prosperity and progress to our people!

In his inauguration speech before Brazils Congress, Bolsonaro called for a true national pact to restore his countrys lackluster economy, without ideological bias.

While Bolsonaro enjoys sky-high approval ratings, many in Brazil fear his nostalgia for the military dictatorship that reigned from 1964 to 1985, his hardline approach to fighting crime and his record of disparaging women and minorities could herald a harsh shake-up.

Even before being sworn in, Bolsonaro tweeted he would issue a decree easing gun laws to let good citizens own firearms to counter armed criminals a measure opposed by 61 percent of Brazilians, according to a Datafolha survey.

His promise to extend immunity to security forces who use lethal force against suspected wrongdoers has also sparked unease in a country where some 5,000 people a year are already killed by police.

In his speech to Congress, Bolsonaro repeatedly hammered leftwing ideology that he said had brought Brazil low.

His past remarks made it clear he was referring to policies implemented by the Workers Party, which governed between 2003 and 2016 but ended up reviled for a string of corruption scandals.

Brazil will return to be a country free of ideological bonds, he said.

He later told a crowd of supporters in front of the presidential palace: We will re-establish order.

Bolsonaro has already said he will do all he can to challenge the leftist governments of Venezuela and Cuba.

In a sign of his leanings and alliances, Bolsonaro warmly welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Brazil for his inauguration, and both leaders spoke of their brotherhood.

Netanyahu said Bolsonaro had assured him Brazils embassy will be moved to Jerusalem.

Bolsonaro also admires Trump, with whom he shares nationalist instincts and a disdain of multilateral organisations. He has vowed to pull Brazil out of a UN global migration pact, and is considering doing the same with the Paris climate accord.

The new leaders open hostility to the left prompted leftwing deputies to spurn his investiture.

Bolsonaro took over the presidency from a centre-right figure, Michel Temer, who succeeded the Workers Party Dilma Rousseff impeached in 2016 but who made little headway with needed fiscal reforms. Temer, Brazils most unpopular leader ever, faces a number of corruption accusation on leaving office.

Bolsonaro supporters hope their man will do better, politically and economically.

He has promised to govern for all of the countrys 210 million Brazilians, though his initial declaration suggests it will be on his terms, as he seeks to remake the country around his agenda.

Source: NAN

Democratic Republic of Congos government cut internet connections and SMS services across the country for a second straight day on Tuesday as the country nervously awaited results from the weekends chaotic presidential election.

Both the opposition and ruling coalition said on Monday they were on track to win after a turbulent election day on Sunday in which many Congolese were unable to vote due to an Ebola outbreak, conflict and logistical problems.

Barnabe Kikaya bin Karubi, a senior adviser to President Joseph Kabila, said internet and SMS services were cut to preserve public order after fictitious results began circulating on social media.

That could lead us straight toward chaos, Kikaya told Reuters, adding the connections would remain cut until the publication of complete results on Jan. 6.

The signal to Radio France Internationale (RFI), one of the most popular news sources in Congo, was also down, and the government withdrew the accreditation of RFIs main correspondent in the country late on Monday for having aired unofficial results from the opposition.

The various moves reflected high tensions in Congo, where the long-delayed election was meant to choose a successor to Kabila, who is due to step down next month after 18 years in power and two years after the official end of his mandate.

Congo has never seen a democratic transfer of power, and any disputed outcome could lead to a repeat of the violence that followed the 2006 and 2011 elections and a wider security breakdown in its volatile eastern provinces.

The opposition says the election was marred by fraud and accused Kabila of planning to rule from the sidelines through his preferred candidate, former interior minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary.

Internal U.N. reports, seen by Reuters, noted allegations of irregularities across the country. In some parts of eastern Congos North Kivu province, for example, militia fighters reportedly forced voters to select candidates from the ruling coalition, they said.

In other places, the United Nations received reports that security forces intimidated voters to choose ruling coalition candidates.

The government and national electoral commission (CENI) said the election was fair and that any problems were minor.

In the eastern city of Goma, residents were on edge as they awaited the results.

If the results during the publication of the presidential results dont reflect the truth trouble will break out across the city, said Fabrice Shweka, a Goma resident.

The first partial results were initially expected on Tuesday but CENI spokesman Jean-Pierre Kalamba said that they would not be ready until around Friday.

We dont want to release too many voting trends (before Jan. 6) because in our country we dont have a population that has the same understanding (of electoral practice as in Europe), he told Reuters.

In a statement late on Monday, the embassies in Congo of the European United, United States and several other countries called for calm and urged the government to restore internet access.

Shadary faced off in Sundays poll against two main opposition challengers, Felix Tshisekedi and Martin Fayulu, both of whom opinion polls before the vote showed running ahead of Shadary.

Fayulu complained in a statement on Monday about irregularities during Sundays vote but said he was encouraged by the determination of Congolese to vote despite long queues and voting machines that broke down.

I call for vigilance across the board and the general mobilisation of all Congolese so that the truth of the ballot box, the sole witness to the will of the Congolese people, can reward their efforts and sacrifices, he said.

Source: NAN

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the All Progressives Congress national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged Nigerians in the new year, not to tread backward, but forward as they make voting choices in February.

Tinubu in his New Year message on Monday in Lagos, said that the choices Nigerians make would demonstrate the type of nation they want and urged them to perform their civic duties by voting with utmost faith, responsibility and the best interest of the country at heart.

”We must enter the New Year and see it as a new day for Nigeria. Thus, I ask you to perform your civic duty to vote with utmost faith, responsibility and the best interest of the country at heart.

“We have a choice to make. The choice we make will demonstrate the type of nation we want.

”I select the path of forward progress for I have never recommended to myself or to the nation the awkward practice of walking backward.

”We must exercise courage and vision. We must continue forward for the sake of this nation and our posterity, we dare not retreat or regress.

“Elections will be free and fair. You must add your voice and vote.

”You must participate in this important exercise of our democratic rights and institutions. We seek to build a better nation. We ask you to join us.

“In so doing, we give effect to the best of our hopes and aspirations for 2019, ” he said.

Tinubu also urged Nigerians to select the path of progress in 2019, as opposed to going backwards to the past that had not helped the nation.

”As time ushers in the New Year, we must look back on 2018 with gratitude. We thank God for Nigeria and all that He has done for us.

”The nation is on the verge of an election to determine our collective fate, we can either chose to continue forward or return to the old ways that held us back for so long.

”Just as 2018 must turn into 2019, we must also continue to move forward. As time cannot proceed backward. Nor should we, ” he said.
Tinubu said that President Muhammadu Buhari led-administration had made progress in moving the country forward.

"The nation is on the verge of an election to determine our collective fate, we can either chose to continue forward or return to the old ways that held us back for so long. Just as 2018 must turn into 2019, we must also continue to move forward. As time cannot proceed backward. Nor should we, ” he said. Tinubu said that President Muhammadu Buhari led-administration had made progress in moving the country forward."

”We realise that we still have much to do and far to travel to become the nation we are destined to be. Yet, we must also acknowledge that we have come a long way.

”We have made progress and it has at times been difficult, yet we stand with great hope and belief that we shall advance and move this nation forward.

“Let us recognise that which has been done this past year. President Buhari has built a foundation for sustainable growth and development, a path for a better future.

”President Buhari has brought transparency and accountability in the government’s businesses.

”The Buhari administration has shown the compassionate side of our traditions and our very nature by constructing a social safety net to assure the poorest among us are not neglected but are cared for as is the right of every human being. It has fed children that they may go to school.

“It has trained people that they may acquire a livelihood. It has empowered those who wish to start businesses and employ others.

It has helped farmers become more productive so that they may earn more money while better feeding the nation.

“For instance, we have recorded significant breakthrough in agriculture with increased local rice production and the attendant reduction in rice importation.

”These things have been done not to win accolades but because they are the right things for a decent and caring government to do for a decent and good people.

“As we move into the New Year, let us be committed to doing our best for Nigeria. I wish you all a wonderful New Year, ” Tinubu said.

British counter-terrorism police were investigating a multiple stabbing in which the suspect reportedly shouted “Allah” at a Manchester railway station on New Year’s Eve, officials said Tuesday.

A man and a woman, both in their 50s, and a police officer were being treated for knife injuries following the stabbings on Monday evening at Manchester Victoria station in the northwestern English city.

Witness Sam Clack, 38, a BBC radio producer, said he heard the suspect shouting “Allah” before and during the attack.

He quoted the suspect as saying: “As long as you keep bombing other countries, this sort of shit is going to keep happening.”

The male suspect has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said in a statement.

The woman suffered injuries to her face and abdomen and the man was wounded in the abdomen, while a British Transport Police officer sustained a stab wound to the shoulder.

Their injuries were described as serious but not life-threatening. The two members of the public were taken to hospital.

The incident happened at around 8:50pm (2050 GMT), when many revellers in the city would have been enjoying New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Clack said: “I just heard this most blood-curdling scream and looked down the platform.

“He came towards me. I looked down and saw he had a kitchen knife with a black handle with a good 12 inch (30-centimetre) blade.

“It was just fear, pure fear.”

Clack said police officers used a stun gun and pepper spray before, “six or seven” officers jumped on the man.

Clack said he heard the alleged knifeman shouting “Allah” during the attack.

He added: “He shouted it before, he shouted it during it — ‘Allah’.”

A witness who gave her name as Rebekka told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “I heard the most blood-curdling scream I’ve ever heard and turned to see everyone running towards me.

“I jumped off the tram track and started to run down the tram lines and hid behind some concrete slabs under one of the arches.

“I was just really scared, I didn’t know if I was going to die.”

Police declared the attack a “critical incident”.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said the investigation was being led by counter-terrorism police and officers were keeping an “open mind”.

“Tonight’s events will have understandably worried people but I need to stress that the incident is not ongoing, a man is in custody and there is currently no intelligence to suggest that there is any wider threat at this time,” he said.

“While we don’t yet know the full circumstances and are keeping an open mind, officers from Counter Terror Policing North West are leading the investigation.

“This is to ensure we have all the expertise available to us and progress our investigation as soon as we possibly can.”

The city’s New Year celebrations went ahead in Albert Square despite the incident, with a firework display taking place as planned, though increased security was brought in.

The city experienced a suicide attack in May 2017, when 22 people were killed and 139 wounded at a concert by the US singer Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena.

The bomber, Salman Abedi, 22, was born and raised in Manchester.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has debunked the statement on a Kwara radio by the Senate President Bukola Saraki that he donated N10m to victims of Offa robbery.

Mohammed said Saraki did not donate a dime.

Saraki had said in the controversial radio interview that he donated 10 million Naira when he visited Offa to commiserate with the people in the aftermath of the robbery. And he added that the amount that was stolen from the banks’ vaults was 7 million Naira.

Mohammed exposed Saraki’s lie in a statement, warning him for the second time to stop playing politics with the 5 April multiple robbery attacks in Offa.

Said Mohammed:”The claim by Dr. Saraki that he donated 10 million Naira to care for the victims of the Offa robbery is patently false.

“He did not! The 10 million he referred to was donated when the Offa market got burnt, and it was made in Ilorin, not Offa. When Dr Saraki visited Offa to commiserate with the community in the aftermath of the robbery, he did not donate a dime! I challenge him to prove me wrong.”

It was Mohammed’s second statement since Saraki’s radio interview.

This time, Mohammed warned the two-term senator to stop dancing on the graves of the innocent souls who died in the April 5, 2018 armed robbery attack in Offa.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday by his media aide, Mr. Segun Adeyemi, the Minister repeated his earlier warning against playing politics with the unfortunate incident.

The Minister said the overly aggressive and crude response by Dr. Saraki to the first warning has shown that he is not ready to heed the admonition, hence the need to re-state it, and to condemn any attempt to denominate human lives in Naira and Kobo.

Alhaji Mohammed said that in the wake of his warning, the apparently embarrassing radio interview was hurriedly edited to remove all references to the Offa robbery and then re-aired across Kwara state.

”Instead of stopping at that, which in itself constitutes an acceptance of wrongdoing, Dr. Saraki went ahead to hurl insults at me, even when I have been largely restrained in issuing my earlier warning. Had I not been restrained, I would have gone ahead to divulge what actually transpired.

”But with politics in the air, the truth becomes the first casualty. Realising that he goofed, Dr. Bukola apparently caused the radio interview in question to be edited to remove the donation reference, and then re-aired. Is it not an irony that the people who engaged in this egregious act of dishonesty are the same ones calling others names?” the Minister queried.

He said he will continue to steer the debate on the political developments in Kwara State to issues rather than exchange of personal insults, which he has always been averse to.

”The people of Kwara, who are bone-tired of the long years of ‘bolekaja’ governance in the state, are all saying in one voice, ‘O to ge’ (enough is enough), and will soon have the opportunity to express their frustration with their votes,” the Minister said.

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Nuts are often seen as something to snack on and we, most times, eat them just because of the savor [of the very nut we delight to crunch]. Nonetheless most of these nutritious fruits – in case you don’t know; nuts are classified as ‘fruits’ in botanical order – hold so much good in them than you might have ever imagined. There is certainly load of benefits in whichever nut you may choose – walnut, peanut, cashew, almond and so on.

What is in the nut?

• Antioxidants
  Walnuts have abundant supply of antioxidants which means they can be very valuable in fighting off the adverse effect of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are capable of damaging the body cells and have also been found to cause [and/or aggravate] aging, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and some other degenerative diseases. But the consumption of nuts with antioxidants [such as polyphenol vitamins C and E] can help to neutralize these unstable molecules thus limiting the chance of one falling victim of the aforementioned disorders. Besides walnut, other nuts such as almonds, cashew and pistachios also have a handful supply of anti-oxidants - but not as much as that of walnuts.

• Minerals
  Snacking on nuts will yet ensure that minerals [like selenium, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and copper] are made available for use in your body system. Each of these minerals is known to be beneficial in one way or the other. For instance, selenium can boost the functioning of the immune system and even prevent prostate cancer – FYI; selenium is a very potent antioxidant – while magnesium and phosphorus play significant role in the formation of bones among other benefits.

• Fibre
  Fibre is very essential in promoting the health and functioning of the digestive system, and aid in the lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Almonds and hazelnuts are particularly rich in fibre. Peanuts, pistachios and pine also have substantial amount of fibre.

• Omega-3 fatty acids
  Omega-3 fatty acid can be said to be the ‘good kind of fat’ that are advantageous for preventing heart diseases; improving the health of the eyes, bones, brain and immune system. People pay good sum of money to get Omega-3 fatty acid supplements [as they look to maintain a healthy heart] but regularly eating nuts like walnuts and pecans will not only help you stay healthy but also save you some cost.

• Protein
  Nuts are also good source of protein thus they can be of immeasurable benefit in the repair of worn-out tissues and the prevention of inflammation. Peanuts, pistachios, cashews, and almonds are quite rich in protein when considering nutritious nuts.

Other benefits of nuts are discussed under the following headings:

• Weight loss: Owing to the fact that nuts are low-carb snacks, they can be incorporated into weight loss plan. More so, eating them makes one feel satiated or fuller for longer.

• Good for diabetic patients
  Nuts have low glycaemic index hence they can be effective for reducing blood sugar level. As a result, they are often included in the dietary plan of individuals suffering Type II diabetes.

• Promoting skin health
  Nuts [like peanuts and pistachios] that are rich in Vitamin E are great for preserving the health of the skin. So, if you are about keeping your skin in good health, just take pleasure in the crunchy, tasty goodness of the nuts mentioned above.

• Combating insomnia
  Nuts can also help you to relax better hence they may be good for combating insomnia. This can be attributed to the fact that most of these contain magnesium – which is usually regarded as the ‘sleep mineral’ – and antioxidants.

No fewer than eight persons allegedly lost their lives on Saturday in an accident that involved two vehicles in Warri.

Eyewitness account said the two vehicles which included a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a commercial bus rammed each other and plunged into a river along the ever busy NPA Expressway in Warri.

The source explained that the two vehicles were on the same lane of the dual carriageway around the Ekpan community axis of the expressway.

According to the source, the commercial bus was parking on the side of the road to pick a passenger when the SUV allegedly rammed into it and both plunged into the river with the eight persons on board.

“The bus was picking a passenger around that spot when the Jeep (SUV) on high speed ran into it and pushed the bus and itself into the river.

“Eight bodies were recovered from the wreckage inside the water.

“It took the intervention of sympathisers as well as men of the Nigeria Police Force, Ekpan Divisional Headquarters to recover the corpses and evacuate the vehicles from the scene of incident,” the eyewitness said.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Command, Mr Andrew Aniamaka,when contacted said though he was yet to get an official report on the accident, but he had been informed about it.

“Yes, I have heard about it, but I am yet to get a situation report from the new Ekpan DPO. I will get back to you later,” he said. (NAN)

The Federal Government will in due course immortalise the country’s first executive president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who passed away Friday December 28, 2018, aged 93.

This promise was made in Sokoto on Sunday by President Muhammadu Buhari, while paying a condolence visit to the Shagari family.

In a letter to the Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, read by the governor at the event, the President stated:

“I received the very sad news of the passing away of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This, indeed, is a grievous loss, which will be felt throughout Nigeria, irrespective of any difference. The late Alhaji Shagari was a landmark figure being virtually our last link to the post-independence government of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa , and the first elected Executive President of Nigeria.

“Please convey to his immediate family, the government and the people of Sokoto State my heartfelt condolences on the passing away of this great statesman.

“The Federal Government will in due course institute a suitable memorial to the late former President”.

Nigeria is a land replete with many exciting topographical features; a land that nature has so smiled upon in its abundant graciousness. From the Ogbunike cave in Anambra to Mambilla Plateau in Taraba state; Obudu cattle Ranch in Cross-River… the list of natural landscapes that make a great appeal to the sight and leaves us with pleasurable memories for years to come remains quite expansive.

A scenic natural masterpiece that we will however like to explore [in this article] lies in a rustic settlement of Ekiti state. The Ikogosi warm spring has been a tourist’s haven for many years now and while many first-time adventurers [to the site] may be thrilled by the prospect of seeing its unique confluence of warm and cold springs, there are other intriguing features that will awe anyone who makes the trip down there. Among these are the rolling hills, lush green plantation and waterfalls. The fauna – particularly the birds – also provides a wonderful complement. All these could well help you make a great escape from the 'hustling and bustling' of city life.

Ikogosi warm spring has been known to the dwellers of the area long before it was discovered by British missionary, Reverend John S. McGee in 1952. Notwithstanding, Rev. McGee can be credited for delivering Ikogosi warm spring from the obscurity of traditional beliefs. All the more, the Baptist Missionary [to which the Reverend belonged as at then] was responsible for developing the vicinity of the spring; making it a place where people can resort to for vacation. They however ceded control of the area to the Nigerian Government in 1973.

There are various legends that have been projected about how the warm and cold springs came into being. One popular legend has it that both (springs) were the wives of a hunter, one being irascible and the other being even-tempered, and that they (the wives) turned into warm and cold springs upon being rebuked by their husband aftermath a quarrel. As one might have guessed, the irascible one turned into the warm spring while the mildly mannered wife became the cold spring.

But thanks to science; it has been explained that the warm spring is made possible as a result of deep fracture that exists underground. This causes the water to travel down the earth, and the water is heated up by the geothermal gradient generated therein. The temperature of water remains high to some extent as it (water) surges back to the surface. By the way, it is reported that the warm spring has a temperature of 700C and after the mixture of cold and warm springs – at the confluence – the temperature reading is recorded to be 370C.

Campers’ delight
Besides the natural endowment in and around Ikogosi warm spring, there are various facilities in place to help vacationists enjoy their stay there. There are chalets; restaurants, bar and swimming pool available for those who are seeking enjoy of nature’s benevolence in a serene atmosphere. You can look to include a visit to this haven in your next vacation plan.

The All Progressives Congress has condoled with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the death of some of its members involved in a road accident on Otukpo-Agatu Road in Benue State.

The PDP members were travelling for the campaign flag-off of a Senatorial candidate on Friday.

APC spokesman, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said the party is anguished and deeply saddened by the tragic accident.

While we share the pains of the bereaved families, we also pray that those injured in the accident make a speedy and full recovery.

As we mourn, the Party prays that the Almighty God give the bereaved families and other loved ones the strength to withstand the tragic loss and also grant the dead eternal rest.

The APC spokesman urged all political parties all to ensure safety of members as political activities have expectedly heightened in the run up to the 2019 General Elections.

We also call on relevant agencies charged with keeping transport routes and campaign grounds safe to ensure that the electioneering campaigns are as humanly possible devoid of avoidable accidents and incidents, Issa-Onilu added.

Source: NAN

The Presidency said Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is not a card-carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), cannot, and is not a member of the partys Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) as erroneously announced on Friday.

Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, made the clarification in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

The statement read: It has become imperative to further clarify the status of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, named under the sub-head ADVISORY MEMBERS in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council announced on Friday, December 28, 2018.

Africas richest man, not being a card-carrying member of APC, cannot, and is not member of the PCC.

He is also a member of the Peace Committee, and thus cannot be in a partisan campaign council.

A statement earlier issued by the presidential aide on Friday had named Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Adams Oshiomhole, Bola Tinubu, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, Femi Gbajabiamila, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola as members of the Special Advisory Committee to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Other members of the Council, according to the statement, are Chief Bisi Akande, Chief John Oyegun, Sen. Ita Enang, All APC serving Senators and All APC serving and former Governors.

All APC Members of the House of Representatives, all members of the National Working Committee of the APC and all Zonal Women Leaders are also members of the council.(NAN)

Source: NAN

A flood of tributes poured Friday night as the news of the death of Nigerias Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari spread after the announcement by his grandchildren and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto.

Shagari was 93 years old and will be buried in his Shagari village today at 2pm.

I regret to announce the death of former President Shehu Shagari who just passed away at National Hospital Abuja. May his Soul Rest in Peace, wrote Tambuwal on Twitter.

Bello Shagari who first announced it on Twitter had over 5,000 retweets, as he wrote: I regret announcing the death of my grandfather, H.E Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who died right now after brief illness at the National hospital, Abuja.

He later tweeted that the burial will take place today 29th December 2019, by 2pm at Shagari Local Government Inshaa Allah.

Nuradeen Mahe, another grandson was the person who briefed the newsmen in Sokoto about Shagaris death and also announced the burial that he said would take place today.

Tributes then started flowing from politicians, former military men who toppled Shagaris government in December 1983, students, the clergy including those who had opposed Shagaris politics in the Second Republic.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who succeeded Shagari on 1 January 1984 after the bloodless coup of 31 December, 1983 was among the early mourners.

On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Nigeria, it is with immense sadness that I received the news of the passing away of the First Executive President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari which event happened on Friday in Abuja, Buhari said in a statement by Media adviser, Femi Adesina.

Buhari described the death as the departure of a patriot whose life of service and humility was widely acknowledged.

President Buhari recalled part of the birthday message he (Buhari) sent to him last February when he said, we are enthralled and regaled with the many years of unequalled patriotism, sacrifices and contributions to national development.

More specifically, we celebrate the role modelling qualities of integrity, diligence and humility that have been the hallmark of your visionary leadership.

The Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Sen Aliyu Wamakko, who tweeted a photograph of Shagari, said the death of Second Republic President Shehu Shagari is an irreplaceable national loss.

He added that his demise is a great loss not only to his family, Sokoto State, Sultanate of Sokoto, but to Nigeria as a whole

From Minna Hilltop also came a tribute from former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, one of the military officers who participated in the December 1983 coup. Shagari was just three months old in his second term when the military officers removed him.

Source: NAN

By Olawunmi Ashafa

The Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the deployment of its Consumer Complaint Management System (CCMS) to ease the process of addressing issues.

The bank made the disclosure in a circular on its Website on Friday, saying the automated system would help to ease complaint management.

It said the CCMS would ultimately boost Nigerians confidence in the banking sector.

The bank also said the move was part of the apex banks job to ensure that the banking and finance sector was stable and conducive for all.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in furtherance of its mandate to promote stable financial system, embarked on the development of a Consumer Complaint Management System (CCMS).

This is an automated system aimed at easing complaints management to engender public confidence in the financial system.

In view of this development, the CBN has made it compulsory for banks and other financial institutions to abide by three important guidelines, it said.

The regulator said that the banks would have to assign a tracking to every complaint received from their respective customers.

It said the banks also needed to acknowledge receipt of every complaint through an e-mailed response.

This, it noted, would also include the tracking number that has been assigned to commence the uploading of all complaints on the CCMS.

The CBN advised banks and other financial services operators to ensure that they adhered to those stipulations which would start on Jan. 2, 2019.

It added, Failure to do this will attract sanctions in line with the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), Cap B3, LFN 2004.

Source: NAN

By Moses Omorogieva /Mateen Badru

Former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, and nine other senior police officers, have ended their career with the Nigerian police after 35 years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Owoseni was police commissioner in Lagos from July 1, 2015 to September 1, 2017.

NAN reports that the retiring officers were pulled out on Saturday at a colourful ceremony in Lagos amidst cheers by family members, colleagues and other dignitaries.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence Investigation Department (FCIID), Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, who represented I-G Ibrahim Idris, commended the retiring officers for their service to the nation.

Congratulations to all the retiring senior officers and to their families, we say a big thank you for the support.

As you bow out today, the I-G, the entire police and the nation say a big thank you. You have served well and God will reward you abundantly, she said.

A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Alapini, who represented Police Service Commission (PSC) Chairman, Musiliu Smith, also advised the retiring officers to be wary of the environment they were retiring to.

You are retiring into a new world, the world of the police is different from the world of retirement.

A lot of people are waiting for you thinking you have money to invest, you have to be wary and careful.

Please, be faithful to your family, he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi of Elegushi Ikate, commended the retiring police officers for their service to the nation.

I know how passionate you are about the country. How you work to keep the country safe.

We Nigerians often forget where we come from. Nigerias problem has been there for a while and it will take more than four years to solve.

It is just for our government to the right thing, he said.

Also speaking, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi, commended the retiring police officers for their service to the nation.

I understand what the police stand for as they have made Nigeria more secure, theyare the greatest law enforcement agents, the monarch said.

Among the retiring officers were AIG Abdul Bube, AIG Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, CP Agyole Abeh, CP Joseph Agaji and CP Gbemisola Akinpelu.

Others were CP Bello Ahmed, CP Abdullahi Ibrahim, CP Bello Yahaya, CP Adekinte Ademoju, CP Wakili Maye, CP Fave Semili and CP Ahmed Magaji.

NAN further reports that 55 police officers of the ranks of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Commissioner of Police (CP), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) retired from the force across the country.

Source: NAN

By Muhammad Nasir Bello

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state, has declared Monday, Dec. 31, as public holiday in the state to enable residents offer special prayer for the repose of the soul of former President, Shehu Shagari.

This is contained in a statement by Tambuwals Director General, Media and Public Affairs, Malam Abubakar Shekara, and issued to newsmen on Saturday in Sokoto.

Tambuwal said that the declaration followed consultation with the Sultanate Council.

The state government therefore, requests Imams across Sokoto and the general public to dedicate the day for special prayers for the repose of the soul of the former President and for peace and progress of the nation at large.

The government also directs all flags at public and private premises be flown at half mast in honor of the late former President, Shehu Shagari, it said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Liverpool roared back from a rare Anfield deficit to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Roberto Firminos hat-trick inspired a 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane were also on target as Liverpools front three all scored in the same league game for the first time this season.

Liverpool had trailed at home in the league for the first time in a day short of a year when Ainsley Maitland-Niles turned home Alex Iwobis excellent cross 11 minutes in.

However, the lead lasted just three minutes as Firmino profited from some calamitous Arsenal defending to level and then left Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos on the floor to score his second goal in three minutes.

Mane and Salahs penalty had the game wrapped up by half-time and Firmino completed his hat-trick from the spot as Jurgen Klopps men extended their unbeaten league start to 20 games and took another significant step towards a first league title since 1989/1990.

Win again in their next outing at Manchester City on Thursday and only a Liverpool collapse in the final months of the season can prevent an end to nearly three decades of hurt.

Champions City now trail the pace setters by 10 points and even if they reduce that lead to seven with victory at Southampton on Sunday, they need to end Liverpools invincible season so far to get back in the title race at the Etihad.

Tottenhams title ambitions suffered a huge blow as Wolves scored three times in the final 18 minutes to win 3-1 at Wembley earlier on Saturday to further embolden Anfield with belief before kick-off.

That confidence could have been shaken when after a bright Liverpool start, it was Arsenal who led when Iwobis teasing cross perfectly dissected Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, to leave Maitland-Niles with an open goal.

The signings of Alisson and Van Dijk have been credited for Liverpools rock solid defensive record with that goal just the eighth they have conceded all season in the league.

But that solidity is now being married with a return to the sort of form Salah, Firmino and Mane showed last season in smashing a combined 91 goals last season.

Firmino didnt even have to look at the ball when he slotted the equaliser into an empty net after Sokratiss attempted clearance rebounded off Mustafi into his path to quickly level.

However, the Brazilian did all the hard work himself two minutes later by jinking through Arsenals hapless central defensive pairing before drilling low past Bernd Leno.

Mane made it 3-1 on 32 minutes when Salah cushioned a cross perfectly into the Senegaleses path to side-foot high into the net.

Arsenal were handed a let off moments later by referee Michael Oliver when Granit Xhaka was only given a final warning rather than a second booking in a matter of seconds for kicking the ball away in frustration.

But Oliver gave Liverpool the chance to extend their lead just before half-time when Salah tumbled under pressure from Sokratis in the box.

Leno got a touch to the Egyptians spot-kick but couldnt stop Salah moving level with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Harry Kane as the Premier Leagues top scorer on 13.

Liverpool could easily have had more after the break as only a poor touch from Salah allowed Leno to smother and the German keeper also denied Fabinho, while at the other end Aubameyangs blushes were saved by the offside flag when he fired over with an open goal gaping.

Salah gave up the chance to move clear in the race for the golden boot when Sead Kolasinac pushed Dejan Lovren 25 minutes from time and Firmino gratefully fired home the penalty to round off a five-star performance.

Source: NAN