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British
actor Idris Elba poses during a photocall prior to a screening of the
film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" at the UNESCO headquarters in
Paris. Elba was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British
Empire) in the Queen's 2016 New Year's Honours List.Veteran actress Barbara Windsor — familiar for
decades since her work on the Carry On films — Wednesday was given a
damehood for her services, and celebrated "Swan Lake" choreographer
Matthew Bourne was made a knight in recognition of his string of
innovative successes.
Other honors were given to revered actress Imelda
Staunton, made a Commander of the British Empire for her stellar stage
work, and Luther star Idris Elba — touted as a possible future James
Bond — who was awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the
British Empire, or OBE.
Britain's honors are bestowed twice a year by the
monarch at New Year's and on her official birthday in June. Recipients
are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by
the government and the public.
The honors last a lifetime and convey serious
prestige: knights are addressed as "sir" and dames are called "dame."
Recipients of the lesser honors have no title but can put the letters
after their names.
Veteran Welsh stage actress Sian Philips was also
made a dame, and actors David Oyelowo — who recently played Martin
Luther King Jr. in the film "Selma" — and James Nesbitt got OBEs. The
honor's list goes far beyond entertainment. This year the queen's list
has recognized the work of injured Falklands war veteran Simon Weston,
who has founded a charity to help others suffering grave disfigurement
cope with the massive changes to their lives.
Weston has refused to let his severe injuries and
resulting disfigurement keep him in the shadows, and his charity has
done the same for others. He was made a Commander of the British Empire
in recognition.
"When I was injured, I feared that I would never be
relevant again — not just in a military sense but also as a human
being. Maybe it was my bullishness or my military background, but I was
not going to let that happen," he said. "The charity Changing Faces
recently published figures saying that 70% of people with a
disfigurement don't go outside. I hope that with me being in the public
eye it can inspire others — that you can live your life and can enjoy it
despite what has happened."
Honors also go to Dr. Michael Jacobs, who received a
knighthood for helping three British health care workers who contracted
the Ebola virus while trying to prevent its spread in west Africa. Dr.
Timothy Brooks received a CBE for leading the British laboratory
response to the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, and many other awards
were made to Britons involved with the crisis response.
On the political front, there was some controversy
over the knighthood awarded to Lynton Crosby, a prominent architect of
Prime Minister David Cameron's general election strategy. On a lighter
note, the queen recognized the man who designs many of her own
one-of-a-kind outfits. Designer Stewart Parvin was made a member of the
Royal Victorian Order.
German
Chancellor Angela Merkel poses after recording her New Year's speech at
the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015. (Hannibal
Hanschke/Pool Photo via AP)Merkel says in her speech which will be aired on
public Television at 1700GMT Thursday: "Thank you for the overwhelming
and really moving wave of spontaneous helpfulness that we experienced
this year, when so many people came via often life-threatening ways to
us looking for refuge."
The chancellor said that if tackled the right way,
the integration of the many new arrivals would be opportunity for the
country in the future. She warned that society should not become divided
over the issue and made clear there's no room for those expressing
hatred toward the newcomers.
Manchester
United's manager Louis van Gaal arrives for the English Premier League
soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford
Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday, Dec. 28, 2015.
That's how far a mighty club has fallen, with the
stalemate with Chelsea on Monday appearing to give some breathing space
for under-pressure manager Louis van Gaal. Lose to manager-less and
relegation-threatened Swansea at Old Trafford on Saturday, though, and
United will put Van Gaal even closer to the brink.
The record 20-time English champions are winless in
their last eight games in all competitions, marking their worst run of
form since 1990, and have collected only three points from their last
six league games. Almost as worrying for United is that the team has
scored only one goal in its last four home games.
Van Gaal may say he enjoys the backing of the
United board, and has backtracked on previous comments that he could
quit as manager, but there might be no way back if Swansea leaves Old
Trafford with three points.
Put simply, 2016 has to start better than 2015
ended for the Dutchman. "If anything, we are all playing for our own
futures as well," United defender Chris Smalling said, with the team
having fallen five places adrift of the Champions League places.
On paper, Swansea looks the ideal opponent for
United to get back to winning ways: No manager following Garry Monk's
firing on Dec. 9, one place above the bottom three, only one away win —
against last-place Aston Villa — this campaign. Yet the Welsh club has
won its last three games against United, all 2-1, including a
home-and-away league double last season.
What Van Gaal must ensure is that United plays the
same way as against Chelsea, when his players were more positive, took
more risks with their passing and looked to play more forward. United's
fans could see the team was trying and seemed to warm to Van Gaal and
his players. But how long will the goodwill last?
"Inside of the club, the players are willing to
fight for every meter, the manager is willing to fight, the members of
staff are willing to fight and the board is very confident in the staff
and the manager," Van Gaal said.
Above sixth-place United, the top four is separated
by just four points heading into the second half of the season. It is
the most unpredictable of title races, with surely few predicting that
Leicester and Tottenham would be in the Champions League positions at
the turn of the year.
Here's what else to look out for this weekend, as the grueling run of matches in the festive period comes to an end:
ASSIST KING
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has 16 assists so far
this season, and is only four off the Premier League record held by
Thierry Henry. Ozil must like his chances of getting even closer on
Saturday when his table-topping side hosts Newcastle at Emirates
Stadium.
Henry, one of Arsenal's greatest players, set the record in the 2002-03 season and believes it will get broken by Ozil.
"The guy is just amazing," Henry said. "Finally
we're starting to see what type of player he can be . It's his vision,
he always puts the ball where you need it. He sees everything, and when
you play with a player like that, anything can happen at any time."
Arsenal is ahead of Leicester on goal difference, with Man City three points back in third place.
DOUBLE ACT
It seems Leicester hot-shots Jamie Vardy and Riyad
Mahrez have some competition as the most lethal double act in the
Premier League — Watford pair Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney.
Ighalo has scored in each of his last six games
heading into Saturday's match against Man City at Vicarage Road, and
finished 2015 with 30 league goals for the year — the best in English
football.
Deeney, meanwhile, has six goals and four assists in his last 10 games.
They are the reason why promoted Watford is only
two points off the European positions, and must be relishing the
prospect of facing a City defense missing captain Vincent Kompany
(calf).
LEICESTER REPRIEVE
Leicester's surprising title challenge was supposed
to falter in a six-game run that included matches against Chelsea, Man
City, Man United, Liverpool and Everton. Yet the team lost only once in
that period and looks to be the real deal.
Things get slightly easier for Leicester in January, starting against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Also Saturday, it's: West Ham vs. Liverpool;
Norwich vs. Southampton; Sunderland vs. Aston Villa; and West Bromwich
Albion vs. Stoke. On Sunday, it's: Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea; and
Everton vs. Tottenham.
Manchester
United's manager Louis van Gaal leaves at the end of the English
Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old
Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Monday, Dec. 28, 2015.Lagging behind in the race for Champions League
qualification, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool could be the
most active of the country's major powers as they look for a strong
finish to arguably the most unpredictable season in the Premier League's
24-year history.
Then there's the scramble to avoid the
costliest-ever relegation from England's top division. Next season
ushers in the start of the Premier League's new three-year TV deal worth
a record $8 billion, and no club will want to miss out on a share of
that bounty.
So, count on England being the place where most
deals are done over the next month, as usual. Last January, English
clubs were easily the biggest spenders, splashing out about 130 million
pounds (then $213 million) to shatter the record for the season as a
whole at 760 million pounds (then $1.25 billion).
Top teams operating strategic transfer plans rarely
do major deals in this period. Likely targets can be ruled out of the
Champions League and managers can be scared off by inflated prices. This
season could be different.
Chelsea is in 14th place, three points above the
relegation zone, in the most woeful title defense that the Premier
League has seen. A top new signing by caretaker coach Guus Hiddink could
inspire a revival, and the striker department needs refreshing.
"The window is wide open," Hiddink said Wednesday.
Just as it will be at Man United, where Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney
are the only two strikers at a club struggling to score goals. A
world-class striker could make all the difference for under-pressure
United manager Louis van Gaal, who is likely to add to the $375 million
he's already spent in his 18 months in charge.
It is Juergen Klopp's first transfer window since
becoming Liverpool manager. Will he return to his old hunting ground of
Germany to bolster Liverpool's squad? It will also be interesting to see
whether Leicester, remarkably in second place after half of the Premier
League campaign, splashes out to stay in the title contention. And if
the team manages to keep hold of striker Jamie Vardy.
On Wednesday, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said it
would be a "busy" month for his club, with a midfielder needed to solve
an injury crisis. Here is a look around the continent:
SPAIN
Barcelona has been unable to register new players
until January because of a FIFA-imposed transfer ban, so 2015 signings
Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal have spent the last six months training away
from the squad.
Turan joined Barcelona from Atletico Madrid in July
and is expected to reinforce the club's left flank. Vidal arrived from
Sevilla and likely will be the back-up for Dani Alves at right back.
Real Madrid made a mess of trying to sign
goalkeeper David de Gea from Manchester United at the end of the last
transfer window and embattled club president Florentino Perez may try to
make amends.
However, Spanish clubs don't usually spend big on
January acquisitions and there has been no major speculation about any
major signings.
GERMANY
In the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich and Borussia
Dortmund are likely to give up some rarely used players rather than
bring in major new signings.
Bayern's situation is made more complicated by the
upcoming departure of coach Pep Guardiola, so any new players would
probably have to be cleared by incoming coach Carlo Ancelotti, who will
try hard to stay out of the limelight and not to seem to be interfering
in Guardiola's job.
Dortmund has already given up attacking midfielder Jonas Hofmann to Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Many top German coaches don't like signing new players in mid-season, considering them expensive and risky.
FRANCE
Defending French champion Paris Saint-Germain has
fielded questions about the possible departures of Argentina forward
Ezequiel Lavezzi and Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, who has played
only two matches this season following the arrival of Kevin Trapp from
Frankfurt.
PSG coach Laurent Blanc dismissed talk of transfers
during PSG's winter training camp this week in Qatar, noting that none
of his players are out of contract in January.
AP Sports
Writers John Leicester in Paris and Nesha Starcevic in Frankfurt, and
Associated Press writer Harold Heckle in Madrid contributed to this
report.
Tourists
make pictures as an armed policeman guards the Grand Place in Brussels
on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015. Two people have been arrested in Belgium on
suspicion of planning attacks in Brussels during the holidays, the
federal prosecutor's office said Tuesday. A source close to the
investigation said the Belgian capital's main square, thronged this time
of year with holiday shoppers and strollers, was one of the suspected
targets.The Federal Prosecutor's Office said Thursday the
police searches were executed in the morning in various Brussels-area
locations. It said a magistrate will decide whether arrest warrants
should be issued against six people brought in for questioning.
Two men have already been arrested in connection
with the suspected plot, both members of a motorcycle club. On Thursday,
a judge ordered them held for another month.
A
election official writes as people cast their ballots during elections
in Bangui, Central African Republic, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015. Thousands
in Central African Republic's capital voted Wednesday in national
elections with hope that a new president will lead to greater stability
after years of violence.The National Electoral Authority said lines were
moving until polling stations closed in Wednesday's vote. No violence
was reported. The African Union observation mission head said that no
major issues were seen. However, voters and candidates remarked that
names were missing from ballots and some materials were not available.
Voters are choosing a government to replace the
transitional leaders put in place in 2014. More than 1.8 million people
were registered to vote at more than 500 polling stations nationwide.
United Nations peacekeepers and national security forces provided
security at polling stations.
The nation has been rocked by unrest since March 2013.
Liverpool's
Christian Benteke, right, celebrates his goal during the English
Premier League soccer match between Sunderland and Liverpool at the
Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015.
The striker pounced on a flicked pass from Adam
Lallana to place a low finish into the bottom corner, just 22 seconds
into the second half. Benteke earned Liverpool a 1-0 victory over
Leicester on Saturday, too.
Liverpool climbed to seventh in the standings, tied
for points with Manchester United but behind its great rival on goal
difference, and five points off the top four with exactly half the
season gone.
Sunderland stayed next to last with its fifth
straight loss in December, and fell seven points from safety as recently
hired manager Sam Allardyce struggles to turn around the fortunes of
the perennial relegation contender. Sunderland's home game against
last-place Aston Villa on Saturday assumes even greater significance.
It was Benteke's sixth goal in seven career games
against Sunderland — more than he has scored against any other club —
and another step in the right direction for a player who hasn't been a
regular since joining from Aston Villa for 32.5 million pounds (then
$50.7 million) in July.
"I came to Liverpool to try to score a lot of
goals, I'm in good shape," said Benteke, who has six league goals this
season. "I hope I can keep it up." Some have questioned whether the
tall, imposing Benteke fits into the high-tempo, high-energy style of
play favored by Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, and he said this week
that he has been told by the German coach to "run more."
Benteke prodded in a scrappy winner against
Leicester on Saturday, but this one was more clinical, pouncing on
Lallana's flick of Nathaniel Clyne's forward pass to find space behind
Sunderland's defense and locate the far corner with a low finish.
Lallana later acknowledged he didn't intend for the ball to reach
Benteke.
Referrer World
Chief Frank Kokori, a human rights activist
and former labour union leader, has said the south-south is not part of
the struggle for the creation of a Biafra Republic.
He condemned the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign
State of Biafra for saying the south-south was a part of Biafra, The
Punch reports.
Kokori was reacting to that anybody who says that Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Cross River states were not part of Biafra was deceiving himself.
MASSOB said Biafra comprises all the states of the former eastern region, including the Anioma community in Delta state.
Kokori, who is an indigene of Delta state wondered how the
south-south region could be part of the struggle for Biafra when most
Igbo people had refused to abandon their businesses outside the
south-east to join the Biafran agitation at home.
He said: “So, we in Delta State have never been part of Biafra.
Anything that is Biafran today is purely in the South-East which does
not include Rivers, Bayelsa , Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
“These states are not part of this new Biafran joke. To me, it is
a joke. The Biafra of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was a serious issue.
What people like Ralph Uwazuruike of MASSOB and Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB are
doing is trivialising the serious struggle of Ojukwu. “They are not even serious; they don’t know what they want. What
they want is not viable and so they are just trivialising. Is Biafra
today possible with five landlocked South-East states?”
According to him, MASSOB and other pro-Biafran agitators were jokers
trying to exploit the oil-rich Niger Delta and to deceive Nigerians.
He noted that the creation of a Biafra Republic could spell doom for
the south-east as the geopolitical zone is landlocked and not strategic
for international commerce.
The human rights activists therefore, called on Igbo leaders to
caution the pro-Biafran agitators who had no idea of the implication of
their demand.
He also asked the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu, the
director of Radio Biafra, who has been in the custody of the Department
of State Services, for the sake of peace with a stern warning not to toy
with treason again.
Meanwhile, by operatives of the DSS despite court rulings.
The naira has on Wednesday, December 30,
2015, strengthened against the dollar on the parallel market, the News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
This is coming at a time when Nigerian are groaning about the
increasing exchange rate of the dollar to the naira and as currency
speculators are expressing fears that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
might come up with policies that might be unfavourable to them in 2016.
Naira strenghtens against the Dollar at the parallel market.
In the new development, the naira gained N1 to appreciate about 0.4
per cent, to exchange at N226 to the dollar against the previous N227.
At the official inter-bank window however, the naira remained at N197
to the dollar just as available apex bank’s record puts the price of
crude oil at 36.09 dollars.
The currency speculators are now envisaging that the apex bank might
come up with policies that would affect them negatively in the new year.
A man dressed as a female has been reportedly
caught and arrested on suspicion of terrorist attack on Friday morning
at the ECWA church in Biliri LGA in Gombe state.
Muslim youths who were reportedly guarding the church on Christmas
day apprehended an alleged suicide bomber in his late twenties who was
carrying the explosives, The Whistler reports.
However, the police in Gombe state has later reported that no explosive device was found on the suspect.
Fwaje Atajiri, the police public relations officer in the state, confirmed the arrest and said the suspect was being questioned.
Faruk Dankuka, the chairman of caretaker committee of Billiri local
government council of Gombe state, also looked into the matter and after
an investigation he debunked rumors about the bomber.
Suspected cross-dresser who allegedly planned Christmas day suicide bombing attack at the ECWA church in Gombe.
“Police arrested someone in Komta village, but the news has
started going round that the suspect was trying to plant a bomb. The
information we gathered from police is that no device was found with
him. He was just one of those that dresses like women. “From the ongoing investigation, the man could be one of the
homosexuals. For now, nobody can say he is a suicide bomber or not until
investigation is concluded,” Dankuka said.
Dankuka called on the people to continue to live in peace and to be
their brothers’ keeper at all times as well as to be security-conscious.
For most people, cars are a huge expense. Gas prices are
unpredictable, and a car accident could easily send your car insurance
through the roof. Of course, that's nothing compared to if you own
luxury cars. Owning a sports car can easily make you the envy of
everyone around you. Too bad your wallet won't envy you for how much
you'll have to use it. Unfortunately, unless you're stacking cash like a
celebrity, you probably won't have the funds to own a Lambo or a Rari in your lifetime. However, thanks to your Internet service, you can live vicariously. Check out the top 10 craziest celebrity cars in the world!
10. David Beckham's $407,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead:
This Soccer Player Managed To Transform A Pimp Mobile Into A Family Car
New York fashion favourite David Tlale will
be the international fashion designer showcasing his designs at a
prestigious event TODAY Tuesday 22nd of December at the Eko Hotel & Suites.
A
model walks the runway at the David Tlale fashion show during
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 at The Pavilion at Lincoln Center
on February 9, 2014 in New York City.
In the 13 years since Tlale launched his brand, the South African
native has showcased his inimitable designs at all the premium fashion
platforms and etched his mark as a favourite on the South African and
African fashion landscapes.
In 2009, he was awarded Fashion Designer of the year at the Africa
Fashion Awards in Johannesburg, and later made his debut at
Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. In 2011, the presented his Made in
the City collection in celebration of the 92 years of Nelson Mandela’s
life and sent 92 models down the Nelson Mandela Bridge used as a runway
on what was deemed to be the longest ramp in the history of South
African fashion.
The proudest moment for Tlale was being the first South African
fashion designer to show case Solo at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week New
York in September 2012. He has also received an award for Designer of
the Year in the African Diaspora in New York in 2014. He has worked with
many super models, including Tyson Beckford, Nykhor Paul, Oluchi, Tatum
Keshwar and Millen Magese.
Since his debut on the catwalks, Tlale has been an ambassador for the
“Change-4-Ever Campaign”, an initiative that aims to alleviate poverty
in Southern Africa. As well as appearing at the MMR event as the
international fashion designer, David will be receiving an award for his
outstanding achievement in the fashion industry.
This year’s Music Meets Runway event will feature artists like Darey,
Seyi Shay, Victoria Kimani, Lil Kesh, Super Star Wizkid and many more.
Darey will be hosting this prestigious event!
The Presidency on Tuesday, December 22 2015
has said that the 2016 budget will focus on job creation in every sector
in the country.
While giving his speech at the National Assembly, he vowed that the
federal government will invest to safeguard lives and properties of
Nigerians in order for them to operate in secure environments.
Also, he added that the federal government is ready to work in the
interests of Nigerians and will fight for the protection of its
citizens.
He said: “We assure Nigerians that our 2016 borrowings will be
properly directed while 1.36 trillion naira has been provided for
foreign and productive aspects. Buhari To Brief Senate On 2016 Budget
“We are here to serve and indeed Nigerians will get a service they have longed for and rightfully deserve.
However, while assuring Nigerians that the trust bestowed in the
government is not breached, he also suggested that the Nigerian economy
needs to find other means of revenue apart from oil. “This budget is a major step in delivering. We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. “We implemented the Treasury Single Account which has provided greater visibility to revenue and cash flow,” he added.
Bukola Saraki, the Senate President said the 2016 budget must be bold
and pragmatic in providing transparent incentives and conducive
environment that will prime private sector-led development, encourage
local production and promote made-in Nigeria goods. “The National Assembly has a critical role to play and we
recognize this role. On the budget we are willing and ready to provide
the scrutiny necessary to pass only a budget that can be implemented
comprehensively to the letter,” he said. Buhari Is Not Violating Any Law – Presidency
Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of the House of Representatives who was
also present at the presentation commended President Muuhammadu Buhari
for submitting the budget in person to the National Assembly as it had
become a norm for it to be communicated to the National Assembly through
post or email.
He thanked Nigerians for their confidence in the federal government
and also urged his colleagues for the speedy passage of the budget.
After Dogara’s speech, the members of the house of representatives
chanted a loud cheer saying “Dogara, Dogara” to show support and
solidarity with the speaker. Naij.com recalls
that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) was submitted barely
three weeks to the end of 2015 financial year which is violating
provisions of Fiscal Responsibility Act provisions. The budget is
usually preceded by the MTEF and FSP.
The MTEF document according to law was supposed to have been
submitted for approval by August 2015 four months to the end of the
financial year requirement stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Meanwhile, the submission of the budget by the Presidency led to the
extension of proceedings beyond Thursday the 17th of December 2015 which
was earlier agreed for Thursday, December 17 2015, to resume January
2016.
Located on Akpakpava Road in Benin city, the Holy Aruosa (the eye of God) Cathedral is an historical church on its own.
The church which was founded about 500 years ago does not need any
advertisement. It has a large number of people as its followers and the
Oba of Benin is its spiritual head. According to Osagie Otabor of The
Nation, the Holy Aruosa Cathedral is to the Bini people what the Church
of England is to the English people; no wonder it is referred to as the
Church of Benin.
The Holy Arousa building
Read a detailed report on the church as seen on The Nation:
Members of the Holy Arousa are different from flocks of other
religious bodies: they are seldom seen sharing pamphlets to convert
members or inviting people to the church. The church leaders do not hold
crusades or revival services to convert ‘souls’, neither do they invite
people to experience miracles.
Legend has it that the church was located at the place because it was
the spot the Bini had direct contact with Osanobua (God) long before
the coming of the European explorers and missionaries. Why My Successor Must Come From APC — Oshiomhole
According to the folklore, a powerful spiritual leader known as
Okhuaihe was said to have offered to personally take the peoples’ plea
to God as a result of drought and pestilence that had infected the land.
He gave up his life during one of the prayer sessions. He was expected
to return and bring succour to the people.
As the story goes, the people continued their prayers waiting for
Okhuaihe’s return but rather than his return, they got a huge fireball
that descended from the sky. At the point where the ball of fire
dropped, a huge black stone was found and a place of worship was built
there.
During the British invasion of Benin Kingdom, the church was
destroyed and the black stone was carted away along with other artifacts
from the ancient city at about 1897. The invaders came with their own
God, mode of worship and forbade the people from worshipping Osanobua at
Holy Arousa.
It was Oba Akenzua II (father of the present monarch) who rebuilt the
current cathedral, not only in Benin City, but in Onitsha, Umuahia and
other areas. Women Protest Against Oshiomhole And His Unbridled Utterances (PHOTOS)
The Oba of Benin is the spiritual head (general overseer) of the
Church. His deputy is the Benin Crown Prince. The presiding head of the
church is known as ‘Ohen Osa’ (God’s servant). A special seat is
reserved for the Oba at the church. The priests dress like the Roman
Catholic priests and usually wear red caps.
Service at the church is conducted in Bini language. The Holy Bible
is not used in the church; much of the preaching revolves around
reminding the congregation that the Oba is God’s representative on earth
and on the need to be good while on earth. Baptism of new converts is
done with the white chalk (Orhue) in what is regarded as ‘Igborhe’.
Does miracle happen in the church? Ohen Osa Harrison Okao said people
received miracles and God’s blessings directly from God without any
intermediary.
He said: “Those who seek God come here. We don’t beg people to
come. If you attend and discover that your contact with God is cordial,
you will remain. If you beg God for promotion and you come here and got
it, you will remain here.
The Presidency on Tuesday, December 22 2015
has said that the 2016 budget will focus on job creation in every sector
in the country.
While giving his speech at the National Assembly, he vowed that the
federal government will invest to safeguard lives and properties of
Nigerians in order for them to operate in secure environments.
Also, he added that the federal government is ready to work in the
interests of Nigerians and will fight for the protection of its
citizens.
He said: “We assure Nigerians that our 2016 borrowings will be
properly directed while 1.36 trillion naira has been provided for
foreign and productive aspects. Buhari To Brief Senate On 2016 Budget
“We are here to serve and indeed Nigerians will get a service they have longed for and rightfully deserve.
However, while assuring Nigerians that the trust bestowed in the
government is not breached, he also suggested that the Nigerian economy
needs to find other means of revenue apart from oil. “This budget is a major step in delivering. We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. “We implemented the Treasury Single Account which has provided greater visibility to revenue and cash flow,” he added.
Bukola Saraki, the Senate President said the 2016 budget must be bold
and pragmatic in providing transparent incentives and conducive
environment that will prime private sector-led development, encourage
local production and promote made-in Nigeria goods. “The National Assembly has a critical role to play and we
recognize this role. On the budget we are willing and ready to provide
the scrutiny necessary to pass only a budget that can be implemented
comprehensively to the letter,” he said.. click here and buy@ http://www.konga.com/?k_id=90F5B214C6417963376........................................................................................................
Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of the House of Representatives who was
also present at the presentation commended President Muuhammadu Buhari
for submitting the budget in person to the National Assembly as it had
become a norm for it to be communicated to the National Assembly through
post or email.
He thanked Nigerians for their confidence in the federal government
and also urged his colleagues for the speedy passage of the budget.
After Dogara’s speech, the members of the house of representatives
chanted a loud cheer saying “Dogara, Dogara” to show support and
solidarity with the speaker. Naij.com recalls
that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) was submitted barely
three weeks to the end of 2015 financial year which is violating
provisions of Fiscal Responsibility Act provisions. The budget is
usually preceded by the MTEF and FSP.
The MTEF document according to law was supposed to have been
submitted for approval by August 2015 four months to the end of the
financial year requirement stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Meanwhile, the submission of the budget by the Presidency led to the
extension of proceedings beyond Thursday the 17th of December 2015 which
was earlier agreed for Thursday, December 17 2015, to resume January
2016.
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Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have once
again besieged the hometown of Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to wreak havoc
for the second time in space of five months, Leadership reports.
The Boko Haram gunmen launched a dawn raid on the hometown of the
Nigerian army chief, triggering a fierce gun battle with troops,
residents of a nearby village to which people fled the clashes told AFP.
However, there was no immediate report of casualties in the fighting at the time of filing this report.
Abubakar Umar, a resident of the nearby hamlet of
Miringa, told AFP that the fighting began at 5am after Boko Haram
insurgents attacked the village.
“At one point we could hear explosions coming from the direction of Buratai,” he said.
Troops reinforcements from a military base in the town of Biu, 30 kilometres from Buratai, were seen passing through Miringa.
“Nine trucks conveying soldiers and another four
carrying local hunters drove through our village towards Buratai and
from what we hear more are on their way,” said Shitu Ayuba, another resident.
Some Buratai residents had fled to Miringa where they took shelter in a primary school, locals said.
Boko Haram Attack Army Chief Tukur Buratai’s Hometown Again
The first attack on Buratai’s village came just weeks after President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Buratai the new chief of army staff on July 13.
In a ‘visit’ to Borno some months back, Boko Haram militants ambushed
the convoy of the Nigeria’s chief of army staff, but were fought off by
the soldiers under his command.
The convoy was ambushed while travelling the unsafe Maiduguri-Gamboru-Ngala highway controlled until recently by the Boko Haram militants.
One soldier was killed and another two wounded when the Boko Haram
militants ambushed an advance team of troops moving ahead of the chief
of army staff’s vehicle. However, soldiers led personally by Buratai
returned fire, killing five Boko Haram members at the spot.
Residents believe the Boko Haram attacks are in response to recent military gains against the jihadists under Buratai.
Chelsea players have reacted to the sacking
of their manager, Jose Mourinho, just seven months after lifting the
English Premier League winners’ trophy.
News broke on Thursday, December 17, that Mourinho had been relieved of his duties in the Stamford Bridge dugout by mutual agreement and may pocket a staggering £40 million as severance pay. FIVE Candidates Who Are In Line To Replace Mourinho
And the players of the club, in a swift reaction to their manager’s
exit, either took to the social media to express their disappointment or
stormed out of the club’s training ground after the news was made
public.
John Terry, the club captain, was pictured storming out of the
training ground, looking rather upset as he refused to say anything
concerning Mourinho’s exit.
The Chelsea captain, John Terry cut a frustrated figure after Jose Mourinho’s sack
Diego Costa was also pictured looking devastated as he left the
Cobham training ground following the sacking of the manager who took him
to England from Atletico Madrid, as Gary Cahill also showed signs of
distaste with the latest casualty at the club.
Spaniard, Diego Costa looking devastated following Mourinho’s sack.
Gary Cahill looking dejected after hearing about the sacking of manager, Jose Mourinho
Cesc Fabregas was credited as being the first player to react to the
manager’s sacking as the former Arsenal captain took to social media to
express his disgust at the new development.
Fellow Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta was also among players who paid
tribute to Mourinho, as they believe the Portuguese would be missed by
the club’s stars and fans worldwide.
Check out their tweets below: In
their reactions to the manager’s much-anticipated sacking, Nigerians
believe he has been betrayed by the club in spite of all that he did for them.
They stated however, that the one time FC Porto coach may soon be in
the dugout at the Old Trafford following increasing rumours that Louis
van Gaal may be fired as the Red Devils’ manager.DEALS OF THE DAY CLICK HERE:
Kim
Kardashian and Kanye West dressed as Star Wars' Princess Leia and a
Stormtrooper in 2008 before they started dating —see the amazing
photos!She's got buns, hon. Kim Kardashian is really taking the opening day of Star Wars: The Force Awakens seriously. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star shared photos on Friday, December 18, of a Star Wars-themed gig she did with Kanye West back in 2008."In
honor of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' being released today, I wanted
to share these old pics of Kanye and me from years ago!" Kardashian, 35,
wrote via her personal website. "We worked together on a pilot for a show called 'Alligator Boots' back in 2008 and I played Princess Leia."Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Sweetest PDA MomentsShe
added: "We had met before this project (back in 2003), but I would say
this is when we first really connected. These pics are SO funny!"In
the photos, the mom of two dressed as Princess Leia for the TV movie.
She rocked Princess Leia's trademark hair buns and a gold chain bra.
West, 38, suited up as a Stormtrooper. The raunchy comedy featured
puppets hooking up, West dancing with puppeteers, and Kardashian telling
her future hubby that she was going to have sex with a bear named Beary
White/Big ChocolateWatch the Red Carpet Daily!Kardashian
appeared to enjoy her time on set. "It's nothing new for me," she said
off-camera in a 2011 YouTube video. "I play with puppets all the time."West, who also had fun, added: "I love the first Star Wars. You get that organic feel with [my] character."Kardashian
and West began dating four years later in early 2012. The couple — who
married in Florence, Italy, last year — welcomed daughter North in June
2013 and son Saint earlier this month.
There was a
growing anxiety among the friends, family and political associates of
the immediate past Minster of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani
Alison-Madueke, on Thursday as rumours made the round that the ailing
minister had died on Thursday.
The fact
that Alison-Madueke is being treated for cancer in the United Kingdom
heightened the rumour as many reports on the social media reported her
death.
However, her lawyer, Mr. Oscar Onwudiwe, debunked the rumour of the former Minister’s death.
When contacted on the telephone, he said, “It’s not true.”
The United
Kingdom National Crime Agency had in October 2 arrested the former
minister over allegation of corruption and released her on bail
Meanwhile,
a human rights activist and Executive Director, Women’s Consortium of
Nigeria, Mrs. Olabisi Olateru-Olagbegi, died of cancer on Wednesday at
the age of 62.
The
President of Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe
Okei-Odumakin, in a series of tweets on her Twitter handle on Thursday,
expressed shock over her death.
The Lagos
State Police Command is investigating a case of a 19-year-old girl,
Gbemisola, who claimed to have been raped by a university graduate,
identified only as Kunle.
Gbemisola told PUNCH Metro
that after the rape, Kunle, 24, began to blackmail her, threatening to
release her nude photos if she refused to send him some money.
After the victim reportedly yielded to the threat two times, he allegedly demanded another payment of N10, 000.
When Gbemisola refused, the suspect was said to have posted the nude photos on the Internet, including her phone number.
The victim was said to have been called by some of her friends and family members who saw the pictures.
The incident happened in Agiliti Estate, Ketu area of Lagos State.
Afolabi, a caterer, told PUNCH Metro that she met the suspect about three weeks ago.
She said,
“I was going home that Friday when he stopped me on the road and said he
wanted to be my boyfriend. I told him I was already in a relationship
with someone else, and that I was not interested.
“He said he would not mind being a mere friend. We exchanged contacts and I left for my house.
“I always post pictures of my new cakes on Whatsapp and he saw one of them and said he liked it. He said he wanted me to make a cake for him. I agreed.
“He asked
where I was and I said I was at my sister’s shop. He said we should meet
at the junction because the cake he wanted was on his phone and he
would want to show me what he wanted.”
She
explained that when they met, the suspect claimed to have forgotten the
phone at his parent’s home in Agiliti Estate, and asked her to follow
him home.
She alleged that no sooner had they got to the house than Kunle locked the door and raped her.
“I blamed myself for my predicament and I decided to bear the shame in silence.
“However,
on Monday, which was three days after the rape, he called me, saying if I
refused to meet him, I would regret it because he had my nude photos
and he would post them on the Internet.
“I begged
him and he said I should send him a N1,500 recharge card, which I did.
Two days later, he demanded another N2, 000 recharge card, and I sent
it.
“Later, he said I should send him N10,000. I was angry and dared him to do whatever he wanted to do.”
Gbemisola,
who finished secondary school last year, said she was surprised when
she saw her nude photos, with her phone number, on the Internet.
She said the incident had affected her psychologically.
The victim’s sister, Ramota, said she got to know about the incident from a family friend who saw the nude pictures.
She said,
“My younger sister said she saw Gbemisola’s nude photos on someone’s
phone. I was told she wanted to hurt herself due to the shame and
disgrace it had brought on her.
“I
followed some other family members to Kunle’s parents’ house and they
promised to make him delete the photos. But we never knew the photos had
gone viral.”
It was
learnt that the case was first reported at the Lagos State Office of the
Public Defender, before a community leader, Yomi Odegbami, took the
matter to the Ketu Police Station.
Odegbami asked the government to bring the culprit to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
“The
police and the government should urgently wade into this case before
other young girls fall victim of this wicked man,” he said.
Kunle, when contacted by our correspondent denied the allegation, saying he was in a relationship with Gbemisola.
He said
the nude photos were not circulated by him, adding that the 19-year-old
originally sent the photos to him during their conversation on Whatsapp.
He said,
“I am a graduate of a private university in Osun State and I know what I
am doing. We met a few weeks ago and we started chatting on Whatsapp. I asked her to send me some of her pictures when she travelled to Ondo, and she said, ‘Is it my breasts?’, and I said yes.
“After that, I asked for the pictures of her private parts, and she sent them to me. I did a picsmix
of the photos and jokingly sent it to her. I have since deleted the
photos from my phone. The only regret I have was that I showed them to
my friends.
“The first
time she visited me, we didn’t do anything. It was the second time she
came that we made love. I have all our chats as evidence that she sent
those pictures to me.
“She came
with her relatives to my house and damaged my laptop which I bought for
over N90,000 and now, they are going to the press. I know my rights and
if this is the way they want it, no problem.”
The Police
Public Relations Officer, Joe Offor, said he would call back, but he
had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.
Fiery Catholic priest and the Spiritual Director of the Adoration
Ministry in Enugu, Rev.-Father Ejike Mbaka, on Friday met behind
closed-door with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja.
Mbaka stirred controversy earlier in the year when he delivered a
message that former President Goodluck Jonathan would fail in the
presidential election.
He had said that the Holy Spirit told him Jonathan was not favoured
to continue as President going by the state of the Nigerian economy and
widespread insecurity, which he had failed to contain.
The clergyman who was accompanied by four men met with Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Like a gift from the Christmas gods, we have been given a glimpse into one possible future for Kevin McCallister from Home Alone
Macauley Culkin has resurrected the role that made him famous in the debut episode of comedic web series :DRYVRS, from writer/musician Jack Dishel.
The
series follows "Jack as an on-demand car service passenger and
chronicles the strange drivers he encounters,"and in the inaugural
entry, Jack is picked by none other than a strung out Kevin.
Without
ever explicitly saying it, Kevin begins to launch into a rant about
this "one time" his family accidentally left him at home on Christmas
when he was 8.
It's
clearly paid a toll on his psyche, especially when Kev describes having
nightmares about this "bald weirdo dude who chased him around while
talking like Yosemite Sam" (referencing Joe Pesci's thievin' Harry).
At
one point, they're held at gunpoint by a carjack, but Kevin--ever
resourceful with fending off assailants--has a few tricks up his sleeve.
Is anyone surprised that Kevin grew up to be a torture-enthusiast?
I hope this signals to Hollywood that a Home Alone: 30 Years Later is NECESSARY.
PARIS (AP) — French far right
leader Marine Le Pen on Thursday took down a tweet showing the
execution of American reporter James Foley after his family protested —
but left up two other gruesome images of violence by Islamic State
extremists.
Far
Right National Front party leader Marine Le Pen leaves after the
results of the second round of the regional elections in Henin-Beaumont,
northern France. A French court on Tuesday Dec.15, 2015 acquitted
Marine Le Pen of incitement to hatred, a charge leveled after she
compared Muslim street prayers to a foreign occupationFrench authorities are investigating the tweets,
which Le Pen posted in response to a journalist who made an analogy
between her anti-immigration National Front party and the Islamic State
group. Le Pen was trying to show the difference between the two but the
effort backfired, drawing widespread condemnation, and the interior
minister accused her of fomenting Islamic State propaganda.
Foley's mother Diane said on French radio RTL on
Thursday that the tweets "add to the family's pain." The family issued a
statement saying, "We are deeply disturbed by the unsolicited use of
Jim for Le Pen's political gain" and want the photos taken down
"immediately."
Soon afterward, Le Pen's tweet disappeared.
However, two other tweets with images of IS executions remained visible
on her Twitter account. Party spokesman Alain Vizier would not comment
on why Le Pen took down the Foley photo. shop on line click here for the best::https://www.daraz.pk/
BRUSSELS (AP) — The latest
news on the mass movement of asylum-seekers and migrants to Europe,
including developments from an EU summit where leaders are discussing
the issue. All times local.
A
family disembarks from a boat of Frontex, European Border Protection
Agency, at the port town of Petra, on the Greek island of Lesbos, on
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. Greek authorities say two people have drowned
and 83 others have been rescued after a wooden boat crammed with
refugees sank in the Aegean Sea off the eastern Greek island of Lesbos.
11:35 a.m. European Union leaders are converging on
Brussels for an end-of-year summit focused on tackling Europe's migrant
crisis and other issues. On the first day of their two-day summit
starting Thursday, EU leaders will examine a controversial plan from the
European Commission to set up a new border and coast guard agency with
powers to unilaterally deploy guards to countries in trouble.
The plan appears likely to face opposition by
southern European nations hardest hit by the arrival of hundreds of
thousands of migrants to Europe this year, including Greece and Italy.
LONDON (AP) — Europe in 2015
witnessed the greatest movement of people since World War II, as
desperate refugees fleeing Middle East violence arrived by the hundreds
of thousands on its shores. The continent also suffered extremist
attacks that exposed the vulnerability of its civilians and challenged
its way of life.
Models display creations by designer Anya Hindmarch during the Autumn/Winter 2015 show at London Fashion Week in LondonAfrica suffered devastating attacks as well but
also welcomed Pope Francis with joy. As the tumultuous year draws to a
close, The Associated Press is looking back on 12 months of upheaval in
Europe and Africa by presenting the most memorable images by AP
photographers. These stories highlight how interconnected the world has
become, with Europe facing grave challenges stemming in large part from
unrest in the Middle East.
Deadly attacks on Paris touched a global nerve — in
January with the slaughter at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo,
and in November with coordinated attacks in Paris that claimed 130 lives
and wounded hundreds. But there were major extremist attacks elsewhere
as well — in Nigeria, Tunisia, Turkey and other countries.
Memorable —and often painful — images came from
other tragedies, including a plane crash in the French Alps, a deadly
fire in a Romanian nightclub and a political assassination in Moscow.
The migration crisis produced some of the most iconic images of the year
along the hazardous journey toward northern Europe. Some refugees
exulted in their survival, raising their arms in joy and relief when
their flimsy rafts made landfall in Europe. Others drowned in the sea,
including 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi, whose lifeless body was photographed
after washing up on a Turkish beach and galvanized the world's horror at
the unfolding crisis.
These photographs show a Europe that is both less
isolated and more vulnerable, its borders elastic, its control
mechanisms threatened, its capitals both defiant and fearful.
PARIS (AP) — French far right
leader Marine Le Pen on Thursday took down a tweet showing the
execution of American reporter James Foley after his family protested —
but left up two other gruesome images of violence by Islamic State
extremists.
Far
Right National Front party leader Marine Le Pen leaves after the
results of the second round of the regional elections in Henin-Beaumont,
northern France. A French court on Tuesday Dec.15, 2015 acquitted
Marine Le Pen of incitement to hatred, a charge leveled after she
compared Muslim street prayers to a foreign occupation.
French authorities are investigating the tweets,
which Le Pen posted in response to a journalist who made an analogy
between her anti-immigration National Front party and the Islamic State
group. Le Pen was trying to show the difference between the two but the
effort backfired, drawing widespread condemnation, and the interior
minister accused her of fomenting Islamic State propaganda.
Foley's mother Diane said on French radio RTL on
Thursday that the tweets "add to the family's pain." The family issued a
statement saying, "We are deeply disturbed by the unsolicited use of
Jim for Le Pen's political gain" and want the photos taken down
"immediately."
Soon afterward, Le Pen's tweet disappeared.
However, two other tweets with images of IS executions remained visible
on her Twitter account. Party spokesman Alain Vizier would not comment
on why Le Pen took down the Foley photo.
Olympics gold medalist Chioma Ajunwa (MON) has lamented the deplorable state of grassroots athletics in Nigeria.
DPO Chioma Ajunwa
The Atlanta ’96 medalist criticised the Athletic
Federation of Nigeria (AFN), coaches and retired athletes for not doing
enough to unearth young athletes.
She accuse the stakeholders and administrators of ignoring
inter-house sports competitions in schools which used to be a spring
board for athletes in her generation.
The retired athlete turned policewoman was speaking at the unveiling
ceremony of the maiden edition of the Chioma Ajunwa Secondary Schools
Athletics Championship due to commence Nov 19-22 at the Teslim Balogun
Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
She told saharareporterssports: “My greatest fear is the future
of the Nigeria Athletics. You may ask why I’m worried. It’s because
we-the stakeholders-AFN, Coaches and retired athletes are not doing much
yearly by combing the nooks and crannies of the various parts of the
country to search and groom talents. Nigeria’s Legendary Track And Field Athletes “This is far from what was prevalent during our times when we
came across AFN coaches at inter-house sports competitions’, they were
the ones who encourage us to pick Athletics over other sports. Let me
state that I was a good football player but my inquisitiveness to see
what athletics offers made me switch. The rest is the successful career
later on.”
Speaking on the need to establish her athletics school, Ajunwa said: “My
foundation decided to float and organize this championship having seen
the disparity in the level of talent hunt especially football taking the
first place. You see we believe that everybody can run and thus
athletic should be the first sport of choice amongst our youngsters. “Football goes beyond running around, and over 1000 youngsters
will be in attendance for the three-Day event where the best of them
will be given sporting scholarship. Full accommodation and feeding will
be provided throughout the championship.”
Ajunwa is Nigeria’s first individual gold medalist at the Olympics.
She specialized in the long-jump event and was a police officer before
venturing into Olympics. She is still Nigeria’s only individual gold
medalist at the Olympics.
:
Kim
Kardashian and Kanye West dressed as Star Wars' Princess Leia and a
Stormtrooper in 2008 before they started dating —see the amazing
photos!She's got buns, hon. 
