IYANDA'SBLOG

Seriake Dickson, the governor of Bayelsa State, has appointed Mr. Remember Ogbe as acting chairman of Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).

The governor, who immediately swore in Ogbe, urged him to ensure that free and fair local government elections take place in the state. 

Mr. Remember was a one-time council boss of Southern Ijaw council area and a Peoples Democratic Party member

The new appointment came on the heels of protests by some opposition parties against the previous appointment of Mr. Ball Oyarede.

Mr. Oyarede a card-carrying member of the PDP and served in the sixth Assembly in Bayelsa State until June 6, 2019.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2MYrLuI

Seriake Dickson, the governor of Bayelsa State, has appointed Mr. Remember Ogbe as acting chairman of Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC).

The governor, who immediately swore in Ogbe, urged him to ensure that free and fair local government elections take place in the state. 

Mr. Remember was a one-time council boss of Southern Ijaw council area and a Peoples Democratic Party member

The new appointment came on the heels of protests by some opposition parties against the previous appointment of Mr. Ball Oyarede.

Mr. Oyarede a card-carrying member of the PDP and served in the sixth Assembly in Bayelsa State until June 6, 2019.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2MYrLuI

Former Senator Shehu Sani has thrown jabs at Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo over comments he made on Tuesday about his inability to sleep due to the level poverty of Nigerians.

Osinbajo had said: "I think what keeps me up at night has to do with extreme poverty; the issue is that the largest number of those who vote for us are the very poor.

“The promises that government makes to them is that their lives will be better and obviously they are looking at their lives being better in the shortest possible time.

“I will like to see Nigeria being an industrialised nation in the next 10 years; a very strong middle class and most people living above poverty line.’’

In a tweet offering advice, Sani recommended a book, 'How To Sleep Better' by Dr. Neil Stanley.

"I just read that the VP is having sleepless nights because of the alarming rate of poverty in our country.I commend him for always having the masses in his heart.

"I also advise that he should try and get this book, ‘How to sleep Better’ by Dr. Neil Stanley, available on Amazon. Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria's Vice President has said the problem of extreme poverty in Nigeria gives him sleepless nights."

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2WU5UJq

Former Senator Shehu Sani has thrown jabs at Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo over comments he made on Tuesday about his inability to sleep due to the level poverty of Nigerians.

Osinbajo had said: "I think what keeps me up at night has to do with extreme poverty; the issue is that the largest number of those who vote for us are the very poor.

“The promises that government makes to them is that their lives will be better and obviously they are looking at their lives being better in the shortest possible time.

“I will like to see Nigeria being an industrialised nation in the next 10 years; a very strong middle class and most people living above poverty line.’’

In a tweet offering advice, Sani recommended a book, 'How To Sleep Better' by Dr. Neil Stanley.

"I just read that the VP is having sleepless nights because of the alarming rate of poverty in our country.I commend him for always having the masses in his heart.

"I also advise that he should try and get this book, ‘How to sleep Better’ by Dr. Neil Stanley, available on Amazon. Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria's Vice President has said the problem of extreme poverty in Nigeria gives him sleepless nights."

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2WU5UJq

Agnes Callamard, the United Nations special rapporteur asked to investigate the possibility of state involvement in the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist, Jamal Khashogi, has said in her report Wednesday that enough evidence exists to extend the investigation to top Saudi Crowned Princes. 

Khashoggi was killed by a team from Saudi Arabia in the country’s consulate in Istanbul Turkey.

The kingdom has always maintained that the journalist’s assassination was a rogue operation but the UN investigator insisted that the execution was extra judicial. 

The report quoted Callamard as saying that there is, "credible evidence, warranting further investigation of high-level Saudi officials' individual liability, including the crown prince's".

The report concluded that Khashoggi’s death was "an extrajudicial killing for which the state of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responsible".

"From the perspective of international human rights law, state responsibility is not a question of, for example, which of the state officials ordered Mr Khashoggi's death; whether one or more ordered a kidnapping that was botched and then became an accidental killing; or whether the officers acted on their own initiative or ultra vires [beyond their authority]," the report noted.

The oil-rich Arab state has put 11 people on a closed-door trial for the ‘rogue operation'. 

The US ally, who is prosecuting a bloody war in Yemen, said five persons had confessed to killing Khashoggi and the country’s prosecutors were seeking the death sentence for them. 

According to Ms Callamard, the trial failed to meet international procedural and substantive standards. She called for it to be suspended.

CRIME International Journalism MEDIA News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2MVmnZ3

Malaysian Airlines MH17 Crash site Time Magazine

March 9, 2020, has been fixed as the day three Russians and one Ukrainian are to face trial over the downing of Malaysian airline flight Mh17 in 2014. 

The Russians are Igor Girkin, Sergey Dubinskiy and Oleg Pulatov, while the man from the Ukrainian is Leonid Kharchenko. 

The Joint Investigation Team (JIT), however, said it had a long list of persons who were involved in the plot. 

The four mentioned though, were said to have transported the missile used to take down the aircraft.

The Dutch-led JIT said international arrest warrants had been sent out for the four men. 

Being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Russia might protect the accused persons. The country’s laws do not permit extraditing persons who are in service. 

The investigators, however, said they had a long list of actors in the incident, as they asked for more witnesses to come forward.

A total of 298 persons perished when the aircraft was shot down. 

The passenger jet was considered a collateral accident of international consequence in a civil war between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists in the east of Ukraine which has so far killed over 13,000 people. 

Many in that region of the country have been forced to find a new home elsewhere. 

Some have chosen to restart their lives near the exclusion zone created after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986.

CRIME International Legal News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2WTokKp

The 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations, which will kick-off on the 21st of June has a total of six groups; A, B, C, D, E, and F. The SaharaReporters Sport team brings you group review and what to expect from each team.

The third group in the tournament for the 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations, Group C, have Algeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania. 

Algeria

The Algerian team only won the AFCON once against Nigeria in 1990 where they were the host country, and have only reached the finals twice. 

Currently ranked 68 in FIFA World ranking, The Greens were knocked out of the AFON 2017 at the group stage.  See Also Sports Group A: AFCON 2019 Group Review 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

Fortified with star players like Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, Algeria is currently on a fine run of play with six matches unbeaten streak.

The players would hope to continue their fine run when they meet Kenya on the 23rd of June 2019 as they begin their campaign at the AFCON 2019.

Coach Djamel Belmadi will be hoping to manage the Algerian players to replicate the victory of 1990 Nations Cup when Algeria last lifted the tournament.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Alexandre Oukidja(Metz), Azzedine Doukha(Al-Raed), Raïs M'Bolhi (Al-Ettifaq) 

Defenders: Aïssa Mandi (Real Betis), Djamel Benlamri (Al-Shabab), Rafik Halliche (Moreirense), Ramy Bensebaini (Stade Rennais), Mehdi Zeffane(Stade Rennais), Mehdi Tahrat (RC Lens) 

Midfielders: Youcef Atal (Esperance Tunis), Ismaël Bennacer (Empoli), Mehdi Abeid (Dijon), Mohamed Fares (Spal), Adam Ounas (Napoli), Sofiane Feghouli (Galatasaray), Adlène Guédioura (Nottingham Forest), Hicham Boudaoui (Paradou AC), Yacine Brahimi (Yacine Brahimi), Youcef Belaïli (Esperance Tunis). 

Forwards: Baghdad Bounedjah (Al-Sadd), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Islam Slimani (Fenerbahce), Andy Delort (Montpellier) 

Kenya

The Harambee Star of Kenya, as they are popularly called, is placed 105 in the FIFA world ranking.

Kenya last appeared at the AFCON finals in 1992 and has never progressed beyond the first round of the competition in their last five appearances, 1972, 1988, 1990, 1992 and 2004.

Coach Sebastien Migne has managed to team to a fine outing losing just twice in eleven matches.

Mostly known for being marathon winners, Kenyans would be looking to break the jinx as they lock horns with Algeria, Senegal and Tanzania.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Saint George), Faruk Shikalo (Bandari FC), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks) 

Defenders: Eric Ouma (Vasalunds IF), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Ismael Athuman (Las Palmas Atletico), Musa Mohammed (No team), David Owino (Zesco United), Aboud Omar (Sepsi OSK), Bernard Ochieng (Vihiga United), Dennis Odhiambo (Sofapaka), Brian Mandela (Maritzburg United), Joseph Okumu (Real Monarchs SLC)

Midfielders: Philemon Otieno(Gor Mahia), Victor Wanyama (Tottenham), Johanna Ochieng Omolo (Cercle Brugge), Christoffer Mbamba (IK Oddevold), Ayub Timbe Masika (Beijing Renhe), Whyvonne Isuza ( AFC Leopards SC), Anthony Akumu (Zesco United)

Forwards: Eric Johana Omondi (IF Brommapojkarna), Francis Kahata(Gor Mahia), Michael Olunga(Kashiwa Reysol), Paul Were (Trikala 1963) , Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz), Clifton Miheso (CO Montijo), Ovella Ochieng (Vasalunds IF), Masoud Juma Choka (Dibba Al-Fujairah), John Avire (Sofapaka).  See Also Sports Group B: AFCON 2019 Group Review 0 Comments 23 Hours Ago

Senegal 

The Lions of Teranga, lost to Cameroon on penalties at the AFCON 2002, the match that happens to be their best outing at any AFCON tournament. The 2002 Senegal golden generation, which also reached the Quarter Final of the 2002 World Cup, was blessed with players like Aliou Cissé, Malick Diop, Papa Bouba Diop, El-Hadji Diouf, Amara Traoré, Henri Camara and Souleymane Camara.

Currently ranked 1st in Africa and 22 in the world, Senegal is yet to taste defeat in the seven matches they have played in 2019.

Senegal, tipped to finish as top of the group, would be looking to go all the way and lift the trophy.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Alfred Gomis (SPAL), Edouard Mendy (Stade de Reims), Dialy Kobaly N'Diaye (Cayor Foot) 

Defenders: Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), Kalidou Koulibaly(Napoli), Salif Sané (FC Schalke 04), Pape Abou Cissé(Olympiacos), Lamine Gassama (Goztepe SK), Moussa Wagué (Barcelona B), Pape Djibril Diaw (Angers) 

Midfielders: Cheikhou Kouyaté (Crystal Palace), Idrissa Gueye(Everton), Sada Thioub(Nimes Olympique), Alfred N'Diaye(Malaga), Badou Ndiaye (Galatasaray), Ismaila Sarr(Stade Rennais), Mamadou Loum(FC Porto) 

Forwards: Sadio Mané (Liverpool), M'Baye Niang (Stade Rennais), Mbaye Diagne(Galatasaray), Keita Baldé(Inter), Krépin Diatta(Club Brugge), Moussa Konaté (Amiens) Sadio Mané of Liverpool, Mbaye Diagne, Keita Balde are hoped to save the Senegalese on the Pharaoh’s soil. 

Tanzania

Located in East Africa, Tanzania is currently ranked 131 according to the FIFA world ranking. 

Emmanuel Amunike, a Nigerian ex-player took over the managing of the team and qualified it for the first ever Nations Cup.

On its way to AFCON, Tanzania won two, lost two and drew two of its qualifier matches.

Tanzania will be playing tough matches in the group stage and would be hoping on good luck and magic to scale through the group stage. 

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Aron Kalambo(Tanzania Prisons), Metacha Mnata (Tanzania Prison), Aishi Manula(Simba SC), Erasto Nyoni ( Simba SC) 

Defenders: Kelvin Yondani(Young Africans), Gadiel Michael Kamagi(Young Africans), Ally Mtoni(Lipuli FC), Abdi Banda(Baroka), Aggrey Morris(Azam FC), Mohamed Husseini(Simba SC), Hassan Kessy(Nkana FC) 

Midfilders: Himid Mao Mkami(Petrojet), Frank Domayo(Azam FC), Mudathir Yahya(Azam FC), Feisal Salum(Young Africans) 

Forwards: Simon Msuva(Difaa Hassani El-Jadidi), Thomas Ulimwengu(JS Saura), John Bocco(Simba SC), Yahya Zayd(Ismaily), Mbwana Samatta(KRC Genk), Ibrahim Migomba(Young Africans), Adi Yussuf(Solihull Moors), Farid Mussa(Tenerife B), Rashid Mandawa(BDF XI)

Sports News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2MWbxSN

The 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations, which will kick-off on the 21st of June has a total of six groups; A, B, C, D, E, and F. The SaharaReporters Sport team brings you group review and what to expect from each team.

The third group in the tournament for the 32nd edition of the Total African Cup of Nations, Group C, have Algeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania. 

Algeria

The Algerian team only won the AFCON once against Nigeria in 1990 where they were the host country, and have only reached the finals twice. 

Currently ranked 68 in FIFA World ranking, The Greens were knocked out of the AFON 2017 at the group stage.  See Also Sports Group A: AFCON 2019 Group Review 0 Comments 2 Days Ago

Fortified with star players like Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, Algeria is currently on a fine run of play with six matches unbeaten streak.

The players would hope to continue their fine run when they meet Kenya on the 23rd of June 2019 as they begin their campaign at the AFCON 2019.

Coach Djamel Belmadi will be hoping to manage the Algerian players to replicate the victory of 1990 Nations Cup when Algeria last lifted the tournament.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Alexandre Oukidja(Metz), Azzedine Doukha(Al-Raed), Raïs M'Bolhi (Al-Ettifaq) 

Defenders: Aïssa Mandi (Real Betis), Djamel Benlamri (Al-Shabab), Rafik Halliche (Moreirense), Ramy Bensebaini (Stade Rennais), Mehdi Zeffane(Stade Rennais), Mehdi Tahrat (RC Lens) 

Midfielders: Youcef Atal (Esperance Tunis), Ismaël Bennacer (Empoli), Mehdi Abeid (Dijon), Mohamed Fares (Spal), Adam Ounas (Napoli), Sofiane Feghouli (Galatasaray), Adlène Guédioura (Nottingham Forest), Hicham Boudaoui (Paradou AC), Yacine Brahimi (Yacine Brahimi), Youcef Belaïli (Esperance Tunis). 

Forwards: Baghdad Bounedjah (Al-Sadd), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Islam Slimani (Fenerbahce), Andy Delort (Montpellier) 

Kenya

The Harambee Star of Kenya, as they are popularly called, is placed 105 in the FIFA world ranking.

Kenya last appeared at the AFCON finals in 1992 and has never progressed beyond the first round of the competition in their last five appearances, 1972, 1988, 1990, 1992 and 2004.

Coach Sebastien Migne has managed to team to a fine outing losing just twice in eleven matches.

Mostly known for being marathon winners, Kenyans would be looking to break the jinx as they lock horns with Algeria, Senegal and Tanzania.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Saint George), Faruk Shikalo (Bandari FC), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks) 

Defenders: Eric Ouma (Vasalunds IF), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Ismael Athuman (Las Palmas Atletico), Musa Mohammed (No team), David Owino (Zesco United), Aboud Omar (Sepsi OSK), Bernard Ochieng (Vihiga United), Dennis Odhiambo (Sofapaka), Brian Mandela (Maritzburg United), Joseph Okumu (Real Monarchs SLC)

Midfielders: Philemon Otieno(Gor Mahia), Victor Wanyama (Tottenham), Johanna Ochieng Omolo (Cercle Brugge), Christoffer Mbamba (IK Oddevold), Ayub Timbe Masika (Beijing Renhe), Whyvonne Isuza ( AFC Leopards SC), Anthony Akumu (Zesco United)

Forwards: Eric Johana Omondi (IF Brommapojkarna), Francis Kahata(Gor Mahia), Michael Olunga(Kashiwa Reysol), Paul Were (Trikala 1963) , Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz), Clifton Miheso (CO Montijo), Ovella Ochieng (Vasalunds IF), Masoud Juma Choka (Dibba Al-Fujairah), John Avire (Sofapaka).  See Also Sports Group B: AFCON 2019 Group Review 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

Senegal 

The Lions of Teranga, lost to Cameroon on penalties at the AFCON 2002, the match that happens to be their best outing at any AFCON tournament. The 2002 Senegal golden generation, which also reached the Quarter Final of the 2002 World Cup, was blessed with players like Aliou Cissé, Malick Diop, Papa Bouba Diop, El-Hadji Diouf, Amara Traoré, Henri Camara and Souleymane Camara.

Currently ranked 1st in Africa and 22 in the world, Senegal is yet to taste defeat in the seven matches they have played in 2019.

Senegal, tipped to finish as top of the group, would be looking to go all the way and lift the trophy.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Alfred Gomis (SPAL), Edouard Mendy (Stade de Reims), Dialy Kobaly N'Diaye (Cayor Foot) 

Defenders: Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux), Kalidou Koulibaly(Napoli), Salif Sané (FC Schalke 04), Pape Abou Cissé(Olympiacos), Lamine Gassama (Goztepe SK), Moussa Wagué (Barcelona B), Pape Djibril Diaw (Angers) 

Midfielders: Cheikhou Kouyaté (Crystal Palace), Idrissa Gueye(Everton), Sada Thioub(Nimes Olympique), Alfred N'Diaye(Malaga), Badou Ndiaye (Galatasaray), Ismaila Sarr(Stade Rennais), Mamadou Loum(FC Porto) 

Forwards: Sadio Mané (Liverpool), M'Baye Niang (Stade Rennais), Mbaye Diagne(Galatasaray), Keita Baldé(Inter), Krépin Diatta(Club Brugge), Moussa Konaté (Amiens) Sadio Mané of Liverpool, Mbaye Diagne, Keita Balde are hoped to save the Senegalese on the Pharaoh’s soil. 

Tanzania

Located in East Africa, Tanzania is currently ranked 131 according to the FIFA world ranking. 

Emmanuel Amunike, a Nigerian ex-player took over the managing of the team and qualified it for the first ever Nations Cup.

On its way to AFCON, Tanzania won two, lost two and drew two of its qualifier matches.

Tanzania will be playing tough matches in the group stage and would be hoping on good luck and magic to scale through the group stage. 

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Aron Kalambo(Tanzania Prisons), Metacha Mnata (Tanzania Prison), Aishi Manula(Simba SC), Erasto Nyoni ( Simba SC) 

Defenders: Kelvin Yondani(Young Africans), Gadiel Michael Kamagi(Young Africans), Ally Mtoni(Lipuli FC), Abdi Banda(Baroka), Aggrey Morris(Azam FC), Mohamed Husseini(Simba SC), Hassan Kessy(Nkana FC) 

Midfilders: Himid Mao Mkami(Petrojet), Frank Domayo(Azam FC), Mudathir Yahya(Azam FC), Feisal Salum(Young Africans) 

Forwards: Simon Msuva(Difaa Hassani El-Jadidi), Thomas Ulimwengu(JS Saura), John Bocco(Simba SC), Yahya Zayd(Ismaily), Mbwana Samatta(KRC Genk), Ibrahim Migomba(Young Africans), Adi Yussuf(Solihull Moors), Farid Mussa(Tenerife B), Rashid Mandawa(BDF XI)

Sports News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2MWbxSN

Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage has given a savage response to an Instagram user who made a comment about her body on the Social media platform. 

A few minutes ago, the singer who recently got signed an exclusive global recording agreement with Universal Music Group, an international record label had taken to her official Instagram handle to post a picture of herself.

The picture which she captioned: “Growing up didn’t see many chocolate superstars to look up to ... we changing that narrative now” saw her fans taking to the comment section to express their love for the picture.

However, the comment of an Instagram user with the name, Mr. Ibraa, caught the attention of Tiwa Savage. 

Mr Ibraa had said: “Haa…Dis one don flat ooo…” under the picture.

Tiwa Savage wasted no time replying him saying: “Sorry boo, had to breastfeed my beautiful son but if you wire me small dollars I fit go doctor add implants o  until then the person sucking it ain’t complaining.”

Tiwa Savage had a great run in 2018 as she made history as the first female to win the Best African Act at the MTV European Music Awards and also became the first African female to sell out at London’s Indigo. 

Although 2019 has been a silent year for her as she has yet to release an official single.

Celebrity Entertainment Music News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2WSVfie

Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage has given a savage response to an Instagram user who made a comment about her body on the Social media platform. 

A few minutes ago, the singer who recently got signed an exclusive global recording agreement with Universal Music Group, an international record label had taken to her official Instagram handle to post a picture of herself.

The picture which she captioned: “Growing up didn’t see many chocolate superstars to look up to ... we changing that narrative now” saw her fans taking to the comment section to express their love for the picture.

However, the comment of an Instagram user with the name, Mr. Ibraa, caught the attention of Tiwa Savage. 

Mr Ibraa had said: “Haa…Dis one don flat ooo…” under the picture.

Tiwa Savage wasted no time replying him saying: “Sorry boo, had to breastfeed my beautiful son but if you wire me small dollars I fit go doctor add implants o  until then the person sucking it ain’t complaining.”

Tiwa Savage had a great run in 2018 as she made history as the first female to win the Best African Act at the MTV European Music Awards and also became the first African female to sell out at London’s Indigo. 

Although 2019 has been a silent year for her as she has yet to release an official single.

Celebrity Entertainment Music News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2WSVfie

Despite claims by the Transmission Company of Nigeria that the national grid has been expanded to 7,152 megawatts, the European Union says Nigeria’s electricity network is operating between 4,500 and 5,500mw. 

The EU maintained that the country’s electricity supply industry has defied growth, even with over €156 million been pumped into the industry through different financial instruments. 

Filippo Amato, Head of Trade and Economic Section of the EU Delegation, made these assertions on behalf of the economic bloc in Abuja Tuesday, at the second seminar for the Preparation of Performance Improvement Plans organized by electricity distribution companies.

He also noted that the industry loses an average of N1.3 billion daily,

“Despite efforts made by all of you in tackling some of the key impediments to the development of the sector, the industry losses are still growing at a rate of at least N1.3bn per day and nowadays, the average operational capacity of the grid hovers around 4,500 megawatts and 5,500MW and cannot meet the needs of a growing population and industrial users,” Punch quoted Amato as saying.

“Over the past years, the European Union has considerably scaled up its support to the sector with over €156.3m committed in different financing instruments, ranging from traditional grants to blended finance. We have been able to fund different technical assistance and infrastructural projects cutting across several areas both on and off the grid here in Nigeria.” Like every stakeholder in the sector has harped, Amato reiterated that the illiquidity in the industry is stressing the sector.

“You will agree with me that since the first Performance Improvement Plan seminar that was held in March last year, the Nigerian electricity supply industry is still facing deterioration and the liquidity crisis is keeping the system under stress.” He also stated that the Discos must reduce their aggregate commercial and technical losses to maximize the available electricity on the grid and reduce the shortage of cash in the system.

“This they (Discos), are supposed to do by reducing their Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection losses. By so doing, they will be able to make good use of the available electricity from the grid to serve customers. This is one step in the right direction that Discos must take if we want to come out of this liquidity crisis that is affecting the sector,” the EU official stated. 

Amato noted that off-grid generators which provide much of Nigeria’s power needs are unsustainable due to its impact on the climate.

The Performance Improvement Plan is funded by the French Development Agency with ANED as implementers.

Energy News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2N10yr6

Ahmad Lawan

President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamia, have said the National Assembly will commence immediate action on some of the recommendations of the European Union Elections Observation Mission concerning the recently concluded general elections.

Lawan stated: “I am sure that this time round, we will start considering those issues that we feel require urgent legislative intervention,” he said during a meeting with the EU EOM delegation at his office on Tuesday.

The group was at his office to present its final report on elections, in which it had made 30 recommendations.

“Of these 30 recommendations, the majority of them involve legal reforms, therefore, of course, we look to the National Assembly to take the initiative of having an inclusive debate and conversation and moving these recommendations forward and what we see from around the world is that it is critical that this starts early,” one of the EU officials said.

After a similar visit to the House of Representatives, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, promised that the lower chamber will work on the recommendations to improve on the electoral process in the next four years.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2IqMyCE

Nigeria manager Thomas Dennerby was left angered by match officials after the twice-taken penalty saw his side lose 1-0. 

'If I give you my honest feelings, they'll probably send me home so it's better I don't say anything,' Dennerby said in his post-match press conference.

“My players are heroes. Of course, I'm disappointed by the result, France is a really good team and don't need support from anybody to win games. 

“The girls were fighting so well, they followed the match plan and it's getting destroyed by people that we're not so happy with.”

New rules state that goalkeepers only have to have one foot on the line at penalties. 

Nigeria could still qualify for the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed sides having lost to Norway but beaten South Korea earlier in the tournament.  

Sports World Cup News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2IrYgwP

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano has charged leaders to be mindful of how they use the power entrusted upon them.

The statement came on the heels of a political feud between the emir and the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, which led to the creation of more emirates in Kano.

There have been allegations that the carving out of four emirates out of the original one and the launch of a corruption investigation into the emirate's finances was targeted at diminishing Sanusi's powers and influence.

The monarch made the remarks while addressing members of the Kano State House of Assembly led by the speaker, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Gafasa, who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace on Tuesday in Kano.

He said, As leaders, you are expected to be spectacularly honest and have the fear of God in whatever you are doing.

“You should all remember that you will one day die and be made to account for your deeds, while in the saddle of authority.

“You and I and everybody are not immune to such investigation by God, who created us to serve humanity as leaders.

“We will be made to account for our deeds and we will also be judged by posterity for being at the helm of affairs and what we did whether it is good or bad, will be the legacy we will all leave behind.
 

Politics Tradition News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2Vf7fZy

Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria's Vice President has said the problem of extreme poverty in Nigeria gives him sleepless nights. 

Osinbajo lamented at a dinner and interactive session with faculty members of the Harvard Business School (HBS) on Tuesday, in Lagos.

He claimed, “I think what keeps me up at night has to do with extreme poverty; the issue is that the largest number of those who vote for us are the very poor.

“The promises that government makes to them is that their lives will be better and obviously they are looking at their lives being better in the shortest possible time.

“I will like to see Nigeria being an industrialised nation in the next 10 years; a very strong middle class and most people living above poverty line.

“If you are going to do business anywhere in Africa, it has to be Nigeria.

“This is where you have the energy; you have the drive.

“We are already seeing that kind of activity; business people will always be driven by profit.

“Talent will always go in the direction where it is best rewarded; one can’t afford to be sentimental about that.

“As people see that the environment is getting better for business, they will come back; the opportunities for making huge profits are here.

“Practically everything we are doing in to ensure that there is an environment for business to thrive. People are leaving but people are coming back.’’

Politics Poverty News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2IspVxM

Yet-to-be-identified gunmen have kidnapped Dayo Adewole, son of the immediate past Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

The kidnapping took place on Tuesday.

The abductors have yet to contact the family of the victim. 

Eyewitnesses said he was ambushed at gunpoint on his farm in Iroko, near Fiditi in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State about 6 pm.

He was then whisked away to an unknown destination. 

A local who spoke to The Nation said, “The villagers were alerted by the staff who survived the ordeal. Local hunters were mobilized by the Oniroko of Iroko.

“The hunters were said to have located the car of the abductors along the road to Iware village near Iroko.

“But they are yet to locate Dayo’s whereabouts. It was suspected that the kidnappers might have changed their vehicle following persistent announcement on the radio after Oniroko had raised the alarm on air.”
 

CRIME Police Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2Y0Kpmu

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, has denied promising to solve the Apapa gridlock in 60 days upon assumption of office.

He said this while speaking with journalists at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.

The governor had on May 18, 2019, said during an interactive session with his classmates at the Executive Master of Business Administration class, University of Lagos, 1998/2000 set that he would end the persistent problem of traffic in the area caused by trucks.

He said, “The Apapa trailer issue; it’s a campaign issue, it’s very serious. I’m going to take it very seriously. I believe that it is something that we are going to solve in the first 60 days of our government. Whatever is going to be required of us, we will take them out.

“There is a lot of politics being played around there. But no, it cannot be the way we’ll continue to live. We cannot continue to give excuses.”

However, on Tuesday, Sanwo-Olu told journalists, “Interestingly, some media houses have actually been counting down on me. They said that I mentioned during the campaign train that I was going to clear it in 60 days. 

"I have mentioned it before, what I said was that in 60 days we would review what was done but that does not take the fact that even if people give you dateline, it’s because they want you to do well and they want you to be able to be accountable for those datelines.”
 

Politics Travel News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2ItGxW8