Monday, 6 October 2014

US To Citizens: Nigeria Contained Ebola; We Can

Saturday, 04 October 2014 20:09 Written by Laolu Akande, New York Category: National Hits: 140 Print Email Barack-Obama 05-10• Reels Out FG’s Success Story To Reassure Citizens AT a time reference to Nigeria in global news and international affairs has been mostly about the unending killings by terrorists in the Northeast, the Ebola management seems to be shining some positive light on Nigeria and its medical personnel, some of whom paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure that Ebola was controlled. In an effort to bolster the confidence of its people that Ebola would be contained in America, few days after a Liberian national was diagnosed with the deadly virus, the manner Nigeria handled its own patients is now being used by the US government as proof that the virus would be contained in America as well. This is coming just as the Nigerian Ambassador in the US, Prof Ade Adefuye, assured Nigerian travelers to America that they would not be subjected to any form of medical screening on arrival at US airports. Speaking late Friday afternoon at the White House at a hurriedly convened press briefing on the first Ebola case diagnosed in the US, top White House officials and US government health officials were pressed by journalists who pointed out to the failure of the Texas Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, where the Liberian patient went, but was not immediately diagnosed even though he had told the medical team in the hospital of his symptoms and that he had just returned from Liberia. A White House reporter asked at the press briefing “Is nobody concerned that there were these breakdowns in Dallas? And are you really confident that there’s not going to be similar breakdowns elsewhere along the same line? Responding the US Human Health Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell was the first to bring up the way Ebola was contained in Nigeria to reassure Americans at a press briefing beamed live all across the US and globally. Said she “ we’re confident these processes will work. If you look at what happened in Nigeria in terms of the cases in Nigeria, what happened is we quickly activated — and CDC was a part of supporting the country of Nigeria both at the state and federal level to be put in place the things that it needed to put in place. We know it’s about detect, isolate, treat the patient, and do the contact tracing. Those are the steps. And now we see where we are with Nigeria in terms of the cases and them having moved through.” According to the Secretary, who holds the office equivalent to the of Health Minister in Nigeria, the US will “continue to work on our education and continue to work with locals and put out more and more information, we put out more information and updated information. Whenever there is anything that we see that we can do a better job on communicating, we will do that. Adefuye who issued his statement on the same day the US government officials addressed the press briefing also noted that “the U.S. government, especially the Department of Health, is very much impressed with the success achieved by the Federal, Lagos and Rivers State Governments in combating Ebola. The announcement by Nigeria that it will assist other African countries to combat Ebola has been well received by the U.S. government and public.” APC locks horns with PDP over Ebola National Chairman, PDP, Adamu Mu’azu and National Chairman, APC, John Oyegun National Chairman, PDP, Adamu Mu’azu and National Chairman, APC, John Oyegun The All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday accused each other of insincerity in the containment of the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. While the APC asked President Goodluck Jonathan to stop taking credit for stopping the spread of the virus, the PDP accused the opposition of wishing that the scourge continued . Ironically, the bickering occurred just days after the social media were abuzz with reports by major United States newspapers, including the Washington Post, praising the pro-active measures adopted by Nigeria in curtailing the spread of the EVD and advising Texas where the Ebola case was recorded to learn from Nigerian example APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said it was sheer dishonesty for Jonathan and the PDP to turn what was a collective effort to a PDP campaign issue. According to the opposition party, the President and the PDP are wrong to have appropriated the credit for the containment of the EVD without giving due attention to the real heroes of the successful battle. It mentioned the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh and her colleagues at the First Consultant Hospital in Lagos; officials of the ministries of Health in Lagos and Rivers States and the patriotic Nigerian volunteers, among others as the heroes. The APC described as a cheap shot and a shameless venture, the President’s decision to make the Ebola success story a campaign issue during a PDP rally in Benin, Edo State. It claimed that Jonathan created the impression that only the PDP deserved the credit for the successful containment of the disease. APC said while indeed the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, exhibited the kind of professionalism and purposefulness that were not common with the Jonathan administration during the battle against Ebola, it would be uncharitable for the PDP-led Federal Government to pretend as if the governments of Lagos and Rivers states did nothing. The statement partly read, “The cities of Lagos and Port Harcourt are perhaps the largest metropolis to have ever been hit by the EVD since the first outbreak was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo almost 40 years ago, and any mishandling of the disease could have spelt disaster not just for the cities but for the country as a whole. “But the ever-dogged and determined Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers States employed the same winning strategies that have stood their states out of the pack and quickly rose to the occasion, putting in place measures that ensured a quick curtailing of the EVD spread. “The measures inclu ded painstaking contact-tracing, unrelenting follow-up and creative treatment of infected patients even without access to the experimental drug Zmapp. “There is no doubt that Nigeria is fortunate that the EVD outbreaks were recorded in those two states. It is a measure of the high premium that the chief executives of the states place on human life, a testimony to the strong health systems they are building and an indication of their purposeful approach to governance that they successfully contained the disease, thus earning Nigeria a rare accolade from the global community.” The party also advised President Jonathan not to use the Ebola containment effort as another tool to divide Nigerians along party lines. The APC said it was sad that the President who inherited a united Nigeria was dividing its people along ethnic and religious lines on the altar of selfish personal ambition and short-term opportunism. “It will amount to a monumental tragedy if the President will again use the Ebola success story, which has earned Nigeria a rare acclamation from the global community, as a tool to further divide Nigerians,’’ it said. But the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, described APC’s statement as another failed attempt to discredit the PDP-led Federal Government and relegate its efforts in the containment of the EVD in Nigeria. Metuh said in a statement that the APC was frustrated and unhappy because Nigerians were happy with the PDP-led Federal Government for “the speed and energy with which it tackled the scourge and brought it under control.” “We know that the APC prefers that the Ebola scourge continued unabated in Nigeria so as to have what to blame the PDP-led government for. Now that it has been contained, the APC is frustrated because the people are happy with President Jonathan and the PDP-led Federal Government for the proactive manner with which the disease was confronted and overcome,” he added. According to him, the success recorded on the EVD was because Jonathan did not politicise it. The statement partly read, “The PDP makes bold to state that the multi-sectoral approach deployed by the Federal Government with the concerted collaboration of the federal ministries of Health, Aviation, Information, Education, Transport and other relevant agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service for intensive screening, quarantine and treatment efforts as well as the massive awareness ended the spread of the disease and resulted in its containment in our country. “We are also amused by the contradictions in the APC’s statement in which it also commended the roles played by the Minister of Health in the containment effort. “We ask, is the minister not appointed and supervised by President Jonathan? Is he not of the PDP? Or is the APC now trying to appropriate him?” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Ekiti: SANs drag Fayose, PDP to NHRC

You are here: Home / News / Ekiti: SANs drag Fayose, PDP to NHRC Ekiti: SANs drag Fayose, PDP to NHRC October 6, 2014 by Kamarudeen Ogundele and Ade Adesomoju 182 Comments [print] Ekiti State Governor-elect, Ayo Fayose Ekiti State Governor-elect, Ayo Fayose Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria- Norrisom Quakers and M.J. Onigbanjo- have dragged the Peoples Democratic Party and Ekiti State-governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose, to the National Human Rights Commission over alleged violation of their rights to practise as lawyers. In a petition dated September 29 and jointly signed by them, they claimed that the September 22 and 25 attacks on the Ekiti High Court by some suspected political thugs constituted threats to their lives. Quakers and Onigbanjo, who are the lawyers to the litigants challenging Fayose’s eligibility to contest in the June 21 governorship election, addressed their petition to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe. The National Judicial Council had at its emergency meeting on September 16 asked the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abbah,to investigate the attacks on the court and prosecute those behind it. The Nigerian Bar Association had also said it would send an investigative team to the state to unravel those behind the incident and bring them to justice. In their petition, Quakers and Onigbanjo urged the rights commission to use its wherewithal to investigate the attacks on the court. They said the NHRC should unearth “those behind this shameful display of banditry and gross violation of human rights with a view to prosecuting and bringing them to justice.” The petitioners accused the PDP of organising the political thugs that invaded the high court premises on September 22 and attacked Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi. The attackers reportedly regrouped on September 25 to disrupt the hearing of a petition challenging the election of Fayose. Quakers and Onigbanjo described the September 22 incident as “barbaric and barefaced violation of the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the claimants (litigants), claimants’ counsel, the judge and other officers of the court by thugs who were organised by the PDP.” Part of the petition reads, “We are therefore apprehensive for our safety and that of our legal team’s lives, the dignity of our human persons, our right to practise our profession and our clients’ rights as citizens of Nigeria to seek redress in the court of law. “All the foregoing rights mentioned above clearly violated by the instigated mob, whose objectives included ensuring that the court did not deliver its scheduled ruling at 12 noon and or conduct any other business thereafter and to bully, intimidate and instill fear in the court in an attempt to obstruct justice to the point where the court would be too apprehensive to subsequently hear the case prior to the swearing in of Fayose on October 16,2014. “Should this unfortunate display of desecration of the hallowed temple of justice which is supposed to the last hope of the common man be allowed to persist unprosecuted, we all would be recorded for posterity as the people who sat with arms folded while miscreants and hooligans took over and controlled the administration of justice and overall balance of the society.” PDP writes CJN over Ekiti crisis Meanwhile, the PDP in Ekiti State has accused the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, of plotting with Governor Kayode Fayemi to stop the inauguration of Fayose. The party made the allegation in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma-Mukhtar. The letter titled, “Another judicial coup plotted to avert the swearing in of the governor-elect of Ekiti State,” was signed by the state Secretary of the PDP, Dr. Tope Aluko and the Publicity Secretary, Kola Oluwawole. But Fayemi described the allegation as another tissue of lies by the PDP.He therefore challenged the PDP in the state to prove its allegation. In the letter the PDP claimed that it was aware of plans by Daramola to give accelerated hearing to some suits challenging the eligibility of Fayose for the June 21 governorship election despite the notice of appeal and the stay of proceedings filed in respect of the suits. Fayose had challenged the assumption of jurisdiction by Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi of an Ado-Ekiti High Court on the matter. He also sought a stay of proceedings on the hearing of the substantive suit. The letter to the CJN read, “On September 28, 2014, the governor-elect of Ekiti State personally wrote a letter to you, raising fears about the attempts of the CJ of Ekiti State to frustrate his inauguration. “This was done in view of Section 185 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers only the CJ of Ekiti State to inaugurate the governor-elect as the new governor of the state, as Ekiti State presently has no Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, or the President of the Customary Court of Appeal that can perform similar function, in case the Chief Judge decline to do so. “To our knowledge, you are yet to react to that letter. Meanwhile, we are authoritatively informed of another desperate move to obtain a “black market injunction” from an Ekiti State High Court, restraining the CJ from inaugurating the governor-elect on October 16, 2014. “Our source authoritatively informed us that the E-11 case in suits HAD/51/2014 and HAD/52/2014 are to be given accelerated hearing between Wednesday, 8/10/14 and Friday, 10/10/14, or thereabout, in a way that a “black market injunction” will be secured to restrain the CJ from inaugurating the governor-elect, after the court might have been re-opened following the NJC directive. “The outgoing governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Justice Daramola had finalised arrangement to actualise this diabolical plan.” The PDP therefore called on the CJN to call Daramola to order and allow due process to be followed in all the cases before his court. It said, “These two cases or any other case that may be concocted are not time bound or perishable items that injunction would be necessary to preserve ex-parte or otherwise, before the swearing-in of the governor-elect on October 16,2014.’’ “The law allows appeal from one court of first instance to the Supreme Court. Why before the inauguaration? “There is no doubt that this dangerous game if allowed to germinate into fruition will cause a constitutional crisis, and indeed, anarchy in the already volatile state.” But the state Commissioner for Information, Tayo Ekundayo, said it was another lie by the PDP. He said, “We don’t control the judiciary. The three arms of government have their role to play without interference. I do not know how the governor will ask the CJ to scuttle the inauguration. It is not in our character. “The PDP has been telling a lot of lies, accusing us of so many things. There is nothing they have said in the last three months that is true. It is just another of their lies. We are not in any discussion with the CJ on how he runs the judiciary.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Again, S’Africa seizes $5.7m arms cash from Nigeria

Arms and ammunitions The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority has seized $5.7m (R64m) for yet another arms deal between South Africa and Nigeria. This is the second multimillion-rand arms deal between the two countries in the past month that has resulted in the money being frozen in South African banks. Last month, R103m in $100 bills stashed in suitcases was seized at Lanseria Airport, north of Joburg. The money was frozen in both cases for allegedly being the proceeds of illegal transactions. City Press’ sister paper Rapport has learnt that the department for offences against the state in the Special Investigating Unit is also involved. Documents in the newspaper’s possession show that the earlier consignment was approved by the Nigerian government – that country’s national security adviser personally issued the end-user certificate for the transaction. An entire “shopping list” was supplied with the certificate, which included everything from helicopters to unmanned aircraft, rockets and ammunition. Sources close to the investigation said the latest transaction was between Cerberus Risk Solutions, an arms broker in Cape Town, and Societe D’Equipments Internationaux, a Nigerian company in Abuja. An impeccable source said this company paid the R60m into Cerberus’ account at Standard Bank. Cerberus was previously registered as a broker with the National Conventional Arms Control Committee, but the registration expired in May this year. The marketing and contracting permits also expired at the same time. The company has since applied for re-registration, but the application lay in the NCACC’s mailbox for more than two months. Sources told Rapport that Cerberus apparently tried to pay the money back to the Nigerian company, after which the bank became suspicious. The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit subsequently obtained a court order in the South Gauteng High Court to seize the money. Cerberus’ attorney, Martin Hood, this week declined to comment on the matter. NPA spokesperson Nathi Mncube said there were no indications that the two transactions were related. “However, both are now the subject of a criminal investigation and all possible information and connections are being investigated,” said Mncube. 12 convicted soldiers don’t deserve to die Convicted Soldiers. Convicted Soldiers. The 12 soldiers sentenced to death by the Nigerian Army on September 14, 2014 for their roles in an attack on the General Officer Commanding, Maj. Gen Ahmed Mohammed, do not deserve to die. Nigerians and other online readers believe that in a democratic dispensation, the Army should not bring back the sad memories of the dark periods of military rule. This is the outcome of a poll conducted by PUNCH ONLINE. The online poll, which opened on September 17, 2014 and ended on September 24, 2014, presented respondents with the question: ‘Do you think the Army is justified to have sentenced to death, soldiers, who attacked their GOC over poor welfare and inadequate weapons?’ One thousand and one respondents took part in the online poll, choosing either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in response to the poll question. Eight hundred and fifty nine respondents, representing 86 per cent, are of the opinion that the military’s position is not justified in sentencing the soldiers to death by firing squad. One hundred and forty two respondents, representing 14 per cent are of the view that the soldiers deserve to be killed. The soldiers had on May 14, 2014 attacked the GOC in Maiduguri, Borno State, protesting what they believed was his complicity in events that led to the killing of some of their senior colleagues, who died while returning from a battleground, after being ambushed by Boko Haram militants. The military, citing its codes, described the troops’ action as mutiny, a serious offence in the military. Eighteen soldiers were court martialled, out of which 12 were sentenced to death by firing squad, five were discharged and acquitted while the remaining one was jailed for 28 days with hard labour. The judgment by the President of the Court Martial, Maj. Gen. C.C. Okonkwo, has generated mixed feelings among the populace. Respondents, who voted ‘Yes’, must have hinged their response on the fact that mutiny anywhere in the world is a grave offence, and such mutineers fit to be killed, as their action is a violation of military etiquettes. On the other hand, respondents who voted ‘No’ might have aligned with the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress, which has called on the leadership of the Armed Forces to commute the death sentence on the soldiers to lighter sentences. Acting President of the NLC, Chief Promise Adewusi, said, “If the Court Martial functioned as a mechanical clock, we expect the Army Council or the appropriate authority, whose responsibility it is to review the sentences of this nature, to commute this sentence to a more tolerable or acceptable one. “Our appeal is hinged on the fact that the brutal execution of the twelve will not restore discipline by fiat. “Rather, it could sow the seed of a major security problem in the Armed Forces since the problem of corruption, poor kitting, equipping and treachery are said to be common to virtually all the military units or formations in the conflict area. “In the light of the foregoing, we are urging the military authorities to commute the death sentence on the twelve to a lighter sentence.”

Raven-Symone: ‘I’m not African American’

Raven_SymoneRaven-Symone is an actress, student and former child star, but apparently what she is not, is an African American. The former “The Cosby Show” star sat with Oprah Winfrey for an episode of “Where Are They Now” that aired Saturday. As the two discussed Raven’s sexuality, she shared that she doesn’t like to be shoved into any specific category and labeled. “I don’t want to be labeled gay. I want to be labeled a humans who love humans. I’m tired of being labeled,” explained Raven whose dislike of categorization includes race. “I’m an American; I’m not an African American. I’m an American.” Oprah, assuming that Raven would receive a lot of criticism for not claiming African American as her ethnicity, said she’s not sure what her racial background is. With lighter skin than many African Americans, many consider Raven biracial, and she said that’s exactly what America is about. “I don’t know where my roots go to… I do know that my roots are in Louisiana. I’m an American and that’s a colorless person ’cause we’re all people. I have lots of things running through my veins,” she said. As for her sexuality, Raven confirmed rumors that she’s dating a woman, but she refrained from using the terms “gay” or “lesbian.” “I’m in an amazing, happy relationship with my partner, a woman,” said Raven who knew as a teen that she was attracted to women. She did not have a label for it then, and she doesn’t use labels now. “I knew when I was like 12. I was looking at everything. I don’t need language. I don’t need a categorizing statement for it,” she said. “I don’t label myself.”

The story of Kaiser, the dying Police dog, will touch your heart! It made me cry… Read more at ht

This Police dog’s health declined rapidly until he died. Kaiser the police dog is a K9 officer that worked on the force for many years, and protected all of his human colleagues in life-threatening situations. Touching the lives of every officer he worked with. Kaiser loved being a police dog and he showed it at all times. His love and loyalty for his coworkers was unshakable. During a routine medical exam, Kaiser was diagnosed with severe kidney disease that led to kidney failure. He fought the disease the only way he knew: with sheer determination. But ultimately, it wasn’t enough to save him. In the end, he needed to retire and be laid to rest. His final resting place will be in Angel View Pet Cemetery in Middlebrow, MA. The heartbreaking scene below is of a the officers from the police department in Plymouth, MA, saying their final goodbyes and saluting their fellow officer, Kaiser. Kaiser’s fellow officers give him a salute as he takes his final walk after fighting kidney disease. police dog 1 The Plymouth, MA, K9 unit stands guard in honor of the dog; they will never forget Kaiser and his dedication, love and companionship. police dog 2 Kaiser and his handler… good boy, Kaiser. You can rest now. police dog 3 Thanks for all you did Kaiser. You won’t be forgotten. Share Kaiser’s story on social networks to show your respect for this touching law enforcement officer. Source Read more at http://www.likazing.com/police-dog/

Monday, 22 September 2014

Russia and Shishin shine in the sun

Russia have well and truly proven that their shock win two years ago in Ravenna was no fluke with a deserved, and ultimately comfortable, win against Spain in the Tahiti 2013 finale. Their level of professionalism and single-minded approach is undoubted and was on display in Papeete on Saturday night as they overpowered the Spaniards.

They were made to work hard throughout the tournament to ultimately claim the spoils. They had two single-goal wins plus a hugely challenging comeback victory against Tahiti in the semi-final when the hold on their crown hung in the balance.

This time, however, Russia dominated once they took the lead in the second period, and the retention of their crown was rarely in doubt from the moment Anton Shkarin hit the opener 30 seconds into the second period.

Little wonder then that Russia coach Mikhail Likhachev was of the view that they left their best to last. “It was our best match of the tournament and we are so happy to take home a winner’s medal,” he said. “Perhaps the Tahiti game in the semi-final was our most difficult.”

Golden Shishin
A recurring theme throughout the tournament for Russia has been the goalscoring form of Dmitrii Shishin. A tireless and powerful figure all over the park, Shishin collected the adidas Golden Scorer Award edging out Brazil’s Bruno Xavier.

“I’m so happy to win the World Cup for a second time,” Shishin told FIFA.com in the bowels of the To’ato stadium with his winner’s medal hanging proudly around his neck. “I think this proves that last time was not an accident.

“The level of all the teams have grown a lot, especially teams like Tahiti and Japan. They have really developed quickly and it shows that beach soccer is growing rapidly.”

Shishin scored in every match, although it took until the final ten seconds of the final to complete the full set. That eleventh hour strike was enough to claim the coveted goalscorers’ award.

“I’m so happy, I honestly could not ever dream that such an award would come my way,” he said. “I have scored in many games and when I entered the field today I was hoping to score, but most of all I wanted the team to win.”

Alonso: We’ve every reason to be happy

Though he had just seen his side go down to Russia in the final of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Tahiti 2013, Spain coach Joaquin Alonso was feeling anything but downhearted.
A very interested spectator at the closing ceremony, Alonso found time to have a quiet word with each and every one of his defeated players, and even broke off for a brief interview with FIFA.com, in which he took stock of Spain’s historic run at Tahiti 2013.
FIFA.com: What was your view of the final?
Alonso: It’s left us feeling a little bit flat. We started well enough and things were pretty even in the first period, which ended goalless. But they scored from a rebound at the start of the second and the game got away from us very quickly after that. We got it back to 3-1 and Antonio had a couple of chances to make it 3-2, but they went and scored a fourth and that killed us.
How do you explain that second period?
Russia are a very strong side and they don’t let you off the hook very often. The same thing happened to us with them recently. We were 1-0 up on that occasion but switched off for a couple of minutes and suddenly found ourselves 3-1 down, with the feeling that it was game over. Whenever they take the lead they really know how to control matches.

If you’d have said to me before we came that we’d reach the final, I’d have taken it. We should be happy with what we’ve achieved.

Joaquin Alonso, Spain coach

What’s the difference between you and Russia at the moment?
They’re professionals at this. I’m not saying that we’re not but we’ve got a few players who devote time to other things, and that tells in the long run. We have a job organising training sessions over an extended period of time and they play more competitions. That doesn’t mean to say, though, that we can’t compete with the rest. I’m delighted with the performance of my players.
So, this has been a positive experience then?
A very positive experience. If you’d have said to me before we came that we’d reach the final, I’d have taken it. We should be happy with what we’ve achieved.
Is that what you said to your players after the final?
Absolutely. I told them to enjoy the moment because I’ve played in and lost finals, and to lose them you have to get there first. In a few years’ time it’ll sink in that they came this far, that they fought it out for the title, that they earned the right to fight for it and played their part in the story.
Is it too early yet to think about getting revenge?
It’s not even crossed our minds. Right now I just want to enjoy this. We spent a long time preparing and we’ve been together training for a whole month, which takes it out of you. We need to sit back now and reflect on what we’ve achieved.
What does the future hold for the team?
The older players have shown everything: pride, self-sacrifice and class, and they’ve held nothing back. To my mind they’ve got a good few years left with us yet. They’re also an example to the younger players, who’ve not finished maturing yet. Some of them paid for their lack of experience and they could maybe have been a bit more influential, but they’re the future of the team and that future is a promising one. We’re happy with how the team’s progressing and we’ve got every reason to be optimistic.

Korea DPR recapture Asian laurels

Asian qualifying for the 2014 FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile ended on Saturday in Thailand with Korea DPR recapturing the continental laurels after edging Korea Republic 2-1 in the final. It marked the Young Chollima's second success in the AFC U-16 Championship, having won their maiden title in the 2010 edition. The achievements, as a result, saw them join the other five two-time winners - Japan, China PR, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Korea Republic - among the tournament's most successful countries.

For those following the Asian competition throughout, it came as somewhat a surprise that Korea DPR scraped past a series of hopeful teams en route to the crown. Indeed, coach Yon Kwang-mu's charges suffered a 3-2 loss to defending champions Uzbekistan during the group phase as they reached the quarter-final stage as section runners-up. But as recent history has shown, their trademark fighting spirit stood them in good stead throughout the knockout stage.

Yon's brave team ran out penalty shoot-out winners against a powerful Iran after the two sides finished goalless. The result booked their qualification for Chile 2015 alongside Australia, Syria and Korea Republic. Another tremendous shoot-out victory against Australia set up a final meeting with Korea Republic.

The Young Taeguk Warriors were the undisputed favourites going into the tournament’s ultimate game, considering their rampaging form which had seen them rout Syria 7-1 in the semi-final. And coach Choi Jincheul's side finished the first half a goal up but just when everything seemed to be going to plan, Korea DPR hit back after the restart. Han Kwang-Song drew level on 50 minutes, before Choe Song-Yyok capitalised on a defensive error to score the match and tournament winning-goal.

"We have united as one as we have tried to show our team spirit in all our matches," a jubilant Yon said. "We have been preparing for this championship for a long time and we have now succeeded."

Having seen the team's progress, the former Korea DPR international voiced his confidence about the future. "Their skill and technique and their determination has developed and in the future we will consolidate what they have learned. We will prepare well and show Asia's development at the World Cup."

Fresh gems unearthed
The Asian competition has long been a setting for the youth talents to emerge with the likes of Hidetoshi Nakata and Shinji Ono leaving their first marks on the continental stage. And Thailand 2014 was no exception with a series of prodigies announcing their arrival on the international scene.

Despite the final disappointment, Korea Republic fans can still pride themselves on their talented crop embodied in striking-ace Lee Seungwoo. The Barcelona teenager emerged the tournament's biggest revelation, scooping both the tournament golden boot and Most Valued awards after his five goals and classy technique.

He netted in each half as they saw off Japan 2-0 in the quarter-finals to seal passage to Chile 2015 and despite being closely marked against Syria, he managed to score a goal and provided four assists in a ruthless demolition. "I am happy to have met such a brilliant player as Lee," coach Choi remarked. "I really like the way he plays."

Also impressing were Australia's Cameron Joice and Han Kwangsong of Korea DPR, both of whom were on target four times. Joice has proved his predatory talents with the Joeys through his powerful acceleration and shooting ability. Han has, too, established his place as the talisman for Chollima with his clinical finishing. Elsewhere, Syrian forward Abd Al Rahman Barakat scored three times as they progressed to Chile 2015 at the expense of Uzbekistan with a 5-2 win while his team-mate Anas Al Aji did a fairly good job in bossing the midfield netting three goals.

Malaysia came within a whisker of booking their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup qualification after being edged 2-1 by Australia in the quarter-finals. But even the qualifying disappointment did little to take the gloss off their striking-prodigy Muhammad Najmuddin Samat. Having shone in last year's qualifying to the AFC U-16 Championship with five goals, the dynamic forward went on to excel at Thailand 2014 by scoring both goals as they dispatched Qatar 2-0 to reach the knockout phase.

Last but not least, minnows Nepal also boast their own star as they came close to springing a surprise. Bimal Magar, who entered the youth competition on the back of several international appearances with the national senior side, scored the match-winner against Kuwait as they reaped a spirited triumph. Having scored four times in last year's qualifying as they finished top of a group also featuring Iraq, Bahrain and Turkmenistan, the 16-year-old is heralded as a promising star for

Gervinho: Côte d’Ivoire still Africa's best

“I’d seen him two or three times when he was at Arsenal, but it’s only when you’re playing alongside him that you realise what an absolute monster he is. If he was more clinical, Gervinho would be at Cristiano Ronaldo’s level.”

These were the words of Francesco Totti, and the subject of his praise in the Gazzetta dello Sport in January was none other than Gervinho. At the time, although the Ivoirian's influence on Roma’s game was undeniable, his total number of goals could be counted on just one hand.

A few months down the line, following a successful conclusion to the 2013/14 season that saw him increase his goals and assists tally to nine and ten respectively, the Abidjan native has significantly enhanced his scoring proficiency.

Credited with two of the four strikes that Les Elephants netted at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Gervais Yao Kouassi - his full name - has continued in the same vein in the early stages of this current Serie A campaign.

Having notched three goals in four games for I Giallorossi thus far, he also got on the scoresheet for his country again in September, in a 2-1 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory over Sierra Leone. Indeed, the Roma No27 appears to be reaching the peak of a career that has involved spells in Belgium (Beveren), France (Le Mans and Lille) and England (Arsenal).

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the crowd-pleasing 27-year-old, who recently signed a contract extension with his club, shared his thoughts on Brazil 2014, Roma’s chances of glory this season and the prospects for Côte d’Ivoire following Didier Drogba’s international retirement.

FIFA.com: Gervinho, judging by your recent performances, Côte d’Ivoire’s early exit from the 2014 World Cup does not appear to have damaged your confidence.
Gervinho: Well, it did take me a while to accept the fact we had been eliminated. We were intent on qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament, but unfortunately we conceded that last-minute penalty to Greece and lost 2-1 – a result that prevented us from moving on. We tried to put our feelings of disappointment behind us by going on holiday with our families, but it wasn’t easy. Things are better now. I’m focused on achieving new objectives for my club and my country. There’s the qualifying campaign for the Cup of Nations, and my second season with Roma, where I feel comfortable and would like to play for the foreseeable future.

You’ve made it clear that Roma coach Rudi Garcia, a man you know well, has played a key role in helping you settle. How important has he been to the success that Roma and you have enjoyed?
He’s loved by the Roma supporters, as well as by everyone in and around the club. He’s been able to get his ideas across well and apply his style of play, which is based on holding onto the ball as much as possible. All the players immediately bought into his plans, and the results followed. Personally speaking, I first met him in 2007, when I was at Le Mans. I also played under him at Lille in 2009, and then we came together again at Roma last season. To sum up, we know each other very well; I understand what makes him tick, and vice versa.

Roma were very active in the transfer market this summer, signing Urby Emanuelson, Juan Iturbe, Ashley Cole and Kostas Manolas. Is the league title the principal target this season?
We certainly did some good business in the transfer market. Now there’s competition for places practically all over the park, which is good news, as we’re involved in numerous competitions this year. And, looking back, it was perhaps a lack of depth that cost us the title last season. Now, anything is possible.

Italian clubs have not shone as brightly in European competition over the past few years. Is the quality in Serie A very different from the English Premier League, for example?
Every national championship has its own characteristics and its own tempo. Having played in Ligue 1 and the Premier League, I don’t feel like the level of Italian football has dropped all that much. In fact, Serie A remains a very attractive prospect, as some big-name players decided to come and play here during the summer. Although some clubs have struggled in Europe, we’re going to work hard at projecting another image of Italian football.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League was not all that kind to Roma, pitting you against Bayern Munich, CSKA Moscow and Manchester City. Are you feeling positive about it?
Of course we have some big teams in our group, but it’s not like Roma are completely unknown either. We’ve got just as much chance as the other three sides. Although it’s been four years since we’ve taken part in the Champions League, we have players in our squad who are very familiar with it. We’ll have the benefit of their experience. We’re very hopeful.

After Didier Drogba’s retirement, is there the same sense of optimism at national-team level?
Didier was our captain – he made a great contribution to the national team and will leave a huge void. As far as I’m concerned, I’m proud and happy to have played alongside him. But he’s left now, and we need to move on. We have some important challenges coming up, including the Cup of Nations qualifiers and the tournament itself in January. That’s what we have to focus on.

When you reflect on Côte d’Ivoire’s World Cup campaign, what do you think went wrong?
We were expected to get out of our group, and we were expected to beat Greece in our last match. In the end, there wasn’t much in it - a penalty in the final seconds knocked us out. It came down to little mistakes. We were all responsible for them, and they cost us dearly. I must admit that I took our exit rather badly. The World Cup was very important to me and to the whole country. We were left with a lot of regrets.

Do you think that Côte d’Ivoire have fallen off their perch?
Despite the failure in Brazil, the quality of our players is not in doubt. For me, the best team in Africa is still Côte d’Ivoire.

What was your reaction to the news that Herve Renard had been handed the reins of the national team?
It’s the Ivoirian FA’s decision, but every new arrival is very welcome. It’s always quite rewarding getting to know a new coach.

After you enjoyed a particularly successful 2013/14 season, you’ve continued to impress this term. Are you currently playing the best football of your life?
I did have a good season with Roma, and we qualified for the Champions League, which was our main goal. And I gave all I had during the World Cup. Right now, I’m just trying to maintain that form.

And what is your prime objective for this season?
First, winning the Cup of Nations. And second, winning the Serie A title. That’s in chronological order, not in order of personal preference!

Ozil: I have nothing to prove

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has said that he accepts he will always be an easy target for the critics but insists that he has nothing to prove to anybody.
The German FIFA World Cup™ winner answered the growing doubters with a masterful display in the 3-0 demolition of Aston Villa on Saturday. He swept in the opening goal and created the second for Danny Welbeck at Villa Park when deployed in a more central role by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The 25-year-old has continually found himself under scrutiny since becoming Arsenal's £42million club record signing from Real Madrid on deadline day in September 2013. However, Ozil is not about to let anyone else's opinion get in the way of his continued progress with the Gunners.
"I don't play to prove anything to anybody, I play for Arsenal," Ozil told German news agency DPA. "I have the feeling that I am criticised more, that happened to me in the Bundesliga and also at Real Madrid.

I have the feeling that I am criticised more, that happened to me in the Bundesliga and also at Real Madrid.

Mesut Ozil

"We have only just started the season [at Arsenal], we have new players in key positions. The collective game, which is something I have a lot to do with, cannot then just work well from one day to the next."
Ozil added: "(Just) ten weeks ago I was elected to the team of the season in England (via an internet poll on the Premier League website). I was world champion then. It was the summer break and after a few games (of the new season) everything is called into question again. This is strange, but I know what I can offer."
Ozil is likely to be one of several first-team players rested by Wenger for the League Cup tie at home to Southampton on Tuesday night, but should again be the key man for Saturday's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.
The cup tie could see a debut for Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, who has yet to feature apart from on the bench after regaining fitness following a summer move from Nice. Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell may be another deployed against the Saints, along with fit-again midfielder Abou

Enrique hails Messi, Neymar combination

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique lauded the quality of strike duo Lionel Messi and Neymar after both were on target as the Catalans maintained their 100 per cent start to the La Liga season with a 5-0 win at Levante.

Messi fired a first-half penalty off target, but teed up Neymar and Sandro Ramirez to take his tally of assists to six in just five games this season and finally got his goal as he rounded off the scoring 18 minutes from time.

"With Leo Messi we are talking about a unique, special player. His team-mates know well that when he has the ball, he can not only beat players but assist them magnificently," said Enrique.

"I love that the players find these conditions amongst themselves and take advantage of Leo's quality in this case. Today he assisted in a number of goals in a spectacular way and also scored. I think it was a complete game from everyone."

Neymar's opener was reminiscent of his first goal in the 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao last weekend as his pace was too much for the Levante defence and the Brazilian's run was expertly picked out by Messi's ball over the top. "He has the quality to receive the ball to feet and he has the quality to attack spaces," added Enrique.

"Every striker has to look for that variety and I am not just speaking about Neymar, but I thought the movement of Sandro, Pedro (Rodriguez) and Leo was good. I could speak about the whole team and the offensive and defensive work they did."

Neymar injury concern
The only negative point of the evening for Barcelona came early in the second half as Neymar suffered an ankle injury and was replaced by Sandro despite appearing to want to continue.

Enrique insisted he had been extra cautious as the 22-year-old has suffered a series of ankle problems in his time at Barcelona, including a sprain in his left ankle which ruled him out of the season opener against Elche last month.

And he is hopeful Neymar will be available for their midweek trip to Malaga on Wednesday. "He suffered a sprained ankle recently and therefore we decided to take him off. The doctors will analyse it. It is normal when the player sprains his ankle he gets a fright and asks for the change.

"We hope it won't be anything important but there was nothing strange in the substitution."

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Hip Hop Week In Review: 50 Cent, Eminem, Young Thug

50 Cent hears from Floyd Mayweather, Eminem isn't on Jim Jones' Top 5 list and Young Thug calls Birdman his "lover."

Floyd Mayweather and 50 Cent have continued their ongoing spat. Eminem is apparently not on Jim Jones' Top 5 rappers list and Young Thug says Birdman is his "lover." These are the most popular stories of the week in Hip Hop.

Floyd Mayweather Responds To 50 Cent's Reading Challenge

Floyd Mayweather responded to
“Hey, I heard 50 Cent challenged you for 750 thousand,” a fan says in the video. “That’s all he challenged me?” Mayweather responds. “He gotta raise the stakes. Let him know. Do he still make music? I ain’t heard him in a while.”
Floyd and 50 have been going back-and-forth consistently over the last month. The two have traded barbs in interviews and via social media.
For the full story, click

Eminem Not In Jim Jones' Top 5 Rappers List

Eminem may be one of the most celebrated rapper's today, but
“I wouldn’t put Eminem in my category cause he’s wicked with the rhymes and all that type of shit, but my music got to reflect on the lifestyle I live,” Jones said. “It gotta make me feel a certain type of way. Eminem is by far one of the greatest emcees because he’s an artist, but his music don’t actually put me like I’m feeling like I want to go on the block and sell drugs. You dig? It’s a different type of shit. When I look at his music it’s like ‘Damn, this nigga is out of control’. The shit he try to squeeze in one line. That’s how I look at him. I look at him as a real artist and try to dissect what he’s saying. And it’s like ‘How the fuck he put 19 syllables in one bar?’”
For the full story, click

Young Thug Calls Birdman "My Lover" In Instagram Post

Young Thug made headlines this week with an Instagram post. In a caption for a post featuring Birdman, Thug said the following:
“Me and my lover dripping!!!! Like always!!!” he wrote. “@birdman5star fuck with me fool…."
In the clip, Thug and Birdman exchange a handshake and a hug.
For the full story, click

Additional Popular Headlines: 50 Cent, Olivia, Missy Elliott, Lil Debbie, Nicki Minaj

Uncertainty over SA deaths after Nigeria church collapse

The collapsed church, led by TB Joshua, attracts a global following of Christians who believe he is able to perform miracles including curing the ill and raising the dead from the grave. (Supplied)

Around 300 South Africans were visiting a Pentecostal church in Nigeria last week where a wing collapsed killing more than 60 people, and an unknown number were still unaccounted for, the South African government said.
President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday that at least 67 South Africans had been killed when the building in the compound belonging to the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos collapsed; while three extra storeys were being added to the two existing floors. However, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said on Twitter on Wednesday that the figure of 67 needed to be treated with “caution”.
‘Not yet accounted for’
Nigerian emergency services on Tuesday put the total death toll from the accident so far at 62. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy. Late on Tuesday, Zuma told the SABC that an unknown number of South Africans were “not yet accounted for”, and that the nation needed to “grieve together”.
Zuma’s spokesperson Mac Maharaj told the SABC on Wednesday that the government believed that around 300 South Africans from four to five tour groups from the country were visiting the church last Friday, but it was not clear how many were on the spot when the tragedy struck.
“It has been difficult in getting the news and information. Our figures are based on information received from family and friends, and the high commission in Nigeria. It is subject to change as things go on,” Maharaj said.
“There have been delays in getting the information. We don’t have the figures of those injured. Sometime during the day we will be better placed on the information and the public will be informed.” He also said the church is very popular with South Africans.
TB Joshua and staff at his Synagogue Church of All Nations had so far failed to disclose information to the investigation and is under pressure to co-operate with the authorities, the Lagos state government and emergency services said.
Pretoria’s ambassador to Abuja complained investigators had faced difficulties in getting detailed information on the ground.
In Lagos, rescuers were still picking through the rubble with heavy lifting equipment and using sniffer dogs in the search for survivors.
Rescuers denied access to the site“The church is not co-operating with emergency workers at all,” said National Emergency Management Authority spokesperson for the south-west region, Ibrahim Farinloye. “For the first three days of the incident, the church people were very hostile and prevented rescue officials access to the site,” he told Agence France-Presse. Earlier access may have saved lives, he added, giving the latest toll as 67 with 131 survivors.
South Africa’s ambassador to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, told eNCA that the death toll was still uncertain. “The numbers can still either go up or down. We have put more people on the ground to assist us,” he said.
Some five South African church tour groups totalling about 300 people were thought to have been in Lagos at the time, the government said.
Toyin Ayinde, Lagos state commissioner for town planning and urban development, said an investigation would examine Joshua’s claim that a low-flying plane may have been responsible for the collapse. He told Nigeria’s Channels television they were checking with Lagos international airport, which is just east of the church, about the altitude of planes in the area at the time.
Samples were being taken from the building to determine the material used in the construction. Initial indications suggested the collapse was caused because extra floors were being added to the building without strengthening foundations. Ayinde said Joshua and his staff had not yet met engineers and representatives of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, which was affecting their ability to disclose accurate information.
The church, led by the charismatic “Prophet” Joshua, attracts a global following of Christians who believe he is able to perform miracles including curing the ill and raising the dead from the grave.
Elders aiding searchMeanwhile, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema said that elders from the church have been helping search for missing people. “I am in touch with the elders of the church. They are doing everything in their power to ensure that every individual that was there is accounted for and that the rescue mission continues,” Malema told the South African Press Association in a telephone interview.
Although there had been loss of life, very seriously injured church members were rescued as well, he said. – Reuters, Sapa, AFP

UN applauds US’ plan to fight Ebola

Nigeria: New Handball Federation Promises to Restore Lost Glory

By Mansur Abubakar

The new board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) which was sworn in yesterday in Abuja has promised to immediately roll out its programme of activities in order to bring back Nigeria's lost glory in the sport.
The Vice president of the Federation, Kwashi Thompson said the board will do its best to see that the players involved in the sport get competitions that will keep them busy for the remaining part of the year.
Thompson said peace has returned to the federation following an out of court settlement with the Mega Handball veterans, who filed a suit against the elected board.
"We are now ready to go full throttle with all parties satisfied with the out of court settlement, which saw the board conceding the office of the technical director to the veterans. It was a horse trade in the overall interest of the game.
"The board is now ready to get into office and move the sport of handball forward in Nigeria. For me personally, it is my desire for us to embark on aggressive sponsorship drive for tournaments," he enthused.
He said the sport would have to be developed from the junior cadre through to the seniors, while lamenting the decline in the fortunes of the senior national team, which now ranks below the top teams in Africa.
The new VP promised that the incoming board would set up a handball league to be run on conference format to ensure the players are always busy and fit.
Handball in Nigeria has suffered in recent years (due to neglect) even though the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) was founded in Lagos in 1973 after the 2nd African Games.
The national handball team has never won the continental championship since it began in 1974 and finished 23rd when it participated at the 1999 World Men's Handball Championship in Egypt.

Lagos disaster: SA agency awaiting updates

Johannesburg - A Polokwane travel agency confirmed that one of its tour groups had been lodging at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) in Nigeria when it collapsed.
“From our group, there were eight people, some from Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga,” said an employee of Voxismart Travel, who declined to be named.
“They left last week Thursday. There were no children.”
She was unsure if any from their group were among the 67 South Africans killed in the collapse.
“We don't have any information at (the) moment. We are waiting for Mr Lamula Mabunda (one of the tour leaders) to update us.”
Mabunda and his wife Mamsy Mabunda were the group's tour leaders.
A multi-storey guesthouse at the Scoan in Lagos collapsed on Friday killing numerous people, including 67 South Africans. They were believed to be part of five South African tour groups lodging at the church of faith healer “prophet” TB Joshua.
According to its website, Voxismart Travel is primarily dedicated to arranging visits from South Africa to Scoan.
Lamula Mabunda could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Rescue SA has been put on standby to leave for Nigeria and help with the search and rescue operation.
“It's just a standby at this stage. Foreign affairs (the department of international relations) asked us to put a team on standby,” Rescue SA CEO Ian Scher told Sapa.
“There has been no further correspondence from them... but there is a meeting today (Wednesday) with different roleplayers and they may decide if we should go.” - Sapa
* The figures for dead and injured people in this disaster are still being collated. IOL will use the latest figures available to us, but be aware the numbers will fluctuate as the story is updated.

SA rescue, DNA experts heading to Nigeria

Pretoria - A team of search and rescue and body identification experts is flying to Nigeria to assist in the search for South African victims of the church building collapse in Lagos.
- Are you there or do you have friends or family who are affected? Send us your stories..
IOL reported on Wednesday that about 18 South Africans remain unaccounted for after the guesthouse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) collapsed last Friday.
SA High Commissioner to Nigeria Lulu Mnguni told eNCA the death toll of 67 South Africans could rise - but may also fall if survivors are found. A South African woman was pulled from the rubble on Tuesday morning with only a broken wrist, according to the IOL report.
Most victims from SA
Mnguni said it was difficult to identify the remains of South African victims because a doctor they had sent to the mortuary was turned away.
It is believed that most of the people in the guesthouse when it collapsed were South Africans. According to the church, about 500 South Africans visit every week.
The Star reported that five different South African church tour groups, comprising about 300 people, were staying in the guesthouse when it collapsed.
About 20 people are in hospital and 248 are hospitalised, Mnguni said.
Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj said the number of South Africans killed was based on information received from friends and family of the victims.

Polokwane agency organised church trip

Johannesburg - A Polokwane-based travel agency confirmed that one of its tour groups had been lodging at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) in Nigeria when it collapsed.
"From our group, there were eight people, some from Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga," said an employee of Voxismart Travel, who declined to be named.
"They left last week Thursday. There were no children."
She was unsure if any from their group were among the 67 South Africans killed in the collapse.
"We don't have any information at [the] moment. We are waiting for Mr Lamula Mabunda [one of the tour leaders] to update us."
Mabunda and his wife Mamsy Mabunda were the group's tour leaders.
A multi-storey guesthouse at the Scoan in Lagos collapsed on Friday killing numerous people, including 67 South Africans. They were believed to be part of five South African tour groups lodging at the church of faith healer "prophet" TB Joshua.
News agencies reported that over 100 survivors had been rescued.
According to its website, Voxismart Travel is primarily dedicated to arranging visits from South Africa to Scoan.
Lamula Mabunda could not be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Rescue SA has been put on standby to leave for Nigeria and help with the search and rescue operation.
"It's just a standby at this stage. Foreign affairs [the department of international relations] asked us to put a team on standby," Rescue SA CEO Ian Scher told Sapa.
"There has been no further correspondence from them... but there is a meeting today [Wednesday] with different roleplayers and they may decide if we should go."

Home> International Nigeria Won't Negotiate Boko Haram Prisoner Exchange for Kidnapped Girls

PHOTO: Nigeria President, Goodluck Jonathan, speaks during the World economic forum on Africa in Abuja, Nigeria, Thursday, May 8, 2014.

Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan speaks during the World Economic Forum on Africa in Abuja, Nigeria, May 8, 2014.

Sunday Alamba/AP Photo

ABUJA, NIGERIA -- The Nigerian president said today there will be "no negotiations for a prisoner exchange” with the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram for the return of the more than 250 kidnapped schoolgirls, a British diplomat told ABC News.

In a briefing in Abuja this afternoon, the United Kingdom's Africa Minister Mark Simmons said he had just left a meeting with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and that the president indicated the government will not negotiate an exchange.

There are more than 4,000 Boko Haram members in detention, according to the Nigerian Interior Ministry.

Talks Under Way With 'Senior Leaders' of Boko Haram for Return of Kidnapped Nigerian Girls

Responding to a question from ABC News about whether the West is sharing all relevant intelligence with Nigeria, Simmons said, “We’re working on it." He noted the U.S., U.K. and France are work to coordinate the best way to share intelligence with the Nigerians.

Simmons described a “fusion cell” of officials from various countries working to establish where the girls are and a plan to find them. He said the next step would be to bring them back.

The intelligence picture “is confusing,” Simmons said, noting that the Nigerian intelligence is “often conflicting."

And asked about efforts to find the Boko Haram leader, Simmons said “the priority is finding the girls."

As for military assistance, it's “very unlikely there’ll be U.K. combat troops on the ground," the minister said.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Born on November 20, 1957, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, currently is the President of Nigeria. He is a former zoologist who became Nigeria’s vice-president in the year 2007.
He was the Governor of Bayelsa State from Dec 9, 2005 to May 28, 2007, and was sworn in as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29 May 07.
He became the official President of Nigeria in May 6, year 2010,This comes as the nation prepares to bury its former leader Umaru Yar’Adua who died on the 5th of May 2010, after a prolonged illness that saw his Vice-President stepped in to his shoes as Acting President.
There had been tension in the country as rival political groups fight to assert authority in what was seen as a power vacuum during the period of the illness of Yar’Adua. Family Man: He is happily married to Patience and has 2 children. Jonathan, of the Ijo (Ijaw) ethnic group and a devoted Christian, he was born and raised in Niger delta which is now Bayelsa state.
He went to Christian primary and secondary schools in the area and later attended the University of Port Harcourt. He graduated with a B.S. in zoology in 1981, an M.S. in hydrobiology and fisheries biology (1985), and a Ph.D. in zoology (1995). During his university education, he also taught at Rivers State College of Education from 1983 until 1993. He then served as an assistant director at the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, a now defunct government agency, from 1993 until 1998. Jonathan Goodluck’s political career began when he became involved with the nascent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the late 1990s.
He was elected deputy governor of Bayelsa state in 1999 under the party’s banner. He served in the position until year 2005, when he was elevated to the governorship after the incumbent was charged with corruption and impeached. In 2007 he was selected to be the vice presidential running mate of the PDP’s presidential candidate, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He and Yar’Adua were elected in April and inaugurated in May.
He became vice-president of Nigeria in the year 2007 Updated May 31, 2011 On Sunday 29th of May 2011, Goodluck Jonathan Ebele Officially sworn in as the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Monday, 8 September 2014

TIFF 2014: Crazy for Cara and Kate

It was the battle of the brunette beauties.

Cara Delevingne and Kate Beckinsale stepped out for the premiere of their film, The Face of an Angel, on Saturday night at the Toronto Film Festival, and both absolutely stunned on the red carpet.

Beckinsale rocked an Azzaro jumpsuit along with Brian Atwood shoes, a Lee Savage clutch, and Suzanne Kalan jewels. The 41-year-old actress proved that age is nothing but a number, looking just as fierce as her 22-year-old co-star.

Meanwhile, Cara opted for a floor-length, form-fitting green gown reminding us that while she acts, first and foremost she is a model. Of course, there was no actual competition going on between Kate and Cara as the two were buddy buddy all day.
The ladies took a break from press duties by grabbing a quick (albeit still working) lunch at AMC Supper Suite at America Restaurant, where Beckinsale snacked on dry chicken and cauliflower and sipped Fiji Water in the just-opened 31st-storey eatery in the Trump International Hotel. Both gals then headed back to finish up interviews until the premiere.

Kate and Cara switch it up for the afterparty (WireImage)

When they arrived at the Winter Garden Theater around 7:15 p.m., the awaiting crowd went wild for both stars, with a lot of young girls clamoring to get a shot of Cara. Following the screening, each fashionista naturally had an outfit change ahead of the afterparty.

Kate was red hot in a tight skirt and top, which showed off her tiny midsection. Meanwhile, Cara looked rocker chic in a black mini-dress, leather jacket, and sky-high black heels. Grey Goose hosted the bash at Soho House Toronto, where the two girls hung tight all night. They were laughing, taking pics, and were in good spirits amongst the intimate crowd, including co-star Daniel Bruhl and director Michael Winterbottom.

Which gorgeous star's style do you prefer?

Jerry Jones blind to enemy colors, why fans are turned off by Cowboys

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws his gloves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

ARLINGTON, Texas – The swaths of red, San Francisco 49ers red, spread and leached through the stands at AT&T Stadium. It was all over the end zones. It dominated the third deck and standing room areas. It even scattered through the most expensive club seat sections.

Red here. Red there. Red everywhere.

It didn't just speak to the traveling might and national appeal of the Niners. It wasn't just about the power of a Super Bowl contender that would cruise to a 28-17 victory that was far more lopsided than the score suggests.

Niners DE Justin Smith sacks Tony Romo during the second half. (AP)

It also said plenty about the willingness of Dallas Cowboys fans to unload their tickets, or never bother to buy them, for the opener of a season that seems to carry so little promise.

Fifty-percent red? Sixty-percent red? Whatever it was, the number was big, shockingly big for the first game of the season when seemingly every team has hope and the excitement of a live game and a full tailgate is in full swing.

Jerry Jones said he didn't notice.

"Did you count," he asked of the number of Niners fans in attendance?

He owns the Cowboys and owns the building so he was getting paid no matter what. There were 91,174 here, so it was a good day for business.
He's also the team's general manager, so from his luxury box where he entertains friends and business contacts, he says he's watching like an actual football executive and that requires tunnel vision.

"I just pay attention to the field," he said.

Maybe it affects his hearing because in the first quarter as the Niners kept taking Dallas turnovers and scoring touchdowns, the roars for the visiting team were, you'd think, impossible to ignore – 7-0 just 54 seconds in … 14-3 with 5:54 to go in the first quarter … 21-3 not 90 seconds later … 28-3 just before the half …
"I didn't have my eye on the crowd," Jones said. "I had my eye on those turnovers … I don't have any knowledge or information about red shirts or anything."
What Jones can't seem to see or hear or fathom – that this Cowboys season appears bleak and long and hopeless – his fan base has apparently come to accept.

It isn't unusual for customers to bail on a loser and save money for an autumn, but Dallas hadn't lost a game yet when the fans decided to stay home or go fishing or just not care.

Of course, their lack of faith was rewarded by the dreadful start that saw a fumble returned for a touchdown followed by three Tony Romo interceptions, each seemingly worse than the last, that killed any fleeting hope.

"We are not good enough to come back from that kind of start," Jones said. "We won't be coming back from many starts like that."

No they aren't and no they won't. The question is whether there is any way for them to get good enough to make anything out of this season. Yes, it was just one game and you never really know how the team will respond, but suddenly one of coach Jason Garrett's patented 8-8 campaigns seems like a long shot.

The issue begins and ends with Jones the GM. He's joked/admitted for years that his performance in putting together the team has been so poor that he would get fired if he didn't also own the team.

He reasons that as owner he'd have final say anyway, so it's all semantics. Mostly though he remains consumed with the lack of credit allotted to his football acumen for the Cowboys' three titles in four seasons during the early-to-mid 1990s. He thinks then coach Jimmy Johnson, who he fired after winning consecutive titles, gets too much of the hype.

Since then though, other than the 1995 title won with new coach Barry Switzer but the same old core of talent, Jones has done little to inspire Cowboys fans. There's no question he wants to win, he just hasn't shown he's capable.

This season looks like the latest bottoming out, with Garrett seemingly doomed to be fired unless he can pull off a magic act.
Sunday was about self-inflicted wounds making it easy for the Niners to cruise.

Cowboys fans sit in their seats after the team's 28-17 loss. (AP)

"You know," Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant said, "there's no way around it: it was us, it was us." "That's not the way you want to play," Romo said.
Jones has lamented not drafting Texas A&M star quarterback Johnny Manziel, but that doesn't seem like a real solution. Manziel is the backup in Cleveland. Besides, Jones is the same guy who gave Romo a $55 million guaranteed contract extension in the 2013 offseason for reasons no one is exactly certain. That deal made using such a high pick on another QB foolish.
This sinkhole can't quickly be escaped.

This all seems obvious to the rest of Texas, which figured this afternoon was destined for misery and ditched their seats to the Californians. Jones, perhaps all alone, expected something different.

"I certainly am disappointed," he said. "That was not what I thought it would be ... I regretted it. I regretted it for our fans. I thought we could be more competitive out there.

"But when you start out there [like that] it's a hard challenge to come back," he continued. "Even if you've got a better team."

Dallas doesn't have a better team and hasn't for years and years.

Jones tried to remain positive. He noted that the Cowboys fought in the second half, ran the ball fairly well and the defense got some stops. He was also honest enough to acknowledge that San Francisco may have just gone conservative to nurse its huge lead.

He said the circumstances of the game prevent him from truly assessing these Cowboys. Get rid of the turnovers and maybe they weren't so bad. Sure, maybe.

"I wish I could tell you from looking at that ballgame," he said. "It's a tough one for me."

It wasn't for the fans watching at home. Dallas is what they thought they'd be.

"We're going to have an uphill [battle] if we don't play better," Jones said. "We'll see next week how we are going to play."

The game is at Tennessee. Once again the Cowboys will have the minority of fans in attendance.

And Jerry Jones will still be the general manager.

Dalai Lama says no need for successor

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama talks with journalists at a Sino-Tibetan conference in Hamburg, northern Germany, on August 27, 2014 (AFP Photo/Christian Charisius)

The Dalai Lama has told a German newspaper that he should be the last Tibetan spiritual leader, ending a centuries-old religious tradition from his Himalayan homeland.

His comments to the Welt am Sonntag newspaper echo his previous statement that "the institution of the Dalai Lama has served its purpose", but were even more explicit.

"We had a Dalai Lama for almost five centuries. The 14th Dalai Lama now is very popular. Let us then finish with a popular Dalai Lama," he said.

"If a weak Dalai Lama comes along, then it will just disgrace the Dalai Lama," he added with a laugh, according to a transcript of the English language interview.
He also said: "Tibetan Buddhism is not dependent on one individual. We have a very good organisational structure with highly trained monks and scholars."
China has governed Tibet since 1951, a year after invading, and the Dalai Lama fled across the Himalayas to India after a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2011 retired from political duties and has upgraded the role of prime minister of the Tibetan exile community.
But he is still the most powerful rallying point for Tibetans, both in exile and in their homeland, and remains the universally recognised face of the movement.
Asked by the German newspaper how much longer he may carry on his advocacy duties, the 79-year-old said: "The doctors say I could become 100 years old. But in my dreams I will die at the age of 113 years.

"I hope and pray that I may return to this world as long as sentient beings' suffering remains. I mean not in the same body, but with the same spirit and the same soul."

On the question of whether he may ever be able to return to Tibet, he said: "Yes, I am sure of that. China can no longer isolate itself, it must follow the global trend towards a democratic society."