INTERVIEW: Why Nigerian Shiites should be allowed to fully practise their faith — U.S. Envoy

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U.S. President Barack Obama’s Special Representative to Muslim Communities, Shaarik Zafar, was in Nigeria recently as part of his maiden visit to sub-Saharan Africa to meet with government officials and civil society representatives on issues of promoting educational and economic opportunities and accountable governance. At the end of a workshop on anti-corruption tools for religious leaders, Mr. Zafar spoke exclusively with PREMIUM TIMES’ Bassey Udo and Sani Tukur on the role of religious leaders in combating corruption, promoting accountability, and encouraging transparency. Excerpts:

Morning Crises: 9 Killed, 24 Wounded As Twin Blast Hit Maiduguri This Morning

Nine people have died and twenty four wounded in two separate suicide bomb attacks on Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State early hours of this morning,

National Emergency Management Authority, NEMA already confirmed the incident and their rescue team are already at the scene evacuating victims.

Thank God my teeth are back

Six-year-old Ryan Coutinho wasn't used to smiling. He felt embarrassed after losing almost all his teeth at the age of three.

Now he does. And can't stop showing it.

But getting here wasn't easy, says dentist Amanda Mattos.

The boy lives in a rural area near Guajeru, a poor town in north-eastern Brazil. He had his teeth pulled out as a result of early cavities. Only a few on his lower arch remained.

Addressing the Crisis in the North-East, By Jibrin Ibrahim

The Buhari Plan must embody the vision of leap-frogging the poverty of the zone with a medium-term strategy of transforming the lives of the people for the better. Boko Haram has also set out to close access to education for the people in the zone. In this context, accelerating equal access to quality education for girls, as well as boys…is an imperative.

On Wednesday, the president inaugurated the 21-member Presidential Committee on North East Initiatives (PCNI). The Committee chaired by General T.Y. Danjuma will be the apex coordinating body for all interventions in the region including those by the public, private, national and international development partners. The Committee is domiciled in the Presidency and is charged with responsibility for developing the strategy and implementation framework for rebuilding the North-East region. The PCNI is a special purpose vehicle with a life span of three years after which the North East Development Commission currently being debated in the National Assembly will takeover the relay.

YOU ARE BLESSED FOR ENDURING SUFFERING

Seek Daily (NBC)

Saturday, October 29

James 1:12-16

YOU ARE BLESSED FOR ENDURING SUFFERING

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial… he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12, NIV

In line with yesterday’s message, James shows us the blessedness of enduring suffering for the sake bf Christ in our text today.

Drug Charges: Former Navy Chief wants His Job Back

A former Guinea-Bissau navy chief who was convicted in the US of drug trafficking has asked the president if he can resume his military career, reports the AFP news agency.

"I have returned from a trip which took me away from the country for three years. It's normal that on my return that I come and see the armed forces' commander in chief," Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchuto told reporters.

Davido is owing me for 3months says kaffy

Kaffy and Davido

Nigerian dance queen, Kaffy granted a ‘Tell All’ interview to Thenetng explaining why she’s so angry with pop star, Davido.

The mother of two cleared the air on the confusion caused by her angry rant that led people to believe Davido sent dancers off stage at the just concluded 3 Thrones concert in Lagos. Rather she said the incident happened three months ago in New York.

Mimiko Rejects Jimoh Ibrahim

A day after the electoral commission, INEC, made a decision unfavourable to him and his supporters, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State rushed to Abuja to discuss the consequence of that decision with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr. Mimiko expressed concern that INEC’s decision to drop Eyitayo Jegede for Jimoh Ibrahim as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has the potential of endangering the peace of the state.

6 years old girl live in the bush for one year to escape witch hunt

Thousands of stigmatized 'Witch Children' have found refuge at CRARN center, in Akwa Ibom. The children were branded as "witches" by church ministers and have been cast out by their families and shunned by society.

Frustrated Okada man beats wife to stupor for waking him up from afternoon sleep

 A 30-year- old, commercial motorcyclist, Tukur Paul today beat his wife, Mrs Jennifer Paul to stupor over her accusation of snoring. 

It was the intervention by neighbours and passers-by that saved her from further attack. One of the neigbhours Lawrence Oluwanishola, who witnessed the fight, told NAN that the couple who resides at Masaka, Nasarawa State, were fond of constituting nuisance to the environment through constant query.

Breaking the Cycle of Dependence, By Rauf Aregbesola

We also need a national policy on entrepreneurship development. The most successful and leading enterprises in the country are owned largely by foreigners, with our people being minority shareholders. A system where it is easier to prosper and succeed in business through buying and selling is inherently anti-development. Entrepreneurship training should be part of education at all levels.

James Otis Arrested For Destroying Trump's Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

The millionaire activist who admitted smashing up Donald Trump's Hollywood Walk of Fame star called the Republican nominee a 'serial liar and a misogynist' as he explained his actions on Thursday.

James Otis, 52, an heir to the Otis Elevator Company fortune, was arrested on Thursday for taking a sledgehammer and pick-ax to the $30,000 tourist attraction.

Buhari Congratulates Afe Babalola at 85 | Punch

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday congratulated legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, as he turns 85 on Sunday.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President said he joined members of Babalola’s family, close associates, professional colleagues and the academia in celebrating the man who said epitomises unique and enviable qualities that every nation will want projected in its leadership and citizenry.

Buhari is Godsend, says Oyegun | Punch

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The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Mr. John Oyegun, says God sent President Muhammadu Buhari to save Nigeria from collapse.

Oyegun made the observation in Sokoto on Friday when he declared open a three-day retreat organised by the Kano State Chapter of the party for its officials and stakeholders on political party management.

Rapper Sentenced To Jail For Kicking Female Fan

Rapper Kevin Gates has been sentenced to 180 days in jail after being convicted of kicking a female fan at a Florida concert last year.

A Polk County jury found Gates, who was sentenced Wednesday, guilty of battery after he was captured on cellphone video kicking 19-year-old Miranda Dixon at Lakeland's Rumors Nightclub, where he performed last August.

Should FG Reintroduce Tollgates? | Punch

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The prices of goods and services are on the increase daily with no commensurate rise in wages. You don’t’ wake up one day and come up with an idea to reintroduce tolls. Was there due consultation between the public and the people representing the government? Do they have strategic partnerships that can hold government accountable? Who will be the technical partners of this project? What is the budget earmarked for the project? How will it be executed? When will it be executed? What will the proceeds be used for? Is there a revenue sharing formula between the project investors? These are the questions government has to consider before concluding whether or not to reintroduce the tollgates. The budgets of the federal and state governments have been severely affected by the recent recession, no doubt.

Who Is Right? Ice Prince and Toolz In Marriage I no go greee (Video)

Just like she said, what? what?? Can’t deal! But i want to believe Ice Prince was JOKING when this was recorded. It’s not that serious and men should stop this ownership thing. Can’t one breathe again once you are in a relationship/married? lol... dead dead dead!!! Still laughing.

Days of The Cabal By Fola Ojo

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The result of last year’s presidential election made some Nigerians sad and sorrowful; and some jubilant and excited. For those who fell in the latter category, the anticipation of the Change windstorm was not swivelled around compensating one man or a few agenda-driven persons. It was about a change hoped for in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Rejection of Political Appointments: A New Departure? By Ayo Olukotun

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“I rejected the appointment because my hands are full”

–Dr. Usman Bugaje, October 26, 2016.

“Sir, I, Najatu Mohammed, wish to thank you so much for considering me worthy of being appointed the Chairperson of the Federal University Dutse. It is however unfortunate that I was not consulted before the appointment was made. I also regret that I have to use the same medium to announce that I cannot accept the appointment”

Why Obanikoro Can’t Raise His N100m Bail - Video

 
An insight into why politicians who had controlled and squandered Billions of Naira cannot raise N100million for their own bail in a new policy of anti-corruption is shared by the National President of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Yusuf Zambuk in Lagos. Find out the opinion here.

Please watch this video and tell us if you agree with him. Please you must watch it o, our Nigeria of today!

Men Accost Lady, Gang Raped Her While With Boyfriend

Some hoodlums have attacked a man, Ganiu, and his lover, identified only as Ibiyemi, in Ago Egun community, in the Ilaje, Bariga area of Lagos State, during which they gang-raped the woman.

Our correspondent learnt that while three of the hoodlums dealt Ganiu blows, five others swooped on Ibiyemi, a trader, blindfolded and raped her.

Again, Appeal Court Throws Out Saraki’s Application To Stop Trial

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The Court of Appeal has dismissed an application filed by Senate President Bukola Saraki challenging a previous decision of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.

Mr. Saraki is facing trial at the tribunal for alleged false declaration of asset.

He had approached the appeal court after the CCT dismissed his application in April, challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try him.

Kenneth Omeruo To Start Fashion Business

According to our little findings, the fashion line is related to Africa/African prints and it is going to be strictly for males. They say it’s in line with the modern Africa and the designs will soon be rolled out.

Who Are These So Called Hausa People That Are Dominating Us?’ – Reno

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When we in the South say that the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria are our enemies, we really ought to be aware that we are just playing into the divide and rule strategy of the oligarchs who have been the powers behind the throne in Nigeria for decades and who want the North and the South to be suspicious of each so they can play one side against the other and continue to dominate us to our detriment.

Osinbajo To Speak At Harvard University On 'Nigeria In The World’

On the invitation of Harvard University, Boston, in the United States, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, would be delivering a lecture at the university's 'Nigeria in the World' seminar on Thursday October 27, 2016.

Professor Osinbajo will be talking on "Destroying Boko Haram and the Rebuilding of Nigeria's Northeast."