Sen.David Mark has arrived Minna, capital of Niger State to hold a private meeting with the former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

The meeting lasted for two hours at the Hilltop residence of the former military ruler.

NAN reports that Sen.David Mark arrived at about 1.30pm in company of Sen. Zainab Kure, Sen. Tunde Ogbeha and Sen.Suleman Adokwe, current chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation.

The 70 year-old Mark, who has been in the senate since 1999, obviously came to discuss his presidential ambition with Babangida, who had hosted several other aspirants.

Among them were the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Attahiru Bafarawa, Sule Lamido and Ahmed Makarfi, all contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party platform.

Said one of Marks aides who didnt want his name mentioned: Yes my boss is discussing with IBB. Firstto brief him and seek his prayers and support for the task ahead.

Sen. Zainab Kure, who is the director general David Mark Presidential Campaign Organisation told NAN that Mark is a good materialneeded to reposition the country for optimal growth.

He was a former military Governor, communications Minister and senate president of the Federal Republic. So he possesses all the required political acumen to lead our country ,she said.

Zainab also hoped that the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) would conduct a free, fair and credible election.

I am appealing to all eligible Nigerians to support the electoral processes to enable the commission discharge its constitutional mandate , she said.

She said that the task to ensure a peaceful conduct of the 2019 election is the joint responsibility of all stakeholders especially the politicians.

David Mark also was the communications minister during Babangidas rule(1985-1993).

Source: NAN

A new report byUnited Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has shown Nigerias Human Development Index rising by two points and life expectancy also rising by eight years.

The report measured national achievements in Human Development Index in health, education and income/standard of living in 187 countries. Nigerias rising population, put at 190 million, appears to be a drag in the index computations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HDI report showed that Nigerias HDI value for 2017 was 0.532. It was 0.530 in 2016. And it has shown a consistent increase since the measurement began in 2003. From that base year, when the HDI was estimated at 0.443, it has now increased to 0.532 in 2017, marking a 14.4 per cent over the period.

The countrys life expectancy at birth was also put at 53.9 years while between 1990 and 2017, Nigerias life expectancy at birth has increased by 8.0 years, the report showed.

But overall,Nigerias ranking did not change from 157th out of the 189 countries sampled.

There are other good news in the report. Years of schooling increased by one year and expected years of schooling increased by 3.3 years, according to the report.

Nigerias Gross National Income (GNI) per capita increased by about 87.4 percent between 1990 and 2017, the UNDP report showed.

The report put Nigerias population at 190.1 million in 2017 while the countrys projected population in 2030 is 264.1 million

Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Ireland and Germany led the ranking of 189 countries and territories in the latest HDI, and with the exceptions of 2007 and 2008, Norway has topped the HDI chart every year since 2001.

However, Niger, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Chad and Burundi have the lowest scores in the HDIs measurement of national achievements in health, education and income, with Niger at the lowest for several years.

A child born today in Norway could expect to live beyond 82 years old and spend almost 18 years in school while a child born in Niger could expect only to live to 60 and spend just five years in school.

The HDI criteria are designed to be broad enough to be inclusive of countries social, political and economic diversity while being indicative of a countrys quality of life.

Key regional development trends, as shown by the HDI and other human development indices, showed that Sub-Saharan Africa region has seen a 35 per cent growth in HDI since 1990.

Rwanda ranked highest country in the world with most women in parliament. The country has held the top spot since 2008 with the women holding more than half the seats in the parliament.

Out of the 189 countries for which the HDI is calculated, 59 countries are in the very high human development group and only 38 countries fall in the low HDI group.

While no African country is in the very high human development rank, six African countries are now in the high human development group. The countries are the small island nations ofSeychelles, 0.797 (62), Mauritius, 0.790 (65), Algeria, Algeria, 0.754(85) , Botswana, 0.717 (101), Libya, 0.706 (108) and Gabon, 0.702 (110). The surprise entry is Libya, despite the ravaging wars in the country.
Fourteen countries in the region are now in the medium human development group. They are South Africa, 113 (0.699), Egypt, 115 (0.696), Morocco, 123 (0.667), Cape Verde, 125 (0.654), Namibia, 129 (0.647), Congo, 137 (0.606).

Others are Ghana, 140 (0.592), Equatorial Guinea, 141 (0.591), Kenya, 142 (0.590), Sao Tome and Principe, 143 (0.589), Kingdom of e-Swatini, 144 (0.588), Zambia, 144 (0.588), Angola, 147 (0.581), and Cameroon, 151 (0.556).

In the low human development group, countries that ranked higher than Nigeria are: Tanzania, 154 (0.538) and Zimbabwe, 156 (0.535). Nigeria followed at 157 (0.532).

Nigeria was rated better than Senegal(164th, Ivory Coast 170th, Rwanda(158th), Lesotho(159th), Mauritania(159th), Madagascar(161st), Uganda(162nd), Benin(163rd), Togo(165th). Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Congo DR, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Liberia. Others rated lower to Nigeria are Mali, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, Niger, Burundi, Chad, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic.

At 101 per 1,000 live births, Sub-Saharan Africas adolescent birth rate is more than twice the world average of 44 per 1,000 live births.

While Sub-Saharan Africas maternal mortality ratio is 549 deaths per 100,000 live births, some countries in the region such as Cape Verde have achieved a much lower rateof 42 deaths per 100,000 live births.

The UN said while health, education, and income levels have improved overall across the globe, wide inequalities both among and within countries, are casting a shadow on sustained human development.

While these statistics present a stark picture in themselves, they also speak to the tragedy of millions of individuals whose lives are affected by inequity and lost opportunities, neither of which are inevitable, said Achim Steiner, the Administrator of UNDP.

Inequality in all its forms and dimensions, between and within countries, limits peoples choices and opportunities, withholding progress, explained Selim Jahan, Director of the Human Development Report Office at UNDP.

Source: NAN

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic made history on Saturday, scoring his 500th career goal in stunning fashion but it wasnt enough to lift the Los Angeles Galaxy to a win over Toronto FC.

The 36-year-old Ibrahimovic has always had a flair for the dramatic and he did just that in becoming the third active footballer to reach the milestone, joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The six-foot-five (1.95 metre) Ibrahimovic released a perfectly-timed roundhouse kick in the 43th minute that fooled goalkeeper Alex Bono for his 17th goal of the season.

The goal cut the deficit to 3-1 and sparked a three-goal Galaxy rally but the defending MLS champions would go on to win 5-3 in front of a crowd of 30,700 at BMO Field in Toronto.

I am happy for Toronto because they will be remembered as my 500th victim, said Ibrahimovic.

Ibrahimovic came into Saturdays game tied for second in MLS scoring.

I was close to the goal. It reminds me of a goal I did in Ajax, he said. It came from a cross and I turned around and I hit it. I was just trying to hit the goal and it went in.

Ibrahimovic scored 62 of his goals for Sweden with the rest coming while playing for Malmo FF, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and now the Galaxy.

Jonathan Osorios 75th-minute go-ahead goal halted a three-goal Galaxy comeback and helped give Toronto some much needed points in their playoff push.

Jay Chapman added an insurance goal in stoppage time with a low shot to the corner.

It is an incredible achievement, said Galaxy coach Dominic Kinnear of Ibrahimovics goal. The guy is a great goal scorer and it is a memorable one for him for many reasons.

Asked if it was memorable one for the coach, Kinnear said, In about 10 years from now.

Source: NAN

Typhoon Mangkhut killed at least 25 people in the Philippines as it smashed homes and left behind torrents of floodwater, and is now on course to plough into Chinas coast.

The massive storm, considered this years strongest, left key agricultural areas on Luzon island underwater as its fierce winds tore trees from the ground and rains unleashed dozens of landslides.

Because communications and electricity were knocked out across much of the region where about five million people were in the typhoons direct path, officials are still assessing the human and material cost.

In the northern town of Baggao, the storm collapsed houses, tore off roofs and downed power lines. Some roads were cut off by landslides and many remained submerged.

Farms across Luzon, which produces a large portion of the nations rice and corn, were sitting under muddy floodwaters, their crops ruined just a month before harvest.

Were already poor and then this (storm) happened to us. We have lost hope, 40-year-old Mary Anne Baril, whose corn and rice crops were spoiled in the storm, told AFP.

We have no other means to survive, she said through tears.

More than 105,000 people fled their homes in the largely rural region.

An average of 20 typhoons and storms lash the Philippines each year, killing hundreds of people and leaving millions in near-perpetual poverty.

The dead included many killed in landslides, a girl who drowned and a security guard crushed by a falling wall. In addition to the 10 killed in the Philippines, a woman was swept out to sea in Taiwan.

The countrys deadliest storm on record is Super Typhoon Haiyan, which left more than 7,350 people dead or missing across the central Philippines in November 2013.

Mangkhut has weakened since blasting into the Philippine coast on Saturday, but was packing sustained winds of 175 kilometres per hour (110 miles per hour) as it hurtled toward Chinas heavily populated southern coast.

Rain and strong winds lashed Hong Kong Sunday morning as the storm approached.

The citys observatory warned that Mangkhut would pass 100 kilometres south of Hong Kong at around midday (0400 GMT) local time as it raised the storm alert to its highest level.

Water levels in the famous Victoria Harbour and fishing villages could surge by up to four metres, authorities said, and hundreds of residents have been evacuated to storm shelters as the observatory forecast severe flooding for low-lying areas.

Shop windows were taped up and the normally traffic-clogged streets were deserted as the storm drew nearer.

The government has warned people to stay indoors but some were strolling in the park or along the waterfront Sunday morning.

I went running this morning. I love fresh air and theres no one on the streets, no cars. On normal days we cant see this, said Hao Chen, 28, who lives in the neighbourhood of Tin Hau, on Hong Kong Island.

Some residents reported their buildings were swaying in the wind and parks were already strewn with broken branches by the early morning.

Source: NAN

A decade after she launched her fashion labe in New York, Victoria Beckham will exhibit at London Fashion Week for the first time on Sunday.

It will be a triumphant homecoming of sorts for a now widely-respected designer and entrepreneur.

The ex-Spice Girls singer oversees an empire comprising four clothing lines, more than 400 retail outlets in over 50 countries and offices in London and New York.

At the outset Beckham, a longtime fashionista, faced a daunting challenge: convincing a competitive and demanding industry that she could make a lasting impression on fickle fashion fans.

Many saw her as just another example of a celebrity wanting to have a fashion range with no formal fashion training, Andrew Groves, a professor of fashion design at the University of Westminster, told AFP.

Through hard work and determination, she has proved those early critics wrong.

In the space of a decade, Beckham, 44, has ventured into accessories, expanded sales internationally and online and multiplied collaborations with the likes of Reebok, Target and Estee Lauder.

Her style has also evolved, from the chic classicism that marked her first steps into haute couture to the more daring cuts and vibrant colours neon orange, mint green, lilac of more recent offerings.

Its been an incredible journey, even when things can be challenging. Ive had to learn incredibly quickly, she told The Daily Telegraph newspaper recently.

She claims the secret of her success is a tireless work ethic and the support of her family football superstar husband David and their four children.

Beckham was blunt about the ambition for her brand to get bigger and bigger, in a 2013 interview with The New York Times Magazine.

That came a step closer in 2017 with the formation of her Victoria Beckham Limited (VBL) company thanks to a 30 million ($39 million, 34 million euros) injection from private equity firm NEO Investment Partners.

It valued the brand at 100 million, according to Business of Fashion magazine.

However, VBL will look to reduce its losses, which reached 8.5 million at the end of 2016 nearly double the previous year, according to its most recent financial results.

Running deficits of that volume is not unique in this industry and not necessarily a sign that she is any the less credible, Naomi Braithwaite, a fashion marketing and branding lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, told AFP.

It takes a time to build a brand and she is competing with labels that have a very long established history.

Fashion professor Andrew Groves says Beckham has what it takes to last for many years as a medium-sized brand

Groves added that Beckham has all the right elements to last for many years as a medium-sized designer brand.

He noted her stated desire to build an empire hints at the overriding desire to continue to defy the early doubters.

As for the Spice Girls, the most famous girlband in history has reformed for a 13-date tour in 2019 but without Posh Spice, who has drawn a line under her first life as a pop star, according to British media.

British Vogue magazine featured Beckham surrounded by her children on its October cover under the headline fashion gets real.

Thats what Im doing now, she told the magazine.

Source: NAN

Olympic champion Beckie Scott resigned from the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA) committee which recommended ending Russias drug suspension on Saturday as the global watchdog defended its handling of the case.

Scott, one of six members of WADAs compliance review committee, stepped down a day after it emerged the panel had given a green light for the sanction against the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) to be lifted at a board meeting in the Seychelles on September 20.

WADAs disclosure of the committees decision on Friday drew criticism from athletes and other testing bodies who claim Russian authorities have not met set benchmarks necessary for readmission.

The WADA decision also came after a leaked document earlier this week which showed that the committee had initially recommended leaving the ban in place at next weeks meeting.

Scotts resignation, which was reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the BBC, appears to highlight tensions within WADA over the decision.

Scott will retain her role as the head of WADAs athletes committee, reports said.

The RUSADA has been suspended by WADA since 2015, when the global agency revealed a vast, Russian state-supported doping scandal to cheat at the 2014 Winter Olympics, and for years beforehand.

WADAs apparent U-turn on Friday was condemned by US Anti-Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart.

Frankly, it stinks to high heaven, Tygart said, demanding WADA release all relevant correspondence regarding the issue.

Today, WADA has unequivocally told the world the type of organization it is: one that supports the desires of a handful of sports administrators over the rights of millions of clean athletes.

WADA on Friday said its compliance committee was recommending lifting the suspension after reviewing a letter from the Russian Ministry of Sport.

This letter sufficiently acknowledged the issues identified in Russia, therefore fulfilling the first of the two outstanding criteria of RUSADAs Roadmap to Compliance, WADA said.

It said Russia had also agreed to provide access to data and samples in its Moscow laboratory to WADA via an independent expert.

However in a separate statement issued on Saturday, WADA suggested lifting of the sanction next week was not a foregone conclusion.

It said Russia still needed to provide data from the drug-tainted Moscow laboratory at the centre of the scandal within a set time frame.

If the CRCs recommendation is approved by the WADA ExCo on 20 September, RUSADA will be declared compliant, WADA said.

However, for the avoidance of doubt, the second condition demands that WADA receives a copy of the former Moscow Laboratorys database and the raw data via an independent expert within a strict time limit to be determined by the ExCo.

If this is not met in full, then the CRC will recommend to the ExCo that RUSADA is, once again, declared non-compliant.

Source: NAN

People living in communities on the floodplains, especially in Niger, Edo, Jigawa, Anambra and Bayelsa state should be prepared to experience another round of flooding.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that there will be more flooding in the coming days and people should be evacuated from the areas prone to the flood.

This, according to the agency, is because of the rising water levels in River Niger and Benue.

The identified states were all hit by floods last week with about 70 deaths reported, hundreds of homes submerged, and thousands displaced.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mr. Mustapha Maihaja, warned that the situation could get worse as water inflow into River Niger and River Benue is so huge that both rivers can only accommodate less than two meters of water before they will overflow their banks into nearby communities.

To prevent further loss of lives, the agency called for the evacuation of people living in communities on the floodplains.

Meanwhile, the Director of Search and Rescue at NEMA, Air Commodore Akugbe Iyamu, said the agency had placed all disaster units across the country on red alert to avoid any catastrophic disaster in the country.

He said this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital when a team from NEMA paid a visit to the 222 Batalion, Sobi Military Cantonment, Ilorin and 303 Medium Airlift Group of the Nigeria Air Force.

The visit is part of efforts to ensure that prompt actions are taken by the Air Force immediately they receive a distress call from any part of the country where people are trapped.

On Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari had delegated authority to the NEMA DG to declare a national disaster if the anticipated flooding becomes a reality in parts of the country.

The Presidents directive was contained in a letter entitled Situation Report on the River Flood Along the Banks of Rivers Benue and Niger, which was signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

It gave Delegation of authority to the Director-General of NEMA to activate the Disaster Response Units of the military for possible search and rescue missions.

The President also gave the NEMA DG authorisation for the procurement and proportionate stocking of relief materials and health-related items up to N3billion to provide for the needs of possible victims.

Also, President Muhammadu Buhari has instructed the NEMA boss to provide him with regular updates.

The Presidents directive follows a warning by NEMA and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that Rivers Benue and Niger had almost reached levels that resulted in flooding in 2012, which led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.

Source: NAN

The Nigerian Army, including the Air Force, are partnering with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for better coordination and effective management of disasters.

The Director General of the agency, Mr. Mustapha Maihaja, said it was important to assess the level of readiness in disaster management in view of the challenges in the change of climate.

He said that the essence of the assessment visit was to deplore all facilities to ensure Nigerians are safe as 12 states have been placed on red alert due to the rising water level which had reached 10.66cm, a delicate threshold, which may still increase.

Maihaja who was represented said both the Army and the Air Force detachment 671 and 81 battalions at Letmuck barracks in Ibadan expressed concern over the consistent rise in water level in flood-prone areas of the country.

He called on all hands to be on deck to avoid the loss of more lives.

The NEMA boss stated that there are four stages of disaster management, namely preparation, risk reduction, rescue and relief, adding the situation is presently at the risk reduction stage.

He said that six teams have been constituted across the country to visit all vulnerable areas towards evacuating affected Nigerians to a safe place prepared for such.

Representing the Chief of Defense Staff, Rear Admiral Dolapo Kolawole, Director Search and Rescue, Defence headquarters, said the team was in Ibadan to assess the capability gaps in providing assistance for disaster management and response.

Earlier, Wing Commander Peter Garba, Acting Commander, NAF detachment, and acting commanding officer, 81 battalions, Captain Clement Jangfa both expressed their readiness to collaborate with NEMA.

They highlighted some of their challenges to include inadequate manpower, utility vehicles, and other logistical problems which must be tackled for effective disaster management.

Source: NAN

In an effort to comprehensively tackle transnational organised crime, Kenya has resolved to collaborate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

This Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Dr. Fred Matiangi, said in Nairobi during a meeting with Interpol secretary general Jrgen Stock, that Kenya desire to collaborate with the worlds largest international police organization to build an unassailable cyber environment, ahead of the launch of the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS).

He reiterated President Uhuru Kenyattas support to Interpol as Kenya seeks to root out all criminal networks, which pose serious threats to national and international security.

Were aware that cybercrime is real in this digital era, but we are taking all measures to remain ahead of the criminals, Dr. Matiangi said, and exuded confidence that the data which will be collected during the upcoming digital registration exercise will be secured.

The Cabinet Secretary also revealed that Kenya is working with various anti-money laundering agencies across the globe to identify sources and destinations of proceeds of crime.

Most economic crimes are linked to fraudulent travel papers, but we are relentless in this fight. Apart from streamlining our immigration laws, were also in hot pursuit of wanted fugitives to bring them to justice in line with the international criminal law, he added.

Meanwhile, Stock recognized Kenya as an important partner in the global regime against terrorism and transnational organized crime, and said Interpol will step up its contribution in this drive in terms of skills and resources.

He disclosed that a mega-project that will serve as one of Interpols global early warning systems is underway in Nairobi.

Kenya hosts the Interpol Bureau for Eastern Africa, which covers 13 countries, and the project will expand Africas technical ability to counter major security threats.

Source:

Source: NAN

The embattled Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has finally resigned after much pressure.

Although no official statement has been released on the issue, reliable sources confirmed her resignation on Friday.

The 51-year-old former minister is reported to have resigned following pressure arising from her questionable NYSC discharge certificate.

In November 2015, Adeosun was appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Finance by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Kemi was born in 1967 in London, England to Nigerian parents from Ogun State.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of East London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Financial Management from the University of London.

She qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1994 and she was qualified for NYSC exemption on return to Nigeria after clocking above 30 years of age.

The story has been out there that Adeosun forged her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

Although she was above 30 when she returned to Nigeria, she was not qualified to obtain an exemption because she got her first degree when she was in her 20s.

The fake exemption certificate that she obtained through a third party was what caused her fall.

She initially ignored the forgery report, but her handlers later explained that she was not guilty.

They painted those digging into the story as mischief-makers who wanted to pull down a woman of substance.

The NYSC headquarters also came up with a terse statement that she indeed applied for an exemption and that it was looking into the matter.

Some citizens had dragged her to the Federal High Court in Abuja which has fixed October 8 to hear the suit asking it to sack her from office.

The Chief Judge of the high court, Justice Abdul Abdu-Kafarati, assigned the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/712/2018, to Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu for expeditious hearing.

The suit was filed by a Mr. Francis Obalim, a lawyer who approached the court, praying for an order quashing and setting aside Mrs. Adeosun’s appointment as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Her appointment, he said, circumvented the condition precedent and in contravention of mandatory Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the NYSC Act which is an integral part of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The news of her resignation burst the social media, recording more than 15,000 tweets one hour after.

Dr. Joe Abah‏Verified account @DrJoeAbah tweeted: “I have just received, with sadness, news that Kemi Adeosun has resigned. She is a talented, courageous woman who drove a lot of important reforms as Minister of Finance. However, the NYSC saga had made her position untenable & the situation was only going to go from bad to worse.’’

Some people have praised her as one of the few Nigerians that have dared to resign from office.

Kemi Ariyo‏ @d_problemsolver also tweeted: “If truly Kemi Adeosun has resigned, she earns my respect.

“This is the first time in the history of Nigeria a minister or a leader will take a bold step to write a resignation letter because of forgery allegation.’’

In his tweet, Niyi Balogun‏ @ng_niyi said: “Just shows how dirty the labyrinth of power can get. Great talent though. Wish Kemi Adeosun best!’’

With Kemi Adeosun’s reported resignation, it’s safe to declare that Nigeria’s journalist of the year is definitely our own @abdulfagge, for revealing her forgery and how she was being exploited by NASS. And allow me to famz that he’s my former co-worker. #ProudFriendsCommunity 😀

— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) September 14, 2018

A Kubwa Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, on Friday ordered the remand of 45-year-old Joseph Ave, who told the court that a 14-year-old girl is his girlfriend.

Ave was docked on a three-count charge bordering on abduction, gross act of indecency and causing public nuisance, offences he admitted committing.

The defendant confessed that on several occasions, he had carnal knowledge of the minor, whom he said he intended to marry and even informed the father.

The judge, Abdulwahab Mohammed, who ordered the remand of Ave in prison, adjourned the case until Oct. 8 for conviction and sentencing.

The prosecutor, Babajide Olanipekun, had told the court that Ave deceived and took the minor away from her parents since Aug. 25.

The prosecutor said that the defendant moved her from one location to another.

He said that Ave had carnal knowledge of the minor on several occasions in an indecent manner.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 272, 285 and 198 of the Penal Code.

‎The defence counsel, Moses Ugwummadu, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, adding that Ave admitted committing the offences instead of wasting the time of the court.

(Reuters/NAN) Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co (7201.T) said on Thursday it had signed U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka as its next brand ambassador.

Nissan wants to tap the tennis stars youth, drive and Japanese roots to appeal to younger customers.

Osaka, 20, shot to international fame on Saturday when she defeated 36-year-old American Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows to become the first Japanese player to claim a Grand Slam singles crown.

Growing up, my dad drove a Nissan, so being able to be a brand ambassador now, it feels like Ive come full circle, Osaka said at a contract signing event at Nissans headquarters in Yokohama.

Nissan said the passionate video-game player and Beyonce fan would appear in global promotions and advertising as part of its three-year contract.

That contract will be something of a branding departure for a company whose popular GT-R sports car appeals mainly to men aged 40 and older.

Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and Haitian-born father and raised mainly in the United States, Osaka has won hearts on and off the tennis court.

She has done so much for her ferocious serve as her down-to-earth humility.
Asked how she felt being a high-profile, bi-racial athlete in a largely ethnically homogenous country, Osaka said the question really throws me off.

Its just who I am I dont think Im a mix of three whatever, I just think I am me, she said.

Nissan joins a growing number of companies which have enlisted Osaka for endorsement.

They include Adidas AG (ADSGn.DE), Yonex Co (7906.T), Nissin Foods Co (1475.HK), Wowow Inc (4839.T) and Citizen Watch Co (7762.T).

Osaka is the latest sports figure to lend her star power to Nissan, after Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt served as the automakers global director of excitement to promote the GT-R from 2012 to 2016.

Last year, it signed Australian actress Margot Robbie, who has been promoting its electric vehicles.

Having Osaka as a face of the company, Nissan can appeal to younger drivers as it aims to expand sales of its Leaf all-battery electric car, and promote its automated and connected-driving technologies.

But Osaka said her tastes veered towards Nissans sports cars. For me, its the GT-R Because its fast, she said.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved with effect from 14 September, the appointment of Yusuf Magaji Bichi, as new Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS).

The appointee is a core secret service operative, according to a statement by Garba Shehu, senior special assistant on media, to President Buhari.

Bichi will take over from Lawal Daura, who was sacked on 7 August after he sent hooded operatives to mount a blockade of the National Assembly, without authorisation. The action triggered both local and international condemnation. Mr. Mathew Sieyefa from Bayelsa had been holding forte since then.

Bichi attended Danbatta Secondary School, the Kano State College of Advanced Studies and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he graduated with a degree in Political Science.

The new Director-General began his career in the security division of the Cabinet Office in Kano, from where he joined the defunct Nigerian Security Organization (NSO), the precursor of the present DSS.

Mr. Bichi has undergone training in intelligence processing analysis, agent handling recruitment and intelligence processing in the UK, as well as strategic training at the National Defence College.

The new DSS boss comes to the job with skills in intelligence gathering, research analysis, conflict management, general investigation, risk and vulnerability operations, counter intelligence and protective operation and human resources management.

In the course of his career, Mr. Bichi has worked as the State Director of Security in Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Abia States.

He was at various times the Director, National Assembly Liaison, (National War College), Director at National Headquarters in the Directorate of Security Enforcement, Directorate of Operations, Directorate of Intelligence, Directorate of Inspection and Directorate of Administration and Finance.

He also served as Director at State Service Academy.

Mr Bichi is married and has children

Source: NAN

By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa

The Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr Dasuki Galadanchi, said on Thursday in Owerri that the command had arrested two suspects involved in the killing of a Rev. Fr, Jude Egbom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that until his death, Egbom was the parish priest of St Patrick Catholic Church, Amucha in Njaba Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

It will be recalled that the hoodlums barged into a salon in Nkwere Local Government Council where the priest was barbing his hair and killed him on Sept. 10.

The commissioner, who paraded the suspects on Thursday, gave their names as Chigozie Uzoukwu and Peter Boniface.

Also, Galadanchi paraded two other suspects who stole a corpse from O-Jesus Mortuary, Akabo and demanded for N5 million ransom.

He explained that the criminals were arrested in a forest in Mbaitoli LGA on Sept. 12, after keeping the corpse for many days.

The names of the suspects were given as Chukwudi Chukwu and Bethel Ibe.

In their separate reactions, Bethel Ibe, a commercial bus driver, said he was lured into kidnapping by his friends.

He said they decided to steal the corpse to raise money for what he called a mega business.

His co-suspect, Chukwudi Chukwu, said he was an ex-mortuary attendant and was sacked by management of O-Jesus mortuary.

He said that based on his experience in mortuary business, he was able to steal the corpse.

Source: NAN

By Femi Ogunshola

Nigerian workers have thrown their weight behind the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to the Federal Government over delay regarding new minimum wage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Labour leaders had on Wednesday cautioned the Federal Government against foot-dragging on the new minimum wage and allow the tripartite committee to conclude its job to avoid action.

The labour leaders, who are members of the Minimum Wage Committee at a joint news conference addressed in Lagos, gave the Federal Government 14 days to ensure that the committee conclude its work or be ready to face action.

The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, had said that the committee was not pleased with the comments allegedly made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

Ngige had last week said that the committee should adjourn indefinitely to give room for further consultations with the government.

We view his supposed pronouncement with great concern, suspicion and outrage.

This new antic certainly is not acceptable to Nigerian workers, who had expected a New National Minimum Wage since 2016, Wabba said.

However, some of the workers, who spoke with NAN on Thursday in Abuja expressed disappointment over the way and manner government was handling the issue.

Mr Salisu Umar, a civil servant, berated the Federal Government for obvious lack of concern to the plight of workers.

He said it would be outright lack of feelings for Nigerian workers not to heed the call for increased wage in the face of harsh economy.

Umar called on the NLC not to rest on its oars in the pursuit of a new minimum wage, adding that whatever action the union resolved to take to press home their demand would receive the support of workers.

Another worker, Mrs Dorcas Abulu, called on the NLC to put the Federal Government on its toes until the national new minimum wage was approved.

She noted that prices of goods and services had skyrocketed, adding that workers could hardly afford the basic needs of life because of inflation.

Abulu said the NLC should not succumb to intimidation or be compromised on the negotiation processes, adding that nothing must be done against the interest of Nigerian workers to get a new wage.

Mrs Aderinola Kemi, also a civil servant, urged NLC to ensure that they were not deceived with promises of implementation after the 2019 general elections.

She said that election time was the best period to force the Federal Government to implement the new wage, adding that no political party would want to jettison its workers demand during electioneering.

Another worker, Mr Issa Kamar, said the NLC should make good its threat by taking prompt action at the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum, adding that the workers were fully behind it.

Others, who spoke with NAN, were unanimous in their support for any action taken by the NLC that would favour the workers and force the Federal Government to return to the negotiating table.

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, had on May Day while addressing Nigerian workers at the Eagle Square said the implementation of the new minimum wage would begin in September.

Also, the NLC president had on Sept. 10 said both the government and labour agreed that the September timeline must be respected.

According to him, the NLC is committed to respecting the timeline and that is why we left everything we are doing to do the needful to be able to do a good job.

Source: NAN

By Hamza Suleiman/Maiduguri

Many Boko Haram fighters were killed by Nigerian troops in Damasak on Thursday, spokesman Brig. Texas Chukwu said.

Chukwu, who said the terrorists came to attack the military formation at 6pm were outmatched by the superior firepower of Nigerian soldiers.

The troops engaged and subdued the terrorists following a superior fire power of troops in DAMASAK.

The troops aggressive posture, tactics and marksmanship resulted in neutralising many Boko Haram terrorists, he said.

The statement discredited an online report alleging the capturing of Damasak by Boko Haram terrorists.

Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, the Director of army public relations said:

Nigerian Army wishes to state categorically that the claim is not only untrue but capable of misleading members of the general public and the world at large.

In the said story, the report stated inter alia, that Damasak is the location of 134 Battalion. The Nigerian Army wishes to state that there was no such battalion in Damasak.

The Nigerian Army earlier released a statement that troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak, Borno State, are engaging Boko Haram terrorists who came to attack their location at about 6 p.m on 12 September, 2018.

The statement also stated that fierce battle is ongoing right now and the troops are dealing with the terrorists.

Consequently, the Nigerian Army wishes to state that the fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North Eastern parts of the the country is yielding positive result.

The Nigerian Army, therefore, advised members of the public, particularly residents of the affected areas, to go about their legitimate businesses and disregard the said report.

The Nigerian Army will continue to protect lives and property of citizens at all times.

The Nigerian Army also call on the media to always exercise caution, verify facts as well as balance their reports before rushing to the press to avoid misinforming the public on sensitive issues, Chukwu advised.

Source: NAN

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has called on the international community to engage in the sponsorship of training programmes for Nigerian youths in the area of skill acquisition.

Governor Okowa made this call on Thursday while receiving the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington who paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.

The Governor while welcoming the ambassador, noted that it is very important to trains youths, stressing that when trained, youths will be off the streets to engage in an economic activity, thereby making the country more developed.

It is important that the international community engage in the training of our youths in skill acquisition as it will go a long way to equip them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

We thank you Mr Ambassador for contributing your quota in the training of some of our youths in agro-business; the state will partner with you to train more youths in this business and we are looking for more partners, he said.

Gov. Okowa used the opportunity to express his gratitude to the World Bank for contributing to the training of the youths through the SEEFOR, but stated that a lot more needed to be done in youths training.

So far, as a state government, we have carried out three cycles of our job creation training; we monitor and mentor our trainees and we are glad to say that we have over 62 per cent success rates in our wealth creation programmes, the governor disclosed.

He commended the Ambassador for visiting the state to find out the progress made in the training of beneficiaries of Presidential Amnesty programmes, expressing delight that the facilities used for the training would be useful in training more youths in the wealth creation programmes by his administration.

Responding, the Ambasador Mr Symington said they were in the state to visit the agricultural training programme going on through the Presidential Amnesty programme in partnership with some American investors.

While commending Governor Okowas administration for providing a conducive environment for the training to take place, he observed that agricultural business would boost the economy of Nigeria.

He noted that for Nigeria to remain the economic hub of Africa, youth development through skill acquisition must be fully harnessed, so the youths can change their lives and make the country great.

Source: NAN

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya defied parliament by rejecting a financebill that sought to postpone a widely unpopular tax on fuel that has triggered strikes and public anger.

Parliament will hold a special sitting on the bill on Tuesday to reconsider the finance bill togetherwith the reservations of the president, said the gazette notice signed by Justin Muturi,the speaker of the national assembly.

It did not say why the president rejected the bill as passed by parliament in late August.

Kenyattas acting spokesperson Kanze Dena told Reuters the president would address the country on the matter on Friday.

His government faced a strike by some fuel dealers, anger among commuters and a lawsuit after it triggereda hike in transport and fuel prices by imposing the 16 per cent value added tax on all petroleumproducts on Sept. 1.

The finance bill that was returned to parliament had also retained a cap on commercial lending rates, afterlawmakers amended a move by the finance minister to repeal it.

Source: NAN

As the Catholic Church battle to redeem its battered image amid a wave of scandals enveloping leaders within its circle, Pope Francis ordered an investigation of an American bishop Michael Bransfield, accused of sexually harassing adults.

Bransfield, the West Virginia bishop resigned Thursday and Pope Francis didnt waste time to accept his resignation and directed another bishop to investigate the allegation against him.

News of the investigation came as a meeting was underway between Francis and U.S. cardinals and bishops to discuss the allegations involving Bransfield.

According to the Associated Press, Bransfield had been implicated in 2012 in a Philadelphia priestly sex abuse case, but he denied ever abusing anyone and claimed vindication years ago.

He continued with his ministry until he offered to retire, as required, when he turned 75 last week.

The Vatican announced Francis accepted his resignation at the exact moment the U.S. delegation was arriving at the Apostolic Palace for the meeting with the pope.

Francis appointed Baltimore Bishop William Lori to take over Bransfields Wheeling-Charleston diocese temporarily.

Lori said in a statement that Francis had also instructed him to conduct an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment of adults against Bishop Bransfield.

My primary concern is for the care and support of the priests and people of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston at this difficult time.

I further pledge to conduct a thorough investigation in search of the truth into the troubling allegations against Bishop Bransfield and to work closely with the clergy, religious and lay leaders of the diocese until the appointment of a new bishop, Lori said in a statement.

In past court cases involving Bransfield, church officials and witnesses accused him of molesting teenage boys a claim that Bransfield has denied, according to the Washington Post.

Lori also set up a hotline for potential victims to call.

The Bransfield revelation comes in the wake of the June 20 announcement that one of the most prestigious U.S. cardinals, Theodore McCarrick, had been accused of groping a teenage altar boy in the 1970s.

Francis removed McCarrick as a cardinal in July after a U.S. church investigation found the allegation credible. After news broke of the investigation, several former seminarians and priests came forward to report that they too had been abused or harassed by McCarrick as adults.

The head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Houston Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, had requested the papal audience last month following revelations that McCarrick had risen through church ranks even though the allegations of sexual misconduct were known in U.S. and Vatican circles.

DiNardo requested a full-fledged Vatican investigation into the McCarrick affair, and said he also wanted answers to allegations that a string of Vatican officials, including Pope Francis, knew of McCarricks misdeeds but turned a blind eye.

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Source: NAN

The minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh will rise by 51 percent from December, the countrys Junior Minister for Labour and Employment, Mujibul Haque, has said.

Haque told reporters after months of negotiations with factory owners and workers that the new minimum wage has been increased from 5,300 to 8,000 taka ($95) a month.

Bangladesh, the worlds second largest clothing exporter, last increased wages for garment workers late in 2013 following international pressure after a string of fatal factory accidents that thrust poor working conditions and pay into the spotlight.

Low wages and trade deals with Western countries have made the sector a $30 billion industry accounting for four-fifths of its exports, with retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc, JC Penney Company Inc and H