FALZ UNDERGOES SURGERY, OUT FOR THREE WEEKS (PHOTO)

 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2017

                            

Nigeria singer and actor Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz  ​has ​undergone​ foot surgery.

It was learnt that the lawyer cum rapper sustained injuries while playing football.

​Falz took to his snapchat page @falzthebahdguy to announce that following the surgery, he would be out for three weeks.

He, however​, ​described surgery as a minor one, stating he will be back in three weeks.

“Minor surgery, just something light

“Falzinho be back in few weeks.”

The singer, a fan of English club, Arsenal football club{AFC} loves to play football during his leisure time.

                                                     

WHY NIGERIANS HAVEN’T FELT IMPACT OF EXIT FROM RECESSION – NBS BOSS

       THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2017

                           

 The Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Yemi Kale, on Wednesday explained why Nigerians were not feeling the real impact of the positive economic growth rate on their lives.

Kale attributed the non-impact of the exit from recession on the citizens to the structure of the economy, which is still largely driven by oil.

He said while the economy might have recorded a growth rate of 0.55 per cent in overall Gross Domestic Product for the second quarter, not all the sectors did well in terms of productivity.

For instance, the NBS boss explained that out of the 42 economic activities that were used to measure the GDP growth rate, 21 recorded decline in productivity, while the rest performed better than they did in the first quarter.

He said the 21 of those economic activities that recorded slowdown in performance were those that ordinary Nigerians relate with on daily basis.

For instance, the NBS boss said while the manufacturing sector grew by 0.64 per cent in the second quarter, there were some segments of the sector that did not do well.

He gave some of them as manufacturing, which contracted by -10.88 per cent; motor vehicle and assembly, which contracted by -19.72 per cent; electrical and electronics, which contracted by -1.7 per cent; and chemical and pharmaceutical products, which declined by -0.98 per cent.

In addition, wood and wood products contracted by -2.09 per cent; pulp, paper and paper products, -1.85 per cent; and cement, -4.16 per cent.

Kale explained, “Recession is not about the price of your goods, not whether unemployment is going up or down, not whether you have quality education, it’s purely your Gross Domestic Product; your outputs of goods and services in the economy are going down.

“And the GDP is an accumulation of 46 different economic activities in Nigeria and the overall number, whether positive or negative, will determine whether you are in recession or out of recession.

“Now, within those 46 activities, some sectors will do very well and will be positive; some will do badly, some will do worse, and some will stay the same way they are.

“Depending on who you are in the society, what we publish is the aggregated total of everybody. So, even in that same report, you will see that 21 sectors were negative and there are other sectors that did well.”

He advised that with the economy being out of recession, there was a need for the government to work assiduously to ensure recovery by taking the growth rate to where it was before the decline in performance.

After this is done, he said the next stage would be to sustain the growth and take it beyond the rate of recovery.

The NBS boss explained that in as much as the GDP growth rate was still lower than the population growth rate, the real impact of such economic growth would not be felt significantly.

He said that its GDP report, which showed that Nigeria exited recession in the second quarter, was not doctored or politically motivated.

Kale explained that the NBS was an agency of government that was independent to carry out surveys and publish its findings based on international best practices.

The NBS boss faulted those making claims that the outcome of the report might have been influenced by political considerations, adding that none of the reports of the agency was influenced politically.

Kale said even at the risk of not being reappointed at the tail end of his tenure, economic reports that were not in favour of government activities were published by the agency, adding that if he did not doctor reports then, there was no basis to do so now.

He said, “In this administration, I am the one that published that we were in recession, and I am also the one that is saying we are now out of recession.

“I don’t think there is any inconsistency in what the NBS does in terms of politics. The recession announcement came two months to the renewal of my tenure. Now, if it was political, will I come and tell the government that wants to renew my tenure that inflation is in double digit?

$40 keychain-size detector quickly alerts you of allergens in food

                                 

If you’re somebody with a horrible allergy that’s not usually accommodated at eating places or food producers, taking a chunk means taking your life into your palms — or mouth, I suppose. A new device developed at Harvard Medical College might quickly let you take a look at food for frequent allergens as an alternative of utilizing your self as your individual guinea pig.

It’s referred to as the integrated exogenous antigen testing system, or iEAT — I’m positive that’s only a coincidence. The researchers describe it in a paper published in the journal ACS Nano.

First you put a bit of food on the “antigen extraction device,” a single-use slide that does the mandatory chemical deconstruction. You plug that into the iEAT device itself, which is small and lightweight sufficient to suit on a keychain, and incorporates the electronics vital to research the ready food pattern.

Inside 10 minutes, it ought to inform you whether or not any given allergens are current, and if that’s the case, how a lot. That isn’t precisely lightning fast, however the options are slower, bulkier or extra harmful (i.e. simply consuming it). And the iEAT truly detects even smaller quantities than lab exams. It’s not the one tester on the market: There’s additionally the Nima, however that solely does gluten and it’s much more costly, and Ally, which did lactose in its prototype part.

Proper now the device is about as much as detect peanuts, hazelnuts, wheat, milk and eggs, nevertheless it may simply be configured to search out different issues: shellfish, pesticides and so on. The researchers examined it on a number of restaurant objects themselves and located gluten in a “gluten-free” salad, and egg protein in beer (gross).The entire thing supposedly prices $40, although of course the antigen extraction units are the place they get you — hopefully you’ll be capable of purchase in bulk. Regardless of the case, it’s higher than having your throat shut up or creating some horrible rash.

Source:bloglovin

BENUE WORKERS BEGIN STRIKE

  

                 

Benue State Government workers on Tuesday commenced a one-week warning strike at the end of the notice given to the state government by the Nigeria Labour Congress, Benue State chapter over an alleged failure by the government to pay workers’ salaries.

The NLC Chairman, Godwin Anya; the Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Victor Philip; and Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Ordue Tartenger,  directed workers to proceed on the  strike on Tuesday (yesterday).

The unions noted that the governor did not have any excuse  not to pay the salaries of workers with the regular federal allocations,  internally generated revenue, budget support funds, Paris Club loan refund and the stabilisation funds accruing to the state.

They appealed to the governor to pay all categories of workers in the state.

Anya expressed delight with the level of compliance on Tuesday in Makurdi, the state capital.

Anya said the doors of the union were still open for negotiation with the government.

When our correspondent visited some government ministries and offices, public schools and the state secretariat among other places in Makurdi, the offices were deserted.

Officials of the organised labour in the state were also seen monitoring and enforcing the strike.

Tartenger, the monitoring team leader, said the level of compliance was commendable, saying it “it is 95 per cent successful.”

The state workers are reportedly owed six-month salaries while local government workers are owed eight months.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is a prickle in the south -east elite

                              
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is a thorn in the flesh of the Igbo elites - Kanu has used unconventional means for his group's agitation for the Biafra Republic - The IPOB leader says his campaign has now woken the Igbo elites from their slumber IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has said the mode of his group's campaign has woken Igbo eites from their slumber. Kanu made the comment on Monday, September 4 in Owerri, the Imo state capital, after he met with the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), as part of his consultations towards the realization for Biafra Republic. According to Vanguard, ADF delegation at the meeting was led by its national president, Professor Uzodinma Nwala, while Kanu led senior officials of IPOB to the parley. Nnamdi Kanu has been constantly meeting with key Igbo leaders of thought on the Biafra. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Kanu said: “I told them that I will update them periodically on what we are doing. “I am glad that the elite are coming on board. We are all elite, including the carpenter and the mechanic by the road side, who have understanding of the times, as long as they can make sense and articulate their viewpoints and channel them towards emancipating our people. “Elitism is not purely about academics; it has to do with being able to articulate a sense of purpose for a people and pursuing it doggedly.” He described the meeting as “a family meeting and not for public consumption,” adding that it was very fruitful. According to him, the outcome of the meeting “will guide us in our efforts towards restoring Biafra.” Alaigbo Development Foundation is a pan-Igbo organisation composed of some accomplished Igbo professionals, academics and the intelligentsia at home and in the diaspora with interest in Igbo cause. Meanwhile, Kanu has warned members of IPOB to desist from giving out money to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Kanu also threatened to expel any member of the group who fails to heed his warning, even as he accused the NPF of being a criminal organisation, out to extort members of his group.

SOURCE:naija.com 

Lionel Messi and Argentina staring down the barrel of not qualifying for the World Cup after costly Venezuela draw

                     MESSI FAILS AGAIN TO LEAD ARGENTINA TO WORLD CUP

  Despite the drab display against Uruguay last Thursday, a point from the trip to Montevideo’s imposing Estadio Centenario wasn’t the worst result for Argentina. However, back in Buenos Aires on Tuesday against a Venezuela side, rooted to the foot of South American qualification without a chance of reaching Russia, nothing less than a convincing three points were expected of Jorge Sampaoli’s side.
The stage was certainly set for Argentina to get their floundering qualification back on track. By the time proceedings got underway in the Monumental, Chile had lost away to Bolivia, Colombia had drawn with Brazil and Peru had beaten Ecuador, meaning despite La Albiceleste starting the game in sixth, a win could have seen them as high as second.
Sampaoli was sticking with his attacking three-man defence, the exhilarating trio of Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala and Mauro Icardi were getting another outing and Argentina were supposed to take a giant step towards Russia. The reality however, is that Argentina are now no closer to that goal and only have two increasingly difficult looking matches to confirm their place at the World Cup.

Messi was unable to lift Argentina to the win they sorely needed.

After watching Uruguay’s stubborn defence stifle any attacking intent on Thursday, Sampaoli had stressed in the build-up the importance of a quick start against Venezuela and how an early goal would force the visitors out of their defensive shell.
The early signs were promising as Javier Mascherano’s return in the defence provided a better quality of passing out from the back, Éver Banega took the creative load off Messi in central midfield and Lautaro Acosta gave a more natural right-sided width.
The result was a dominant opening 45 minutes with the lively Mauro Icardi doing everything right except apply the final touch and the ever-impressive Wilker Fariñez adding to his burgeoning reputation with a string of saves.
Di María, so ineffectual against Uruguay, looked dangerous darting in behind full back Víctor García but even after an apparent pulled hamstring forced him off, the home side still looked the far more likely to score.
Sampaoli’s early goal never came and like a boxer soaking up punishment in the early rounds, there was always the concern that a counter could follow. Five minutes after the break and that sucker punch arrived as a lightening quick break exposed Argentina’s sluggish back three and saw Jhon Murillo stun the Monumental.

The result piles more pressure on Sampaoli.

Before panic became too wide-spread, Argentina were level when Rolf Feltscher turned Acuña’s low cross into his own net, under pressure from Icardi, but with 35 minutes remaining it should have provided the springboard for Sampaoli’s side to settle and go on to win. Quite the opposite was in fact true.
Desperate for a second, any of the incisiveness from the first half disappeared as Argentina became increasingly ragged with Messi attempting to generate the slightest of spark from a group of players who suddenly looked like complete strangers.
“It’s difficult to remove this ‘Messi-dependency’ from a team when Leo is there. When you know you have the best player you will always look toward him,” Sampaoli said when addressing the familiar criticism of Argentina leaning too heavily on their captain.
While there is undoubted truth in the statement, the manner with which Argentina look for individual inspiration is beyond desperation and ill-fitting of a country of such attacking talent. As Venezuela swarmed around the world’s best player who else could Argentina look to? Éver Banega didn’t provide the creativity that was supposed to free Messi from those shackles, Paulo Dybala was once more frustratingly quiet and Sampaoli’s substitutions failed to have any impact.
Defending deep and in numbers, opposition sides are already acutely aware of how to suffocate Argentina and it is this reason why La Albiceleste average only one goal per game in qualification -- significantly less than half Brazil’s tally and perhaps most damningly an attack better only than Bolivia.

Argentina are now staring down the barrel with two qualifying games remaining (AFP)

And so, Jorge Sampaoli has much to ponder ahead of October’s colossal double-header. The fiery coach was full of praise of his side’s first half display but admitted qualification is now complicated.
“We let an important chance slip but this if football and these things happen. When you have eleven chances on goal and don’t score, it’s confusing. Now things are more complicated because we thought we would be in automatic qualifying places after this round of matches,” Sampaoli admitted.
Argentina remain in fifth and are grateful to Chile’s blip that it isn’t worse but can’t afford any further set-backs.
A resurgent Peru, who are now in fourth after dropping only two points from their last four matches, are the next visitors to Argentina before the critical final day encounter in the altitude of Ecuador.

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Neither on present form are straightforward. Without significant improvement Argentina can forget about holding on to fifth spot and the subsequent playoff against New Zealand, let alone the World Cup.
SOURCE: MSN Sport

President Buhari and his wife arrive Abuja from Daura after Sallah celebrations (Photos)

President Muhammadu Buhari and wife, Aisha have arrived Abuja after spending his Eid el-Kabir break.The president was in the company of immediate members of his family, Media Aide Garba Shehu and the Chief Security Officer, Bashir Bindawa and members of the protocol unit of the villa.

SAM ADEYEMI, JIMI AGBAJE, OKUPE, MIMIKO, OTHERS CONFIRMED FOR NEPLF

The much awaited Nigeria Emerging Leaders Forum hosted by the GLEEHD Foundation is all set to host young politically active youths in in Lagos Nigeria.

The event which is billed to take place on Thursday September 7th, 2017 is going to be divided into five sessions with seasoned politicians taking turns to share their knowledge and experience.

Amongst the list of speakers include the immediate past governor of Ondo state Segun Mimiko, former KOWA party's presidential candidate Remi Sonaiya, Doyin Okupe, ace journalist Dele Momodu and three times Lagos state gubernatorial candidate Jim Agbaje.

Others on the list include, Seun Okin, Dayo Israel, suspended APC's national legal adviser Muiz Banire, Abike Dabiri, Joel Igbokwe and a host of others.

The event which is billed to hold the Arcade centre of Eko Club on Bode Thomas Street, surulere will kick off at 9 am. Interested participants are expected to register and attend for free at www.neplf.gleehdfoundation.org.ng.

Paris St-Germain caught peeing in the pool, says La Liga president

Neymar

PSG more than doubled the world record transfer fee when they signed Neymar for £200m last month
Paris St-Germain and Manchester City have been accused of 'financial doping' by La Liga president Javier Tebas.
Speaking at the Soccerex conference in Manchester, Tebas said the clubs had spent money from outside football and action should be taken to stop it.

Argentina fumble to draw at home in 2018 World Cup Qualifier

Messi

Argentina’s 2018 World Cup qualifying struggles continued with a 1-1 home draw against bottom side Venezuela.

Jhon Murillo gave the visitors the lead with a close-range finish but a second-half own goal earned Argentina a point.

BBC Sports reports that they are fifth in the South American standings with two games remaining and the top four qualifying automatically – the fifth-placed team faces a two-leg play-off against New Zealand.

Brazil, who have already qualified, drew 1-1 with Colombia.

Chelsea forward Willian gave Brazil the lead before Monaco striker Radamel Falcao equalised. Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho came off the bench for Brazil late on.

Uruguay moved up to second after beating Paraguay 2-1 while Peru beat Ecuador by the same scoreline to move up to fourth. Sixth-placed Chile lost 1-0 to Bolivia.

Chile, who are one point behind Argentina, host Ecuador before finishing their campaign with a trip to top-of-the table Brazil in next month’s final qualifiers.

Argentina, who have won the tournament twice and were runners-up in 2014, are level on points with Peru, who they host next, before a trip to Ecuador. Peru’s final qualifier is at home to Colombia

Source: P.M. NEWS Nigeria.