Ramos strikes again as Madrid prosper from Barca hangover

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Real Madrid's defender Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring a goal during the Spanish league footbal match Real Madrid CF vs Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on March 12, 2017. GERARD JULIEN / AFP

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos struck another late winner as the European champions usurped Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

Earlier, Barca boss Luis Enrique accepted his side had struggled to shrug off the euphoria of a remarkable Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain as the Spanish champions slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at Deportivo la Coruna.

Victory for Madrid moves Real two points clear of Barcelona and with a game in hand still to come.

However, Madrid’s win was mired in controversy as goalkeeper Keylor Navas was extremely lucky to avoid an early red card before making a brilliant stoppage time save to deny Antonio Sanabria.

Navas clearly cleaned out Darko Brasanac on the edge of the Madrid area as he raced from his goal after just 20 minutes, but referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz inexplicably waived play on.

The hosts didn’t benefit from Navas’s presence just four minutes later, though, as he bundled Sarabia’s shot into his own goal having appeared to have the effort under control.

Cristiano Ronaldo ensured Madrid went in level at the break as he rose unmarked to power home Marcelo’s cross from close range for his 26th goal of the season.

Betis had chances to reestablish their lead early in the second-half with Ruben Castro’s wild effort that flew over the best of them.

However, the visitors’ chances of escaping with a point were dealt a huge blow when Cristiano Piccini saw a second yellow card 12 minutes from time.

And just three minutes later, fresh from scoring two vital away goals at Napoli to ease Madrid into the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday, Ramos powered home another Toni Kroos header for the winner.

Betis could still have salvaged a point, but Navas made amends for his early mistakes with a brilliant stop from Sanabria’s powerful header.

At Riazor, a much-changed Barcelona side from the one that hammered PSG 6-1 suffered a body blow to their hopes a third successful title with a first league defeat since October.

Joselu had fired Deportivo into a first-half lead before Luis Suarez levelled in the first minute of the second period.

However, Alex Bergantinos rose highest from a corner to seal Deportivo’s first victory over Barcelona since 2008.

“Obviously it was difficult. Only those that have experienced what we have this week knows what it means, but as professionals we know nothing is gifted to you,” said Enrique.

Two-goal hero in midweek Neymar was one of five changes to the Barca side due to an abductor injury.

It took Deportivo 40 minutes to force Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a serious save as the German leapt to his left to brilliantly turn Joselu’s volley behind.

However, from the resulting corner Ter Stegen was found wanting as he spilled Javier Mascherano’s miscued clearance and Joselu was on hand to smash into an unguarded net.

Barca got off to a flyer in the second-half as Suarez lashed home a loose ball inside the area to equalise just a minute after the restart.

Enrique turned to Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic for a winner in the final half hour as Arda Turan and Andre Gomes were sacrificed.

But Barca found it difficult to create clear-cut chances against the mass ranks of Deportivo defence, whilst the hosts were always a threat on the break.

Alejandro Arribas saw his header come back off the post, but once again having survived the initial threat, Barcelona conceded from the resulting corner.

This time Bergantinos got above Jordi Alba to head into the bottom corner at the far post.

Lux made a great save to deny Suarez a second equaliser, but Deportivo held out to give their hopes of survival a huge boost as they move eight points clear of the bottom three and up to 15th.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2mXWTMr

M&A in stockbroking industry will bring economies of scale – Ogungbesan

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By Nkiruka Nnorom

On a weekly and monthly basis, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, releases the Broker Performance Report, which indicates the top 10 stockbroking firms based on their contribution to the value and volume traded during the specified period. Over the years particular stockbroking firms, especially Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Cordros Securities Limited, Chapel Hill Denham Securities, Rencap Securities Limited and CSL Stockbrokers among others have dominated the space, accounting for over 70 per cent of both volume and value traded respectively.

 In this interview with Financial Vanguard, Mrs. Titi Ogungbesan, CEO, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, gave an insight into the driving factors behind their performance. Excerpts:

TRADING statistics from the NSE shows that particular stockbroking firms consistently occupy the top 10 position, accounting for over 70 per cent of both volume and value traded in the market, what do you think is the reason for this.

Most of the brokers in the top 10 trade for international clients. This group of clients account for about 60-65 per cent of daily turnover which explains the reason these particular firms consistently occupy top 10 position. Investors/clients will typically do more business with the brokerage firms that can help them execute their orders timely and at the best possible price.

It is also important to know that the preference of the end clients matters. The top 10 firms have established a track record of service and understanding of the needs of the top clients that drive the value of the market.

Is there any other thing the brokerage firms involved are doing differently to warrant patronage from investors.

Most of them have expertise in dealing with international clients transactions and also have wide local institutional client coverage. Quality research, timely information dissemination, efficient and effective execution of transactions, level of corporate access e.t.c are also very important consideration for dealing with firms.

Does this trend not support the call for further merger acquisitions in the industry (stockbroking community) especially now that some dealing members have not met the recapitalisation and Minimum Operating Standard set by the SEC.

Yes, mergers and acquisitions will help bring economies of scale resulting from synergy which will strengthen the firms and improve the confidence level from investors. We saw this happen a few years back when the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, called for the recapitalization of banks in the country and it was positive for the sector and economy as a whole.

SEC has severally pushed the deadline for recapitalision of capital market operators forward probably to allow more firms comply. If after two years or more these firms have not complied, do you think the recent deadline extension will change anything.

Yes, it may. If the market condition improves, then stockbrokers may be able to meet the requirements. I believe SEC will continue to do what is best to protect the quality and integrity of the market.

 

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Expired drug killed West Africa Idol star—Brother

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By Perez Brisibe

ABRAKA—DETAILS,yesterday, emerged on how Delta State-born second runner up of the maiden edition of the West Africa Idol, Eric Arubayi, Jnr., weekend, died at a hospital in Delta State.

Confirming the demise of the gospel artiste, his brother, Derrick Arubayi, in an exclusive chat with Vanguard, explained that the late Eric took ill after taking an expired drug meant to treat his malaria and typhoid ailment.

He said: “He had malaria and typhoid, which was untreated. It later became worse after he took a medication that had expired and this triggered his liver ailment and afterwards, every other thing just followed at a fast pace before his death.

“The only thing that we had to say is that he lived for Christ. We just want the world to know that the name Eric Odafe Arubayi was for a reason beyond the West Africa Idol show.

“For that reason, God would make manifest even beyond his glorious ascension.”

Until his death, the late musical icon, born on July 14, 1982, is survived by his wife, a son, who would be two in a few months, two brothers, a sister and parents— Professor and Professor (Mrs) Eric Arubayi.

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Lagos Task Force arrests 210 miscreants

Innovative leadership and Lagos’ resilience city status

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ANOTHER milestone was recently recorded in Lagos State’s quest to build a globally competitive State as the State Governor; Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode received the Certificate that admitted the State as one of the 100 Resilient Cities,100RC, in the world. Aside being a remarkable accomplishment, the feat is a further affirmation that recent strides of the current administration in the socio-economic transformation of the state across all sectors have not gone unnoticed. It is a common knowledge that, in the current political dispensation, Lagos has become a reference point when it comes to initiating and executing pacesetting innovative and strategic policies and programmes that are meant to uplift the living standard of the people.

Since, the world has become a global village; the world could not but recognise the modest efforts of succeeding administrations in the state towards turning the City State around. Such recognitions have come from diverse globally recognised platforms and in varied forms, the latest of which is the admission into the league of 100 RC of the world. The 100RC initiative, which was established by the Rockefeller Foundation, is no doubt a starting point and an optimistic enterprise that would help the State address its salient developmental challenges.

This much was revealed at the 100 RC admittance event by Governor Ambode when he asserted that: “In spite of the challenges faced by the State in vital areas such as flooding , environmental degradation, public   transportation, security, unemployment, strain on existing   physical and social infrastructure, slums and a massive housing shortfall, Lagos remained resilient, dynamic and forward looking”. While drawing attention to the intention of his administration to make every community in Lagos economically habitable and curtail rural-urban migration, the Governor disclosed that conscious plans have been initiated to deal with most of the key challenges confronting the State.

Urban resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a city to survive, adapt, and grow no matter the kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience. And it is undoubtedly a great honour that Lagos made the list of 100 such cities in the entire world. It needs to be stressed that only eleven of such cities are worthy of such recognition in Africa. Common indices used in identifying resilient cities include chronic stresses which weaken the fabric of a city on a daily basis, acute shocks which represent sharp events as flooding, outbreak of diseases and other such natural disasters which threaten a city and resilience and allow them to withstand, respond to, and adapt more readily to shocks and stresses.

Others include being reflective which helps in using past experience to inform future decisions, resourcefulness which enables them to identify alternative ways to effectively use resources and flexibility which refers to willingness and ability to adopt alternative strategies in response to changing circumstances. Another vital indicator of resilient cities is inclusiveness which bothers on prioritising broad consultation to create a sense of shared ownership in decision making.

It is crucial to affirm that the innovative and visionary leadership which Lagos has benefited immensely from in the last few years play decisive role in launching the State into global reckoning. President of 100 RC, Mr. Michael Berkowitz authenticated this stand when he stated that out of the over 1,000 applications received and three rounds of selection process, Lagos was chosen for its innovative leadership, infrastructural strides and influential status not just in Africa but in the world.

It is actually in the area of innovative leadership and infrastructural strides that Governor  Ambode has predominantly warmed himself into global reckoning as an insightful leader. Not many actually gave him much chance of success when he was given the mandate of his party in 2015. Today, barely eighteen months after, his administration has invested incredible vision, innovation, time, energy and resources in setting the pace for good governance in the country.

Without doubt, the Ambode administration has positively transformed the profile of Lagos state. That Lagos is now a liveable city is being reinforced not by rhetoric and gimmick but with tangible developmental and infrastructural renewal projects that have won applause from all and sundry. From Ajah to Ojodu-Berger, from Epe to Ikorodu, from Abule- Egba to Oshodi, from Surulere to Lagos Island and all across the State, the face of Lagos is changing fast and for good.

As a visionary  leader, Governor Ambode has attained a reputation that embodies qualities such as technocratic competence, commitment to results and above all integrity which Nigerians often complain are lacking in their leaders.   Detectable achievements in terms of construction of roads and bridges, environmental regeneration, employment generation, tourism and entertainment development, sports development, health care delivery, youth empowerment through T.H.E.S.E. which is an acronym for Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sporting Excellence , upgrading of public  infrastructure, among others, have created a sense of relief among Lagosians that they have a government that is proficient in delivering enduring legacy projects.

With the success of the various inventive strategies that were evolved to promote public security in the state, business atmosphere has become predictable and gratifying. Thus, the state now plays host to local and foreign investors who continue to provide the necessary impetus for economic growth. The various commitments by these investors are already yielding dividends in terms of creation of job opportunities. The Governor further demonstrated his administration’s desire for job creation and poverty eradication, when cheques worth over N1 billion were recently presented to 705 beneficiaries from the State Employment Trust Fund with a charge from Governor Ambode for them to create more jobs, thereby contributing to the growth of the state’s economy.

For any government that worth its salt, innovation is an essential component of governance. Aside from being an indispensable device of governance, innovation is a continuous process as it has no finishing line. This is why the State Government is taking on a foremost position in advancing science, technology and modernisation as nucleus policy areas that not only hold the key to the state’s future, but could also make it one of Africa’s most productive hubs.

Hence, the Lagos state government is continuously thinking outside the box to improve the lots of the people as evident in the institution of a N25 billion Employment Trust Fund, institution of Disability Trust Fund, production of LAKE Rice, provision and sustenance of street lights across the state, ingenuous tackling of traffic gridlocks across the state among countless others.

This is what democracy is all about. This is what the people deserve and with the Ambode led government, they won’t get anything less!

*Mr.  Fola Adeyemi is Perm. Sec., Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa , Lagos.

 

 

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#RUNYOURACEWITHAQUAFINA: Lagosians Run With AQUAFINA at The Lagos City Marathon

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All participants at the start of the 2^nd edition of Lagos City Marathon seemed to be fully prepared and geared up for the task ahead and the reason may not be farfetched from the very helpful “Marathon tips” shared by Aquafina premium water, at the start of the #RunYourRaceWithAquafina campaign on social media and the radio waves.

Aquafina premium bottled water, from the makers of Pepsi was the official water for the Marathon and kept the participants hydrated and feeling up to the task from the start of the race at the National stadium Surulere, all the way to the finish point at Eko Atlantic Victoria Island where more bottles of water was available to revitalize the participants.

At the end of the race, Abraham Kiptum from Kenya emerged winner of the marathon and Iliyam Pam from Nasarawa, was the first Nigerian to finish.

Norden Thurston, Head of Marketing, Seven up Bottling Company spoke about the brand’s partnership with the marathon saying, “Water is life and health. Through the marathon, Aquafina continued in its promise as an advocate for purity and a healthy living. We are glad to have had Lagos run with us and trusting us to keep them hydrated as they ran their race”.

One excited participant shared her experience, she said, if not for the Aquafina refreshment points through the race routes, I would have given up before the 10^th kilometer mark, but with every bottle of Aquafina handed to me, I felt like I could push all the way to the end”.

See photos from the Marathon here

Follow Aquafina Nigeria on Facebook, twitter and instagram to share your experience and view more exciting moments from the marathon.

Aquafina…… Purity Guaranteed.

 

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Doctor drugged by lady; car, laptop, phone stolen

Why we can’t assess performance of national budget – AGF

Kidnappers of Ekiti FRSC officer, wife demand N20m ransom

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By Rotimi Ojomoyela

Ado-Ekiti—The abductors of an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Ekiti State, Oluwafemi Ojo, and his wife have reportedly contacted the family, yesterday morning, demanding N20 million ransom.

The officer and his wife were kidnapped on Saturday at 5p.m., between Ogotun and Igbara-Odo, an area that has become hideout for robbers and kidnappers, on the outskirts of Ogotun-Ekiti in Ekiti South-West Local Government Area.

Oluwafemi, his wife and his elder brother, known as Oluwadare, were said to have visited their hometown, Ogotun. An eyewitness said some residents were robbed of their money and other personal effects before the couple were abducted.

A motorcyclist in the community, Ojo Olabisi, who ran into the kidnappers, had an accident and died while trying to escape.

The source said: “This morning (yesterday), the family was contacted by those who abducted them and they demanded N20 million ransom. We do not have money to pay and those holding them should release them unconditionally.

“Femi and his wife were taken into the bush, while Oluwadare, who owns the vehicle they were travelling in, was left alone.

“It is very curious that some policemen mounted a checkpoint some two kilometres away from the scene of the robbery and abduction. The policemen were on Igbara Odo side.

“In the last five months, criminals, some of whom wore army and police uniforms, killed about six residents in Ogotun and adjoining settlements. We want government and security agencies to save us.”

Efforts to get a reaction from the state’s police spokesperson, Alberto Adeyemi, were not successful at press time, as he did not pick calls to his line. Also, text messages sent to the line were not replied.

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