Thursday, December 5, 2019

Reps Increase Nigeria’s 2020 Budget To N10.6tn

Nigeria's 2020 Appropriation Bill has been increased by the country's House of Representatives from N10.33 trillion to about N10.6 trillion.

EFCC Arraigns ‘Mama Boko Haram’ Over N66m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Aisha Alkali Wakil, popularly known as ‘Mama Boko Haram’ before Borno State High Court, Maiduguri.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah Faces Criminal Charges

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and his company, Capital Oil and Gas Limited, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over indebtedness of N135bn to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Buhari Launches National Road Map To Tackle Insecurity

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday launched the National Security Strategy 2019, restating that his administration is committed to improving on education, health and security in his second term.

Court Orders Saraki, Akpabio, Others To Refund Pensions Received As Ex-Govs

A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos has ordered the Federal Government to recover pensions and allowances paid to former governors serving as ministers and senators.

EPL: Mourinho Explains Why Tottenham Lost To Man United

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has attributed his team's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United to loss of concentration.

Nigerian Star Makes CAF 10-man Shortlist For Player Of The Year

Nigeria's Odion Ighalo joined Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang alongside seven other stars as the final nominees for the 2019 African Footballer of the Year.

Shiloh 2019: Once Saved As Christian, Not Forever Saved – Bishop Oyedepo

Bishop David Oyedepo of the Winners' Chapel has said that once saved as a Christian is not forever saved, Concise News reports. 

IGP Adamu Issues Stern Warning To Police Officers

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Adamu Abubakar has warned police officers not to oppress but protect Nigerians, Concise News reports. 

MOST READ

How To Livestream Winners’ Chapel Shiloh 2019 (Watch Online)

The annual convention of Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel is finally here, tagged Shiloh 2019, Concise News reports.

Winners’ Chapel Shiloh 2019 Breaking Limits Time, Programme Schedule

The Shiloh 2019 with Breaking Limit as its theme will start on Tuesday, December 3rd and end on Sunday, 8th with a live broadcast from Canaanland, Ota. 

What Trump Said About Nigerian Who Painted His Portrait

United States President Donald Trump has referred to a Nigerian painter, Creative_Doks, as "a wonderful artist" after the artist tweeted a portrait of the American leader.

Latest N-Power News Today As October, November Stipends ‘Hang’

A pleasant day to you and welcome to the latest N-Power news headlines update for today, Monday December 2nd, 2019, on Concise News.

Full List Of Shiloh 2019 Viewing Centres As Winners’ Annual Programme Begins

The Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, begins its annual Shiloh programme for 2019 on Tuesday, December 3, at the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun state, Southwest, Nigeria.

RCCG 2019 November Fasting Prayer Points For Day 30 Saturday

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) November 2019 fasting prayer points for Day 30 will be majorly on thanksgiving.

Minister In Charge Of N-Power Speaks On FG’s Priority

As the Muhammadu Buhari government keep on with the N-Power scheme, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, has said the Home Grown School Feeding programme is one of the Federal Government’s top priorities, Concise News reports.

N-Power: What US-Based Nigerian Journo Said About October Stipends

A Nigerian journalist based in the US, Gimba Kakanda, has appealed to the Federal Government to pay N-Power beneficiaries their October stipends, Concise News reports. 

NEWS

CCD Reveals Major Cause Of Poverty In Nigeria

As the world commemorates the International Day for Persons Living with Disabilities on Tuesday, an NGO, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), has described corruption as the major cause of poverty in Nigeria.

Reps Suggest Conduct Of National Census By 2020

The House of Representatives has urged the National Population Commission (NPC) to come up with a feasible time table for the conduct of a...

Vote Buying: INEC Tasks Traditional Rulers On Attitudinal Change

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday urged traditional rulers to sensitise their subjects towards attitudinal change against vote buying and selling.

Stop Patronising People With Questionable Wealth, Ex-Minister Warns Nigerian Churches

A former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, in Lagos on Wednesday advised Nigerian churches to stop patronising the rich with questionable source of wealth.

Learn From Late David-West, President Buhari Tells Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to emulate the late Tam David-West in his no-tolerance for corruption, Concise News reports. 

Gov. Ayade Sends Names Of 36 Commissioner-nominates To Assembly

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River has forwarded second list of 36 commissioner nominees to the Cross River House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Lagos: Governor Sanwo-Olu Flags-Off Victoria Island-Oniru Road

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State has flagged off the upgrading of 1.8km Victoria Island-Oniru road, Concise News reports. 

Minimum Wage: State Government Begins Payment Of New Salary

Jigawa State Governor Muhammad Abubakar has signed the new minimum wage into law, Concise News reports. 

How Popular Pastor Hired Assassins To Kill Female Colleague

The presiding pastor of the Life House Ministry, Ojo, Lagos, Benjamin Akinsanya has been arrested and arraigned before the Igbosere Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly hiring assassins to kill a female pastor over alleged spiritual popularity tussle.

Why WAEC Withdrew 1992, 1993 Candidates’ Certificates (See List)

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the list of withdrawn certificates of candidates who took its exam held as far back as December 1992 and 1993.

Onaiyekan Formerly Hands Over To Kaigama As Abuja Catholic Archbishop

John Cardinal Onaiyekan on Tuesday formally bowed out as the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja and handed over to his successor, Ignatius Kaigama.

POLITICS

Senate Swears In Smart Adeyemi As Kogi West Senator

The Senate has sworn in Smart Adeyemi as the Senator representing Kogi West in the 9th National Assembly.

There’re Constraints In Prosecuting Electoral Offenders, INEC Chair Admits

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has some challenges in prosecuting electoral offenders.

Why PDP May Not Participate In Future Elections – Secondus

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has underscored the importance of electoral reforms in Nigeria, noting that without it, the party may find it difficult to participate in future elections.

Finally, Doherty Becomes New Lagos PDP Chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sworn-in Adedeji Doherty as the new Chairman of the party in Lagos State.

PDP Appoints New Deputy National Chairman (North)

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of Senator Suleiman Nazif as the new Deputy National Chairman, North.

Rivers Guber: Appeal Court Rules On Fingesi’s Suit Against Wike

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike was on Monday declared duly elected by the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, throwing out the appeal filed by the defeated governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) Victor Fingesi.

What PDP Told INEC, National Assembly To Do About Electronic Voting

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been advised to legalise electronic voting which is said to enhance credible and transparent elections in the country.

Taraba House Of Assembly Gets New Speaker

Joseph Kunini and Hamman-Adama Abdulahi were on Monday elected by members of the Taraba State House of Assembly as the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

Kogi: Gov. Bello Dismisses Political Appointees

The Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has dismissed all his political appointees.

Bauchi Guber Dispute: Fomrer Gov. Abubakar Heads To Supreme Court

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Bauchi State governorship election, Mohammed Abubakar, has vowed to go to the Supreme Court to challenge the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Bala Mohammed.

Kogi West: What Smart Adeyemi Said After Defeating Dino Melaye

The winner of the Kogi West senatorial election, Senator Smart Adeyemi, has promised to provide quality leadership and representation for the district for which he said the people had lacked in the last four years.

SPORTS

Why IAAF Won’t Ban Nigeria Over Gusau’s Suspension – Olamide George

The Acting President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Olamide George has allayed the fear that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) may  sanction the country following the suspension of Ibrahim Gusau.

EPL: Rashford Double Brings Mourinho’s Tottenham Down

Jose Mourinho's Tottenham have lost for the first time as Marcus Rashford scored twice to give Manchester United a 2-1 win over their former manager on Wednesday.

Tokyo 2020: Nigerian Star Ordega Hurt By Team’s Failure To Qualify

Super Falcons star Francisca Ordega is still hurt by the failure of the team to make it to the football event of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Super Eagles: Osimhen Sets Sight On 2021 AFCON Glory

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is expecting the team to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon. 

EPL: I Never Doubted Jesus, Guardiola Says

Gabriel Jesus' ability to step up and fill the void left by the injured Sergio Aguero has never been in doubt within the Manchester City squad, Pep Guardiola has insisted.

Ljungberg Seeks Wenger, Eriksson Advice Towards Arsenal Revival

Arsenal interim manager Freddie Ljungberg intends to seek the advice of Arsene Wenger and Sven-Goran Eriksson as he prepares for his second game in charge of the club.

EPL: Real Reason I Lived In Hotel While At Man United – Tottenham’s Mourinho

Tottenham Head Coach, Jose Mourinho has explained that he lived at the Lowry Hotel during his time as Manchester United manager because he was pleased residing in "an amazing apartment".

Iwobi Not Doing Enough, Ex-England Player Slams Eagles Star

A former England forward Paul Robinson has claimed that Everton forward Alex Iwobi does not do enough for his teammates, Concise News reports. 

Ronaldo’s Sister Slams Van Dijk Over Comment About Him Not Being A Rival

Cristiano Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, has berated Virgil van Dijk over a joke he made about her brother at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday.

What Van Dijk Said After Ballon d’Or Loss To Messi (Video)

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has congratulated Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi on his record sixth Ballon d'Or award.

Cristiano Ronaldo Speaks On Winning 2019 Serie A Best Player

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo was named the Italian league’s player of the year on Monday following his debut season with the Old Lady.

Entertainment

Why Polygamy Must Be Legalised – John Dumelo

Ghanaian actor John Dumelo has said that it is time polygamy became legalised because most married men, according to him, have side chicks.

Olamide Warns Against Begging In January

While the festive season is fast approaching, when people go on spending spree, indigenous singer, Olamide has cautioned people on extravagance.

I Ironed My Cloths Today – Don Jazzy Tells Trolls

After facing backlashes over 'unironed' clothes, legendary music producer, Don Jazzy has  taken to Instagram to inform his fans that he ironed his clothes.

Tboss Pays Tribute To Late Father

Former BBNaija housemate Tokunbo Idowu, better known as Tboss has wished she could turn back the hands of time, while penning a tribute to her late father, Vincent Idowu.

Drake, Ed Sheeran Top Spotify’s List Of Most Streamed Artistes Of Decade

World’s most popular streaming service, Spotify has unveiled its list of most-streamed artistes of the decade, with Drake claiming the top spot and Ed Sheeran coming second.

Why Nollywood Actress Described Tacha As Ungrateful Personality

Nollywood screen goddess, Angela Okorie has taken to Instagram to call out former BBNaija housemate, Tacha Akide, describing her as an ingrate.

Reactions As Diane Makes Debut Nollywood Production (Video)

Former BBNaija housemate, Diane Yashim has earned much accolades for herself after she shared a clip from her debut Nollywood production in a movie titled "The therapist".

Social Media Bill: M.I Abaga Comes For Festus Keyamo

Ace rapper and former Chocolate City boss, M.I Abaga has attacked Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo for slamming those opposing social media bill.

I Don’t Fuss About Recognition, Awards- Toke Makinwa

Media mogul, Toke Makinwa has taken to her Instagram page to reveal that she does not live for awards, but thankful for growth in her career.

Davido Announces Date For Lagos Concert

Afropop star, David Adeleke better known as Davido is set to light up the festive season with a concert to hold in Lagos on December 27.

Ebenezer Obey Advises Nigerian Musicians

Legendary singer Ebenezer Obey has urged Nigerian musicians not to see themselves as competitors because people have their unique talents.

BUSINESS

What Buhari Govt Must Do As Nigeria Risks Having 25% Of World’s Poor – World Bank

The World Bank has warned that Nigeria risks becoming home to 25 per cent of the world's poor people in 10 years unless it revives its economic growth.

CBN Says Nigeria’s Financial Systems Getting Stronger

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the country's financial system is becoming stronger with capital buffers and liquidity in the sector improving. 

CBN Faults Buhari’s Govt $57 2020 Budget Oil Benchmark

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the $57 oil benchmark adopted by the Federal Government for the 2020 budget is unrealistic.

CBN Says Nigeria Imports $600m Cassava Products Yearly

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said Nigeria's cassava imports are valued at about S600 million annually, Concise News reports. 

Nigerian Government To Build $800 Million Seaport In Delta State

The federal government plans to build a new seaport in the Pessu area of Warri in Delta State at the cost of $800 million, Concise News reports. 

Federal Govt. Approves N200b Loan For Bank Of Industry

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the issuance of a Sovereign Guarantee N200bn loan to the Bank of Industry (BoI), Concise News has learned.

What African Development Agenda Should Focus On – Elumelu

The Chairman of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Tony Elumelu has said job creation, and inclusive growth are areas which African development agenda should be focused on. 

Inflation Rate Rises To 11.61% In October – NBS

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday said that Nigeria’s inflation for the month of October has risen by 0.36 basis points year on year to 11.61 percent.

Why Hike In Cooking Gas Price May Continue – Marketers

The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM), says the current hike in price of cooking gas might persist if activities of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Terminal Owners and Off Takers is not checked.

FG To Withdraw Tax Exemption On Oil Companies’ Dividends

The finance bill submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari will ensure that dividends paid from the profits of oil companies will no longer be tax-exempt if passed by the National Assembly.

Border Closure: What Poultry Farmers Told Buhari About Reopening

Poultry farmers have called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to re-open the country's land borders, urging him to shut it permanently. 

WORLD

Reason South Africa’s Desmond Tutu Was Hospitalised

South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and Nobel laureate, is back in hospital due to a “stubborn infection,” his foundation...

Trump Cancels Final NATO News Conference

US President Donald Trump cancelled on Wednesday a planned final news conference scheduled for after the NATO summit, following two days of sharp disputes with allies.

Senator Kamala Harris Ends Her 2020 White House Bid

Democrat Kamala Harris announced on Tuesday that she is ending her 2020 White House bid following a period of campaign turmoil and disappointing fundraising that saw her fail to break out of a crowded field.

Dog Sets House On Fire

A dog in Essex, United Kingdom has set a house ablaze by accidentally turning on a microwave, while the owner was away.

Trump Slams ‘Nasty’ Macron Remark On NATO

US President Donald Trump has accused his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron of being "nasty" for saying Nato was brain dead.

Finland Prime Minister Rinne Resigns (See Why)

Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne resigned on Tuesday after losing the support of the coalition partner Centre Party, Concise News understands.

US Threatens France With Tariffs On French Goods

The US government has proposed a wave of tariffs on French goods Monday as they released a report finding that a new French tax on American digital services represents a barrier to trade.

Why White House Won’t Participate In Trump Impeachment Hearing

United States president, Donald Trump and his lawyers would not participate in a House Judiciary Committee impeachment hearing this week.

11 Injured In New Orleans Shooting

Eleven people were wounded in a shooting early Sunday in New Orleans’ French Quarter, a popular tourist hub, US police said, adding that two of the victims were in a critical condition.

Police Shoot Man On London Bridge After Knife Attack (Video)

Armed police shot a man on London Bridge after several people were stabbed on Friday, reviving memories of a terror attack two years ago that killed eight.

Npower Reveals Reason It Is Axing Up To 4,500 Jobs Under Closure Plan

The new owner of energy firm, Npower says it is cutting up to 4,500 United Kingdom (UK) jobs as part of a plan to make it more profitable.

TECH

Google Co-founders Step Aside As Pichai Takes Helm Of Parent Alphabet

Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin are stepping aside as leaders of the Internet behemoth they founded 21 years ago, ending an extraordinary run that saw them build one of the world’s most valuable and influential companies.

Facebook’s Zuckerberg Speaks On Trump Trying To Lobby Against Political Ads Ban

Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump did not discourage him from banning political ads on the social media platform during a secret meeting in October.

Twitter’s New Privacy Policy To Take Effect From January 1, 2020

Twitter is updating its global privacy policy to give users more information about what data advertisers might receive and is launching a site to provide clarity on its data protection efforts, the company said on Monday.

China Introduces Mandatory Face Scans For Phone Users

China will require telecom operators to collect face scans when registering new phone users at offline outlets starting from Sunday, according to the country’s information technology authority.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Confirms Relocation To Africa In 2020

The co-founder and CEO of microblogging platform, Twitter, Jack Dorsey, says he would be relocating to Africa for a momentary stay in 2020.

Buhari Orders MDAs To Immediately Switch To Digital Operations

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies to comply with ongoing transition of all government operations to digital platforms that will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery, and promote more inter-agency synergy.

Social Media Bill: UNESCO Official Reveals Likely Dangerous Outcome In Nigeria

UNESCO's National Coordinator for Media and Information Literacy, Dr Olunifesi Suraj, has faulted plan by the Nigerian Government to regulate social media, saying the move could result in national insecurity.

NIS To Begin E-registration Of Immigrants

The Comptroller, Imo Command of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), David Ringshum, has advised irregular migrants to register during the oncoming Migrant e-Registration scheduled to start in the state on Nov. 26.

Paxful Sees Potential To Change Lives As Nigerians, S/Africans Hunt Down Bitcoin

Out of the top five countries that had the highest search volume of hot keyword “bitcoin” on Google in the last 12 months, three are in Africa

Dubai Chamber Of Commerce Selects Nigerian Among 10 Startup

A Nigerian, Kenneth Obiajulu-Okonkwo, and five other Africans have been selected among 10 startups by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

How Social Media Regulation Will Benefit Journalists

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed says the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), Guild of Editors and their members have more to gain with the Federal Government’s plan to sanitise the social media space.

HEALTH

Why Malaria Still Infects Millions Of People Every Year

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday said that malaria still infects millions of people every year and kills more than 400,000 – mostly children in Africa – because the fight against the mosquito-borne disease has stalled.

NAFDAC DG Speaks On Dangers Of Pesticides, Agrochemical Usage

Director General of National Agency for Food Drugs and Administration Control (NAFDAC) says the agency has put in place measures towards averting dangers associated with the use of pesticides and agrochemicals in Nigeria.

Lagos Doctors Give Reason For Rejecting New Minimum Wage

Doctors in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, have said that they rejected the new minimum wage announced by the state government because it is below the expectations of civil servants.

Why Govt Should Treat HIV Scourge As National Security Problem – Group

First co-chairman of Coalition of Civil Societies Network on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (COCSNHAN) has asked governments at all levels to consider HIV/AIDS as a national security problem.

Why Nigerians Should No Longer Travel Abroad For Surgeries – Medical Expert

Dr Mohammed Salihu, Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala (NOHD), Kano, says the hospital now receives patients from aboard for joint replacement, spine surgeries and other specialised orthopaedic surgeries.

Sickle Cell: Breakthrough As FDA Approves New Drug For Disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it has given Novartis the go-ahead to begin marketing Adakveo, otherwise known as crizanlizumab for sickle cell therapy.

Expert Speaks On Sex Position, Duration Determining Child’s Gender

Dr Olatoye Ogundipe, a gynecologist, on Wednesday, says the gender of a child is not determined by the sex position or duration contrary to beliefs by some people.

The Hazard Of Consuming Water, Drinks Kept Under Sun – Pharmacist

A Pharmacist, Mrs Rotkang Okunlola, has cautioned Nigerians against drinking water (sachet, bottled and dispensing jugs) and soft drinks that are kept under the sun, saying that this could be detrimental to their health.

Doctors Advised On Medical Ethics, Private Businesses

A Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Richardson Ajayi, has advised medical doctors to always draw a line between their job and the quest to make profit running private medical outfits.

29 Die From Yellow Fever In Bauchi

Twenty-nine people have died from an outbreak of yellow fever in Bauchi state, northeast Nigeria, according to the Primary Healthcare Development Agency. 

Why Eating Too Much ‘Cow Meat’ Is Bad For You – Expert

A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Anthony Okonkwo, on Wednesday called on Nigerians to cut down on the consumption of livestock products to reduce the effects of methane on humans.

OPINION

Why Manchester United Will Not Sack ‘Average’ Solskjær Just Yet

Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday at Old Trafford means they have won just 18 points in the English Premier (EPL) League this season; their fewest after 14 games of a top-flight campaign since 1988-89 (18), when they went on to finish 11th in the table.

Will N-Power Scheme End Up Like SURE-P?

With the recent incertitudes the Muhammadu Buhari government's N-Power initiative is engulfed in, beneficiaries seem not to have 100% faith in the scheme anymore, this author observed.

Nigerian Elections: A Democratic Deficit

Political and public affairs analyst Omoshola Deji x-rays the just-concluded Kogi and Bayelsa elections in this thought-provoking opinion piece.

Xenophobia: Is Nigeria Not Guilty Of The Worst Forms Of Xenophobia?

Although Nigerians unanimously condemned xenophobic attacks against its citizens in South Africa, worst forms of xenophobic attacks are launched by Nigerians against fellow country men, writes in Public affairs commentator Reuben Rine.