Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Is Now Worth $100 Billion

Mark Zuckerberg has joined the world’s most exclusive club of the ultra rich.

The Facebook CEO on Thursday became a centibillionaire, someone who is worth at least $100 billion.

He crossed the milestone after shares in the social network surged. Only two other men, Amazon (AMZN)’s Jeff Bezos and Microsoft (MSFT)’s Bill Gates, have bigger personal fortunes.

Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook from his Harvard dorm room in 2004, and his biggest asset is still his 13% stake in the company, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires index, which tracks the world’s wealthiest people.

The 36-year-old is also Facebook’s chairman and controlling shareholder.

Zuckerberg’s wealth got its latest bump as Facebook’s stock climbed 6.5% Thursday, a day after the company launched its TikTok clone, Reels, on Instagram.

21 Killed, Several Injured, Houses Razed In Fresh Kaduna Attacks

No fewer than 20 people were in the early hours of yesterday killed, while several others were injured in fresh attacks on three communities in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The fresh killings came barely days after security agencies were deployed to the vulnerable communities of the state to prevent residents from further attacks.

The attack was said to have been carried out by suspected militia men in such communities as Kurmin Masara, Apyia Shyim, and Takmawai, as torrential rain-pounded the communities. Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Jalinge, who confirmed the attack, described the incident as unfortunate.

Chairman of Zango Kataf Local Government, Elias Manza, said the gunmen, suspected to be Fulani militia, invaded the three communities in the early hours of Thursday morning, and started shooting indiscriminately at peoples houses.

He explained that seven people were killed in Takmawai, while 13 others were killed in Kurmin Masara in what seemed like a coordinated attack. A native, who craved anonymity, said the gunmen attacked the villages as rain continued all through the night.

President Buhari Sympathises With Lebanon Over Massive Explosions

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with President Michel Aoun and the people of Lebanon over massive explosions that rocked Beirut, the capital city on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the explosions left 137 dead, over 5,000 wounded, and more than 300, 000 displaced.

The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja on Thursday, also extended the sympathy of the government to the large community of Lebanese in Nigeria.

The Nigerian leader prayed that God would rest the souls of the dead, comfort the grieving, and grant succour to the wounded and displaced.

He described the explosions, suspected to be caused by tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse, as “tragedy of monumental proportions”.

Buhari pledged the solidarity and brotherhood of Nigeria to Lebanon during this period.

God Will Determine My Next Move In 2023 – Umahi

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, on Thursday reacted to speculations he was eyeing the presidency in 2023.

Umahi, who spoke with journalists after inspecting the Ebonyi Airport, International Shopping Mall and the Executive Chambers at the Government House, however, said God would determine his next adventure after leaving office in three years’ time.

The governor will complete his second term of four years in 2023.

Umahi said he did so much as governor and would want to rest after leaving office.He said: “I have worked so hard from my youth, even harder for the government, but it is up to God to decide whether I should rest. God is on my mind, where He wants me to go, I will go and what He wants me to do, I will do.

“I keep saying leadership is about the fear of God, passion to work for the people and the realisation that this is a transitional camp.”

BREAKING: Nigerian Govt Extends COVID-19 Lockdown By 4 Weeks

The Nigerian government, on Thursday, extended the second phase of the COVID-19 eased lockdown by another four weeks.

This extension is the third for the second phase of lockdown currently observed across Nigeria.

The extension was disclosed by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, during the daily briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 in Abuja.

Details later…

Breaking : UN Sends Medical Supplies To Beirut

The World Health Organisation has confirmed that twenty tons of UN supplies to treat people injured by the massive blast in Beirut have reached the Lebanese capital.

An aircraft delivered the WHO shipment that covers 1,000 trauma interventions and 1,000 surgeries.

The UN health agency said in a statement that it would distribute the supplies to hospitals across Lebanon that have been receiving patients from Beirut, as three hospitals in the city are no longer functional and two were partially damaged by the explosion.

“The legendary resilience of the Lebanese people has rarely been so severely tested,”

The organisation said.

It noted that Tuesday’s chemical accident came on top of civil unrest, an economic crisis, the coronavirus pandemic, and the country’s burden of hosting nearly 900,000 Syrian refugees.

Health Workers Commence Indefinite Strike Over Salary Deductions (Read Details)

Health workers in Bauchi State, under the Joint Health Sector Union and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have commenced an indefinite strike over deductions in their salaries.

The Secretary of the Bauchi chapter, Usman Danturaki in a statement to all branch Chairmen and Secretaries, Medical and Health Workers’ Union in the State, directed all health works to commence the industrial action from 12 am on Thursday.

According to Danturaki, the action is due to the unilateral deductions of the workers’ June salaries by the state government.

“You are hereby directed to commence an indefinite strike action from 12.00 am of Thursday, 6th August 2020 until further directed,” he said.

Inter Milan Set To Complete Deal For Alexis Sanchez

Inter Milan are set to complete the permanent signing of Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez in the next 24 hours.

The Chile international, 31, joined the Serie A side on a season-long loan in August 2019.

He scored four goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.

Inter expect to have him available should they progress to the Europa League ‘final eight’ in Germany by beating Getafe on Wednesday night.

The precise terms of the deal are unknown but is almost certain to have involved United taking a significant financial hit.

Sanchez played 45 games for United after joining from Arsenal in 2018, scoring just five goals.

Davido Becomes First Nigerian Artist To Win SAMA Award

Nigerian star musician, Davido has become the first Nigerian artist to win a ‘SAMA’ (South African Music Awards) award.

He won in the category known as ‘The Rest of Africa’ for his album, ‘A Good Time’.

This feat comes as a blessing to the 30BG, DMW, and the album producers.

Although Davido himself has not shared this news on his official Twitter page, fans are already celebrating on behalf of the star singer.

Davido’s upcoming album, ‘A Better Time’, ought to have been released in July.

However, this has not stopped fans from anticipating the release of the album, which could be any moment from now.

[Goals Highlight] Man United 2 – 1 LASK (Watch Here)

Manchester United came from behind to beat Austrian side LASK at Old Trafford, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League 7-1 on aggregate.

Anthony Martial came off the bench to score the winner four minutes from time, collecting Juan Mata’s precise through ball before finishing off his 23rd goal of the season from 10 yards.

Earlier, Mata also provided the assist for Jesse Lingard to score for the second consecutive game.

Watch the Highlight here:

Smoking Weed Is Not Good For Your Heart” – New Studies Shows

A new report has shown that smoking weed is not good for the health and poses a potential threat to the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

Many countries are legalizing cannabis, as various study has proved it to be safer than cigarette, but a new report has now stated that smoking weed is not good for the heart.

In a new statement released by the American Heart Association, Dr. Rose Marie Robertson, the deputy chief science and medical officer for the association said;

“The American Heart Association recommends that people not smoke or vape any substance, including cannabis products, because of the potential harm to the heart, lungs and blood vessels.”

The new scientific statement, published Wednesday in the AHA journal Circulation, examined existing research on the connection between cannabis and the heart.

The statement found using weed has “the potential to interfere with prescribed medications” as well as “trigger cardiovascular conditions or events, such as heart attacks and strokes,” said clinical pharmacologist Robert Page II, who chaired the medical writing group for the statement.

Soldiers, Not Boko Haram, Attacked My Convoy – Borno Governor

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has accused Nigerian soldiers of being responsible for the attack on his convoy last Wednesday in Baga, a town in Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Zulum survived an ambush by suspected gunmen last Wednesday while on a trip to Monguno and Baga towns to distribute food to internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Addressing the army’s commanding officer in Mile 4 after the attack, Mr Zulum wondered why the army has not been able to secure Baga despite the number of troops deployed for over a year.

“You have been here for over one year now, there are 1,181 soldiers here; if you cannot take over Baga which is less than 5km from your base, then we should forget about Baga. I will inform the Chief of Army Staff to redeploy the men to other places that they can be useful,” Mr Zulum was quoted by Channels TV as saying.

But speaking a day after the attack, in another Channels Television video seen by PREMIUM TIMES, on Monday, Mr Zulum said what happened to him was a complete sabotage from the military.

The governor’s statement underscores the disturbing security situation in Borno. His statement suggests either sabotage by some soldiers or poor communication between the soldiers in Mr Zulum’s convoy and those on the ground in Baga who shot at the convoy.

The army has said it is investigating the attack.

“The Nigerian Army wants to reassure the general public that this will be interrogated with a view to forestalling future re-occurance,” army spokesperson Sagir Musa said a day after the attack.

Just IN: WAEC Releases 2020 WASSCE Timetable

The West African Examinations Council has finally released the timetable for the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

A report by Punch revealed that WAEC Nigeria made this public in a statement on Tuesday signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Demianus Ojijeogu.

He advised candidates to disregard other versions of the examination timetable in circulation.

 This comes after the Federal Government had announced the resumption of graduating pupils beginning August 4, noting that WASSCE would begin effective August 17, 2020 through September 12, 2020.

 The statement was titled, ‘WAEC Releases Timetable For The Conduct Of West African Senior School Certificate Examination For School Candidates, 2020’.The statement read, “The West African Examinations Council, Nigeria wishes to inform its stakeholders-schools, parents and candidate-that the Final International Timetable for the conduct of WASSCE for School Candidates, 2020 has been released.“The Council notes that several versions of the examination timetable have been in circulation and enjoins the general public to disregard them as they did not emanate from it.“The examination which has been slated to begin on Monday, August 17, 2020 will end on Saturday, September 12, 2020.“The Council hereby urges the candidates to abide by the rules and regulations guiding the conduct of the examination by shunning all acts of malpractice and obeying all Covid-19 protocols that have been put in place at the examination centres.“This is wishing the candidates success in the examination.”

Ojijeogu in a chat with our correspondent said details of the timetable would follow.

No Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, or Paul Pogba – How Manchester United should line-up to face LASK in the Europa League

Manchester are all but into the quarter-finals of the Europa League as they head into the second leg of their tie with LASK.

The Red Devils, in front of no fans back on March 12 – nearly five months ago – beat their Austrian opponents 5-0 in Linz.

Striker Odion Ighalo helped United to a huge win in Austria in the first leg

Now, it should just be a case of keeping their foes at bay and getting their superstars ready for a last-16 clash with either Istanbul Basaksehir or Copenhagen on Monday, August 10.

It’s a real balancing act for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer though, the margin of victory has put his side in total control and he will want to rest some of his top stars.

But after a gruelling end to the Premier League campaign, it remains to be seen whether going with a strong XI might be better to ensure their fitness and also make doubly sure of progression.

Using some of his stars against LASK might seem like a great idea but as Chelsea saw in the FA Cup final, injuries can happen after such a brutal schedule.

Only one man has been guaranteed a spot while younger players have been promised a chance.

“Jesse [Lingard] will be starting but the team won’t be too different from the team that played LASK away,” Solskjaer said sat alongside the attacking midfielder.

“We know it will be a difficult game. It wasn’t a 5-0 difference between the teams, we were winning 2-0 after 60 minutes and scored three in the last five so we know we have to perform and there’s opportunities for players to stake a claim, if they get through.”

So, how should Manchester United line-up? Let takes a look.

Manchester United team news

Luke Shaw and Axel Tuanzebe are out of Manchester United’s clash with LASK and the restir of the Europa League campaign due to injuries.

They have both been excluded from the Red Devils’ 30-man squad for the last-16 second leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday and the final-eight tournament in Germany.

Phil Jones has been included in the Europa League group despite not featuring since the restart but an issue will keep him out on Wednesday too.

Sergio Romero is almost certain to star in the Europa League clash

How Manchester United should line-up against LASK

Manager Solskjaer reckons the team could look similar to the team who took apart the Austrians in March.

Striker Odion Ighalo should get the nod, along with Daniel James, while Mason Greenwood may get the nod too.

Lingard will start, as stated, while Fred might also find himself in the team to replace Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay could play ahead of Nemanja Matic.

In defence Brandon Williams should start with Luke Shaw ruled out and Timothy Fosu-Mensah may come in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as he did against West Ham.

The strongest area of the team is likely to be the centre of defence which may include both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

Sergio Romero should play between the sticks as is the norm for United in the Europa League.

Petrol May Sell For N150 Per Litre As Marketers Seek Hike

Following increase in the prices of crude oil, marketers are pushing for the upward review of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol N150 per litre for the month of August.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA ) last month announced increase of the product to a band of N140.80 to N143.80 per litre.

It was the first time the agency approved a new price after removal of petrol subsidy.

Prior to the July 1 hike, the agency had on May 1, approved price band of N121.50 to N123.50 per litre for the product.

Meanwhile, a reliable source at the meeting today told The Nation that the marketers were seeking a further increase in the price owing to the soaring priced of crude oil in the international market.

The Brent Crude that sold for $43.24 per barrel in July sells for $44.03 per barrel.

She said: “We are now in the meeting to fix a new petrol price for the month of August.

“We are asking the PPPRA to approve N150 per litre because the prices of crude oil have increased and there is no subsidy on the product.

Explosion Rocks Lebanon’s Capital, Beirut

Hundreds wounded as huge blast rips through Lebanon’s Beirut
Thick smoke seen rising above the capital after powerful blast; cause of explosion not immediately clear.

Hundreds of people have been wounded in a huge blast that ripped through Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, according to the country’s health minister.

The massive explosion on Tuesday at Beirut’s port released a shockwave which caused widespread damage to buildings, shattering windows in different parts of the city.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear.

Hamad Hassan, Lebanon’s health minister, said hundreds were wounded in the explosion.

Video of the incident taken by Al Jazeera shows a large column of smoke billowing from above an area of the port that houses large warehouses, before a large orange blast is seen and a massive dome-shaped blast wave shoots into the air.

Glass storefronts and windowless across the city were instantly shattered in the blast while videos and pictures shared on social media showed doors ripped form their hinges and ceilings filled with gaping holes.

The blast wave from the explosion caused extensive damage to buildings within a large radius of the blast site.

“I was kilometres away; the glass broke everywhere around me,” said Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut.

“The explosion was felt across the city,” she added. “There is chaos in the streets.”

“Show Us Your Primary Six Certificate” – PDP Challenges Oshiomhole

The Peoples Democratic Party, on Monday, asked a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, to present his Primary School Leaving Certificate if he actually went to school.

The Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council for the Edo governorship election, Chief Dan Orbih, made the demand while addressing party members and supporters in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

Orbih also urged Oshiomhole to tell Nigerians the cause of his quarrel with his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki, whom he described as a worthy alumnus of the University of Ibadan.

“They said Governor Godwin Obaseki, who graduated from the University of Ibadan, has no certificate. I challenge Adams Oshiomhole to show us his Primary 6 certificate,” Orbih stated.

He urged Oshiomhole to “allow Edo people to decide who governs them. In four years, Godwin Obaseki has done more than what Oshiomhole did in eight years.”

On his part, Obaseki announced that the construction of the 12.75km Ososo-Okpella Road, which was abandoned by previous administration, would begin before the end of the year.

Three Ministers Test Positive For Coronavirus

Three Gambia ministers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, barely four days after Vice President Isatou Touray was diagnosed with COVID-19.

This was made known in a statement from the presidency Sunday evening.

The statement revealed that Finance Minister Mambury Njie, Petroleum and Energy Minister Fafa Sanyang and Agriculture Minister Amie Fabureh were confirmed to have contracted the virus.

Gambian President Adama Barrow had earlier announced he was going into self-quarantine, since his vice, Touray tested positive.

Gambia has seen recent spikes in cases of COVID-19 with official records at 498 as of Saturday. Deaths from the virus total nine, while 68 people have recovered.

The Gambian government penultimate week issued a regulation making the wearing of face masks compulsory while closing non-essential public places and banning social and public gatherings.

288 New COVID-19 Cases, 355 Discharged And 8 Deaths On August 3

On the 3rd of August 2020, 288 new confirmed cases and 8 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.

Till date, 44129 cases have been confirmed, 20663 cases have been discharged and 896 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The 288 new cases are reported from 15 states- Lagos (88), Kwara (33), Osun (27), FCT (25), Enugu (25), Abia (20), Kaduna (17), Plateau (13), Rivers (13), Delta (10), Gombe ( 8 ), Ogun (4), Oyo (3), Katsina (1), Bauchi (1).

A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities.

Wike Signs ₦300 Billion Revised 2020 Budget

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has signed into law the revised 2020 Appropriation Bill.

This followed the presentation of the Budget by the Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to him at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Total figure of the revised budget for 2020 fiscal year signed by the Governor is N300,370,071,183.33 Billion.

It is a 48 percent reduction from the N530,813,357,619.00Billion originally budgeted for spending.

Governor Wike said the unfortunate effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Nigeria, necessitated the review.

The implication of the review of the budget, according to him, is that budgetary allocations including capital and recurrent expenditure have been reduced.

However, this, he said, will not affect the delivery of quality developmental projects and services to Rivers people.

“It is most unfortunate that everybody is living a different life now because of the pandemic, which calls for us to face the economic reality.

“The COVID-19 has affected economic activities and revenues of government, and so it became necessary to review our budget.

“By the revised budget, it means that so many things have to change. We have cut down the capital and recurrent expenditure to face the reality.

“We are the only State that has not cut down the salaries of political appointees and elected officers . Virtually all the States have cut down 20 to 30 percent of salaries of political appointees. Having cut down the recurrent expenditures , the overhead will no longer be the same”, he said.

Super Eagles Striker Dedicates Goals To Italian Legend

Super Eagles and FC Crotone towering striker, Simeon “Simy” Nwankwo has dedicated his 20-goal tally to late Sergio Mascheroni, the club athletic trainer who died in a tragic accident on October 2 last year.

In an exclusive chat with Tuttomecartowebb, Simy showered encomium on teammates and staff of the club for a job well done, adding that he couldn’t have achieved such feat without the moral supports from teammates and backroom staff.

“A difficult season ended, but we scored the important goals and gain promotion, and being the top scorer is an important goal not only for me but for the whole club and the team:“I am grateful to everyone for the help they gave me.

I had already scored 20 goals in Portugal, but I repeat the feat here, the important thing in football is team spirit” They have always loved me here, it is a reward for everyone for what I  achieved. And I dedicate my goals to Sergio Mascheroni and his family, he would have been happy with what we did, “Simy told Tuttomecartowebb.

With 20 goals from 36 games, the Pitagorici’ promotion campaign under Stroppa became a reality after three seasons of futile effort, but kudos must go to their Nigerian import who worked tirelessly to convert half-chance into goals.Crotone will join Benevento in Serie A after the Calabrian side secured promotion thanks to a 5-1 thumping of Livorno in July.

The Pitagorici played their first season in Italy’s top-flight back in 2016/17, finishing 17th after defeating Lazio 3-1 on the final matchday while Empoli were relegated after falling to Palermo.Simy featured for Nigeria in 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia, coming in on a rescue mission against Albiceleste of Argentina.

Super Eagles whoever failed to advance to knock out stage.

COVID-19: Buhari Govt Gives Fresh Update On Reopening Of Schools

The Minister of Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, on Monday gave an update on the reopening of schools.

Nwajiuba disclosed that all the 104 Unity Colleges across the country are ready to reopening for the final year classes.

He said this during the daily briefing of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 in Abuja.

According to Nwajiuba:

“All the 104 Unity Colleges are ready to open their gates to exit classes tomorrow, August 4, 2020.”

Federal government had shutdown schools in Nigeria, following the outbreak of COVID-19.

However, the Federal Ministry of Education had on July 27 announced that exiting classes of secondary schools will resume on August 4th.

In a statement signed by its Director Press and Public Relation, Ben Ben Goong, the Ministry had explained that the decision was to allow the exiting classes take their final examinations.

“If Not For BBNaija, You Can’t Stand Beside Me” – Nengi To Lucy

It was drama over the weekend before and after eviction especially when Lucy and Nengi dragged each other.

There was serious drama in the Big Brother Naija over the weekend.

Two housemates, Nengi and Lucy took things a bit far after the bad blood between the two escalated.

Nengi had tackled Lucy for saying she has nothing to offer.

It all started when Nengi engaged fellow housemate Ozo in a conversation where she ranted about the gossips going on about her, and how Lucy said she has nothing to offer.

Nengi dragged Lucy in the presence of Ozo, insisting that Lucy can never stand where she is standing, if not for Big Brother reality show.

According to Nengi, she came into the house and humbled herself and now she’s regretting it because the housemates are now riding her and seeing her as a nobody.

“On a normal day, Lucy can’t stand where I am standing”, Nengi bragged.

2023: God told me Igbo president will be killed or overthrown – Bishop Udeh

The General Overseer of Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries, Bishop Abraham Udeh has warned the Southeast against insisting on producing Nigeria’s next president.

Udeh warned that an Igbo presidency would either be overthrown by the military or killed.

Speaking with journalists in Nnewi, Anambra State over the weekend, Udeh said he saw the impending doom spiritually.

He urged Southeast politicians to channel their enemy towards the actualisation of Biafra rather than Igbo presidency.

Stressing that the Southeast won’t be allowed to rule Nigeria, Udeh warned that Boko Haram insurgency and insecurity would be intensified if an Igbo man becomes Nigeria’s president.

He said: “An Igbo man might become president in 2023, but he would either be killed or overthrown by the military. 

I saw that situation in the spiritual realm and warned the Igbo personalities warming up for the 2023 presidential election to have a rethink and rather channel the energy and resources to Biafra actualization.

“It is a sealed deal that an Igbo man will never be allowed to rule Nigeria.

“According to how it was revealed to me, an Igbo man, after much pressure to rule, may be allowed to become president but shortly after, insecurity, including Boko Haram insurgency and banditry, will be intensified to discredit such president.”

This is coming at a time when a coalition of Igbo Groups had asked Gen. T.Y Danjuma (rtd) to rewrite history by supporting a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in 2023.

The coalition demanded that Danjuma apologises to Igbo nation and advocate for 2023 Igbo presidency, noting that he (Danjuma) and others of 4th battalion in Mokola, Ibadan Oyo State, were involved in a counter-coup of 29th July 1966, which resulted in the killing of Aguiyi-Ironsi

Breaking! Shoprite Exits Nigeria After 15 Years

Africa’s biggest grocery retailer, Shoprite, is exiting the continent’s most populated country, Nigeria, after 15 years.

The Cape Town-based retailer has started a formal process to consider the potential sale of all or a majority stake in its supermarkets in Nigeria, it said in a trading statement for the 52 weeks to end June released on Monday.

South African retailers have struggled in the Nigeria market and most recently Mr Price has exited the market after Woolworths did the same six years ago.

In the statement, Shoprite said the results for the year do not reflect any of their operations is Nigeria as it will be classified as discontinued operation.

International supermarkets (excluding Nigeria) contributed 11.6% to group sales, and reported 1.4% decline in sales from 2018. South African operations contributed 78% of overall sales and saw 8.7% rise for the year.

As a result of lockdown, customer visits declined 7.4% but the average basket spend increased by 18.4%.

Pay Your Third Term School Fees, FG Tells Students

The Federal Government has called on resuming Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 and Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3 students that are yet to pay their third term school fees to do so without delay.

Schools were shut down across the country in March 2020 to guard against the spread of COVID-19, resulting in massive disruption of the normal third term’s academic activities.

But the Federal Government, which has 104 colleges (Unity Schools) spread across the country, said students in exit classes- JSS3 and SSS 3, who are expected to resume on Monday (today) will show evidence of school fees payment for the abridged term.

“A lot of issues have been raised, especially on whether or not students are to pay third term school fees, and whether JSS 3 will have to resume on Monday.

The answer to both questions is yes.

“Resuming students are to pay their third term fees where they have not yet paid. JSS 3 students are also to resume in school as from Monday so they can do their revision preparatory to their exams.

We have to make these clarifications quickly because Monday is the reopening date,” a terse statement by the Director of Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ben Goong, said.

The Ministry had on Wednesday issued a statement in Abuja detailing various dates for earlier suspended national examinations.

Part of the statement read: “The West African Examination Council (WAEC-SSCE) will start on the 17th of August, 2020 while the National Business and Technical Examination Board, (NABTEB) examinations will start on the 21st September and end by 15th October, 2020.

“Other details of the schedule indicate that the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for SS3, conducted by NECO will start on the 5th of October and end on 18th of November, 2020.
“The Basic Education Certificate Examinations, (BECE) for JSS 3 also conducted by NECO, will start on the 24th of August and end on the 7th of September, 2020.
“Furthermore, the National Common Entrance Examination, (NCEE) which is a one-day NECO examination for intending applicants into Unity Colleges (JSS1) will run in-between the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations i.e. on Saturday, 17th October, 2020.”

BBNaija 2020:- How Viewers Voted For Their Favorite Housemates

BBNaija 2020:- How Viewers Voted For Their Favorite Housemates.

Above is the breakdown and result of how the audience and general public voted for the BBN housemates so far

Osinbajo Lists Support Schemes For MSME Survival

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government, through the National Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP), is set to implement a number of schemes to keep Micro Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs) afloat.

The vice president listed Survival Fund including payroll support for three months, guaranteed off-take scheme among others as part of efforts to support small businesses in Nigeria to survive the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,
Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the vice president spoke at the 2020 edition of the Micro MSMEs Awards which held via video conference.

He said that locally, businesses were facing their most challenging time and the impact was particularly severe on MSMEs

“The central plank of our response as a government to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the Economic Sustainability Plan recently approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Executive Council.

“In that plan which essentially envisages an overall N2.3 trillion stimulus package, we made extensive provision for financial support to MSMEs, ranging from a guaranteed off-take scheme to a survival fund that includes a payroll support programme for qualifying businesses.

“The guaranteed off-take scheme seeks to provide support for MSMEs, manufacturing local products by guaranteeing the purchase from them of qualifying products such as face masks, hand sanitizer, Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) for medical workers among others
“These products will be distributed to Nigerians, Nigerian institutions and entities that would require them.

“The survival fund will help provide payroll support to MSMEs with a minimum of 10 and maximum of 50 staff. The MSMEs that qualify for these will make available their payroll for verification by the government.

“Companies that meet the requirements will then be eligible to have the salaries of their verified staff paid directly from the fund for a period of three months.”

According to the vice president, the target beneficiaries of this scheme will include private schools, hotels, road transport workers, creative industries and others.

He said that the verification process would be very rigorous and painstaking.

Osinbajo added that N200 billion would be made available to MSMEs in the priority sectors such as healthcare, agro-processing, creative industries, local oil and gas, aviation among others.

“This will be granted through a scheme jointly run by the Bank of Industry and Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, especially for export expansion.

“The CBN is also committed to creating a N100 billion target credit facility for MSMEs.

“Already the recently signed Finance Act already made provision for graduated company income tax rates with zero rates for small companies and a rate reduction for medium-sized companies.”

The vice president said that the Federal Government would continue to implement similar focused MSME interventions around the country.

Osinbajo said that Kaduna state, for example, was working on a tomato paste production plant while Lagos was putting together a fashion hub.

He said that FCT was equally set to launch a carpentry cluster while Anambra state was almost ready to commission its leather works cluster.

“All of these are scheduled for 2020.

“In 2021, Edo, Ekiti, Katsina, Ogun, Bauchi and Enugu States would commission shared facilities that will bring MSMEs together by cluster and provide shared equipment and resources and business support hub.’’

He commended the participants at the awards for their ingenuity in starting up and sustaining their businesses, urging those who were not shortlisted not to relent in what they were doing.

Osinbajo also commended all those who had started businesses in Nigeria, no matter how small, describing them as champions.

“Every person who has taken it upon themselves to start a business in Nigeria no matter how small is a champion and we as a government owe it to you to create an enabling environment for you to thrive.

“This is President Buhari’s commitment to MSMEs in Nigeria, that we will continue to stand by you and to support you and to create opportunities for you to grow and prosper,” he said.

Adejoke Lasisi of Planet 3R Limited won the MSME of the Year Award while Kaduna State was awarded the Best MSME Clinic Support State.

The event was attended by several state governors and their representatives, the FCT Minister Malam Muhammed Bello, the Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum, various heads of MDAS and captains of industry.

Nigeria Will Pay China Loan Back In 20 Years – Amaechi

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has stated that Nigerian government has the capability to pay back loans collected for the construction of rail projects within the stipulated period of 20 years, PM News reports.

Amaechi, in a statement on Saturday, said China was the only country giving out loans with a low-interest rate of 2.8 percent.

He said no country in the world would give out a loan without a guarantee to pay back such loans.

“The trade agreement between Nigeria and China, the ministry of transportation does not take loan, everything about loan is directed to the Ministry of Finance, so, I couldn’t have signed any loan because I don’t take loan.

“What I signed is what is called commercial contract, which is contract between the Federal Government and CCECC as a contractor, the contract between Nigeria and China is usually signed by the ministry of finance.

“Whether is the ministry of finance that signed it or the ministry of transportation, the issue is that nobody will give you loan free of charge.

“There must be an agreement and such agreement must contain some terms, that doesn’t mean that you are signing away the sovereignty of the country, no country will sign out its sovereignty.

“What clause 8 says is, I expect you to pay according to those terms we have agreed, if you don’t pay, don’t throw your immunity on me when I come to collect back the guarantee that was put forward, that is all.

“We are paying the loans. In the same National Assembly sitting, they were told that of the 500million dollars loan, we have paid 96 million dollars already, Nigeria is already paying.

“And the 500 million dollars was not taken by us, it was taken by President Goodluck Jonathan in his term and that clause was there.

“Nigeria has the capacity to pay back for the period of 20 years at 2.8 per cent, which country will give you that loan? Secondly, these loans are not given to us, they are paid directly to the contractors.

“Once they sign that the job has been done, they pay the contractors and that has never happened before and this project are in place. Are they trying to rubbish the fact that there is a railway from Abuja-Kaduna?
“There is no loan in Nigeria, either internal or external that is not approved by the National Assembly, none.

“Chinese government will not even give you a loan without an approval by the National Assembly because if they give you a loan without the approval from NASS that is no loan,” Amaechi explained.

The minister further said the government needed the loans to boost infrastructure in the country.

According to him, the sovereign guarantee and sovereign immunity clause raised by the NASS is a term used to ensure that loans collected are paid back.

The minister said in the case of a default, only the assets constructed with such a loan would be taken back.

He said: “What you do is you give a sovereign guarantee and that guarantee is the immunity clause they are talking about.

“When we say, I give you a sovereign guarantee and we get immunity clause, the immunity clause is that, if tomorrow I am not able to pay and you come to collect the items we have agreed upon, that these are the items that am putting down as guarantee, I can waive my immunity and say no you can’t touch it am sovereign country.

“So, they are saying, if you are not able to pay, don’t stop us from taking back those items that will make us recover our funds. So, is China our father that will give us money for free?
“It is a standard clause in every agreement whether is America we signed it with, whether is Britain, any country would want to know that they can recover their money.

“Anybody that is saying he doesn’t know what a sovereign guarantee or immunity is, too bad for the person, because it simply means in trade that I am not giving you this loan free of charge.

“Just like you go to the bank to collect a loan, the moment you don’t pay they go after your assets you put down, that is all about the clause, the Chinese can never come and take over Aso rock and become President or Minister.

” And if the assets you put down become depreciated then you negotiate which assets they can go after. Chinese will never take over what was not constructed with the loan.”

Amaechi noted that it would be unconstitutional to take a loan not approved by the NASS, but for confidentiality in government he would have published the clauses generating the dusts.

The minister while asking the reason for the investigation by the NASS added that they were aware of all the loans.

He said: ” The Chinese is just asking us to show them the evidence that we will pay back, which is the immunity clause. If we don’t pay, they can take back their assets.”

On the Zambia experience, where the country could not meet up with its loan agreement, the minister said that the Chinese government will never take over infrastructure that was not constructed from the money taken.

He also acknowledged that the finance ministry in a payment plan had started paying back some of the loans collected.

He said the payment plan was the responsibility of the ministry of finance, and the Ministry of transportation was supposed to implement the contract.

“They are meeting the requirements, at any point in time that we need to pay, we’ll pay. 1.6 billion dollars was taken to fix Lagos to Ibadan, we are asking for 5.3 billion dollars to fix from Ibadan to Kano.

“3.2 billion dollars to fix Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, then Lagos to Calabar which is about 11.1billion dollars, if those things were done when we had money, the infrastructure will be here today? The answer is no,” Amaechi added.
The minister, however, called on the National Assembly and Nigerians to appreciate government effort in providing infrastructure in the country.

Amaechi noted that the Itakpe /Warri rail project in the South South, which was abandoned for thirty four years by successive governments was fully rehabilitated by the present administration without seeking for loan.

Mesut Ozil Reacts As Arsenal Beat Chelsea To Win FA Cup

Arsenal playmaker, Mesut Ozil, has congratulated his team-mates after they won the FA Cup on Saturday.

A brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang saw the Gunners come from a goal down to beat Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley, after Christian Pulisic had opened the scoring.

Ozil was absent at the game, having been told by manager, Mikel Arteta that he wasn’t going to be in his matchday squad, in which he could name nine substitutes on the bench.

The German took the opportunity to travel to Turkey.

However, after the game, he took to his Instagram page to post a picture of Aubameyang with the trophy.

He wrote:

“Great job my boys!”

Arteta was asked about Ozil’s absence after the match and replied: “We don’t have Matteo here and Mesut but they deserve credit as they played their part.”

Covenant University Conducts Home-Based Post UTME For The First Time

The Covenant University Scholastic Aptitude Screening (CUSAS) is a mandatory screening test of the institution for prospective students. It is held once a year before the beginning of the academic year.

However, unlike previous years, this year’s CUSAS is being held virtually in observance of the social distance rule occasioned by the COVID-19 caused by a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) previously unidentified in humans.

Covenant has been able to transmute seamlessly from the usual physical screening to the virtual, courtesy the state-of-the-art Information Communication Technology infrastructure of the University.

According to the Chairman, CUSAS 2020, Professor Kolawole Ajanaku, the screening exercise had been seamless since it started on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. “Screening of candidates has been hitch-free because, at Covenant, we are accustomed to the use of ICT.

Since COVID-19 started, we’ve been on virtual, delivering lectures to our students and having meetings and conferences. So, I believe that’s the way to go,” he stated.

Not less than 3,000 candidates had at the time of filing this report indicated an interest in participating in the 2020 CUSAS.

Professor Ajanaku said that the University sent conditions for successful screening to candidates, and he encouraged parents and guardians to provide the necessary equipment and data for their wards to ensure a smooth exercise.

Covenant had consistently been the most subscribed private institution by candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities. Competition is keen for admission to study in Covenant owing to the cutting edge world-class education and infrastructural facilities on offer at the institution.

Ogun: Students To Undergo COVID-19 Test On Resumption

Ogun state government says all students who will be housed in boarding facilities must get tested for COVID-19 before they resume.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Ronke Soyombo, special adviser to the governor on primary and secondary education.

The state has also directed that all boarding students must stay in school hostels, as private hostels would not be allowed to accommodate students in order to ensure effective monitoring.

“All the returning boarding students are to stay in the school hostels only.

 Parents are hereby advised that private hostels are exempted from accommodating students during this period to ensure strict compliance with NCDC directives,” the statement, which was issued on Friday, read.

“The Ogun State Ministry of Health has made provision for a COVID-19 and malaria test for all SSS 3 boarding students in Ogun State as part of the conditions for the re-opening of schools in the under-listed public health care facilities between Friday 31st July and Monday 3rd August, 2020: [/b]The 250 MTR, Okemosan, Abeokuta; Ogun State General Hospital, Ota; Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu.

[b]“Part of the strong condition for admittance to school for boarding students is the COVID-19 certificate showing NEGATIVE.”

Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun, had announced earlier in the week that SSS 3 students will resume on August 4, 2020.

Meanwhile, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ogun has confirmed 1,394 COVID-19 cases, out of which 1,095 recoveries and 23 deaths have been recorded.

BREAKING: Lagos State Reopens Worship Centres

Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday announced that worship centres in the state will be opened from Friday, August 7.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this during a briefing on COVID-19 at the State House in Marina.

While mosques will be reopened next week Friday, the governor said churches will follow suit on Sunday, August 9.

According to him, religious leaders must make available hand sanitisers, thermometer guns, adding that the state government will ensure that social distancing is maintained.

Worship centres and other social gatherings were banned in the state since March as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Details later.

Former PDP Chairman, Senator Barnabas Gemade Decamps To APC

Senator Barnabas Gemade of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, has again decamped to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Gemade, who was the candidate of the SDP in the last general election has dumped the party in a low key ceremony at the weekend in his village, Gemade Village, Mbajov, Mbawar Council Ward of Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State.

Gemade, a former National Chairman of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, dumped the APC for the SDP shortly before the 2019 general election.

He contested for the Benue North-East senatorial district but lost to the incumbent Senator Gabriel Suswam.

Speaking at the ceremony, the former lawmaker said he “returned to APC after a due consultations with the leadership of the party at the national, state, local and ward levels.”

While receiving him, Benue State Chairman of the party, Comrade Abba Yaro, expressed joy over his return

Speaking further, Yaro said that Gemade as an asset to the party.

Edo Election: Obaseki Has Seen His Defeat – John Mayaki

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Organisation for the Edo State governorship election, has described the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, as a confused man merely projecting the criminal plans his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are perfecting.

The APC campaign said it was dawning realization for the PDP that they have been rejected by the people of Edo State.

The APC said that it is the only party campaigning on its documented manifesto because of it sole strategy to win the election is by winning the hearts and goodwill of the people through well-thought-out programs and policies that will bring relief and erase the failures of the past four years.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to DAILY POST by Prince John Mayaki, Chairman, Edo State APC Media Campaign Council

“Despite spending four years in office, Obaseki has neither achievements nor plans to show,” the statement added.

“He is campaigning largely on empty rhetorics, revisionism, and shameful blackmail and propaganda.

“Election may be weeks away but the truth has finally dawned on Obaseki. He is on his way to a sound, comprehensive defeat so like all failures, he is already preparing the grounds for his defeat with false, ridiculous accusations.

“He is also trying to deflect attention while himself and his party, already renowned for violence, continue to ferry thugs and cultists into the State to rig the election.

“But he will be resisted. Together with our people, we are going to keep watch and ensure the votes to return Obaseki to where he came from are protected and made to count.”

Insecurity: Nigerians Know We Have Done Our Best – Buhari

The President’s claim that he has done his best on insurgency and militancy came two days after insurgents attacked the convoy of the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum.

The governor was said to be on routine inspection when his convoy was attacked by suspected members of Boko Haram between Baga and Munguno on Wednesday.

On Thursday, multiple explosions from mortars fired by suspected Boko Haram members hit Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, leaving many injured.

But Buhari, who recalled that his regime inherited the security challenges from the previous administration, said he has done his best.

He however knocked security agencies on the current security challenges in the North West and North Central, saying they can do better than what they are currently doing.

The President said, “I want Nigerians to be very conscious of their country and what we inherited when we came in 2015 was Boko Haram – North East and the militants, the South-South. Nigerians know that we have done our best.

“What is coming up in the North West and North Central is very disturbing indeed but I believe the military, the police, and other law enforcement agencies from the report I am getting, I think they could do much better.

They could do much better, but we are keeping them on the alert all the time to do their duties.”

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, later issued a statement quoting Buhari as giving assurances that there would be more resources for the country’s military, police, and other security agencies to deal with the unwanted security situation in some areas of the country.

The statement was titled “President Buhari pledges more resources to deal with ‘very disturbing’ security situation in parts of the country.”

Shehu said while assessing the state of security in the country, the President described the situation, particularly in the North West and the North Central parts of the country as “very disturbing.”

He further quoted Buhari as saying that while much had been achieved, security-wise, from the situation he inherited in 2015, more still needed to be done.

The statement read, “He (the President) said considering the security situation on ground when he came to office, ‘Nigerians know that we have done our best. However, what is coming out of the North West and the North Central is very disturbing.’

“Responding to a specific question on the performance of the service chiefs which recently, he said needed to get better, the President said that the military, the police, and other security agencies are working hard.

“We are making available resources to them to even do better,” he assured, adding that “from the reports I am getting, they could do much better…they could do much better. But we are keeping them on the alert all the time to do their duties.”

OFFICIAL!! Victor Osimhen Joins Napoli From Lille

The Nigerian international striker has joined the Serie A side on a big-money deal, having been linked with several top European clubs this summer

Napoli has confirmed the signing of Nigeria international forward Victor Osimhen from Lille.

The striker, who scored 18 goals in 38 appearances for the Ligue 1 side in the 2019-20 season, moves to Naples in a deal reported to be worth €50 million (£45m/$59m).

Osimhen had been linked with several top European clubs following his impressive goalscoring season, including Arsenal and Liverpool, although he will appear in Serie A in the 2020-21 campaign.

The 10 times-capped Nigerian forward – who has scored four goals for his country – first moved to Europe in 2017 with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, before moving to Charleroi in Belgium, initially on loan and then in a permanent transfer.

He was hugely impressive in Belgium as he managed 36 goals in 37 appearances, earning him a €14m (£13m/$17m) move to Ligue 1, where his impressive scoring form continued.

Osimhen will spearhead Napoli’s attack next season as they look to return to the Champions League having missed out this year. The Neapolitan side will finish only seventh in Serie A, although they have guaranteed qualification for the Europa League group stage by winning the Coppa Italia.

Big things are expected of the highly-rated 21-year-old, with Osimhen capable of making a similar impact at Napoli as Diego Maradona once did, according to the head of Nigerian football, Amaju Pinnick.

Pinnick told Radio Kiss Kiss last week: “I think Victor Osimhen is an excellent signing for Napoli. I’ve followed them from when they had Maradona. Naples is a proud city and also in football terms.

“Osimhen is a source of pride for African football. He’s someone who is disciplined but focused on objectives, and if he wants something, he knows how to get it. He made the right decision for his career. I already believe he’ll receive the right support from the club and its fans.

“Napoli are the right club for him to achieve important results, and Osimhen will always give his best. I’ll say it now: Victor will do everything possible to match and even break the records set by a legend like Maradona.

“I talked to Victor just a few minutes ago, he’s very excited about his new experience and new club. Napoli is a big name in world football. It’ll be a new challenge for him and he told me: ‘President, I’ll make Naples proud’.

“If he gets the right support, I guarantee he’ll stick to his word and make you all proud. Believe in him and he’ll help the team achieve their objectives. I’ll come to Naples next season to watch some of their games. Osimhen is young and could stay at Napoli for a long time.”