Ballon d’Or 2018: Hernandez names one player ahead of Ronaldo, Messi

Atletico Madrid star, Lucas Hernandez has revealed one player that should win the 2018 Ballon d’Or ahead of Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona ace, Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo and Messi have dominated the award in the past decade.

The pair had won an incredible five awards each in that time frame, with Ronaldo equaling Messi’s tally last year.

Hernandez, however, has tipped fellow teammate, Antoine Griezmann as his favourites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or ahead of Ronaldo and Messi.

“Antoine deserves the Ballon d’Or. He is my favourite,” Hernandez told France Football.

“He has been a key man in all of the major competitions he has played in this year. He has won almost everything and contributed everywhere.

“He has been so consistent. He has been up at the top for two or three years.

“He has taken another step since 2016 when he was in the final of the Euros and third in the Ballon d’Or vote with France Football.”

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2019: APC reduces price of forms, releases dates for primaries [See details]

The All Progressives Congress, APC, said it will commence the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms to its aspirants for the 2019 elections today (Wednesday).

The ruling party, in a statement by its acting National Publicity Secretary on Tuesday, disclosed that the sale would end on September 10.

It said a presidential aspirant would pay N45m, as against N55m fixed by the party last week.

With the sale of the forms closing on Monday, it means those seeking elective posts on the platform of the APC have six days to pay the fees.

According to the party, “each presidential aspirant will pay N5m for expression of interest form and N40m for the nomination form.”

For a governorship aspirant it would be “N2.5m for expression of interest form and N20m for nomination form making it N22.5m.”

“For a senatorial ticket, an aspirant will pay N1m for the expression of interest form and N6m for a nomination form.

“The House of Representatives aspirant will pay N3.85m, including N350,000 for the expression of interest form and N3.5m for the nomination form.

“A House of Assembly aspirant to pay N850,000, including N100,000 for the expression of interest form and N750,000 for the nomination form.”

The party, however, announced a 50 per cent discount for female and physically challenged aspirants.

Recall that in 2014, those who sought the presidential ticket of the party paid N27m for both forms (expression and nomination).

Incumbent governors, who ran for a second term paid N10.5m, while fresh aspirants paid N5.5m.

Incumbent senators paid N5.3m, while fresh aspirants paid N3.3m. Members of the House of Representatives, who sought re-election, paid N3.2m, while fresh aspirants coughed out N2.2m. In the 36 states, sitting lawmakers in the Houses of Assembly paid N800, 000, while fresh aspirants paid N550, 000.

Meanwhile, the APC on Tuesday stated that its nationwide congresses to elect delegates would be held on September 12, while on September 13 and 14 appeals arising from the congress would be heard.

It added that from September 15 to September 18, aspirants who had purchased forms would be screened.

On September 19 and September 20, there will be appeals arising from the screening of aspirants to various posts.

According to the APC, its presidential primary would hold on September 20 and its appeals on September 22.

It added that it would hold its governorship primaries on September 25 and its appeals on September 26 and 27.

The APC will hold its senatorial and House of Representatives primaries from September 27 to September 29, while state assembly primaries will take place on October 2.

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ICPC Arrests The Kingpin Of Immigration Job Scam

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arrested the kingpin of a job scam syndicate recently smashed by the Nigeria Immigration Service.

Spokesperson of the commission, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Mohammed Rabiu Isa, was arrested by operatives of the Kano State office of the commission.

On Friday, the ICPC said it had taken into custody four members of the group “specialised in duping unsuspecting job-seekers” with fake NIS employment letters.

Okoduwa said that during interrogation, they claimed to be working for Mohammed.

She quoted them as saying Mohammed was the one who issued them with the letters used for defrauding their victims.

“Preliminary investigations had also revealed that the suspects defrauded six persons to the tune of N900,000 by assuring them of employment with the NIS at the cost of N150,000 each.

“Mohammed has been granted administrative bail by the commission and will be released as soon as he fulfills the bail conditions.

“All the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation,” the ICPC spokesperson said.

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Flood Kills Soldier On A Rescue Mission, 9 Others In Kebbi

Kebbi Government on Tuesday confirmed the death of a soldier and nine others in two separate flood disasters across the state.

Abubakar Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Atiku Bagudu in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, said the flood occurred in two local government areas on Thursday.

He listed the communities affected as Kanya village in Danko Wasagu Local Government and Mahuta in Fakai Local Government.

“A soldier and nine other people were killed by heavy flood as a result of incessant rainfall in the state; the soldier was said to have died while trying to rescue a woman from the flood.’’

Dakingari said although the body of the woman was recovered, that of the soldier had been washed away, but effort was on to recover the corpse.

He added that the remains of five victims were recovered at Kanya and three in Mahuta.

Gov. Bagudu had earlier visited the communities to commiserate with the victims.

At Kanya, the village Head, Alhaji Isah Dan Hassan, told the governor that many houses, livestock and farmlands were destroyed by the flood.

He urged government to construct emergency bridge and provide canoes for the immediate evacuation of residents to safer areas.

At Fakai, Chairman of the local government, Musa Jarma, said 48 houses and a bridge linking the town to other parts of the state were destroyed.

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PDP expands Kano caretaker committee

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to expand the Kano State Caretaker Committee.

Recall that the PDP NWC last week dissolved the Kano state Executive Committee of the party.

However, the sacked executive committee obtained an interim court judgement setting aside its dissolution.

However, a statement sent to DAILY POST by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the expansion of the caretaker committee was to accommodate all interests in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.

The party also said it was open to opinions and suggestions from stakeholders in ensuring reconciliation and accommodation for all interests within its fold in the state, so as to ensure good governance to the people of the state.

The statement reads: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to expand the Kano State Caretaker Committee to accommodate all interests in line with its adherence to the principles of all-inclusiveness.

“The party is open to opinions and suggestions from stakeholders in ensuring reconciliation and accommodation for all interests within its fold in the state, so as to ensure good governance to the people of the state.

“The NWC assures that no stone will be left unturned in the overall quest to bring good governance to Kano state, while putting in place machinery to hedge the infiltration of fifth columnists into the party’s fold in the state.

“The party leadership further assured of its preparedness to engage with all stakeholders in Kano provided all matters in court against the party are withdrawn, as all members work together to build a united PDP that can confront and send out incompetent and insensitive people in governance in Kano state and Nigeria at large.

“Furthermore, the NWC urges all stakeholders to always emulate our members in Benue state in the way and manner they united to resolve all issues concerning party structures of their state.”

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Edwin Clark reacts to police invasion, threatens legal action

Elder statesman and former Federal Minister of Information, Edwin Clark, has threatened to take legal action over the raid on his home by men of the Nigeria Police on Tuesday.

Emiratco reported that officers from a unit called the IGP’s Special Tactical Squad, stormed his residence in Abuja, with a warrant to search for weapons.

Giving an account of the incident, Clark said, “At about 12:30 pm some people came to me that policemen were waiting for me, I asked, what for? They said they had a warrant to search my house. I asked them to come in.

“Some were outside and I learned they came with two vans.

“I asked them, do you know me? I am an old man going to 92, I have been a Federal Minister of Information, been a senator and you think that I’m piling weapons?

“I told them to go ahead with their search. They searched all the rooms but found nothing. They wrote their report and asked three of my people to sign and they left”, he said.

Clark described the incident as an embarrassment, adding that he would not be intimidated by anyone.

“This is a total embarrassment but nobody can intimidate me. They said they were from the IGP’s Special Tactical Squad. Well, I have consulted my lawyers,” he added.

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I didn’t receive any salary for eight years as Sokoto governor – Bafarawa

A Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has claimed that he didn’t receive any salary for eight years as Sokoto State governor.

He also declared that giving power to President Mohammadu was the worst mistake Nigerians ever made.

Bafarawa made this known while addressing the governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi and PDP delegates at the state executive chambers, Government House, Abakaliki.

He noted that Buhari, as a trained military man can never get it right as expected by Nigerians, instead he will be doing the opposite.

His words, “The captain of this nation today is a trained military man, he is complete opposite.

“To give a military man leadership of the country of over 200million people and you expect him to do well, he will never get it right because that is not his training.

“I believe that you have received a lot of aspirants who are aspiring to get PDP ticket. We are all qualified to be presidential flag bearer of our great party and whoever that gets the ticket, myself as a democratic is ready to support the person in order to move this country forward. But we need you to crosscheck all of us before taking final decision.

“I have joined politics to serve, not to make money. When I was a governor for my eight years, I didn’t receive salary. I donated the salary to Dan Fodio to be repairing hearts.

The presidential aspirant noted that he has the interest of Igbo’s and will like them to lead the nation.

“I have the interest of the Igbos to lead this country. I met President Shehu Shagari and told him ‘you know there is an agreement between you and the Igbos.

In a swift reaction, governor Umahi revealed the preparedness of the south east governors to work together and take a stand on who to support in the forthcoming elections.

“About 14 of you who are presidential Aspirants under the PDP are very wonderful materials. And it is a very wonderful thing because each and everyone of you is eminently qualified

“The Southeast as a region are going to work together especially the PDP states. We are also going to talk together and we must take a position. We must take a position in the sense that we need to bond together.”

“We need to agree and tell whoever is going to be our next President, this is how you are going to govern us. This is how we will like you to remember us and this is how we want you to carry us along” he stated.

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DSS finally reacts to reports on Daura, Seiyefa, ‘face-off’ with presidency

The Department of State Services (DSS) has spoken on media reports about its internal affairs.

The Nigerian media has been at the top of events surrounding the sack of former Director-General, Lawal Daura after the siege on the National Assembly.

The fourth estate has also been reporting power game after Daura’s removal, pressure on President Muhammadu Buahri to recall him as well as other developments since acting DG, Matthew Seiyefa took over.

On Tuesday, information went out that Seiyefa has recalled officers he transferred out of the headquarters of the agency when he resumed office on August 1.

This followed the directive by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who queried the DSS boss for carrying out reorganisation in the agency without clearance from the Presidential Villa.

Emiratco had reported that the presidency ordered Seiyefa to reverse the redeployment.

Reacting, Afunanya Peter, DSS spokesman, in a statement on Tuesday, appealed to the media to assist the agency as it remained a committed Service with focus on the stability and security of the nation.

“Over the years, the service has been known to be both a strategic stabilizer and a unifying factor in the Nigerian project. It therefore deserves and desires to be focused and supported by all stakeholders to play the expected role in a democracy.

“Only a professionally driven DSS can support and consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. Though Intelligence Services world over operate covertly, it is also held accountable in a democratic practice. To accomplish this, they design strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders. The media is one of such partners.

“Held in utmost respect, the media is called upon to report issues of national security with caution to avoid a breach of peace. No deliberate effort should be made by self serving interests to bring the Service to ridicule. No country or its media can afford to undermine their own security forces because of the dire consequences that portends.

“The Service, as an institution of Government will continue to carry out legitimate orders; support democratic institutions; respect the rule of law and protect the citizens in line with global practices and Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) in Intelligence gathering and law enforcement. Dark forces should not bring the Service into a collision with the Government it is meant to diligently serve.

“The Service is undaunted and will pursue noble goals only meant to uphold integrity in security and intelligence governance.

“This is a global trend for accountability. Its personnel across the Commands and Formations have been enjoined to be calm, loyal and united in the discharge of their duties as the Service has remained of the few Institutions in the country that has exhibited unquestionable oneness and commonality of purpose in advancing the interest of the nation.”

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2019: What Atiku told Fayose, PDP members about ‘being’ courrupt

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged anyone with proof of corrupt practices against him to make it public.

The Wazirin Adamawa gave the challenge in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital during a meeting with the state Governor, Ayodele Fayose and other stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Abubakar also appealed to people of the state to support him because he has a programme to develop Nigeria.

The former Vice President lamented that the country had allegedly sunk into more corruption under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said, “I have come to appeal to you to support me in our party’s convention. I have the programme that will best develop this country.

“I wish to appeal for your individual and collective support.

“I like the way you do things. You’re brutally frank. You say your mind; it’s a very rare quality. So, I commend for who you are. We will stand by you and the party in Ekiti until you retrieve your stolen mandate.”

“If you have any evidence of corruption against Atiku, please come forward. But nobody has been able to come forward.”

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Rivers APC: Senator Abe reacts to Amaechi’s choice of Tonye Cole as governorship candidate

Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Magnus Abe, has reacted to the choice of Tonye Dele Cole as the All Progressives Congress candidate for the 2019 governorship election by the party leadership in the state.

Abe, also a governorship aspirant on the party’s platfotm, threatened to resist any attempt by the leadership of the APC to impose any candidate on the people.

The lawmaker said this while addressing his supporters in Eleme Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.

Abe declared that “any of such decisions that is not in the favour of my senatorial district would be opposed.”

He stressed that “issues affecting the party in the state could not be decided in Lagos and expected to be carried out in Rivers State.”

The senator criticised the alleged collective decision of some leaders of the party in the state, to endorse a preferred governorship candidate.

He distanced himself from such meeting, saying that “the decision did not meet the recent party standard for selection of governorship candidate, which included Rivers South East Senatorial District and party members, who have laboured for the party.”

The senator, however, expressed hope that the party would adopt direct primary where members of the party will decide who will be their governorship flag-bearer.

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Looters now hide Nigeria’s money in burial grounds – Umahi

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi on Monday revealed that many looted funds in Nigeria were stocked in foreign banks, cemeteries and underground.

He made this known while declaring open anti-corruption, ethics and integrity training for Ebonyi State local government officials, held in Abakaliki on Monday.

The Governor advocated amnesty for looters, saying such approach would help in arresting corruption and commit offenders in surrendering over 70 percent of looted public funds.

He promised that in the course of fighting corruption, Ebonyi State government would establish ICPC office in the state.

“We have so much of the looted funds trapped in foreign banks, some buried at the cemetery while many were buried underground where they were destroyed by termites.

“But if there is a negotiation like committing the looters into subtly surrendering at least 70 percent of the looted funds and keeping the rest or investing all the funds in the country; by so doing, we would have recovered the money and made use of it”, he said.

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How Buhari stopped me from dumping APC – Senator Tejuoso

Senator Lanre Tejuoso has finally revealed how President Muhammadu Buhari advised him to remain with APC and not quit along with other senators.

The Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, who made this known to reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while declaring his intention to re-contest for the seat, maintained that he was still a member of the party.

He declared that he would not leave the APC provided that President Muhammadu Buhari also remained with the party.

He noted that the President’s action and call were a great honour done to him.

The medical doctor – turned politician recalled that President Buhari asked him what he (the Senator) wants him to tell the Senator’s monarch father, Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, who is a close friend of the President, if his son leaves APC.

He disclosed that what happened was just a mere misunderstanding between him and the party at the local level, which, he said, had since been resolved.

“I cannot leave APC. I will only leave if President Buhari leaves. When the incident happened, Mr. President called me and told me he wants me back in the party. What happened is just a misunderstanding in the local and it has been resolved.

“You know Ogun state is known in Nigeria to be the first in most things. It has been established that for democracy to thrive and to catch up with that of the developed nations, direct primaries is the answer and since Ogun state is always the first I am sure my governor will surely support it because he always want the best for the state.

“I am sure he will lead and others will follow and we are going to do direct primaries by God’s grace in Ogun state and I am sure my governor will agree.

“So that everybody in the party can have their say and choose whoever they want. Anybody who offers himself for election let the people agree that you are competent enough. So let everybody vote.

“It shouldn’t be a scenario of where few people will just be gathered somewhere and somebody will then tell them what to do. We want a change and that is what our party is preaching.

“We want direct primaries; we don’t want indirect primaries where some people will owe some people because they are the one who help them achieve the success they have achieved.

“Some of us are beneficiaries in the past but that shouldn’t continue because we have benefitted from such, there must be a change because we can’t leave this for our children,” Tejuoso said.

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The completion date of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project is extended by FG to Dec 2019

There are indications that the completion date for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project has been extended by another one year to accommodate additional work already approved by the Federal Government.

The project, which commenced in 2013, had 2017 as the initial completion date but it was later moved to end of 2018/early 2019 as a result of the increase in scope of work.

The reconstruction of the road, it was learnt, would be completed by December 2019.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Adedamola Kuti, told our correspondent that when the road contract was awarded, the Federal Government did not envisage some of the activities currently going on along the road.

He said, “The end of 2018 is no longer feasible; what we have is that the government has awarded additional work that is not part of the original contract. When the contract was first awarded, we did not take into consideration the religious organisations that are springing up rapidly in the area.

“So now, we have to make provision for toll gates, flyovers and plazas, among other additions. So, the completion date has been extended. We need additional one year to complete the work that has been added.”

About N64.108bn was approved by the government a few months ago for additional work on section one of the road being handled by Julius Berger.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, had stated that the additional work would cover flyover and pedestrian bridges as well as toll plazas for that section in order to accommodate the changing nature of the road.

Reacting to complaints by motorists on the slow pace of work on the road, Kuti said the rainy season had contributed significantly to this.

He added, “This is construction work; the pace of work is usually slower during rainy season. Once a material is wet, you must allow it to dry before it can be used.

“Instead of people to complain about the pace of work, they should consider the fact that the contractor is on site and we are moving.”

Kuti also spoke on the rumoured closure of the road, saying that there would only be diversion to enable the contractor to work faster.

“Nobody is going to shut down the road at any time; normal work will continue with diversion,” he said.

The project, which commenced in 2013, had 2017 as the initial completion date but it was later moved to end of 2018/early 2019 as a result of the increase in scope of work.

The reconstruction of the road, it was learnt, would be completed by December 2019.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Adedamola Kuti, told our correspondent that when the road contract was awarded, the Federal Government did not envisage some of the activities currently going on along the road.

He said, “The end of 2018 is no longer feasible; what we have is that the government has awarded additional work that is not part of the original contract. When the contract was first awarded, we did not take into consideration the religious organisations that are springing up rapidly in the area.

“So now, we have to make provision for toll gates, flyovers and plazas, among other additions. So, the completion date has been extended. We need additional one year to complete the work that has been added.”

About N64.108bn was approved by the government a few months ago for additional work on section one of the road being handled by Julius Berger.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, had stated that the additional work would cover flyover and pedestrian bridges as well as toll plazas for that section in order to accommodate the changing nature of the road.

Reacting to complaints by motorists on the slow pace of work on the road, Kuti said the rainy season had contributed significantly to this.

He added, “This is construction work; the pace of work is usually slower during rainy season. Once a material is wet, you must allow it to dry before it can be used.

“Instead of people to complain about the pace of work, they should consider the fact that the contractor is on site and we are moving.”

Kuti also spoke on the rumoured closure of the road, saying that there would only be diversion to enable the contractor to work faster.

“Nobody is going to shut down the road at any time; normal work will continue with diversion,” he said.

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Ministry of Mines Rakes in over N9 billion in Nearly 3 Years

The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has generated more than N9 billion from November 2015 till date. Alhaji Abubakar Bwari, the Minister of State disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja. Bwari said that the ministry generated N351,882,084.26 from November to December in 2015, N2,864,903,426.32 in 2016, N3,925,028,183.90 in 2017 and N2,060,441,736. 62 in 2018.

“When Dr Kayode Fayemi and I assumed duty in November 2015, we set an agenda to move the sector forward in line with President Muhammadu Buhari diversification plan and to boost the revenue of the ministry,” he said.

On success made by the sector through its budgetary allocation, he said that tremendous improvement had been recorded by the sector in the past two years.NAN recalls that in 2015, the capital appropriated for the ministry was N704 million and the amount released was N302 million.

In 2016, N2.6 billion was appropriated and what was released to the sector was N917 million.In 2017, N6,48 billion was appropriated for the ministry but N3.24 billion was released to the sector.He said that the ministry’s budget for 2017 was able to meet some of its needs, adding that it could conveniently provide logistics to its officers across the country.

“We can now give our officers money to monitor activities at all mine sites across the country from our budget, unlike in the past when the ministry’s budget was grossly inadequate.“The ministry also purchased vehicles for its officers across the country as well as surveillance taskforce to monitor illegal miners and mineral’s smugglers among others.”

Bwari said that the ministry has concluded arrangements to disburse another N70 million to some universities to conduct Research and Development of minerals deposits across the country.NAN reports that the fund being disbursed to some universities is the second batch of the programme.

In July, the minister disbursed N84 million to11 universities to conduct research and development of minerals deposits in Nigeria.The universities were required to conduct research and development in various areas relating to mapping and evaluation of particular mineral deposits in Nigeria.The 11 universities that benefitted from the fund in the first batch were, Obafemi Awolowo University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, and the University of Nigeria, Nsuka.

Others include, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida University, Niger, University of Port Harcourt, University of Jos, University of Lagos, Nasarawa State University, University of Ibadan and Ebonyi State University.

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2019 Election: Read what Nigerians are saying about cost of APC nomination forms

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the two major political parties--APC and PDP--have told aspirants for elective offices just how much nomination or expression of interest forms cost.

For instance, we do know that if you intend to run for the office of president on the PDP platform, you will have to part with N12million (N2million for Expression of Interest form and N10million for Nomination form).

Governorship aspirants on the PDP platform will cough out N6million (N1million as Expression of Interest form and N5million for the Nomination form).

See this link for cost of PDP nomination forms.

In the APC, Pulse has been told, things are a lot more expensive. Here’s what it will reportedly cost to run for office on the platform of the governing party.

PS: The APC is yet to say if the figures below are accurate. Pulse will update this story when an official response from the governing party comes in:

House of Reps - N3.8M

Senate - N8.5M

Governor - N22.5M

President - N55M

Nigerians have been having their say on Twitter on the cost of APC nomination forms. Find a few reactions below:

The reactions arrive on the heels of the signing of the Not-Young-To-Run bill by President Buhari on Thursday, May 31, 2018.

The Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act alters Sections 65, 106, 131, and 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and effectively reduces the age of qualification for the office of the President from 40 to 35 years; House of Reps from 30 to 25 years; and the House of Assembly from 30 to 25 years.

However, with nomination forms of the major political parties selling at prohibitive prices, young Nigerians have been wondering how they will ever make it into political offices since millions of them can't afford to purchase the APC, PDP forms.

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'I have no fear about free and fair election' - Nigeria's Buhari

Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has emphasized that he is not afraid of a free and fair election because his election is a product of that process.

Speaking on Sunday in the Chinese capital of Beijing at an interactive session with the Nigerian community, Buhari said he won the presidency on his fourth attempt.

“We are not doing too badly, but we need your understanding and support. Whatever you can contribute back at home by advising your families to vote for our party.

“I have no fear about free and fair election because that is what brought me here… I know what I want to do, very few in Nigeria politicians could boast of that, I tried four times.

He stressed about challenging the results in his first two attempts then added: “the third time I said ‘God dey,’ and the fourth time technology came and helped us and people’s vote counted.”

He had made a similar comment during a visit to Abuja by German chancellor Angela Merkel, adding that his administration was also committed to the rule of law.

Buhari, a former military ruler of Africa’s most populous nation, came into office in 2015 on the back of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has announced his intention to seek a second and final term in elections slated for February 2019.

He is leading the Nigerian entourage to the Forum for China – Africa Cooperation which kicks off today in Beijing. Dozens of African leaders are currently in Beijing for the summit themed: “China and Africa: Toward an Even Stronger Community with a Shared Future through Win-Win Cooperation.”

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FOCAC: China Announces $60 billion Financing Package for African Economies

China will extend a total of 60 billion U.S. dollars of financing to Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Monday.

In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi said that the financing will be provided in the form of government assistance as well as investment and financing by financial institutions and companies

He also said that China will exempt certain African countries from outstanding debts incurred in the form of interest-free Chinese government loans due by the end of 2018.

The exemption, he said, will be granted to Africa’s least developed countries, heavily indebted and poor countries, landlocked and small island developing countries that have diplomatic relations with China.

Xi also said China will implement eight major initiatives with African countries in the next three years and beyond.

He said the initiatives, cover fields such as industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, and green development. 

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EPL: Wenger to replace Mourinho at Manchester United

Veteran English sports presenter and analyst, Richard Keys, has said that former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, would take over from Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

Keys who has worked with BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Talksport, Al-Jazeera, Fox Sports, ESPN Star Sports, said that Wenger would be a suitable replacement for the Portuguese.

United boss, Mourinho is the favourite with the bookies to be the next manager to lose their job in the top flight despite yesterday’s win over Burnley.

And Keys suggested the Wenger, who left Arsenal after 22 years at the end of last season, would be a good option.

“I’ll match and raise you Arsene Wenger,” he told beIN Sports.

“Let me put a bit of meat on the bone. Managed big players all of his life. Knows plenty about the English Premier League.

“He has won everything there is to win apart from the Champions League. He certainly can handle big players. Managed a big football club and he’s available.”

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EPL: David Luiz reveals who made him to remain at Chelsea

Chelsea defender, David Luiz revealed that the arrival of new manager, Maurizio Sarri convinced him to stay at Chelsea following Antonio Conte’s exit.

Luiz, who had confirmed that he planned to leave the Blues this summer if Conte remained as manager, also spoke on his new position in Sarri’s formation.

Sarri replaced fellow Italian compatriot, Conte at Stamford Bridge earlier in the summer.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Luiz said that the arrival of Sarri convinced him to stay at the club rather than push for a move away from the West London club.

“Maurizio Sarri already teach me many things I have not saw before,” said Luiz. “His arrival made me to stay”.

“I already had a coach the same way as him – Jorge Jesus when I had him at Benfica, he was also like that. It’s important because we play one-on-one with the ball.”

“I already played more in my life in a back four than a back three,” he added. “I start to play back three when I was 17 then I come back to play a back three two years ago here.

“I think I’m more adept with a back four than a back three.”

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LaLiga: Real Madrid coach, Lopetegui speaks on Benzema becoming top scorer this season

Real Madrid manager, Julen Lopetegui has said that striker, Karim Benzema can end the 2018-19 season as the top scorer (Pichichi) in the La Liga.

Benzema scored five league goals for the Los Blancos last campaign but has already registered four times in three appearances at the start of the 2018-19 campaign.

The France international netted a brace in Madrid’s 4-1 win over Leganes on Saturday night in the La Liga.

Lopetegui, however, believes Benzema has what it takes to pick up the Pichichi Trophy for the top goalscorer in La Liga this season.

“Why can’t he [Benzema] be Pichichi? Why can’t he end up with 30 or 40 goals? The most important thing is the team.

“The goals come from the work of the whole team and someone has the honour, proximity and quality of scoring them,” Sportmole quoted Lopetegui as saying at post-match.

Lopetegui’s side has won all three of their league matches at the start of the new season.

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