Omar Assar of Egypt is the new champion of African table tennis, dethroning NigeriasAruna Quadri, in a thrilling seven games at the ITTFAfrica Cup in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Nigerian had rallied from 1-3 down to force the seventh game, which Assar won 11-8.

Quadri had defeated another Egyptian, Ahmed Saleh in the semi-final for the final battle royale with Assar.

Assar in his own semi-final defeated Saheed Idowu, a Nigerian who plays for Congo Brazzaville.

Egypt also claimed the third place after Ahmed Ali Saleh beat Saheed Idowu.

Nigerias veteran Segun Toriola claimed the fifth position; next in the order of merit came Algerias Sami Kherouf followed by Tunisias Thameur Mamia and Ghanas Derek Abfrefa.

An Egyptian Dina Meshref also won the female championship, defeating Sarah Hanffou of Cameroon. Nigerias Edem Offiong won the bronze.

Said Assar: It is unbelievable for me to win this tournament and it came at the right time I needed my confidence after starting the year not too well at the Hungarian Open and in the German Bundesliga. There has been a lot of pressure on me after moving clubs. I think winning this will restore my confidence. I am grateful to my club, Werder Bremen, for their support. I also think Aruna played very well and he deserved to win as well. This final was a good showcase for Africa and I am happy that we have such a level of competition in Africa with quality players.

The win means that Omar Assar gains an invitation to compete in the Liebherr 2018 Mens World Cup to be staged in October in Paris.

It will be the third time that he has competed in the prestigious annual event; he was present in 2015 in the Swedish west coast city of Halmstad and last year in Saarbrcken.

Source: NAN

Neymar Jr, Brazil and Paris Saint Germains megastar has begun a race to recuperate before the World Cup in Russia next year, moments after officials announced that the surgery on his broken right foot went successfully Saturday.

The operation, performed by Brazilian national team surgeon Rodrigo Lasmar, began early on Saturday morning in the Mater Dei hospital in Belo Horizonte.

Just after midday (1500 GMT), a spokesman from the Brazilian football federation announced that the operation was over.

Neymar is already in his room. It went well, he said.

Neymar broke his fifth metatarsal the bone leading to his small toe during a 3-0 drubbing of Marseille on February 25.

The striker whose transfer from Barcelona cost PSG a record 222 million euros ($264 million) last August has scored 28 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for the club.

Neymar will miss PSGs make-or-break game against Real Madrid next Tuesday. But with Lasmar predicting a recovery period of two and a half to three months, Brazil is worried that Neymar, 26, may not be fit for the World Cup in Russia starting in June.

The rival demands from club and country appeared to erupt into tension just as he went under the knife, with Paris newspaper LEquipe reporting Saturday that PSG believes Lasmar lied about Neymars condition.

The report said that Neymar was initially found to have suffered a minor fracture and that PSG was shocked to hear Lasmar say Thursday that it was a serious break requiring a longer than expected recuperation.

Globoesporte.com reported that PSG also insisted it control any future information on the players health.

Staff at the hospital in Belo Horizonte, were put on paparazzi lockdown, with a ban on using cellphones anywhere near the star.

After a remarkable turnaround in fortunes since the shambolic exit in a 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup, Brazil are seen as top contenders in Russia.

But a big part of that optimism depends on the talented Neymar, who missed that infamous semifinal four years ago and looks likely to miss two warm-up friendlies against Russia and Germany in March.

AFP

Source: NAN

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane fired Liverpool into second place in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory against Newcastle. They are now a point ahead of Manchester United, who will meet relegation threatened Crystal Palace on Monday.

Tottenham also cemented their top four berth as Son Heung-Min inspired a 2-0 win over Huddersfield on Saturday.

Salah struck in the 40th minute at Anfield to maintain his superb form in his first season with Liverpool following his move from Roma.

The Egypt winger took Alex Oxlade-Chamberlains pass and shot low under Martin Dubravka for his 32nd goal of the season and his eighth in his last seven appearances.

Liverpool took complete control 10 minutes after half-time when Roberto Firmino drove at the heart of the Newcastle defence, playing in Senegal winger Mane, who claimed his 14th goal of the season with a clinical finish.

A fourth win in their last five league games took Jurgen Klopps side one point above Manchester United, who drop to third but can regain second spot with a win at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Leaders Manchester City sit 15 points clear of Liverpool and host Chelsea on Sunday.

Newcastle are two points above the bottom three after their first defeat in five matches.

At Wembley, Son put Tottenham ahead in the 27th minute with his 14th goal of the season as Dele Allis pass sliced open the Huddersfield defence and the South Korea forward raced clear to finish emphatically.

Son struck again in the 54th minute, timing his run perfectly to meet Harry Kanes cross with a bullet header past Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl.

Fourth-placed Tottenhams third successive league win lifted them five points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea in the race to qualify for next seasons Champions League via a top-four finish.

I hope I can score many more goals for Tottenham. The manager has to choose 11 players. I try my best and try to be ready at all times, Son said.

The pass from Harry Kane was very good for me, it made it easy to score. We feel comfortable at Wembley, we know how we play here.

Swansea climbed out of the relegation zone and pushed West Ham deeper into trouble with a 4-1 win at the Liberty Stadium.

South Korea midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng drove a 20-yarder past West Ham goalkeeper Adrian in the eighth minute for only his second goal of the season.

Leicester 1 -1 AFC Bournemouth

Burnley 2-1 Everton

Southampton 0-0 Stoke City

Watford 1-0 West Bromwich Albion

Source: NAN

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti state is now set for a rancor free, and an unhindered party primary election following the reconciliation of warring factions.

This is the outcome of a reconciliation meeting headed by former President of the Senate and PDP stalwart, Sen. David Mark in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement issued by Paul Mumeh, Media Assistant to the former President of the Senate, David Mark, in Abuja on Saturday.

The Senator David Mark led reconciliation committee members included; Senator Enyinaya Abaribe , Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, Alhaji YusuF Ayitogo, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze and Dr. Eddy Olafeso (Secretary ).

The aspirants who have indicated interest for the plum position so far are: the current Deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Amb. Dare Dejide and Barr Owoseni Ajayi .

Reeling out the resolutions of the peace parley, the Secretary of the reconciliation committee, Dr. Eddy Olafeso said the state governor Ayo Fayose and all the aspirants attended the meeting.

Dr. Olafeso said all the parties agreed to a free, fair and credible primary to elect a gubernatorial candidate for the July polls.

Olafeso added that governor Fayose pledged to work with any of the contestants who emerges at the primary .

He said that nobody was persuaded or compelled to withdraw from the race .

Trouble started in Ekiti state ahead of the election when governor Fayose allegedly adopted his Deputy as his successor.

Senator Mark had cautioned the gladiators that only peace, justice, free and fair primary would guarantee success at the Ekiti state polls.

The former Senate President appreciated the warring parties for their display of maturity and understanding towards the resolution of the dispute.

The Mark reconciliation committee was set up by the Uche Secondus led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to reconcile the members in Ekiti.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki and a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu have converged on Kano for the wedding fatiha of Gov. Abdullahi Gandujes daughter, Fatima and her groom, Idris Ajimobi.

The wedding Fatiha of Fatima and Idris Ajimobi, the son of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State took place around 12:30 pm at the Kano Central Mosque.

NAN reports that the wedding proceedingswere contducted by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II and supported by the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zaharaddeen.

President Buhari, who stood for the groom, gave out the N50, 000 dowry to Ahmed Bola Tunubu, who represented the bride at the occasion.

Among other important personalities that attended the grand wedding fatiha included Senate President Bukola Saraki, 22 governors and 11 ministers as well as over 10 traditional rulers from across the country.

Also in attendence were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari and Senior Special Assistant to President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

Others were members of the National Assembly, members of the business community, politicians as well as members of the diplomat Corps.

The event, which was also attended by prominent Islamic scholars and other well wishers from across the country, witnessed a large turnout of residents.

NAN reports that during the wedding, security was very tight in and around the city.
The President had before his departure inspected the Kofar Ruwa underpass, which is under construction, along Katsina Road.

Source: NAN

Local government elections were held peacefully on Saturday in Edo state with the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), abstaining.

Governor Godwin Obaseki voted in polling unit 19 in Ward 4, Oredo at 12.35, and expressed satisfaction for the peaceful conduct.

He commended Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIC) for putting in place adequate logistics for the exercise.

I learnt that the materials were distributed promptly, even as far as to Edo North Senatorial District. The only ugly situation was in Egor and that has been handled, he said.

He expressed satisfaction with turnout of voters in his unit and ward, noting that the councillorship and chairmanship candidates did well in mobilizing voters to participate in the election.

Obaseki, governor of national ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said the boycott of the exercise by PDP did not affected voter-turnout.

We can confidently say the opposition party is not in existence in the state. Every politician aspires from the units and if you do not give them the platform, they will seek it outside.

On expectations in 2019 elections, the governor said: The council election has been peaceful and this is a precursor to 2019 elections; Edo is an APC state, maybe the contest will be outside the state.

Ten political parties were cleared by EDSIEC to participate in the elections.

They are APC, Democratic Alternative (DA), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), Progressive People Alliance (PPA), Acton Democratic Party (ADP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Labour Party (LP), National Conscience Party (NCP) and People for Democratic Change (PDC).

Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) commended security agencies for providing effective security during the elections.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Stanley Orobator, gave the commendation when the Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, visited the commission while monitoring the elections in Benin.

Orobator said that the commission, for the first time, experienced smooth and efficient security arrangement which contributed to the hitch-free process.

He said the presence of security personnel made the build-up to the elections less stressful, adding that no challenge was experienced.

He said that some staff of the commission even had to sleep in the office to ensure protection of materials and early delivery of election materials across the state.

Earlier, Kokumo said that his presence in the commission was for on-the-spot assessment of activities and conduct of personnel deployed for the elections.

He said security agencies were constitutionally empowered to protect the lives of citizens and also provide security in such cases as during elections.

The police boss, who had earlier visited some polling units in Benin, said he was impressed with conduct of voters.

He said no report of arrest of any person for any electoral offence had been received from any of the 18 local government areas in the state.

Sixteen thousand security personnel, including 7, 000 policemen, 5, 000 Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel and 1,500 personnel from the Nigerian Army were deployed for the elections. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Saudi Arbaian authorities have imposed a compulsory levy equivalent of N163,000 on all prospective Nigerian pilgrims, who have performed Hajj or Umrah in the last two years.

The Saudi Arabian authorities also introduced a five per cent Value Added Tax on all services, excluding food items and medical drugs.

Mr. Abdullahi Mukhtar, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), disclosed that all Prospective Nigerian pilgrims all affected prospective pilgrims would have to pay the compulsory levy.

This the Chairman said the pilgrims are to pay SR2000, an equivalent to N163,000, which was exclusive of the substantive fare for the 2018 Hajj that is yet to be announced by the federal government.

Mukhtar made the disclosure in Sokoto on Saturday at a sensitization campaign organized by the Commission for prospective pilgrims and officials of the Pilgrims Welfare Agencies (PWA), from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.

According to him the levy was announced by the Saudi Arabian Hajj Ministry and it became fully effective during the 2017 Hajj exercise.

The Chairman, who was represented by the National Commissioner in Charge of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Sale, said that the campaign was organized to intimate the nations prospective pilgrims.

This is on the need to ensure the early completion of their hajj fares on or before the end of March, 2018, as it would enable the commission and the various PWA, to make early and efficient arrangements.

He said that the event was also organized to intimate the prospective pilgrims on the introduction of biometric data capturing of all Umrah and Hajj pilgrims by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

He added that , three centres have been opened in Kano, Lagos and Abuja, for the data capturing, although efforts were on by the commission to ensure the increment of the centres.

The Chairman, Forum of PWA in Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Sarkin Fawa Danbo, commended the commission for organizing the event, saying that various PWAs jn Nigeria were working round the clock to ensure the success of the 2018 hajj exercise.

Alhaji Muntari Maigona, PWA Chairman Sokoto state, called on the commission to allow the various states pilgrims welfare agencies to deploy medical Doctors and other medical staff to accompany the pilgrims during the hajj exercise.

Maigona further lamented that, the existing arrangements on Pilgrims feeding should be improved, while the companies in charged of such gesture should be increased. (NAN)

Source: NAN

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has backed the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki on his call that all ex-governors still serving in government should not receive pensions from their states.

Saraki on Wednesday had commended the Kwara State House of Assembly for heeding his call and passing a bill to stop pensions of ex-governors still holding elective or appointive positions.

Saraki had then called on other states and their assemblies to emulate Kwara state by passing a similar bill to abolish double pay.

In backing the stance of Saraki, SERAP challenged the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Abdulaziz Yari and his colleagues to show commitment and end double pay for ex-governors and their deputies.

The NGO had on Tuesday requested the President of the Senate to use his leadership position to sponsor a resolution in the Senate that would call on other states to abolish payment of double emoluments to ex-governors and their deputies.

SERAP had continued to frown at the situation where former governors and deputies receive pension after expiration of their tenures in office, while still holding public offices.

According to the organization, the Zamfara State governor should emulate the example of Senate President Bukola Saraki and make a clear public commitment that the Governors Forum and all governors will take immediate steps to abolish double emoluments laws for former governors and deputies in their states.

SERAP in a statement on Thursday by its deputy director Timothy Adewale said, Governor Yari should show leadership by example by starting the campaign within the Governors Forum to abolish double emoluments laws.

The organisation called on Yari to kick start the move from his own Zamfara State which has passed laws allowing former governors to receive pension for life; two personal staff; two vehicles replaceable every four years; two drivers, free medical for the former governors and deputies and their immediate families in Nigeria or abroad; a 4-bedroom house in Zamfara and an office; free telephone and 30 days paid vacation outside Nigeria.

Following the positive engagement and intervention by the Senate President on the matter, it is now indefensible for the Governors Forum to remain indifferent to the issue of double emoluments for ex-governors and their deputies.

We urge Governor Yari to speak out strongly against double pensions laws and encourage his colleagues to urgently take measures to abolish such laws in their states for the sake of millions of Nigerians who deserve good governance and sustainable development, SERAP said.

SERAP had in a letter to Malami last year accused the following governors receiving double emoluments and large severance benefits from their states, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Kabiru Gaya (Kano); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Theodore Orji (Abia); Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa); Sam Egwu (Ebonyi); Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara); Joshua Dariye (Plateau), and Jonah Jang (Plateau). Others include: Ahmed Sani Yarima (Zamfara); Danjuma Goje (Gombe); Bukar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe); Adamu Aliero (Kebbi); George Akume (Benue); and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers).

Meanwhile, Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Mines and Steel Development and his counterparts in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, and Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola have denied ever receiving double payments and retirement benefits as former governors in addition to other roles in public office.

Saraki had also last year said that he wrote a letter to the state government to stop the payment of the pension the moment I saw that SERAP allegation.

Under the Lagos Pension Law a former governor will enjoy the following benefits for life: Two houses, one in Lagos and another in Abuja estimated to cost between N500 million and N700 million. Others are six brand new cars every three years; furniture allowance of 300 per cent of annual salary every two years, and a close to N2.5 million as pension (about N30 million pension annually); free medicals including for his immediate families; 10 per cent house maintenance; 30 per cent car maintenance; 10 per cent entertainment; 20 per cent utility; and several domestic staff.

In Rivers, state law provides 100 per cent of annual basic salaries for ex-governor and deputy, one residential house for former governor anywhere of his choice in Nigeria; one residential house anywhere in Rivers for the deputy, three cars for the ex-governor every four years; two cars for the deputy every four years; 300 per cent of annual basic salary every four years for furniture; 10 per cent of annual basic salary for house maintenance.

In Akwa Ibom, state law provides for N200 million annual pay to ex governors, deputies; pension for life; a new official car and utility-vehicle every four years; one personal aide and provision of adequate security; a cook, chauffeurs and security guards for the governor at a sum not exceeding N5 million per month and N2.5 million for the deputy governor; free medical services for governor and spouse totaling N100 million for the governor per annum and N50 million for the deputy governor; a five-bedroom mansion in Abuja and Akwa Ibom; and allowance of 300 per cent of annual basic salary for the deputy governor; 300 per cent of annual basic salary every four years and severance gratuity.

Source: NAN

An explosion rocked Burkina Fasos army headquarters in the capital Ouagadougou on Friday and black smoke could be seen billowing above. Simultaneously, the French embassy also announced a similar attack, attributing it to terrorism.

A witness at the scene told Reuters that masked gunmen with backpacks attacked the army headquarters after the explosion.

The AFP, quoting witnesses said five armed men got out of a car and opened fire on passersby before heading towards the embassy, in the centre of the city.

An AFP reporter heard heavy exchanges of gunfire and saw a blazing vehicle, which witnesses said was the car used by the assailants. Police and army units were deployed in the area.

A Reuters witness said other smaller explosions came from the headquarters after a first larger blast and that security forces were converging on the scene.

Burkina Faso, like other countries in West Africa, has been targeted sporadically by jihadist groups operating across Africas Sahel region.

Suspected jihadists killed at least 18 people in August 2017 during a raid on a restaurant in Ouagadougou and militants have targeted Burkinabe security forces along its remote northern border region with Mali.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb claimed responsibility for an attack on a restaurant and hotel in Ouagadougou in January 2016 in which 30 people were killed.

Five regional countries launched a new taskforce in 2017 to tackle Islamist militants in the zone, to which international donors have committed a half-billion dollars.

Source: NAN

As the Nigerian government extended to neighbouring countries, the search for the 110 schoolgirls abducted last week in Dapchi, Yobe State, a human rights activist, Mrs Aisha Wakil, claimed a Boko Haram faction had contacted her to confirm it has the girls.

Aisha Wakil, who is also known as Mama Boko Haram, was a member of the Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges Committee in the northern region, set up during the President Goodluck Jonathan era.

In an interview with The News Agency of Nigeria, the activist said the Barnawi faction of Boko Haram contacted her on Thursday.

She added that the abductors confirmed to her that the girls were safe, healthy and in good condition.

In an interview with PRNigeria earlier this week, Wakil had called on the abductors to release the girls to enable them to be reunited with their families.

Wakil, who is said to have communication links with Boko Haram and respected by some leaders of the sect, declared that she was ready to sacrifice her life to rescue the girls.

Wakil said: They are even the ones that called me, and said Mama we heard what you have said and told me that they are with the girls and they are going to release them.

I begged of them and said please let this not be another 1,000-plus days of Chibok girls, and they laughed and said no.

I asked them where I can come and stay with them (girls) for two days, but they did not say anything.

I can assure Nigerians that so far they are with my son Habib and his friends; Habib is a nice guy, he is very nice boy. He will not harm them, he will not touch them, and he will not kill them.

He is going to listen to us, and so far he indicated interest that he loves peace. And I love them for that and believe what they said on this.

They will definitely give us the girls. All I am begging Nigerians is to calm down, be prayerful, everything will be over in God grace.

NAN reports that the activist had at various times participated and played key role in negotiations between the military authorities and Boko Haram insurgents commanders, which facilitated released of numerous abductees from terrorists captivity.

In a statement today, the Federal Government announced it has stepped up the search for the 110 girls to the neighbouring countries.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said top military and security officials on Thursday travelled to the North-east to add more urgency to the search, which has now been extended beyond the North-east theatre.

The officials include the nations top military officer and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; Chief of Army Staff; Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Alhaji Lawal Daura.

They joined the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who had earlier relocated to the North-east, as well as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd), who has also visited the theatre.

The Federal Government had earlier released the names and other details of the 110 girls who have yet to be accounted for, following the attack on the GGSTC, Dapchi, Yobe State, on 19 Feb. 2018.

The panel set up by the Federal Government to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the girls was inaugurated on Thursday by the NSA.(NAN)

Source: NAN