10 COOL THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR ANDROID PHONE

You might not believe these 10 cool things that you can do with your Android phone ,  but these are the real deal . Android is a very flexible Operating system , Which means according to your requirement you can put it into many uses . The main advantage using an android phone is that , there are unlimited possibility of finding out cool things to do with your phone .
We proudly present you our collection of 10 amazing and cool things you can do with your android phone . Most of these are very easy but a few need some additional skills like programming and other stuff .

#1. Start your car with your Android phone

Yes , your android phone can be the key to start your car ! , Regardless of where you are , you might be in another continent and you will still be capable of starting your car wirelessly from miles away . All you need is the Viper Smartstart app and you are all set to through away your clunky car key and the key-chains . Your Android phone is now all you need to start , lock and unlock your car . Apart from the basic features the app has loads of other features

In order to access all the features of this app you need to get your hands on the paid version of this app which would cost you around $149 for the viper smartstart Bluetooth module to $399 for the GPS module . The most weirdest thing about this app is that , it enables your car to share its activity on Facebook . Sounds funny but according to the app developers , you car needs friends too . Another cool thing our android phones can do . 

#2. Measure your heart beat

You android phone can now be your personal doctor , or at least act like one . Using the Instant Heart Rate app your android phone can now measure your heart rate . The app uses your phones built-in camera to track color changes on the fingertip that are directly linked to your pulse. This is the same technique that medical pulse oximeters use . I have used the app myself and i can clearly state that it is pretty much accurate . Not just me there over hundreds of users who have rated more than 4 stars for this cool app on the play store .

#3. Control your PC from your phone

Controlling your phone is a very easy task on android . There are many apps for this but ill suggest you my personal favorite , the Teamviewer for Remote Control app . If you are a windows user then chances are there that you might have actually met its Windows sibling . Using the Teamviewer app on your android phone you can easily access your computer from your phone remotely and have complete control over your PC . Be it supporting your family and friends with computer problems or shutting down your PC . Teamviewer is all you need to to control your PC from your phone . The best part it you can even transfer your files from your computer to your phone or vice versa

#4. Host your own web server

Android is based on Linux , which means like any Linux device your Android phone can run a full-fledged Web server complete with a mySQL database, PHP support and FTP for file transfers . You can even use this server to host your own website on the internet . KSweb is an Android app that can help you to set up a server on your android phone . This is by far the coolest thing you can do on a android phone .    

   

#5. Connect to a USB flash drivedrive

This is a less known thing among most Android users . A android phone can easily use a flash drive as a secondary storage . All you need is an USb OTG cable and a free app , which will enable your Android phone to use flash drive and external hard disk as secondary storage devices  . In any case you need to free up some memory from your digital camera , you can use a SD card reader to move files from your camera’s memory card to your phones memory .

#6. Install desktop Linux on your Android phone

Just as we said before , Android Being based on Linux , they do have many similarities . When an Android phone has enough processing power to run a web server , why can’t it run an entire new OS ? . Using a free app called Linux installer you can run operating systems like Ubuntu straight from your phone . You can use a USB OTG cable to connect a keyboard and mouse and you have a full fledged desktop with multitasking capability in your hands . Further you will be able to use all the apps that come pre installed within the OS .

#7. Programming an android app on your phone

You android phone is something similar to and desktop PC , which means you do have the ability to program on your android phone . With Android, you can actually write, compile and test an app directly on your device. AIDE is an free Android app to write programming codes from your android phone itself . Its the most convenient way of satisfying your programming needs when you’re on the move .

#8. Recognize any monument or place

You might know the popular Eiffel tower but what about the other less known monuments ? , You Android phone can help you with that . Google has a free app called Google Goggles , which allows you to capture photographs of monuments and structure and identify them . So next time you’re visiting a new place , you will have your android phone which will provide you more details on any monument than your guide can .Further you can even use the Goggles app to identify monuments from photographs .

#9. Use as a pedometer

Sometimes you might think of why your android phone has so many features like GPS , gyroscope , humidity sensor …etc . Well apart from your phone using these features , there are other app that can take advantage of these features . Using the Accelerometer inside your phone , there are several android apps on the play store which can determine and record how many steps you have taken . One such app is Runkeeper , apart from serving as a pedometer , it combining your BMI data and provide you details about how much calories you burn as you walk .

#10. Pay for your coffee

Well this is a very recently introduced idea by Starbucks . there is an Starbucks app on the Google play store that lets you pay for your coffee at Starbucks by your phone itself . To be able to use this service you need to add funds from your cards to the Starbucks app , after which you will only need to swipe your phone to pay for your coffee at Starbucks . This feature has seen very wide acceptance among many services nowadays and very soon it is going to be available everywhere .

How to use Google to find your lost Android phone

Google has cooked up a new way to find a lost Android phone.
Google
We've all lost our mobile phone at one point or another -- sometimes in our homes, sometimes in the car and sometimes out in the wild unknown. Now instead of searching everywhere to track it down, you can rely on Google for help.

A new feature unveiled on Wednesday lets you search for your Android phone or tablet using Google's search engine on your PC, as long as you meet the right criteria.

Here's how it works:

First, you have to make sure you're logged in to the same Google account on your PC's browser that you use on your phone. You must also be sure to have the latest version of the Google app installed on your phone.
Now type the phrase "find my phone" into Google's search engine on your PC. In response, Google displays a map that attempts to zero in on the location of your device. Give it at least several seconds, and you should eventually see a location on the map that's accurate to a certain distance. For example, the map told me that the location of my device was accurate to 46 feet.
OK, that's fine. But what if your phone is lost somewhere in your home? Sorry, but Google won't tell you what room it's in. But it can ring your device so you can try to track it down yourself.

To pinpoint your device, click the icon or link for Ring on the map. Your device will ring at full volume for up to five minutes. Once you find it, simply click the power button to turn off the ringing.
But what if you own an Android tablet instead of a phone? You can still use the find feature. I used it to locate my Nexus 7 tablet, and it worked just fine. Google zeroed in on the slate's location. Clicking on the Ring icon fired up the ring sound on my tablet so I was able to locate it.


The Google search feature isn't the only way to track down a lost Android device. A similar feature, called Android Device Manager, can locate and ring your device. If you think your device has been stolen, you can also remotely lock it and reset the password or erase its data.

Lagos state Court of Appeal grants Ibinabo bail

 The Lagos state Court of Appeal has granted actress Ibinabo Fiberesima bail in the sum of N 2million and two sureties who are residents in Lagos in like sum. Her bail application was heard today April 7th.
Ibinabo was sent to jail on March 11 by the state Court of Appeal after validating the 5 year jail term handed down to the actress by the state's High court over the 2005 accident in which her car killed one Dr Giwa.

Blac Chyna's mum leaves LA, fires more shots at the Kardashians

             

Seems Blac Chyna's mum has over stayed her welcome in LA, she says she's getting ready to go back to her home in DC to start her own reality show. She reiterated that she'll no longer talk about the Kardashians (but she did) called them FAKE, with lots of plastic surgeries done (which her daughter, Blac Chyna, has admitted she's done to her body). Read her other post below...

       

Breaking News: Orubebe’s lawyer, Judges clash over admissibility of evidence at CCT trial

Trial of the erstwhile Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe‎ over allegation that he falsely declared his assets in 2007, kicked off on a dramatic note on Thursday, as his lawyer, Mr. Larry Selekeowei, SAN, exchanged hot words with the Justice Danladi Umar-led panel of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.

The clash followed moves by the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. Mohammed Diri, to tender into evidence, the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and the Right of Occupancy (R of O), of Plot ‎No. 2057 Asokoro District Abuja, which Orubebe was said to have failed to declare as his property.

The DPP had through the star witness the federal‎ government brought to testify against the former Minister, Mr. Samuel Madojemu, who is an investigative officer at the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, attempted to tender the documents into evidence.

Meanwhile, the war-of-words ensued at a point Orubebe’s lawyer was adducing reasons why the documents and an accompanying letter from the Federal Capital Territory Department of Land Administration, should not be admitted into evidence.

Mid way into his submission, one of the Judges on the CCT panel, Mr. Agwaza Atedze, interjected and asked the defence lawyer to streamline his argument to specific contents of the document before the tribunal.

The remark infuriated Mr. ‎Selekeowei, SAN, who “rudely” reprimanded the Judge for unduly interfering with his submission.

“‎Why are you interjecting into my submission like this? I am making a point, you have not even allowed me to land! You are interfering with this proceeding and it is wrong!

“You are the Judge, you should allow me to make my submission while you rule. Allow me do my work, yours is to be neutral. Why are you doing this?”, Selekeowei bellowed.

Effort by Chairman of the CCT panel, Justice Umar to pacify Orubebe’s lawyer proved abortive as he kept shouting “I am making a submission and someone is interfering and you expect me to keep quite, that cannot happen!”

Irked by conduct of the defence lawyer, Justice Umar maintained that he must tender an open apology for his verbal attack on the bench.

“Are you not sitting before us. Why are you being rude to us? You must apologise. When there is an interjection you are not expected to rudely shout at a Judge the way you ‎are doing.

“You are a member of the silk, you must respect the bench. You are expected to speak humbly and with humility to the bench no matter what. ‎This is not a place to fight, it is a place to settle dispute in an amicable way”, Justice Umar fumed.

“I apologise, though I still insist that it was wrong for anyone to interject like that”, Selekeowei stated.

Justice Atedze who was glaring at him from his vintage point on the bench, simply said, “Larry, all I will tell you is to calm down”.

‎‎Meantime, in his evidence-in-chief, the PW-1, narrated how the CCB uncovered that the said plot belongs to the former Minister.

He said: “My Lord, I know the defendant because be came to make his assets declaration to the Bureau by virtue of his position as a public officer and as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I was instructed to invite him to the Bureau headquarters for the purpose of obtaining his statement on the allegations and intelligence reports that was ‎being handled by the Bureau concerning him.

“I invited him but he promised to respond by sending his legal representative. He also promised that he may decide to come in person. However, he did not come.

My lord he was issued with Form CCB-1, which is the standard form for assets declaration. He made the declarations between 2007 to 2011, which is the period under investigation. The CCB issued the defendant forms five times. For those five times he made his assets declaration forms review.

‎”After we received the forms, we examined them as part of our investigation procedure, to ascertain if there was over declaration or under declaration.

‎”We also conducted intelligence assessment on the declaration made by the defendant. My lord we discovered that there were some other plots or properties that were allegedly traced to the defendant, Elder Godwill Orubebe.

“We thereafter decided to conduct record examination by writing a letter to the Federal Capital Territory Department of Land Administration. In their response, which was in writing, they stated that Plot No. 2057 Asokoro District Abuja, for which a C of O was issued ‎on April 10, 2011, belongs to the defendant.

‎”We thereafter decided to compare the information arising from the response from the FCT land administration department with the assets the defendant declared to the Bureau between 2007 to 2011, and discovered that Plot No 2057 Asokoro District, belonging to the defendant, was not declared, even as at May 29, 2011 when he left office.

“We received the Certified True Copy of the C of O and R of O that was issued to the defendant in respect of the plot.

“As well as the Letter of Authority issued to one Engineer Rodney, ‎by the defendant, authorising the collection of the C of O and R of O from the FCT department of land administration.

“The C of O and R of O was signed by one Funke Audu. It also contains the address of the defendant which is No 2 Drive, Ministers Quarters Mabushi Abuja”, the witness added.

Meanwhile, Orubebe, through his lawyer, vehemently opposed the admissibility of the documents which he said was obtained in gross violation of section 83(3) of the Evidence Act.

The defence counsel contended that the documents were procured while the charge was pending before the tribunal.

‎”The letter is dated February 18, 2016, whereas this suit commenced on October 8, 2015″, Selekeowei argued.

Citing plethora of authorities, the defence lawyer stressed that section ‎83‎(3) of the Evidence Act prohibits the admissibility of documents that were procured from an interested party to a pending suit.

He noted that Mrs. Funke Audu who signed the document identified herself as an Assistant Chief State Counsel, “that clearly made her an interested party”.

“The party in this case is Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is the employer of the Assistant State Counsel, and who by her designation is necessarily under the Attorney General of the Federation, who is the Chief Legal Officer of the federation.

‎”Therefore this letter accompanying these documents are inadmissible. They are dead on arrival”, Orubebe’s lawyer added.

The DPP however urged the tribunal to admit the documents, saying the Letter of Authority was executed by the defendant about five years before the charge was filed.

The prosecution also noted that the C of O was signed May 26, 2011, by former FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, adding that the R of O is dated April 10, 2011.

“These documents cannot be said to have been made during the pendency of this case”, he submitted.

In a short ruling, the tribunal overruled the defence lawyer and admitted the documents into evidence, even as it adjourned further hearing on the matter till April 18.


The tribunal earlier admitted into evidence, five Forms CCB-1, which contained the list of assets the ex-Minister declared before the Bureau.

Orubebe is facing an amended ‎one-count charge the federal government preferred against him.

He was said to have committed an offence contrary to section 15 of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap. 15 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2014, and punishable under section 23(2) of the same Act.

The prosecution told the tribunal that FG has lined up three witnesses that will testify in the matter.

‎FG had at the last adjourned day, dropped N70million bribery allegation it levelled against Orubebe in the initial four-count charge it lodged before the tribunal.

It alleged in the charge that was struck-out, that Orubebe collected the bribe from one Pastor (Dr.) Jonathan Alota, the owner of a company, Chemtronics Nigeria Limited.

The firm was said to have benefited from contracts that were awarded by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, whilst Orubebe held sway as Minister.

FG alleged that the defendant received bribe of N50m in 2012 and another N20m in 2013, an offence contrary to section 10 of the CCB & Tribunal Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 23 (2) of the same law.

Okorocha hands over Resin Paints to Chinese firm

Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has officially handed over the Resin Paints Industry, Aboh Mbaise, to Skyrun Group, a Corporate Company from China, to commence business in the establishment.

Speaking at the handover ceremony Thursday, Okorocha reminded Imolites and Aboh Mbaise people in particularly that he has fulfilled his earlier promise of fully repurchasing and restoring the industry back to Imo State Government.

He emotionally recounted how the sale, and repurchase of Resin Paints Industry traversed over the years, from state, personal, corporate and back to state government ownership.

“I want to announce to you today that this property sited here, is no longer the property of anybody, but the property of Imo State Government”, Okorocha said.

The Governor recalled with glee, the cooperation of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, and the honest and transparent assistance of Zenith Bank Nigeria PLC in the whole buy-back process.

“It was in the bid to shop for and attract investors that he met with Skyrun, a renowned Chinese company that showed interest to do business in Imo State, beginning with the Resin Paints Industry, where they will produce prepaid electric meters, fridges, televisions and other electronic home appliances. It will attract good business from around Africa and beyond and also generate employment for Imo citizens”, Okorocha said.

The governor then charged the people of the area to make sure that the property is securely protected and to cooperate with Skyrun Group.

Earlier in his speech, the Executive General Manager of Skyrun, Mr. Shai Shao, appreciated the venture, pointing out that the company have been in Nigeria for some years, but will opt to begin power projects here in Imo in line with the administration’s job mantra.

Zenith Bank shareholders endorse N62.7bn dividend

Shareholders of Zenith International Bank plc have approved the payment of N62.79 billion dividends earlier recommended by Board of Directors of the bank for the year ended December 31, 2015. This translates to N1.80 per share dividend payable to shareholders whose names appeared on the register of members as at March 24, 2016.

   

Speaking on behalf of other shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos,  the trio of Sir Sunny Nwosu, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria ( ISAN); Mr. Boniface Okezie,  National Chairman,  Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria ( PSAN); and Timothy Adesinya commended the bank on the performance and dividend recommended,  saying that it is in tandem with shareholders’ expectations.

They observed that the performance was commendable in view of the global economic climate,  regulatory headwinds and inconsistent policy pronouncements under which the bank operated.

Sir Sunny Nwosu also commended the bank for achieving 2.2 per cent Non-performing Loan (NPL) ratio, which is far below five per cent regulatory requirements.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman,  Mr. Jim Ovia, said: “2015 has been an interesting,  challenging and successful year for Zenith Bank. However, the concerted efforts of all our stakeholders made it possible for us to sustain our profitability streak in the year.

“Even in the face of a very challenging operating environment, Zenith Bank has maintained its culture of outstanding performance and industry leadership.  As a bank, we are monitoring developments both in the domestic and global economy, and applying pragmatism and dynamism as appropriate.”

Laying the financial results before the shareholders,  Ovia disclosed that the Group profit before tax grew by 4.9 per cent from N119.80 billion in year 201 to N125.62 billion. Profit after tax, according to him, jumped by 6.2 per cent during the period from N99.45 billion to N105.66 billion.

The Group total assets similarly rose by 6.7 per cent from N3.76 trillion in 2014 to N4.01 trillion in 2015, while customers deposits grew marginally by 0.8 per cent from N2.54 trillion to N2.56 trillion.

Group shareholders fund grew by 7.5 per cent from N552.64 billion in 2014 to N594.35 billion; gross earnings similarly grew by 7.2 per cent from N403.34 billion to N432.53 billion in 2015 he said.

In his remarks,  the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Peter Amangbo, said: “The core philosophy for us is to continuously adjust to the fluctuating appetite and complexity of the customer and remain a customer-centric institution that delights in the success of its customers and businesses.

“Also, we have enhanced our progress in leveraging our innovative credentials through a strategic determination to further momentum in the retail end of the market. In line with market realities, we shall review and assess the best use of our resources to maximise return. “

OBJ in Aso Villa as Buhari receives details of 2016 Budget

ABUJA-Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is currently meeting with President Mohammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This was even as the details of the 2016 budget estimates have been transmitted to the Presidency.

   

  Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, April 7, 2016.

Obasanjo arrived the villa at exactly 12:13pm on Thursday in a tinted black Toyota Jeep marked Abj 425 PY.

Upon alighting from the vehicle, he exchanged pleasantries with Reporters who cracked joke with him on his “dancing steps” last week at Ebonyi State during the burial of the late mother of Ebonyi State Governor.

Reminded that “your dancing steps last week were great”, he replied “so you don’t want me to dance”, as he beamed smiles and entered inside the building.

His mission to the Villa was yet unknown.

Meanwhile, President Buhari is in the custody of the details of the budget.

The details were received by the Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari on behalf of the President.

The Senior Special Assistant, SSA to President on National Assembly matters, Senator Ita Enag alongside his colleague, Hon. Ismaila Kawu who brought the document to the Villa confirmed its receipt to State House Correspondents.

He said: “The budget details have been transmitted to His Excellency, Mr. President today. The constitutional process begins thereafter.

“We have transmitted it to the Office of the President and the constitutional process of timing starts.”

It will be recalled that President Buhari when he received the highlights of the approved budget from the National Assembly last week insisted on seeing the details before signing the 2016 appropriation bill into law.

NDLEA parades 7 men arrested with hard drugs in Aba

ABA- THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abia state has paraded 7 men arrested with suspected psycho-tropical substances in the month of March in Aba.

   

The names of the suspects were given as Uzochukwu Nnanna,35, Kingsley Ugwubueze 31, Agbaeze Kalu,40, Saidu Iliyasu, 29, Solution Kingsley, 22, Ikechukwu Nwankpa, 31, and Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, 22.

Parading the men, the State Commander, Mr Bamidele Akingbade said that they were caught at various venues in the state with psycho-tropical substances weighing a total of about 14.23 kilograms.

He said that the suspects were found to be in possession of psychotropic substances which includes Cocaine, Heroin and Indian hemp

at the time of their arrests.

Akingbade said that the suspects would be arraigned at the FederalHigh Court in Umuahia this month after the conclusion of

investigations.

Saidu Iliayasu, 29, a security man at Maranatha private hostel at the Abia State University, Uturu was arrested during a raid in Uturu after

two students were beheaded by cultists.

He said he was arrested for having possession of hemp worth over N3000 from which he could have made a gain of N2000.

One of them who said he is Uzochukwu Nnanna told reporters that the policemen caught him with Indian hemp and later handed him over to the NDLEA.

He asked for help stating that he was pushed to go into the trade because of hardship.

One of the men arrested, Solution Kingsley, 22, said he was caught with cocaine (“White”) after he lost his father at the end of his

secondary education and had to seek help to further his education.

He noted that it was in the process of seeking help that he met a man called Nwa-Charlie who introduced him into the Cocaine business as away to help him raise money to go further.

Kingsley Ugwubueze, 31, native of Ohaji-Egbema in Imo State said he was living in Ibadan by Orlu Street when he was caught for possessing Indian hemp last month.

Agbaeze Kalu, 40, a wheel barrow pusher said he went to buy hemp for personal consumption when he was caught by the Vigilante in Aba and handed over to NDLEA.

He said that smoking weed helps to give him strength to continue working when he becomes weak after doing heavy jobs.

“I now know that it is dangerous to my health and when I leave here I will not return to it”, he said.

Ikechukwu Nwankpa, 31, from Eziama Nvosi who lives at the Omuma road said he was arrested with hemp.

He said he was shoemaker until he had a problem and had no money to continue with the trade and then his friend urged him to sell hemp to help him

He said that if he sold his shoes in a day, he makes about N5000 gain but chose to be selling hemp which he could sale for N1, 500 for the time with gain of about N500

Ugochukwu Nwachukwu,22, Ugiri Mbano, Imo State said his father died in December 2015 and he had no one to help him which led him into the business of selling Indian hemp until he was caught.

They pleaded to be pardoned saying that if they are released, they would not return to hard drug trade and consumption again.

Panama Leaks: My hands are clean, Iam not directly or indirectly connected to any of the companies – Mark

ABUJA – FORMER President of the Senate, Senator David Mark said Thursday that his hands are clean over claims linking him to having at least eight offshore shell companies while in office and violation of a federal code of conduct law.

 

Reacting to the development, Senator Mark who noted that he was not directly or indirectly connected to any of the companies registered, operated or managed by the Mossack Fonseca Law Firm, said that those behind the story will hear from his lawyers.

A statement by his media Assistant, Paul Mumeh read, “Our attention has been drawn to spurious Media reports on the Panama papers in which Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark was alleged to have operated offshore companies.

“For the avoidance of doubt, in the released materials of the Panama Leaks, his name is not listed anywhere in the database of Mossack Fonseca Law Firm. We reiterate categorically, that he is not directly or indirectly connected to any of the companies registered, operated or managed by the Mossack Fonseca Law Firm.

“We challenge all those behind this propaganda and Media outburst to prove or show that Senator Mark’s name was mentioned in the leaks. He is prepared to stand and defend himself against any accusation in relation to this matter.

“Senator Mark’s Media team has carried out its own search of the Mossack Fonseca database and found no statement, item or any connection to Senator David Mark or his Family. It follows that there is no record whatsoever of any impropriety or wrongdoing.

“We recall that in his quest for Senate Presidency in 2007, there was an attempt to bring a similar issue to the fore in order to stop him. So what are their fears now in 2016 for regurgitating the same issue?

“Once more, Senator Mark has distanced himself and any member of his family from the said Mossack Fonseca Firm and has no affiliation whatsoever with any company operated, registered or managed by Mossack Fonseca.

“Senator Mark has not contravened any laws of the land and he is treating this for what it is, an attempt to blackmail and tarnish his hard earned image by some political elements.

“As a public officer, Senator Mark has maintained a high level of decorum, respects and observes the laws of the land and believes in the sanctity of the rule of law. He will not be distracted by what is clearly a deliberate mischief and propaganda.

“Records of all his assets are available with the relevant government agencies and can be verified. He has consulted his legal team and will take this up accordingly.”

Airtime for mafia boss’s son sparks fury in Italy

Anti-mafia campaigners and victims of the Mob voiced fury Thursday after Italy’s national broadcaster gave airtime to the son of Sicily’s most notorious gangster to promote a book dedicated to his jailed father.

Salvatore Riina, the son of notorious ‘boss of bosses’ Toto Riina, also reiterated two of the most persistent myths about the mafia: that it does not really exist as an organised crime syndicate and that its members operate to a moral code.

Salvatore Borsellino, whose brother Paolo was assassinated in 1993 on Riina senior’s orders, said he had felt sick when he read that state television company Rai had interviewed the son of the mafia killer.

“It will only reopen the wounds of every family that has been a victim of the mafia,” he said.

The interview was conducted by prominent journalist Bruno Vespa and broadcast on Wednesday evening on Italy’s top current affairs programme, Porta a Porta.

“I am not the son of a supreme boss, I’m the son of Toto… an upstanding man who respects family and traditional values,” Salvatore said in the interview.

Toto Riina was arrested in 1993 after ruling Sicily’s Cosa Nostra with an iron fist for over two decades.

He is believed to have ordered more than 150 murders, including the assassinations of Borsellino and fellow anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone.

Salvatore Riina is currently on parole after serving time for mafia association.

Toto Riina’s arrest was seen as one of the Italian state’s most important victories in its battle against the mafia. Salvatore said he saw it differently because his father had been taken away from him.

“I love my father, my mother, my family, (that goes) beyond what they have been accused of,” he said. “What is the mafia? I don’t have a precise answer, the mafia is everything and nothing at all.”

Even RAI’s president, Monica Maggioni suggested the decision to broadcast the interview had been a mistake, saying profits from Riina’s book should be confiscated and handed to anti-mafia grops.

Rosy Bindi, chair of the parliamentary anti-mafia committee, accused Vespa of “mafia denial” and has summoned Rai bosses to explain the decision.

Wenger plays down Wilshere nightclub incident

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Thursday played down a late-night scrape involving Jack Wilshere and revealed that the midfielder will make his long-awaited return to action this week.

Wilshere, 24, was photographed speaking to police in the early hours of Sunday morning after reportedly being rejected from a nightclub in central London.

The England midfielder will play in the club’s under-21 fixture against Newcastle United on Friday and Wenger feels that the nightclub incident did not merit the media attention it received.

“I’ve spoken to him. It looks to be taken out of proportion a little bit,” Wenger told a press conference ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with West Ham United on Saturday.

“These are matters that we like to keep internal. This is a completely private matter. I don’t know really what happened.”

He added: “There was no training session the next day. He had an off day (day off). You can accept that sometimes the players go out, when they are free the next day, over the weekend.

“Overall, what is positive is that he works very, very hard. The news looks quite good. I think he will have a good test tomorrow night.”

Wilshere has not played this season after sustaining a fractured shin in pre-season.

His list of injuries is only slightly longer than his record of off-pitch incidents, but Wenger believes that it is fitness concerns, rather than disciplinary matters, that are the only barrier to a successful career.

“At the moment I believe he’s a real football brain, Jack Wilshere. He loves football,” said the Frenchman.

“He’s very serious, very dedicated. The only thing that could stop him from having the career he can make is injuries.

“He had the history of his injuries. It’s been bad recently. But I hope he can get rid of that and make the career he deserves.”

Wenger revealed that midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini are in contention for the trip to West Ham after thigh and hamstring injuries respectively.

He also confirmed that the club are in talks over a new contract for 19-year-old Nigerian forward Alex Iwobi, who has scored two goals in his last two appearances.

“We are discussing it at the moment, to extend,” Wenger said. “He has three years left at the end of the season, but we want to keep him here for longer.”

Arsenal are currently 11 points behind league leaders Leicester City, albeit with a game in hand, but Wenger refuses to give up on the title.

“As long as mathematically it’s possible, there’s a strong possibility,” he said.

“We know we need nearly the perfect run — I could have cut the ‘near’ out. We have just to focus on our performance and hope we finish in a very strong way.”

KLOPP VS. DORTMUND 2016, MOURINHO VS. CHELSEA 2010 – COACHES RETURNING TO PLAY THEIR EXES

With former Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp set to return to Signal Iduna Park with Liverpool on Thursday, Goal's Mark Doyle takes a look back at other memorable reunions between long-serving coaches and their old sides...

PLATINI: IT IS 'OUTRAGEOUS' THAT I WILL NOT BE AT 'MY CHILD' EURO 2016

       

The disgraced former official is distraught that he may not be able to be present at the European championships in his country in June.

Suspended former UEFA president Michel Platini has described his punishment as an "enormous injustice," describing his likely absence from Euro 2016 as "outrageous."

Platini has been handed an eight-year ban, later reduced to six, from all football-related activity by the FIFA Ethics Committee.

World football's governing body ruled a payment of two million Swiss francs ($ 2..9 million) authorized by former FIFA counterpart Sepp Blatter to the three-time Ballon d'Or winner constituted multiple infringements of its Code of Ethics.

The ban means Platini is unable to attend the European Championship his country France will host in June, and the disgraced official has revealed his incredulity at the sanction

"The Euro 2016 is my child, but I do not know if I will get there," he told BeIN Sports. "It is unimaginable that I would not be there from its beginning.

"This is outrageous and it is a huge injustice."

Platini suggested there was an agenda against him ahead of the FIFA presidential elections, which were eventually won by Gianni Infantino.

"There were a lot of people who opposed the idea of my leadership at FIFA," he said. "Why? Because I might have changed a lot in the organisation, things people might not have wanted to change.

"Those people made loyalties which is a shame, but that's the way it is."

Platini admitted there were some things he and Blatter did that may have been regrettable, but said overall they could be proud of their legacy in football.

"Blatter was heavily scrutinized and investigated and he may have done some things he should not have, but the same goes for me," he said. "Overall what he did for football is very good. Football is doing very well now and it is the most popular sport on the planet.

"That is thanks to those who have worked in its institution. They should be thanked."

Platini also commented on new FIFA president Infantino, saying: "He is a different type of president. He is less about the politics and more about the legal aspect of things.

"His priority is not to polish or keep his reputation but to make the organisation more transparent. Now that he is president, there will surely be more transparency in FIFA. I have confidence he can do it."

Why should we pay rent annually in Nigeria, Musa Bello asks

ABUJA – WORRIED by the high cost of rent in the country especially in the nation’s capital territory, Abuja, the federal government said yesterday that it would soon put in place a law that would force downward, cost of accommodation in the nation’s capital.

Speaking yesterday when he received members of members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, NIESV in his office, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello explained that the present administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari was deeply concerned with the high cost of accommodation in the territory and was working on measures that would guarantee access to decent accommodation by the masses and less privileged.

The Minister who urged members of NIESV to find a viable solution to address the high cost of accommodation in Abuja, also challenged the body to reduce their professional fee, adding that although the concept of Estate development was a very laudable one, the industry was facing many challenges in the territory, questioning the rationale behind payment of rent on annual basis in the country.

Bello who emphasized that as a professional body that was primarily concerned with provision of houses, said that the NIESV has a responsibility to ensure that accommodation does not get out of the reach of the common man.

The Minister said, “As a body, you must take deliberate steps to bring down the cost of accommodation through reduction of your charges and commissions. I know that you charge between 10-15% but I think that rate needs to come down or else at some point in the future, legislation will force you to bring it down.’’

The Minister who wondered why in developed countries such as United Kingdom and United states tenants pay rents on a monthly basis while here in Nigeria the reverse was the case, said, “Why should we pay rent annually in Nigeria; why should we pay two, three years in advance. All the people you see here including the Minister get their rent allowance on a monthly basis, only very few organisations in Nigeria pay rent allowance annually in bulk. Why can’t we start asking our tenants to pay rent monthly even if they are in Asokoro, Maitama or wherever”

According to the Minister, as part of moves to bring down housing rates in Abuja the FCT Administration has put the necessary machinery in motion to ensure that all plots of land not developed within a stipulated period would be revoked and re-allocated to willing developers, adding that the number of uncompleted buildings and empty estate houses in the city was very alarming and a committee would soon be set up to look into the
issue.

Bello who thanked the NIESV for his investiture as the Patron of the professional body, promises to look into all the issues raised by the President and Chairman of the FCT chapter on the need to enhance the existing working relationship between the FCT administration and NIESV.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the FCT chapter of NIESV Mr. Emmanuel Alao urged the Minister to constitute the Land Use Allocation committee in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act in order to check abuses in the land allocation process.

He however appealed to the Minister to ensure that at least two Estate Surveyors were included in the committee, stressing that the NIESV remains a willing partner in moving the Federal Capital Territory forward.

High point of the event was the investiture of the Honorable as the Patron of the NIESV conducted by the President, Olorogun James Omeru.

Accept reality of your political loss, Wike tells Amaechi, APC

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has advised former Governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi, to accept the reality that his political party lost the rerun elections and allow the state government focus on the rebuilding of the state.

Governor Wike said that the responsibility of reviving the state after the immediate past administration failed to use the three trillion naira (N3trillion) that accrued to the state under its watch is enormous.

Declaring open a retreat on strengthening capacity, efficiency and service delivery for sustainable development for top government officials at Onne Multi-Purpose Centre on Thursday, Governor Wike said that the administration has deployed resources and expertise to correct the failures of the Amaechi administration.

He said: “I call on the former Governor and leader of the APC in the State to accept the reality that the re-run elections has woefully been lost by his party and that Rivers people have, again, overwhelmingly re-affirm their confidence, trust and preference for the PDP.

“Therefore, spare us the agony of unnecessary hostility and allow Rivers State to move forward in peace and security. We expect you to use your high office and connections to attract meaningful development projects to the State as I did during my time; not senseless and unpatriotic distractions. Enough is enough.

“All of us are aware of the sorry state of things in Rivers State before May 29 2015. Between October 25 2007 and May 28 2015 over three trillion naira accrued from all revenue sources to the State. Yet, they did nothing tangible with that money to develop the State. Instead, they squandered and diverted most of this money into private pockets through bogus and ill-fated projects. ”

The governor noted that all key projects initiated by the Amaechi administration were either abandoned or not executed at all.

He said: “Let’s briefly look at the records since they live in denial. The visible projects initiated by former Governor Amaechi during his eight years in office include: the Karibi Whyte mega Hospital project, the Greater Port Harcourt Project, the new Rivers State University project; the RSSDA over-seas scholarship scheme; the mosquitos eradication scheme, the Adokiye Amiesemaka Stadium project, the 500 primary schools project, the 23 mega secondary schools project, the ill-fated less than 1.5kms monorail project, and the dualization of some inner city roads.

   

    However, none of these projects was realised before they left office despite spending billions and billions of naira on them. For example, the Karibi Whyte Hospital was not just abandoned at the foundation stage, it turned out to be a big scam on Rivers people. The Greater Port Harcourt project existed mainly on paper without any tangible progress. The Adokye Amiesimaka stadium was abandoned half completed, while not even a stone was laid for the proposed new Rivers State University.

“Furthermore, the mosquito eradication project was another huge scam, just as the secondary school and overseas scholarships scheme were misconceived, fraudulent and unsustainable. In addition, they sold off three of the State’s four independent power plants initiated by the Governor Odili administration to cronies and diverted the proceeds to private ends.

“The narrative is not different in their much-flaunted education and health projects. Their own project audit before they left office reveals that out of 498 primary schools they initiated, only 116 were completed and the rest abandoned. Similarly, out of the 23-mega secondary schools they initiated, only one was completed, the rest abandoned. Throughout the eight years, no public secondary school was rehabilitated, while all the general hospitals were willfully abandoned to rot and decay. I challenge the former Governor to controvert these facts in a public debate.

”

He said despite inheriting a badly governed state, his administration hit the ground running, initiating critical projects and programmes that have revived the economy of the state to the benefit of the people.

The governor said: ” I made it clear from our first day in office that we didn’t run for the office of Governor for the fun of it. We ran to restore hope to our people; provide first-class public infrastructure, tackle insecurity and make Rivers State a preferred destination for local and foreign entrepreneurs.

“We promised to build a new Rivers State where our people will be secure in a well-managed government that cares about how we serve our people; secure in a justice system that protects the rule of law and delivers equitable justice; secure in a prospering economy that works for everyone; a Rivers State where our children have equal access to first-rate education regardless of background; a Rivers State that is secure in a healthcare system that is accessible, qualitative and affordable for everyone.

”

He pledged that his administration will continue to work for the benefit of the people translating the New Rivers Vision into reality within the specified time.

The governor noted that his administration will sustain sound development principles and the pro-people accountable application of resources to enhance the development of the state.

He said: “Let me re-affirm the determination of our government to make Rivers State secure, peaceful and prosperous through public and private sector participation. Although the glorious fruits of the transformative process we have started would take some time to fully manifest, there is no doubt that we are making steady progress with the lean resources at our disposal, despite the disruptive distractions from the bizarre opposition that has taken partisan politics to the point of terror.

”

In his opening remarks, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani stated that the retreat was organised to equip top government officials with knowledge to assist the governor achieve his development goals.

The Retreat had as resource persons the following: Prof Ibrahim Gambari, Prof A.O. Afolabi, Prof Bob Osaze, Ambassador SM Taribo, Dr Ita Ekpeyong, Mr Emeka Ezeh, Ambassador John Gana, Prof Christiana Okoji, Dr Egem Odey and Ferdinand Agu .

The governor, his Deputy, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Special Assistants, Permanent Secretaries, Members of Boards and Commissions are participants at the retreat.

Nigeria subjects Ndigbo to political, religious, academically, economic slavery – MASSOB

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign States of Biafra, MASSOB, said it has concluded plans to attend an International Conference on the Rights of Indigenous People and self-determination which will be held in a Western European Country in no distant time.
 .  

In a statement signed by MASSOB National Director of Information, Mr. Samuel Edeson,

“the Leader of MASSOB, Mr. Uchenna Madu was invited alongside other World leaders of self-determination groups, saying that he will attend the Conference with 7 man delegation of MASSOB National Executive officials.

MASSOB said during the Conference, its leader, Comrade Madu will expose the evil plot against Biafra by Nigeria in collaboration with the British Government as evidently shown in the political structure of Nigeria which grievously and eternally subjected Ndigbo to political, religious, academically, economic, social and cultural slavery in Nigeria”

He said that after their emergency meeting at MASSOB headquarters, in Okwe they resolved that MASSOB shall continue to maintain its non-violence approach, just as it will use civil disobedience and outright rejection of Nigeria occupation of Biafran land.

“MASSOB will also pressurize and insist on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB, Benjamin Onwuka of BZM and 23 Biafran detainees at Awka and Onitsha prison since 2006. We demand the unconditional release of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (IPOB Leader and others) whose cases cannot be justified by Nigeria government. Their continued detention has exposed the incompetency and bias mind of Nigeria judiciary.

“The more Nnamdi Kanu is being detained, the more Nigeria suffers diplomatic damages and shame. MASSOB will continue to partner with IPOB, lower Niger Congress and Biafran groups in diaspora for genuine agitation. We shall never relent as Nigeria persecution, arrest, detention and killings will never deter us from pressing for Biafra” he said.

.

“MASSOB said during the Conference, its leader, Comrade Madu will expose the evil plot against Biafra by Nigeria in collaboration with the British Government as evidently shown in the political structure of Nigeria which grievously and eternally subjected Ndigbo to political, religious, academically, economic, social and cultural slavery in Nigeria” he said.

Google testing self-driving cars in more US cities

Arizona –  Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) is expanding its testing of self-driving cars to the Phoenix, Arizona metro area, the company said on Thursday.

Google said that the testing made it the fourth U.S. city to serve as a proving ground for the autonomous vehicles.

“Arizona is known as a place where research and development is welcome, innovation can thrive, and companies can set up roots,’’ Jennifer Haroon, head of business operations for the Google Self-Driving Car project said

   

        Google Self-Driving Car Prototype

The Phoenix area has distinct desert conditions, which will help us better understand how our sensors and cars handle extreme temperatures and dust in the air.”

The company’s Google unit has conducted driverless vehicle testing for six years in Mountain View, California, where it is based, and expanded testing to Austin, Texas last summer.

In February, Kirkland, Washington, which is home to significant wet weather, was added as a testing site.

Major automakers and technology companies led by Google, are racing to develop and sell vehicles that can drive themselves.

However, they have complained that safety rules are impeding testing and ultimate deployment of such vehicles.

Most of Google’s 1.5 million miles of autonomous vehicle testing has taken place in California.

But it has publicly sparred with the state since December when California proposed rules requiring a steering wheel, brake pedals and a licensed driver in all robot test vehicles on the road.

Google said its test drivers recently began driving four Lexus RX450h SUVs around the Phoenix area, to create a detailed map of streets, lane markers, traffic signals and curb heights.

A Google self-driving car struck a municipal bus in Mountain View in a minor crash on Feb. 14.

Google has said it bears “some responsibility’’ for the incident, the first crash that appears to be the fault of the self-driving vehicle.

The company said it made changes to its software after the crash, to avoid future incidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in January it is working on new guidance on self-driving vehicles to states and automakers that they hope to release by July.

NHTSA will hold the first of two public hearings on the planned self-driving guidance on Friday in Washington.

In February, NHTSA said the artificial intelligence system piloting a self-driving Google car could be considered the driver under federal law, a major step toward winning approval for autonomous vehicles on the roads. (Reuters/NAN)

Osun has created conducive environment for agriculture – Aregbesola

OSOGBO
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has charged government at all levels to ensure massive agricultural revolution in the country to achieve food security for the citizenry.

According to him, the country should seize the opportunity of the current economic recession occasioned by the fall in oil revenue to go back to land and cultivate both cash and food crops for industries and consumption.

The royal father spoke at a one day forum of plantain innovation cluster/stakeholders interactive session, a presentation of Humid Tropics and Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, FARA, at Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife.

Represented by Elejesi of Ejesi-Ife Oba Babatunde Awosunle, the monarch said part of his efforts to reduce youth restiveness and unemployment in his domain was on assumption on the throne, he acquired hundreds of hectares of land for cultivation of both cash and food crops where youths are fully engaged.

His words, “Ile-Ife from the time immemorial is known for the production of both cash and food crops. We have land to encourage farmers particularly, the youths to go into farming.

“We want to join hands with stakeholders on how to improve and increase plantain production in my domain. I am more passionate about youth development”, he added.

In his remarks at the occasion, Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola said the state government had created conducive environment to ensure mass production of Agricultural products to ensure food security in the state.

According to him, one of the intervention programmes of his administration was in the area of poultry and fish production which formed part of the school feeding programme of the government.

Represented by Dr Bukola Aluko, Governor Aregbesola disclosed that the federal government had already shown interest in the O’meal programme of the state government.

In his remarks, a lecturer in the department of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, prof.
Adeolu Ayanwale advocated support from both the federal and state governments for plantain farmers in the country.

According to him, government should support farmers by providing enabling market and irrigation for the production of more crops to ‎ensure food security in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the forum of plantain innovation platform was launched last year to facilitate the interaction of the stakeholders in plantain value chain.

Sex workers kick, as France bans paying for sex

French MPs have passed a law that makes it illegal to pay for sex and imposes fines of up to €3,750 (£3,027, $4,274) for those buying sexual acts, reports the BBC.



Those convicted would also have to attend classes to learn about the conditions faced by prostitutes.

It has taken more than two years to pass the controversial legislation because of differences between the two houses of parliament over the issue.

Some sex workers protested against the law during the final debate.

The demonstrators outside parliament in Paris, numbering about 60, carried banners and placards one of which read: “Don’t liberate me,

I’ll take care of myself”, the AFP news agency reports.

Members of the Strass sex workers’ union say it will affect the livelihoods of prostitutes, estimated to number between 30,000 and 40,000.

But supporters of the law have said it will help fight trafficking networks.

It will also make it easier for foreign prostitutes to get a temporary residence permit in France if they agree to find jobs outside prostitution.

“The most important aspect of this law is to accompany prostitutes, give them identity papers because we know that 85% of prostitutes here are victims of trafficking,” Socialist MP Maud Olivier, who sponsored the legislation, told the Associated Press news agency.

The law was passed in the final vote on the bill in the lower house of parliament by 64 to 12 with 11 abstentions, France’s Le Monde newspaper reports.

It supersedes one from 2003 that penalised sex workers for soliciting.

Correspondents say the predominantly right-wing Senate has been opposed to the ban – and parliamentary debates have often ended in deadlock.

Those found guilty for paying for sex will have to pay a first time fine of 1,500 euros, which will more than double for a repeat offence.

Sweden was the first country to criminalise those who pay for sex rather than the prostitutes.

Swedish authorities say the number of women on the streets in the prostitution area in Stockholm has fallen since the legislation was introduced.

8 ships laden with petrol expected to arrive Lagos ports

Lagos – Eight ships laden with petrol are expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos from April 7 to April 12 to improve the supply of the commodity in the country.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its publication – `Shipping Position’, – on Thursday in Lagos.

The document indicated that 25 other ships containing food items and other goods were being expected at the ports from April 7 to April 26.

NPA explained that the expected ships contained buck wheat, soda ash, frozen fish, bulk sugar, general cargoes, diesel, and containers.

The document noted that a ship had arrived, waiting to berth with aviation fuel.

17 other ships are at the ports discharging general cargoes, wheat, ethanol, aviation fuel, crude palm oil, empty containers, salt, aviation fuel and petrol.

If Nigeria can stop importing vehicles, their prices will drop – Dealers

Abuja – Some car dealers in Abuja have called on the Federal Government to formulate policies to encourage Nigerians to patronise locally manufactured cars.

The dealers, said on Thursday, said the sliding exchange rate of the naira had affected their businesses negatively.

They said that the current economic situation in the country had affected the price of imported vehicles by about 50 per cent.

According to them, if Nigeria can stop importing vehicles, their price will drop.

Mr Anthur Akwarandu, a car dealer at Gwarinpa, said that currently Nigerians were not patronising the only Nigerian vehicle manufacturer – Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company.

He said that government officials preferred to patronise foreign manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda at the expense of Made-in-Nigeria vehicles.

Akwarundua, the Chairman, Biggudd Global Motors, said that the rising dollar rate against the naira had made importation of vehicles difficult for the dealers.

“For example, Venza, which was between four million and N4.5 million naira before now costs six million naira.

“As a result, people now find it difficult to buy at that rate.

“What we are waiting for is the budget to be signed so that there will be money in circulation; hopefully by that time, the situation will have improved.

“We were selling an average of four cars before, but now, we find it difficult to sell a car in two weeks,’’ he said.

The dealer said naira used to be much stronger than the Beninois currency – CFA Franc – where some Nigerian dealers imported vehicles.

According to him, the CFA is now appreciating against the naira, making it difficult to still buy the same number of vehicles dealers bought about a year ago.

Mallam Saidu Hayatu, the Chairman of A.S Galadima Motors, said that over 50 per cent of dealers had stopped importing vehicles since four months ago.

“The car we were buying for 10,000 U.S dollars before now cost 20,000 U.S dollars because by the time we change naira to dollars, the cost will go higher.

“By the time we buy the vehicles and bring them here (Nigeria), people complain that they are too expensive.

“So, some of us have stopped importing vehicles except on request,’’ he said.

Hayatu said he was selling an average of 10 cars in a week before, but said that “if I am lucky to sell two in a week now, I will be happy”.

The dealer said that even payments for sold vehicles were often in installments rather than full payments.

“The situation is becoming hard and if dollar doesn’t go down, then we may be out of business,’’ the dealer said.

FG pledges to make sports major pillar of nation’s economy

Abuja – The Federal Government on Wednesday in Abuja restated its resolve to tap into the enormous resource of sports by encouraging the private sector to actively participate in its development.

President Muhammadu Buhari gave the assurance at the Dinner and Award Recognition Night to commemorate the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace.

Represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, President Buhari said government would provide the necessary incentives to enhance the financing, management and promotion of sports by the private sector.

“In the next coming years, sports will become a major pillar of the Nigerian economy.

“I want to note with satisfaction that Nigerian sports have grown in leaps and bounds, with the country’s athletes distinguishing themselves in various sports,’’ he said.

The President specifically mentioned the exploits of the female national football teams on the continent and in the globe, as well as the basketball team which won the African championship.

“There is also the achievements of Aruna Quadri and his elevation as the number one table tennis player in Africa, while a Nigerian also won the world scrabble championship.

“The nation is proud of the achievements of these athletes,’’ he said.

President Buhari further identified sports as one of the greatest unifiers which exist today.

“We are all aware of the amazing capacity of sports to bring people together in spite of different racial, social, economic or religious affinities.

“Support for football clubs cuts across age and social status. If there is a language the whole world speaks, it is the language of sports.

“This is why it is crucial that we promote and celebrate sports in communities, schools and places of work, both private and public.

“It is only sports that promotes peace and healthy living, physical development as well as economic activities all at once,’’ he said.

President Buhari pointed out that sports was a major revenue earner for countries across the world, regarding economic activities.

He pointed at the English Premier League and the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the UK and the U.S. as major money-spinners for the countries.

“Advertisers, sports promoters and the media used the endorsements of famous sports stars to promote their products.

“Even, other professionals make financial breakthroughs through sports.

“The world of sports has become a bustling worldwide economic phenomenon,’’ the President said.

He then praised the United Nations (UN) for the idea of dedicating April 6 as the day of sports for development and peace.

Panama papers: Austrian bank chief resigns

The head of a Austrian regional bank became on Thursday the latest casualty of the Panama Papers scandal, announcing his resignation but denying any wrongdoing.

“At the end of the day what made the difference in taking this step was the prejudgement through the media of Hypo Vorarlberg and of myself in recent days,” Michael Grahammer, 51, said.

“I remain 100-percent convinced the bank at no time contravened laws or sanctions,” he said in a statement, ading that he said he will remain in office until a successor is named.

Hypo Vorarlberg was named in a vast trove of documents leaked Sunday related to a Panama law firm allegedly helping the rich, famous and infamous hide assets offshore to avoid tax, circumvent sanctions or launder money.
 

View of a sign outside the building where Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm offices are in Panama City, on April 4, 2016. A massive leak -coming from Mossack Fonseca- of 11.5 million tax documents on Sunday exposed the secret offshore dealings of aides to Russian president Vladimir Putin, world leaders and celebrities including Barcelona forward Lionel Messi. An investigation into the documents by more than 100 media groups, described as one of the largest such probes in history, revealed the hidden offshore dealings in the assets of around 140 political figures — including 12 current or former heads of states. AFP PHOTO/ Rodrigo ARANGUA / AFP PHOTO / RODRIGO ARANGUA

Austria’s financial market authority (FMA) on Wednesday began looking over the bank’s accounts, and those of fellow Austrian lender Raiffeisen Bank International (FBI), following the allegations.

Hypo Vorarlberg, majority owned by the state of Vorarlberg, was already the subject of an FMA probe in 2012 related to a firm registered in the Virgin Islands to Gennady Timchenko, a Russian oligarch subject to US sanctions.

The FMA alerted authorities to possible money-laundering but Austrian prosecutors dropped an enquiry in 2013 because of a lack of evidence. Grahammer said on Wednesday that the bank no longer had business dealings with Timchenko.

Danagogo heads probe on political killings in Rivers

PORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, yesterday, inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by Justice Monima Danagogo, to look into the killings recorded during the March 19 re-run elections for the National and House of Assembly seats in the state.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike acknowledging cheers from supporters at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Thursday upon his arrival to the state after the Appeal Court judgment.

Expressing concern over reported killings during the exercise, the governor urged the commission to dig up every detail on the incidents, adding that it should also determine the extent of damages recorded in terms of property and other valuables during the re-run elections.

Wike said that the commission should submit its report within one month.

He said: “The commission has one month, beginning today, to submit its report. We must know those involved in the killings. We must get to the root of the violence during the March 19 re-run elections. Since we were not at the location of the violence, we rely on the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate what took place.”

.Fraudsters clone EFCC boss’ phone number

Abuja—Criminals have allegedly cloned the phone number of Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, and used same to defraud people.

EFCC raised the alarm yesterday, asking Nigerians to beware of the suspects who were being trailed for appropriate punishment.

A statement by spokesman for EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the fraudsters had successfully impersonated Magu and extorted money from members of the public.

Part of the statemen read: “For the avoidance of doubts, the EFCC Chairman and, indeed, all officials of the agency, do not solicit for nor accept payments/gratification from persons or organisations under any guise.”

South-East, South-South tasked on human capital devt

SOME intellectuals and professionals of South-East and South-South extraction of have said the discovery of crude oil in the region has destroyed the interest in human capital development in the area.

Speaking in Lagos while announcing the second edition of the region’s development forum slated for April 28 and 29, the Chairman, Planning Committee, Mr. Mazi Ohuabunwa, said prior to the advent of oil, the region was one of the fastest growing economies in the world through diversification of its economy and a conscientious intensive development of its human capital base.

He said: “But this progressive match was terminated with the arrival of oil. Everything fell apart and the region lost focus and joined the band-wagon of dependents on a mono-cultural economy.”

Ohuabunwa pointed out the need for the region to return to pre-oil era where efforts would be channeled towards massive investments in agriculture, “agro-processing, infrastructure, education, skills training and executive management manpower training.”

Earlier, the President of South-East and South-South Professionals of Nigeria, SESSPN, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju said the forum aimed at preparing the region for a post-oil Nigeria by harnessing the abundant human and material resources through collaborative efforts.

“This will transform the region into a global investment destination for investors and also build synergies and linkages that will create jobs for our teeming youth and help curb restiveness,” he explained.