NSCDC says petrol tankers bombed in Borno were diverted

http://ift.tt/2mQj4S8

The Borno Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), today revealed that the three tankers destroyed by three female suicide bombers in Maiduguri on Friday, carried petrol meant for Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega stations.

But the petrol was diverted and kept in a private home. The Commandant of the Corps, Abdullahi Ibrahim, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), on Saturday in Maiduguri.

Ibrahim said that the agency’s surveillance anti-vandal team had uncovered that the petrol was meant for NNPC mega stations but was diverted and hidden in a private home on Damboa Road in Maiduguri.

He said that the incident could not have happened if the petrol had been taken to its destination by the petroleum marketers. “It was unfortunate that some individuals were hell bent in diverting petroleum products to create artificial scarcity in the town.

“Those tankers destroyed by three female suicide bombers were meant to be in filling stations to meet local demands of motorists. ” We have been warning them against diversion but they won’t listen. Just last week we arrested about four persons and sealed their filling stations for selling the petrol above pump price.

“We learnt that there is a deliberate plan to create artificial scarcity in the town by hiding the product to make it scarce. “This development is not only anti- people but also a threat to the lives and security of the good people of the state.

“We therefore warn marketers and petroleum marketers to desist from hiding and diverting petrol in their homes or face the wrath of the law,”said Ibrahim.

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

Minister decries abandoned water, irrigation projects (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2m31quh

Lower Anambra Irrigation project. PHOTO: Hydroworks Limited

The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, on Friday expressed concern over some abandoned water and irrigation projects in Anambra.

The minister, in a statement issued in Abuja after his inspection tour of the Lower Anambra Irrigation project, said that the level of uncompleted works at the project sites was shocking.

He, however, conveyed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources toward rehabilitating some of the high-profile projects that would be beneficial to the adjoining communities.

Adamu said that the Federal Government would also ensure the revival of River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) so as to enable them to boost agricultural production in the country.

He said that the revitalisation of RBDAs would also strengthen efforts to create opportunities for employment generation, adding that it was saddening that the river basins authorities had not met their expectations.

“If they are intended to uplift the people’s standard of living, provide employment and boost the economy; then, all ongoing projects must be completed, and fast too.”

Adamu said that the Federal Government had started work on the Adada River Dam project which had about 1.4 million cubic meters of water capacity.

He said that the dam was expected to supply the Nsukka community and its environs with water for drinking and other domestic uses.

The minister also inspected the general layout of the Ada Rice Irrigation Project in Adani, which had been abandoned over 46 years ago, following the Nigerian Civil War.

The project involves about 1,500 hectares of irrigable land which has been under-utilised for many years.
Adamu, however, pledged that the project would be revived in order to encourage dry-season farming, which could accommodate the cultivation of no fewer than two crops per season.

He said that this was in line with the Federal Government’s blueprint and action plan on how to restructure the operations RBDAs in the country.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to resuscitate the abandoned projects but advised all stakeholders to support government’s efforts by protecting the facilities in their domains.

At the Ivo River Irrigation Project sited on the boundary between Enugu and Ebonyi States, the minister expressed dismay over its poor planning process which had made the project to become a nuisance to its host community.

He later held some discussions with some community leaders and other key stakeholders, including the Managing Director of the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lBxXpg

Klopp under fire as Liverpool face Arsenal showdown…See full details

http://ift.tt/2mT1cFa

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp. PHOTO: OLI SCARFF / AFP

Liverpool have a fine record against the Premier League’s leading sides this season, which is just about the only solace for Jurgen Klopp as he prepares for Saturday’s crucial clash with Arsenal.

The Reds’ 3-1 defeat at Leicester on Monday exposed significant defensive weaknesses once again as a campaign that once promised much continued to unravel.

Liverpool, top of the league briefly in November, will start the weekend in fifth place, and could be sixth by kick-off, as Manchester United will move above them by beating Bournemouth in Saturday’s early game.

Klopp’s preferred 4-3-3 formation has been excellent against the rest of the current top six – in eight matches this season against Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, Liverpool have won four and drawn four.

However, they have fallen short against teams in the lower half of the table.

Klopp has not been helped by a lack of stability in central defence, with Dejan Lovren absent for the last month with a knee injury.

Midfielder Lucas Leiva was paired with Joel Matip in the centre of defence at Leicester, and proved incapable of dealing with the pace of Jamie Vardy.

Even with Lovren fit, though, defence has been a problem for the manager, who has used 20 different centre-back combinations during his 17 months in charge.

Difficulties remain elsewhere, too. Striker Daniel Sturridge missed the Leicester defeat with a virus and, having made just five league starts all season, appears likely to leave at the end of the season.

There is one other sobering statistic for Klopp to consider; after 55 matches in charge, he has amassed 94 points, three fewer than his predecessor Brendan Rodgers had managed at the same stage of his reign.

– Criticism –
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is trying to stay positive, saying: “You can use criticism as some sort of energy to get yourselves back up again and push yourselves even further and harder, looking forward to the next opportunity. That’s what we have to do.”

At Arsenal the issue of Arsene Wenger’s future continues to drag on into March, with the Frenchman yet to confirm whether he will extend his 21-year stay beyond the end of the season.

The 67-year-old has announced he will make a decision with both his own and his club’s interests at heart.

“My preference is always to remain the same,” he said.
“I’m not looking for jobs at other clubs, I’m just focused on me getting to the next level and trying to improve.

“I’ve been here 20 years and I have had many chances to leave. So I don’t have to convince you my preference is always Arsenal.

“But of course I am objective and lucid enough to make the right decision for myself and the club as well.”

Arsenal currently find themselves 13 points behind Chelsea but one point ahead of Liverpool going into the match at Anfield, not that Wenger is giving up on the title.

“We have to focus on our next game, we have a game in hand and things can change quickly,” he said.

“You need exceptional results and Chelsea to fail so I think it is more important to focus on our next game rather than dreaming of coming back to Chelsea.”

Wenger has Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey fit again, while Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud are also available.

The Arsenal manager is also wary of playing his team’s first game in 12 days on the back of Liverpool’s poor performance at Leicester after a similar break between games.

“Liverpool is always high intensity, the fans are behind their team and they play at a good pace,” Wenger said.

“It is important to switch on quick. Liverpool have shown that against Leicester. It’s vital to start strongly.”

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lBwTBX

Minister decries abandoned water, irrigation projects

http://ift.tt/2m31quh

Lower Anambra Irrigation project. PHOTO: Hydroworks Limited

The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, on Friday expressed concern over some abandoned water and irrigation projects in Anambra.

The minister, in a statement issued in Abuja after his inspection tour of the Lower Anambra Irrigation project, said that the level of uncompleted works at the project sites was shocking.

He, however, conveyed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources toward rehabilitating some of the high-profile projects that would be beneficial to the adjoining communities.

Adamu said that the Federal Government would also ensure the revival of River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) so as to enable them to boost agricultural production in the country.

He said that the revitalisation of RBDAs would also strengthen efforts to create opportunities for employment generation, adding that it was saddening that the river basins authorities had not met their expectations.

“If they are intended to uplift the people’s standard of living, provide employment and boost the economy; then, all ongoing projects must be completed, and fast too.”

Adamu said that the Federal Government had started work on the Adada River Dam project which had about 1.4 million cubic meters of water capacity.

He said that the dam was expected to supply the Nsukka community and its environs with water for drinking and other domestic uses.

The minister also inspected the general layout of the Ada Rice Irrigation Project in Adani, which had been abandoned over 46 years ago, following the Nigerian Civil War.

The project involves about 1,500 hectares of irrigable land which has been under-utilised for many years.
Adamu, however, pledged that the project would be revived in order to encourage dry-season farming, which could accommodate the cultivation of no fewer than two crops per season.

He said that this was in line with the Federal Government’s blueprint and action plan on how to restructure the operations RBDAs in the country.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to resuscitate the abandoned projects but advised all stakeholders to support government’s efforts by protecting the facilities in their domains.

At the Ivo River Irrigation Project sited on the boundary between Enugu and Ebonyi States, the minister expressed dismay over its poor planning process which had made the project to become a nuisance to its host community.

He later held some discussions with some community leaders and other key stakeholders, including the Managing Director of the Anambra/Imo River Basin Development Authority.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2m2xSi4

Shamlaat by Faldeep [Mp3 + Lyrics]

http://ift.tt/2mG6iEH

Shamlaat by Faldeep Mp3 download

Album: Shamlaat

Singer: Faldeep

Music: KV Singh

Lyrics: Fariyad Grewal

Label: Goyal Music

Released: 28 Feb,2017

Duration: 03:47

Download and enjoy below…

DOWNLOAD

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2m7rIhr

Kane growing into a Tottenham legend, says Pochettino…See full details

http://ift.tt/2lXmmoo

Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane celebrates scoring his third goal to complete his hattrick during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City at White Hart Lane in London, on February 26, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / OLLY GREENWOOD /

Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane is on course to becoming a Tottenham Hotspur great after the striker scored the 100th club goal of his career.

Kane, 23, scored a first half hat-trick in his club’s 4-0 victory over Stoke City, reaching the century mark with his first goal and ending the game with his season tally on 22 goals.

The striker’s effort helped Spurs bounce back after the disappointment of going out of the Europa League against Gent this week and Pochettino believes Kane’s all-round display confirmed his qualities as one of the world’s most dangerous forwards.

“Harry has the profile to be a legend (at Tottenham),” said the Spurs manager. “Maybe he’s starting to be a legend with the goals he’s scoring and the way he behaves.

“He is so professional. He has the perfect profile to be a legend here. He has his character. Sometimes he argues with me. Sometimes he’s upset with me. Sometimes he is happy. He has a strong character.”

Pochettino added: “He is one of the best. I am pleased for him. He deserves it (to reach 100 goals). He is very professional, a top man and I’m very happy.

“This is not new for me. I’ve said many times for me one of the best strikers in the world.”

Stoke manager Mark Hughes, a former striker with Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, added his voice to the praise directed Kane’s way.

He said: He either takes chances or creates them or he’s involved in the creation of chances, always involved at the sharp end.

“There’s great movement around him and that causes consternation. He benefits from that. He’s in a good team and he’s a good player and when it all clicks they’re very difficult to stop.”

Kane also set up Dele Alli for his side’s fourth goal as the midfielder delivered the ideal response after being sent off against Gent.

Alli was heavily criticised for the first half challenge that brought a straight red card and the player admitted it had been a difficult 72 hours.

He said: “It has been a difficult week for me. I felt horrible after the game in the week. I’m delighted to respond like this today.”

And his manager offered his full support for the 20-year-old. “Our conversations are private but I gave more love than normal,” said Pochettino.

“He’s very mature and he showed that today. I am happy for him because he was sad and disappointed. He is only 20 years old. I will always protect and support him.

“For me, he is one of the best young players in the world. I will always protect him. His character and the way he behaves, sometimes can make a mistake but I want him on the pitch and I want him next to me.”

The win moved Tottenham up to second place and while the gap to leaders Chelsea remains a daunting ten points, Pochettino insists he has not given up hope of chasing down Antonio Conte’s side.

He said: “Ten points is a big gap, but we keep going and believe. We try to put on pressure.”

Hughes was left frustrated at his side’s display and demanded improvements ahead of Stoke’s next game against Middlesbrough.

He said: “We’ve been in decent form and need to get back. It’s a big game against Middlesbrough and we need to be significantly better than we were. Spurs are a good side, give them credit. But every one of the goals (was) poor from our point view.”

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2m1QOhO

LYRICS: P-Square – Away Lyrics [Full Lyrics]

http://ift.tt/2lbIqeU

Below is the full lyrics of AWAY by P-Square. Take time while reading-singing the lyrically song….!!!

Enjoy – Away lyrics by P-Square below…

Ileke lo’ma jiya
If I tell you say girl i love you
I love you

See the men them, them’ma want you
But i need you
I say make i tell you what you don’t know
Say many many don go

As you dey my side girl i don blow
But still girl i don’t know
Cause e we get many many i do’s
Wey get plenty aso ebi
Anything ma-man do
Plenty plenty eyes dey see
ileke lo’ma jiya

Please don’t leave me girl, don’t leave me girl
If you hold me tight, I go treat you right
Girl if any man put asunder, away
Thunder na for thunder, away
Run down we no go run down, away
We go jump bumper to bumper, away

Girl if any man put asunder, away
Thunder na for thunder, away
Run down we no go run down, away

We go jump bumper to bumper, away

Some of them dem dey package
Forget about the marriage
No be all about the money
Money, e go vanish
But na true love go dey humble you, humble you

No do gra gra good luck go dey sample you Iyeh! yeh!

If I tell you say girl i love you
I love you
See the men them, them’ma want you
But i need you
I say make i tell you what you don’t know
Say many many don go

As you dey my side girl i don blow
But still girl i don’t know
Cause e we get many many i do’s
Wey get plenty aso ebi
Anything ma-man do
Plenty plenty eyes dey see
ileke lo’ma jiya

Please don’t leave me girl, don’t leave me girl
If you do me right, I go treat you right
Girl if any man put asunder, away
Thunder na for thunder, away
Run down we no go run down, away

We go jump bumper to bumper, away
Girl if any man put asunder, away
Thunder na for thunder, away
Run down we no go run down, away

We go jump bumper to bumper, away
Na where the bagga dey
Fire burn them, all of them
You see non of them, dey wish you well oh

Only true love go dey humble you, humble you

No do gra gra good luck go dey sample you Iyeh!

If I tell you say girl i love you
I love you

See the men them, them’ma want you
But i need you
I say make i tell you what you don’t know
Say many many don go
As you dey my side girl i don blow
But still girl i don’t know
Cause e we get many many i do’s
Wey get plenty aso ebi
Anything ma-man do
Plenty plenty eyes dey see
ileke lo’ma jiya

Please don’t leave me girl, don’t leave me girl
If you hold me tight, I go treat you right
Girl if any man put asunder, away
Thunder na for thunder, away
Run down we no go run down, away
We go jump bumper to bumper, away
Girl if any man put asunder, away
Thunder na for thunder, away
Run down we no go run down, away
We go jump bumper to bumper, away

NOTE: The above lyrics of AWAY by P-SQUARE was writen by NaijaLyricsZone.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lbCy5u

Afghan repatriated from Germany wounded in Kabul attack…Read full details

http://ift.tt/2lCSMBi

In this photograh taken on January 24, 2017, Afghan refugee Atiqullah Akbari (L), 23, who has been deported from Germany, arrives at the international airport in Kabul. Barely two weeks after Germany deported him, an Afghan asylum seeker was struck by flying shrapnel in a suicide bombing in Kabul, highlighting the perils of repatriation to the war-battered country. Atiqullah Akbari, 23, was caught up in the February 7 militant attack at the Supreme Court in Kabul, in a terrifying scene of bloodied corpses and agonising screams, which left 20 people dead and 41 others wounded.<br />WAKIL KOHSAR / AFP

Barely two weeks after Germany deported him, an Afghan asylum seeker was struck by flying shrapnel in a suicide bombing in Kabul, highlighting the perils of repatriation to the war-battered country.

Atiqullah Akbari, 23, was caught up in Tuesday’s militant attack at the Supreme Court in Kabul, a terrifying scene of carnage, bloodshed and agonising screams, which left 20 people dead and 41 others wounded.

Akbari, now battling severe headaches after shrapnel injured his face, was deported to Kabul on January 24 after he was picked up a day earlier by German police in his home in Bavaria where he sought refuge.

He is among 60 Afghan nationals who have been returned to Kabul since December under an agreement signed between the European Union and Afghanistan last October.

“I will go back, I must go back,” Akbari told AFP on the day he arrived, clutching two handbags, his only possessions.

“I have nothing left here. My family has fled to Turkey after selling our house,” he said, seemingly lost in the crowd on the snowy day.

Germany’s government is under pressure to act as the migrant influx has boosted a right-wing populist and anti-immigration movement, and the number of far-right hate crimes against foreigners has soared.

But the government has also faced increasing opposition at the state level against sending Afghan nationals back home to an increasingly dangerous environment.

– ‘No, Afghanistan is not safe’ –
In October 2015 Akbari fled his home in the western city of Herat, where he worked for an Afghan NGO, after what he described as death threats.

“We’ll kill you, your family first, then it will be you,” he recalled, without specifying the source of the threat.

“Here there is 100 percent danger for me,” he said, explaining his motivation to flee to Germany — first to Munich and then to the town of Bamberg in Bavaria.

This is where Uschi Josat, a German merchant from the neighbouring area of Strullendorf took him under her wings, eventually becoming a mother figure to him.

“We helped him out, he came to eat with us and on weekends he slept at home,” Josat told AFP.

“Atiqullah was completely integrated in Germany. He learnt to speak and write German… He was the best in his integration class,” Josat added, voicing dismay over his deportation.

They have spoken nearly every night since he returned to Kabul.

“Psychologically he is very affected,” she said. “It was unfair that he was expelled. He did nothing wrong. He needs another chance.”

Afghanistan is plagued by insecurity, poverty and unemployment, and is increasingly overwhelmed by people repatriated from Pakistan, Iran and Europe along with hundreds of thousands of others displaced by war.

Germany, which has taken in over one million asylum seekers since 2015, last Thursday announced plans to speed up the deportation of those denied refugee status.

Five German state governments have decided to halt most expulsions to Afghanistan, according to media reports, citing the worsening instability in the strife-torn country.

Chancellor Angela Merkel — who faces a re-election bid in September amid a voter backlash over the mass influx — argues that though it was “not easy” to send Afghans back home, those denied asylum could be sent back to certain regions that were safer.

“No, Afghanistan is not a safe country,” placards said at protests in various German cities on Saturday against the deportations.

The United Nations reported in early February that civilian casualties in Afghanistan peaked in 2016, with nearly 11,500 non-combatants — one third of them children — killed or wounded.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2kk1Ud3

Cup clash gives Fabregas chance to prove point

http://ift.tt/2jEAmPV

Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas. AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL .

Cesc Fabregas is not happy at his lack of game time under Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and on Saturday he can make a case for more opportunities in the FA Cup fourth-round clash with Brentford.

The 29-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder — a member of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup — has made just five Premier League starts this season and admits he has found it difficult to adjust to life on the sidelines.

“I play football to win and enjoy,” said Fabregas, who came on and impressed in last weekend’s 2-0 win over struggling Hull that kept Chelsea eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

“When I don’t play I’m sad and I don’t enjoy it but I’m happy the team is doing well. Football is my life, it’s everything to me.”

Conte, whose inspired decision to switch to three centrebacks after a defeat by Arsenal has transformed the club’s fortunes, is likely to rest his leading striker Diego Costa with Michy Batshuayi set to be handed a rare starting spot.

Conte, who arrived at Chelsea after guiding Italy to a penalty shootout defeat by Germany at the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, has done an excellent job of managing his squad this season.

He fielded a number of young players in the third-round victory over third-tier Peterborough United.

The 47-year-old Italian is again expected to shuffle his pack, handing a start to midfielders Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek while defender Kurt Zouma is likely to continue his recovery from a long-term knee injury with a starting appearance.

The meeting with second-tier Brentford, also from west London, presents an opportunity for Josh McEachran to return to Stamford Bridge and make a point of his own.

The midfielder was tipped to break into the Chelsea line-up after being introduced to the first team by Carlo Ancelotti at the age of 17.

Now 23, he fell out of favour when Ancelotti was replaced by Andre Villas-Boas and after several spells out on loan, eventually completed a permanent move to Brentford 18 months ago.

“Managers are under so much pressure so to chuck a young English lad in, it’s not easy,” said McEachran, whose failure to get a real look-in at Chelsea should be a lesson to the likes of Chalobah and Loftus-Cheek.

“At 17 or 18 I was good enough to play for Chelsea and I still think I could play for Chelsea. It’s just about the opportunity. You need confidence — I had that with Carlo.

“I do think the club wants to see a young English lad break through.

“They are desperate for it. Nathaniel Chalobah is getting another chance. He has always been a top player. I am hoping he does.”

Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2k99jzz

Cup clash gives Fabregas chance to prove point (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2jEAmPV

Chelsea's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas. AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL .

Cesc Fabregas is not happy at his lack of game time under Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and on Saturday he can make a case for more opportunities in the FA Cup fourth-round clash with Brentford.

The 29-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder — a member of the Spain side that won the 2010 World Cup — has made just five Premier League starts this season and admits he has found it difficult to adjust to life on the sidelines.

“I play football to win and enjoy,” said Fabregas, who came on and impressed in last weekend’s 2-0 win over struggling Hull that kept Chelsea eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

“When I don’t play I’m sad and I don’t enjoy it but I’m happy the team is doing well. Football is my life, it’s everything to me.”

Conte, whose inspired decision to switch to three centrebacks after a defeat by Arsenal has transformed the club’s fortunes, is likely to rest his leading striker Diego Costa with Michy Batshuayi set to be handed a rare starting spot.

Conte, who arrived at Chelsea after guiding Italy to a penalty shootout defeat by Germany at the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, has done an excellent job of managing his squad this season.

He fielded a number of young players in the third-round victory over third-tier Peterborough United.

The 47-year-old Italian is again expected to shuffle his pack, handing a start to midfielders Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek while defender Kurt Zouma is likely to continue his recovery from a long-term knee injury with a starting appearance.

The meeting with second-tier Brentford, also from west London, presents an opportunity for Josh McEachran to return to Stamford Bridge and make a point of his own.

The midfielder was tipped to break into the Chelsea line-up after being introduced to the first team by Carlo Ancelotti at the age of 17.

Now 23, he fell out of favour when Ancelotti was replaced by Andre Villas-Boas and after several spells out on loan, eventually completed a permanent move to Brentford 18 months ago.

“Managers are under so much pressure so to chuck a young English lad in, it’s not easy,” said McEachran, whose failure to get a real look-in at Chelsea should be a lesson to the likes of Chalobah and Loftus-Cheek.

“At 17 or 18 I was good enough to play for Chelsea and I still think I could play for Chelsea. It’s just about the opportunity. You need confidence — I had that with Carlo.

“I do think the club wants to see a young English lad break through.

“They are desperate for it. Nathaniel Chalobah is getting another chance. He has always been a top player. I am hoping he does.”

Cup clash gives Fabregas chance to prove point

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2jwF2ty

2Baba to lead nationwide protest against government (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2ks6OZP

The artist announced his plans on Wednesday on his Instagram page, stating that protest would hold nationwide on February 5.

Not new to throwing his hats into the political arena, popular Nigeria musician Innocent Idibia, also known as 2Baba is leading a protest against federal government’s handling of the economy among other sundry issues.

The artist announced his plans on Wednesday on his Instagram page, stating that protest would hold nationwide on February 5.

“A call for good governance,” 2Baba said. “A call for urgent explanation into the reckless economic downturn nationwide. A call for nationwide protests as we say No to the Executive, No to legislatures, No to judiciary…. You have all failed us.”

He said there was a “need for Nigerians to rise against what is happening in this country having waited patiently for the legislatures that were elected to represent the people all to no avail.”

2Baba has been an advocate for youth’s participation in politics with much of his activism devoted to campaigning against electoral violence. Through his “Vote Not Fight: Election No Be War” initiative, he sought to dissuade youths from engaging in political thuggery.

This time, 2Baba noted that Nigerians should begin to start questioning the government’s handling of the economy recession, the Niger-Delta peace, Fulani herdsmen attacks in different parts of the country and inability of state governments to pay workers’ salaries.

“Where are the recovered looted funds? Why do we still have the executive arms and legislatures still enjoying their salaries and allowances while we hear there’s no money to pay workers?

“Why do we still see ceaseless power failures with no explanation and hope of getting out of it unlike before?

“Why do we keep seeing peace talks in Niger Delta, Fulani herdsmen and IPOB without any solutions being reached, while the strategies keep aggravating the people involved as political leaders stage forums to extort funds in the name of addressing their subjects?”

2Baba to lead nationwide protest against government

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2jdVFqK

Sister act as Serena, Venus eye family final (Read full details)

http://ift.tt/2ks4KkD

US player Serena Williams (L) and her partner US player Venus Williams (R) pose with the winner's trophies after beating Hungary's Timea Babos and Kazakhstan's Yaroslava Shvedova to win the women's doubles final on the thirteenth day of the 2016 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 9, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS

America’s Williams sisters can write another chapter in their eventful family history as they attempt to set up their ninth Grand Slam final, eight years after the last, at the Australian Open on Thursday.

In a plot straight from the 2000s, both sisters have raced into the Melbourne semi-finals without a dropping a set, and they appear equally focused on getting their hands on the title.

At least one American is guaranteed to be in Saturday’s decider, with Venus confronting confident compatriot Coco Vandeweghe in their last-four clash on Rod Laver Arena.

Following them on court will be Serena against fellow former teenage prodigy Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, who is into her first Grand Slam semi-final in 18 years.

It has become a tournament of the golden oldies, with Venus 36, Serena 35 and Lucic-Baroni 34. Vandeweghe at 25 is the young pretender.

Serena said it was a testament to the Williams’ staying power that they were still fighting for titles at their age.

“I’ve been doing this for many years. The past few years I’ve been super-consistent,” she said. “But yeah, I’m just really happy for Venus, obviously. She’s doing amazing.

“I’m really happy for Mirjana, as well. I was there when she first started. To see her be able to never give up actually is super-inspiring to me. It’s a wonderful story.”

– ‘Nothing to lose’ –
Few would have picked a Serena-Venus final as the tournament got underway, but it is now a 50-50 chance.

They last met in a major decider at Wimbledon in 2009, which Serena won. The younger Williams has the clear edge, winning six of their eight Grand Slam final encounters stretching back to the US Open in 2001.

Venus said she was not interested in the past, only the future and the immediate threat posed by the aggressive Vandeweghe.

“Anything that’s happened before is just so. I’m ready for the future, if I can be honest,” she said.

“I have a lot to give. I have a lot to give to the game. I feel like I have a lot of great tennis in me. I have nothing to lose, literally.”

Vandeweghe is a major threat to an all-Williams final.

She demolished French Open champion Garbine Muguruza in a blitz of big hitting to make her first Australian semi, and she is supremely confident to boot.

“It’s amazing to be in a semi-final. But, you know, not satisfying,” said Vandeweghe, who also stunned world number one Angelique Kerber in round four.

“I want to keep going, keep playing. There’s more things to do out on a tennis court that I’m hoping to achieve.”

Brave Lucic-Baroni will have crowd support in her showdown with Serena after upsetting fifth seed Karolina Pliskova to make her first Slam last four since Wimbledon in 1999.

The unseeded Croat was among a crop of teen talents emerging at the same time as the Williams sisters in the 1990s, along with Martina Hingis and Anna Kournikova.

But an abusive father, money issues and injuries derailed her career.

She is happy to have got this far, and ready to put her aching body through another test against Williams.

“Serena is our greatest champion, for sure, the greatest tennis player that ever played the game. So it’s going to be incredibly tough,” Lucic-Baroni said.

“I’m just going to do my thing like I’ve done before, every other match. I’m going to go out there with my heart and do the best that I can.”

Sister act as Serena, Venus eye family final

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2k2O0zV