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    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudy skies over the central states of the country on Monday morning with prospects of rains over Abuja, Bauchi, Gombe, Jos, Jalingo, Niger, Yola and Kaduna cities.

    NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Sunday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 27 to 33 and 17 to 24 degrees Celsius respectively.

    It added that localised thunderstorms were probable over the region in the afternoon and evening period.

    The agency predicted southern states would experience cloudy conditions over inland cities with intermittent rains over the coastal cities in the morning hours.

    It also predicted prospects of thunderstorm and rains over the region in the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures in the range of 28 to 32 and 20 to 23 degrees Celsius respectively.

    According to NiMet, Northern States will experience thunderstorms with cloudy morning over Maiduguri, Nguru and Potiskum, with day and night temperatures of 30 to 36 and 20 to 25 degrees Celsius respectively.

    “Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over Maiduguri, Nguru, and Potiskum axis, while the entire region is likely to be cloudy.

    “There are indications of increased cloudiness with prospects of intermittent rains and thunderstorms over the country within the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicted.

  • We will resolve APC crisis amicably, says Orji Kalu

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, says that the leadership of the party is currently engaging in discussions to bring back the New APC splinter group.

    Kalu said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on the sideline of a farewell party held in honour of the Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Pavel Mikes.

    The former governor who said the APC leadership was committed to resolving its crisis amicably, noted that the leaders were in touch with all aggrieved members to ensure that the party is not consumed by the crisis rocking it.

    Kalu, described the current crisis in the party as a family matter that would soon be brought under control.

    He said that the task which is Paramount to members of the APC was the return of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

    “We have through our new chairman engaged most of them to get them back.

    ”The kind of jubilation, what you people want to have is not what we have at the moment, because we will control it. It is a family matter, in every family you quarrel.

    “Tinubu is busy, he is talking, everybody is busy, and in all arms of the APC we are busy talking to everybody as much as we can. Ali Modu sheriff and everybody you can think about, we are busy talking as much as we can so it is a family matter”, he said.

    He expressed concern about the attitude of some leaders in the country which he said would enhance the growth of democracy.

    He said that rather than leaders concentrating on how to bring the dividends of democracy to Nigerians they are busy fighting one another.

    According to him, Nigeria as a nation ought to have grown past this stage.

    He condemned the claim in some quarters that President Buhari condones the activities of killer herdsmen, particularly in the middle belt.

    The former governor called on state governors to do more and support the Federal government’s efforts in tackling the situation.

    “Nobody in Nigeria today is asking how this country will progress; they are just busy fighting each other which is not the process of democracy.

    ”Democracy cares about the people, it talks about what can you do for the people, it cares about the extent of benefits of democratic process that people would get.

    “We should talk about the people, 190 million Nigerians, 200 million Nigerians that have no food, no good education no good health, how to eradicate the Almajiris these are what commitment leaders should give,” he said

    The former governor noted that the APC is on track.

    “President Buhari has done very well in most of the things.

    ”We will go back to the drawing board and put economic prosperity, that is where we are lacking,” he said.

    He said, if re-elected in 2019, Buhari would bring new blue prints and attitude to the economy, which would in turn bring prosperity to the people.

    The ambassador earlier in his remarks expressed thanks for the get together organised by the former governor.

    Mikes said that he had enjoyed his stay in the country in the last five years. (NAN)

  • Federal Govt pays over N150bn owed local contractors – FOCI

    Federal Govt pays over N150bn owed local contractors – FOCI

    The Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), said on Sunday that the Federal Government has cleared more than half of the outstanding debts owned to many of its members.

    Chairman of FOCI, Mr Nasiru Dantata, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that the Federal Government had paid more than half of the money owed its members.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the 62nd Annual General Meeting of the Federation, Dantata said that the Federal Government did not just stop at payment for past contracts but was also awarding new contracts.

    According to him, FOCI had moved on from the bad situation it found itself.

    “Actually for now the situation is different, most of our members have gotten a substantial amount of their outstanding debts paid and also many of our members are being patronized by the current administration on new jobs.

    “I do not have the accurate figure because not all construction companies are members of FOCI, but from the over N300 billion we presented to this administration, I believe more than half have been paid.

    “Our members are now busy working on many projects.

    “Some of the jobs are quite big, like the 375km Abuja-Kano road. So we are hopeful this will continue.

    “Government at federal and state levels now patronize us. My company is indigenous and I have enjoyed good patronage from Nigeria,” he said.

    In 2015, FOCI disclosed that the government owed its members over N500 billion, claiming that one company alone was owed N70 billion.

    Dantata stressed that there was need for some indigenous companies to up their game, adding that some of the companies perceived as foreign were actually indigenous.

    Speaking on the issue of withholding tax refund, the FOCI president said that there was need for the government to review the procedure so as to make it easier.

    He disclosed that FOCI was already in talks with the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to see how the tax can be reduced to 2,5 per cent to avoid the problems of having to refund.

    “What we are proposing to the government is that since we are working in the area of development, the best thing is to reduce the withholding tax on our activities.

    “This was done briefly some years ago and it was reversed but we are discussing with the Chairman of FIRS; he has assured us that what happened was that there was abuse by other sectors.

    “The amount involved is in billions,” he said.

    He expressed confidence that the present administration will clear all arrears owed its members.

  • Fmr Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif sentenced to ten years imprisonment for graft

    By Warda Imran

    The accountability court, in a momentous decision on Friday, sentenced deposed premier Nawaz Sharif to 10 years and Maryam Nawaz to seven years in the Avenfield corruption reference.

    Capt (retd) Safdar also sentenced to one year in jail.

    With all eyes on the court, Judge Muhammad Bashir of the accountability court read out the 100-page verdict. The historic decision was to be announced earlier, but after multiple delays, the court announced the verdict in the presence of media personnel at 4:20.

    The former prime minster and his daughter were not present in the country citing Begum Kulsoom’s ill-health and Nawaz’s son-in-law Safdar was missing from court. The father-daughter duo had requested for a seven-day exemption, stating that they want to be in court when the judgment is announced. However, the plea was dismissed and the verdict was announced in their absence.

    Nawaz, Maryam decide to return for accountability court hearing

    Nawaz’s counsel, Khawaja Haris and Maryam’s counsel Amjad Pervaiz were both present.

    Following the directives of the Supreme Court, Judge Bashir’s accountability court had started hearing the case based on the references filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in September.

    NAB had registered three references against members of the Sharif family; Avenfield properties, Al-Azizia and Hill Metal Establishment, and Flagship Investment. While the court had ordered the trial to be complete in six months [March, 2017], the apex court had extended the trial by four months.

    Nawaz, daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retd) Safdar were indicted in the Avenfield properties case in October 2017. Maryam, Nawaz and Safdar have attended over 80 hearings throughout the proceedings, taking multiple exemptions to visit the ailing Begum Kulsoom in London.

    Court to announce Avenfield reference verdict on July 6

    Haris had filed numerous pleas and petitions on the behalf of the former to club the references or to club the verdict, however, much to their dismay, the accountability court rejected all. Haris even moved the top court and Islamabad High Court against the dismissals but to no avail. Frustrated with the deadlines, Haris had withdrawn himself from the case on June 11 and returned days later. Haris said he distanced himself from the case because the defense’s case was being weakened by the rushed proceeding.

    Panama Papers to disqualification

    In 2016, data leaked from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonesca and gathered by the ICJ [International Consortium of Journalism] showed that then-premier Nawaz and sons owned multiple off-shore companies and assets. The revelation led to severe backlash from opposing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Awami Muslim League. Chiefs of both parties; Imran Khan and Sheikh Rasheed, submitted petitions in the SC against Nawaz’s assets claiming that none of them were declared in the 2013 general elections.

    In July 2017, in a historic verdict, the SC disqualified Nawaz from holding public office as PM, leading him to resign from his position immediately. Contrary to the corruption allegations, the disqualification was on the basis of his Iqama [work permit], and for not declaring his salary as asset of employment at Capital FZE, a company owned by his son.

    Avenfield reference: Nawaz, Maryam get week’s exemption from court

    The SC further directed the country’s anti-graft body to file references against the Sharif family to probe the allegations levelled against them. A six-member Joint Investigation Team [JIT] was formed to investigate with former director of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Wajid Zia as the head.
    The team conducted a two-month probe, gathering documents and evidence from the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Pakistan. After admitting the report in the SC, the disqualification verdict was passed.

    Culled from: THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE > PAKISTAN

  • Croatia end Russia’s World Cup dream at shooting range

    Sochi (Russia), July 7, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Croatia ended Russia’s unlikely 2018 FIFA World Cup dream when they won 4-3 on penalty kicks to eliminate the gallant hosts, after a dramatic quarter-final which ended 2-2 in extra time.

    In Sochi city’s Fisht Olympic Stadium on Saturday, Ivan Rakitic scored the winning penalty kick to send Croatia into a semi-final duel against England on Wednesday in Moscow.

    It was a night of unremitting tension, ending the remarkable campaign of Russia, a team ranked 70th in the world.

    Fyodor Smolov saw Russia’s first penalty kick saved by goalkeeper Danijel Subasic and, although Russia goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev, saved Mateo Kovacic’s kick, the hosts’ fate was sealed a moment later.

    The Brazilian-born Mario Fernandes fired completely wide from their third attempt.

    In the previous 120 minutes, Denis Cheryshev had rifled Russia in front with a long-range thunderbolt, his fourth goal of the tournament, in the 31st minute.

    Andrej Kramaric then headed Croatia level six minutes before halftime.

    Croatia went ahead with a soft header in extra time’s 11th minute, but Fernandes headed the host level with five minutes of play remaining to send the game to penalty kicks.

    Russia had already surpassed expectations by reaching the last eight, ousting Spain on the way, and there was therefore no fear of going to the shooting range.

    After a lively opening, the game dropped off, but it was Russia’s more rustic approach which paid off first as they went ahead surprisingly.

    Cheryshev collected the ball near the halfway line, exchanged passes with Artem Dzyuba and curled a 25-metre shot pass Subasic.

    But slack defending allowed Croatia to level eight minutes later.

    Mario Mandzukic ran unchallenged into the penalty area and chipped a low ball back into the centre where unmarked Kramaric scored with a glancing header.

    Croatia were agonisingly close to scoring on the hour when Russia’s defence failed to clear the ball.

    Ivan Perisic’s shot hit the inside of the post but rebounded harmlessly across the face of the goal.

    Croatia appeared to have the tie in the bag after Vida’s extra-time goal.

    But that was not until Fernandes rose to head in a free-kick and sent both teams to their respective second penalty kicks shootout at the tournament.

    Croatia will now face England, while Russia will watch the tournament they are hosting from the sidelines. (Reuters/NAN)

  • Ex-NAN staff, 10 others ordained priests, deacons in Owerri

    By Francis Onyeukwu

    Owerri, July 8, 2018 (NAN): Eleven young Catholics, among them a former member of staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), were on Saturday in Owerri ordained priests and deacons.

    The four newly ordained priests are: Rev. Fr. Kenneth Kanwa, Rev. Fr. Maximus Okorie, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Nnawuihe and Rev. Fr. Desmond Opara.

    Those ordained deacons are: Rev. Henry Ekwems, Leka-Ire Mario (Ghanaian), Rev. Mary Paul Onele (ex-staff of NAN), his twin brother Rev.Peter Mary Onele, Rev. Valentine Orazulume, Nnaemeka Manu, and Emmanuel Iheme.

    Most Rev. Hilary Dachelem, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Bauchi, who performed the ordination, described the event as ”a double barrel history,” for the Clarentian Missionaries, formed since 1849 in Spain, by Rev. Fr. Anthony Mary Claret.

    “The diaconate ordination of Mary Paul Onele and Peter Mary Onele today is the first time the Claretian Missionaries will ordain twins, while Rev. Henry Ekwems, Leka-Ire Mario became the first Ghanaian to be ordained since Clarentian was formed,’’ he said.

    Dachelem reminded the young priests and deacons of the sacredness of the priestly institution and their expected roles.

    “Priestly vocation is altar centred; you must be committed to the sacraments, be prayerful, obedient, humble, available, honest and accountable.

    “The priestly ritual performed on you here today is not for fancy, you now have the powers of Jesus Christ in you, and you must use it to bless the people and not to curse them’’, he said.

    He warned them against wrong application of the knowledge of philosophy which they acquired in the course of their formation, adding “why you studied philosophy is not to challenge the authorities.’’

    Mr Sunday Onele, an uncle to Mary Paul and Mary Peter, said the members of Onele family, people of Abakaliki and entire Ebonyi people, were grateful to God for the ordination of their sons and brother as deacons.

    Mr Paul Okoro, relative of Rev. Fr. Desmond Opara, and Prof. Richard Ehiri relative of Rev. Fr. Maximus Okorie, in separate interviews said they were happy that their brothers had made it to the end of their journey to priesthood and prayed God to fortify them.

    NAN reports that the ordination held at St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Parish, New Area `A,’ New Owerri by Claretian Missionaries, East Nigeria Province, was attended by more than 400 priests and hundreds of Catholic faithful.

    Rev. Mary Paul Onele, a native of Nkaliki, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, was engaged as a junior staff in the Abakaliki office of the NAN, from where he resigned and joined seminary school with his twin brother Mary Peter Onele in 2008.(NAN)

    FEO/LAB/OU
    ========
    Edited by Lydia Beshel/Obike Ukoh

  • World Cup winners’ trophy on display at exhibition Sunday in Moscow

    By Olawale Alabi
    The FIFA World Football Museum exhibition will present the 2018 FIFA World Cup winners’ trophy for the entire day of Sunday in Moscow.

    It will be displayed alongside the replica of the Jules Rimet Cup, the trophy that was first presented to winners in 1930 when the competition started.

    The exhibition, known as “The History Makers’’, will hold at the Hyundai Motorstudio on New Arbat Avenue in Moscow.

    Since June 9, the exhibition presented by FIFA Partner Hyundai has welcomed thousands of visitors and is opened daily from 10 a.m to 10 p.m to July 20.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exhibition will end five days after the final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on July 15.

    The competition, which started on June 14, with 32 teams in the race for the trophy, now has four remaining as at Saturday night.

    World football body, FIFA, said in a statement on Saturday that admission to the exhibition was free, adding that media representatives were allowed to visit the exhibition, take photos or film inside.

    “The exhibition ground floor is a tribute to the passion and devotion of fans from all over the world and their role in making the FIFA World Cup a compelling spectacle.

    “There, visitors can see messages from fans of all 32 competing nations and a special display for the adidas Telstar Official Match Balls of the 2018 FIFA World Cup used for the kick-off of the 64 games played in Russia.

    “After each match, the ball which started the game is added to the growing collection at the exhibition,’’ a statement by Moritz Ansorge, the FIFA World Football Museum collections manager, indicated.

    NAN reports that the museum upper floor is devoted to the history of the FIFA World Cup.

    Each of the 20 tournaments played so far has a showcase featuring unique objects and stories from legends like Lev Yashin, Pelé, Diego Maradona and many more.(NAN)
    OLAL/DUA

    Edited by Dada Ahmed

  • Ondo fmr dep. governor’s daughter found dead in boyfriend’s house

    Ondo fmr dep. governor’s daughter found dead in boyfriend’s house

    Miss Adenike Khadijat Oluboyo, daughter of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Lasisi Olugbenga Oluboyo, was on Sunday found dead at her boyfriend’s house in Akure.

    Oluboyo, who was a final year student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, was found dead in her boyfriend’s house, Adeyemi Alao, popularly known as Q.S.

    Mr Femi Joseph, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo command who confirmed the story to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), described the incident as a sadden and very unfortunate.

    “It is not a rumour but it is a fact that the young lady was found dead this morning and it is saddening and very unfortunate.

    “We are on it and trying to get some facts but the Commissioner of Police will brief the press about the details in another 48 hours,” Joseph said.(NAN)

  • Stay away from masturbation, cleric cautions youths

    By Angela Atabo
    A cleric, Deacon Tope Kolawole, Redeemed Christian Church of God Living Waters Parish in Abuja, on Sunday cautioned youths to away from masturbation ,gambling and other forms of addiction in order to live a fulfilled life.

    Kolawole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the book launch titled “Overcoming Masturbation Through My Journey, ‘’written by Miss Kate Edward in Abuja.

    According to Kolawole, masturbation is the sexual stimulation of one’s genitals for sexual arousal or to derive other sexual pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm.

    He said that the stimulation might involve the use of hands, fingers, everyday objects, sex toys, adding that the act was unhealthy as it negatively impacted on their relationships and everyday life activities.

    The cleric noted that many youths took to masturbation, gambling, drug abuse among other addictions because of idleness due to joblessness.

    “Masturbation or any form of addiction is very dangerous for youths, because it robs them of what they would become to enable them contribute positively to the development of their in the society.

    “The Bible says an idle man is the devil’s workshop, so youths need to engage in activities that will take their minds away from things they are addicted to.

    “For everyone God has created, there is a talent He gives he or her, so it is up to you to ask God to reveal it to you and get busy with it.

    “I know there is a potential in every one of us, but it is left for us to identify what we are good at and begin to use such potentiality to touch the lives of other people,’’ he said.

    According to Kolawole,when youths intensify their talent, it will go a long way to keep them busy and be productive rather than given to social vices.

    The Book reviewer, Mr Israel Ade, told NAN that the book told the story of the personal experience of the author and sought to find possible solution to masturbation.

    Ade said that the book also explained why people should not engage in masturbation and other addictions as well as how to help the addicts overcome their problem.

    “The book is about the personal experience of the writer and her journey toward ending the act.

    “The writer is a courageous lady because it is very rare in our society to see someone who will come out to tell people about what he or she has passed through in terms of social vices.

    He urged youths to shun social vices and strive to become productive and learn to write their experiences for others to learn one lesson or the other and see that as a challenge to retrace their steps, if any.

    The author also told NAN that she wrote about masturbation to share her experience of the damage it the social vice did to her so that others could learn from it and refrain from the act.

    According to Edward, masturbation can hurt relationships and friendships because addicts “ don’t spend as much time with their loved ones as required or even pay attention to their needs among other disadvantages.“

    She noted said that masturbation had destroyed large number of youths, especially in terms of health without them knowing, adding that 80 per cent of teenagers were suffering from masturbation.

    “I was addicted too but God helped me to overcome it.’’

    “So, I see this book as a medium to reach out to other youths to tell them the dangers in it and how to come out of it.

    “This is because the act is demonic and affects one’s health negative,“ she said.

    Edward urged youths into masturbation not only to eschew such behaviour but also speak with doctors or counsellors, who help them get out of the problem. (NAN)
    ATAB/DUA

    Edited by Dada Ahmed