Oil prices have fallen from about $55 a barrel since the beginning of the year to around $36-$37 and Mr Buhari said that of the 3.9 trillion naira revenue forecast for 2016, just 820bn will come from crude.
Mr Buhari said: "This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy. Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations."
The president pledged to improve tax collection and invest in other industries including mining and agriculture. "The Nigerian economy needs to move away from dependency on oil," he said.
Nigeria's unemployment rate is growing, up from 8.2% in the second quarter to 9.9% between July and September according to official figures. Inflation is also rising, hitting 9.4% in September, on fuel shortages and higher food prices.
However, Mr Buhari said he expected Nigeria's economy to grow by 4.4% next year.
"The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs,"

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Islamic Organisations in Nigeria

NAME	STATE	ADDRESS	Website/Email /Phone No
DA'WAH AND GUIDANCE BUREAU	ABIA	DA'WAH AND GUIDANCE BUREAU AFIKPO, ABIA STATE, , NIGERIA
Abuja Muslim Forum	ABUJA	Abuja Muslim Forum National Mosque Complex, Central Area, Abuja, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory 0234, NIGERIA	abujamuslimforum@gmail.com 234-08057927142
Al Khulafaur Rashidun Foundation	ABUJA	Al Khulafaur Rashidun Foundation Ahlu Badr Islamic Centre, Behind Karu Children Centre, Karu FCT., Abuja, FCT P.O. Box 213, NIGERIA	alklufaurrashidunfoundation@yahoo.com 234-8036883176
Al-habibiyyah islamic society,masjid	ABUJA	Al-habibiyyah islamic society,masjid Plot 753,Guzape District, Asokoro Extension , Abuja, Guzape District, Asokoro exten , NIGERIA	http://www.al-habibiyyah.org/ 234-8033147828
BEKAJI ISLAMIC ENTRE	ADAMAWA	BEKAJI ISLAMIC ENTRE BEKAJI GRA, JIMETA-YOLA, Yola, ADAMAWA , NIGERIA
FEDERATION OF MUSLIM WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION IN NIGERIA(FOMWAN)	ADAMAWA	FEDERATION OF MUSLIM WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION IN NIGERIA(FOMWAN) NO 17 NEPA ROAD JIMETA YOLA, Yola, ADAMAWA 234, NIGERIA	fomwanjimetayola@yahoo.com 234-08053459746
Almufida orphans organisation gumau	BAUCHI	Almufida orphans organisation gumau wunti street gumau bauchi state, Bauchi State, bauchi 740004, NIGERIA	almufidagumau@yahoo.com +23480551938492,
Madarasatul Targibul Islam	BAUCHI	Madarasatul Targibul Islam Unguwar Ilela, Bauchi, Bauchi , NIGERIA
Islamic Propagation Group (IPG)	BAYELSA	Islamic Propagation Group (IPG) C/o Akmpai Centrel Mosque, Akempai, Yenagoa, Yenagoa, Bayelsa 089, NIGERIA	+2348063372009
Islamic Charity Society of Nigeria	benue	1.Islamic Charity Society of Nigeria No. 43 Niger Crescent, Wadata, Makurdi, Makurdi, Benue , NIGERIA	icsonigeria@yahoo.com +2347066883792
Al Amin Islamic Foundation	BORNO	Al Amin Islamic Foundation N0 1 EL-KANEMI CLOSE, OFF CIRCULAR ROAD, OLD G.R.A. MAIDUGURI., , BORNO STATE , NIGERIA	alaminislamic@yahoo.com +234 76 230156
Khalid Ibn Walid Islamic School	BORNO	Khalid Ibn Walid Islamic School Umarari/Ngarannam, Bolori II ward., Maiduguri, Borno 234, NIGERIA	kiwis1997@yahoo.com
Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria	EBONYI	Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria Hausa Quarters, Along Afikpo Road, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State , NIGERIA	mcaan@yahoo.com
ANSAR-UD-DEEN SOCIETY OF NIGERIA. IKERE BRANCH	EKITI	ANSAR-UD-DEEN SOCIETY OF NIGERIA. IKERE BRANCH P.O.BOX 54, Ikere-ekiti, EKITI-STATE , NIGERIA	+2348034797823
Iislamic reliefs foundation	EKITI	Iislamic reliefs foundation albarka shop 8 sergi shopping complex beside AUD central mosque Ado ekiti, Ado, 234 p.o box 1443, NIGERIA	saeedawo@yahoo.com 234-08038810388
DAARUL HADITH ISLAMIC CENTRE	GOMBE	DAARUL HADITH ISLAMIC CENTRE BOMALA BYE PASS, Gombe, GOMBE , NIGERIA	-30206056
Bakinkasuwa islamic foundation	JIGAWA	Bakinkasuwa islamic foundation Bakinkasuwa, kazaure, Kazaure, jigawa state Kazaure, NIGERIA	maskaz246@hotmail.com 064-680020
SIRAJA GWIWA ISLAMIC FOUNDATION	JIGAWA	SIRAJA GWIWA ISLAMIC FOUNDATION UNGUWAR MALAMAI, Gwiwa, JIGAWA STATE GWIWA TOWN, NIGERIA	SIRAJAGWIWA@YAHOO.COM +2348035985068
Dawakin Bassa Daawah Group	KADUNA	Dawakin Bassa Daawah Group Dawakin Bassa BGLGA Kaduna, Birnin Gwari Native Area Number 1, Kaduna , NIGERIA	dbassa1970@yahoo.com
Iqra'a Foundation	KADUNA	Iqra'a Foundation 16 Ishaku Road, Malali, Kaduna, Kaduna , NIGERIA
Abubakar Siddiq Islamic Foundation	KANO	Abubakar Siddiq Islamic Foundation Briget Gama kano city, Kano, Kano 123, NIGERIA	sasif06@hotmail.cm 080-36933571
BDE ISLAMIC CENTRE	KANO	BDE ISLAMIC CENTRE gyadi/gyadi Zaria Road, Kano, Kano 700001, NIGERIA	abdulsaad61@yahoo.com +2348096300443
AbuZur Islamic Propagation and Empowerment Centre, Katsiina	KATSINA	AbuZur Islamic Propagation and Empowerment Centre, Katsiina Katsina, Katsina, Katsina P.O Box 1322, NIGERIA	abuzaraipeck@yahoo.com +2348035077007
AMINA ISLAMIC FOUNDATION	KOGI	AMINA ISLAMIC FOUNDATION 42B KARAWORO STREET, Lokoja, KOGI 234, NIGERIA	tijjaniisah@yahoo.com 080-23638203
AMINA ISLAMIC FOUNDATION	KOGI	AMINA ISLAMIC FOUNDATION 42B KARAWORO STREET, Lokoja, KOGI 234, NIGERIA	tijjaniisah@yahoo.com 080-23638203
Centre Forlamic Islamic Affairs of Nigeria	KOGI	Centre Forlamic Islamic Affairs of Nigeria No.1 Mubarak Close Ege,Adavi, Kogi State, Kogi 264103, NIGERIA	mubarakege@gmail.com 234-08032304250
Ahbabud-dinil Islami Society of Nigeria,Offa Garage, Ilorin	KWARA	Ahbabud-dinil Islami Society of Nigeria,Offa Garage, Ilorin. Ojomu Estate,Offa Garage,Ilorin., Illorin, Kwara 20004, NIGERIA	ahbabudin@yahoo.org 0805-5679094
Ajarat Islamic Thought Foundation	KWARA	Ajarat Islamic Thought Foundation suite 95, stadium shopping complex,Ibrahim Taiwo Road Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara state 234, NIGERIA	psaheed2003@yahoo.com  080-34727717
Al Fatih-ul Quareeb Islamic Society Of Nigeria	KWARA	Al Fatih-ul Quareeb Islamic Society Of Nigeri Atobiloye mosque,Atobilote compund.Oke Ode, Oke Ode, Kwara , NIGERIA	al-fatih-ul-quareeb.com
ALQIBLAH INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION ILORIN	KWARA	ALQIBLAH INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION ILORIN 29, pakata road okekura ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara 24001, NIGERIA	freewill2paradise@hotmail.com 234-8042259691
CRESCENT ISLAMIC CENTRE	KWARA	CRESCENT ISLAMIC CENTRE ILORIN, KWARA STATE, , NIGERIA
Fagba Muslim Community,Ilorin	KWARA	Fagba Muslim Community,Ilorin No7 Fagba street, Ilorin, Kwara P.O BOX 4529, NIGERIA	fagbamuslimcom@yahoo.com 234-031229779
Aaqibat lil mutaqeen society of Nigeria	LAGOS	Aaqibat lil mutaqeen society of Nigeria 16, Alhaji Muili street, Oregun, Lagos, Ikeja, Lagos 234-01, NIGERIA	lilmutaqeen@yahoo.com
Abdul Azeez Islamic Foundation Mosque	LAGOS	Abdul Azeez Islamic Foundation Mosque Unity Estate Abule Odu Egbeda, Lagos, Lagos 234, NIGERIA	latsonazeez@yahoo.com
Abdul Razaq Islamic Foundation	LAGOS	Abdul Razaq Islamic Foundation agbado, Lagos, Lagos State, Lagos 2341, NIGERIA	abdulrazaq.edrees@yahoo.com
Al-Ameen Islamic Foundation	LAGOS	Al-Ameen Islamic Foundation	almislf@yahoo.com 23480-38179404
Albushrah islamic foundation	LAGOS	Albushrah islamic foundation no 1 otunuyi street agbede ikorodu lagos nigeria, Lagos, lagos , NIGERIA	albushrah _IF 08055408782
ALMUSBAH ISLAMIC FOUNDATION	LAGOS	ALMUSBAH ISLAMIC FOUNDATION 3, OLANREWAJU CRESCENT, SHASHA, AGEGE, Lagos, , NIGERIA	00234-1-522812
Zumratul islamiyyah amuwo odofin branch mile2 lagos	LAGOS	Zumratul islamiyyah amuwo odofin branch mile2 lagos Block 72 mile2 lagos, Lagos-Ikeja, Lagos 23401, NIGERIA	abdulazeezalugo@yahoo.com 08023-169827
Zuratul Islamiyah society of Nigeria	LAGOS	Zuratul Islamiyah society of Nigeria 2 Tawaliu Bello street, Lagos Island, Lagos State , NIGERIA
FADIMATU BAKAYA ASSALAFIYA	NIGER	FADIMATU BAKAYA ASSALAFIYA DADIN KOWA, Kontagora, , NIGERIA	abusurayya2@yahoo.co 8036237058
Ar-rahman Islamic Foundation	OGUN	Ar-rahman Islamic Foundation Gbonagun Junction,Odo Eran , Obantoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Abeokuta, Ogun State P.O.BOX 4031, SAPON, NIGERIA	abuzainab1425@islam.com 23480-33485212
Zulikha Abiola Arabic and Islamic Center	OGUN	Zulikha Abiola Arabic and Islamic Center Abiola Way,Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Ogun State 039, NIGERIA	uthjaji@yahoo.co.uk 08033352906
Ajegunle Islamic and Arabic Centre	OSUN	Ajegunle Islamic and Arabic Centre Ajegunle Area, Iragbiji., Iragbiji, Osun State. , NIGERIA	oloyedeabdulateef@yahoo.com 07034442784
AL FATHIA	OSUN	AL FATHIA OAU CAMPUS, IFE OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
AL-QUDUS ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTRE (CYBER CAFE)	OSUN	AL-QUDUS ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTRE (CYBER CAFE) NO24D, BEHIND WEMA BANK PLC., IWO, , Iwo, OSUN 23402, NIGERIA	http://www.quduscentrenigeria.net/ alqudusinfo241205@yahoo.com +2348-030972339
AFRICA MUSLIM AGENCY	OYO	AFRICA MUSLIM AGENCY PoBox 18 , AYETORO OKEHO, Oyo State, , NIGERIA
Ahlsunnah islamic foundation	OYO	Ahlsunnah islamic foundation G.P.O. BOX 16302 DUGBE ibadan, Ibadan, oyo state 23402, NIGERIA	ahlsunnah1424@hotmail.com 02-2319878
Al akhilau fil jannat	OYO	Al akhilau fil jannat L Adisa mosque Agbowo ui Ibadan oyo state Nigeria, Ibadan, oyo 234, NIGERIA	alakhilau2@yahoo.co. uk00234-8033797625
Al-Nuru Islamic Centre Iseyin	OYO	Al-Nuru Islamic Centre Iseyin Olohunlonigba Villa Amoko Iseyin, Iseyin, oyo 234, NIGERIA	olohunlonigba@gmail.com
Ansarudeen society of nigeria ogbomoso branch	OYO	Ansarudeen society of nigeria ogbomoso branch P.o.box 132, Ogbomoso, oyo lautech road stadium, NIGERIA	adsogbomoso@yahoo.com 234-8034248169
Al-bayyan Islamic Foundation	RIVERS	Al-bayyan Islamic Foundation FCE(Technical)Omoku Town, Port Harcourt, (Omoku) Rivers State 234, NIGERIA	albayyanislam@yahoo.com  8066008071, 60859504
Al-Usrah	RIVERS	Al-Usrah Opposite Jaros base, Off Rumuolumeni (Wimpey) Road,, Port, Rivers State 600019, NIGERIA	http://www.al-usrah.org/abdulrazaq kilani@yahoo.com 0 8037029180
Bonny Muslim Community	RIVERS	Bonny Muslim Community Bonny Central Mosque, Bonny Island, Bonny, Rivers State , NIGERIA
CENTER FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES	SOKOTO	CENTER FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES USMANU DANFODIO UNIVERSITY, Sokoto, Sokoto 234, NIGERIA
Fudiyya Islamic Centre, Nguru, Yobe State.	YOBE	Fudiyya Islamic Centre, Nguru, Yobe State. Nayi-nawa ward., Nguru, Yobe , NIGERIA	mgknguru@yahoo.com 08065464275
Madarasatus Rahamaniya	ZAMFARA	Madarasatus Rahamaniya Filin magajiya Sabon fegi area Gusau., Gusau, Zamfara , NIGERIA	abanusaiba@yahoo.com 08064458812
Oasis Muslim Care Foundation.	Kwara	12 Ilofa Road, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria	www.oasismuslimcare.org oasiscarefund@gmail.com 08065655794

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Most wanted Range in 2015
 Land Rover Range Rover
The version of this mighty vehicle that everybody wants to have is Land Rover Range Rover 5.0L V8 Supercharged Autobiography Black. This SUV is the most expensive one that you can find on the market in 2015, at least currently. Its average price is $186,495.00, and for that amount of money you expect it to have everything included, right? Well, it has everything, and even more. Four wheel ABS and driveline traction control, distance pacing, automatic air conditioning, customized intercooled supercharger, many more additions that will make this vehicle worth your money and the most important thing – a 510 hp supercharged V8!

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 Golden Eaglets to face Australia in Round of 16

The Nigeria U17 team, the Golden Eaglets, will be playing against Australia in the Round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA U17 World Cup taking place in Chile.
The Eaglets finished tops in Group A but had to wait to see who among the best losers would be their Round of 16 opponent.
It turned out to be Australia who finished third in Group C behind Mexico and Germany.
The Nigeria-Australia tie will be played on Wednesday, which will be early Thursday in Nigeria.
Though Australia have less pedigree in the Cadet World Cup compared to Nigeria, The Joeys as the team is fondly referred to, are a tricky side especially as they caused one of the biggest upsets in this current tournament, beating former champions Argentina in the group stage.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria U17 team have since arrived Vina del Mar with preparations already on for the Round of 16 fixture.
The Coach Emmanuel Amuneke tutored side started with a training session on Sunday and will also train twice on Monday and once on Tuesday.
The winner of the Nigeria, Australia clash will advance to the quarterfinals to face the winners of another quarterfinal between Brazil and New Zealand.

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Ooni to arrive Ife Tuesday

Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

The newly-named Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will officially arrive the ancient town of Ife on Tuesday to commence the coronation rites as enshrined in the customs of the Ife people.
PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the Kingmakers and members of the Isoro were preparing to receive him and commence the rites as soon as he arrives.
Meanwhile, there was celebration in the town on Monday, particularly among the Giesi ruling where the new monarch comes from.
Although the town is calm and people are going about their lawful businesses normally, trucks of soldiers were seen driving through the streets on sirens, while policemen and officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps manned strategic places.
The Ile Oduduwa, which is the palace of the Ooni, is also being manned by armed security men, with an armoured personnel carrier stationed there.
“The Kabiyesi will officially arrive Ife tomorrow (Tuesday) and the kingmakers and members of the Isoro will take it up from there,” Adelowo Ogunleye, Secretary of the Giesi Ruling House, said.
“Once he arrives the kingmakers and members of Isoro will begin the process of crowing him.
“We do not know how long it will take before that process will be concluded, but that will be left for both the kingmakers and the Kabiyesi.”
He also revealed that the new Ooni who is based in Lagos, will not approach the palace on his arrival until the rituals were concluded.
Mr. Ogunleye ruled out any further controversies, saying there was jubilation all over the town and the opposing families had been calling to congratulate the family.

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Alhaji  Nasir Sulaiman wins Islamic Award in Surulere   
One of the most popular and respected young man in Surulere, Alhaji Nasir has contributed to the growth of Islam in various ways like providing food for people to brake their fast during the month of Ramadan, helping the needy  and so on.His good works was rewarded by an Islamic Asalatu group in surulere by given him award for his good works.It was a thing of joy on Sunday, 18th of October 2015.the award ceremony was attended by his family,friend and well wishers.some of the prominent people who were also awarded are Alhaji Hamzat Elegbede and Alhaji Adenekan. 

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FIFA’s Sepp Blatter says Swiss investigation is outrageous

FIFA President Joseph Blatter speaks during the opening ceremony for the football tournament of the Football for Hope Festival 2014 at the Vila Olimpica Mane Garrincha in Rio de Janeiro in this July 7, 2014, file photo. World Cup sponsors Coca-Cola and McDonald’s said on October 2, 2015, that Blatter should step aside immediately to restore confidence in the scandal-plagued body. Blatter will not resign, his lawyer said, following the demands from top sponsors.

Outgoing FIFA President Sepp Blatter said a Swiss criminal investigation against him was “not correct” and defended his decision not to step down sooner as head of the world soccer body, according to a German magazine.
Blatter, under criminal investigation by Swiss authorities, has held the presidency of world soccer’s governing body since 1998 and previously served since 1981 as secretary general, the organization’s No. 2 position.
“The situation is not pleasant,” the weekly, Bunte, quoted Blatter as saying in an interview.
“I am being condemned without there being any evidence for wrongdoing on my part. That is really outrageous.”
Four days after winning a fifth term, Blatter rocked the world of soccer in June by saying he would step down in the wake of corruption investigations by US and Swiss authorities. He remains in office ahead of a scheduled February election.
He reiterated in the Bunte interview that he had no plans for an immediate resignation, despite coordinated calls by major sponsors last week for such a move.
“This is just an investigation, not an indictment,” he told Bunte. “I will fight until February 26. For myself. For FIFA. I am convinced that evil will come to light and good will prevail.”

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Lagos: Woman borrows twins to defraud ex-commissioner

Ruth with her twins

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman for taking a set of four-month-old twins from their parents to defraud a retired Commissioner of Police.
 The incident happened on Sunday in the Agege area of Lagos State.
It was learnt that the twins belonged to Mrs. Ruth Uche, who had been delivered of three sets of twins and had been abandoned by her husband, Emeka, before the Lagos State Government came to her rescue recently.
Ruth, who had since been reunited with her husband, was said to have been approached by the suspect, identified simply as Victoria, saying she wanted to feature the babies in a film.
It was learnt that Ruth's husband, however, insisted that she followed Victoria to the location of the purported film.
Unknown to the Uches, Victoria, a mother of two, had an ulterior motive.
PUNCH Metro was told that Victoria had been engaged in an illicit relationship with the unnamed retired CP and had taken photos of the kids, which she sent to him as the products of their relationship.
On the fateful Sunday, she was said to have taken the twins to the man.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Joe Offor, who confirmed the incident, told our correspondent that the unsuspecting mother of the twins, followed Victoria to the ex-commissioner's house.
He said Ruth and Victoria began to argue over the ownership of the babies, which raised the suspicion of the former police boss.
He said, "What happened was that the woman told the Uche family that she wanted to use the twins in a film, and they believed her.
"But Ruth's husband insisted that she accompanied Victoria. When they got to the man's house, Victoria told him that the twins were the products of their illicit relationship; she was expecting the man to reward her.
"But the mother of the twins insisted that they were her kids. When the man saw the way they were arguing, he called policemen from the Agege Pen Cinema Division, and they were both arrested."
He said the police had already released the mother of the twins after the suspect confessed that he deceived the Uches in order to make money off the man.

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Two most appealing in Nigerian show business

Although many men in show business appeal to most ladies, some are attractive to more ladies than others. Ladies are said to have a crush on men in showbiz to the extent some women superimpose the photographs of such artistes on their phones. Here, then, are some of the heartthrobs in the Nigerian entertainment industry that many ladies are dying for.


Tuface

Tuface began to worm his way into the hearts of Nigerian women with the emergence of his song, African Queen, in 2005. Ever since that song, Nigerian ladies have had a huge crush on the bald-headed singer. Tuface is one artiste whose lyrics bear on love and this, many think, has increased the love he gets from ladies.

The Implication crooner is probably the only musician in Nigerian that sends the feedback of love to his female fans. He is said to have four children out of wedlock from different women.


D’banj

Although D’banj goes by a lot of nicknames including Koko Master, Mr. Entertainer and others, one of his nicknames the ladies love to call him is Mr. Endowed. So much is the crush ladies have for the Why me crooner who gave babes the tag, Kokolet, that he is a regular feature on the display picture for ladies using blackberry and other smartphones. Many ladies even see him as Nigeria’s sex symbol.

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African Games: Buhari congratulates Team Nigeria

President Muhammad Buhari has congratulated Team Nigeria, who came second on the overall medals table at the just concluded African Games in Congo Brazzaville.
This is contained in a statement issued by Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Sunday.
Mr. Buhari, who expressed appreciation at the performance of the team, urged the Nigerian athletes to always make Nigeria proud by constantly improving on their performance.
He said he was impressed with the performance of Team Nigeria at the continental event, and that he was not in doubt of their zeal and determination to make Nigeria great.
He, therefore, expressed deep joy that several members of the team did Nigeria proud and singled out for special commendation, the basketball team, D’Tigers Basketball team.
The D’Tigers had earlier earned the nation a Gold medal (at the Tunis African Basketball competition) for the first time in 50 years, and by which feat the country got an automatic ticket to the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
Buhari noted that the performance of Team Nigeria at the Congo games had yet again brought the massive potential of Nigerian sportsmen and women to excel in their chosen areas against all odds.
He implored the country’s athletes to do all they could to ensure that “Nigeria regains its number one position in Africa and the world at large’’.
The president, who noted that a presidential delegation had attended the closing ceremony and conveyed his congratulations to the Team Nigeria and its officials, promised the team a fitting ceremony.
He also assured Nigeria’s sportsmen and women that his administration would accord priority to sports, in addition to boosting the morale of the players and enhancing training for future challenges.
He reminded the sportsmen and women not to rest on their oars “because the challenges grow bigger and more complex each day.”

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Medals for Nigeria

The medals are pouring in for Nigeria at the 2015 African Games holding in Cong

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  Three officers of the Nigerian Army also won medal 

Three officers of the Nigerian Army, Lance Corporal Kehinde Obareh, Lance Corporal Edith Agu and Private Caroline Linus received gold and silver medals in the boxing event.

The trio won the medals during the boxing final competition on Sunday, September 13.

On Tuesday, September 15, three more gold medals were added to Team Nigeria.

Junior athlete, Amusan Oluwatobiloba, won gold in female hurdles event while Nigeria also won bronze in the female hurdles event.

Ace sprinter Blessing Okagbare lived up to her hype as she helped Nigeria to win gold in the 4x100m relay event gold.

She ran the third leg for the women’s quartet, en route to winning  in 43.11secs.

That wasn't the case for the  male sprinters who were disqualified for baton exchange outside the restricted line.

  Medal table of the African Games after day three 

In the women 400m event, national champion, Patience Okon George won silver after she was beaten to gold by Kabange Mupopo of Zambia.

Kelechi Nwanaga threw a distance of 52.70m in Javelin to win gold.

After day three of the Games, Nigeria are on top of the medal summit with 19 medals in total.

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Basketmouth: Trash Talking

The comedian gives an insight into his street-smart Nigerian life as he gets his act together and grows his brand.

Nigerian comedy has boomed in the last decade, and Bright "Basketmouth" Okpocha is, arguably, the country's most successful stand-up comic.

My Nigeria is my earth, my material, my jokes, my fans. My Nigeria is my joy, my pain, my love. My Nigeria is me. Basketmouth, comedian

Born and bred in the notorious Lagos slum Ajegunle, he discovered his gift for comedy by chance and has never looked back.
"Basketmouth means somebody who doesn't hold anything back, which is like a basket. A basket doesn't hold water. And when I decided to go with the name Basketmouth, it actually defined my kind of art, my kind of delivery, because I just say it the way it comes, I do not have any filtering system, and that's how Basketmouth came to life," he says.
His take on Lagos, West Africa's most vibrant city, is upbeat, irreverent and challenging.
"Lagos is real and grimy, and I like grimy places.... Lagos is very hard so you have to be on top of your game. Everyone wants to outsmart the next person. Lagos never sleeps. Lagos is a place where you can get rich in a second and get poor in a second."

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Buratai Visits Victorious Nigerian Troops In Gamboru

Nigeria’s chief of army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, recently displayed courage by spending the night in Gamboru town, Borno state, a former hotbed of terrorist group, Boko Haram. 

Buratai addressing Nigerian troops in Gamboru

The town which is close to Nigeria’s border with Cameroon has witnessed so many attacks by the insurgents and at one point was fully occupied by them for a year with their flags hoisted in strategic parts of the town.
Just last week, the town was recaptured by the Nigerian troops after fierce battles with the terrorists, and to show his solidarity with his subordinates, the army chief visited the town and went ahead to spend the night there.
According to Premium Times, Buratai also ordered the hoisting of Nigerian flags in the sleepy town and also had journalists in his entourage.
Buratai’s move is reportedly the first of its kind in Nigeria, where military leaders prefer to take the back seat and give orders to troops in the battle field.
To ensure the trip was safe for the army chief, an advance team made up of the explosive ordinance department of the Nigerian Army had to check Buratai’s entourage routes for land mines.
And indeed, many land mines buried by the terrorists were unearthed and defused by the bomb experts. But it came with some consequences, as one of the landmines went off, injured some soldiers and destroyed one of the Armoured Personnel Carriers.
On arriving the town at about 5pm on the said day, Buratai addressed the troops who were in upbeat mood following their victory, after which everyone at the venue sang the Nigerian National Anthem.
Buratai said: “We are here today to observe this significant and symbolic ceremony of hoisting the Nigerian national flag,” he said.”If you could remember, this town of Gamboru was occupied by the Boko Haram terrorists for almost one year ago. The Chadian troops came to help recapture it but could not hold the town, so they later withdrew and the Boko Haram returned again.
“In line with my vision which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army that is abreast of its constitutional roles, and one key underlying phrase in my mission is the constitutional role,  today, under my command, we are here to discharge and redeem our territorial integrity as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Today we are hoisting our flag and we will never allow any bunch of criminals in the name of Boko Haram to come and take an inch of our territory again.”
“I will like to commend officers and soldiers of the Operation Lafiya Dole, especially the officers and men of 7 Division and indeed the 7 Division Strike Group, who have proved to be resilient, dedicated and highly patriotic. Nigerians are proud of you, Nigerian Army is proud of you and indeed Mr. President is very proud of you.
“We have to maintain the momentum and from now on you must maintain an aggressive posture to constant patrols along this routes and all other routes into this area.”

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Pacquiao demands Mayweather punishment, rematch over doping row

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General Santos (Philippines) (AFP) - Philippine boxer Manny Pacquiao called for punishment and a rematch on Friday after his fierce rival Floyd Mayweather was accused of violating anti-doping rules in the build-up to their mega-fight in May.

The eight-division world champion, who lost a unanimous decision to Mayweather in Las Vegas, urged Nevada sports officials to "impose the appropriate sanction" on the unbeaten American.

Mayweather and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) have both insisted the boxer's actions were legal after it emerged he was injected with vitamins and minerals before the fight.

But Pacquiao questioned why USADA only informed the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) about the infusion three weeks after the bout, by which time Mayweather had already received a USADA exemption.

"Are they hiding something? For the sake of fairness and for the good of the sport, NSAC must be consistent," he told reporters at his home in the southern Philippines.

"If needed, the NSAC should impose the appropriate sanction to sustain its credibility and to show the world they did not give preferential treatment to the Mayweather camp," he added.

A report on the SB Nation sports news website said Mayweather had broken World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations by having an IV infusion at his home in Las Vegas on May 1, the day before the fight.

WADA guidelines say IV infusions are prohibited because they can be used to mask performance-enhancing drugs, increase plasma volume levels and distort the values of an athlete's biological passport.

But a USADA source told AFP that because Mayweather obtained a therapeutic use exemption, no offence had been committed under WADA rules.
- 'I want a rematch' -

Pacquiao also said he was treated unfairly because the Nevada body refused to let him use a USADA-approved painkiller for the fight, when he was carrying a shoulder injury.

 

Floyd Mayweather celebrates after defeating Manny Pacquiao in their welterweight unification bout on …

"That is why I want a rematch. One without any injury and with fair play. No favouritism. Not one where the Mayweather camp gets to dictate all the terms and conditions," he said.

Doping allegations have been at the heart of the fighters' long-running feud, which has not abated since Mayweather won their only meeting for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title.
The richest fight in boxing history took years to become reality, partly because of Mayweather's insistence that Pacquiao comply with a strict drug-testing regime.
Mayweather later accused Pacquiao of using performance-enhancing drugs, prompting a lawsuit which was settled out of court.
After Mayweather's victory on points, he branded Pacquiao a "sore loser" for revealing his injured torn rotator cuff injury, which later needed surgery.
"Truth finally came out and I was vindicated," Pacquiao said in a brief statement earlier.
"(The) Mayweather camp accused me of using PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs). Now look what happened."
Mayweather, who is looking to extend his unblemished 49-0 record against Andre Berto on Saturday, has insisted he is a "clean athlete".
"I follow and have always followed the rules of Nevada and USADA, the gold standard of drug testing," Mayweather said in a statement.
"I am very proud to be a clean athlete and will continue to champion the cause," he added.

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50 Cent moving to Africa?

50 Cent.

50 Cent has suggested he is moving to Africa and showed off a video of his new home.The Candy Shop hitmaker - who is currently embroiled in bankruptcy proceedings - has vowed to have the "craziest housewarming party" ever once work on constructing his new abode is completed.

Sharing a video of the two-storey property's exterior, he wrote on Instagram: "My crib is almost finished in AFRICA. I'm gonna have the craziest House warming party ever. I'll explain later. I got a good life Man (sic)"
The video shows the brown and white property, which is surrounded by tropical trees, being attended to by construction workers before the footage pans across to show a swimming pool and vast patio area.
It is unclear where the house is situated.
50's claim comes after it emerged his is looking to rent out his 52-room Connecticut home, which boasts 21 bedrooms, nine kitchens and even a casino.
While it isn't clear how much he is looking to make from renting out the property, but he is currently spending $72,000 a month just on maintenance on the place.
50 - whose real name is Curtis Jackson - isn't the first resident of the property to hit financial difficulties, as two previous owners, former boxer Mike Tyson and a Lithuanian businessman, also went bankrupt while living there.
In his bankruptcy filings,  it emerged the rapper-and-actor has expenses of a staggering $108,000 a month, including $1,000 on grooming, $3,000 on his wardrobe, $9,000 on security and $5,000 on gardening.
Despite a recent court testimony in a case brought against him by Lastonia Leviston - whose sex tape 50 allegedly posted online - in which the 40-year-old star denied owning a multitude of luxury vehicles and living a lavish lifestyle, the filings also state he owns seven cars, including a Rolls Royce and three Chevy Suburbans.
The Power actor also pays $14,6000 a month in support for his sons Marquise, 17, and two-year-old Sire, and his grandfather.

 

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 International Partnerships Can Be Powerful Tools for Africa's Universities

When an African university signs a memorandum of understanding, whether with a counterpart on the continent or one elsewhere in the world, there is great excitement. The university itself usually issues a statement celebrating this collaboration and glowing pieces often appear in local media.
Then the headlines taper off, enthusiasm wanes - and, far too frequently, these memorandums are left to gather dust in university management offices. They become reference material rather than the basis of productive relationships between institutions.
This is not just an African problem. The international universities that come on board as partners also battle to make the jump from signing these memos to actual activities.
But if these memorandums of understanding are properly planned, developed and put into action, they can contribute a great deal to any African university's push for internationalisation.
An eye on the global prize
A university's internationalisation strategy is fast becoming a tool to measure the institution's innovation, global relevance and its potential contribution to national goals.
A good internationalisation strategy can help to develop an African university's brand, both at home and abroad. It can also create new revenue generation schemes, which is extremely valuable at a time when institutions are facing a funding crunch.
Universities can use these memorandums of understanding and partnerships to increase their academic and research footprints on global issues. There is room for institutions to adopt global best practices when it comes to content, programmes and processes.

There are huge benefits for students, too. They are exposed to different ways of thinking through visiting academics, and opportunities to study elsewhere through exchange programmes. Postgraduates can collaborate on research with international peers. All of this ultimately prepares them to contribute to their own economies and to work anywhere in the world.

The frontrunners
Some African institutions have made great strides to take their partnerships from paper to reality. The University of Benin in Nigeria signed a binding memorandum of agreement with Lancaster University in the United Kingdom in late 2014. The institutions had started with a memorandum of understanding in 2013.
The universities have since developed a split-site PhD programme, whose first batch of students will start work at the end of 2015. They have also developed a forum that is designed to help bridge the gaps between academia and industry in Nigeria. Participants learn from the experiences of their colleagues at the Lancaster Environment Centre of Lancaster University.
Two successful meetings have already been held under this banner.
Another successful collaboration which grew from a memorandum of understanding is that between Strathmore University in Kenya and Rwanda's University of Kigali. This focuses on regional content development. The University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria has established a postgraduate Institute of Petroleum Studies. This evolved from a collaboration between the university and the IFP School, a research institution in France.

Stumbling blocks
Conversations I have had with university administrators around the continent reveal that many lack the knowledge to bring memorandums of understanding to life.
Often, universities will sign agreements even though their new partners have totally different academic programmes, priorities and processes. This disconnect is worsened by the complex structures of all universities and the frequently fraught relationship between the administrative and academic section of institutions.
My discussions suggest that most African universities assign a lecturer or administrator - who is great at their core job - to manage memorandums of understanding once they've been signed. This added responsibility requires time, resources and knowledge. Too often, it falls to someone who wasn't even involved in signing the memorandum.
International partnerships can be expensive, and it is tough for resource-poor universities in Africa to find the funding they need to get things started. Travel, conferences and exchanges all cost money.
Finally, it is worth remembering that memorandums of understanding are not usually legally binding - so it can be hard to enforce all the clauses and make sure that both parties do everything that is required of them.
Lessons from the pioneers
Here are some of things that institutions should consider when a memorandum of understanding is on the table:

You need to appoint a strategic champion with the relevant skills and give them the necessary resources and time to bring this relationship to life. The most relevant attributes are resourcefulness, stakeholder management, strategic partnership insights and international outlook.

Plan big but start small. Chose a low cost, high impact but simple activity - a seminar, workshop or meeting - to launch the relationship. This will give both institutions a chance to learn about each other's systems, processes and stakeholders before investing more money in bigger initiatives.
Plan for a binding memorandum of agreement while setting up the memorandum of understanding. Communicate about and agree on the phased transition from one to the other. Set up timelines, deliverables and milestones.
Agree on clear roles and responsibilities. Be clear about what mutual benefits you would like to see. Start these conversations at the very beginning of the process so that the memorandum of understanding contains everything you envision.
It is also important at this point to establish exactly who will be involved, how communication should happen and what decisions need to be taken in the short term. Many of these memorandums suffer because too many or too few people get involved when the ball is already rolling.

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NNPC begins recovery of $9.6billion owed Nigeria’

NNPC Towers

The Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) has begun the process of recovering over $7 billion in over-deducted tax benefits from JV Partners on major capital projects, the Nigerian presidency has said

Quoting a report submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari by the new Group Managing Director of NNPC, Ibe Kachikwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the state oil company  had ‘commenced Performance Measurement & Benchmarking as well as Value for Money Review of NNPC and the JV Companies covering the period 2008 – 2013′. 

Mr. Shehu further quoted the report as saying ‘a reputable International Accounting Firm has been engaged by the NNPC to ascertain the exact amount due government on the Strategic Alliance Contracts entered by NPDC, where up to $2.46 billion of government money is to be recovered’.

 The presidential spokesperson added, “It (the report) also revealed that consequent upon an extensive investigation of the various toxic crude oil for refined products swap contracts, a total sum of $420 million has so far been reconciled in favour of NNPC and is now due for recovery from the legacy OPA/SWAP contracts. Out of the reconciled amount, the sum of $277 million has been recovered in lieu of products and the recovery effort is still ongoing, the source added.

“According to the report , the GMD of NNPC is committed to continued review of all existing contracts and addressing the ones that are not favourable to the Corporation. It was noted that significant cost reductions are also expected to ensure the Corporation remains profitable in the prevailing low crude oil price regime.

“He added that progress is being made toward bringing back the nation’s refineries to full production, noting that the management of the NNPC is working to ensure that this happens before the end of this year. 

“If this is completed, the report said, it is expected to achieve an annual savings of about $1billion worth of foreign exchange from fuel import substitution and additional total saving of over $500 million annually will be made from the petrochemical products of Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company.

“The report also disclosed that efforts at repositioning the NNPC have started yielding result on the nation’s economy. According to its content, gas supply to the power plants that had hitherto been handicapped by the supply of much-needed gas, has improved significantly from about 630 to 861 million standard cubic feet per day, which has resulted in a more steady power supply being witnessed in the country.

“Indeed, the report revealed that gas supply for power and peak generation have in recent times reached a historical high of 876 million standard cubic feet per day and 4,782 Mega Watts respectively.”

The report , Mr. Garba said, indicated that the review process might lead to further cost recovery.

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2015 All-Africa Games

XI African Games

Host city	Republic of the Congo Brazzaville
Nations participating	54 (projected)
Events	22
Opening ceremony	4 September 2015
Closing ceremony	19 September 2015
Main venue	New Kintele Stadium

The 11th African Games are scheduled for September 4–19, 2015 in Brazzaville, Congo.^[1] This edition marks the 50th anniversary of the Games, as well as their return to Brazzaville, which hosted the first edition in 1965

Host Awarding

Ghana, Kenya and Congo all showed interest in bidding for the 11th edition of the Games. On September 14, 2011, the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa awarded the rights to Brazzaville to host.

Participating nations

• Algeria
• Angola
• Benin
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Congo (host)
• Ivory Coast
• Djibouti
• DR Congo
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Kenya
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Sahrawi Republic
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Swaziland
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tunisia
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Sports

22 separate sports have been announced for the 2015 African Games, and two additional disability sports (Athletics and Swimming):^[5]

• Athletics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Beach Soccer
• Beach Volleyball
• Boxing
• Cycling
• Fencing
• Football
• Handball
• Judo
• Traditional Karate
• Karate
• Pétanque
• Rugby
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Table Tennis
• Taekwondo
• Volleyball
• Weightlifting
• Wrestling

Calendar

The schedule of the games was as follows. The calendar is to be completed with event finals information.

OC

Opening ceremony

●

Event competitions

1

Event finals

CC

Closing ceremony

September		1st Thu	2nd Fri	3rd Sat	4th Sun	5th Mon	6th Tue	7th Wed	8th Thu	9th Fri	10th Sat	11th Sun	12th Mon	13th Tue	14th Wed	15th Thu	16th Fri	17th Sat	18th Sun	Events
Ceremonies			OC																CC
Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Beach volleyball
Boxing
Cycling
Football
Fencing
Gymnastics
Handball
Judo
Karate
Petanque
Swimming
Table tennis
Taekwondo
Tennis
Volleyball
Weightlifting
Wrestling
Total events
Cumulative total
September		1st Thu	2nd Fri	3rd Sat	4th Sun	5th Mon	6th Tue	7th Wed	8th Thu	9th Fri	10th Sat	11th Sun	12th Mon	13th Tue	14th Wed	15th Thu	16th Fri	17th Sat	18th Sun

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