35 people looses their lives in Ogun accident

Chief Executive/Corps Commander, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Cdr. Seni Ogunyemi, says 35 persons have lost their lives in motor accidents in the state in the last two months. Ogunyemi disclosed this, in Ota, on Monday. He said that 51 road accidents were recorded in June out of which 13 personas died, 95 got injured and 447 traffic offenders were apprehended. He said as at July 30, 47 road accidents occurred which resulted in the death of 22 persons, while 88 sustained various degrees of injury. The corps commander said that 479 were arrested for various offences ranging from violation of traffic rules and driving without license, among others. He urged road users in the state to be cautious on the highways, especially in August due to the excessive rainfall witnessed during the month. He also advised motorists to always fasten their seat belt while driving and ensure that they had “C-Caution’’ in their vehicles to alert and prevent articulated vehicles from ramming into them. Ogunyemi blamed majority of the road accidents to abandoned or broken down vehicles on the highways which, he said, had claimed so many lives. He advised people to call the following emergency lines: 08062703568, 08164286906 and 08020374582 for necessary assistance during emergencies. (NAN)

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Etisalate Becomes 9mobile

now you would have heard that Nigeria’s most innovative telecommunications company, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria recently morphed into 9mobile, unveiling the new name and logo whilst promising to continuously provide innovative and value-adding propositions which it has delivered since inception 9 years ago. At a press briefing in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, 9mobile, Boye Olusanya, said the new brand identity reflects the bold and creative attributes which the organization shares with its valued subscribers. The telco said that the new name and brand is a deliberate representation and confirmation of its Nigerian heritage and 9ja-centricity. Although its name and brand changes, it assured its customers that the values on which it operates remain the same. The new logo, a number-themed one, represents resilience and continuity and also reflects the network’s futuristic perspective. The colour green, both its light and dark variants, reflects vibrancy, dynamism, life, and youth as well as the brand’s ‘Nigerianness’.

Rebranding has commenced at all of the company’s offices, Experience Centres, online and physical touch points, to facilitate seamless integration, as 9mobile guards its position as the most customer-centric and leading innovative telecoms company in Nigeria.

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NEYMAR PREPARE TO JOIN PSG AS HE SET FOR PSG MEDICAL

Barcelona forward Neymar will have his medical in Doha on Tuesday prior to completing a world record €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain, Al Watan reports. The attacker has long been associated with the Ligue 1 club, who could complete the deal before their opening match of the season against Amiens on Saturday. The French club Paris Saint-Germain expressed confidence in the completion of the century deal with the transfer of Brazilian star Neymar Dasilva from Barcelona to the French capital starting from the next season 2017/2018. The home country has indicated in the past that the player will arrive Doha during the next few hours to end negotiations with the President of the club Khulaifi, and to conduct medical examinations at the Sports Medicine Hospital of Aspetar orthopedic surgery to be then the official announcement of the deal. "The Neymar deal is going well, I'm sure," he said, referring to the suspension of the deal.

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Manchester City offers £320,000 a week to Alexis Sanchez

Manchester City will redouble their efforts to sign Alexis Sanchez with a mammoth wage offer, according to the Daily Mail. The Chilean's future at Arsenal was once more put in doubt on Friday as he pulled out of training, ostensibly due to illness. And while the Gunners expect him to report for pre-season duty once recovered, a reported City offer of £320,000 a week is designed to put further pressure on them to release Alexis, whose contract is up next year. Manchester City are prepared to pay Alexis Sanchez close to the staggering £400,000 per week he wants. And the saga surrounding the wantaway Arsenal forward took an intriguing twist on Friday after he posted a sombre picture of himself tagged as 'sick' on his Instagram account. Arsenal confirmed that Sanchez is due back for pre-season training on Sunday. If he doesn't report for duty, fears of a move to City will only grow. Sportsmail understands that City will make Sanchez the club's top earner with a deal in the region of £320,000 a week. But that amount will be topped up by various performance-related bonuses and image rights. Meanwhile, Monaco have rejected Arsenal's latest £50million offer for winger Thomas Lemar. City players would offer a warm welcome to Sanchez and Claudio Bravo told 24 Horas: 'If he decides to go, we'll wait for him with open arms.' That will be reassuring news for Sanchez, who may have to wait a whole 12 months before eventually joining the goalkeeper at the Etihad Stadium.

Indeed, Arsene Wenger has insisted the club would rather lose Sanchez for nothing next summer than sell now. Of course, Arsenal will still hope to eventually convince Sanchez to sign a contract extension at the club, but Sportsmail understands the prospect of such an occurrence is looking bleaker than ever.

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LEICESTER CITY FRUSTRATE AS ROMA BID SIGN RIYAD MAHREZ

The Yellow and Reds may have to look elsewhere after their second bid for the Algeria international was discarded by the Foxes AS Roma have seen their second bid of £32 million (€35million) for Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez rejected by the former English champions, Goal understands. The Italian outfit had been hopeful of signing the Algeria international at their second attempt, but that ambition has faded in thin air despite improving on their initial bid of £20m. And despite the 26-year-old disclosing he wants to leave the King Power Stadium, Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare insisted Mahrez would remain a Fox until the club received a suitable offer. “Riyad is our player until I am told otherwise from the board that a bid has been accepted,” Shakespeare told media. “He is turning up for training, has been very professional, got about his business and you see that from his performances. “Riyad was honest enough to come out at the beginning and say he would like to move to a top six club. He was putting out offers for that. “We are aware of the situation and until we get an offer that is suitable, he stays with us.” According to the Serie A sporting director Monchi, Roma will not make a third offer for the winger with Leicester reportedly seeking a fee of £50 million. Mahrez joined Leicester from French second-tier side Le Havre in 2014 and played a starring role in their Premier League triumph in 2015-16.

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Man Utd Considering Bale Signing

Manchester United are on red alert after being given fresh encouragement in their long-standing pursuit of Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale. Bale has been coveted by United for years, with the club first trying to sign the Welshman in 2007 before he joined Spurs and then failing with a £103 million bid to hijack his move to Real four years ago. But United could be about to make a fresh move for Bale after Zinedine Zidane admitted he could not guarantee the 28-year-old will remain at the Bernabeu this summer.

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Abducted NNPC Staff Rescued By Nigeria Military Troops

STAFF of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, abducted by the Boko Haram terrorists on Tuesday, at Barno Yasu, Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State, were Wednesday, rescued by the military troops battling insurgents in the state. But before the rescue of the oil works, the terrorists killed an army officer, eight soldiers and a civilian, according to reports. The Nigerian Army which confirmed the rescue of the works as well as killing of the military men and a civilian, said the staff of NNPC were rescued just as it said it recovered the remains of the dead. The Army, in a statement through its spokesman, Brigadier General Sani Usman, yesterday, said the rescue team also recovered four vehicles one of which include a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, two white Hilux taken away from NNPC staff and other blue Hilux belonging to Chad, among others items. The Nigerian Army statement, as released read thus:”Yesterday Tuesday 25th July 2017, at about 3.00pm, suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambushed the escort and team of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) staff returning from oil exploration On receipt of the information, the Brigade mobilized and sentreinforcement, search and rescue party that include the Armed Forces Special Forces and guides that worked and pursued the terrorists throughout the night. “So far, they have rescued all the NNPC staff and recovered the corpses of the Officer, 8 soldiers and a civilian have who have been evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital. “The team recovered four vehicles one of which include a gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, two white Hilux taken away from NNPC staff and one blue Hilux belonging to CJTF. They team also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition, several spare tyres, many jerry cans of containing Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant, assorted drugs, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials, reflective jackets and a Motorola handheld radio, among others. The team also neutralized many of the terrorists. “The troops are not relenting in the pursuit, search and rescue effort.”

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LIVERPOOL SET TO SIGN VAN DIJK

Liverpool are expected to sign Virgil van Dijk by the end of the transfer window, according to Sky Sports. The Reds publicly ended their chase for the defender last month after Southampton complained of an illegal approach. Liverpool's position has not changed since they issue a statement last month, which read: "Liverpool would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs. "We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk. We respect Southampton's position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player." We understand Van Dijk still wants to move to Liverpool. He has not gone on a Southampton training camp in France. There is no suggestion that Liverpool have done anything wrong since they apologised and ended their interest, while Southampton's position remains that Van Dijk is not for sale. Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in the player.

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Barca agrees personal deal with coutinho

Barcelona have agreed a deal with Liverpool midfielder Coutinho, according to reports in Mundo Deportivo via RAC1. The Spanish side have come to terms with the player, though will still have to negotiate with the Premier League club, who have already rejected a €75 million offer. The Barça team would already have a pact with the Brazilian player and now will negotiate with Liverpool the price of the transfer The club has accelerated in the last hours of negotiations to include Philippe Coutinho this summer to strengthen the staff of Ernesto Valverde to the point that already have a closed Brazilian midfielder for calling at the Camp Nou agreement. This has been reported 'RAC1', adding that the '10' Liverpool has everything agreed with the club and baroque only need to negotiate the amount of transfer that would perceive the set of Anfield. At first, it was speculated that Liverpool would have rejected an offer close to 75 million euros , so that the final price of the operation could exceed 80 'kilos. As we have informed from MD, a Barça emissary is already in England to begin negotiations and it is expected that in the next few hours new representatives of the Barça club will travel to speed up the procedures. Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp acknowledged he has no intention of giving up one of his stars but could look favorably on the Brazilian's departure to tackle the additions of Naby Keita and Virgil van Dijk .

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PDP GOVERNORS SET TO VISIT PRESIDENT BUHARI IN LONDON TODAY

The NSA, Major General Babagana Munguno (retd.), selects six PDP governors to have lunch with President Buhari in London Four governors selected for the trip are from the south-south, south-east, north-west and south-west respectively, while two others are from the north-east and north-central The trip has been confirmed by a governor who is not among those travelling to see the president The office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has selected six governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to visit President Muhammadu Buhari in London. The Punch reports that the NSA, Major General Babagana Munguno (retd.), selected the six governors from the six geo-political zones of the country. Four governors selected for the trip are from the south-south, south-east, north-west and south-west respectively, while two others are from the north-east and north-central. Listed among the six governors are Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi). The governors are expected to have lunch with the president before returning to the country on Wednesday, July 26. The scheduled visit has come as a surprise to a governor who is not among those travelling to see Buhari. The governor who did not want his name mentioned stated that those chosen for the journey were picked outside what he described as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). He however noted that had the secretariat and the governors been contacted, the governors would have picked at least one of the PDP governors that had been critical of the Buhari. He said: “Our colleagues are going to London to see the President. But I’m not happy that someone like the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, or his Rivers State counterpart, Mr. Nyesom Wike, is not on the delegation. “Though there are PDP governors on the delegation, we know ourselves and also know those we know are truly part of the opposition and those close to the ruling All Progressives Congress. “The governors had been directed to be at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, tomorrow (Tuesday). From there, they will fly to the United Kingdom.” Another governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the trip. He said the idea was suggested by some APC governors. Meanwhile, the London visit of the PDP governors is coming shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, July 23, received a delegation of All Progressive Congress (APC) governors at the Abuja House, in London.

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13 Rescued in Lagos building collapse

Over 13 people were rescued alive after a four-storey building collapsed in Lagos Island, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has said. According to a statement by the General Manager, LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, the incident occurred at about 2.43 pm on Tuesday at number 3, Massey Street. A joint recovery operation is reportedly ongoing by LASEMA Response Unit, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Ambulance Service, and the Lagos State Fire Service.

“Others include the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Red Cross and the police. “Heavy duty equipment presently searching through the rubble,” Tiamiyu added.

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Bayern president feels €222m for Neymar is sign of weakness

The Brazil international has been tipped for a record move to the French capital, but the Bayern chief believes it means they have failed elsewhere Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness feels it is an admission of failure for a club to spend big in the transfer market, as Paris Saint-Germain continue to be linked with an extraordinary €222 million swoop to sign Neymar from Barcelona. The Ligue 1 giants are ready to smash the world transfer record by meeting the enormous release clause in the Brazil international's contract, although Barca defender Gerard Pique suggested via a Tweet on Sunday that the 25-year-old has been convinced to remain at Camp Nou. The attacker is yet to confirm his future has been decided, though, and Hoeness believes such a transfer would be a bad sign. "This is a sign of weakness," he said of the outlays being made across Europe.

"If I have to spend a lot of money to achieve nothing, it is more of a sign that I have not worked as well somewhere else. And that's why I cannot be interested in spending so much. "Not the most expensive transfer is the best, but the one who does the most. "I think that is why, in this shark basin - €100m, €200m - we must find our own way." Bayern parted with a Bundesliga record fee of €41.5m to capture Corentin Tolisso from Lyon and brought in Niklas Sule from Hoffenheim for a reported €20m. But they have also snared potential bargains in the form of Serge Gnabry, a cut-price arrival from Werder Bremen, James Rodriguez, signed on loan from Real Madrid, and free transfer Sebastian Rudy, as the team prepares to try and secure a sixth successive Bundesliga title. RB Leipzig sprung a surprise to finish second to Bayern last season, but Hoeness expects a more predictable rival to vie for the championship in 2017-18. "Leipzig will play a good season again, but the first challenger will surely be Borussia Dortmund," he said. Bayern were without a sporting director in coach Carlo Ancelotti's first campaign in charge last term, after failing to replace Matthias Sammer, who stepped down in July 2016. According to Hoeness, though, they are now close to making an appointment. "We will announce a sporting director within the next six weeks," he said.

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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed he wants to add a midfielder and winger to his squad.

The Red Devils' quest to strengthen their squad may have begun to stutter but the Portuguese manager remains hopeful of making two signings Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed he wants to add a midfielder and winger to his squad. Though Mourinho would not divulge the names of his targets, Inter's Ivan Perisic and Nemanja Matic of Chelsea are thought to be at the top of his wishlist. United have signed Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku so far in the transfer window, while Mourinho has previously suggested he may be forced to settle for just one more addition. By comparison, Manchester City have spent an estimated £200million on six players, while Chelsea (four) and Liverpool (three) have recruited more fresh talent than United so far, but Mourinho remains calm about the situation. "I don't know [the current situation], honestly I don't know, Ed [Woodward] is in control," the United boss told a media conference on Tuesday. "He did Lindelof and Lukaku, he knows that I would like two more players but he also knows that I have balance, I depend on the situation, the market, and if my club is unable to do two players and just one, I accept that as a consequence of the market now. "Our relationship is good and I just wait for good news, and he knows good news is to have the players, maybe just the [one] player as soon as possible because to work together with the team is really important. "But I'm calm, I like my players, I like my squad, I trust them, so I'm calm and that's important." He added: "I would like one player [to be] a midfield player, [that] would give me more options to the balance and the team. "Another one an attacking player, especially that can play through the wings to give me more attacking options but I never speak about players that belong to other teams. "I don't like if any manager comes and would say he would like one of my players, that's not correct. I would like two more players but probably I only get one."

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ARSENAL CLOSE TO SIGNING LEMAR FOR £45M

Arsenal are finally close to agreeing a £45 million deal with Monaco to sign winger Thomas Lemar, claims The Sun. Monaco have already rejected two bids for Lemar and had been determined to prevent the France international from joining the club exodus, but Arsenal have reportedly persuaded the Ligue 1 champions to sell. Arsene Wenger looks to have finally landed Thomas Lemar Arsene Wenger has already had bids rejected for the 21-year-old as Monaco were demanding £80m for a player they signed from Caen two years ago. Monaco were hoping the huge numbers quoted would deter Arsenal and help them keep Lemar for another season on the premise his value would increase further to spark a bidding war. SunSport revealed earlier this month Lemar has already agreed terms with Arsenal and told the French champions to allow him to move to North London this summer. Lemar will be Wenger’s third addition at the Emirates this summer as the French coach looks to lead the club back into title contention. Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac have been recruited and the arrival of the Monaco star will be a huge boost for the Gunners, who would take their summer spending to £97m. Lemar featured for Monaco in their last pre-season game at Benfica and will hope to get the green light to complete his switch to the Premier League before they face Paris-Saint Germain in Morocco this Saturday in the Trophee des champions.

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REAL AGREE €180M WITH MONACO FOR MBAPPE

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Monaco regarding a €180 million deal for teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe, reports Marca. Once a record-breaking transfer is pushed through, the France international striker will pen a six-year contract with the reigning La Liga champions. However, Nice Matin claim that Monaco have rejected this speculation out of hand.

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Boko Haram Deputy Unit Commander Arrested in Abuja

As the military continue to bombard the Sambisa Forest camps and hideouts of Boko Haram remnants, the terrorists have continued to flee and spread to other parts of the country. Consequently, the Police in Abuja at the weekend arrested a prime Boko Haram suspect and second in command of the deadly sect at Gwako Village in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday morning. The suspect, 20 year old Seth Yakubu who hails from Obi in Nasarawa state, was arrested at about 11.30 am after police received a tip-off on his suspicious behaviour in the village. According to the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Kimo, the suspect while confessing to his membership of Boko Haram said he escaped to the village from Sambisa Forest after their hideout was dislodged by the Nigeria Airforce through a major air-strike about a week ago. Yakubu further stated that he left Maiduguri on Friday 21st July 2017 and arrived Gwako village on Saturday 22nd July 2017 at about 10pm to conceal his identity and seek refuge. The suspect said he was lured to join the Boko Haram terrorists group by a young man who approached him with a promise of an automatic employment into the Nigerian Army only to end up with the sect group. He said he was given a form to fill and thinking the job was real, he completed the form only to be taken to an unknown depot where he and some others received training. Yakubu further confessed that apart from being the second in command in his unit, he actively participated in several deadly attacks launched by the group against innocent citizens. In the meantime, CP Musa Kimo has enjoined residents of the FCT and environs to be vigilant and always report any strange and suspicious person or persons, or activity to the police. “The Command wishes to also advise community leaders to guard against habouring strangers, especially those whose mission to the community is not clear. “Upon the identification of any strange face in a community, the nearest police formation can be alerted or the FCT police Command emergency helplines-lines and they are 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883” the CP said. Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/07/breaking-police-arrest-boko-haram-deputy-unit-commander-abuja/

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Neymar has agreed terms with PSG

Barcelona forward Neymar has reportedly agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain over a six-year contract. According to reports, the Brazillian will earn a whopping £500,000 per week should he eventual join the Ligue 1 side. According to Carlos Carpio of Marca, Neymar’s father recently met with PSG sporting director Antero Henrique and board member Sophie Jordan to finalise the transfer. Carpio suggested the deal will go through when PSG “deposit the €222 million of [Neymar’s] termination clause, which it appears will be done via the personal sponsorship of Qatar.”

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BERNARDESCHI UNDERGOES JUVENTUS MEDICAL

After scoring 11 times for Fiorentina in Serie A last season, the 23-year-old is closing in on a big-money move to the champions Juventus are closing in on the signing of Italy international Federico Bernardeschi, who is undergoing a medical with the Turin club. The 23-year-old Fiorentina attacker is expected to complete a €40 million move, which has long been rumoured. Juventus are still hunting for a replacement for Paul Pogba following his world-record transfer to Manchester United last summer, and after Bernardeschi scored 11 times for the Viola in Serie A last term they are hopeful he could be their man. Around 100 fans gathered outside Juve

Medical to greet the player, with a banner stating: "The No.10 cannot be without an owner. Welcome, Fede, winning is our mission."

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President Buhari received APC leaders and Governors

- President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, July 23, met with some All Progressives Congress, (APC) governors and leaders in London - The delegation included the APC party chairman, John Oyegun; governors of Imo, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi - President Buhari described the negative reports about him as lies President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, July 23, received a delegation of All Progressive Congress (APC) governors at the Abuja House, in London. The Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha said the president was very cheerful and has not lost any bit of his sense of humour. In a telephone conversation with Femi Adesina, the president's media adviser, following the meeting of the APC governors and leaders with President Buhari, he said the president was delighted to receive the delegation and asked each governor about affairs in his state. Governor Okorocha said the party delegation spent more than an hour with President Buhari over lunch, and it was very clear from the discussions that he followed developments at home very closely. When asked to react to all the negative things being said about him, the president just laughed, describing such negative reports as lies. Governor Okorocha said President Buhari was completely unperturbed by the cocktail of lies, adding that he sent his best wishes to Nigerians. According to Okorocha Nigerians don’t have to worry at all, adding that President Buhari will be back as soon as the doctors give him the green light. “By our visit to London today, the merchants of lies have been put out of business and Nigerians will not buy the garbage they have been selling. All those who look up to fake news can find better use for their time,” Governor Okorocha noted. Governors Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa; Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna; Yahaya Bello of Kogi; and APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, were also in the delegation. President Buhari left Nigeria for London on Sunday, May 7, 2017, to attend to health challenges, having earlier made a similar trip to London and upon arrival in Nigeria, stated that he was going to return to London at a later date.

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Governor Rochas Okorocha empowered 305 IMO youths

Governor Rochas Okorocha states that he chose to empower 305 youths in Imo state to encourage the youths to succeed and begin to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the state - The governor says his administration is determined to give poverty a deadly blow in the state - Okorocha warns the beneficiaries to put the money to good use, noting that they will be arrested if they fail to do so Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has transformed 305 youths into instant millionaires by empowering them with the sum of one million naira each. The youths who benefited from empowerment programme were selected from the 305 wards across the 27 local government areas of the state, according to a statement by Sam Onwuemeodo, the chief press secretary to the governor. The Okorocha explained that he chose to empower one youth each from the 305 wards in the state to encourage the youths to succeed and begin to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the state in particular and the nation at large. He said: “I declare myself the grand patron of all the Youth Millionaires. Henceforth, if you encounter problems in running your various businesses you should feel free to consult me by channeling your difficulties through the Chief of Staff. My dream is to make sure that in the next one year your story will change for better. “We have employed ten young graduates from each of the 305 wards totaling 3050. We have empowered ten women in each of the wards with N100,000 also totaling N305million. And today, we have given One Million Naira each to 305 youths. Those in school are enjoying our free education programme. We are determined to give poverty a deadly blow in the state.” The governor however told the beneficiaries to put the money to good use, warning that if the government visits them and does not see what you are doing with the money, they will be arrested and put in prison.

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Freed Chibok girls set to return to school

All 106 freed Chibok Girls will resume schooling by September, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Jummai Alhassan, declared yesterday. She spoke at a special lunch for the girls and their parents in Abuja. The minister said the resumption is sequel to conclusion of the rehabilitation and reintegration programme organised for them in September. She said that the Chibok girls were rehabilitated and ready to pursue their academic goals again. Alhassan hinted the federal government would keep all the 106 girls in one institution in the North East. The federal government, she added, was in talks with the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, to take in the girls for its foundation programme. Alhassan said: “Since release of the 21 girls, the American university has indicated interest in supporting the girls just like other development partners in the country. “The programme is coming to an end and the girls are due for school in September but they (AUN) have been preparing just for the 21. “So we are talking to see how the others can be accommodated not necessarily by them bearing the cost or anything because we have many people that want to support the education of the girls in addition to government readiness.” The Minister disclosed 14 of the girls who escaped from Boko Haram received scholarship by the AUN and went through the foundation programme before commencement of their tertiary education. She stated the government was working to secure release of the remaining girls in Boko Haram custody. She also appealed to Boko Haram terrorists to embrace dialogue and stop the insurgency in the North East. “Negotiation with Boko Haram is still going on. You know the first 21 were released in October last year and about six or seven months later, the 82 came so negotiations are still going on and we are hopeful by the grace of God that the rest will be released also. “They should dialogue and see reasons and that whatever it is, they should come to the table. “Government is ready to dialogue with them. They should dialogue with government to bring an end to this thing that is affecting us.”

The minister dismissed insinuations government was preventing parents of the girls from visiting them, stressing the girls were not compelled to be in government custody. She also said that none of the girls was HIV positive or pregnant. Chairman, Abducted Chibok Girls Movement, Yakubu Keki, commended the government for taking adequate care of the girls. He said that he had confidence in the ability of the government to negotiate release of the remaining girls the same way their counterparts were freed. Our correspondent observed that the girls were in high spirit, looking well fed and related freely with journalists under the watch of plain- clothes security personnel.

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Conte considered leaving Chelsea

Why I wanted to leave Chelsea after winning Premier League title – Conte 2017/07/23 07:08:34dailypost.ng Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte, has revealed he considered leaving Stamford Bridge this summer. Conte claims he was shattered by last season’s title success and wanted to see if the board supported his long-term vision for the club. The former Juventus coach clearly got enough assurances, for him to decide to move his wife Elisabetta and daughter Vittoria to London. “My family is very ­important. It will show my ­commitment with the club, with this project as I try to build something important. “I must be honest, last season was very tough, it was very strong for me and for my family. It wasn’t easy for me because sometimes when you win you think that everything is easy but it wasn’t to win and to have this type of season. “Now I decided with the club to ­continue our path. I spoke with the club and we found the right view about the future. For every manager it is important to explain your idea. “It’s very important that the club understand your idea and are ready to work together, to try together and to have this solid ­foundation. “I can want this, but if I’m alone it’s very difficult to do this. “My desire and the club’s was to continue this work and for this reason I renewed a new contract. “I repeat, now it’s right to start to work together and it’s very important to know that there is a lot of work to do. “The most important thing for our club, the players and fans, is that we are building something important. When you work in this way the present is very important but also the future. “It’s important to be realistic and to understand where I stay now. I have the will to work so hard, to start from here, and to try to arrive there,” he said.

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Saudi Arabia Deportes 198 Nigerians

Some Nigerian deportees from Equatorial Guinea The Federal Government on Saturday received no fewer than 198 Nigerians illegally residing in Saudi Arabia at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 10 am. This number was out of the 1,800 Nigerians living illegally in Saudi Arabia, who were given amnesty to return to the country. The 198 persons including women and children returned with their luggage on board a Med-View aircraft. Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Kano received the first batch of the returnees. Mohammed Yahaya-Sani, the Consular at the Nigerian Consulate in Jedda, Saudi Arabia, who led the illegal immigrants to Nigeria, told newsmen at the airport that the Federal Government sponsored their return. According to him, the illegal migrants voluntarily reported to the Nigerian Embassy to be returned to Nigeria in compliance with the three months evacuation notice issued to them by Saudi authorities, which will expire on July 24. Yahaya-Sani said that contrary to speculations, the returnees were not deported rather they voluntarily accepted the amnesty offer granted them by the Saudi authorities for illegal immigrants to leave the country. “They decided on their own to return to Nigeria. The Saudi authorities offered amnesty to all illegal immigrants to leave the country within three months,” he said. The official handed over the returnees to NEMA officials at the airport who witnessed and documented their returns before they later departed to their various towns and villages.

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Man City set to announce Signing of Mendy and Danilo

The Premier League club agreed a world-record fee for a defender for Mendy on Friday having already reached an agreement with Real Madrid for Danilo Manchester City are set to confirm the signings of Real Madrid's Danilo and Monaco left-back Benjamin Mendy, Goal understands. City have had a £52 million (€57m) bid accepted for Mendy following weeks of negotiations, a deal which will make him the most expensive defender in history. comes after Madrid agreed to sell Danilo for £26.5m (€30m) earlier this week. City had been wary of competing interest from Chelsea in both players, but now believe they will get their men. Danilo will join up with his new team-mates in Los Angeles in the coming days, and could even make his debut against his former club on Wednesday. Madrid have been training in LA ahead of the International Champions Cup match, while City flew into California on Friday. Goal reported in June that the Blues made an enquiry over the Brazilian towards the end of last season, but were informed he did not want to leave Madrid. But while City pursued and subsequently missed out on Dani Alves, who left Juventus, the Italian club convinced Danilo to replace his compatriot in Turin. The Bianconeri eventually cancelled the deal, however, leaving Danilo looking for a new club while City hunted for a new right-back. Mendy, however, has been one of their priority targets for many months. The Premier League side agreed terms with the France international several weeks ago, as reported by Goal in the aftermath of Bernardo Silva's signing Monaco let Silva leave for £43m but dug in their heels for Mendy. City knew the initial asking price was £40m at the end of May but attempted to negotiate that figure down. But following the collapse of the Alves deal and the subsequent decision to spend an initial £45m, rising to £50m, on Kyle Walker, Monaco upped their asking price and asked for at least what Spurs received for Walker. With pre-season now well under way and following Aleksandar Kolarov's unexpected request to join Roma, City agreed to meet the French club's demands on Friday evening. If both deals are completed as expected, City's summer spending will top £200m, having already signed Silva, Walker and Ederson.

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PSG Keen To Sign Sanchez

The Arsenal star was in Paris on Friday for talks with PSG's sporting director and chief executive ahead of a prospective €50 million move to Ligue 1 Alexis Sanchez and his representatives were in Paris on Friday for meetings with Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Antero Henrique, Goal understands. The French club are growing increasingly confident of signing the Arsenal star for a €50 million fee inclusive of add-ons following preliminary talks with the Gunners. PSG say "nothing is done yet" regarding a move for Sanchez but the early signs from France suggest it is likely to happen. Goal understands that PSG chief Henrique met Sanchez and his representatives at the Royal Monceau hotel in Paris from 12:00 PM UTC for talks which lasted several hours. Henrique was later filmed leaving the hotel - where PSG usually close transfer deals - in the late afternoon.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has insisted that the club’s stance has not changed and their Chilean talisman will not be sold this summer, but contract talks have not progressed as hoped and Sanchez has shown no sign of committing to an extension which would mean he is available to leave on a free transfer when his deal at Emirates Stadium expires next summer. Wenger is currently in China where Arsenal have almost completed their pre-season trip and spoke on Thursday about where Sanchez will play in the Gunners forward line next season, insisting that he will fit into the team alongside club-record summer signing Alexandre Lacazette.

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Barcelona target Paulo Dybala as Neymar Replacement

Paulo Dybala is Barcelona's main target to replace Neymar should he join Paris Saint-German, but they will have to pay around €120 million for him, Mundo Deportivo claims. Neymar could join the Ligue 1 side as they plan on matching his €222m release clause, meaning Barca need another star to line up alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

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Real Madrid Unveiled Their Third Kit

Blancos supporter Jesus Serrano presented the new shirt to Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane as the European champions prepare for the new campaign Real Madrid have unveiled their new third kit, which was designed by a supporter of the Spanish champions. Blancos fan Jesus Serrano won the 'adidas Creator Studio' competition, with his sky blue design coming out on top among a huge number of entries. Serrano's entry won through to the final stages after votes from supporters before a number of the club's legendary players and professional designers chose their overall winner. And the man himself was able to present Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane with the new strip as the Champions League holders prepare for the new season.

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Oruka – Nollywood Yoruba Movie

Oruka A delicate ring that does unimaginable wonders in and out of the house was stolen by a young man.The aftermath of this serious act caused some unexpected events that will be unfolded as you watch this interesting movie. “ORUKA” Starring: Dele Odule,Femi Adebayo,Ronke Ojo Size: 181.3MB Duration: 01:17:56.00 DOWNLOAD LINKS

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Jurji Versal – Rain Dropping

rji Versal drops his debut single today, Most African or let’s say Nigerian artist don’t do much of a trap music! @jurjiversal his one of a few who develops much love for TRAP MUSIC which is wild in a country we found ourselves like Nigeria! He promised to take Trap Music to the next level in Nigeria, So to all fans of Trap music and for people who doesn’t know what Trap music is made of, Here you are. The track is full of bars and the chorus is catchy so you can enjoy the summer. The song is produced by GTbeats an international producer.

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Real Madrid In Pursuit To Sign Mbappe

The young France forward is the top target for Los Blancos after they sold the Spanish striker to Chelsea this week. Real Madrid are ready to test Monaco's resolve with a world-record bid for Kylian Mbappe after selling Alvaro Morata to Chelsea this week. Monaco are determined to keep the 18-year-old striker and are lining up a new deal which will make him the highest-paid player at the club alongside Radamel Falcao. Mbappe has recently taken the number 10 shirt and he has been advised that staying at Monaco is the wisest decision in a season before the World Cup, in which he will hope to feature for France in Russia next summer.

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West Ham Sign Chicharito

The Mexico star won the league with Manchester United but was never a star in England, something he's desperate to change with a move to the Hammers Though he was a piece of Manchester United's title-winning squads, he wasn't a key piece. Sure, in the first season after his move from Mexican giant Chivas, he scored 13 goals to help United win the league, but that same season saw Dimitar Berbatov's 20 goals lead the team and the league. Two season later, it was Robin van Persie whose 26 Premier League goals dwarfed Chicharito's 10. Not long after he fell out of Manchester United's plans, Chicharito accepted an ill-advised loan to Real Madrid, where he scored a few important goals but played few important minutes, and eventually left for Leverkusen. So it's with unfinished business that Chicharito returns to the Premier League. He's played there before, but he hasn't been 'the man' in England's top flight. This is his chance. Slaven Bilic's urgency to bring the 29-year-old to London and the club's willingness to pay a release clause reported to be £13 million ($16.8M) show just how much the Hammers want him. West Ham's 47 goals last season put the team in the bottom half, and Chicharito not only is a proven scorer but has done it in the Premier League. He should fit in well at West Ham, with Michail Antonio and Robert Snodgrass able to put in balls from the outside while the forward can combine with Manuel Lanzini behind him in the No. 10 spot. The Hammers may even seek an upgrade from Snodgrass.

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Morata To Chelsea

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is closing in on an €80 million move to Chelsea, claims Marca. Morata had previously been a target for Manchester United, but the arrival of Romelu Lukaku at Old Trafford, and inability to agree a deal with Madrid, has seemingly seen the Red Devils move on. AC Milan have also shown an interest, but Morata now appears poised to join Premier League champions Chelsea to end manager Antonio Conte’s search for a top-class striker.

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Neymar On a world Record Move To PSG

Neymar’s potential world record move to Paris Saint Germain, appears to have taken a step forward, after his dad reportedly bought tickets to the French capital. The Brazilian superstar has been linked with a £197m switch to PSG, with the Ligue 1 giants ready to pay his release clause. And according to Sport, his dad is travelling to Paris, to seal the deal. Neymar Snr has previously represented his son and helped seal the transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013. The player himself insists he is happy at the Catalan club and debunked exit reports. “I am very adapted to the city, the club and I am happy here,” he is quoted as saying by Goal. “The last one was my best season in Barcelona. It was the season where I felt most comfortable. “We played great games and lived incredible moments – even though we didn’t win the titles we wanted. “Now, we need to work for the new season and it will be even more positive, individually and as a group.”

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President Buhari Set To Return To Nigeria

The Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari who has been in the United Kingdom since the 7th of May has been reported to be making plans to return to the country. The news regarding the president’s return comes some days after an alleged first photo of the president surfaced online. The presidency has however denied the authenticity of the photo shared by a Voice of Africa personnel stating that it is in no way relevant and should be treated as such. According to Sahara Reporters, the Nigerian president is planning to make a return to the country from the United Kingdom on July 27th. The news comes on the heels of allegations made by the Ekiti state governor, Ayodele Fayose recently stating that the cabal within the Buhari-led administration was considering bringing the president back into the country despite his deteriorating health condition. Sahara Reporters took to its social media page on Twitter to make the disclosure.

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Chelsea Sign Morata From Madrid

More details have emerged, after Chelsea confirmed on Wednesday, that they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for Alvaro Morata. The Premier League champions will pay an initial fee of £58million for the 24-year-old striker, who is set to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical. It is almost £20m less than the initial £75m Manchester United paid for Romelu Lukaku, who had been Chelsea’s top target. The £58m will still eclipse Chelsea’s previous record spend of £50m on Fernando Torres in 2011. It is believed the add-ons could see the final fee rise towards £70m. Morata is currently in the US on a pre-season tour with Madrid, but will now leave to complete the deal.

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