Fire has been reported at Paris historic St. Sulpice church, built in the 19th Century.

According to Le Parisien, firefighters are extinguishing the blaze, which burst through the doors of the 19th Century building.

The wooden doors were on fire, and a stained glass window was damaged. The rest of the damage seems minor, the daily newspaper said.

Dramatic footage shared on social media shows the interior of the church in flames, with smoke billowing up to its arched roof. From outside, video footage shows firefighters hosing down the burning doors

The Roman Catholic church is the second biggest church in the city after Notre Dame. It is 113 metres long, 58 metres in width and 34 metres tall.

Construction of the church, dedicated to Sulpitius the Pious, began in 1646. During the 18th century, an elaborate gnomon, the Gnomon of Saint-Sulpice, was built.

Source: NAN

The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Monday held a secret meeting with Sen. Ali Ndume at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The senator arrived the villa at about 3.20 p.m, and went straight to the vice-presidents office for the meeting whose agenda was unknown to State House correspondents.

The meeting was to deliberate on socio-political issues including the forthcoming election of new leadership for the ninth National Assembly.

The National leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had enjoined all APC members-elect of the National Assembly to support its decision to elect Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Senate President and Speaker of the Federal House Representatives respectively.

But Ndume had insisted to contest for the seat of senate president.

Ndumes action has generated heat within the party.

Source: NAN

Forty-eight pupils from different primary schools across the country have been awarded scholarships for their entire secondary school year at any Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) school branch.

The gesture was extended to the pupils at the 16th edition of Annual National Mathematics Competition, a yearly organised competition for maths enthusiast in Primary 5

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday became Nigerias marketer-in-Chief as he tried to lure no fewer than six different groups of investors to the country.

Buhari made the sales pitch at the sidelines of the Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He had an irresistible message for all the potential investors: Come to Nigeria and prosper. Come and have handsome returns on your investments, within the shortest possible time.

One of the would-be-investors was Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai ruling family. He is on the board of several companies, both state owned and private. He is interested in establishing a power plant in Lagos, and studies have already been completed.

Lulu Group operates a chain of supermarkets in the Middle East and Asia. Mr Yusuff Alli, Chairman of the group, told President Buhari that the outfit, with headquarters in Abu Dhabi, has over 164 supermarkets and shopping malls. It employs over 50,000 people.
The interest is to work with Nigerian farmers, using local produce to ensure food security. Quality, affordability and hygiene are the watchwords of the company.

Also in bilateral meeting with President Buhari was Sheikh Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of Amea Power. The company develops, owns, and operates thermal and renewable energy projects in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Its wide range of power solutions include conventional gas, coal, oil, and renewable solar, wind and hydro.

Apart from power, the company, which owns Rotana Hotel chain, is also interested in the hospitality sector in Nigeria.

Also on cue was Sheikh Ali Rashid Lootah, Chairman, Nakheel Properties and Limitless Group.

One of the worlds leading developers and a major contributor to Dubais real estate transformation, the companys current and future retail project portfolio covers nearly 17 million square feet of leasable space. They are keen to expand their investments in Nigeria.

Sheikh Khalid Bin Kalban is the CEO of Dubai Investments. His meeting with the Nigerian president centred around real estate, processing industries, mergers and acquisitions, health care, education, and financial investments.

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has supported over 66 projects in 29 African countries. They include rural solar power and water projects, and that was the focus of the discussion, as Sheikh Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, the CEO, met with President Buhari.

President Buhari also met with Mr Jitender Sachdeva, CEO Skipperseil Group. An integrated energy company with operations in the manufacturing of substation equipment, discussions were on engineering processing, construction of transmission lines and substations for utilities, institutions and industries.

The companys CEO expressed delight at meeting with President Buhari, and looked forward to doing good business in Nigeria.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has left Nigeria to attend the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa holding in Amman in Jordan.

The president will also seize the opportunity to attend the Annual Investment Meeting scheduled to hold in Dubai.

Buharis attendance of the WEF was at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan. The forum will hold on Saturday at the Dead Sea.

President Buhari will deliver an address at the opening of the plenary alongside King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and United Nations Secretary General, Antnio Guterres, and join world economic leaders in an informal gathering at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre.

He will depart Amman Sunday for Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the ninth edition of the Annual Investment Meeting, April 8-10, 2019.

Buhari was invited to the meeting by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rachid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, PM

Presidency has yet to confirm the resignation of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, even as the news gathers momentum.

It was reported that Onnoghens resignation letter was submitted to the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, by some Justices of the apex court.

The Justices arrived at the presidential villa few minutes after President Muhammadu Buhari left Abuja for Jordan to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF).

A presidency source confirmed to NAN that President Buhari had on Thursday, before his departure to Jordan, received the National Judicial Councils recommendations on the petitions written against Onnoghen, and the acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

The report was submitted to the president by his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, who was accompanied by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubalar Malami, at about 220p.m on the fateful day.

The Director, Information, NJC, Mr Soji Oye, had Wednesday in a statement confirmed that the council had sent its report to President Buhari after the conclusion of its investigation into the petitions written against Onnoghen and the acting CJN.

All efforts to speak to presidential spokesmen, Mr Femi Adesina and Mallam Garba Shehu, on the matter proved abortive as the duo were outside the country on official and private engagements.

NAN reports that Adesina is currently on President Buharis entourage to Jordan while Shehu is believed to be in Saudi Arabia on pilgrimage.

NAN reports that Onneghen, was born on the Dec. 22, 1950 at Okurike Town, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

He began his primary school education at the Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike Town between 1959 and 1965.

Before his appointment as the Chief Justice of the Federation, he worked with the Ministry of Justice, Ikeja, Lagos, Ogun State between 1978 to 1979, as the Pupil State Counsel.

Between 1989 1998, he was a High Court Judge of Cross River State Judiciary. During his time as the High Court Judge of Cross River State Judiciary he was made the Chairman of Cross River State Armed Robbery and Firm Arms Tribunal and he held the post for 3 years between 1990 1993.

Sometime in 1996 while still holding the post of High Court Judge of Cross River State Judiciary, he was appointed the Chairman, Judicial Enquiry into the Crisis between Students of the University of Calabar and Obufa Esuk Orok Community, Calabar. In 1998, he was the Chairman, Failed Bank Tribunal, Ibadan Zone.

Between the period of 1992 to 2004, he served as the Judge, High Court of River State while from 1998 to 2005 he served as the Justice of the Court of Appeal.

In February 2016, Justice Onnoghen led a seven-man panel of Justices of the apex court who reviewed and upheld the death sentence of Chukwuemeka Ezeugo (aka Rev. King) of the Christian Praying Assembly. In 2007, Justice Onnoghen played a huge role in 2007 election which saw the Late Umaru Yaradua as President of the federal republic of Nigeria. He had a dissenting judgment that indeed annulled the presidential election. His position was however a minority judgment.
Appointment as CJN

After being nominated as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, he was confirmed by the Senate on 1 March 2017, and sworn in on 7 March 2017.
Suspension as CJN

Onnoghens trials started when a petition was filed by the civil rights group at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) alleging that he owns sundry accounts primarily funded through cash deposits made by himself up to as recently as 10 August 2016, which appear to have been run in a manner inconsistent with financial transparency and the code of conduct for public officials.[4] The allegations are listed here.

The trial commenced Jan. 14, 2019 at Code of Conduct Tribunal but Onnoghen was absent.

Also on Wednesday, the National Judicial Council abstained from considering allegations relating to the assets declaration that were levelled against Onnoghen.

The decision which is contained in a statement, issued by Mr Soji Oye, Director, Information, NJC.

Oye said the council took the decision at an Emergency Meeting to consider the Report of the Five-Man Committee constituted to investigate the allegations of misconduct made against Onnoghen and Justice Tanko Muhammad

Council decided that the allegations relating to assets declaration that were levelled against Onnoghen, were subjudice and therefore abstained from considering them.

Council reached a decision on the petitions written byEconomic and Financial Crimes Commission and others and conveyed its decision to President Mubammadu Buhari, GCFR.

Council also resolved that, by the nature of the decision reached, it would be inappropriate to publicise it before conveying it to President, Oye said in the statement.

NAN reports that on Feb 11, the council set up a preliminary complaints assessment committee to review the responses given to it by Onnoghen, and Muhammad who is acting in his stead.

Onnoghen is accused of failing to fully declare his assets, while Muhammad is facing allegations of misconduct.

The NJC said it reconvened and resolved to constitute into the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2017. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Criminals in Nigeria were served notice Friday to abandon their nefarious deeds as the Inspector General of Police M.A Adamu launched a security action plan tagged Operation Puff Adder.

The Operation will be executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Department of State Services (DSS).

It involves massive deployment of well-trained, well-equipped and well-motivated personnel and combined operational assets from the various security agencies, is tailored towards ridding the Country of all forms of crimes and criminality.

Under prime focus are Kaduna Abuja Expressway, Kogi, Katsina, Niger and Zamfara States.

During the launch which took place at katari Bishin District, Abuja Kaduna Expressway, Acting IGP Adamu appealed for public support.

He said no Police Agency anywhere in the world, no matter how well-trained, equipped or motivated, can solely achieve its community security and safety mandate without the support of the community.

He called for the full support and cooperation of the civil populace, particularly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth associations, market bodies, cultural associations and professionals among others in the fight against criminals especially kidnappers, armed robbers, cattle rustlers amongst others.

The IGP also made a special appeal to drivers, commuters and indeed all citizens that may come in contact with Police officers deployed for the Operation to cooperate with them and show understanding in the interest of public safety.

The IGP however, sounded a note of warning to persons who engage in criminal activities, especially along the Abuja kaduna Expressway, to give-up their nefarious activities and embrace other legitimate means of livelihood or be prepared to face the full consequences of their actions.

The representative of the Village Head of katari, Bishin District, Kaduna State, Gambo G. Gambo commended the IGP for the launch of Operation Puff Adder in the area.

Gambo noted that the operation has already begun to yield positive results with the arrest of five (5) armed criminals in the area on 4th April, 2019.

He thanked the IGP and enjoined the officers deployed to the area to do good to the good and do bad to the bad.

Source: NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday in Dead Sea, Jordan, urged world leaders to work towards narrowing gaps in social and economic opportunities for citizens as panacea to rising conflicts across the globe, attributing the Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria to lack of inclusion.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum on Middle East and North Africa, the President, who honoured an invitation by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, said rising opportunities of prosperity for some people while others struggle to survive trigger tensions and conflicts.

It is at this point that we must ask ourselves how we, as a region, got to this point. The answer, at least in the case of Nigeria, is the lack of social and economic inclusion.

As Nigeria celebrated being the largest economy in Africa and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Nigerians were migrating in droves through harsh desert conditions and across treacherous seas to seek what they believe would be a better life in Europe.

Ladies and gentlemen, I strongly believe that the lack of social and economic inclusion was the root cause of many challenges we are experiencing, he said.

President Buhari said the changes taking place across the world in technology, population, migration, trade and geo-politics had been yielding both positive and negative results and called for more collaboration across borders to alter tides of frustrations that fuel conflicts.

It is my view, that no region of the world has felt the full impact of these dramatic shifts and shocks like the Middle East and Africa North and Sub-Sahara.

On one hand, our region is blessed with a very young, vibrant, enterprising and dynamic population. We also have valuable natural resources that are the envy of many nations.

These assets and endowments contributed to our region experiencing some of the highest economic growth rates in the world. On the other hand, however, we have also been hosts to some of the deadliest conflicts in recent history. The deaths, damages and destructions caused by terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, ISIS and Boko Haram over the last ten years will take decades to repair, he added.

President Buhari said terrorism around the world, including Boko Haram, had been significantly degraded, stressing that the insurgents no longer control any territory in Nigeria, but the country had been left with the task of rebuilding.

In this digital age where physical borders no longer exist to protect even the most secured nations, the only way to overcome predatory and divisionary forces is for all well-meaning nations to work together for the greater good of mankind.

Simply put, cooperation amongst sovereign nations is no longer a choice. It is an absolute necessity, the President said.

He told the gathering of leaders, entrepreneurs and economic experts that Nigerias population is one hundred and ninety million, and by 2050, estimated to hit three hundred and ninety million, making it the third most populous country in the world.

President Buhari said he spent the last four years tackling security issues in the country and implementing policies that make the economy more inclusive.

We are extremely grateful to the many countries that have stood with Nigeria to confront this global scourge and in particular, the Kingdom of Jordan under the leadership of His Majesty, the King.

Furthermore, our economic diversification and social inclusion policies are also yielding positive results. Our country has now returned to the path of growth. We are making gains in the ease of doing business indices.

The President said the agricultural sector in Nigeria is driving governments efforts to diversify the economy, adding that in the spirit of Building New Platforms of Cooperation, we partnered with the Kingdom of Morocco to domesticate fertilizer production in Nigeria and revive over two million tons of abandoned fertilizer blending plant capacity. The outcome is we created tens of thousands of jobs in agriculture, logistics, manufacturing and retail sectors.

He said Nigeria had achieved moderate and inclusive growth in four years.

President Buhari said Africa and the Middle East must focus on policies that deliver shared economic prosperity for all citizens, adding that more could be done on trade and investments.

Opportunities exist in key job creating sectors such as Agriculture, Health, Tourism, ICT, Infrastructure as well as Textile and garmenting to mention a few. Our new, inclusive and diversified Nigeria is definitely open for business. Our population, resources, policies and programs make it the most attractive investment destination in Africa, he said.

King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan said inclusive growth will be of benefit to the entire world, especially when it creates enabling environment for youths and women.

The king of Jordan said opportunities must be expanded fast, while noting that the challenges we face are not only problems to be solved rather they are opportunities for collaboration.

UN Secretary General Secretary-General Antnio Guterres said the world will be better off with stronger collaboration, commending Jordan for playing a historical role in restoring peace in the Middle East, especially between Israel and Palestine.

The founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Professor Klaus Schwab, who congratulated President Buhari for his re-election for a second term, said discussions at the forum will focus on new ideas, entrepreneurship, innovation, environment, peace and reconciliation.

Source: NAN

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has neutralised some Boko Haram terrorists at Tumbun Alpha in Northern Borno as they gathered for a meeting.

NAFs Spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the operation was conducted on Friday.

He said Tumbun Alpha is a small settlement, about 4km West of Tumbun Allura, on the fringes of Lake Chad in the Northern part of Borno.

Daramola explained that the air strikes were conducted on the heels of credible intelligence reports that some Boko Haram leaders and members had assembled for a meeting under a group of trees near a prominent makeshift structure within the settlement.

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) platform dispatched for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) confirmed the presence of several ISWAP fighters within the vicinity of the target.

Accordingly, the ATF scrambled a NAF Alpha Jet to attack the location.

The bombs from the aircraft recorded hits on the target area resulting in significant damage to surrounding structures with a large fire observed and several of the terrorists neutralised, he said.

The spokesman said the NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, would sustain its operations against the terrorists in the North East.

Source: NAN

Unai Emery said Arsenal remain in control of the race for Champions League qualification after another disappointing away performance saw his side lose 1-0 at Everton on Sunday.

Phil Jagielka, only drafted into Evertons starting line-up at the last minute, scored the games only goal as Arsenal extended their wretched record as the only club in the top four divisions of English football not to have kept a clean sheet on their travels this season.

But Arsenal boss Emery, while conceding his team had played badly, tried to remain positive in the aftermath at Goodison Park.

I think generally we are well. I dont think; today we lost and we are very bad. It was a bad result, not a good performance today, but we are fourth, Emery said.

Before, I knew it was going to be difficult. After this result, I am thinking the same.

After this result, we can be negative because it is three points lost, but it is in our hands, if we continue taking chances and opportunities, to be in the top four.

Everton had already threatened from one of Lucas Dignes long throw-ins before the full-back delivered the set-piece that led to Jagielkas opening goal on 10 minutes.

His throw was flicked on by Jagielka himself, for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to attempt a header on goal that saw the ball take a kindly bounce, falling to the unmarked defender who swept in from close-range.

There were Arsenal appeals for offside, and television footage seemed to show that Dignes foot might have been over the line in the process of taking his all-important throw.

But it was certainly a dramatic intervention from Jagielka, who had only be called into the team minutes before kick-off when Michael Keane finally succumbed to a virus that had rendered him a doubt.

Jagielka, 36, has suffered a difficult season at Goodison, with a series of knee problems limiting him to three starts but his impact on this occasion could not have been greater, or much quicker.

It was also the former England internationals first goal since April 2017 as he became the oldest player to score in the Premier League this season.

Victory also meant that Everton have beaten a big six side for a second consecutive home game, having failed to win against one of those teams in the previous 25 attempts.

But the post-match analysis centred more on Arsenals poor performance, one which improved only marginally at the interval when Emery brought on Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The pair brought about an improvement in attack, the latters 48th minute cross producing a weak punch from Jordan Pickford which Ramsey volleyed over from 12 yards.

But, defensively, Arsenal were even worse after the restart.

Everton really should have doubled their lead on 73 minutes when a Gylfi Sigurdsson shot was charged down by Sokratis and Richarlison sliced the rebound well wide.

The pressure seemed to be taking its toll on Emery, who was involved in a furious verbal altercation with Everton boss Marco Silva eight minutes from time when Shkodran Mustafi was booked for a poor foul on Richarlison as he broke clear, in front of the technical area.

He arrived late, but I think it was a yellow card, said Emery.

I was speaking and he (Silva) came into my space and place on the bench and explained something to me. But it was no problem.

Source: NAN