5 things for September 19: Trade, Kavanaugh, Korea summit, Cameroon, Tesla

 

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1. Trade war

Prepare for another round of tariff-swapping in the ongoing trade escalation between the US and China. Starting next week, President Trump will impose tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods. That's the biggest round of tariffs so far, and it will affect consumer goods ranging from dishwashers to Fitbit fitness trackers to food seasonings. China is expected to respond with tariffs worth $60 billion. This tit-for-tat has worried investors for a while, but now some are REALLY starting to get uncomfortable. US markets are up right now, but a new pair of investor surveys show some experts think the US economy -- and the global economy in general -- will slow down soon. The CEO of FedEx isn't happy about the trade scuffle either. He told analysts this week that the US-China trade spat "is worrisome to everyone."

2. Brett Kavanaugh

There's been another major twist to the Kavanaugh confirmation saga. The SCOTUS nominee's accuser now says she wants the FBI involved. Attorneys for Christine Blasey Ford, who has accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers in the 1980s, said yesterday in a letter that their client is not prepared to testify in a public hearing that had been set for Monday unless the FBI first investigates her allegations. This raises the stakes for Republicans. Should they delay the confirmation, potentially setting themselves up for a big political defeat? Or should they move forward with the confirmation, say they gave Ford a chance to say her piece and risk appearing like they aren't willing to respect a woman's accusations against a powerful man?

3. North and South Korea

A breakthrough on the Korean peninsula: During a joint news conference today in Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to an "era of no war." The leaders committed to a series of joint diplomatic efforts, and both countries' defense chiefs signed an accord in which the two countries vowed to "cease all hostile acts against each other." Also, the subject of nuclear de-escalation came up in a big way. South Korea announced that North Korea would close a key missile test facility in the presence of "international experts" and potentially destroy its primary nuclear complex -- but only if the United States agrees to corresponding measures.

4. Cameroon

There's been a "horrific escalation of violence" in the central African nation of Cameroon. About 400 civilians have been killed this year in attacks between armed separatist groups and security forces in English-speaking parts of the country, including cases of kidnapping and a beheading, Amnesty International said. Most people -- and the central government -- in Cameroon speak French, and English speakers say they've been marginalized in educational and legal systems. Some English speakers want to secede, but Cameroon's government has alleged used its military to tamp down that sentiment.

5. Tesla 

It seems more troubles are on the way for Tesla and its embattled CEO, Elon Musk. The automaker said yesterday that the Justice Department is looking into a tweet sent by Musk last month about Tesla's trading status. Musk tweeted that he was thinking about taking the company private, even naming a share price and saying he had the backing to do so. That never happened, but Tesla stock shot up right after his announcement. Some shareholders think he was intentionally trying to goose it. Meanwhile, a diver involved in July's Thai cave rescue filed a defamation suit against Musk this week after Musk repeatedly and called the diver a "pedo" (that's short for pedophile) on Twitter. 

God gave me this gift, and I'm glad I didn't miss it - Man says as he sets to wed his NYSC camp sweetheart

Wedding bells are ringing for this Nigerian couple whose love story has left many people hopeful about finding their one true love and possibly having the opportunity to spend the rest of their lives with them too!

The beautiful couple identified as Femi and Ruona, have proven that with true love on your side, no barrier is too strong to be defeated. Despite coming from different tribal backgrounds, these two have grown so in love with each other, it's almost a thing of envy.

Speaking on how it all started, Femi revealed that they first met in NYSC camp in August, 2014. He stated that he was captivated by her from the first moment he set his eyes on her. According to him, the fact that they are set to marry 4 years after meeting, goes a long way to prove that love transcends every barrier.

He wrote: "Love they say transcends all barriers, I can comfortably say this because ours did. I met Ruona on the 7th of August 2014, it still surprises her, how I remember the exact day. As an otondo I had just resumed orientation camp, and was trying to make new friends, and mix with the crowd, when I stumbled on this beauty, gosh!

She was in my platoon (Platoon 1),as a sharp guy I made conscious moves to get to know her via a mutual friend whom i had also just recently met.i worked my charm and she couldn't resist (lol),we became friends and the chemistry between us was intense, and quite noticeable by all.

It wasn't long before peeps started asking if we had been dating before we came to camp, we would just laugh it off, we practically did everything together, wherever you see Ruona I wasn't more than 10mtrs away (no jokes...she jazzed me) lol. We had no intentions to go beyond being platonic friends because there were "barriers" (lol).

Not long we were both chosen to represent our platoon in the Mr Macho/Miss NYSC Pageants, which we both excelled as 1st runner-ups. I remember her crying when I got my posting to Ogbere, because we had both hoped to be posted to the same LG, she promised she'd come visit (but she didn't..story for another day). We became official in March of 2015, and it has been Love at every sight since then. God gave me this gift, and I'm glad I didn't miss it. I'm grateful for the journey thus, and can't wait for that big day when you officially become mine. I love you Ruonalee'.

This is beautiful indeed!

Oyo Govt Shuts Obasanjo Farms For Failing To Pay Environmental Levy

The state shut Obasanjo Farms and 15 other businesses, including Black Horse, Heinemann Educational Books, Lister Flour Mills, Evans Brothers, Butterfield bakery, Chicken Republic, MRS Oil and Rasmed Publications Limited, following their failure to comply, despite being served reminders on several occasions.

   

Board of Internal Revenue’s inter-ministerial enforcement unit, an Oyo State government parastatal, has shut Obasanjo Farms, owned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for failing to pay environmental development levy.

Bicci Ali, Chairman of the board, announced this on Tuesday while while addressing journalists in the state.

He said the state shut Obasanjo Farms and 15 other businesses, including Black Horse, Heinemann Educational Books, Lister Flour Mills, Evans Brothers, Butterfield bakery, Chicken Republic, MRS Oil and Rasmed Publications Limited, following their failure to comply, despite being served reminders on several occasions.

He said: “We went to restrain some corporate organisations that failed to pay what is due to the Oyo State government. After giving due notices, demand notices and even public notices to that effect, they failed to pay.”

“It was as a result of their failure to pay that we now embarked on the needful.

“So we went to those places to stop them from having access to their premises until they comply with the directive and do the right thing.”

Some branches of Diamond Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Skye Bank, First City Monument Bank, Heritage Bank, First Bank, Ecobank, Unity Bank, UBA, Keystone Bank and Union Bank were also shut by the state government on Monday.

Rita Ora Announces November Release for Her New Album 'Phoenix'

Rita Ora performs onstage during the 2018 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Field on April 13, 2018 in Indio, Calif. 

Even though it's been six years since the release of her first and only studio album, Rita Ora has remained a fixture in pop music.

But now, Ora is ready for her big reintroduction: The star took to social media to announce that her long-awaited sophomore album is finally coming in November. Titled Phoenix, her new album will be available for download and purchase on Nov. 23.

Along with the new album, Ora will also release her lead single from Phoenix, “Let Me Love You,” on Friday. Described as a “mid-tempo pop-anthem” in a statement, the song will examine Ora’s feelings of uncertainty when entering a new relationship and is promised to be “one of Rita’s most intimate tracks to date.”

Ora acknowledged the gap of time between her albums in a statement, saying she needed to take her time to create the album that she wanted to share with her fans. “This album is a true labour of love, and it was important for me to do it my way,” she said. “I’m so appreciative of the love and support from those who worked with me on the record and allowed me to create something I’m really proud of. They gave me the space and freedom to create something from my heart.”

The album comes after a pivotal year in the singer’s career. After selling out a European tour and racking up millions of streams for her recent singles, Ora released the song “Girls” with Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charli XCX at the start of the summer. The song was met with criticism from the LGBTQ community, including queer pop stars Hayley Kiyoko and Kehlani, for its problematic portrayal of girl-on-girl attraction.

While Cardi and Rexha defended the song, Ora swiftly apologized for the track and subsequently came out. “I have had romantic relationships with women and men throughout my life and this is my personal journey," she wrote on Twitter. “I am sorry how I expressed myself in my song has hurt anyone. I would never intentionally cause harm to other LGBTQ+ people or anyone."

Rita Ora’s new album Phoenix is out everywhere on Nov. 23 and is available for pre-order now.

Meghan cooks for Grenfell: Duchess announces support for charity cookbook

 

In her first solo project as a member of the royal family, the Duchess of Sussex is supporting a new charity cookbook showcasing recipes from women whose community was affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, Kensington Palace said in a statement on Monday.

In January 2018, as she was settling into London, Meghan Markle met the group of women who gathered to cook twice a week in a communal kitchen at the Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre.

"I immediately felt connected to this community kitchen; it is a place for women to laugh, grieve, cry and cook together," Markle, who has continued to make regular private visits to the kitchen, said in a statement.

She championed the cookbook project as a way of ensuring the kitchen could operate more regularly, and it is hoped that profits from the sales will help keep the kitchen open up to seven days a week.

The kitchen originally provided a place for the women to cook fresh food for their families and neighbors, who were living out of hotel rooms after the fire, but more than a year later it has also become a support network. The women who gather there call it the Hubb Community Kitchen -- in Arabic "hubb" means "love."

The Duchess of Sussex sits down for a meal with women at the Al Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre.

"I immediately felt connected to this community kitchen; it is a place for women to laugh, grieve, cry and cook together," said the Duchess, who has written the foreword for the book.

Supported by The Royal Foundation, "Together: Our Community Cookbook" features over 50 recipes from across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, and celebrates "the power of cooking to bring communities together."

"Melding cultural identities under a shared roof, it creates a space to feel a sense of normalcy -- in its simplest form, the universal need to connect, nurture, and commune through food, through crisis or joy -- something we can all relate to," she said.

The Duchess, who is quite a foodie herself, would often share recipes from her kitchen on her now defunct lifestyle blog The Tig.

Machines Will Handle More Than Half of Workplace Tasks by 2025, a Report Says

Factory robot seen at the WoBit company building in Poland in July 2018. JP Black—LightRocket/Getty Images

The report also predicts the loss of some 75 million jobs worldwide by 2022

(GENEVA) — Organizers of the Davos forum say in a new report that machines are increasingly moving in on jobs done by people, projecting that more than half of all workplace tasks will be carried out by machines by 2025.

The World Economic Forum also predicts the loss of some 75 million jobs worldwide by 2022, but also says 133 million new jobs will be created.

The WEF said Monday: “Despite bringing widespread disruption, the advent of machine, robots and algorithm could actually have a positive impact on human employment.”

The “Future of Jobs 2018” report, the second of its kind, is based on a survey of executives representing 15 million employees in 20 economies.

The WEF said challenges for employers include reskilling workers, enabling remote employment and building safety nets for workers.

Air Peace Begins International Operations in November

   

Air Peace has said it will  start intercontinental operations in November when all the long-haul aircraft it acquired would have arrived.

This was disclosed by the Chairman and CEO of the airline, Allen Onyema, who said that he was expecting two more Boeing B777, which it acquired recently, in addition to the two which had already arrived the country.

Onyema said this would ensure that the airline has enough aircraft for its international service and so would not be interrupted by inadequate aircraft when anyone on the fleet goes for maintenance.

“We want to make sure Nigerians are proud of their own. We want to make the international community not to have anything to hold on to, to fault us. So, we want to make sure that we put in place a solid structure for the upcoming international operations. These are the reasons why we have not started. We do not want to go into international operations and come out. We want to make sure we have enough planes to do the international operations. You do not begin international operations with one aircraft. If the aircraft develop fault, what do you do? You disappoint passengers?  You don’t start international operations with even two aircraft, which is why we have acquired four B777. We have not started because the others have not come in. And we do not want to rush it,” he said.

The Air Peace boss said domestic airlines should cooperate more in order to reap the benefits interlining and ease the animosity occasioned by the current bitter competition prevalent in the industry.

He also said that the airline is negotiating for interline and code-share partners in its international routes to ensure that it takes passengers beyond its own destinations.

“We should cooperate more. We can even do spares pooling. It will help airlines. We are seeking partnership with other foreign airlines. We do not want to do point to point. We want to be a one-stop shop airline for passengers.

“Nigerians get more comfortable when they are flying international airlines. They believe those ones maintain their aircraft better  because of the not-too-good incidents of the past.  A lot of people are sceptical about using any of the domestic carriers.  Some will prefer to travel by road, 10 hours and even be at the mercy of kidnappers. They do not care because they do not trust Nigerian airlines. Again, Nigerian flying public believe that Nigerian airlines are ill-equipped and ill-maintained. Even those that agreed to fly; some of them would start praying four days before their flight.

“It is a matter of perception. Nigerian airlines are well-maintained because the  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) is on top of their game when it comes to the issue of maintenance. The NCAA is even over-doing it. So, some of the things they could take for granted abroad, we do not take for granted here. I speak for myself as Air Peace. First of all, I wanted to give Nigerians a platform by creating employment; that is why I created this airline. I am pro-Nigeria, I am pro-people. We have over 2,000 employees within a space of three years and these are direct jobs,” Onyema also said.

   

Fayose reacts as EFCC tells Customs to watch, arrest him

The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has reacted to a letter by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instructing the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to monitor and arrest him anytime he wants to run away from the country.

DAILY POST had reported that the agency in a letter signed by its acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to the comptroller-general of customs urged the Service to place him on the watchlist and ensure he does not escape.

Fayose who enjoys immunity from prosecution as a governor is set to appear before the EFCC on October 16 over allegation of money laundering, conspiracy, abuse of office, among others.

However in a swift reaction, Fayose said ‘putting him on the watchlist was not only political but petty. He maintained that he would remain with PDP no matter the action taken against him.

He tweeted, “@officialEFCC, should note that when a woman is being brought to you as a wife, you don’t have to peep through the window to see her. As I said in my letter, Insah Allah, I will be in your office on October 16, a day after the expiration of my tenure.

“@officialEFCC Putting my name on watchlist after receiving notification of my coming is not only political but petty. I’m not among those who are afraid to face tomorrow. Nobody is God.

“They should expect me on October 16 by 1pm.

“Whatever they do, I will remain in PDP.”

"Luke Shaw turned his Manchester United and England career around: "Mentally, physically, he is stronger. Tactically, he has a better understanding."

Luke Shaw has shone for Manchester United this season and could feature for England against Spain on Saturday night

Luke Shaw's Manchester United and England prospects looked bleak at the end of last season but it has all changed now. Nick Wright assesses his return to form as Gareth Southgate's side prepare for the UEFA Nations League meeting with Spain, live on Sky Sports on Saturday.

Midway through last season it seemed Luke Shaw had finally won over Jose Mourinho and become Manchester United's first-choice left-back. It was January and the 23-year-old had just started five consecutive games for the first time since breaking his leg in 2015. "I don't see many left-backs better than this Luke Shaw," said Mourinho at the time.

The United manager was speaking after Shaw impressed in a 3-0 win over Stoke, but a few days later he was back on the bench when Ashley Young returned from suspension. Shaw lost his place and his momentum went with it. In March, he was hauled off halfway through an FA Cup tie against Brighton. Two months later, he was not even in the squad for the final.

This is a limited version of the story so unfortunately this content is not available. 

By that point, Shaw, so often the subject of scathing criticism from Mourinho in the past, knew he would not be going to the World Cup with England. Gareth Southgate had been clear in his insistence that players who were not playing for their clubs would not be called on. Danny Rose was an exception to the rule. Shaw was not.

It was a bitter blow for someone widely expected to take over from Ashley Cole when he became the youngest player to feature at the 2014 World Cup, but his fall from grace has been such that it did not come as a surprise. Shaw admits he struggled with the step up from Southampton to United. Mourinho's abrasive style has not been easy, either.

It is only now that things finally seem to be coming together. Shaw has not missed a minute for Manchester United this season, impressing in difficult circumstances and scoring his first senior goal on the opening day against Leicester, and his return to the England fold gives him the opportunity to transfer his club form to the international stage.

Mentally, physically, he is stronger. Tactically, he has a better understanding. We are very happy for him. It is extraordinary for him.Jose Mourinho on Luke Shaw

History suggests we should be wary of another false dawn, but there are reasons to believe that this time it could be different. Mourinho certainly seems convinced. He made a show of praising Shaw on the pitch after United's 3-0 defeat by Tottenham last Monday, and hailed his transformation into a "proper football player" after the 2-0 win over Burnley at the weekend.

"In this moment, he is feeling the good results of the hard work of many people that work against him and try to make him a proper football player, because a proper football player is a player of consistency," he said. "Mentally, physically, he is stronger. Tactically, he has a better understanding. We are very happy for him. It is extraordinary for him."

Mourinho was eager to credit his staff for the transformation, but Shaw deserves considerable credit himself. After such a disappointing end to last season, and after his confidence took another hit when a photograph of him on holiday in Dubai prompted taunts about his weight and body shape, he could easily have spent the summer feeling sorry for himself.

Instead, though, he returned to pre-season training early and vowed to get into the best shape of his career. "I've changed a lot," he said during United's tour of the United States in July. "I'm much fitter, more confident, and a different person than I was last season. I've grown and learned a lot from the situations I've been in."

Shaw has matured and the rewards of his hard work can now be seen out on the pitch, where he is bombing up and down United's left flank with increased energy. According to Premier League tracking data, he clocked a higher top speed than anyone else against Brighton and Burnley. He ranks second at United for distance covered this season and first for sprints.

Luke Shaw ranks second for distance covered and top for sprints at Manchester United this season

It has not gone unnoticed by Southgate. "I am really impressed with the physical condition that he looks in," said the England boss recently. "He had an extra edge to his game in the last couple of matches. I have seen when games have been going against his team, he is one who has shown an aggression to his play and a desire not to lose.

"He looks like he is playing with confidence. He is looking back to his powerful best, going past people, which we feel is something that he can add to what we had in the team in the summer. He can bring that extra penetration in wide areas."

Suddenly, the outlook has changed completely for Shaw. It was Young who took his place in the United team in January and it was Young who impressed in his absence for England at the World Cup, but a few months on and it's now Young who has not even made Southgate's squad.

It is another indication that Shaw's time might finally have come.

China Doesn’t Give Money To Corrupt Governments, Says Former Special Envoy To Africa

Liu Guijin, China’s former special envoy to Africa, said: "China’s engagement in Africa is focused on its people and we do not give our money to corrupt governments or officials”.

Liu Guijin, China’s former special envoy to Africa, has restated China’s commitment to ensuring that its money does not get to corrupt governments.

In a report published on ties between Africa and China, in line with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which held in Beijing, China, a declaration was adopted that there would be “zero tolerance” approach to corruption in dealings between China and Africa.
Liu said: “China’s engagement in Africa is focused on its people and we do not give our money to corrupt governments or officials”.

Also speaking on China-Africa relations, according to Reuters, Cheng Tao, a former head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Africa division and previously China’s ambassador in Mali and Morocco, noted that the government is voted by the people, and investment meant for the people is expected to be spear-headed by government, which is why China deals with government officials.

His words: “An African friend told me, our government is extremely corrupt. How come you’re still involved with them? Our government has asked the Chinese government to build a bridge and a hospital, but the Chinese government shouldn’t help them,” he said, without naming the country.

“I told him - you voted for this government. It’s the only government we can deal with. But the bridge and the hospital are not built for the president or officials, but are for the common people. So I think this is another perspective that can be considered when looking at this issue.”

Dolly Parton to be honored in Grammy gala

Country legend Dolly Parton will be honored at a charity concert ahead of next year’s Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy, which administers the prize, announced Tuesday.

Parton will be the 2019 focus of Musicares, a charitable wing of the Recording Academy that raises money to help musicians in need through the annual star-studded gala.

Parton is among the most prominent women in country music and one of the Nashville-based industry’s most prolific songwriters. She became such a cultural icon that she is the center of the Dollywood theme park in Tennessee.

Announcing the choice of Parton, the first country artist to be recognized at Musicares, the Recording Academy pointed to her longstanding charitable activities which include working on literacy and assisting Tennessee residents after disasters.

“Dolly Parton has always been and continues to be a courageous trailblazer and indomitable inspiration for creators and artists,” Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said in a statement.

Announcing the schedule for next year’s Grammy Week in Los Angeles, Portnow said that Parton would be honored on February 8 with the Grammys two days later.

The awards, the most prestigious handed out by the music industry, shifted this year to New York to mark the Grammys’ 60th edition.

The last Musicares honored Fleetwood Mac, bringing together the notoriously fractious band for a concert with performances by Lorde, Miley Cyrus and Haim attended by former president Bill Clinton.

Musicares said it distributed more than $6.4 million dollars among some 8,500 members of the music industry in the last fiscal year.

Police grill Fani-Kayode over anti-Fulani herdsmen article

The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday grilled a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, over a three-part essay titled, ‘Five Useful Idiots and the Spirit of the Accursed Slave’.

Fani-Kayode, it was learnt, was grilled for about an hour and then asked to return on another day for more interrogation.

Confirming his interrogation to our correspondent on the telephone, the former minister said the quizzing was cordial.

Fani-Kayode, however, said he would continue to write more of such articles.

He said, “I had a cordial interview with the policemen. The police were courteous and professional.

“I was invited because of my essay titled “Five Useful Idiots and the Spirit Of the Accursed Slave” which was about Fulani hegemony and terrorism together with other write-ups.  No regrets. I will hit harder and write more.”

In the essay which was published in March, the former minister lambasted the Governor of Plateau State, Solomon Lalong, for blaming the herdsmen attacks on Governor Samuel Ortom’s refusal to scrap the anti-grazing law.

Fani-Kayode also lambasted the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for describing the herdsmen attacks in Kogi State as a family affair among Kogi indigenes.

He also knocked a former Minister of Information and current chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Tony Momoh, for saying the Fulani herdsmen were victims of tribal politics.

The former minister said in the article that the herdsmen attacks were part of a larger scheme to dominate and recolonise Nigeria.

YOU ARE A COWARD! Senator Adeyemi Smart’s daughter, Deola, blasts Dino Melaye

Deola Smart, the daughter of Senator Adeyemi Smart, has taken to her InstaStory to lambaste the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Dino Melaye, for daring to visit them at their home.

Wuzup Naija noted that Melaye and the Smart’s are politically-sworn enemies. However, Senator Smart’s wife died some days ago and Melaye decided to pay them a condolence visit. Reports claimed he was ignored.

Angered by the visit, Deola slammed the lawmaker, calling him a coward and daring him to visit their home again.

She also claimed Melaye, who recently posted a video of some men allegedly mocking Senator Smart on his Instagram page, has been calling them.

Wuzup Naija recalled that Dino Melaye unseated Adeyemi Smart as the Senator representing Kogi West.

See her posts below:

11 dead, 600 injured as Typhoon Jebi batters Japan

At least eleven people have been killed and about 600 injured after Typhoon Jebi ripped through Japan, the most powerful storm to hit the country in 25 years, local media reported on Wednesday.

Of the 11 deaths, eight people died in the western prefecture of Osaka, including four men, who fell from upstairs or the roofs of their houses after apparently being hit by strong winds, broadcaster NHK reported.

Three others died after they were hit by flying objects, the report said.

About 3,000 people spent the night at Kansai International Airport after a tanker ship hit the bridge connecting the offshore airport and the city of Izumisano, NHK said.

The ship was damaged, but its 11 crew members were not injured.

Authorities began taking some of those stranded to nearby Kobe Airport, which is also located on an artificial island, by ferry early Wednesday, while others were taken to the mainland by bus.

The ship, which had been anchored in Osaka Bay, was swept towards the bridge as the storm lashed Osaka.

The airport remained closed on Wednesday, leading to the cancellation of 162 flights, and it is still unknown when it will be back to normal operation, Kyodo News said.

One of its runways and the basement floor of a terminal building were flooded.

About half a million households in Osaka and five nearby prefectures remained without power, as of 11am (0200 GMT), according to Kansai Electric Power.

The season’s 21st typhoon was downgraded to an extra-tropical cyclone over the Tatar Strait near Russia at around 9am, the Meteorological Agency said, after dumping torrential rains on the northern island of Hokkaido overnight, toppling trees and utility poles.

Jebi made landfall around the southern part of Tokushima prefecture shortly after Tuesday noon, according to the agency.

Jebi was the latest in a series of weather-related disasters to hit the country in recent months.

In early July, torrential rains pummelled western Japan, triggering landslides and floods that left 226 people dead and 10 missing.

It was the country’s deadliest weather-related disaster in more than three decades.

An intense heatwave that enveloped the country immediately afterwards killed more than 130 people, as temperatures soared above 40 degrees Celsius in some places.

Husband, wife sell only son for N180,000 in Calabar.

A 27-year-old man, Mr Daniel Bassey, and his wife, Magdalene, have been arrested for trafficking their two-year-old son for N180,000 to an agent in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Parading the couple and 78 other suspects involved in various crimes at the headquarters of the Cross River State, Police Command in Calabar, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hafiz Inuwa, said the duo were arrested on July 23, 2018 in Calabar after a report by the mother of the child.

Inuwa said the mother of the boy reported to the Efut divisional headquarters that her husband took their only son, Moses Bassey, to an unknown person in Port Harcourt through one woman simply known as Mummy and collected some money.

He said, “On July 23, 2018, one Mrs Magdalene Bassey, reported at Efut Divisional Headquarters in Calabar that her husband, Mr Daniel Bassey, took their first son to an unknown person in Port Harcourt through one woman called Mummy.

“The police immediately swung into action and arrested the suspect. During interrogation, the suspect revealed that his wife was a party to the transaction. They are now in police custody to help the police to unravel the cause of this inhuman action and face possible prosecution.”

He said efforts were on by the police to ensure that the baby was recovered.

During an interview with Southern City News on Tuesday, Daniel Bassey, confessed to the crime, adding that he gave out the child as collateral for N180,000 loan to help him pay his house rent .

“I did it based on the debt of N21,000 I collected from a friend to pay my house rent. There is no work in this rainy season and I am jobless. A guy from my area informed me that he knows a woman who lends money to people.

“That my friend told me that I can give out the child as collateral to get the money without necessarily selling him. The woman gave me N180,000 immediately after she received the child.

“After that, my mother in-law came and asked me of the child and I lied to her that I took the baby to my brother for holiday,” he said.

His wife, Magdalene, who hails from Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, admitted that she consented to the act.

She said she agreed to it so that they could solve their financial problems.

The commissioner also paraded 37 suspected armed robbers, 20 suspected cultists, eight suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, five suspects for murder among others.

He assured that the command would continue to work in collaboration with other security agencies and residents in the state with a view to safeguard lives and property in the state.

Top Police Officers Visit Edwin Clark, Apologise For Raid

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has apologised to Edwin Clark over the search conducted at his residence in Abuja by some police personnel.

The apology was tendered on behalf of the IGP and the Force by a delegation of top police officers who visited the elder statesman on Tuesday.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Moshood, confirmed this in a statement, saying the police delegation was led by a Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Habila Joshak.

Mr Moshood added that the delegation was received by Clark and the apology was accepted by him.

He insisted that the police boss was not aware of and did not authorise the search of the elder statesman.

The Force spokesman disclosed that the IGP has ordered the parade of the informant in the case before he was charged to court.

A team of police officers allegedly from the IGP’s Special Tactical Squad had stormed Clark’s residence in Asokoro, Abuja with a warrant to search for weapons.

The elder statesman, in his reaction, described the incident as an embarrassment and threatened to take legal action over the raid.

Read the statement below;

IGP sends a high powered delegation of a DIG and other Senior Police Officers to apologise to the elder statesman

Further to the earlier Press Statement from the Nigeria Police Force on the directives of the Inspector General of Police for immediate detention and Investigation of the four (4) police personnel (including a senior police officer) and an informant involved in the unauthorised, illegal and unprofessional misconduct in the Search of Chief Edwin Clark’s Residence in Asokoro, Abuja, today 4th September, 2018.

The IGP as stated in the Press Statement was not aware and did not authorise the search and has, therefore, sent a delegation of senior police officers, led by DIG Habila Joshak (DIG DOPs) along with some Commissioners of Police who visited the elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, and apologised on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force and the IGP for the misconducts of the said police personnel and the attendant embarrassment the search has caused on the elder statesman and his family.

The delegation was received by Chief Edwin Clark and the apology was accepted by him.

Furthermore, while the four (4) police personnel are in detention and being investigated and tried within the Force Disciplinary Procedures before appropriate punishments are meted out to them, the IGP has directed the immediate parade of the informant (suspect) on Wednesday 5th September, 2018 in the presence of the press and the public, before his prompt arraignment and prosecution in court.

Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement Laments High Nomination Forms Cost

Lawal decried the high cost of the expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2019 general elections being sold by political parties in the country.

  

Members of the Not- too-Young-to-Run movement in Gombe State have raised the alarm that some state governors were working to frustrate the leadership ambition of the youths by hijacking the sale of nomination forms.

They alleged that state governors were working to edge out the youths from vying for elected public offices by making the expression of interest and nomination forms exorbitant and out of their reach.

The National Leader of the movement, Hamza Lawal, said this in Gombe at a press conference organised by the movement.

Lawal decried the high cost of the expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2019 general elections being sold by political parties in the country.

The high costs of the forms, according to him, will make youths and qualified politicians to shelve their ambitions.

He said the whole idea of paying an exorbitant rate for nomination form smacked of a grand conspiracy to keep the system only for the moneybags and shut out those with less financial muscle.

He said, “The movement notes, with concern, the announcement on the cost of nomination forms by various parties which presents a major impediment to youth participation in politics.”

He recommended that the cost for nomination forms by various parties should not exceed N2m for the presidential aspirant, N1m for governorship aspirant, N600,000 for senatorial aspirants, N400,000 for House of Representatives and N200,0000 for state House of Assembly.

He, however, lauded the leadership of some political parties that had reserved tickets for young men and women with character, capacity and competence.

.@ChrisSmalling has spoken about earning #MUFC's first clean sheet of the season on Sunday...

Chris Smalling has spoken of Manchester United's determination to rise above any recent criticism when the team stepped out at Burnley on Sunday and he says everyone was delighted to come away with a deserved three points and clean sheet.

Smalling was part of what Jose Mourinho described as “crucial triangle” in the 2-0 victory, along with central defensive partner Victor Lindelof and Marouane Fellaini, who sat just in front of the back four.

On the back of two very disappointing results against Brighton and Tottenham, Smalling revealed the team had worked hard on tactical play ahead of the Turf Moor clash and the players were pleased with how everything came together, even though he admits the Reds could have scored more.

“We had a lot of chances in both halves and if it had been five or six I don’t think anyone could have argued. The good thing is we’re getting those chances, similar to the last game, and hopefully we can continue to score them,” Smalling told MUTV.

“With us not having a game in the week, we’d been able to work on a lot of patterns of play and you could see them coming out and finishing with the goals, so we were happy with that.

“We deserved a clean sheet and going down to 10 men makes it that bit more difficult. Last season we picked up a lot of clean sheets and this year we’ve conceded early goals. We need to get back what we’ve done in the last few seasons when we’ve conceded very few goals, like on Sunday.

“United is an easy topic of conversation for all fans and it’s not often that we go into games off the back of two defeats,” added Chris. “It was down to us players to stand up tall and get a result, and we’re very happy with the win.”

TEN TALKING POINTS FROM UNITED'S WEEKENDARTICLE

The 28-year-old also thanked the United fans for another incredible show of support throughout the afternoon at Turf Moor.

“Right from the warm-up they didn’t stop singing,” declared Smalling. “They travel so far and all over the place to cheer us on and we wanted to give them that win that they deserve.”

How MTN, four banks perpetrated $8.13 illegal deal, by CBN

Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday, gave details of how MTN Nigeria Limited and four banks perpetrated the $8.13 billion illegal transactions, using false information and deliberate disregard for the rules.

The details, which were contained in a CBN’s letter to the organisations involved in the saga, became necessary following denial of culpability in the illegality that has been described as a crime against the country.

The apex bank said the first error was when the Certificate of Capital Importation (CCIs) at the time of investment by MTN Nigeria showed $59.436 million as shareholders’ loan and $343.153 million as equity, but turned to $399.594 million as shareholders’ loan and $2.996 million as equity investment as at December 2007.

This position was, however, contrary to the CCIs issued by Standard Chartered Bank Limited, Citi Bank and Diamond Bank, which constituted a rendition of false returns to the CBN.

According to the statement signed by the CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, when Standard Chartered Bank Limited subsequently applied on behalf of MTN Nigeria for the conversion of the shareholder’s loan to preference shares, it did not wait for any board resolution or submit documentary evidence of the resolution to CBN before it hurriedly issued new CCIs in support of the illegal conversion of the shareholders’ loan to preference shares.

On December 10, 2009, Standard Chartered Bank Limited admitted its decision as error in a letter to the apex bank, in which it described the act as an “unintended omission.”

It was disclosed that the bank also issued three CCIs outside the regulatory 24 hours, without the approval of the CBN; failed to issue a procedural letter of indemnity to the CBN against double remittance; and aided the illegal repatriation of $3.448 billion, which it has now been ordered to refund to the CBN with immediate effect.

Stanbic IBTC Bank also reported 35 CCIs valued $313.683 million inappropriately as “other purchases” in a document to CBN in February 2008, instead of “capital importation”.

The bank also issued eight CCIs of $58.359 million in respect of foreign exchange sourced locally, as shareholders’ loan, violating the rule which stipulates that CCIs should only be issued on capital imported.

Like Standard Chartered Bank, it also issued eight CCIs for capital inflows in form of machinery outside the 24 hours regulatory requirement of receipt of shipping documents, as well as that of letter of indemnity to the CBN against double remittance in respect of 20 CCIs transferred.

In all, Stanbic IBTC Bank caused $2.632 billion to be repatriated on the basis of the illegally issued CCIs, hence it was ordered to refund the amount to CBN with immediate effect.

But a source at Stanbic Bank told The Guardian that sequel to the order by the CBN to pay a fine and refund the illegally repatriated funds, engagements with the regulator to restate the bank’s sides of the matter have begun.

According to the source, the bank said that the engagement had become necessary as they still claim that the apex bank vetted and approved the transactions in question.

For Diamond Bank, it remitted $348.914 million as dividend to MTN Nigeria offshore corporate shareholders without any documentary evidence of the audited account of the company to justify the basis of the payment of the dividend declared and paid.
This action is a violation of the provision of Memorandum 24(4)(b) of the Foreign Exchange Manual.

It also issued three CCIs outside the regulatory 24 hours, without the approval of the CBN, and illegally remitted $352.222 million on behalf of Standard Chartered Bank and Stanbic IBTC.

Citibank Nigeria Limited followed the bandwagon, as four of the CCIs it issued, which evidenced the inflow of capital imported as cash, were outside the period of 24 hours allowed by regulation upon the receipt of inflow.

The bank also failed to comply with extant regulations on the issuance of letter of indemnity to the CBN in addition to forwarding the transaction history of the CCIs to the apex bank. CBN said the bank purchased $535 million on the basis of photocopies of a document bearing the name of Standard Chartered Bank as the applicant bank and the referenced CCIs.

In all, about $1.766 billion was repatriated by the bank on the basis of the illegally issued CCIs, which should be refunded to the coffers of the CBN with immediate effect.

PHOTOS: Aisha Buhari attends China-Africa AIDS Prevention and Control meeting

Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, attended the China-Africa AIDS Prevention and Control meeting that was hosted by the First Lady of China, Professor Peng Liyuan.

The photos of the meeting, which involved the President’s wife and other African First Ladies, was shared on her Twitter handle, @aishambuhari.

She wrote: “I had the pleasure of attending the China-Africa AIDS Prevention and Control meeting hosted by the First Lady of China Professor Peng Liyuan.

“I also had the pleasure of meeting with other African First Ladies. I believe that together we can reverse the trend of HIV/AIDS in Africa.”

Mrs Buhari had on Friday accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari to China for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

See photos:

Nigerian Candidate Abubakar Vows to End Multiple Exchange Rates

Presidential hopeful says business background can help economy

Atiku Abubakar.

Nigerian presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar said he will scrap a system of multiple exchange rates to attract foreign investment and accused President Muhammadu Buhari of failing to deal with the nation’s security challenges.

“I would definitely end” the existence of several naira rates, Abubakar, a 71-year-old former vice president, told reporters Monday in Lagos, the commercial capital of Africa’s biggest oil producer. “It’s clearly anti-business and anti-foreign investment.”

Investors and the International Monetary Fund have long called for Nigeria to liberalize its currency regime to boost an economy that’s still struggling after the 2014 crash in crude prices. While he would need more advice before deciding whether to float the naira, it was important to have a “deregulated foreign-exchange market,” Abubakar said in a separate interview.

Abubakar, a Muslim from the north and a father of 26 children, is one of the main contenders to be the candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Party, which will hold primaries later this year, along with Senate President Bukola Saraki and three former state governors. Abubakar defected from Buhari’s ruling All Progressives Congress last year, the second time he returned to the PDP in a decade.

Abubakar has been a presidential aspirant in three different parties since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. He lost to Buhari in the APC primaries in 2015 but supported him as the candidate. Buhari’s victory against then President Goodluck Jonathan marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that an opposition challenger took power through the ballot box.

Buhari may not be willing to leave office if he loses the election in February, Abubakar said.

“He is very stern, very uncompromising and power-drunk,” Abubakar said. “He may not be ready to relinquish power without a fight. I have my fears. There may not be credible elections.”

A former Nigerian Customs Service top official who became a major shareholder in Intels Nigeria Ltd., an oil-service company, he favors regional autonomy and power devolution, a stance that has popular appeal particularly in southern Nigeria.

Abubakar blamed Buhari for failing to diversify the economy from oil and handle security problems ranging from Boko Haram’s Islamist insurgency to deadly clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

“It’s been a disappointment,” he said. “We have done very badly as far as the economy, security and the unity of the country are concerned.”

Abubakar said his experience as vice president and in business stood him in good stead to govern Nigeria.

“I have a strong track record,” he said. “The economy did well when we were in government. The private sector was booming. And I’ve been a successful businessman. Buhari has driven out foreign investors.

Jalaluddin Haqqani, founder of Afghan militant network, dies

Image captionJalaluddin Haqqani and the network have been behind many high profile terror attacks

The founder of the Haqqani militant network has died after several years of illness, the Afghan Taliban has announced.

Jalaluddin Haqqani was a significant militant figure in Afghanistan and had close ties to both the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

His son is believed to have taken over control of the group in 2001.

The Haqqani network has been behind many of the co-ordinated attacks on Afghan and Nato forces in recent years.

There were no details in the statement about the date or place of Haqqani's death.

"Just as he endured great hardships for the religion of Allah during his youth and health, he also endured long illness during his later years," a statement from the Afghan Taliban said.

Rumours about Haqqani's death have circulated for years.

Jalaluddin Haqqani was an Afghan guerrilla leader who fought Soviet troops when they occupied Afghanistan in the 1980s.

US officials have admitted that at the time he was a prized asset of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

However, he later allied himself to the Taliban after they took power in Afghanistan in 1996.

In its statement, the Taliban called Jalaluddin Haqqani an "exemplary warrior... and among the great distinguished jihadi personalities of this era".

The Haqqani network was one of several militant groups that operated from the tribal areas along the Afghan-Pakistan border following the US-led military campaign in Afghanistan, which ousted the Taliban in 2001.

The group, which it is alleged largely operates from Pakistan, has also been blamed for some of the deadliest attacks in Afghanistan, including a truck bomb explosion in Kabul in 2017 that killed more than 150 people.

Jalaluddin Haqqani may not have been playing a significant operational or strategic role at the time of his death, but his loss is still significant for the militant group he founded.

Although he was no longer a key player - having ceded control to his son Sirajuddin Haqqani some years ago - it is widely believed that he still played an advisory role, and his death will be a huge emotional loss for the group.

The Haqqani network currently remains among the most powerful and feared militant groups in Afghanistan - some say it has more clout than other outfits such as the Islamic State group. Haqqani militants have been blamed for numerous deadly terror attacks in the country, including last year's suicide truck blast in the capital.

It is significant that the Taliban have chosen to emphasise that he died of "natural causes" and after a long illness. This seems to be a direct reference to multiple rumours of his death earlier.

Ijeoma Igbaji: Satisfaction from Touching Lives Priceless

Ijeoma Igbaji is the Founder and CEO of a dynamic gifts and surprises company, White Rabbit Favours, which creates and delivers unique gift packages and beautiful surprises for any celebration to wow the celebrant, make their day extra special and give them unforgettable memories. She tells Bennett Oghifo how it works and what nudged her in that direction

How did you get around to delivering gifts?

After graduation, I dreamed of the security of paid employment, but God had greater plans for me. Fresh out of National Youth Service with no dream job in sight, I chose to develop the skills I had to create the type of job I wanted. So, I delved into entrepreneurship and White Rabbit Concept was born. I ran a events management firm for a while, operated an upscale lounge in Abuja called Code Lounge, Published an Abuja lifestyle magazine called City Crawler Magazine. However, I shut all of them down to focus on White Rabbit Favours in 2013.

Tell Us about White Rabbit Favours and how the idea to surprise people came about?

White Rabbit Favours was launched in 2013 and since then we have carried out over 1,000 deliveries to Surprise and Delight our clients. I was running an event management company when I got the idea to start this business. My Sister who works in a bank always asked me to help her deliver cakes, or gifts to her husband or friends or colleagues on their birthdays or anniversary and I thought why not turn it into a service and charge for it. Little did I know that it would morph into something so fantastic. We package and deliver cakes, fresh flowers, balloons, chocolates, jewelry, wine, champagne, cars, Spa vouchers, shopping vouchers, gift certificates etc for every occasion and celebration. We also include the WR Saxophone or violin serenade for our classic birthday surprise. We recently added the talking drum to the classic surprise and it’s been so great. People call us the Joy Vendors; we are all about Joy and happiness.

A business of surprises, what has the response been like?

The response has been amazing. Since we started in 2013 we have carried out almost 1000 deliveries and surprises. The truth is every human being has a need for love, according to Maslow Hierarchy of Needs. When people call White Rabbit favours to surprise someone they are not only showing love, appreciating or celebrating the recipient, but they also get it back in return. The Pleasure goes to both the sender and receiver. The unexpected always feels good. It meets their desire for more, so instead of mediocre celebration they get the wow experience which is unforgettable. The novelty of it all leaves a memorable feeling and causes joy and happiness.

How did you get the background and skill to run this Business?

Beyond my University degree, which is Theatre Arts, I attended the Enterprise Development Center of Pan African University. And from childhood I have always been great at decorations and gift wrapping and I give the best gifts to friends and family. I have focused on business and self-development so I could innovate and always give my clients something new. I have clients who come to us every year, every birthday and anniversary and they get something new.

How many employees do you have?

I currently have a team of five. But some surprises require more people, for example flash mobs or orchestra or Christmas day secret Santa or Valentine’s day deliveries, so we have adhoc staff on standby, which could run up to about 35 people.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

We want to be where to go for Surprises in Nigeria. When anybody thinks of doing something special, they will think of us, both corporate and individual. We have launched our Boat Wow Experience, The Carriage Ride and The Hot Air Balloons. We have our roadmap for achieving this; however you know that business is about embracing adaptability and flexibility because it shifts radically every year.

What is your favourite part of running this business?

Meeting people; sharing in their joy, being a part of their love stories and their celebrations; watching people’s faces light up as they receive their gifts or surprises, and seeing the smiles. The impact is priceless. All our clients gain a high level of detailed service. Everything we deliver is personalised to fit the recipient and we work with beautiful and quality materials and the very best vendors for cakes and fresh flowers orders. All our surprises are beautiful and well packaged and the satisfaction that comes from touching and impacting lives is priceless.

Nigerian lady claims married man preached scripture to her after she rejected him

There is this stereotype belief that it is okay for married men to cheat on their wives or that men in general are liable to cheating. A story shared by a Nigerian lady shows just how true this belief is.

A Nigerian lady has taken to social media to narrate what happened between her and a married man. The lady who shared her story on Twitter, revealed that a married man had asked her out and she rejected.

According to the lady identified simply as Chiamaka, the married man had asked her out and because she couldn't say no outrightly she decided to lie that she is interested in same gender relationships.

In a Tweet on the microblogging platform, the lady revealed that the man who was supposed to leave her be started to preach the scripture on how it was a sin to have same gender relationships to her.

Chimaka noted that she asked him that how could he preach to her when he was just trying to cheat on his wife with her.

The lady further added that the married man shrugged his cheating attempts off by saying that it is normal for him to cheat.

Read tweet below: