Ebola: 69 persons on surveillance, two quarantined

The Federal Government has placed 69 persons, who had first contact with the Liberian-born victim of Ebola Virus, Patrick Sawyerr, on surveillance, while two persons have been quarantined (isolated), the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said. Sawyer died in a Lagos hospital on Friday last week. Chukwu debunked reports that the government had closed its borders, saying such move might not be taken “except when it becomes necessary.” According to him, those who came in contact with the late sawyer will be under surveillance for a period of weeks from the date of contact in line with the specifications of the World Health Organisation. The Minister at a joint press briefing with the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, on Thursday on the update of the virus, said the Liberian victim, with dual citizenship of Liberia and the United States, was confirmed dead barely four days after arrival in Nigeria. He said, “We decided on the proper manner on how to dispose his body because the corpse of any victim of Ebola disease is very toxic. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control decontaminated the body. We are tracking all those, who had primary contact with him. As of today, 69 persons have been placed under surveillance while two persons have been quarantined. “All those in the same aircraft going to attend the meeting with him in Calabar are presently under surveillance. They will remain under this surveillance until a period of three weeks from the date of contact. “We have a copy of the passengers’ manifest and we discovered that the sitting arrangement was free sitting. We are working with the airlines to track down those other passengers yet to be identified. “As a Federal Government policy, we have not closed our borders, unless it becomes necessary. But the Aviation Minister is working with us in many aspects to make sure that the virus does not spread.” Chukwu stated that contrary to some views, the disease “can be contacted on air even while airborne once you contact the droplets.” The minister said government was engaging the states right from the moment that the disease was first reported in Guinea. He added, “Our rapid response team are in Lagos. Nigeria has been commended by WHO. Secondary contacts are also important. We are working with the Cross River State Government. We are not going to quarantine them but we have demanded their contact details.” Chukwu commended the hospital, where the patient was managed, saying, “We commend them for the great job they have done. They did everything to keep the man alive but unfortunately, he passed on. We have ordered the closure of the hospital. The doctors are under surveillance; we are using WHO certified personal protective equipment. “Doctors are at high risk but Nigerians should not panic.

FG Sensitizes Airport Workers On Dangers Of Ebola Virus

The Federal Government has begun a sensitization campaign for airport workers drawn from the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International (NAIA), Abuja, on the dangers of the deadly Ebola virus. General Manager Communication, Aviation, Mr. Yakubu Datti, said in a statement that the awareness drive by the Port Health officials, became expedient because of the dangers posed by the virus and how to prevent the spread of the virus in the work place, home and the community. According to him, the sensitization campaign was carried out to complement other measures already put in place by Port Health at the country’s international airports to prevent the presence and spread of the virus. Fears that the deadly virus might have found its way into Nigeria came following the death of an infected Liberian in Lagos. Authorities however, had since moved to ensure the virus does not spread in the country.

Argentine Primera Division suspends play following death of Grondona

The opening round of the Argentine Primera Division has been suspended following the death of Fifa vice-president Julio Grondona. Grondona, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) since 1979, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82. He was reportedly taken to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, and it was confirmed shortly afterwards that he had been unable to recover. As a result, the AFA announced that the opening round of fixtures, due to begin on Friday with Godoy Cruz taking on Banfield, had been postponed. "The Argentine Football Association wishes to inform that following the death of president Julio Grondona, all official football activities are suspended. "The Argentine Football Association will resume administrative activities from Monday." The AFA also opted to suspend the press conference concerning Alejandro Sabella, who is expected to step down from his role as head coach of the national team, with former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino in line to replace him.

Gaza conflict: Israel calls up 16,000 reserve soldiers

Israel is calling up 16,000 extra reservists to bolster its military as the conflict in Gaza continues. The deployment brings the total called up by Israel to 86,000. Officials told Israeli media the call-up gave the military “room to breathe”. The move comes as Israel pledged to investigate a strike on a UN-run school that killed at least 16 people. In all, more than 100 people in Gaza were killed on Wednesday, Palestinian officials said. Spokesman Mark Regev told the BBC Israel would apologise if it discovered that its fire was responsible for the strike on the school. “We have a policy – we don’t target civilians,” he said. The US and UN condemned the attack, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calling it “unjustifiable”. On Wednesday, Israel’s security cabinet met to approve the continuation of strikes against Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza. Operations would continue against suspected militants, suspected rocket sites and a network of tunnels discovered leading into Israel, the military said. At least 19 air strikes were carried out overnight, officials said. Israel began Operation Protective Edge on 8 July. Since then at least 1,360 Palestinians have been killed. Most have been civilians. Some 58 Israelis have been killed, 56 soldiers and two civilians. A Thai worker in Israel has also died. ‘Hostile fire’The attack on the school in the Jabaliya refugee camp, which was sheltering more than 3,000 civilians, took place on Wednesday morning. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “all available evidence” suggested Israeli artillery was the cause.

US STATE DEPARTMENT EBOLA ALERT

Some useful tips you need to know about ebola virus. • The suspected reservoirs for Ebola are fruit bats. • Transmission to humans is thought to originate from infected bats or primates that have become infected by bats. Undercooked infected bat and primate (bush) meat transmits the virus to humans. • Human to human transmission is only achieved by physical contact with a person who is acutely and gravely ill from Ebola virus or their body fluids. • Transmission among humans is almost exclusively among caregiver family members or health care workers tending to the very ill. • The virus is easily killed by contact with soap, bleach, sunlight, or drying. A washing machine will kill the virus in clothing saturated with infected body fluids. • A person can incubate the virus without symptoms for 2-21 days, the average being 5-8 days before becoming ill. THEY ARE NOT CONTAGIOUS until they are acutely ill. • Only when ill does the viral load express itself first in the blood and other bodily fluids (e.g vomit, feaces, urine,breast milk, semen and sweat). • If you are walking around you are not infectious to others. • There are documented cases from Kikwit, DRC of an Ebola outbreak in a village that had the custom of children never touching an ill adult.Children living for days in one room huts with parents who died from Ebola did not become infected . • You cant contract Ebola by handling money or swimming in a pool. •There's no medical reason to stop flights,close borders, restrict travel or close embassies,businesses or schools. • Always practice good hand washing techniques,you will not contract Ebola if you do not touch a dying person. Pls share this information & try not to spread panic on social media.Stay Safe & Well

sport: Granero leaves QPR for Real Sociedad

QPR have confirmed that midfielder Esteban Granero has joined Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee. The Spaniard moved to Loftus Road from Real Madrid in 2012 but suffered relegation from the Premier League in his first season with the London club. Granero was then loaned to Sociedad last summer but featured only seven times during an injury-hit 2013-14 campaign in which he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. However, the 27-year-old, who secured a league winners' medal at the Santiago Bernabeu in his three-year spell with Madrid, will now return to Liga on a permanent basis with Sociedad. Granero made a total of 28 appearances for QPR in all competitions, scoring one goal.

Police confirm death of 2 female bombers, 3 others in Kano blasts

The Police in Kano on Monday confirmed the death of two female bombers in separate bomb blasts in Kano. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kano Police Command, ASP Magaji Majiya, made the confirmation at a news briefing. He said the first incident happened around 10.30 a.m. at an NNPC Mega Filling Station in Hotoro on Maiduguri Road in Nasarawa local government area. According to him, the female bomber disguised herself as a kerosene buyer and joined other buyers who were on the queue. He added that after joining the queue, she detonated the explosive, killing herself and three others. Majiya said that seven other persons who sustained injuries were now receiving medical attention at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). He said the command had commenced investigation to unravel the motive behind the attack, adding that security had been beefed up in the ancient city. The PPRO said the second incident occurred around 2 p.m. at the Trade Fair Complex on Zoo Road. He said that the 19 year-old female suicide bomber died in an explosion triggered by her when was denied access to the fair ground. He said when the young lady insisted on entering the trade fair complex, the security agents insisted on searching her and she detonated the bomb. The PPRO said that six persons who were injured in the explosion were receiving medical attention. He urged residents of the commercial city to be vigilant and report suspicious movement to the Police. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that two explosions which occurred on Sunday in Kano claimed the lives of six persons and injured eight others. NAN reports that as a result of the incidents, major streets of Kano had been deserted.

Another blast hits Kano NNPC mega station

In a trend of unceasing attacks, suspected terrorists have detonated another explosive at the NNPC mega station in Hotoro Quarters along Maiduguri Road, in Kano on Monday morning. A statement from the Force Headquarters on the incident did not give specific details or the number of casualties, if any.

Lovren completes Liverpool move

Dejan Lovren has completed his €24 million move to Liverpool to become the club's third summer recruit from Southampton. The Croatia international has turned down interest from Arsenal and Tottenham to complete the move to Merseyside. The centre-back was outspoken earlier in July after revealing Southampton had turned down a similar bid without informing him but has now been confirmed as Liverpool's fifth summer signing. "It's a dream come true. I'm happy and glad to be here. I'm proud and can't wait to start. I know we have millions and millions of supporters - Liverpool is more than a club," he told the club's official website. "After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself: 'One day I hope I'll be able to play here for Liverpool'. "The fans will know from the first minute that I'm a player that will give 100 per cent on the pitch." Lovren joins former Southampton team-mates Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana at Anfield, becoming the latest in a long line of Southampton players to leave the club this summer. Luke Shaw has also exited St Mary's, joining Manchester United, while Morgan Schneiderlin is the subject of interest from Tottenham and Arsenal and Calum Chambers is expected to join the Gunners.

PHCN cable falls, electrocutes three in Ogun market

Three persons were electrocuted at the Ifo township market in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State on Sunday when the high-tension cable of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria fell on them. Newsmen gathered that the high-tension wire fell on the victims in the crowded market. The identities of the victims could not be confirmed as of press time. Apart from the three persons who lost their lives, some traders and customers sustained injuries. The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident, however, said only two persons died, while two others, who sustained injuries were receiving treatment at the Ifo General Hospital.

Sevilla president Castro: Barcelona bid for Rakitic was too good to refuse

Sevilla president Jose Castro has defended his decision to sell Ivan Rakitic to Barcelona, arguing that a fee of close to €25 million for a player with just one year left on his contract represents excellent business. The Croatia international played a key role in last season's Europa League triumph but Castro says he just was not in a position to turn down the bid for the playmaker. "The sale of Rakitic was very profitable because it was for an amount closer to €25 million than the €20m quoted and it was for a player who only had one season left on his contract," the Rojiblancos president told reporters on Saturday. Castro also revealed that while there is no chance of re-signing former Sevilla winger Jesus Navas this summer, he still expects the Manchester City ace to return at some point in the future. "One day, he can return to Sevilla because this is his home," he stated.

Ancelotti: Di Maria still a Real Madrid player

Carlo Ancelotti has shrugged off speculation linking Angel Di Maria with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, pointing out that the winger is still a Real Madrid player. Having already signed Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez for a combined €110 million, Los Blancos are willing to offload Di Maria in order to fund a move for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao. Ancelotti, though, is believed to be keen to keep the Argentina international and has now admitted that the 26-year-old is in his plans for the coming season, revealing that he is more concerned with new arrivals than potential departures. "Di Maria? He is a Real Madrid player," the Italian coach told Corriere dello Sport. “The club is doing very well on the transfer market and I think will continue until the last available day. “The two new arrivals will certainly be of help. I think the current squad is already more competitive than last season.” Di Maria, who joined Madrid from Benfica in 2010, is being tracked by Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Van Aanholt out to prove himself at Sunderland after Chelsea exit

New Sunderland signing Patrick van Aanholt hopes to prove his quality after leaving Chelsea. The Netherlands international struggled to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge, making just two Premier League appearances in five years at the club. After loan spells with Coventry City, Newcastle, Leicester City and Wigan, Van Aanholt spent the last two-and-a-half seasons at Vitesse in the Eredivisie. On Friday, it was confirmed that the 23-year-old had joined Sunderland on a four-year deal and Van Aanholt is thrilled at the opportunity to display his quality. "I thought about it for a second and said: 'Yes, I would love to come to Sunderland'," he told the club's official website. "It's a great club and a great opportunity for me to play in the Premier League. "It's a good opportunity for me after two-and-a-half years in Holland and a couple more loans in the Championship. "I want to prove myself in the Premier League so everyone can see what kind of player I am and what I'm capable of doing. "I had a couple more offers from different coaches but I said no I want to stay in the Premier League."

Blast again!!!! One killed, eight injured in Kano blast

An unidentified woman was killed and eight others were injured when a high calibre improvised explosive device concealed in a Refrigerator went off at New Road motor park, Sabon Gari area of Kano metropolis. The incident which occurred around 3:00pm led to pandemonium in a commercial city. New Road motor park was the scene of a deadly blast last year where no fewer than 70 lives were lost. An eyewitness told newsmen that a truck pusher wheeled the refrigerator into the park beating security checks by both security agents and the park management. God have mercy on Nigeria.. Comment with prayers for Nigeria.

US ends ban on flights into Israel

The Federal Aviation Administration removed its ban on U.S. passenger planes flying to and from Tel Aviv Wednesday night, a day-and-a-half after stopping all the flights citing security concerns. Israeli officials have been lobbying Washington to reverse its decision which was put in place after a Hamas rocket struck close to the airport on Tuesday. Other international airlines followed suit, canceling many flights to Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport in the last two days. Now that the ban is lifted, the three U.S. airlines that fly to Israel — Delta, United and US Airways — will need to decide when they will resume flights. In a statement released late Wednesday evening, the FAA said it “worked with its U.S. Government counterparts to assess the security situation in Israel and carefully reviewed both significant new information and measures the government of Israel is taking to mitigate potential risks to civil aviation.” The Obama administration came under some criticism by a key pro-Israel lobbying group, and also Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz who had alleged the ban was put in place to pressure Israel to agree to a cease fire. The charge was denied by US officials, including Deputy National Security Advisor Anthony Blinken who insisted to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer that politics played no role in the decision. “We didn’t use the FAA to do anything. The FAA makes independent judgments for safety and security of our airline passengers and for our airlines,” Blinken said. “They made a judgment and we’re not in the business of second guessing the FAA or overturning what they do.” Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg flew to Israel on El Al airlines as a show of support for Israel. Speaking to Blitzer, Bloomberg said he thought the FAA made a “mistake.” “We certainly don’t want to stop flights into airports in America,” he said. “It would be devastating for America. It’s devastating for Israel when you stop flights.” The FAA said it is continuing to monitor the “very fluid situation around Ben Gurion Airport and will take additional actions, as necessary.”

Impeachment: Ebonyi Assembly majority leader kidnapped

UNKNOWN gunmen Thursday morning within Abakaliki metropolis kidnapped the majority leader of Ebony State House of Assembly, Hon. Samuel Nwali. Newsmen learnt that the majority leader was kidnapped at his residence at Watchman street in Abakaliki. The House member who represents Ikwo South state constituency is believed to be a strong supporter of the Speaker-elect, Hon. Helen Nwobasi. At the time of filing this report, the whereabout of the lawmaker was still unknown. However, a member representing Afikpo South East, Eni Uduma Chima confirmed the incident. Meanwhile, a source who pleaded anonymity said Nwali’s kidnap may not be unconnected with the crisis rocking the House of Assembly over the impeachment of the Former Speaker, Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku last Monday.

90 escape death at Aminu Kano Airport

No fewer than 90 passengers aboard Istanbul

bound Turkish Airline cheated death at Malam Aminu Kano

 International Airport Tuesday night when a petrol tanker

refuelling it reportedly burst into flame.

The incident, which occurred around 10.45p.m. triggered

pandemonium at the airfield as those around the scene took

cover.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

Do you really like yourself? Do you believe in yourself? What kind of person do you think you are? Do you think you are of great value and have the capacity to affect or influence people's lives? Each one of us is an amazing house of treasures, a complex and beautiful machine and a walking miracle. We all have incredible abilities that are outstanding. 'AIM HIGH'

Akpos Joke: Pack your things

One day, Akpos and his girlfriend were seriously having a quarrel. They shouted and insulted each other. Then Akpos suddenly said to her, ”PACK YOUR THINGS AND…” At that moment, a phone call came in for her, so Akpos stopped speaking. She answered the call and lo, it was her rich dad. She put the call on speaker. After the pleasantries, her father said, ”I have sent $100,000 into your account. Give Akpos $40,000 out of it and use the rest for your upkeep, okay?” “Okay.” she dropped the phone, turned to Akpos and asked, ”So, you were saying?” Akpos quickly readjusted and answered, ”I SAID, PACK YOUR THINGS AND GIVE THEM TO ME FOR WASHING.” LOL!!!!!!

New FRSC boss promises reckless drivers tougher sanctions

The new Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, on Wednesday told reckless motorists across the country to expect tougher sanctions under his leadership. Oyeyemi read the riot act in an interview with State House correspondents shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him to replace Mr. Osita Chidoka who has been named the Minister of Aviation. He said although it was too early to unveil his agenda for the commission, he would work hard to build on the foundation already laid by Chidoka. He said, “The foundation has been laid. We shall continue the transformation of the FRSC. We shall not fail Nigerians. “We already have a foundation that we will build on. We will improve on it. It is too early now. But we will do our best.”

AIDS-free world is round the corner –Bill Clinton

Former U.S. president Bill Clinton on Wednesday told delegates at the ongoing 20th edition of the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne that an end to the AIDS disease was in sight. “The AIDS-free world that so many of you have worked to build is just over the horizon. We’re here because we know how far we still have to go.” he said. UN targets to eliminate AIDS by 2030 include having 90 per cent of people with HIV diagnosed and on treatment by 2020, and stressed that more than 35 million people are living with HIV and AIDS, with an estimated 19 million unaware of their status. He said that this had become imperative because the tools needed to treat AIDS and stop its transmission were available. Clinton noted that two million people are still being infected with the AIDS virus HIV every year and millions more still needed access to treatment. He praised Rwanda for making “remarkable progress” that included a programme to train all health workers with the assistance of international partners on his foundation in the field of HIV and AIDS in various African countries. Clinton paid tribute to the six AIDS 2014 delegates killed in the MH17 plane crash in Ukraine while en route to Melbourne. “It is important that we honour the service and lives of those that were lost on MH17,’’ he said. AIDS 2014 opened on Sunday with around 14,000 researchers, activists and policymakers expected to attend the five-day event.

Vorm confirms Tottenham switch

Swansea City's Michel Vorm has confirmed he is set to join Tottenham and says he is relishing the chance to compete with Hugo Lloris for the No.1 jersey. "Every club has two top goalkeepers in their squad," the Dutch keeper told De Telegraaf. "It suits the club's philosophy that there are two of us with Hugo and I. Especially when we see that Tottenham is active in a lot of competitions."

Typhoon Matmo threatens mudslides in Taiwan

Typhoon Matmo has slammed in Taiwan, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and the threat of landslides on the mountainous island. Winds traveling at up to 64 knots (33 meters per second) swept over the territory, downing trees, cutting electricity and sending water gushing over roads. “The water is just sheeting off the mountains — waterfalls flowing off cliffs, rivers in full flood. I’ve seen trees down, flash floods across the roads, so it’s a really very hazardous environment at the moment,” storm chaser James Reynolds told CNN Wednesday morning, approximately 7 a.m. local time (00:00 GMT). Reynolds was driving north along the coastal road on the eastern side of the island, a journey he described as “not easy,” as he swerved around fallen rocks and trees. Although the damage to buildings was still being assessed, Reynolds said many seem to have withstood the pounding winds. “The infrastructure in Taiwan is built very well to withstand the wind so structural damage is to a minimum. But the electricity is out in small towns and villagers in the south east part of the island,” he said. Offices and school were closed, and flights were postponed or canceled, as residents braced for the typhoon’s impact. Matmo lost strength as it passed over Taiwan and was downgraded to a tropical cyclone. It’s now heading across the Taiwan Strait to mainland China, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center and Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau. It’s projected to hit coastal provinces in eastern China, including Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Anhui, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua. Typhoon Matmo comes on the tail of Super Typhoon Rammasun, which hit the Philippines last week and went on to cause havoc in southern China. More than 100 people were killed, mostly in the Philippines, as the storm downed buildings and caused flooding. The China Meteorological Administration said Rammasun was the strongest storm to strike southern China since 1973. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines about the status of flights in the region.

#BringBackOurGirls Coordinator: Oby Ezekwesili Briefly Detained

Operatives of the Department of State Security this morning seized the international passport of the Coordinator of the BringBackOurGirls group and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Ezekwesili was on her way to London when her passport was confiscated by the security operatives and she was prevented from boarding her flight. Her passport was however released to her about 30 minutes later and the BBOG campaigner was allowed to board the plane. A BBOG spokesperson, Rotimi Olawale, confirmed that Ezekwesili’s traveling document was seized by security operatives and later released to her. He said, “Oby’s passport was seized by security operatives at the Nnamdi International Airport, Abuja for about 30 minutes and she was prevented from boarding her plane, but she has now been released and she is on her way to London for her engagement.” Ezekwesili later tweeted to her followers that she did not allow the security personnel to trample on her rights. She tweeted,” @obyezeks: No ONE can SEIZE my DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS. I REFUSED to let the SSS GET AWAY with TRAMPLING on my CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.” The former minister had been at logger-heads with the government over her campaign for the release of the 219 Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram on April 14, 2014. The daily sit-outs by the BBOG members at the Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja, has been a sore point for the Federal Government which accused the movement of being sponsored by the opposition party.

BREAKING NEWS!!! Ex-Petroleum minister, Dr Rilwanu Lukman dies at 76

Former Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, is dead. He died this morning in Austria at the age of 76. Rip. More details later.

Ebonyi lawmakers impeach Speaker

Members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly this morning impeached the Speaker, Mr Chukwuma Nwazunku. The impeachment according to the members of the house was due to the speaker’s alleged gross misconduct, incompetence and corruption. The impeachment process was carried out by 18 out of the 24 members of the House.

Airtel targets 18% customer base growth by year end

Airtel Nigeria (BHARTI) is targeting an 18 percent increase in its customer base over the final nine months in 2014 after regulator pressure hampered growth early in the year. According to the head of the unit in Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, said in an interview that India’s largest mobile-phone operator plans to increase subscribers in Africa’s biggest economy to 30 million by the end of the year. “I’m very very optimistic that there are no encumbrances against growth so I’m sure we’re going to reach the 30-million mark,” he said. He added that, “Despite the environment and the issues we face, I think we’re still giving relatively good service to our customers.” New Delhi-based Airtel had 25.5 million subscribers at the end of March, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. NCC added that Nigeria is the company’s biggest market outside India. According to the NCC, Airtel unseated Nigeria’s Globacom Ltd., as the second largest operator in the country during the three months through March, behind Johannesburg-based MTN Group Ltd. All three companies were fined by the regulator for not meeting quality service standards in January and banned from selling new SIM cards during March. Nigeria which is Africa’s most populous nation with about 170 million people, is a target for mobile-phone companies despite epileptic power supply and frequent bomb attacks posing challenges to doing business. The total number of connected lines increased to 177 million as of the end of April, compared with 170 million at the start of the year, according to NCC data. Despites the challenges faced in Nigeria, Ogunsanya said the company is making N48.3 billion ($300 mln) plans to expand the company’s network and services in the country. He said, “We’re very bullish about Nigeria.” “We plan to spend about $300 million expanding Airtel’s network and services in the country this year.” “We have invested so much in marketing research to see what the customers want and we are delivering on those expectations.”

Official: Morata completes €20m Juventus move

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has completed his transfer to Juventus, who have signed the promising Spaniard for €20 million. Morata arrived in Turin on Friday ahead of a medical with the Italian champions after weeks of speculation over a possible summer switch. Juve have now confirmed the 21-year-old has agreed a five-year deal with the Turin giants, and have also revealed that Madrid will retain a buyback option in the player's contract which could rise to €30m. "Juventus announce that it has reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the definitive purchase of the rights to the player Alvaro Borja Morata Martin for a fee of €20m, payable over three years," a statement on their official website read. "The agreement also provides an option for Real Madrid, exorcisable at the end of the 2015-16 season or 2016-17 season, for the outright repurchase of Morata, up to a maximum of €30m depending on the number of games the player has played for Juventus. "Juventus have signed with the same player a five-year contract of employment." Morata scored eight goals in 23 Liga appearances for Madrid last season and had earlier spoken of his excitement at starting "a new adventure" with Juventus. He becomes the second player involved in a transfer away from Madrid on the same day, with midfielder Casemiro's loan move to Porto also confirmed on Saturday.

Manchester United and Tottenham step up McCarthy interest, Arsenal also long-term admirers of the Everton midfielder.

Manchester United and Tottenham are both ready to test Everton’s resolve over midfielder James McCarthy. Everton rate McCarthy at £25 million and are keen to open talks with the 23-year-old over a new deal but both United and Spurs are long-term admirers. The Republic of Ireland international was a target for former Old Trafford manager David Moyes but new boss Louis van Gaal has approved a move for the midfielder. And Mauricio Pochettino has also given the green light for Spurs to pursue McCarthy after arriving at White Hart Lane at the end of May 2014. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also an admirer of the former Wigan man, whose stock has risen following an exceptional campaign at Goodison Park last season. The Gunners could also join the chase for the midfielder should United and Spurs push ahead with offers for the Toffees star. McCarthy followed Roberto Martinez to Goodison Park from Wigan during the 2013-14 summer transfer window and became a key performer for Everton as they secured a fifth-place finish in the Premier League. Everton are aware of interest in McCarthy from other clubs and are hoping to tempt the midfielder into signing a new deal. The Merseyside club also willing to pay €6 million to sign Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder Muhamed Besic from Ferencvaros.

2side births Miss Green and White Nigeria pageant

All is set for the Miss Green and White Nigeria (MGWN) beauty pageant. According to the founder of the project Juliet Geoffrey of 2Side Modeling Concepts; Miss Green and White Nigeria (MGWN) beauty pageant is designed to promote peace and unity and stimulate awareness on the negative and disruptive effects of violence and apathy towards the oneness of Nigeria particularly among the youth. “The pageant will encourage entrepreneurship as unemployment has been identified as the main factor responsible for youth vulnerability to attraction of crime, violence and other social vices including terrorism. The organizers would also use this pageant as perfect medium to communicate and educate the youth on how to fit well into the society socially and economically and prepare them to become role models and proponents of peace and unity at the same time celebrating the young Nigerian women and presenting them as unique blend of beauty, elegance, intelligence and excellence,” Goeffrey noted. The organizers also said they are currently working with the Nigeria Network of NGOs, the Nigeria Police Force and other well-meaning organization to achieve this objective with the coronation ball scheduled to take place in October 2014 to commemorate the Nigeria’s independence.

Danny Young drops ‘Oga Ade’ video

Afro beat Artiste Danny Young just released the video to his club banging single titled Oga Ade which is a potential hit song. The much anticipated video was recently shot in the United Kingdom and directed by top UK video production company, Master Minds Media. The Beatkilla Records Artiste and Ondo State Youth Ambassador’s third album hits the stores by late October. Watch video here www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CTKRO8mMYA

176 teachers killed in Nigeria’s restive north-east since 2011 – official

One hundred and seventy-six teachers have been killed and 900 schools destroyed in Nigeria’s Borno state since Boko Haram militants intensified their violent attacks in 2011, officials said Thursday. The governor of the northeastern state Kashim Shettima revealed the horrifying statistics in a statement to a committee attempting to make the country’s schools safer. The Safe Schools Initiative has been backed by former British prime minister Gordon Brown, who is the representative of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Brown pledged $10 million (7.4 million euros) to the scheme during last May’s World Economic Forum, while Nigeria’s private sector is expected to put in 1.6 billion naira ($9.8 million, 7.3 million euros). Although the scheme covers the whole of Africa’s most populous nation, it is scheduled to start off in Borno and neighbouring Yobe and Adamawa, the three states under emergency rule since May last year, and the hardest hit by Boko Haram’s five-year-old insurgency. Boko Haram abducted 276 girls from their school in Chibok in Borno on April 14. Fifty-seven of the girls have escaped while the remaining 219 are thought to be still held hostage. The group has attacked many schools and killed hundreds of students in the northeast of the country since it began its violence. Shettima briefed the committee on the current state of education following the insurgency, while security and counter-terrorism experts from donor agencies formally presented a road-map for school safety, the statement said.

Lagos Approves 10-day Paternity Leave

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has approved 10 days paternity leave for any male civil servant in the state whose wife delivers a new baby. The measure is to afford them the opportunity of attending to developmental needs of the child. Fashola also jerked up the maternity leave from three months to six, to allow the nursing mother give their child exclusive breastfeeding for the period. Head of Service, HOS, Mrs. Oluseyi William, who disclosed this yesterday, at a joint briefing with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lateef Ibirogba and Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, in Ikeja, said the new approved policy took immediate effect. According to Williams, “male officers to whom a new baby (or babies in case of multiple birth) is born would be entitled to 10 working days paternity leave in relation to and at the time of his spouse’s first two deliveries. “Female officers shall be entitled to 24 weeks maternity leave with full pay in case of her first two deliveries and this commences, at least, two weeks before the expected delivery date. “Any third and subsequent deliveries by any employee shall only attract 12 weeks maternity leave for the female officer, while the male officer shall not be entitled to paternity leave in that circumstance. “In other words, leave entitlement in respect of the third and subsequent children of an employee shall be in line with the extant (now old) maternity leave regulations. “It would be recalled that in the old dispensation, female officers were entitled to only 12 weeks maternity leave at every point of delivery, while male officers do not enjoy paternity leave. The 12 weeks was to be taken six weeks before and six weeks after delivery.” [Vanguard]

Italian Navy Rescues 1500 Boat Migrants

Nearly 1500 boat migrants have been rescued from the Mediterranean in the past 24 hours, Italian authorities conducting maritime search and rescue operations say. The Italian navy, the Marina Militare, said on Thursday it picked up 764 people overnight, 227 in the morning, including 13 women and seven children, and about 200 more in the afternoon. The coast guard said separately that it came to the rescue of 251 boat migrants late on Wednesday and that it was bringing them onshore to Pozzallo, a small coast town on Sicily’s south-eastern tip. Italy is facing a record inflow of boat migrants. In the first six months of the year, 61,585 arrived on the country’s shores, compared to less than 43,000 during the whole of 2013, according to Interior Ministry data. On Wednesday, there were 2082 arrivals in the southern regions of Sicily and Calabria, where a navy vessel also disembarked the body of a dead migrant recovered at sea. Ten migrants were diagnosed with scabies, a contagious skin infection.

139 Sickened By Chemical Fumes In Thailand

139 people, including school children have fallen sick after inhaling fumes from a chemical leak on a ship at a Thai seaport, authorities said. Those exposed to the fumes had difficulty breathing, nausea and headaches, and were treated at hospitals. The disaster prevention department said 139 villagers and students were exposed to the fumes before the areas near the eastern seaport were evacuated. The hazardous flammable liquids leaked early on Thursday morning when a container fell onto the liquid tank on the Hong Kong ship anchored at a dock in Laem Chabang industrial seaport in Chonburi province, said Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Director-General Chatchai Promlert in a statement. Chatchai said the ship, which was travelling from Indonesia, was moved 10 kilometres away from the port before the chemicals were cleaned up. The chemicals, identified as butyl acrylates, are used for polymer manufacturing and in industrial production. Laem Chabang is Thailand’s main deep seaport and is 116 kilometres southeast of Bangkok.

Israel starts Gaza ground offensive

The Israeli military has begun a ground offensive against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, stepping up its 10-day-old military operation. It said it was in response to continued militant rocket fire and to strike a “significant blow to Hamas”, which controls Gaza. Hamas said Israel would pay a high price for the ground offensive. There had been a five-hour humanitarian truce on Thursday, but exchanges of fire resumed when it ended. Gaza’s health ministry says 247 Palestinians have died since the Israeli operation began on 8 July. It says more than three quarters of them were civilians. One Israeli has died as a result of rocket fire from Gaza and several have been injured. At least five Palestinians were killed on Thursday evening after the start of the ground offensive began, Palestinian authorities said. They included a five-month-old in the town of Rafah, medical officials said. Israel withdrew ground troops from the Gaza strip in September 2005, and last mounted a major ground operation in 2009.

Van Gaal expected to resume work at Old Trafford tomorrow

The Dutch coach, who was announced some months ago to replace former MU coach, David Moyes, would be resuming at his new post with an enhanced reputation after he led the Netherlands to third place at the just concluded 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The achievement of the 62-year-old coach in Brazil highlighted the meticulous nature of his preparations and a single-minded self-belief.

Reuters reports that the close rapport Van Gaal had with his players will also excite the legions of Man United followers worldwide who are hoping their club will bounce back after a dismal season under Moyes.

I wish to see my Nigerian Sisters released, says Malala at 17th birthday

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl-child

education campaigner, who survived an

assassination attempt by the Taliban, has called on

Boko Haram terrorists to free the abducted Chibok

school girls.

Singapore withdraws gay penguin book from libraries

Singapore authorities have withdrawn from libraries two children’s books featuring same-sex couples, sparking controversy amid a debate on gay rights in the conservative city-state. And Tango Makes Three features a pair of gay penguins while The White Swan Express mentions a lesbian couple. Petitions for the books to be put back have garnered thousands of signatures. Gay sex is illegal in Singapore, and a recent gay rally drew an unprecedented backlash from religious groups. The two books were removed earlier this week after a library user wrote into the National Library Board expressing concern about the books’ content. The library board said in a statement that it takes “a pro-family and cautious approach in identifying titles for our young visitors”, and plans to pulp the books despite vocal opposition. Nearly 5,000 people have signed an open letter and a petition calling for the books to be put back, arguing that the ban amounts to censorship and that the books are not against family values. And Tango Makes Three is based on a real-life story of two male penguins which hatched an egg at the New York Zoo. It has been the subject of intense controversy in the United States, and has consistently made it to the American Library Association’s list of books which receive the most number of removal requests. The White Swan Express features several would-be parents looking to adopt children in China, including a lesbian couple and a single mother. The debate on gay rights has gathered steam in Singapore in recent years. The annual Pink Dot gay rally last month was met with a counter “pro-family” campaign backed by religious groups. Gay rights proponents have launched two constitutional challenges to overturn a law that bans gay sex. Singapore’s government has said that while it will retain the law to reflect mainstream society’s stand on the issue, it will not be actively enforced.

Chile World Cup star Alexis Sanchez agrees Arsenal deal

Chile’s World Cup star striker Alexis Sanchez agreed to join Arsenal on Thursday on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, the English Premier League side announced. Sanchez, 25, joins Arsenal from Barcelona where he made a total of 88 appearances, scoring 39 goals during his three seasons with the Catalan side. “I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium in London,” said Sanchez. “I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to be playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League. I will give my best to Arsenal and want to make all the supporters happy.”

Jonathan Dos Santos set for Villarreal

Barcelona have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Liga rivals Villarreal for the transfer of Jonathan Dos Santos. The 24-year-old midfielder has failed to make the breakthrough in the Barca first team and is now to end a 12-year stay @ Camp Nou. And now Dos Santos will join his older brother Giovani at el Madrigon. "Barcelona and Villarreal CF have agreed to terms for the player Jonathan dos Santos,". "The transfer fee, which is a combination of a fixed sum and variables, could reach €2 million, and FC Barcelona reserve the right to be involved in the possible future sale of the player." The Mexico international managed just 9 appearances for the first team since his promotion from Barcelona B, with a cruciate ligament injury suffered during training in October 2013 having curtailed his development at the club. Villarreal confirmed on their official website the player has agreed a five-year deal and will complete his transfer after passing a medical. Dos Santos is scheduled be officially presented as a Villarreal player at a press conference on Thursday.

Van Persie: Holland over mental block

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie says his side are determined to prove they have erased any World Cup "mental block" as they prepare for their semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday. Holland had to settle for the position of runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010, but Van Persie has made it clear they are ready to go all the way this time around after some impressive comeback wins in their previous games this tournament. "It makes me incredibly proud to be here, at this stage of a World Cup, wearing the captain's armband," Van Persie toldTimes of India. "We have come from behind three times to win and that says a lot about this squad. We played two very tough knockout matches and the important thing is we won both of them. "Next is Argentina and we are ready for this one too. "A lot of people think Netherlands still have to get over their mental block of not having won a World Cup, but I think we are determined to change that this time in Brazil." The Manchester United man also took the time to reflect on Holland's win over Spain in the group stages and his superb header during the 5-1 victory. "Van Gaal spent weeks with us working very hard on the tactics. Everything he said was realised in the game. Due credit to all of us and the staff because we were working on this system for just a couple of weeks and if you look back and see how it came off, we can be very glad. "If you look at the game and you see how fit we were, how well we played, it is a massive compliment to everybody. "It was the best goal of my career. It was a brilliant goal, even I have to say that. Considering the occasion, this was one of the biggest so far in my career. It was a bit of a gamble but before I received the ball, I saw Iker Casillas standing in front of his goal, so it was a header but a lobbed header - a great goal."

Emmanuel Emenike on Juventus’ radar

Juventus has joined the race for Nigeria's Emmanuel Emenike, who is also being linked with a transfer to England this window. Turkish sports daily Fanatik has reported that the Fenerbahce striker displayed his wares at the mundial, which has alerted a host of teams about his potential. Juventus manager, Antonio Conte intends to change his formation from a 3 – 5 – 2 to a 4 -3 – 3 this coming season, and has given the green light for the acquisition of Emmanuel Emenike. Interested teams including the Italian champions should be ready to meet the transfer fee of Emmanuel Emenike, which is around 20 million Euros. The 27year old appeared in all of Nigeria’s four matches at the World Cup, but did not register his name on the score-sheet.

Boy arrested for killing his Father

The Ogun State Police Command said, yesterday, that it has arrested a 21‑year‑old Tolani Ajayi, for allegedly killing his father, Charles Ajayi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, in the Redemption Camp along Lagos/Ibadan expressway. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said its command uncovered the mystery behind the killing of a legal luminary who was slaughtered by his biological son. According to Adejobi, the suspect, who is a 300-level student of Department of History and International Relations of Redeemer University, RCCG Camp, Ogun State, was arrested the same day he committed the crime in his father’s residence where the incident occurred at about 5:30pm. “The shattered body of Mr Charles Ajayi, 60, was recovered in a nearby bush at Canaanland Street in the RCCG Camp in a box after he was killed by his son. “The DPO Redemption Camp, Superintendent of Police, SP, Olaiya Martins led a team of detectives and some members of the community who noticed the strange attitude of the suspect while dumping a box at the point where the body of the SAN was found and thereafter traced the ground marks of the dragged box from where the suspect dumped the dad’s corpse to the house of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, where they met the suspect in a relaxed mood in the house. “Upon interrogation, the suspect earlier lied that his dad had gone on evangelism before he eventually confessed to the crime when he was taken to the Redemption Camp Divisional Headquarters. “He stated further that problem arose when his late father confronted him for not responding to the prayer points he (the deceased) was calling which made his father to slap him. “He said he went mad and went straight to the kitchen to pick up a knife to stab him and later a cutlass to cut his throat, thereby killing him. “The exhibits, including the knife and cutlass he used in killing his father, had been recovered by the Police and the corpse of the SAN had been deposited at a morgue in Sagamu. “The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, CP Ikemefuna Okoye has sent a powerful team of detectives led by the officer in charge of Homicide Section of the Department of Criminal Investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta to assess the situation and take over the matter for further investigation and necessary action.” Nawa ooo!!! Some are weeping for not having a father and this boy killed his'

Stuivenberg added to Manchester United coaching team

Louis van Gaal has added Albert Stuivenberg to his Manchester United coaching set-up, the club have announced. Stuivenberg, who has given up his post at the helm of Netherlands Under-21s, starts the role of assistant coach at Old Trafford immediately. With Louis van Gaal not currently at United as he leads Netherlands' charge in the World Cup, the 43-year-old will begin work alongside assistant manager Ryan Giggs. Stuivenberg previously led Holland's Under-17s to European Championships, wins in 2011 and 2012. He is the fourth confirmed member of van Gaal's entourage alongside Giggs, Marcel Bout and Frans Hoek. The futures of the likes of Nicky Butt and Phil Neville, who worked under David Moyes, have yet to be announced. Van Gaal's Netherlands side are through to the semi-finals of the World Cup after beating Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes, and will play Argentina.

Schweinsteiger fears Neymar injury could unite Brazil

Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger fears that the absence of Neymar will make Brazil more united ahead of their World Cup semi-final on Tuesday. The Barcelona forward will miss the rest of the tournament after sustaining a fractured vertebra in Friday's quarter-final against Colombia. Neymar has been the host nation's most influential player, scoring four goals, and much has been made of their reliance on the mercurial 22-year-old. Schweinsteiger spoke of his regret that he will not line up against Neymar in a mouth-watering semi-final clash at the Estadio Mineirao, but knows his injury could make Brazil even more determined to lift the trophy on home soil. "We're all sad that Neymar can't play, it's always better when the opponent has all their best players on the pitch," he told reporters. "It'll bring the Brazil team together and they'll want to win the title for him. "They have two coaches in Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlos Alberto Parreira who have won the title already, they have the home advantage and players with individual class. "Their coaches have a lot of experience of this kind of situation. It's an honour and a challenge to play against the hosts, but it would have been better to play Brazil in the final. "It doesn't matter how much experience you have, to play the hosts in this football-crazy country - I mean that in a positive sense - is something special." Schweinsteiger believes Germany have raised the bar since being beaten by Spain in the semi-final of the World Cup in South Africa four years ago, as they attempt to become crowned champions for the first time since 1990. "The team is once again a step further. Every single player has evolved. The number of good players has also increased," he added. And the Bayern Munich man is also confident this will not be his last chance to win the World Cup. "I'm 29 and can imagine still being at the World Cup in 2018."

Pillars, Kaduna United, Akwa United crash out of Federation Cup

Akwa United, Kaduna United and Kano Pillars were kicked out of the Federation Cup in the round of 64 games played on Thursday across the country. The Promise Keepers went down to FC Abuja 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. Troubled Kaduna United got bundled out of the competition by non league sides Leopard FC of Cross Rivers who walked them over in a tie slated for Chief Emmanuel Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina Ala. Kaduna United's general manager Garuba Lawal confirmed that he got the information that the Crocodiles had been walked over for lateness to the venue of the match but stressed that he was yet to get full details of what transpired. At the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, Kano Pillars lost to Gateway United. Pillars got stunned 2-1 despite taking the lead in the 35th minute. Goals fromFrancis Olanrewaju and Opeyemi Oluwafemi in the 44th and 84th minutes turned the game in favour of Gateway United. Sunshine Stars also fell to the superior firepower of Bendel Insurance in a Federation Cup tie played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. The game ended 0-1 in favour of the former winners of the competition. Meanwhile, 3SC of Ibadan, Enugu Rangers and Lobi Stars were among the big teams remaining in the competition after they strolled to the next round of the Federation Cup after comfortable victories over their opponents on Thursday. The Oluyole Warriors won 2-0 against Dalhatu FC at the Fifa Goal Project pitch in Abuja with goals from Taofeek Adepoju and Femi Ojo in the 23rd and 51st minutes. Rangers also qualified for the next round after a 2-0 triumph over Ikpeazu Redoubtable courtesy of Osagona Ighodalor's brace in the fifth and 50th minutes at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia. Federation Cup Round of 64 Day 2 results Prime 0-0 El-kanemi Babes (Prime 3-1 on penalties) Bendel Insurance 1-0 Sunshine Stars Shooting Stars 2-0 Dalhatu FC Bright Stars 1-1 Crown FC (Crown won 4-1 on penalties) Kano Pillars 1-2 Gateway United Dynamite 4-0 Ranchers Bees Kogi United 2-1 Yobe Desert Stars Kaduna United Vs Leopards( Leopards walked over Kaduna United) Enugu Rangers 2-0 Ikpeazu FC Lobi Stars 2-0 Tornadoes Feeders Akwa United 1-2 FC Abuja Dan Buran Vs Warri Wolves( Warri Wolves walked over Dan Buran)

Preziosi: I hope Gilardino accepts China offer

president Enrico Preziosi has admitted that he wants forward Alberto Gilardinoto accept a deal to join Chinese outfit, Guangzhou Evergrande. Genoa are looking to reduce their wage bill and re-haul their squad in the coming months and the 31-year-old is likely to leave the Serie A side to achieve that aim. Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi has been coach of Guangzhou Evergrande since 2012, and is keen on bringing Gilardino to China. Preziosi is unsure if the 57-time Italy international will accept Lippi’s offer but is hopeful that the striker will agree to a move abroad. "We don't know whether Gilardino will accept or not," Preziosi toldTelenordon Wednesday. "If he doesn't, then we will keep him and continue to give him a great deal of money. If he doesn't then we already have some alternatives. "We want to bring the average age of the squad down and re-invest the money for a younger forward who we believe could be as strong as Gilardino." Gilardino scored 12 goals in 26 league games for the Serie A side last season having spent the previous campaign on loan at Bologna.