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I join my fellow citizens this morning to welcome and celebrate the New Year 2018. This year promises to be pivotal in our quest for CHANGE. 2. Unfortunately, I am saddened to acknowledge that for many this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy. Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country. 3. The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares. This is unacceptable given that NNPC had taken measures to ensure availability at all depots. I am determined to get to the root of this collective blackmail of all Nigerians and ensure that whichever groups are behind this manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again. 4. Such unpatriotism will not divert the Administration from the course we have set ourselves. Our government’s watch word and pol

Instant messaging service, WhatsApp will end support for some BlackBerry and Windows Phone devices, the company said in a blog post. Starting January 1, 2018, the Facebook-owned social app will cease to function on Blackberry OS, Blackberry 10 and Windows Phone 8.0. WhatsApp has clearly said that it cannot support the platforms as it will no longer actively develop for these platforms, some features may stop functioning at any time. "These platforms don't offer the kind of capabilities we need to expand our app's features in the future. If you use one of these affected mobile devices, we recommend upgrading to a newer OS version, or to a newer Android running OS 4.0+, iPhone running iOS 7+, or Windows Phone 8.1+ so that you can continue using WhatsApp," the company said in a Support page. The company, however, confirmed that it will continue to work on Nokia S40 until December 31, 2018, while will support Android 2.3.7 and older until February 1, 2020. "Once you

The 28th of December, 2017 is a very special day as Bassa students from far and near gather together to identify and celebrate her rich culture at Government Science Secondary School (GSS Gwagwalada). It was a colourful and beautiful sight to behold as many were dressed in there colourful cultural attire "Kpasa"to match and identify. The event was the annual National Association of Bassa students (NABS) Convention 2017. An annual event that bring together many Bassa son's and daughter's. The event attracted many very important dignitaries from all profession and work of life, Royal father's, some of the finest Bassa academia's and resource person's, the honourable member representing Bassa local government in the state house of assembly etc. It was also a great platform to display and showcase our rich culture and potential to the world. Musical and cultural display was at it best during the event and i bet you, to be on t

There is a religious principle: Love thy neighbour as thyself. But it's also an economic asset. In the words of Adams Smith, “How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it except the pleasure of seeing it.” What does it mean to “love your neighbour as yourself?” We all naturally love ourselves, St. Augustine pointed out. The purpose of the two great commandments (“You shall love…God with all your heart” and “love your neighbour as yourself”) He started from Aristotle’s definition of love: willing some good to some person. (When I say, “I love ice cream,” I really mean that I love myself and use the word CONSUME the ice cream to express that love.) Because it‘s always possible to avoid depriving others of their goods, doing so is both the bare minimum of love and the measure of what Aristotle called justice in exch

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Oil prices were largely up on Thursday, as traders waited to see whether the oil-producing countries (OPEC) meeting in Vienna would extend production limits to reduce the global crude glut. By 11.56 a.m., brent crude was trading at 56.29 dollars a barrel. U.S. crude was 50.64 dollars. Ministers from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other producers would meet in Vienna on Friday to consider extending an agreement to reduce output by about 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd). Many analysts expected them to extend the deal that currently lasted till March, but many also said prices at current levels could encourage some countries to boost production. Oil prices surged more than 15 per cent over the last three months as global oil supply tightened. That gain would make this the strongest third quarter for the market since 2004.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will conduct verification for the recall of Sen. Dino Melaye, on Oct. 14. Melaye is representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly. The commission disclosed this in its amended timetable and schedule of activities issued by its Secretary, Mrs Augusta Ogakwu, in Abuja on Monday. Ogakwu said the verification would take place in all polling units in Kogi West, while INEC notification for the exercise would be released on Oct. 3. She said that INEC had fixed Oct. 5 as the last day for the submission of applications by observers, and Oct. 9 for the publication of the list of accredited observers for the exercise. The secretary said that the commission would hold its stakeholders’ meeting at the Senatorial District headquarters and Local Government headquarters on Oct 10. The last day for the submission of names of polling agents for the verification by the member sought to be recalled and the

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has suspended its five-week old strike following a  meeting with the Federal Government’s delegation. Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU President announced this at a news conference after the  meeting with the Federal Government  on Monday in Abuja. He said the union  decided to conditionally suspend the strike  in view of the timeline of October 2017 for the implementation of the signed agreement. According to Ogunyemi, after an elaborate and extensive consultation process, the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU has agreed to conditionally suspend the ongoing action. “We are taking into cognisance the fact that major proposals from the government to address the contending issues in the strike action has a deadline of the end of October, 2017. “All members of ASUU are to resume work after their branch congresses on Tuesday, September 19, 2017. “ However, ASUU will not hesitate to review its position should government rene

The world’s oldest person Violet Brown has died in Jamaica at the age of 117 years and 189 days old. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed his condolences in a Facebook post, calling her “an inspiring woman.” The woman known as “Aunt V” died Friday at a local hospital, where she had been treated for heart arrhythmia and dehydration. With her death, the Gerontology Research Group lists Nabi Tajima of Japan was the oldest surviving person. She was born on Aug. 4, 1900. Brown spent much of her life cutting sugar cane. She remained active in her church until recently and credited her longevity to hard work and her Christian faith. She had four sons and two daughters. Her eldest son died in April at age 97.

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has expressed gratitude to God for averting bloodbath in the state, following the withdrawal of troops deployed to Abia for a one-month military exercise code-named “Operation Python Dance.” Ikpeazu made the remark on Sunday when he visited the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abia council to commiserate with journalists over last Tuesday’s invasion of the secretariat by soldiers. The governor noted that the presence of the troops sparked tension across the state. He said “we are grateful to God for intervening in stopping what could have been the greatest bloodbath known in the history of mankind.” He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for reposing confidence in Southeast Governors’ Forum, “by giving us a second chance to talk to our people on the need for us to live as one united nation.” He added that the Igbos remained the most widely travelled people in Nigeria, living and conducting businesses in every nook and

Eid Mubarak to all those who are celebrating today! Wishing you a Blessed Eid-ul Adha. #EidMubarak #EidAlAdha

Five South East governors have met with pro-secession leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and his father, in a move to find solution to agitation for the creation of Biafra country. A communiqué released at the end of the meeting with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB), the South East Governors’ Forum said they deliberated on the demands of the group and had noted their concerns. The Chairman of the forum, Gov. Dave Umahi said on Wednesday in Enugu said: “The meeting agreed that the demands by IPOB should not be absolute, rather, the governors shall immediately engage the IPOB to further meetings.” The governors said the meetings, which would also have in attendance other notable leaders of the group, would be aimed at quickening the resolution of all issues amicably. “We, therefore, request from all concerned to give the governors opportunity to amicably sort out the problems,” Umahi said. In attendance during the meeting were Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State

Thousands of people thronged the Daura airstrip in Katsina State to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari, who has arrived his hometown for Eid-el-Kabir. The Airforce helicopter conveying the president and members of his immediate family landed at the airstrip at 4:45 p.m on Wednesday. The president was received by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, politicians and thousands of well wishers. Buhari, looking much healthier and radiant, smiled as he waved to the mammoth crowd. He walked from the airstrip to his residence in the GRA of the town. Inside the town itself, Buhari’s arrival excited many people, who broke out in prayers for his good health. Malam Aminu Shehu, a trader who could not control his emotion, described the arrival of the president as a relief to Nigerians, especially his kinsmen who spent a year without seeing him. He praised God that the president was looking happy and not fatigued. “we will continue to pray for the well-being of the president’’.

THE NATION *Royal Breakup: Ooni, Wuraola’s marriage timeline *Evans in court: I’m guilty *My client was forced to ‘implicate self’, says lawyer *EFCC recovers over N430.8b, secures 137 convictions in eight months *Oyo: Ladoja hasn’t told us he rejected his crown *UNIPORT names suspected ‘killer’ of niece *Buhari opts to walk as crowd takes over Daura home *Suspected Fulani herdsmen invade Falae’s farm again *Biafra: Southeast governors, IPOB chief Kanu meet *Rivers APC celebrates Buhari’s return with solidarity rally *Council chief presents free GCE forms to students *Owoseni: I’m still Lagos CP THE PUNCH *There are corrupt elements in EFCC, says Magu *Lawyers clash at Ekiti panel probing Fayemi regime *Akeredolu swears in commissioners, says I inherited N220bn debt *Militants kill four soldiers, one civilian in Bayelsa ambush *Sowore asks court to stop Saraki’s N4bn judgment claim *Economy: Fayose attacks Buhari *Anambra poll: Three foreigners

Ms Chimamanda Adichie, the young Nigerian accomplished writer and author has been honoured with the ‘Doctor of Letters’ degree at the University of Edinburgh Scotland, United Kingdom. The honorary doctorate degree was presented to the writer by the university’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, at a special ceremony at the school’s St Cecilia’s Hall – Scotland’s oldest concert hall. At the ceremony, O’Shea stated that the award was given in recognition of Ms Adichie’s achievements as an author and public intellectual. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 5, 2017 received a similar honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his achievements as a public servant with strong commitments to equality and diversity. Following the award presentation, head of the Scottish government, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, interviewed Chimamanda about her work and ideas at an event at Edinburgh International Book Festival in association with the Colleg

A Houston police officer has been confirmed dead after he drowned in floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey that left him trapped in his vehicle. The officer’s death brought the number of people killed to 15 since the storm made landfall on Friday. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner confirmed during a news conference on Tuesday that Sgt. Steve Perez died Sunday morning. The 60-year-old Perez was heading to work when he was caught in floodwaters. Houston Police recovered Perez’s vehicle at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. “He was trying different routes, and took a wrong turn,” one unidentified high-ranking official told the Houston Chronicle on Tuesday. Turner tweeted that Perez drove two and a half hours ahead of work, looking for a safer route to report for duty. Perez’s wife said the police sergeant told her “I’ve got work to do” when she asked him to reconsider going to work, Turner tweeted. According to Fox News, Perez worked with the Houston Police Department for 34 years

PUNCH *FG decides on ASUU’s demands today as union shuns meeting *Ibadan indigenes support new kings – CCII *Buhari probing AGF, Magu’s face-off, says FG *Enugu APC threatens to expel minister *AGF raises ministry’s team to probe ‘sensitive’ cases *Senator Kanti-Bello dies, Buhari, Saraki mourn *NAF airlifts relief materials to S’Leone, rotates troops in N’East *Senator Uchendu gets certificate of return, attacks Wike *Rivers DPO arrested for ritual killer’s escape *Police to arraign Evans for kidnapping, murder today *Gunmen kidnap 11 passengers in Rivers *Cameroon detains Bakassi indigenes over tax, community petitions FG *Pro-Biafran group withdraws support for Chidoka, UPP GUARDIAN *NNPC restructures, effects changes in 55 key positions *No meeting, act on our demands, ASUU tells government *Rams everywhere, but none to buy as Sallah approaches *Edo monarch seeks single chamber National Assembly *FG, EU launch energy efficiency code to save 40

US President Donald Trump said there has never been any flood as bad as the one ravaging Texas and its capital of Houston, following unprecedented rainstorm. He declared that the state faces a “long and difficult road” to recovery after the floods. “It’s the biggest ever, they are saying it is the biggest, it’s historic,” Trump said, addressing a White House press conference a day before he travels to the Lone Star State with his wife,  Melania. “There’s probably never been anything like this,” Trump said of Tropical Storm Harvey, which hit the Gulf Coast at the weekend and inundated the Houston region. “I’ve heard the words ‘epic,’ I’ve heard ‘historic.’ That’s what it is,” he added. The US leader earlier indicated his team had already been in contact with Congressional leaders to discuss relief for the millions of people affected by tropical storm Harvey, which is barrelling along the Texan coast toward Louisiana. “We’re dealing with Congress,” Trump said, speaking

The Pentagon has notified the U.S. Congress  of the sale to Nigeria of 12 Super Tucano A-29 planes and weapons worth $593 million, needed for the  fight against the militant group, Boko Haram. The move on the sale, which included thousands of bombs and rockets and was originally agreed by former President Barack Obama’s administration, was announced by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The sale was initially announced on 2 August. The Super Tucano A-29, an agile, propeller-driven plane with reconnaissance and surveillance as well as attack capabilities, is made by Brazil’s Embraer. A second production line is in Florida, in a partnership between Embraer and privately held Sierra Nevada Corp of Sparks, Nevada. The Super Tucano costs more than $10 million each and the price can go much higher depending on the configuration. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT 6 engine. The Obama administration delayed the deal after incidents including the Ni