President Obama It's Not the Oval Office ... A Garage Will Do

1215_obama_house_construction_launch_2President Obama's rental pad is getting fitted for massive upgrades.

Obama's post-presidential crib in D.C. is getting what appears to be an enhanced security system. According to construction permits, obtained by TMZ, the work includes installation of fencing, utilities and a cat walk over an existing staircase. 

Someone on the construction team told us they're upgrading the electrical system in the house to support the specific needs of the soon-to-be former first family.

And get this ... looks like the Prez might be working out of the garage. According to the permit, the contractor will "temporarily convert one garage stall into an office with new bathroom." That would be an astonishing step down from the Oval Office.

The $6 million property will be guarded by Secret Service, but it's interesting that the house is right on the street.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Agriculture bank disburses N21.5bn to Nigerian farmers

The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has disbursed more than N21.5billion to farmers nationwide in an empowerment initiative involving no fewer than 107,200 households.

Mrs Idiat Folorunsho, the Zonal Manager, South West Region, Bank of Agriculture(BOA), made the disclosure at the Ooni Ogunwusi Agric-empowerment Programme in Ile-Ife.

Folorunsho said that dwindling oil revenue had forced a rethink in strategy in favour of agribusiness

She noted that BOA had taken necessary steps through deliberate policies and special programmes to galvanise the agriculture sector and engender the development of agribusinesses.

The Zonal Manager also stressed that the bank was always ready to produce young farmer entrepreneurs to assist in food production and to make the nation to be self-reliant in all agricultural products.

She also said N40billion had been set aside as a special purpose vehicle to ensure proper implementation of the programme to farmers nation wide.

Folorunsho also said the bank’s Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) involves the Anchor providing some degree of support through the supply of inputs and technical advice to farmers.

The Zonal Manger equally noted that all projects were being adequately taken care of with supplies of inputs to farmers after training.

She expressed the belief that a vibrant agro-industrial value chain in the agriculture sector would serve as a springboard for the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Agribusiness, she said, was expected to serve as a rallying point for rejuvenation while ABP was intended to create an ecosystem to link out-growers (small holder farmers) to local processors.

She stated further that this would increase banks’ financing to the sector, increase capacity of anchor companies involved in rice production and increase the productivity and incomes of out-growers.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

How I became a lecturer at law school – 24-year-old Okwor

Okwor

Only 24, Kenneth Okwor is an adjunct lecturer of Corporate Law and Practice at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, and a Templars Law Firm Associate. In this interview, he tells KEMI LANRE-AREMU, about his love for the legal profession and some of his career milestones

What schools did you attend?

I attended the University of Jos where I obtained a Bachelor of Law degree; and for my vocational and professional training, I attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus. I graduated with a Second Class Upper Honours from the University of Jos, and First Class Honours from the Nigerian Law School. I graduated top of my class at the Nigerian Law School, winning several awards and prizes.

What is your work history?

Presently, I am employed as an Associate at Templars and I am also an Adjunct Lecturer of Corporate Law and Practice at the Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School.

What are your job responsibilities?

At Templars, I sit primarily in the finance practice area and we basically advise clients on matters relating to banking, capital markets, mergers, acquisitions and other forms of external and internal restructuring options, project finance and other financing and refinancing structures, and general advisory services on corporate and finance matters.

At the Law School, I teach Corporate Law and Practice.

Did you set out to become a lawyer or you had other professions in mind?

I actually wanted to study Literature in English. However, when it was time to fill the form that would enable me sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, Law was the first choice.

Why the sudden change of mind?

I do not think the decision was actuated by any altruistic feeling or by a desire to define a path for my life. Honestly, it was really about gaining admission to the university to study a prestigious course. However, when I began to study Law, I saw that I could be more and I could do more. The study of Law exposed me to deeper issues that have gone a long way in defining who I am today and what I represent.

What are your areas of speciality?

I am specialising in corporate law and finance as my core areas. For me, these areas are niche areas of practice both in Nigeria and across the world and I believe that on account of my love for corporate law and all that concerns it, I would be able to learn, grow, and contribute my quota in developing the jurisprudence in these areas.

You graduated with second class upper honours from the University of Jos and a first class from the Nigerian Law School. How did you achieve these feats?

Like I always say, it was all a function of God’s grace and hard work. Studies at the university are quite different from studies at the Law School. The approach is very different as the university emphasises substantive law and it is usually very theoretical, while the Law School teaches practical law. Even though the Law School keeps an eye out for substantive law, its emphasis is on the practical application of these laws. Therefore, if properly utilised, the knowledge gained from the university can play a key role in facilitating success at the Bar Exams.

At the university, I was diligent and hard-working, and only missed classes when they conflicted with mock trials. Why I placed more emphasis on the mock trials was because they taught me to contextualise the knowledge gained in class and taught me how they would operate in practical reality.

At the Law School, I was also diligent and hard-working. The Law School’s calendar was, and still is, properly structured such that it was perfectly possible to actively participate in the law clinic and the mock trials without missing any class, and this contributed in making the difference.

Can you recollect your first time in court?

Of course I can. It was June 6 this year. My superiors at Templars insisted that I go alone.  I was scared and spent the entire weekend studying the file and rehearsing the court’s language in front of my mirror. It was a defamation suit and we were the counsel representing the claimant. In court that morning, I was nervous but the longer I waited, the more relaxed I became because I noticed that the court’s procedure was not significantly different from the mock trials I had experienced in my undergraduate and Law School days. When my matter was called, I got up and successfully did the needful.

Who and what have impacted your legal career so far?

I am an academic and a practitioner and I have mentors in both aspects of my professional life.

Albert Einstein is reputed to have observed that he saw far only because he had the privilege of standing on the shoulders of giants. My case is not different from his. My life and my story is a product of mentorship, with my parents being my first and foremost mentors. They inspire me and consistently encourage me to do more. After my parents, Mrs. Adetoun Adebiyi, the Deputy Director General and Head of Lagos Campus of the Nigerian Law School is one woman who believes that there is nothing I cannot achieve. Next on the list are my academic fathers and mentors: His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, Prof. Nnamdi Aduba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN (the one I watch from a distance), Prof.Dakas CJ Dakas SAN, Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, Prof. Shaakaa, Mr. Alimi, Mrs.Odukoya, Mrs. Egbe, Mr.Ogbuanya, Mr. Sam Oguche, Mr.Udemezue, Mrs. James, and my best friend as far as international law is concerned – Mr. Matthias Zechariah. These persons have, whether actively or passively, consistently spurred me to aim for more.

As a practitioner, Mr. Chike Obianwu tops the list of those I work hard to be like and I learn from him daily. Working with him and Desmond Ogba has made me commercially aware, has changed the way I think, and given me deeper insights into the practical application of legal principles and the provision of ‘A’ grade services to clients.

All these persons have had positive impacts on my legal career and have contributed in pushing me this far in my very young career. I mean, I only became a year old at the Bar on December 16, 2016.

What key skills and qualities must one possess to become a successful solicitor/barrister?

Humility, hard work, diligence, high moral and ethical standards, commercial awareness, reliability, a sound knowledge of the law, continuous professional development, and of course, paying clients!

What do you think are the most important characteristics and abilities for any person’s success?

At the risk of sounding ecclesiastic, grace is a necessary tool for success in whatever we do. In addition to grace, anyone who wants to attain success must merge humility with hard work, smart work, diligent work, and excellent work. Having said that, I must state that I would typically not advice anyone to pursue success alone. I advocate excellence and if I am permitted to quote Ranchoddas of the 3 Idiots, “pursue excellence and success will pursue you pants down.”

How did you arrive at the decision to become an Adjunct Lecturer at the Nigerian Law School?

I have always wanted to teach and I developed that dream while I was a sophomore at the University of Jos. However, the opportunity to teach came when I least expected it and at a level that is best left to imagination. In my eyes, the Law School is a sacred institution reserved only for superior legal minds and I did not permit myself to dream of teaching at the Law School because I did not know that I had the requisite superior mind. Consequently, when Mrs. Adebiyi invited me to be her adjunct lecturer, I was overwhelmed with joy and disbelief.

How do you relate with your students considering your young age?

That has been a challenge – a major challenge actually. I started out by being very friendly with them, but trust students, they started abusing it. Then I switched and became strict, and they said I was proud. Even elderly students consistently try to use the age factor against me. But by and large, God has kept me through. I try to be very friendly with them, but I draw lines where necessary.

What is your ultimate career goal?

To develop the jurisprudence in the theory and practice of corporate law and finance in Nigeria as a scholar and as a practitioner, to fight for a vibrant Nigerian Bar that is made up of lawyers who are driven by a positive sense of ethics and high professional conduct, to fight for the protection of human rights (particularly the rights of internally displaced persons), to make positive impacts on legal education pre-call and mandatory continuing professional development post-call. These are at the vanguard of the career I am building.

In between all that you do, what other things interest you?

Classical music! They always bring peace with them. I also love to watch law-related television series. Arts and nature also interest me. Besides these, I lead a very boring life!

How do you achieve a work life balance?

Truthfully, I do not. In between church, Templars, the Law School, and my personal efforts towards self-development, I have no extra time to myself. Right now, the prospects of a work life balance for me is utopian.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Police officer clubbed to death in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command says it has commenced investigation into the clubbing to death of a police officer who was attempting to apprehend some hoodlums smoking Indian hemp in Enugu metropolis.

The incident took place at about 5.p.m on Saturday at the popular New Artisan Market within Enugu metropolis.

It was gathered that the hoodlums overpowered the officer and then used hard objects to club him to death.

Reacting, the command’s spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, said that the police had begun massive crackdown and investigation into the matter.

“We are saddened with the development that we lost one of our own in the line of duty.

“It is unfortunate that at this age, people still engage in maiming law enforcement officers meant to protect and ensure they live peacefully in their neighbourhoods.

“We have launched investigation into the matter.

“The command would unravel what happened and deal with the culprits decisively,’’ he said.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Don’t politicise Moremi, scholar tells Ooni, Olugbo

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

PETER DADA

A Professor of Humanities from the University of Texas, United States of America, Prof. Toyin Falola, has called on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, not to allow the historical issue of Moremi to cause disaffection between them.

“I will write to the two monarchs. They should leave politics out of this matter (Moremi). They should leave the matter for the academics.”

He decried the low level of socio-economic development of Yoruba coastal communities in spite of abundant natural resources in the region when compared with other parts of the country.

Other participants who spoke at the conference however noted that for the situation in Yorubaland to improve, there was the need for the government at all levels to pay more attention to the provision of education, employment and basic amenities such as good roads, potable water and health facilities for the people of the coastal communities.

In his remarks, the Provost of the college, Prof. Olukoya Ogen, stated that the conference was organised as part of efforts by his administration to promote intellectual development and enhance human capacity in the institution.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Ghana varsity bars Bayelsa students from hostels, taking exams

Bayelsa State students studying at King’s University College, Accra, Ghana have been prevented from staying in the institution’s hostels and taking examinations, SUNDAY PUNCH has learnt.

This is coming more than three weeks after the Bayelsa State Government said it had approved the payment of sundry fees for its stranded students studying abroad.

The government had on November 24, 2016 said Governor Seriake Dickson released £300,000 and $450,000 for the payment of tuition fees for the students from the state on scholarship abroad.

The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Markson Fefegha, was quoted as saying that the release of the funds, despite the sharp decline in the revenue accruing to the state, was a show of the government’s commitment to the education of its people.

The commissioner said the release of £250,000 was made to offset tuition fees and other fees of Bayelsa students studying for their PhD degrees in the United Kingdom.

But SUNDAY PUNCH learnt on Saturday that students of KUC were still stranded.

A final-year student of Human Resources Management of the institution, who did not want to be identified for fear of victimisation, said their school fees had not been paid.

The student added that the development prevented them from participating in the ongoing examinations in the institution.

Besides, she said Bayelsa students in Accra had scattered following their expulsion from hostels by the university authorities more than a month ago.

The distraught student, who confirmed the development to SUNDAY PUNCH on the telephone, stated, “They have not yet paid our school fees. However, we learnt the government representatives are on their way to our school.

When contacted, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Markson Fefegha, said the money had been released up to three weeks ago but that the procedure of transferring the fund was “a bit delayed.”

Fefegha stated, “As I speak with you, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Scholarships Board is in Accra. I secured the approval of the money for her about three weeks ago. Let me reiterate that the government is very concerned about the welfare of its students anywhere in the world.”

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Earns Man Utd Third Win In A Row

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his fine form with two goals for Manchester United that were enough to beat West Bromwich Albion.

United took a fifth-minute lead at The Hawthorns as Jesse Lingard’s first-time cross was headed in by Ibrahimovic.

Wayne Rooney almost doubled the score but his fierce shot was tipped on to the bar by Ben Foster, while Salomon Rondon’s first-half header went narrowly wide for West Brom.

Ibrahimovic produced his 11th Premier League goal of the season when he received Rooney’s pass, turned and saw his deflected shot go in.

The win, United’s third in a row, put them seven points above their opponents, and level with Tottenham Hotspur, who play Burnley on Sunday.

Another big performer on the day was Alvaro Negredo, who’s brace helped Middlesbrough return to winning ways as they beat Swansea City at the Riverside.

The striker broke the deadlock on 18 minutes, expertly finishing Adam Clayton’s cross past Lukasz Fabianski.

Negredo doubled the lead from the penalty spot 11 minutes later after Jordi Amat’s foul on Adam Forshaw.

Earlier in the day, Chelsea extended their lead on the Premier League table with a narrow 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, courtesy Diego Costa.

Saturday’s Results:

Crystal Palace 0 – 1 Chelsea

Middlesbrough 3 – 0 Swansea City

Stoke City 2 – 2 Leicester City

Sunderland 1 – 0 Watford

West Ham United 1 – 0 Hull City

West Bromwich Albion 0 – 2 Manchester United

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Nigeria Beat Morocco 6-1 To Reach AFCON Beach Soccer Final

Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles have qualified for the World Beach Soccer Championship to be held in Bahamas in 2017 after beating Morocco 6-1 in the semifinal of the African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations in Lagos

Goals from Abu Azeez, Suleiman Ogodo, Emeka Ogbona, Emmanuel Owhoferia gave Nigeria victory in what was seen by many as a one-sided game.

Coach Adamu Ejo’s boys will now face Senegal in the final of the tournament later today.

Senegal defeated Egypt 5-2 in the first semifinal and have also qualified for the World Beach Soccer Championship.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Family of Police Sergeant Shot By Colleague Demands Justice

The family members of Sgt. Salvation Adaka a Policemen who was shot dead by his colleagues over N20,000 ‘largesse’ on November 7, 2016 in Yenagoa have called on the Police authorities to prosecute the culprits.

It was gathered that Adaka and three of his colleagues from Agudama-Ekpetiama Police Division were on patrol duty on November 7 2016 and stopped over at a wake-keep where they were rewarded with N20,000

Trouble however started when an argument ensued over the sharing formula for the gift received by Adaka, the most senior member of the patrol team and he was shot dead in the scuffle.

Prince Joseph Yabefa, the representative of the family of the deceased policeman said that the family just received the autopsy reports which confirms that Adaka died of gunshots.

He said that the pathologist who conducted the post mortem and autopsy found pieces of the lethal bullets in the spinal cord of the deceased.

Yabefa, who expressed satisfaction with the steps so far taken by the Bayelsa Police Command on the incident, noted that the family is demanding the prosecution of the suspects.

“We have been following developments on the case, our interactions with the Police indicate that three of the Policemen with Adaka on that day were immediately arrested and detained.

“We were also told that one of them who was found not to be culpable have been released while two are still in Police custody awaiting prosecution.

“Most importantly, investigations have indicated that they were on official duty when the incident ensued and not illegal duty as being speculated.

“We are still in grief because Salvation Adaka was the bread winner of the entire extended family including his immediate family; he has an aged mother, five children as well as elder and younger brothers that depended on him.

“We urge the Police to sustain the tempo and not to tamper with the evidences available that will form the basis of prosecution and we shall follow this matter to a logical conclusion,” he said.

Sources at Bayelsa Police Command revealed that the two policemen indicted in the case have been dismissed.

Spokesman of Bayelsa Police Command, DSP Asinim Butswat, however said on telephone that discipline and sanction of the three policemen lies within the administrative powers of the Bayelsa Police Commissioner.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Enugu: Police yet to identify beheaded woman

Ihuoma Chiedozie

The Enugu State Police Command on Saturday said it had not yet identified the beheaded lady whose body was dumped in a street in the state.

It added that it also had not received any report of a missing person from anyone.

The command told SUNDAY PUNCH that it embarked on a full-scale investigations in order to unravel the mystery behind the headless body.

Spokesman for the command, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, told our correspondent that none had been arrested in connection with the incident.

He added that there were indications that the lady was not killed within the area where her body was dumped because there was no blood on the ground.

He said, ‘‘We are still trying to establish her identity. We are trying to find out who she is, where she came from and the circumstances that led to her death. When we get the answers to these questions, we will be able to find out those behind the killing. Until we do that, we cannot make any arrest.’’

The naked, headless body of the unknown woman, believed to be in her late 30s or early 40s, was discovered in the Abakpa area of Enugu on December 7.

Her assailants apparently made away with her head before dumping the body in the street.

The headless corpse was eventually evacuated by the police. The body is currently in a mortuary and has not been claimed by the late woman’s relatives.

Meanwhile, residents of Enugu were apprehensive over the discovery of the beheaded corpse. Many of them attributed the case to ritual killing.

A shopkeeper, Chidera Uneze, told our correspondent that she was worried over the development.

The woman warned ladies to be careful while going out.

“Nowadays, you don’t know who is who; you don’t know who to trust,” she said.

On his part, Ndubuisi Igwe, a civil servant, linked the incident to greed for money by some diabolical individuals.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Military warns soldiers against extortion at checkpoints

Newly appointed Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole (left) and other officers

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, has warned soldiers against extorting money from motorists at checkpoints.

Oluwole gave this warning at the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command in Calabar, Cross River State during a sensitisation campaign for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on value system and re-orientation.

Oluwole, who was represented by the Chief Staff Officer of the command, Rear Admiral Obi Ofodile, said the army was bent on bringing back the core value of discipline among its officers and men.

He said the campaign was organised by the Defence Headquarters to achieve accountability, transparency and dedication to service with a view to complementing ‘the change mantra of the present administration.

According to Oluwole, the objective of the orientation is to instil discipline, attitudinal change, patriotism, bring back the value systems and ensure dedication to service.

He warned military personnel to desist from collecting money from motorists along the highways, adding that anyone caught in the act would be disciplined.

He said the duty of soldiers on the highways was to provide security for motorists and not to extort money from them.

“If anyone extorts money from motorists along the highway and the matter is brought to the notice of the authorities of the Armed Forces, that matter will be dealt with decisively.

“We will not condone that because we all know the basic expectations in the Armed Forces; what you are supposed to do and what you are not supposed to do. Collecting money from motorists is a very dirty thing and we will not condone that.

“Mr. President has launched the ‘change begins with me, campaign to correct many things that have gone wrong. The campaign is to restore our values in the workplace,” he said.

The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigeria Army, Calabar, Brig-Gen. Bulama Biu, also said the military had imbibed the ‘change mantra’ of the present administration.

Biu said the Armed Forces were ready to deliver the dividends of security to the populace, adding that the present administration attached top priority to issues of security.

One of the facilitators of the workshop, Maj-Gen. O.S Adeosun (retd.), said the workshop was organised to build a bridge between the military and the government.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

PDP accuses APC of plotting to burn Edo INEC office

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Dayo Adeyeye

OLUSOLA FABIYI and JOHN ALECHENU
The national leadership of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday alleged that the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress was planning to burn the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state.

Spokesperson for the Makarfi-led PDP, Dayo Adeyeye, who stated this in a statement, said the party was reliably informed that some APC members were planning to destroy the documents used for the September 28 governorship election in the state.

Adeyeye said the revelations that allegedly emanated from the office of INEC jolted the APC representatives.

He said, “At the INEC office on Wednesday, the APC representatives demonstrated readiness to carry out their threat by assaulting the INEC personnel in the presence of some of our members and other people, who saved the situation.

“It is hopeless for members of a political party that claims to have won the election to resort to an unruly aggression in such an exercise.”

However, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Bolaji Abdullahi, denied the allegation.

He said, “This is not an issue to trade words with the PDP about. It is not everything we should play politics with.

“If they have any evidence about any person trying to commit arson, which by our laws is a crime, they should report such a person to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. They will be helping to prevent a crime from being committed. It is not appropriate to make wild allegations all in the name of politics.”

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

We have received 60 applications for new parties – INEC

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that 60 associations have applied to the commission to be registered as political parties in the country.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, disclosed this at a Capacity Development Workshop organised by the electoral commission for the press corps which ended on Saturday in Abuja.

Ten political parties were recently registered by INEC following court orders to bring the number of political parties in Nigeria to 40.

Oyekanmi said that the applications were at various levels of processing by the commission.

“Presently we have 40 political parties in the country. I can tell you that as at Thursday Dec. 15, 60 associations have approached the commission to be registered.

“Their applications is presently being attended to and they are in different level of processing,’’ Oyekanmi said.

The chief press secretary added that another eight groups had also approached the commission inquiring on the process of applying for political party’s registration.

Commenting on Information and Communication Technology deployed for elections by INEC, Oyekanmi said that the commission was working on some value adding projects in order to improve the country’s electoral process.

He said that the projects developed by the department were expected to be launched in 2017.

One of the projects, according to him, included voter registration transfer portal; a centralised system that handle transfer of voters from one polling unit to another.

Others were voter verification portal, integrated voter register portal, and e-based Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection directional portal that provides useful information to the public on how to collect their PVC’s.


--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Beyonce gives her employees a surprise performance at Christmas party

We already know Beyonce is one of the greatest performers in the world.

But when the company she founded and runs decided to have a Christmas party, the employees sure didn’t expect her to show up and perform for them.

After the employees of the company had watched a screening of the singer’s visual album, Lemonade, the singer took to the stage to serenade them exclusively, accompanied by a band.

Now, don’t you wish you worked for Beyonce?

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Donald Trump I've Got That Southern Charm

  Donald Trump just finished his "Thank You" tour in a very colorful way, with a greeting from some Alabama teens dressed in their Sunday's best.

Trump touched down in Mobile Saturday ... and waiting for him were some Alabamians who serve as Azalea Trail Maids, a group of high schoolers chosen to serve as ambassadors for the city.

The Prez-Elect then made his way to Ladd-Peebles Stadium where he addressed a large crowd, thanking them for their support during the election.

It's no wonder Donald chose Alabama as the grand finale of his tour ... the state supported him with almost 63% of its vote.

That's a wrap, y'all.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Amosun Congratulates Buhari at 74

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, on his 74th birthday.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Adejuwon Soyinka, the Ogun State Governor joined family, friends, political associates and well-wishers to celebrate the President on the occasion of his birthday, on Saturday.

“On this occasion of your birthday, we celebrate you and your commitment to the socio-economic and political development of our dear nation, Nigeria,” the Governor said.

Governor Amosun added that, “at 74, the President’s work ethics, commitment to the Nigerian nation and style of leadership is indeed a great lesson to the younger generation.”

The governor prayed that Allah continues to grant the President good health, sound mind and fulfilment in his efforts to steer the ship of the Nigerian state in the right direction.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

See how 2face Idibia made the day of his oldest female fan

On Thursday, December 15, pop singer, 2Baba finally met his oldest female fan, Mrs Rukayat Shobanjo.

The very excited old woman, who was brought to the venue of the Buy N Win promo by her grandson, happily knocked knuckles with 2Baba as she finally got to meet Mr Senator in person.

2Baba was no less excited as he greeted her all smiles and cheerful.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

The Stoke boss is baffled by Leicester City's furious protests after Jamie Vardy was sent off during their draw at the bet365 Stadium

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes says Leicester City are wrong to complain about a "clear" red card for Jamie Vardy.

Vardy was controversially sent off after 28 minutes of the 2-2 draw at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.

Leicester fans react to Vardy challenge

The striker initially left the ground as he slid in to challenge Mame Biram Diouf, but then appeared to win the ball cleanly and was stunned when referee Craig Pawson brandished a red card. 

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri was furious with Pawson at half-time, but Hughes cannot understand why.

"I have seen it and it was a two-footed challenge," Hughes said.

"The lad left the floor and I don't know what they are complaining about. From my point of view it was clear."

Stoke quickly raced into a two-goal lead following Vardy's dismissal, but 10-man champions Leicester fought back with goals in the last 16 minutes from Leonardo Ulloa and Daniel Amartey.

That left Stoke without a win in three Premier League matches after a collapse that replicated last season's home game against Leicester, where they also lost a two-goal advantage.

Hughes continued: "Leading 2-0 it was well deserved, we were good value for that lead and were in good shape. You have to get the job done and we didn't do that.

"They came at us and that is why they were champions last year. In the end we were lacking that spark and energy and they took advantage of that.

"You think it should be a straightforward second half, but we made it difficult and allowed them to get back into the game.

"We are in decent shape, but this game should have been won. We have big games ahead of us but you have to test yourself against them at some stage of the season."

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

RUMOURS: Alexis contract talks set to drag on until the summer

The Chile international is hoping for a deal worth £250,000 a week to stay at the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners are yet to make a satisfactory counter-offer.

Alexis Sanchez remains a long way away from extending his Arsenal contract after the club's offer fell well short of expectations, according to the Mirror.

The Chilean was reportedly offered a deal worth £180,000 a week, a substantial improvement on his current contract which expires in 2018.

Alexis, however, is determined to hold out for £250,000, and with talks stuck at an impasse, a resolution is not expected until the coming summer.

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.

Neymar: I wouldn't trade any of my teammates for Ronaldo

The Brazil international would not alter the Blaugrana's attacking trio, even if he had the choice of any player from Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo may have just pipped Barcelona's Lionel Messi to claim his fourth Ballon d'Or but Neymar insists he would not replace any of his team-mates with the Portuguese.

Neymar also says he wouldn't have Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema in his side, if he had the choice, but would like to play alongside close friend Marcelo.

Asked by CNN if he could pinch one name from his arch-rivals, Neymar replied: "I would pick Marcelo.

"Why? Because he is my friend! Not even Cristiano? No, I would pick Marcelo.

The Brazil international would not alter the Blaugrana's attacking trio, even if he had the choice of any player from Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo may have just pipped Barcelona's Lionel Messi to claim his fourth Ballon d'Or but Neymar insists he would not replace any of his team-mates with the Portuguese.

Neymar also says he wouldn't have Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema in his side, if he had the choice, but would like to play alongside close friend Marcelo.

Asked by CNN if he could pinch one name from his arch-rivals, Neymar replied: "I would pick Marcelo.

"Why? Because he is my friend! Not even Cristiano? No, I would pick Marcelo.

"I wouldn't say which the best trio was because I don't like to. I never like to say that I am better than anybody else, but this trio [Barcelona's MSN] has made history and will continue to do so.

"Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or four times and Bale is having a great season. Benzema is a great striker who I think is a superstar.

"They are star footballers who are respected.

"It is a good battle, a healthy battle which we have in the Clasico."

--Roluyo Hammed contributed reporting.