Blog

Olamide releases visuals for Logba Logba

Video

By Joy Obanya/Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Abuja, Sept. 10, 2018 (NAN) Ace Nigerian singer, Olamide Adedeji aka Olamide on Monday released the much anticipated visuals for his latest single ‘’Logba Logba’’.

The ‘Shakiti Bobo’ crooner, made the announcement on his twitter handle @ Olamide­_YBNL “Logba logba video now available on vevo for my people’’.

This is his fourth single in recent month. The YBNL boss is not relenting anytime soon as he has been putting out lots of music like `Criteria’, `Motigbana’, `Puna’ in the past weeks.

“Logba Logba’’ is a mellow tune that talks about making the best use of his time. He also muses about his legacy hoping that his impact in the music industry is remembered and celebrated long after he is gone.

The enthralling video was produced by Killertunes and directed by a graduate of Computer Science from University of Lagos, Olalekan Buhari aka Unlimited L.A

NAN reports that in 2011, the 29 year old singer released his debut album “Rapsodi’’ .

The album’s lead single ‘’Eni Duro’’ charted on several radio stations in Lagos. The debut led to collaborations with various artist including Wizkid, Nice, Reminice, ID Cabasa and Dbanj.

In 2012, his second studio album ‘YBNL’ was released. It features guest appearances from the likes of Davido, Tiwa Savage, Kay Switch, Dammy Krane.

The album was supported by the single ‘Ilefo Illuminati’, `First of all’, ` Stupid Love’, and `Voice of the Street’.

In 2016, the `Wo’ and `Science Student’ crooner won the Album and Rap Act of the year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards ( NEAs) .

He was also nominated for the Best Rap Album, Artist and Song of the year at the Headies Awards in 2018.( NAN)

JOYO/CMY/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Cycling
By Dorcas Jonah
Abuja, Sept. 10, 2018 (NAN) Nigerian female cyclists arrived Rome, Italy, for the Giro Delle Marche In Rosa Cycling Tour  ahead of the Invitational Female Cycling Championship.

Giandomenico Massari, President, Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday said the team was in height spirit.

According to Massari, the girls are in height spirit and they are ready to perform and make the country proud.

NAN reports that the championship, which was reserved for female cyclists, is slated to hold from Sept. 11 to Sept. 14 in Italy.

Team Nigeria cyclists are made up of the following athletes: Odiase Glory; Marcus Rose Mary; Ukpeseraye Ese; Grikpa Tombrapa and  Durogbade Adejoke.

Others are, Nwachukwu Joy Ozi, Coach, Onasanya Emmanuel, Technical Director and the president, Massari as leader of the delegation.(NAN)
DE/AFA
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Edited by Felix Ajide

Graduation

By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna, Sept. 10, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), says it will graduate 365 cadets of its regular course on Oct. 6, to be attended by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Maj.-Gen. Adeniye Oyebade, the NDA Commandant said on Monday in Kaduna at a media briefing on the event that two of the cadets were from the Republics of Togo and Benin.

Oyebade, who was represented by the Deputy commandant, AVM Idi Amin, said the institution would confer honourary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians.

He listed the awardees to include prominent businessman Mohammed Indimi, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank and Lt Gen CI Obiako, a former Military Adviser at the United Nations.

“This year, a total of 365 officer cadets are expected to Pass Out from the Academy.

“This includes 2 allied cadets from Republics of Benin and Togo.

“Out of the number, 131 cadets of 65 RC will be commissioned into the Nigerian Army, while members of 66 RC of Navy and Air Force will proceed to their respective Services for further training before commissioning.”

He said that traditionally, the Passing Out Parade at the Academy is preceded by a number of key activities.

“This year’s is not any different. Kicking off the POP activities this year is a Medical Outreach by the Nigerian Defence Academy to the Afaka Community on Thursday, September 13.

“This event will see the Academy providing free medical services and drugs to members of the Afaka community.

“Shortly following the medical outreach, on Saturday, September 15, there would be the Commandant’s Luncheon for graduating cadets and guests, where retired NDA senior and junior civilian staff would be honoured.”

Oyebade added that the prize and beating of retreat ceremony would hold on Sept.

“This event typifies the official close of training activities for the year and rewards cadets and instructors who have distinguished themselves throughout the training year.”

Other events lined up include Jumaat and Church Services to be followed by the Convocation Lecture on Sept. 26.

He added that the lecture would be delivered by Prof. Umar Dambatta, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communication Commission, with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as Special Guest.

“It will be noteworthy to remind you that the Nigerian Defence Academy is the premier military university in the entire African region.

” The Academy trains young Nigerians and those of allied countries in both military and academics, endowing them at the end of a 5-year training stint at the Academy with a degree from any of the four Faculties currently operational at the Academy; and commissioning into the Nigerian Armed Forces or those of Allied Countries.

“So far, the Nigerian Defence Academy has trained over 20,000 officers since inception, a small fraction of whom are from Allied Countries like Benin Republic, The Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Togo and a host of others.” Oyebade said (NAN)

TJ/CHOM/MZA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maharazu Ahmed

Retirement

By Kingsley Okoye

Abuja, Sept 10, 2018. (NAN)The National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it approved 6,851 applications for annuity retirement plan in fourth quarter of 2017.

 According to the commission, the number brings to 48,539, the total number of retirees receiving their retirement benefits via annuity.

The commission, in its 2017 fourth quarter report posted on its website, said the 6,851 retirees received N6.32 billion as lump sum payment while their annuity premium of N35.77 billion was paid to insurance companies

PenCom said the amount was N60.29 billion and N241.62 billion as lump sum payments and annuity premium respectively.

PenCom said the retirees were receiving average monthly annuity of N2.53 billion as at the end of December, 2017.

On retirees on Programmed Withdrawal , (PW) it said  that total number of retirees currently receiving their pensions under  PW  increased from 165,740 in the previous quarter to 174,512 in the fourth quarter, 2017.

“This represents 5.29 per cent (8,772) increase from the total retirement recorded via the PW, “ it noted

The report said the breakdown of retirees under the PW during the quarter of 2017 showed public sector having 68.91 per cent (6,045) of the retirees and private sector, 31.09 per cent (2,727).

It showed that  8,772 retirees were paid N21.74 billion as lump sum and N0.28 billion as monthly programmed withdrawals.

According to the report, 174,512 retirees have been paid 448.90 billion as lump sum and N5.91 billion as monthly programmed withdrawals from inception of CPS to the quarter under review.

On Withdrawal of 25 per cent of Retirement Saving Account (RSA), the commission said approval was granted for payment of N6.54 billion to 17,828 RSA holders.

According to the report, RSA holders are under 50 years, disengaged from work and unable to secure another job within four months of their disengagement.

It said the cumulative total number of disengaged RSA holders who were paid 25 per cent was 250,293 and paid N82.57 billion from inception to the quarter under review.

According to the report, further analysis shows that the private sector accounts for 95.40 per cent (238,786) while the public sector accounts for 4.60 per cent (11,507).

On approval of death benefits, the commission said that  it approved payments of N9.20 billion to  the families of 2,028 deceased employees during the four quarter under review.

This figure, PenCom, said moved the cumulative death benefit payments to N138.90 billion, including life insurance of 44,879 of employees who died, both in private and public sectors.

“During the four quarter, the commission granted approval for the payment of N1.81 billion to 3,403 RSA holders, comprising 321 retirees, made up of federal and state organisations and 3,082 in private sector retirees.

“ Cumulatively, 89,844 retirees under these categories received a total sum of N22.07 billion from inception to the end of the fourth quarter of 2017. “

On update implementation of CPS  by state governments, PenCom said  27 state governments continued to make progress in the level of implementation

It added that 27 states had enacted laws on CPS so far while eight  states were at the  implementation stage of  the CPS Bill.

It said Yobe state was, however, yet to commence the process of enacting a law on CPS.

PenCom also said that 12 out of the 36 states had commenced remittance of contributions into the RSAs of their employees .

It also revealed that eight states had commenced the funding of their retirement benefit bond redemption fund accounts. (NAN)

KC/DUA

Edited by Dada Ahmed

Polls
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, Sept. 10, 2018 (NAN) Dr Vladimir Kreck, the Resident Representative of  Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), a German foundation in Nigeria, says vote buying remains  a threat to credible elections.

Kreck, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, appealed to the Nigerian electorate to refrain from selling their votes in  2019.

He advocated  intense sensitisation of the electorate on voting according to their conscience.

“ This is a very serious issue because it threatens free and fair elections.

“I believe that people have to be informed about their constitutional duty to trust their conscience.

“ They should  vote for that candidate who  does  not only campaign for their votes but who reliably promises that he would act in the interest of the country and in the interest of these voters,’’ he said.

He called on Nigerians to always vote candidates of their choice without ethnic or religious bias.

“I would advise Nigerians to trust their conscience  to vote for candidates regardless of their ethnic  or religious line.

“They should vote only because they trust these candidates that they will act in their best interest and in the best interest of the nation,” he said.

Kreck also urged religious leaders  to contribute their quota by ensuring that elections were devoid of religious bigotry.

The foundation representative, who noted that religion and politics have a sensitive and critical relationship in Nigeria, said it was important that  this was discussed in order to ensure  successful polls in 2019.

“This is part of our assignment in Nigeria;  to provide the public and the stakeholders with knowledge and information about the upcoming election in 2019,” he said. NAN
TOA/CHOM/OJO
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(Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Mufutau Ojo)

Okei-Odumakin wants more women participation in politics

Women

By Bolaji Buhari

Lagos, Sept. 10, 2018 (NAN) An activist, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, on Monday called on women to aspire more for leadership positions through active participation in politics.

Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, an NGO, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos.

She said women needed to make themselves visible in the political space in order to contribute more to nation-building.

The activist acknowledged that participation of women had improved over time, but pointed out that the level still left much to be desired.

She called for the liberalisation of the political space to encourage more women to be involved in the process.

The activist also decried the traditional, religious and cultural factors inhibiting the participation of women in politics.

“Although there has been an improvement over the past of couple of years, the participation of women in our political space is still far below average, compared to what obtains in other democracies both in Africa and in the west.

“There is the need to liberate the political space by increasing the number of positions that must be occupied by the women, starting with the observance of the 35 per cent affirmative action.

“Cost of seeking nomination and participation in party primaries must also be reduced to largely accommodate more women who have intention of going into politics and governance,” she said.

Okei-Odumakin said her NGO would continue to champion and invest in advocacy and educational programmes to liberate women politically.

On the Sept 22 elections in Osun State, Odumakin urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do its best to ensure its successful conduct.

She, however, said INEC could not do it alone, and called on stakeholders, including security agencies and the political class, to collaborate with the commission to make the election free and fair.

The activist charged the civil society to play their role in educating the electorate to vote according to their conscience.

She described vote-buying as an aberration in a democracy, urging voters to shun such practice. (NAN)
BHB/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Destruction

By Doris Esa

Abuja, Sept. 10, 2018 (NAN) The Operation Lafia Dole of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has destroyed some facilities of the Boko Haram terrorists, at Bukar Meram and Tumbun Allura on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno.

Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Daramola who said the operation was carried out on Sunday added that several insurgents were neutralised.

He said the attack at Bukar Meram was conducted based on credible human intelligence reports indicating the presence of some insurgents along with their equipment within the settlement.

“This is subsequently confirmed by successive days of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

“Accordingly, the ATF detailed a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft and helicopter gunship to carry out air interdiction at the location,” he said.

Daramola said that the ISR missions had indicated that some terrorists were attempting to re-group at another location in Tumbun Allura, after their bases in the settlement were destroyed on Sept.4.

“Consequently, the identified location within the town was attacked and destroyed by a combination of NAF Alpha Jet and F-7Ni aircraft.

“This is to further ensure that the insurgents are unable to resume, using the settlement as a base of operation,” he stated.

The director of public relations and information said that the NAF, working in concert with surface forces, would sustain the momentum of Operation Thunder Strike 2.

He said the operation was with a view to seeking out and destroying vestiges of the insurgents in the Lake Chad green fringes. (NAN)

ORD/BOLA/EMO
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Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Ejike Obeta

France, Spain dominate FIFPro World XI award nominations

London, Sept. 10, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) World champions France had eight players, one less than former holders Spain in international players’ association FIFPro’s 55-name shortlist for its World XI of 2018 award.

Ten players out of last year’s World XI, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, were named on the list, with Spanish giants Real Madrid the best represented club with 11 players.

World Cup semi-finalists England had three nominations in Tottenham Hotspur pair Harry Kane and Kieran Trippier as well as Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane were the only two African nominees.

Wales and Real forward Gareth Bale, who scored twice in the Champions League final in May which Madrid won 3-1, did not make the list.

Around 25,000 professional footballers from 65 countries took part in the poll to decide the contenders.

The World XI will be announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards in London on Sept. 24.

Full shortlist (home country/clubs in 2017-18):

Goalkeepers (5): Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Paris Saint-Germain/Juventus), Thibaut Courtois (Belgium/Real Madrid/Chelsea), David De Gea (Spain/Manchester United), Keylor Navas (Costa Rica/Real Madrid), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona).

Defenders (20): Jordi Alba (Spain/Barcelona), Daniel Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid), Giorgio Chiellini (Italy/Juventus), Dani Alves (Brazil/PSG), Diego Godin (Uruguay/Atletico Madrid), Mats Hummels (Germany/Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Germany/Bayern Munich) Dejan Lovren (Croatia/Liverpool), Marcelo (Brazil/Real Madrid), Yerry Mina (Colombia/Everton/Barcelona), Benjamin Pavard (France/Stuttgart), Gerard Pique (Spain/Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (Brazil/PSG), Kieran Trippier (England/Tottenham Hotspur), Samuel Umtiti (France/Barcelona), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands/Liverpool), Raphael Varane (France/Real Madrid), Sime Vrsaljko (Croatia/Inter Milan/Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (England/Manchester City).

Midfielders (15): Sergio Busquets (Spain/Barcelona), Casemiro (Brazil/Real Madrid), Philippe Coutinho (Brazil/Barcelona), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Eden Hazard (Belgium, Chelsea), Andres Iniesta (Spain/Vissel Kobe/Barcelona), Isco (Spain/Real Madrid), N’Golo Kante (France/Chelsea), Nemanja Matic (Serbia/Manchester United), Luka Modric (Croatia/Real Madrid), Paul Pogba (France/Manchester United), Ivan Rakitic (Croatia/Barcelona), David Silva (Spain/Manchester City), Arturo Vidal (Chile/Barcelona/Bayern Munich).

Forwards (15): Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Edinson Cavani (Uruguay/PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Juventus/Real Madrid), Paulo Dybala (Argentina/Juventus), Antoine Griezmann (France/Atletico Madrid), Harry Kane (England/Tottenham Hotspur), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich), Romelu Lukaku (Belgium/Manchester United), Mario Mandzukic (Croatia/Juventus), Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool), Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Neymar (Brazil/PSG), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Luis Suarez (Uruguay/Barcelona). (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/SN

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Edited by Silas Nwoha

Wizkid’s jersey designed by Nike sold out in 10 mins 

Jersey
By Joy Obanya
Abuja, Sept. 10, 2018 (NAN) Nigerian Afro pop star, Ayodeji  Balogun a.k.a Wizkid is on top of the world as his new creation jersey, designed by athletic apparel giant `Nike’ sold out 10 minutes after launch.

The `Soco’ crooner had announced and shared on his instagram handle @Wizkidayo that his Star Boy wears, a collaboration with Nike was coming out.

@Wizkidayo said: “Nike X Star Boy out worldwide! It was all a dream’.

After a much-anticipated wait, the `Star Boy’ jersey, which was released on Monday at selected Nike stores sold out in 10 minutes.

It only took minutes for the pop star to return to his instagram handle and write: “That was fast! Sold out in 10 minutes! Love you all like crazy! God is working harder than the devil!’’.

According to Nike, the collaboration shirt is a celebration of Wizkid’s Nigerian roots, and also a representation of the things that caught the fancy of Star Boy; football and fashion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the logo of Star Boy Entertainment, his record label, is printed on the front side of his jersey.

Also in Surulere, Lagos where Wizkid was born and brought up is inscribed on the lower back of the jersey. (NAN)
JOYO/COF/DUA

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Dada Ahmed