13 injured in China explosion

Thirteen people were injured after an explosion happened in a community Saturday afternoon in Zhangjiajie city of central China’s Hunan Province, local authorities said. The blast happened around 5 p.m. at Dayongqiao community of Yongding District. One residential building collapsed, and four others were damaged. The injured people have been hospitalized, and three of them are in critical conditions. Local residents have been settled properly. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Ghana: 40 Perish As Another Gold Mining Pit Caves In

 According to a local Ghanaian radio station seven [7] of the unlicensed local miners were pulled out of the pit but died shortly afterwards. Another 33 are believed to be still trapped underground.

The bodies of the those pulled out of the pit have been deposited at the district hospital for autopsy.

“They went to operate at their site but unfortunately the pit caved in on them. Rescuers are doing their best to dig out the dead bodies but at the moment the whole township is mourning,” the reporter for the radio station said.

Tiagbani is in the Talensi-Nabdam district of the Upper East Region, far from the traditionally-known gold mining sites in Ghana.

Erokoro wins BMW golf tourney, to represent Nigeria in Malaysia

 Winner of this year’s BMW Amateur Golf Tournament put organised by Coscharis Motors at the IBB Golf and Country Club Abuja, Barrister Paul Erokoro has said he would put in extra efforts to fly high Nigeria’s flag at next year’s BMW World championship in Malaysia. Erokoro said he was pleasantly surprised to know that he will be representing Nigeria because when he registered for the tournament, he took it like any other club tournament.

Babatunde: Eagles ‘ll destroy Bafana Bafana

Injured Super Eagles ace Babatunde Michael has said that Nigeria are fired-up to thrash Bafana Bafana tomorrow to advance to AFCON 2015.

The Volyn of Ukraine player said the Eagles have done the more difficult job in Congo and he is sure Nigeria will thrash South Africa today with the likes of Emmanuel Emenike, Ahmed Musa and Mikel Obi on top form.

“It is going to be a tough game no doubt, because even though South Africa are through to the Nations Cup, they will want to prove a point against Nigeria and they will be relaxed while doing so,” said Babatunde, who is ruled out of this match after he underwent a knee surgery.

“My colleagues are aware of that but no matter what, Eagles will fly past South Africa in flying colours.

“With the likes of Emenike, Mikel, Musa and others in top shape, we have all the weapons to destroy the Bafana Bafana in Uyo on Wednesday.”

Both teams played out a goalless draw when they first clashed in the qualifiers in September.

Udinese Striker Muriel Set for the Sidelines Through Injury

Udinese have confirmed that Colombian striker Luis Muriel is set for a spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

Muriel sustained what the Italian Serie A club described as a “first to second degree” lesion to his thigh during a friendly against Crvena Zvezda at the weekend. It says the 23-year-old will be re-examined in 8-10 days to ascertain the duration of his absence.

“The player has already started physiotherapy as appropriate,” a statement on the club’s official website said.

Luis Muriel Will Face a Spell Out With Injury. Image: Getty.

“In eight-ten days will be repeated examinations which will better enable us to define a more precise prognosis once the swelling goes down.”

Muriel will, in the meantime, carry on receiving physiotherapy treatment on the injury.

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Boko Haram frees abducted women, girls rumoured married off to insurgents

The Boko Haram insurgents, who reportedly abducted about 50 women and girls from two border villages between Adamawa and Borno states have freed the women among their captives. This was disclosed in an interview by villagers, who spoke on the issue with newsmen on the telephone from their hide-outs. They however, said that the exact number of those released could not be ascertained, but that no fewer than 45 girls were still being detained. According to the villagers, the women and girls were abducted from Waga Mangoro which was between Gwoza in Borno and Madagali in Adamawa states. Relatives of some of the abducted women who were later released by the insurgents also, told newsmen in Yola that some of the girls have been turned to cooks while others were married off immediately to some of the insurgents. A relative to one of the women who spoke on the condition of anonymity said; ”Initially, the insurgents captured 80 girls and women whom they later loaded into their vans and zoomed off into the bushes. Later in the night, the insurgents separated the elderly women from the girls and released the women, who are now languishing in the forest because they could not relocate the towns because they were razed down by the insurgents. “We are confused that hours after the so called cease fire agreement between the Federal Government and Boko Haram insurgents, our girls are still being abducted by the insurgents. “We are at a loss about government’s insincerity on the whole issue and we urge them to rescue our daughters without further delay as we are ready to die searching for our missing ones.

Laide Bakare welcomes her third child

Popular Yoruba actress, movie producer and record label owner, Laide Bakare has delivered baby number three, her second son to new hubby, Alhaji Oriowo. Laide made the announcement early hours of Wednesday in a Blackberry broadcast. Yes! Yes!, it’s a boy, it’s a boy. My boy arrives exactly 4;30 pm American time in New York nice weather on Tuesday. I am the happiest person in the world. Laide has been in the States for months now for the sole purpose of having her child. Laide, popularly reffered to as Alhaja Tio Common, had her first child, a girl, for her first husband, Mr Okunfulire.

Oscar Pistorius Sentence update

Judge Masipa sentences Oscar Pistorius to 5 years in prison. Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years in jail for shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. The double-amputee sprinter, 27, admitted killing the model and TV presenter at his home in Pretoria in the early hours of Valentine's Day last year. He said it was a tragic accident when he mistook Reeva for an intruder and opened fire on his bathroom door. But Pistorius was arrested and charged with murder. Following a two-month trial, he was acquitted but found guilty of culpable homicide. Today, Judge Thokozile Masipa sentenced him to five years in jail. He was also given a three-year suspended jail sentence for a separate firearms charge. More updates later..

UN contacts Nigeria on Ebola containment

The UN, on Monday, said it was in touch with Nigerian authorities, through the World Health Organisation on how it contained the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease. The spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane DuJarric, said this while briefing UN correspondents in New York. The briefing followed the WHO official declaration of Nigeria as Ebola-free after 42 days with no new cases. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the WHO representative, Rui Vaz, who spoke in Abuja, said it was a “spectacular success story.” He said, “Nigeria won the praise for its swift response after a Liberian brought the disease to Lagos in July.’’ NAN reports that the WHO also officially declared Senegal Ebola-free on Friday. At the Monday briefing, Dujarric said Nigeria’s success story could be copied to successfully contain the disease in West Africa. He added, “Nigeria’s success story means that Ebola can be stopped with functional health service and commitment.’’ NAN recalls that in September, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, had commended President Goodluck Jonathan for Nigeria’s efforts at containing the spread of the virus in the country. Ban Ki-Moon gave the commendation at a meeting he held with Jonathan on the sideline of the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly. In a related development, Ban’s spokesman, DuJarric, said the trust fund set up by the Secretary-General now had $8.8m in deposits and $5m in commitments. He said in total, $43.5m was pledged. He added that the UN secretary would continue to urge countries to redeem their pledges as soon as possible. Meanwhile, DuJarric said a UN female staff in Sierra Leone had passed away at the weekend from EVD.

Pastore thrilled as Thiago Silva closes in on PSG return

Javier Pastore believes the return of Thiago Silva after two months on the sidelines is a big boost for Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazil international has been out of action this term after suffering a thigh injury in pre-season action against Napoli in August, but has been named in the squad to face APOEL in the Champions League this week.

FG supplies more relief items to Chibok

The Federal Government on Monday gave additional relief items to Internally Displaced Persons in Chibok, Borno, to further cushion the hardship in the area. Alhaji Muhammed Kanar, the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, said in Yola, Adamawa, that the items were given in compliance with the directive from the presidency. He said the agency was currently taking care of registered 10,376 IDPs in Chibok and its environs. He also said experts from the Safe School Initiative (SSI) also accompanied NEMA team to conduct needs assessment on schools destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents in the area. The coordinator assured that the agency would provide boreholes to ease the perennial shortage of drinking water in the affected communities. “President Goodluck Jonathan has directed the agency to supply additional intervention items to Chibok community. “Items supplied include 1,200 bags of 10 kgs rice, 1,000 blankets, 500 mosquito nets and 500 mats, cooking oils and 500 bags of maize. Receiving the items on behalf of the community, the District Head of Chibok, Mr Modu Zanna, who was represented by Alhaji Lawan Yerima-Amdan, thanked the presidency for the gesture. He, however, appealed to the government to expedite action on the release of their abducted girls. “We thank President Goodluck Jonathan for identifying with us; we hope that he will intervene on the issue of our girls,” Zanna said.

WHO declares Nigeria Ebola-free

Nigeria has been declared officially free of Ebola after six weeks with no new cases, the World Health Organisation says. Africa’s most populous country won praise for its swift response after an infected Liberian diplomat brought the disease there in July. The WHO officially declared Senegal Ebola-free on Friday. The outbreak has killed more than 4,500 people in West Africa, mostly in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. An estimated 70 per cent of those infected have died in those countries. Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to discuss how to strengthen their response to the threat posed by Ebola. European countries have committed more than 500m euros (£400m; $600m) but the UK is pressing to double that amount. The money is being sought to help reinforce over-stretched healthcare systems in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea and to mitigate the damage Ebola is doing to their economies. Ahead of the talks, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier suggested the EU could send a civilian EU mission to West Africa that would serve as a platform for sending medical staff. Another diplomat said there were plans for three countries to spearhead aid to the region – the UK for Sierra Leone, France for Guinea and the US for Liberia. Earlier, the Spanish government said a nurse who became the first person to contract Ebola outside West Africa had tested negative for the virus.

Algeria denies border guards firing at Moroccans

Algeria on Sunday denied the shooting on a group of Moroccans on the border with Algeria near the city of Oujda. “Moroccan civilians threw stones at the Algerian border guards, who responded with two warning shots in the air without targeting anybody, and I confirm there were no injuries,” Algerian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdelaziz Benali Cherif was quoted as saying by local TSA news web. “These kind of incidents are common,” he added. The Moroccan government said on Saturday that Algerian forces fired on a group of Moroccans on the border, seriously injuring one citizen in the face. Morocco has summoned the Algerian ambassador in Rabat for explanations over the incident. “The Moroccan authorities fabricated this incident,” the spokesman said. The two countries have tense relations and the borders have been closed since 1994. The lasting diplomatic coldness between Algiers and Rabat is mostly provoked by the disagreement between the two countries over the issue of the Western Sahara. Algiers supports self-determination for the Sahrawi people, while Rabat insists that the Western Sahara is part of Moroccan territories.

Neuer: Bremen thrashing the perfect warm-up for Roma

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer believes this weekend's 6-0 Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen was the perfect warm-up for Tuesday's Champions League game away against Roma. Two goals apiece from Philipp Lahm, Mario Gotze and one each from Thomas Muller and Xabi Alonso helped the Bavarians to a comfortable win on Saturday and Neuer is confident they will be ready for the Serie A outfit. "We were first class and it was a perfect warm-up for Roma," Neuer was quoted as saying on the official Bayern website. Nevertheless, the Germany international has warned his team-mates that the Stadio Olimpico outfit will not be pushovers and has stressed they cannot afford to lose focus in defence. "Winning at their place will be tough. "We'll need another strong defensive display in order to bag the full three points." Bayern currently sit atop of Group E with six points from two games, while Roma follow in second place on four points. Both sides last met in 2010-11, when the German champions recorded a 2-0 home-win, but were beaten 3-2 at the Olimpico.

US airdrops supplies to Syrian Kurds as Kobane battle rages

US military aircraft have dropped weapons, ammunition and medical supplies to Kurdish fighters battling Islamic State (IS) militants in the key Syrian town of Kobane. US Central Command said C-130 transport aircraft had made “multiple” drops of supplies provided by Kurdish authorities in Iraq. US air strikes have helped push back IS in the town near the Turkish border. Correspondents say the airdrops are likely to anger key US ally Turkey. The drops of supplies provided by Kurdish authorities in Iraq were “intended to enable continued resistance against Isil’s attempts to overtake Kobane,” CentCom said in a statement. IS is also referred to as Isil and Isis. All the aircraft involved had returned safely, it added. US forces say air strikes have slowed IS advances into the town, CentCom says US forces have conducted more than 135 air strikes against IS in Kobane. The strikes began in early October. “Combined with continued resistance to Isil on the ground, indications are that these strikes have slowed Isil advances into the city, killed hundreds of their fighters and destroyed or damaged scores of pieces of Isil combat equipment and fighting positions,” the Centcom statement said. However, it added that IS fighters continued to threaten Kurdish forces’ ability to resist and hold the city. “Kobane could still fall,” it said. Senior Washington officials said the airdrops had involved three planes and 27 bundles of supplies. On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he would not allow Kurdish fighters to receive any transfers of American arms. Turkey has resisted calls to help the Kurds fighting in Kobane, describing them as terrorists like the Kurdish militant group the PKK.

Ogun musician, Faycol dies during own baby’s naming ceremony

A musician, Feyitayo Oyetade, who is famous in her base, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has died.

The singer, who goes by the stage name, Faycol, died on Tuesday, the same day as her newborn baby’s naming ceremony.

Faycol reportedly slumped in the bathroom as she prepared for the ceremony. She died before any medical attention could reached her.

The 25-year-old got married earlier this year to her music promoter and manager and recently gave birth to a boy.

The remains of the musician were buried on Wednesday in Sagamu town, Ogun State.

WHO declares Senegal Ebola-free

 Senegal is officially free of Ebola, with the benchmark of 42 days without the disease having passed without any new cases, the World Health Organization said Friday.

“WHO officially declares the Ebola outbreak in Senegal over and commends the country on its diligence to end the transmission of the virus,” the UN health agency said in a statement.

My Marriage Is Nobody’s Business – Monalisa Chinda

Rivers state-born beautiful actress, Monalisa Chinda has replied the rumors going round about her back to her ex, Dejo Richards.

The University Of Port Harcourt Theatre Arts graduate has addressed the  rumors that she is making a reconciling move to reunite with her former husband, Dejo Richards.

Air France plane isolated in Spain over Nigerian passenger

An Air France plane has been isolated at an airport in Madrid after a patient was reported to have a fever and shivers.

The situation is being treated as a suspected case of ebola, a health ministry official was quoted as saying.

There were 156 passengers on the flight from Paris, according to local officials and media reports.

Airports operator Aena and Air France said in separate statements that a passenger on Air France 1300 from Nigeria, via the French capital, had started shaking during the flight.

Photos: Tony Tetuila takes his campaign to his ward in Kwara State

Singer turned politician Tony Tetuila, who is

running for Kwara State House of Assembly,

Irepodun LGA, is currently in the state to meet

with Oro Ward 2 leaders and other women leaders

in his local government, who welcomed him with

open arms. See more photos after the cut..

Edwin Okon excited with Falcons victory

Head coach of Nigeria's senior women team, Edwin Okon has praised the performance of his team against Zambia while revealing that the ultimate dream is to reclaim the African Women Championship title. The Super Falcons whitewashed their Zambian counterparts 6-0 in their second Group A game at the Sam Njouma Stadium on Tuesday in Windhoek. A brace from Desire Oparanzie and a goal each from Ngozi Ebere, Oshinachi Ohale, Asisat Oshoala and veteran Pepertua Nkwocha ensured the Super Falcons booked their place in the last four of the tournament. "I am excited for booking the ticket to the semifinal stage but it is not yet over. Our eyes are on the ball and we are looking to get to the final and win the Cup for a record seven times," Okon said. "Like I said earlier before the game, we are going to take it one match at a time," he concluded. Super Falcons will next face debutants and hosts Namibia on Friday, October 17, 2014.

Mercy Johnson delivers baby NO 2 in US

Nollywood star actress has delivered her second child, this time, a bouncing baby boy after baby Purity, her first child a couple of years ago. The curvy actress gave birth today at around 8am Nigerian time at St Joseph Hospital University of Maryland, Baltimore. Mother and child are reportedly doing fine. However, a source said that the husband, MR Okojie, who is from a royal family is overjoyous from pulling a boy off the actress and set to make this celebration ‘something special'.

Walcott close to Arsenal comeback

Theo Walcott is in contention to make his first Arsenal appearance after nine months in Friday's Under-21 Premier League clash with Blackburn. Walcott has not featured for the Gunners since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in January's 2-0 FA Cup win over Tottenham, and also missed England's disappointing World Cup campaign in Brazil with the injury. But the 25-year-old returned to first-team training on Monday and, barring any setbacks, could be included in Arsenal's Under-21 squad to take on Rovers at Boreham Wood on Friday evening. Serge Gnabry may also feature for the Gunners, having participated in Monday's session as he continues his recovery from a knee injury which has sidelined him for the start of the season. A further boost for Arsene Wenger comes with the news that club captain Mikel Arteta is back in training after missing matches against Galatasaray and Chelsea with a calf injury, while Aaron Ramsey's recovery from a hamstring problem is also progressing well. Neither, however, are in contention for Saturday's Premier League clash with Hull City and Wenger remains cautious on the status of Mesut Ozil, who sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Germany and is not expected to return until 2015.

Nigerian Senate Passes Bill On Petroleum University

The Nigerian education sector recorded a new feat on Tuesday, 14 October, 2014, when the Senate finally passed into law the Bill establishing the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effurun, Delta State. According to Vanguard report, the bill also mandated the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, to contribute at least two percent of its gross receipts for the university. The lawmakers also recommended that the university shall offer courses in Petroleum technology, provided overseas courses would be sponsored by the PTDF and other government agencies only in respect of the courses not available at the university upon certification.

Activist asks court to halt N65 ATM charges

A rights activist, Timi Frank, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the Central Bank of Nigeria from further implementing its reintroduced N65 charges relating to cash withdrawal from the Automated Teller Machines in the country. The new CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, had on August 13 announced that a customer, who makes cash withdrawals from ATM of banks other than his or her banker’s ATM would be charged N65 at the fourth withdrawal in a month. The policy took effect nationwide on September 1. In his suit marked filed on September 18 and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/659/2014, the plaintiff contends that the reintroduction of ATM charges is “retrogressive and a negation of the cashless policy currently being propagated by the CBN.

Heavy security at Kirikiri Prisons after attempted jail break (news by Daily post)

Information reaching DailyPost says some inmates of the Kirikiri medium prisons, some hours ago attempted jail break.

Eye witnesses say Navy and Police personnel are now keeping watch around the facility, restricting movement of people in and outside the barracks where Kirikiri Maximum Prison is located.

Uti Nwachukwu and Daniella Okeke for House Of Maliq October 2014 Issue

TV host, Uti Nwachukwu and Nollywood actress, Daniella Okeke were tapped for the latest issue of House Of Maliq October 2014 edition.

The stylish celebrities sported unique looks where Uti  Nachukwu sported a sleek silk shirt over navy pants striking a playful pose with his tamed hair, in another look he was styled with in white over fitted blue pants with black suspenders.

Yippy!! Google restores Linda Ikeji’s Blog after 24 hours

After being shut out for about 24 hours by Google, celebrity blogger, Linda Ikeji is now back online. Recall that the tech giant, Google closed the blog on Wednesday over claims of copyright infringement and plagiarism filed by one Mr Aye Dee. Following the controversy the ‘shut down’ generated, Google has supposedly reviewed her case and found her plagiarism or breach of terms not worthy of a blog deletion.

Koscielny Ruled Out of France Friendlies

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has been released from international duty after suffering a recurrence of a niggling Achilles problem during training with the rest of his France team-mates.

‘Les Blues’ coach Didier Deschamp has called up Roma defender Mapu Yanga-Mbiwa to replace the injured centre-back for his side’s upcoming friendlies.

Koscielny has been suffering from “chronic tendinitis of both Achilles

tendons for several months”.

Why we shut down Linda Ikeji's Blog – Google (news by Premium times)

Linda Ikeji

Google, on Thursday, explained why it shut down popular Nigerian blog, Linda Ikeji’s Blog, saying it takes violations of its policies very seriously.

The firm said such activities diminish the experience of its users.

A spokesperson for the America-based company, Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, told PREMIUM TIMES that though the company would not discuss individual accounts, generally, “When we are notified of the existence of content that may violate our Terms of Service, we act quickly to review it and determine whether it actually violates our policies.”

Can we say D'banj is wasting His Money on Tonto Dikeh's Musical Career?

Delving into other areas of endeavours is not a crime but making good use of those opportunities is the point. Looking into entertainment terim, entertainers have either delve into video directing just like what Banky W is currently learning in New York and the likes.

Sometimes, it is important that one traces the actions of these entertainers as time goes on which does not mean hating but simple monitoring. Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, better known as the Duchess of DB Records, since joining D’banj’s record label is yet to release any song apart from ‘Sugar Rush’ which upon release, had received wide criticism.

OMG!!!! Google shuts down Linda Ikeji`s blog

Popular blogger Linda Ikeji of www.lindaikeji.blogspot.com has been shut down by Google due to a claim by a journalist with the twitter handle ‘AyeDee.’ of copyright infringement by the blogger. 

He claims he informed Google, about Linda Ikeji’s alleged plagiarism/copyright infringement of his works on Linda Ikeji; and Google has finally shut down the blog

Read more after the cap.

Mesut Ozil out for 12 weeks

Mesut Ozil will miss Germany’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland on Saturday and faces up to 12 weeks out with a knee injury, the German Football Association (DFB) confirmed Wednesday.

The 25-year-old Arsenal star complained of pain in his left knee and was flown to Munich on Wednesday morning to be treated by the DFB’s doctor, who diagnosed a partial tear of the left cruciate knee ligament.

Floxy Plans Big Gang Up Against Promiscuous Men In Showbiz

One of the fastest rising female singers in Nigeria, Floxy has said that some female music acts are leaving the entertainment industry because of victimisation by their male counterparts.

She said such issues arise from men in the industry asking to sleep with female artistes before rendering any form of assistance to them. Floxy said entertainment industry in Nigeria would have grown bigger than its present state if the male-dominated had given the female folks more chances to survive.

Sport - Messi could receive Liga goals record award at the Bernabeu

Javier Tebas says the LFP will pay tribute to Lionel Messi even if the Barcelona star becomes La Liga's all-time record goalscorer at the home of great rivals Real Madrid. The Argentina international is just two goals shy of Telmo Zarra's tally of 251, meaning the four-time Ballon d'Or winner could make history in this weekend's Primera Division clash with Eibar at Camp Nou.
However, there is also the intriguing possibility of Messi, who has scored more goals in Clasico history than any other player, breaking the record in the meeting with Madrid on October 25.

FG appeals to sponsors of Boko Haram to desist

The Federal Government has appealed to financiers of the Boko Haram insurgents to desist from sponsoring the terrorists and surrender to security forces as some members of the sect had done recently.

Mr Mike Omeri, the Coordinator, National Information Centre, made the appeal in statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

The statement which was personally signed by Omeri, said that there was no wisdom in fighting against ourselves.

“They (terrorists) should know that this war can never be won by them,’’ he said.

Omeri reiterated the resolve of the government to rescue all persons and communities traumatised by the insurgency, adding that there were concerted efforts to restore normalcy to those communities.

He commended Nigerians for their support and cooperation with the security forces, saying this was responsible for the successes so far recorded in the campaign to end insurgency.

The coordinator said that intense fighting was currently going on in parts of Adamawa, especially in Michika and Bazza among other areas to flush out the insurgents.

He said that security forces had been recording tremendous gains in recent weeks.

Omeri noted that the security awareness programme put in place by the federal government was responsible for nationwide hitch-free celebration of the 2014 Eid-el-Kabir. 

Facebook Closes WhatsApp Acquisition, Jan Koum To Match Zuckerberg’s $1 Annual Salary

Facebook is now the legal owner of WhatsApp, following a filing made with the SEC today. This is the final step in a process begun when Facebook announced its intent to acquire the messaging company in February of this year. The Facebook deal passed its final regulatory hurdle when it received EU approval to go ahead with the acquisition of WhatsApp last week. In the filing, the company details the awarding of 177,760,669 shares of Facebook’s Class A common stock and $4.59 billion to WhatsApp stakeholders, plus 45,941,775 in restricted stock to WhatsApp employees to complete the deal. Koum will join Facebook’s board, and will also match Zuckerberg’s annual base salary of $1, without eligibility for the company’s bonus plan, though he does get a signing bonus of 24,853,468 restricted stock units as incentive for joining. Per the filing, Koum is joining Facebook with no fixed term of employment as part of the arrangement, but all indicators are that he wants to stick around to continue to build WhatsApp as a separate brand under the growing Facebook umbrella.

Cavani does not deserve criticism, says Matuidi

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi has defended Edinson Cavani against recent criticism over his poor form in the past few weeks. The 27-year-old has been struggling to impress in the injury-enforced absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and failed to find the net in the 1-1 draw with Monaco on Sunday. Nevertheless, Matuidi feels Cavani doesn't deserve the harsh treatment he has been receiving and should instead be praised for his tireless running. "We can only congratulate Edinson Cavani with all the hard work he has been putting in," Matuidi told RTL. "He really is a team player and we would all like it if he were rewarded for his efforts. "I think it's a real shame that people criticise him and that he's judged on his lack of goals. Of course, I also understand that people expect a No.9 to score. "I often speak to him about it and we discuss it a lot. He has put in a lot of hard work. "Edinson is a really open person. He has a lot of personality, but I get the feeling that he is happy at PSG." Cavani has netted four goals in 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

First Lady Mourns Former MD of NAN

First Lady, Dame Patience Faka Jonathan has described the demise of the former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Remi Oyo as a great loss to Journalism profession and the Nigerian women.

Ebola outbreak - Second patient arrives in Germany

Medical staff in protective equipment attend the arrival of the Ebola patient at Frankfurt University Hospital.

A hospital in the German city of Frankfurt/Main has taken in an Ebola patient after he was flown in during the night under tight security.

After arriving on a medical flight from West Africa, the man was brought to Frankfurt University Hospital where he was placed in an isolation ward.

GOtv provides great family entertainment for October

GOtv continues to bring subscribers the best entertainment for the whole family. This October, subscribers are in for a bigger dose of telenovelas and comedy, as Where is Elisa premieres on Telemundo and the first season of the Bernie Mac Show kicks-off on Sony Entertainment. Kids will be kept entertained with their favourite shows on Disney Junior, Nickelodeon and Jim Jam. For the best EPL action, football fans are to stay tuned to SuperSport Select.

Etisalat wins big at Nigerian Telecom Awards

Etisalat cleaned house at the 10th Annual Nigerian Telecom Awards. The company claimed both the Best Brand Campaign and Youth Empowerment Telecom Operator of the Year awards. Additionally, the company also picked up the Telecom Entrepreneur of the Year award, which was won by the Chairman, Etisalat Nigeria, Hakeem Bello-Osagie.

According to Etisalat Nigeria’s, Chineze Amanfo: “The awards are a clear confirmation of Etisalat’s commitment to excellence and innovation.”

“Since our entry into the Nigerian market in 2008, we have continuously delivered quality products and services promised to our customers. Our subscriber base in this highly competitive industry now exceeds 19 million,” Amanfo concluded.

Sallah: Alaafin urges Boko Haram to lay down arms

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has appealed to the Islamic fundamentalists “Boko Haram’’ to put an end to terrorism and emulate the peaceful character of Prophet Muhammed. The monarch said this in an eid-el-kabir message signed by his Media Assistant, Alhaji Azeez Fehintola, in Oyo on Thursday. Adeyemi urged Muslims across the country to coexist with their neighbours for progress and development to thrive. He said that it was in an atmosphere of peace that a nation could grow, urging Muslims to emulate the peaceful character of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. “I use this medium to congratulate our brothers and sisters in Islam on the celebration of this year’s Eid el Kabir. “Islam is a religion of peace, so I enjoin all our Muslims across the country to embrace peace. “We should work toward harmonious coexistence among all citizens so that the country can witness progress and development,’’ he said. The monarch also called on Nigerians to pray for a smooth transition as the 2015 elections draws nearer. “While calling for divine intervention in the affairs of the nation, I urge Nigerians at home and abroad to use this period of celebration to seek the face of Allah. “They should also supplicate for divine direction for our government on ways to curb the nefarious activities of Boko Haram and other social vices plaguing the nation.’’ Adeyemi enjoined Nigerians to pray for the country and eschew all forms of disunity and divisive tendencies so as to have a free, fair and peaceful transition in 2015.

Cholera kills 80 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon

More than 80 Nigerian refuges, fleeing from the Boko Haram insurgency are now known to have died from cholera in refugee camps in Cameroon. The refugees, mainly from the Boko Haram enclave in Borno State, are scattered in Gawar, Zamay of Maroua camps in Cameroon, are said to be leaving in droves back to Nigeria. A source in the camp said about 20 were hospitalised at the camps. The refugees were said to have fled from Haraza, Kunde, Tatsa, the flash points of early Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State. The source said 40 of the dead were from Pulka, 30 from Ngoshe, Attagara, Agapaluwa and 10 from early migrants from the hills of Gwoza. Sources said many of the refugees had started leaving the camp for Nigeria.

US Secret Service chief resigns over security breaches

The director of the US Secret Service resigned Wednesday following a string of lapses by the elite presidential protection branch, including one in which an intruder ran through the front door of the White House. “Today, Julia Pierson, the Director of the United States Secret Service, offered her resignation, and I accepted it,” Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement. Johnson appointed Joseph Clancy to serve as interim acting director until a permanent replacement for Pierson, who only took up her post 18 months ago after a prostitution scandal erupted within the agency. An independent panel would be named to probe the September 19 incident, which saw homeless US army veteran Omar Gonzalez allegedly jump the White House fence and run into the residence, Johnson said. Gonzalez pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to three counts including unlawfully entering a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. Outraged US lawmakers grilled Pierson on Tuesday over a series of security breaches, including an incident last month in which an armed security contractor with a criminal record was allowed into an elevator with President Barack Obama when he visited Atlanta, Georgia.

Man bags 3 months for stealing MTN generator battery

An Enugu Magistrates’ Court on Monday sentenced one Friday Eze, 24, of Enugu North Local Government Area to three months imprisonment for stealing an MTN generator battery. In her judgment, the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs Ifeoma Oruruo, said the convict understood the charge read to him and pleaded guilty to the one count charge brought against him. Oruruo said that the confession made by the convict at the Central Police Station, Enugu, confirmed that he committed the offence as he equally pleaded for leniency. According to her, the offence ordinarily attracts 14 years imprisonment “but because you pleaded guilty and asked for leniency, there must be a balanced justice while condemning the act”. The magistrate, therefore, sentenced the accused to three months imprisonment with an option to pay the sum of N30, 000. The police prosecutor, ASP Kwe-Kwe Ajor, had earlier told the court that the matter was reported to the Central Police Station on July 27, 2014 by an official of the MTN, Kingsley Okafor. Ajor said that the convict broke into the MTN mast at Udi, near Enugu, and stole the generator battery at about three a.m in the morning of the fateful day. He said that when the convict was arrested, he pleaded with the police, saying that it was first time of stealing.

Jackie Chan movie wins big in Abuja International Film Festival

The 11th Abuja International Film Festival ended on Friday, September 26 with the Jackie Chan directed movie, Chinese Zodiac, taking home most of the top awards.

The movie, which also starred the stuntsman/actor, won Best Feature Film (Foreign), Golden Jury Award, Viewers’ Choice and Best Directing for Chan.

The comedy, also called CZ12, was released in 2012. It follows JC and his group as they try to recover some bronze heads that represent animals of the Chinese zodiac for MP Corp. The company plans to auction off the relics, which were originally stolen from China by British and French invaders.

The auction is however stalled by activists who want the stolen relics to be returned to China as national treasures. At the time of its release, the movie was critically panned in China and the US for its length, meandering storyline and as a poor knock-off of classic Jackie Chan movies.

It however won two Guinness World records for Jackie Chan: most credits in a movie -he was the actor, director, producer, cinematographer, wrote the story and screenplay e.t.c, -and most stunts by a living actor.

Other winners at the film festival were the Lancelot Imasuen film, Invasion 1897, which had a similar storyline to Chinese Zodiac, for Best Feature Film (Nigeria). Its lead actor, Michael Omoregbee, in his first screen role, won Outstanding Actor.

Best short film was won by Damijo Young’s Yawa (Nemesis); Outstanding comic film, I Come Lagos by Elvis Chuks, while the Outstanding Actress went to Abimbola Ademoye in Where Talent Lies.

Hollywood - Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Booed Again

This may not be the best time for celebrity couple, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. 

The pair were booed at the Lanvin runway show during Paris Fashion Week on Thursday, Sept. 25, when they arrived late.  

According to the New York Post, photographers screamed at the couple for arriving 40 minutes late. 

Trust Kanye who would always speak out against such behaviour as he made to defend himself and wife. "[Lanvin designer] Alber [Elbaz] asked to see us. Don't boo us," he chastised them. "We're not late, we're not late!...he barked at the crowd. 

Kim amd Kanye have been victims of constant bad blood during the on going fashion week. Earlier in the week, if not for the timely intervention of their bodyguards, Kim was almost pulled to the floor by notorious celeb prankster Vitalii Sediuk who pulled at her leg.

Hollywood - Jordan Sparks Breaks Silence too

Jason Derulo isn't the only one to quickly deny ever cheating on his fiance of four years, Jordin Sparks also has something to say about the matter.
The beauty broke silence Friday, Sept.25 on Twitter as she seems to be moving on really fast after Jason ended things between them.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened", she tweeted.
“Jason keeps making hit song after hit song. He keeps making money hand over fist and that was a big strain on the relationship between the two and the main reason that he didn’t marry her and the reason they broke up,” a source told Hollywood Life.
“If he married her and they fell out of love, he would take a huge financial hit”, the source continued.
Jason has been making hit songs since the debut of  his first single, ‘Whatcha Say,’ in 2009. However, the hip hop star has recently blown up after the success of his current two singles “Dirty Talk” and “Wiggle.”

Jordin is also on hot demand, best known for her hits “No Air,” and “Tattoo” plus that she won the season six of American Idol at only 17-years-old! She also has a new album with RCA Records set to release this Fall!

Sallah: FG Declares Oct. 6, 7 as Public Holiday

Government has declared Monday 6th and Tuesday, 7th of October, 2014 as Public Holiday in commemoration of the Eid-el-Kabir Sallah Celebration.

Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, congratulated the Muslim Faithful and enjoined them to support, co-operate and join hands with President Goodluck Jonathan in his sustained efforts to building a peaceful, united and virile nation.

According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Magaji Abubakar, Mr. Moro further urged all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for peace and unity across the nation.

He wished all Nigerians a rewarding and happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Pochettino: I have full respect for Wenger

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says that he holds opposite number Arsene Wenger in high regard as he prepares for his first north London derby. The Frenchman took over the reins at Arsenal in 1996 and has since won eight major domestic honours with the club. Pochettino, by contrast, only replaced Tim Sherwood at White Hart Lane over the summer but hopes to enjoy a similarly successful spell in charge. Asked about Wenger on the eve of the first north London derby of the season, the Argentine revealed: "We have a good relationship. "We played against Arsenal [while I was at Southampton]. I have full respect for him, he is a great manager. "An 18-year stay in charge is not easy. It's a big gap with me in Tottenham. "Tottenham, for me, is a big job. It's a dream to stay here like [him] or to have the time Arsene had in Arsenal. For this, I need to show my skill, I need to work hard, I need to get the results. "In football, you never know, you need to work with passion that we have. We are positive in our job, in our skill, with the players. We try to arrive as far as possible."

Manchester United youngsters McNair and Thorpe in squad for West Ham clash

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that he has called Under-21s defenders Paddy McNair and Tom Thorpe into his squad for Saturday's clash with West Ham. The Red Devils are short on numbers in central defence as Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans are all injured while Tyler Blackett is suspended following his red card against Leicester City. Van Gaal has therefore turned to his youngsters as he seeks to bounce back from their 5-3 defeat at the King Power Stadium. "They are in the squad. That is always why we have a youth education," he told MUTV of the pair. "It was also our policy [to utilise the youth squads] and always the policy of the club too. "The amount of injuries is worrying me and they are not coming back. "Smalling is already, for the third time, injured. Evans also. Jones had one injury in the national team, which was unfortunate." The Dutchman also ruled out the possibility of the versatile Daley Blind dropping into defence against Sam Allardyce's side. "I don't like having too many left-sided defenders or left-footed players in defence," he remarked. "I think always of balance so [instead] I have to pick up a right-sided central defender from the youth education. "Normally, I am always doing things like that. I have already said that we have a lot of vacancies when you buy only six players and let 14 players go."

Ebola Outbreak - Australia Donates N8.7M To Combat Disease In Nigeria

The Australian High Commission has said that it has made a donation of AUD $60,000 (₦ 8.7 million) to the Nigeria Ebola Virus Emergency Appeal.
The initiative was launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on August 11,2014 to help deal with the threat of Ebola in Nigeria.
The High Commission made the announcement via a statement released on Thursday, September 25 in Abuja and signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Okokon Odiongenyi.
The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonathan Richardson said:
“I am pleased that the High Commission’s contribution will go towards purchasing vital Personal Protection Equipment for the brave men and women working to fight the spread of this terrible disease,”
The funds would serve to provide improved training for volunteers of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and help efforts to educate the populace about the disease.

Shocker - Girl freed by Boko Haram pregnant

The abducted “Chibok girl” released on Wednesday is “pregnant and mentally ill,” the National Chairman of Chibok Community Development Association, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, has told TheCable.

Earlier on Thursday, the police revealed that the 20-year-old girl was abandoned by suspected terrorists at Mubi in Adamawa State, from where she was picked up. It also confirmed that she was one of the female pupils of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, abducted in April by Boko Haram.

However, Bitrus said it was still uncertain if the girl was from Chibok because her name did not correspond with any of the names in the records of the girls that were captured by Boko Haram on April 14.

FBI identifies IS executioner in beheading videos

James Comey, Director of US Federal Bureau of Investigation, said he had identified the masked Islamic State militant who was videotaped beheading Western hostages.

He said on Thursday night in Washington that he was not revealing the man’s name or nationality.

The masked, black clad militant, with a British accent, killed two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and a British aid worker, David Haines, in videos released by the terrorist group that controlled large swaths of Syria and Iraq.

Comey said from the footage, the executioner appears to be left-handed and of average height and build.

The FBI director also said that more than 100 Americans in total had either managed to reach Syria, had been arrested while trying to travel there, or had gone and returned.

Comey indicated that terrorists in Syria might still be plotting attacks on the West, and there was no sign yet that US airstrikes this week had disrupted the group’s plans.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the “strategic blunders” of the West in the Middle East had turned the region into a haven for terrorists and extremists.

He declared extremism a global issue and called for a united world response to the scourge.