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    White House chief economic adviser Cohn, dumps Trump
    U.S. White House National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, is set to resign from his post following President Donald Trumps planned tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum.

    Cohn departure would increase the number of White House officials who had either been sacked or resigned from the Trumps administration.

    Reports say Cohn who opposed Trumps planned tariffs, hinted the White House about his resignation last week, and reportedly tried getting the president to change course.

    Cohn who served as President Trumps chief economic adviser since the beginning of the administration, would likely step down from his post in few weeks from now after several weeks of talk with the president.

    It has been an honor to serve my country and enact pro-growth economic policies to benefit the American people, in particular the passage of historic tax reform, Cohn said in a statement to Fox News.

    I am grateful to the President for giving me this opportunity and wish him and the Administration great success in the future.

    Cohns policy portfolio included tax and retirement, infrastructure, the financial system, energy and environment, healthcare, agriculture, global economics, international trade and development, and technology, telecommunications and cybersecurity.

    Source: NAN

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    Mysterious fire destroys Bornos  IDP camp

    A mysterious fire has destroyed over 300 tents at Ajiri Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Mafa Local Government council of Borno.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fire started at about 5:30 pm on Tuesday and gutted the entire camp settlement, which provided shelter to hundreds of persons displaced by Boko Haram insurgency.

    A witness, Bukar Abba, told NAN that the fire rapidly spread and engulfed the entire camp due to the strong wind.

    Abba said that the fire ravaged tents, thatch houses, household utensils, dresses and other property, adding that there were no causalities in the incident.

    The cause of the fire has not been ascertained. It destroyed the camp. The affected families now stay in the open, he said.

    Abba noted that the affected persons had returned and took shelter at the camp following the liberation of the community from the insurgents control.

    He called on the state government and humanitarian organisations to assist the victims to alleviate their sufferings.

    The national and state emergency management agencies are yet to comment on the incident. (NAN)

    Source: NAN

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    Rwanda shuts 700 churches
    Rwanda has shut 714 churches in different parts of Kigali over the last one week for failure to meet minimum standards.

    New Times of Rwanda reported that the churches were found to lack basic infrastructure, hygiene, safety standards and had issues related to their legal status.

    The crackdown is being carried out by respective urban district authorities in partnership with the Rwanda Governance Board, the newspaper said.

    Justus Kangwagye, the Head of Political Parties and Civil Society Department at the Rwanda Governance Board, said places of worship are required to meet basic requirements in terms of safety, hygiene, infrastructure and legality which those affected were found to be lacking.

    Kangwagye said most of the affected places of worship were asked to halt operations until they meet the expected standards.

    Worshiping should be done in an organised way and meet minimum standards. Exercising your freedom of worship should not encroach on other peoples rights. They have been asked to halt operations until they meet the requirements, he said.

    Some may not be able to resume operations any time soon, he said.

    Kangwagye said some premises exposed worshipers to risks.

    For instance, if the infrastructure is deemed likely to cause danger to those worshiping, it is obvious that it fails to meet the requirements, he explained.

    Others were found to have inadequacies such as lack of parking lots which would lead to their members parking by the roadsides and causing traffic jam.

    Other churches which were closed operated from tents.

    Churches that are hosted in tents were also asked to review their premises before they can continue their operations. As for hygiene and sanitation, you cannot have a gathering where there is no water for washing hands, no toilets among other issues, he said.

    Others, he added, were warned on the lack of safety and security installations and asked to look into it or risk closure.

    Kangwagye explained that setting up a church, requires a temporary certificate which expires after 12 months.

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    Source: NAN

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    Members of US church attend with assault rifles
    Crown-wearing worshippers of World Peace and Unification Sanctuary in Pennsylvania, United States scared the hell out of people and a school on Wednesday, when they arrived the church, each clutching an AR-15 rifle.

    Brides were clad in white and grooms in dark suits, all arriving with dozens of AR-15s, though unloaded.

    Inside the church, they drank holy wine and exchanged or renewed wedding vows in what was called a commitment ceremony, which alsodoubled as an advertisement for the Second Amendment.

    Though the state police kept watch as the ceremony unfolded, neighbours were not at ease.

    A smattering of protesters stood outside the church and anearby school cancelled classes, the AP reported.

    The church, which has a worldwide following, believes the AR-15 symbolizes the rod of iron in the book of Revelation, and encouraged couples to bring the weapons. An AR-15 was used in the Florida high school massacre on Feb. 14.

    The Rev. Sean Moon, who leads the church, prayed for a kingdom of peace police and peace militia where the citizens, through the right given to them by almighty God to keep and bear arms, will be able to protect one another and protect human flourishing.

    Moon is the son of the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, a self-proclaimed messiah who founded the Unification Church, which critics regard as a cult. The younger Moons congregation is a breakaway faction of the Unification Church, which had distanced itself from Wednesdays event.

    An attendant checked each weapon at the door to make sure it was unloaded and secured with a zip tie, and the elaborate commitment ceremony went off without a hitch. Some worshippers wore crowns made out of bullets.

    Tim Elder, Unification Sanctuarys director of world missions, said the ceremony was meant to be a blessing of couples, not inanimate objects, calling the AR-15 a religious accoutrement.

    But Wednesdays event, coming on the heels of the high school massacre in Parkland, Florida, which killed 17, rubbed emotions raw.

    Its scaring people in the community, one protester told a church member. Are you aware of that?

    The ceremony prompted Wallenpaupack Area School District to move students at an elementary school down the street to other campuses.

    Lisa Desiena, from Scranton, protested outside the church with a sign that called the group an armed religious cult.

    She said she owns a gun, but I dont need a freaking assault weapon to defend myself. Only thing theyre good for is killing. Period. Thats all that weapon is good for, mass killing. And you want to bless it? Shame on you.

    But Sreymom Ouk, 41, who attended the ceremony with her husband, Sort Ouk, and came with their AR-15, said the weapon is useful for defending her family against sickos and evil psychopaths.

    People have the right to bear arms, and in Gods kingdom, you have to protect that, she said. You have to protect against evil.

    Reported by AP

    Source: NAN

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    Saudi Arabia issues cinema licences
    Saudi Arabia began issuing licences Thursday to operate cinemas in the kingdom ahead of their reopening after a decades-long ban was lifted as part of a far-reaching liberalisation drive.

    The move is another step towards opening the Saudi market to regional and international theatre chains, which have long eyed the kingdom as the Middle Easts last untapped mass market.

    The culture and information ministry said it had finalised the terms of licencing to restore cinema in Saudi Arabia.

    Licencing commences immediately, the ministry added in a statement.

    The news comes as Dubai-based VOX Cinemas, the leading operator in the Middle East, launches its first public screening in Saudi Arabia, which runs through Saturday and aims to raise awareness about Alzheimers disease.

    The screening in Riyadh will feature content from local producers including Myrkott Production and Telfaz Company, VOX said.

    Major cinema chains are seeking to break into the market of more than 30 million people, the majority of whom are under 25.

    In December, US giant AMC Entertainment signed a non-binding agreement with Saudi Arabias vast Public Investment Fund to build and operate cinemas across the kingdom.

    AMC will still face stiff competition from regional heavyweights, including VOX.

    The move to reopen cinemas is part of a modernisation drive by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is seeking to balance unpopular subsidy cuts in an era of low oil prices with more entertainment options despite opposition from religious hardliners.

    The reform stems partly from an economic motive to boost domestic spending on entertainment as the kingdom reels from a protracted slump in oil prices.

    Saudis currently splurge billions of dollars annually to see movie shows and visit amusement parks in neighbouring tourist hubs like Dubai.

    Source: NAN

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    Outrage as doctor performs brain surgery on wrong person
    There has been an outpouring of rage in the social media after a neurosurgeon at Kenyas largest hospital performed brain surgery on the wrong patient.

    The Kenyatta National Hospital, which admitted the horrific error has suspended the doctor, as well as two nurses and an anaesthetist, according to a statement on Friday.

    Health Minister Sicily Kariuki also suspended the Chief operating officer of the hospital, Lily Koros, over the blunder. Lily Koros had suspended the four medics.

    It was the latest scandal to hit the hospital in recent weeks, after allegations of staff sexually assaulting patients, and the theft of a baby.

    An investigation by the Daily Nation newspaper revealed that two men had been taken to the hospital last Sunday.

    The two men were wheeled into the hospital unconscious. One needed head surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, while the other only required nursing and medication to heal a trauma swelling in his head, medically known as closed head injury.

    Hours into the surgery doctors discovered there was no blood clot in the brain of their patient, and that they were in fact operating on the wrong man, the newspaper reported.

    The hospitals chief operating officer, Lily Koros, issued a statement announcing the suspension of four medics who were at work on that night. The hospital also expressed regret over the incident.

    The hospital deeply regrets this event and has done all it can to ensure the safety and well being of the patient in question, read the statement from the hospital, adding the patient was in recovery and progressing well, Koros said.

    Kenyatta National Hospital is Kenyas oldest and largest hospital, and also serves as a teaching hospital.

    AFP

    Source: NAN

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    Food calorie cut can prevent 35,000 premature deaths
    Britains food industry was challenged by the government Tuesday to reduce the amount of calories in products used by families by 20 percent as part of a new strategy to cut childhood and adult obesity.

    Health officials say if the 20 per cent target is met within five years, more than 35,000 premature deaths could be prevented.

    Officials also said that around 12.5 billion U.S. dollars in National Health Service (NHS) healthcare and social care costs could be saved over a 25 year period.

    The calorie drive follows new evidence revealing overweight or obese boys and girls consume up to 500 and 290 calories too many each day respectively.

    The food industry has been given three ways to reduce calories, changing the recipe of products, reducing portion sizes or encouraging consumers to purchase lower calorie products.

    Categories of food covered by the program include pizzas, ready meals, ready-made sandwiches, meat products and savoury snacks.

    The new major steps to cut excessive calorie intake were unveiled by Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

    PHE says too many children and most adults are overweight or obese, suffering consequences from bullying and low self-esteem in childhood, to type II diabetes, heart disease and some cancers as adults.

    An obese parent is more likely to have an obese child, who in turn is more likely to grow up into an obese adult, said PHE.

    A PHE report includes new data on childrens daily calorie consumption.

    Depending on their age, overweight and obese boys consume between 140 to 500 calories too many each day and for girls, it is 160 to 290 when compared to those with healthy body weights.

    Adults consume on average 200 to 300 calories too many each day.

    A PHE report includes new data on childrens daily calorie consumption. Depending on their age, overweight and obese boys consume between 140 to 500 calories too many each day and for girls, it is 160 to 290 when compared to those with healthy body weights. Adults consume on average 200 to 300 calories too many each day.

    Duncan Selbie, chief executive of PHE, said: Industry can help families by finding innovative ways to lower the calories in the food we all enjoy and promoting UK business leadership on the world stage in tackling obesity.

    Steve Brine, parliamentary under secretary of state for public health and primary care, said: Obesity is now one of our greatest challenges.

    It is fuelling an epidemic of preventable illnesses like type II diabetes and cancer.

    These not only shorten lives but put unsustainable pressure on our health service.

    Our calorie reduction program, the first of its kind from any country in the world, will continue to build on the progress of our world-leading childhood obesity plan, which has led to positive steps by industry.

    Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: Its hard for people to make healthy food choices. Thats why we are challenging the food industry to take 20 percent of the calories out of everyday foods.

    The NHS spends around 8.3 billion U.S dollars a year treating obesity-related conditions. (Xinhua/NAN)

    Source: NAN

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    Unai Emery set for PSG exit after  Madrid knockout
    Unai Emery may well be packing his load tonight as coach of the expensively Paris Saint Germain team, after they were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by holders Real Madrid in Paris.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro got the goals for Real Madrid as the holders won 2-1 away to a Paris Saint-Germain side missing Neymar to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

    The defeat was like rubbing more salt into the wounds for PSG, who had not lost any of their previous 51 home games in all competitions, a run going back two years to before the start of Unai Emerys reign as coach.

    This defeat is likely to hasten the end of his time in charge.

    Ronaldo had scored twice including his 100th goal for Real in the competition as they won 3-1 in the first leg in Spain last month, and his header early in the second half at the Parc des Princes effectively ended the French clubs hopes of progressing.

    Edinson Cavani equalised on the night for PSG, but only after they had Marco Verratti sent off, and Casemiros late goal secured an ultimately comprehensive 5-2 aggregate victory for Zinedine Zidanes side.

    PSG never looked like turning the tie around in the absence of the injured Neymar, and it was a horribly flat way for them to exit the competition.

    As they limp out, Reals dream of becoming the first team in more than 40 years to win three successive European Cups remains alive.

    A year after their spectacular collapse against Barcelona in the last 16, when they were humiliated 6-1 away in the return after a stunning 4-0 win at home, PSG had hoped to produce a memorable comeback themselves this time.

    Yet, shorn of the worlds most expensive player, who is back in Brazil recuperating from a foot operation, they struggled to create chances, and the night will be remembered just as much for the stupidity of a section of their supporters.

    Flares were lit en masse on several occasions at one end of the ground, once even leading to a brief stoppage in play, and PSG will face punishment from UEFA as a result.

    Without Neymar, this was Angel Di Marias big chance to shine after he was left on the bench for the entirety of the first leg, but nothing came off for the Argentine against his former side, his performance symbolic of a wider malaise in the home ranks.

    They had only made Real goalkeeper Keylor Navas work once in the first half, from Kylian Mbappes shot in the 43rd minute.

    In contrast, Alphonse Areola had kept the home side in the game with two fine saves to deny Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema before the interval.

    That just delayed the inevitable. Having come close with a header moments earlier, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, heading in a Lucas Vazquez cross for his third goal in the tie.

    The goal had come from an error by Dani Alves initially, and it completely punctured PSG and the atmosphere.

    The tie had escaped them before Verratti was sent off midway through the second half, picking up a second yellow card for dissent.

    Substitute Javier Pastores header deflected into the net off Cavani in the 71st minute to level the scores on the night, but more poor defending allowed Real to make it 2-1 with 10 minutes left.

    Unable to clear their lines in their own area, PSG saw Casemiros shot go in via a Marquinhos deflection.

    With Marco Asensio and Isco both hitting the post in the second half for Real, the visitors more than deserved their win on the night, as well as in the tie.

    Source: NAN

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    Fraudster  Nwude trying to sell FGs land denied bail
    Justice Mojisola O. Dada of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, refused the bail application of notorious fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude, who allegedly conspired with two others to tamper with a property that had been forfeited by a court order.

    Nwude alongside Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu were, on March 2, 2018, arraigned on a 15-count charge bordering on forgery and dealing in forfeited property.

    One of the counts reads: That you, Emmanuel Nwude, Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu, on or about 12th day of January 2011, at Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division, conspired to forge a Power of Attorney dated 12th day of January 2011, issued in the name of Mankris Venture Limited purporting that Mankris Venture Limited is the owner of Plot Y, Mobolaji Johnson Street, Oregun, Alausa Lagos, whereas you knew that the property was forfeited to the victims of crimes as restitution in the judgment delivered on 18th day of 2005 by Honourable Justice Joseph Oyewole in ID/92c/04- FRN vs. Emmanuel Nwude

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    Nigerian Bayode  breaks Guinness record in Longest Marathon Reading Aloud
    A Nigerian Olawunmi Bayode has set a new Guinness Record in the Longest Marathon Reading Aloud Category.

    Bayode, father of three kids, logged 120 hours at 15.30 today at the YouRead Library Yaba in Lagos, beating the previous record set by Nepali Deepak Sharma Bajagain.

    The latter had 113 hours 15 minutes in 2008.

    Another Nepalese, Tudikhel Ground tied the record.

    Bajagains book reading began on September 19 and ended on September 24, 2008.

    He recited 17 different books from 13 authors during his record attempt.

    Bayode began reading at 1:30 PM on Monday, February 26, 2018 and ended it 15.30 on Saturday.

    He announced the record on his Facebook page, saying:

    Hello everybody, something just happened right now! My name is Bayode Treasures Olubunmi(Olawunmi) I have just finished reading aloud for 120 hours non-stop!

    I did it for the CULTURE!.

    Bayode studied at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and Comprehensive High School, Ketu in Lagos.

    I have always loved to read good materials right from when I was in secondary school. I am doing this for the youths, he wrote on twitter, before he began the record setting reading marathon.

    Source: NAN

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