Documentary On Paul Walker’s Rise To Fame & Sudden Death In The Works

A documentary looking at Paul Walker‘s rise to fame, and his sudden tragic death, is currently in the works.

The documentary which will be titled I Am Paul Walker will feature interviews with some of Paul’s most cherished cast-mates and friends who knew him best.

According to People, Paramount Network is focusing on Paul’s life following their success with documentaries about Heath Ledger and John F. Kennedy Jr. in the past few years.

The documentary will take a look at Paul‘s career and some of his life’s passions.

More details about the film, including full cast and an air date, will be announced soon.

"We’ll Flood The Market With Lower Naira Denominations" - CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria, in a bid to address the acute shortage of lower denomination currencies, on Tuesday commenced an exercise aimed at flooding the market with N100, N50, N20, N10 and N5 notes.

CBN however, warned against hoarding and cloning of the lower currency notes, stating that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director, Currency Operations, CBN Priscilla Eleje, said the apex bank was unhappy that lower denomination naira notes were in short supply. She stated that the bank was mindful of the development and had decided to address the challenge, starting with traders. She also warned those who were hoarding the lower denomination naira notes for the purpose of profiting from their resale to stop the idea as they risked prosecution when caught.


Eleje said, “We spend money to print money every year. But we don’t see the money in the market. So, we called the market unions and banks to a meeting in our office on how to resolve that. We are here to inform you that we have started giving money to you traders via your association and the banks. We will monitor the disbursements and spending. No more sales of lower denomination currencies at Dei Dei (a suburb in Abuja popular for the sale of new naira notes). The Police are on the lookout and will arrest and prosecute offenders. We will give the money to the association via the commercial banks.”

She added, “all you need to do is to take your higher denomination currencies to your association and exchange with lower denomination currency equivalents. “It’s not like the money is free. It’s just an exchange and we want it to be available to you people to do your business with ease. So, please let us know if you can’t access it. We want to ensure you trade seamlessly.”

Safe World Cup Crucial To Country’s Image, Says Russian President

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said a safe World Cup this summer would be essential for the country’s image, as the violence from Russian fans at Euro 2016 shadows preparations.

In a speech to police, Putin said that Russia, which is to host the championship for the first time, “must hold it at the highest level and most importantly, ensure maximum security for players and fans.”

“Of course you play a crucial role in achieving this aim,” Putin told police. 

“I don’t doubt that at the World Cup you will also act appropriately in any given situation, in strict accordance with the law.”

He stressed that “the way this event goes and our country’s image will directly depend on your smooth, skilful work.”

The world football governing body FIFA on Friday expressed “complete trust” in Russia’s ability to ensure a safe World Cup, despite violence involving fans of Spartak Moscow in Spain during which a policeman died.

Russia will host the tournament in 11 cities from June 14 to July 15.

The lead-up has been coloured by fears of a repeat of the June 2016 rampage by Russian hooligans that erupted in the French port city of Marseille during the Euro tournament.

However, Russia has cracked down on football gangs and worked to identify hooligans seeking to attend the matches, even enlisting help from British police.

Putin has courted football fans in the past, even visiting the graveside of a Spartak Moscow fan shot dead in a mass fight with men from the Russian Caucasus in December 2010.

Florida School Shooting: Marjory Stoneman Douglas School Reopens

Students made an emotional return Wednesday to Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School where they were greeted by heavy security and well-wishers bearing flowers, two weeks on from a shooting which killed 17 people.

“I’m not scared,” said 16-year-old Sean Cummings as he prepared to resume classes with his fellow students. 

“It’s just weird to come back after everything that has happened.”

Neighbors along with pupils from other schools and Marjory Stoneman Douglas alumni waved at the teenagers and gave them encouragement as they entered the campus.

Two women offered free water and breakfast fruit. Retired police officers handed out flowers.

“I feel like it’s more protected than any other school at this point, but it’s still weird to see everybody here and all these police officers,” Cummings told AFP. 

“It’s going to be nice to see all my teachers again. It will be nice to go back.”

On Valentine’s Day, former student Nikolas Cruz entered the school and opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, killing 14 students and three staff members.

Since the shooting, Stoneman students have been lobbying politicians for stricter gun controls both in their home state of Florida and in Washington.

Republican lawmakers, with majorities in the US and Florida legislatures, have been cool on bringing in major reforms on the sales of firearms.

Pressure, however, is growing on businesses.

On Wednesday Dick’s Sporting Goods, a large chain store selling sporting and hunting items announced that it would immediately stop selling assault-style rifles and would not sell guns to anyone under the age of 21.

AFP

United Kingdom Will Never Allow European Union To ‘Undermine’ Its Integrity – May

Prime Minister Theresa May warned on Wednesday that Britain would never allow the EU to “undermine” its constitutional integrity, as she rejected a draft divorce treaty unveiled by the bloc’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier.

“The draft legal text will, if implemented, undermine the UK common market and threaten the constitutional integrity of the UK by creating a customs and regulatory border down the Irish Sea and no UK prime minister could ever agree to it,” May told parliament.

Barnier said the draft treaty on the future relationship included a “backstop solution” under which British-ruled Northern Ireland would remain in “full alignment” with Ireland, which is a member of the bloc’s single market and customs union.

He denied the backstop will “call into question the constitutional or institutional order of the UK”, but May said she would reject such a plan when she outlines Britain’s negotiating demands on Friday.

Referring to the European Commission chief, May said she will “be making it crystal clear to President (Jean-Claude) Juncker and others that we would never” agree to a customs divergence with Northern Ireland.

Both the EU and Britain have vowed that there should be no “hard” border between Northern Ireland and Ireland following Brexit in order to protect the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.

May on Wednesday repeated that her government was “committed to ensuring that we see no hard border”, but an earlier letter she received from Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson exposed the bind she is in.

“The particular problem around the Irish border is being used politically to drive the whole Brexit argument and effectively to try and frustrate Brexit,” said Johnson, a chief campaigner to leave the EU. 

“It is wrong to see the task as maintaining ‘no border'”, he said in the leaked letter, adding the government should instead “stop this border becoming significantly harder”.

AFP

World Cup Coaches Brace Up For ‘Modern Life’ Of VAR

World Cup coaches expressed a quiet confidence on Wednesday about Video Assistant Referee technology ahead of its likely adoption for this year’s showpiece event in Russia.

Representatives from the 32 teams to have qualified for the World Cup gathered in the Black Sea resort of Sochi for a briefing on how “modern life” was taking over the beautiful game.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology is expected to be given the green light by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), when the body that determines the laws of the game meets on Saturday.

VAR has been heavily promoted by world football’s governing body FIFA, despite its implementation this season in leading leagues such as the German Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A not convincing everyone.

Earlier this week, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said European football’s governing body would not introduce VAR in next season’s Champions League due to ongoing “confusion” surrounding its use.

But coaches emerging from the Sochi meeting said they were ready to ring in the changes — even if the system had not ironed out all the kinks.

“This is the new life. This is modern life,” said Iran head coach Carlos Queiroz. 

“It is obvious that football cannot go on with its eyes closed to the modern world.”Referee mistakes

VAR can only be used when there is doubt surrounding any of four key game-changing situations: after a goal, penalty decisions, after a straight red card or in cases of mistaken identity.

Two of the top complaints have involved VAR either being used too often and slowing down the game or — conversely — not being called on in decisive moments.

One case in England — where VAR has been trialled in the FA Cup — saw the referee given a different picture from the one shown to confused fans on television.

Some head coaches said Russia will be something of a test case about which it was premature to pass judgment.

“It’s something to improve football, we suppose,” said Uruguay’s assistant coach Celso Otero. 

“I think VAR will be approved and then we will evaluate it.”

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said FIFA’s refereeing department chief Massimo Busacca assured sceptics at Wednesday’s meeting that video replays produced fairer outcomes.

Busacca said “it was very important for the referee to make less mistakes to have the video assistant,” Rohr told AFP.

“VAR is coming to eliminate mistakes by the referee. It’s actually something that makes the game fair,” Saudi Arabia’s assistant coach Manuel Suarez agreed.

England, in particular, have had famous run-ins with disputed goals at the World Cup.

Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” saw Argentina through in 1986 while Germans are still smarting about a goal that helped England win their only World Cup in 1966.

Some coaches agreed that resorting to replays could result in match interruptions that break up a team’s rhythm and momentum.

“It might slow down a little bit the play,” said Egypt assistant coach Jose Fantaguzzi.
“But in general, the technology is very important for the time being.” 

Yet Fantaguzzi also admitted that his squad was a little bit anxious about how it will all turn out. 

“A little bit, but not that much,” Fantaguzzi said with a laugh. “We are just ready to follow the rules and prepare.”

AFP

UN Calls For ‘Unconditional Release’ Of Dapchi Schoolgirls

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students of the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, in Yobe State.

In a statement by his spokesman on Nigeria, Stephane Dujarric, on Wednesday, Mr Guterres condemned the attack that led to the abduction of the girls by suspected Boko Haram terrorists from their school on Monday last week.

The UN boss, who is gravely concerned over the situation, asked the Nigerian government to ensure the safe return of the girls to their families.

He also urged the national authorities to swiftly bring those responsible for the act to justice.

The Secretary-General further reassured the Federal Government of the solidarity and support of the United Nations and other affected countries in the region in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

There were conflicting figures after the abduction, but the Federal Government on Sunday said the accurate number of students unaccounted for was 110.

On Tuesday, it released the full names of all 110 girls along with their classes.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari had vowed to ensure the release of all Nigerians in the custody of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The President made the pledge on Monday in Abuja when he received the University of Maiduguri lecturers and 10 women who recently regained freedom from the insurgents.

In his words, President Buhari said: “I can’t fully express the joy I felt I this afternoon, as I received our citizens recently released from Boko Haram captivity — fathers, mothers, sons, daughters. We will go to any length to ensure that no one is left behind in the hands of terrorists. Every Nigerian life matters!”

“There were the University of Maiduguri lecturers, abducted while on service to their fatherland, and also the women abducted from a funeral procession. Today they are safely back home, and Nigeria rejoices with them and with their families,” he added.

Nigerian Army Postpones 2018 Recruitment Exercise

Nigerian Army has postponed date of its 77 Regular Recruit Intake exercise.

The exercise scheduled to hold from Monday 26th February till Friday March 9th will no longer hold till further notice

The announcement was issued in a statement by Colonel Aliyu Yusuf for the Director, Army Public Relations.

The statement read “The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public particularly candidates for the 77 Regular Recruit Intake exercise earlier scheduled to hold nationwide from Monday 26 February – Friday 9 March 2018 that the exercise has been postponed till further notice.

“A new date for the screening excercise will be communicated in due course through the media and the Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal (recruitment.army.mil.ng).”‎

At Least 5 People Killed In Severe Storms In The USA

At least five people have died as a result of severe weather throughout the South and Central US.

Over the weekend, a storm that covered from Texas to Canada’s maritime provinces spawned thunderstorms, flooding, and at least one tornado, according to the Associated Press. The National Weather Service confirmed that three tornadoes hit Kentucky Saturday night in Hopkinsville, Logan County, and Warren County.

A 79-year-old woman, Dallas Jane Combs, died when she was hit by debris in her southwestern Kentucky home, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office said. Combs’ husband was also injured when he was blown into the home’s basement while attempting to prevent rain from getting inside.

Two Kentucky men also died when each of their cars were submerged in ditch filled with floodwaters. One died in Simpson County and the other in Union County. The body of a man, 48, was also discovered in Michigan floodwaters caused by heavy rainfall, as well as melting snow, Kalamazoo Public Safety Lt. David Thomas announced on Sunday. In Arkansas, an 83-year-old man died after his trailer was toppled by high winds.

Structures, including barns and grain bins, were damaged in the storm. In Robertson County, on the other side of the border with Tennessee, there were reports of overturned vehicles, windows blown out, and fallen trees. Power outages, fallen power poles and flooded roads were reported in the county.

Ohio Governor John Kasich issued an emergency declaration for 17 counties – along the Ohio River and in southern Ohio – "due to dangerous conditions resulting from severe storms and heavy rain."

"I urge people to stay safe by staying informed, not taking any chances and checking in on your neighbors, especially seniors and families with young kids," Kasich said in a press release.

BREAKING: Manchester City Thrash Arsenal To Win English League Cup

Manchester City won the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era on Sunday, brushing Arsenal aside 3-0 in the League Cup final with the help of an old-fashioned route-one goal from Sergio Aguero.

It was an impressive statement of intent from Guardiola’s team at Wembley after a shock FA Cup defeat to lowly Wigan last week ended their bid for an unprecedented quadruple.

City opened the scoring in the 18th minute when a long punt upfield from goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was controlled by Aguero, who coolly lifted the ball over a helpless David Ospina in the Arsenal goal.

Captain Vincent Kompany doubled the lead in the second half with just over half an hour to go and David Silva put the game out of the reach of Arsene Wenger’s team.

The runaway Premier League leaders will be hoping to use the victory as a springboard to greater glory as the season approaches its final stretch but defeat for Wenger means he has never lifted the League Cup.

On a bitterly cold, clear day in London, City, in their light blue kit, took control early, playing measured football and enjoying the lion’s share of possession against a side who have made Wembley a second home in recent years.

But Arsenal went closest to taking the lead within the first 10 minutes, with new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seeing his scuffed shot saved by a sprawling Bravo.

Seconds later Aguero found the side netting after an incisive break from City, who looked short of their fluent best.

But it was Aguero who broke the deadlock, controlling the ball as Arsenal’s defence failed to deal with the danger, silencing the boisterous Arsenal fans.

The Argentine striker has scored in each of his past five games in all competitions against Arsenal and this was his 199th goal in City colours.

It was an unusual goal for Guardiola’s team, who have been lauded for their silky passing game this season, which has already seen them hailed as one of the finest sides in Premier League history.

– Kompany goal –

City made a bright start to the second half and captain Kompany was in the right place to steer home Ilkay Gundogan’s shot from the edge of the box after a Kevin De Bruyne corner in the 58th minute.

It was no more than City deserved against a lacklustre Arsenal and the Belgian celebrated wildly in front of his own fans.

Just seven minutes later Arsenal were left with a mountain to climb when Silva smashed the ball past Ospina into the far corner of the net to make it 3-0.

Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola kept faith with reserve goalkeeper Bravo for the Wembley showpiece ahead of first-choice Ederson. Bravo has played in every round of the competition so far.

Wenger also played his number two between the sticks, fielding Ospina ahead of Petr Cech.

City look nailed on to win the Premier League and have virtually guaranteed a place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a 4-0 first win in the first leg of their last-16 tie against Basel.

AFP

British Boxer, Scott Westgarth Dies Hours After Winning Fight

British boxer Scott Westgarth died after falling ill in the aftermath of winning an English light-heavyweight title eliminator bout on Saturday.

Westgarth, who was 31, was rushed to hospital following his victory over Dec Spellman but died in the early hours of Sunday morning, the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed.

“God bless Scott Westgarth. To promote a boxing show and a young man doing a job he loves losing his life, I have no words,” the show’s promoter Stefy Bull posted on Twitter. 

“RIP lad, thoughts go out to your family and your team, it’s been the hardest few days I’ve had to endure. No idea what to do moving forward.” 

Spellman also paid his respects. 

“Absolutely heartbroken and lost for words,” he said on Twitter. “Continue to pray for Scott’s family and the people close to him rest easy my friend.”

AFP

BREAKING: Buhari Meets With Released UNIMAID Lecturers, Others

President Muhammadu Buhari, has met with the recently released three University of Maiduguri lecturers and the 10 women abducted by insurgents in the Northeast.

During the meeting which was held on Monday in Abuja, the President restated the government’s commitments in rescuing all those abducted by the insurgents especially the recent kidnap of over 100 secondary school girls from Dapchi.

The President also instructed the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) to issue a certificate of completion to one of the women who was serving at the time of her abduction.

Director of the State Security Service (DSS), Mr Lawal Daura, whose agency coordinated the negotiations that culminated in the release of the abductees, said negotiations were the best option at the time in order to facilitate the release without endangering the lives of the victims.

The two groups were abducted by different terrorist organizations located in different places making negotiations tedious.

The abductees have all been medically examined, treated, psychologically evaluated and are ready to be reunited with their families.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said in a statement that those freed were “10 women police officers and three university professors”.

“We are so pleased that these 13 people are free and will be able to see their families again,” the ICRC’s Deputy Regional Director for Africa, Patrick Youssef, said 

Although it facilitated the handover of the freed persons, the ICRC said it was not involved in the negotiations that led to their release. 

“The armed opposition handed the 13 people over to ICRC representatives who transported them to Nigerian authorities,” it said. 

“This action was similar to what the ICRC did in October 2016 and May 2017, when we transported the released “Chibok girls” to Nigerian officials.”

Israel Arrests Family Member Of Jailed Palestinian Teen

Israel’s army has arrested nine Palestinians from the West Bank home village of jailed teenager Ahed Tamimi, including a relative shot in the head in December, the military and witnesses said Monday.

The overnight arrests were in Nabi Saleh in the occupied West Bank and included four minors, witnesses said.

Among them was 15-year-old Mohammed Tamimi, a cousin of Ahed Tamimi, who was arrested in December after a viral video showed her hit and kick two Israeli soldiers, an uncle, Atta Tamimi, said.

Mohammed was shot in the head with a rubber bullet the day of Ahed’s arrest, leaving him with permanent damage to his skull, relatives say.

An army spokeswoman said the arrests were due to the “increase in violent riots and acts of terrorism” in the village.

Nabi Saleh, in the northern West Bank, has long been a major site of opposition to Israel’s occupation of the territory.

In the viral video, Ahed and her cousin Nour Tamimi push and slap the heavily army soldiers, who do not respond to what appears to be an attempt to provoke rather than seriously harm them.

The scuffle took place amid clashes and protests against US President Donald Trump’s controversial recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Ahed Tamimi has been charged with 12 counts including assault and could face a lengthy jail term if convicted.

She has been ordered held in custody until the completion of her trial at an Israeli military court. Her mother, also arrested after the video went viral, is being held until her trial is completed as well.

AFP

India Mourns Death Of Bollywood Actress Sridevi

Heartbroken fans Monday awaited the arrival of the body of Bollywood superstar Sridevi Kapoor as tributes poured in for the actress who died in Dubai of a heart attack aged just 54.

Hundreds gathered outside her Mumbai home hoping to catch a final glimpse of the star before she is cremated at a funeral service expected later Monday.

Sridevi — one of the biggest names in Hindi cinema — died late on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest in Dubai, where she had been attending her nephew’s wedding.

Her body was due to be flown back to Mumbai on Monday on a charter flight after authorities in the emirate allowed it to be released following a post mortem.

“We want to see her one last time,” 48-year-old Laxmi Subbaramaiah told AFP outside Sridevi’s house in the Andheri area of Mumbai — the heartland of the Bollywood film industry. 

“All of my family members are big fans and we cried when we heard the news. We will wait here until her body comes back,” he said.

Vishal More, 23, said he had travelled seven hours from Jalgaon district, around 400 kilometres away from Mumbai, to bid farewell to his favourite actress.

“I’ve been waiting all morning to catch a last glimpse of Sridevi. I have watched all of her movies. She is such an inspiration,” he said.

Sridevi’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief in India from fans and fellow actors as well as condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bollywood shock

“I have always been a huge fan of her work. Equally I have been an admirer of the grace and dignity with which she conducted herself,” actor Aamir Khan wrote on Twitter. 

“I join all the millions of her fans in mourning her demise. Ma’am we will always remember you with love and respect,” he added.

Fellow actor Ranveer Singh tweeted that he was “shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely demise of one of Hindi cinema’s greatest superstars”.

Actress Alia Bhatt posted on Twitter: “Nothing makes sense. I have no words.. just completely shocked. RIP Sri Devi. My icon forever. Love you.”

Sridevi, born Shree Amma Yanger Ayappan in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, appeared in around 300 films and was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award, for services to the movie industry.

She made her acting debut at the age of four and her career spanned more than four decades.

Sridevi worked in India’s regional Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam-language films before making her Bollywood debut in 1979.

She became a national icon with a string of blockbuster films including “Chandni”, “Mr India”, “Mawali” (“Scoundrel”) and “Tohfa” (“Gift”).

Sridevi famously took a 15-year-break from the silver screen after marrying film producer Boney Kapoor but returned in the 2012 hit comedy-drama “English Vinglish”. Her most recent film was last year’s “Mom”.

She was set to see Jhanvi, the eldest of her two daughters, make her Bollywood debut.

AFP

Oscars 2018: Miguel, Mary J. Blige, More To Perform

Oscars producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd have announced the musical acts for the 2018 Academy Awards. 

Performers include Miguel, who will sing Coco’s “Remember Me” with Gael García Bernal and Natalia LaFourcade. In addition, Best Supporting Actress nominee Mary J. Blige will perform “Mighty River” from Mudbound. 

Also, Common and Andra Day will do Marshall’s “Stand Up for Something.” See a full list of performers, which includes Sufjan Stevens, below. 

The 2018 Oscars take place Sunday, March 4 at Hollywood, Calif.’s Dolby Theatre. 

They’re broadcast on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Michelle Obama Says Writing Her Memoir ‘Has Been a Deeply Personal Experience’

Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” will be released Nov. 13, she announced Sunday on Twitter.

“Writing BECOMING has been a deeply personal experience,” she tweeted. “I talk about my roots and how a girl from the South Side found her voice. I hope my journey inspires readers to find the courage to become whoever they aspire to be. I can’t wait to share my story.”

Writing BECOMING has been a deeply personal experience. I talk about my roots and how a girl from the South Side found her voice. I hope my journey inspires readers to find the courage to become whoever they aspire to be. I can't wait to share my story. 

According to Penguin Random House, the memoir will include her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing motherhood and work, through her time spent as first lady.

While the terms of the Penguin Random House deal for books by both Barack and Michelle Obama were not disclosed, the Financial Times reported in February 2017 that the auction among rival book publishers had topped a record-breaking $60 million. 

Although the former president and his first lady wrote separate memoirs under terms of the deal, they shopped their projects jointly.

Penguin Random House published the former president’s three previous books, including “Dreams of My Father” and “The Audacity of Hope.”

The Obamas had announced last year that they planned to donate a portion of their profits to charity, including to the Obama Foundation.

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Step Out Together After New Mom Shows Off Her 'Push Present'

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Step Out Together After New Mom Shows Off Her 'Push Present'
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Show Off 'Push Present'

Who needs a minivan!

“Push present,” she said while showing off the new whip, a model that starts at $1.4 million and is no longer in production, according to Car and Drivermagazine.

Want all the latest pregnancy and birth announcements, plus celebrity mom blogs? Click here to get those and more in the PEOPLE Babies newsletter.

The new parents hopped in the luxe ride, with Jenner taking the passenger seat, on Saturday afternoon for a lunch date with friends and family at Nobu Malibu.

The reality star wore a black t-shirt with black pants and carried a red coat while her boyfriend sported a black jacket and t-shirt.

It was the first time the couple has been seen in public together since Stormi’s birth, though they recently posed for a picture on Snapchat.

Thunder Strike Kills Two People In Niger State

Two people reportedly died when they were struck by lightning in Pogo Community, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday evening while another individual was reportedly injured in the same incident.

Twenty-five year-old Aliyu Salihu and a 13-year-old student of an islamic school whose name was simply given as Abbas died instantly when thunder struck during a light rain shower at about 8pm, while one Abdullahi sustained injuries.

Aliyu’s father, Malam Salihu Makeri, who confirmed his son's death said that the victims were harvesting mangoes when lightning suddenly enveloped the community with the accompanying thunder.

“It was like electric sparks, followed by a heavy thunderstorm which shook the entire community. People were screaming in front of my house and when I rushed out, I saw three figures lying under the mangoe tree,” he explained.

He said Aliyu and Abbas died instantly, while Abdullahi sustained injuries. Makeri pointed at the spot where the victims reportedly met their death when our correspondent visited the community. He described the death of Aliyu, his eldest child, as “devastating,” adding that the family had been encouraging him to get married, but he hadn’t as at the time of his death.

Apostle Suleman Gifts Wife Shopping Mall,Petrol Station And Transport Company (Photos)

Apostle Johnson Suleman, is the Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministry Int'l and CEO Hosanna Conglomerate which has vast interests in Oil and Gas, Real Estate and Mining.

The Man of God who is known worldwide for his humanitarian gesture to the needy, orphans and destitute has extended his Touch of Love to his wife; Dr. Lizzy Johnson Suleman on the occasion of her birthday.

Apostle Suleman presented an ultra - modern Shopping Mall, a Petrol Station and a Transport company to Dr. Lizzy Suleman as the Woman of God celebrated her birthday in glitz and glamour.

The Man of God also known as the Restoration Apostle in 2017 presented arguably Nigeria's most affordable British School to her as a birthday gift. The school; 

Dynamic British International School tutors children with High Standard Learning for as low as #20,000 (twenty thousand naira) tuition fees. Insider Reports say the Man of God subsidises the fees from his own pocket so that every family can afford it, yet get the best of Education, which he says remains 'The only viable vehicle for a better society'.

The presentation of the 2018 gifts which was done in the Birthday Service on Sunday 25th February didn't come as a surprise for the congregation as the man of God has been known for showering gifts and love for all those who are around him,and his wife shouldn't be an exemption.

Earlier, Dr. Lizzy Suleman celebrated her birthday with Orphans, sharing gifts worth millions of naira to different Homes as her culture is. There was also a novelty football match and tennis competition in her honour. The eve of the Sunday Birthday Service saw her being treated to a dinner organised by Pastors Wives of the Ministry with other Partners.

The Birthday celebrations couldn't have ended without Cash and other gift items been presented to people who needed them. She paid tuition and accommodation fees of students under her scholarship scheme to enable them continue their education despite their inadequacies.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Wedding: Royal's Ex-girlfriends To Attend

Prince Harry has reportedly invited his two ex-girlfriends to his wedding ...and Meghan Markle doesn’t mind.

The royal, who will marry Ms Markle on May 19, has added Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy to the exclusive wedding guest list.

A pal of Harry’s told the Daily Mail: “Harry has stayed good friends with Chelsy and Cressida, so they will be there”.

“He made sure there were no hard feelings when they split up,” the source said, according to The Sun.

“I don’t think Meghan will mind.”
Harry dated Zimbabwean-born Chelsy on and off for seven years before splitting up for good in 2011.

They originally met when Chelsy was a teenager at boarding school in England.

Harry then waited a year before hooking up with Cressida, an actor and model. They were first introduced by Princess Eugenie and subsequently dated for two years.

Harry’s ex, Cressida Bonas. Source: Getty Images
Eugenie and Cressida continue to remain friends, with Eugenie having invited the actor to her autumn wedding.

While Harry’s former flames have received the nod of royal approval to attend the wedding, it looks like Meghan’s ex-husband Trevor Engelson won’t be so lucky.

The film producer has cashed in on his eight-year relationship with Meghan and is set to make a new TV show about how an American divorcee marries into the British royal family.

Princess Eugenie and Chelsy Davy. Source:Getty Images
Trevor and Meghan’s marriage lasted for a mere two years, and after the first year the actor was offered the role as Rachel Zane on Suits.

They cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reasons for their divorce.

Kensington Palace confirmed they would not be commenting on the claims.

"Nigerian Military Caused The Kidnap Of 110 Girls In Dapchi" - Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam Says

Yobe state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, has blamed the Nigeria military for the recent attack on Dapchi town that resulted in the abduction of 110 girls.

Gaidam said this while receiving Borno state governor, Kashim Sheittima, who paid him a sympathy visit over the weekend.

Governor Gaidam said the attack came barely a week after the military withdrew troops from the town and that if the soldiers had been on ground, the attack and subsequent abduction of schoolgirls would not have been possible. He said a similar incident played out in 2014 when the sect members attacked the Buni Yadi school for boys, killing 29 of them.

“I blame the whole attack on Dapchi on the military and the defence headquarters who withdrew troops from Dapchi. The attack occurred barely a week after the military withdrew the soldiers from there. Before then, Dapchi has been peaceful, there was never such incident. 

But just a week after they withdrew the troops, Boko Haram came to attack the town. Let me be quoted anywhere, the military must take blame for the attack on Dapchi. The same thing happened in 2014 when the military suddenly removed troops guarding the town and a week later Boko Haram went there to attack the town and the secondary school there killing 29 students. 

” he said 

The military is yet to react to this allegation.

7.5-magnitude Earthquake Hits Papua, New Guinea

A large earthquake has struck the middle of Papua New Guinea. The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-7.5 quake hit about 89 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Porgera early Monday in the Pacific island nation.

Geological Survey geophysicist Paul Caruso says the quake, which had a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles), occurred in a rural, jungle area near a mountain range.

It wasn’t immediately clear if there was damage. The Geological Survey website had 19 reports of people feeling the quake, including some saying the shaking was violent. He however says there is no tsunami danger

Boko Haram Not Totally Defeated But Has Been Terribly Degraded'' Presidency

Following the recent Boko Haram attack where 110 girls were abducted in Dapchi, Yobe state, the preidency says the terrorist group has only been degraded and not defeated. Recall that the presidency and the Nigerian Army had hitherto maintained that the sect has been defeated.

In an interview with Channels TV last night, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, admitted that the war against Boko Haram insurgency has not ended, adding that the terrorists have not been completely defeated. 

He however maintained that the Buhari-led administration has recorded some successes in its fight against insurgency.

If the operating word is ‘totally’, the answer is no obviously – but has Boko Haram been degraded? I will say yes, terribly so. You can compare then and now, they have been terribly, terribly degraded but is the war over? No, it is not completely over. 

Compare how Boko Haram was in 2015 when this administration came, they were virtually running riot everywhere – how many time was Kano bombed, how many time was Abuja bombed, how many time was Kogi bombed; Boko Haram was everywhere

,” he said

On the abduction of 110 students of the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, in Yobe State, Adesina said the incident is highly regrettable and should never have happened.

Truly, it should never have happened. After what the country experienced in the Chibok girls’ saga, this one that just happened in Dapchi should never have happened'' he said

Adesina said President Buhari is doing everything in his power to ensure that the girls are returned safely.

Jose Mourinho's Man United Beat Chelsea 2-1 (Match Recap/Analysis)

This was supposed to be another reunion between Man U coach, Jose Mourinho and former club, Chelsea, even though he claimed before the game that with each passing year he was looing his emotional connection with Chelsea.

It was also the first time Chelsea coach, Antonio Conte, would face Jose Mourinho after both coaches abused themselves with Conte calling Mourinho a 'little man' with 'dementia' after Mourinho accused him of match fixing during his time at Juventus.

A game of this magnitude was set for fireworks considering Chelsea's good performance during the week against Barcelona and Paul Pogba's problems with Jose Mourinho at Manchester United .

Star signing, Alexis Sanchez, started alongside Paul Pogba and youth product, McTominay for Man U, while Conte started with Morata, Willian and Eden Hazard.

The match started in quick frenzied fashion for Chelsea who within the first five minutes struck the bar with a well timed Morata effort to which

Hazard blasted towards goal but was punched over the bar.

Willian, Hazard and Moses pushed with more determination in the first ten minutes with Man Utd pleased with little flashes of possession on the counter attack as football rookie, McTominay was tasked with man marking Eden Hazard, a hard task for the young Scotsman.

At times Man United's defenders were seen pushing up a little bit giving Hazard and Morata enough time to manipulate with pace on the counter attack.

Going forward on the 27th minute, Matic pitched the ball from Morata and launched a counter attack using Martial's pace , the ball fell for Alexis Sanchez, who fluffed his lines, and played a powerless shot towards Real Madrid-linked goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Chelsea start a counter with Willian who passes to Hazard and still on the run, Hazard gives a sweet through ball towards Willian who is on side, and the Brazilian snarky places it just inside the net, De Gea could have done more though!

Goal!!! Willian!!!!!

Man U 0-1 Chelsea ... Mourinho was already feeling the heat but Conte unlike in previous matches didn't give the kind of animated celebrations he has been known for.

Chelsea continued having more possession and were willing to punish a lack luster Manchester United side.

Goal! Lukaku!

The Belgian, making lousy passes and interceptions through out, in the 39th minute, scored after he was laid inside by a Martial and Sanchez pass in the 18 yard box. Lukaku didn't over celebrate due to respect for his former side, but you can be sure that the goal meant a lot to him, as this was the first time the Belgian was scoring against a top six side. 

Man U 1-1 Chelsea.

Chelsea counter again but this time after a pass by Hazard, Alonso fluffed his lines.

In the first half Chelsea were more fluid and steady on the ball, with a greater share of possession but this half could largely be billed as 'cat and mouse' and so it seemed, even though the scoreline looked different.

Both teams started the match with no changes to their starting line up, but looking at both teams one would know Man United possessed the stronger arsenal in their substitutes bench.

In the second half, Man Utd showed more veracity and zeal to go forward with numerous inplays by Pogba, Sanchez, Matic and a wasteful Martial but still there was no breakthrough.

Mourinho hooked off Martial for Lingard in search of a second goal.

The Old Trafford fans wanted the ascendancy while Conte believed he could snatch a win here.

McTominay was so efficient with his ball control and release that the 75,000 fans cheered on him whenever he was with the ball.

The players in Red started making life difficult for Chelsea with long spells of possession, and Sanchez during a counter, gave a flying cross for Lukaku who responded with an acrobatic kick, that Courtois had to be really sharp to punch above the bar.

Chelsea prepared Pedro to come on, who could go off, Morata? Maybe ?!

Chelsea bring in Pedro for Hazard, a frustrating night for the Belgian who was held and frustrated by the young McTominay.

Goallllllll! Lingard !

McTominay releases a sweet pass to Lukaku who successfully creates space and gives a good dink in to Lingard who shocks Chelsea with a perfect header . He had just been on the pitch for ten minutes!


Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea !

Willian tries again and goes near post but De Gea saves the ball. Giroud starts to warm up as Chelsea look for aerial authority . Bailly starts to warm up for Man Utd.

Victor Moses is removed for Giroud . Bailly is introduced for Sanchez.

Mourinho switches to a 3-5-2 formation to counter Chelsea who introduce Fabregas.

The match starts to boil over , Rudiger flares up with Matic, Valencia is ruffled up on the right corner while Smalling is bandied by Morata.

This was not some cavalier football, it looked like football directed and controlled by chauvinistic punters and it proved so as Man U was content to defend and then counter while Chelsea throw all they got into finding an equaliser.

Four minutes of extra time and Michael Carrick is seen warming up- could Mourinho be looking for midfield tempo more possession in the last few minutes.

Man U puffed, Chelsea pressured, but for the second season running at Old Trafford, Mourinho is victorious against Conte ..... now who is the 'little man' ????? Lol

Final whistle

Man U 2-1 Chelsea !!!

See What Lai Mohammed Wore During His Visit To Real Madrid Stadium (photos)

Nigeria's minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Friday February 16, 2018 paid a guided tour to Real Madrid Stadium, Santiago Barnabeu, Madrid, Spain.

During the visit, Lai Mohammed was pictured wearing an interesting outfit. We will not judge, we will leave you to judge.

What do you think of Lai's dressing?

See more photos below...

Meek Mill Granted Post-conviction Hearing In April Over Possible Corruption In His Case

Meek Mill who is serving 2 to 4 years for violating his probation, has been granted a post-conviction hearing.

According to reports, Judge Genece Brinkley, the same judge who sentenced him to prison granted the rapper a post-conviction hearing based on possible corruption during Meek's original case back in 2008.

This comes after Mill's attorneys filed a Post-Conviction Relief Act petition, calling into question his original arrest. It was suspected that Meek's original arrest from back in 2007 may have been compromised by corruption.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office maintained a secret list of suspect police officers who could not be considered credible witnesses for months, and Reginald Graham, the sole testifying officer during Meek's 2008 trial, was on the list.

Confirming the post-conviction, Meek's lawyer told Philly Voice: "I mean, there were 800 cases that were dismissed or overturned upon discovery of this group of officers who had been committing crimes, lying about circumstances of arrests, and falsifying documents," his lawyer said.

"One of the officers is the same one who not only arrested Meek, but made allegations that Meek has always denied. This is the only one that testified against Meek."

Meek Mill will return to court on April 16.