Friendly match : Mata and Herrera provide Manchester United injury boost

Manchester United should be able to welcome back Juan Mata and Ander Herrera for Sunday's friendly with Valerenga in Oslo, Jose Mourinho has said.

Both Spaniards suffered their injuries during United's tour in the United States and will miss Wednesday's International Champions Cup clash with Barcelona in Washington.
Mata picked up an ankle problem in the 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake, while Herrera was substituted just seven minutes after being introduced as a half-time replacement against Real Madrid on Sunday.

Neither will be risked on Wednesday but Mourinho expects them to be able to feature when United return to Europe.
"They cannot play tomorrow [against Barcelona] but I think they will recover in time to be integrated with the team when we go back to work next Saturday," Mourinho told MUTV.
"They will probably play on Sunday [against Valerenga]."

Despite being without two key players against Barca, Mourinho is looking forward to the challenge posed by Ernesto Valverde's side.
"It's the best way to finish the pre-season," he told a media conference on Tuesday.
"We started playing against MLS teams, which was a very good experience for us, to play against a fit team was good for us, then we got a good English team [Manchester City], then Real Madrid.

"Real Madrid played almost with their best team, only [Sergio] Ramos and [Cristiano] Ronaldo didn't play, so we had a good feeling and with Barcelona it looks like everybody is, new players, new manager, so it's the best way to finish the pre-season to play against the best players, the best teams." - Goal

PL news : Mourinho confirms two targets

Jose Mourinho has confirmed he still wants a midfielder and a wide player at Manchester United before the transfer window shuts.

The United manager had outlined up to four positions he felt the club needed to strengthen in a meeting with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward at the end of last season, but the club have so far only brought in Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof.
Mourinho last week urged the club to help him add at least one more player to his squad "as soon as possible", but ahead of United's final pre-season game in their tour of the US against Barcelona, the Portuguese revealed the areas he is now prioritising.

"I'm happy with my squad but I would like to have two more players, I never hide that, one player a midfield player would give me more options to the balance and the team," he said.
"Another one an attacking player, especially that can play through the wings to give me more attacking options but I never speak about players that belong to other teams.
"I don't like if any manager comes and would say he would like one of my players, that's not correct. I would like two more players but probably I only get one."

United's pursuit of Ivan Perisic has been a frustrating one, with Inter Milan saying they will play the Croatia winger on their pre-season tour as they await "the right offer".
Inter Milan manager Luciano Spalletti admits the club are prepared to sell Perisic if United meet their asking price, understood to be £48m.
Mourinho reiterated he is not in control of United's transfer dealings, though, and accepted he must make do with the transfers the club's hierarchy are able to conclude.

"I don't know, honestly, Ed is in control, he did Lindelof and Lukaku, he knows that I would like two more players but he also knows that I have balance," Mourinho added.
"I depend on the situation, the market, and if my club is unable to do two players and just one, I accept that as a consequence of the market now.
"Our relationship is good and I just wait for good news, and good news is to have the players, maybe just the player as soon as possible because to work together with the team is really important.
"But I'm calm, I like my players, I like my squad, I trust them, so I'm calm and that's important."

Mourinho also revealed United were not interested in re-signing Javier Hernandez, who this week said he is relishing the prospect of facing his former club on the opening weekend of the new season after returning to England with West Ham.
"I would always welcome him in my squad because he doesn't need many minutes on the pitch to score," said Mourinho. "But we move in another direction in a younger player in Lukaku and we have Rashford who can be a striker, so we didn't feel that need.

"But no doubt from West Ham to get a player of his experience and quality is very good." - SKY

Child abuse : Grandmother in court for ‘beating’ granddaughter

A 45-year-old woman, Mrs Ronke Shitta, who allegedly beat up her five-year-old granddaughter with a stick was on Tuesday brought before an Ogba Magistrates’ Court, Ikeja, Lagos.

Shitta, 45, who resides at Surulere, Lagos was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Taiwo Akanni on a one-count charge of the indecent treatment of a child.

Prosecuting Inspector Clifford Ogu alleged that the incident occurred at her residence on July 15 at around 2:00 pm.

Ogu said: “The grandmum indecently battered her granddaughter with a big stick, which gave her permanent marks. The neighbours said that was her usual way of beating the five-year-old girl and that she also sends her errands that were too much for her age.”

He told the court that the incident was posted on Facebook before some concerned persons reported it to the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The DPP referred the matter to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) which, on July 17, began the investigation.

According to Ogu, when a DSVRT team visited the defendant’s home to rescue the child and take her into protective custody, the defendant had fled.

The defendant’s husband, however, promised to bring her to the Gender Desk of the Police Command in Lagos the following day and he did.

“The child was subsequently taken into protective custody,” he said.

The alleged offence, the prosecutor added, contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Shitta pleaded not guilty.

Chief Magistrate Akanni granted her N100,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

She adjourned till August 2, for trial. - The Nation

16 rescued, several killed in Lagos building collapse

At least 16 persons were rescued and several others feared dead after a four-storey building collapsed in Lagos on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at Massey/Karena Street, off Campus Bus Stop, Lagos Island.
It was gathered that the building caved-in at 2:30 p.m., shortly after it rained.
Residents said the building was structurally defective, adding that a telecommunication mast was erected on the building two weeks ago.

Five children and 10 adults have been rescued as at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
At least five persons were still trapped under the rubble.
Residents said a food vendor on the ground floor escaped by whiskers but her employees and customers who were eating were among those trapped.

It was gathered that the woman stepped out of the shop few minutes before it caved in.
Another woman identified as Iya Ibeji was said to be under the rubble with her four kids.
Residents said two other female traders were under the rubble.

Although operatives of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) got to the scene early, the crowd prevented them from carrying out their duty.
The crowd also threatened to deal with journalists recording the incident.
The Nation observed that the crowd, which turned down all entreaties from rescuers to leave the site, cut the ribbon used to cordon off the scene.

Policemen and operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were unable to control the crowd as they turned to spectators.
Emergency workers also had difficulty rescuing trapped victims due to proximity of the structure to the neighbouring buildings.
At the time of filing this report, escavation had commenced and one of the structures near the collapsed building had been brought down.
Electric poles around the structures were also pulled down.

LASEMA’s General Manager, Adesina Tiamiyu, who led rescuers to the scene, said over 10 victims have been rescued.
He insisted that their primary focus was to safe life, appealing to the crowd to allow emergency workers do their jobs.
He said: “Honestly, it will be inappropriate for me to grant any interview now because people are trapped under the rubble. Besides, I can’t give you any statistics yet. I know that over 10 persons have been rescued.

“You can see how tense the environment is. The people are not cooperating and I wouldn’t want to add more tension by upsetting them. I will grant interviews when we are sure no one is trapped underneath the debris.” - The Nation

Terrorism : Father, son among four Boko Haram suspects arrested by army

The Nigerian army have arrested four fleeing Boko Haram terrorists, including a father and son at Kurnari village and Nayinawa in Yobe state.

According to a statement issued by Sani Usman, army spokesperson, on Tuesday, the arrested terrorists are Bukar Waziri, 25, Mammade Lawan, 20, and father and son, Muhammadu Damina, 40, and Isah Muhammadu, 15.

Usman said that the suspects were arrested on Monday after they fled their hideout at Talala and Buk in Damboa local government Area of Borno.
“During preliminary investigation, they claimed that they were fleeing from the terrorists’ hideout at Talala and Buk in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State because of the unbearable military onslaughts and bombardments on their various locations,” Usman said.- News Agency 

PL news : Chelsea-Bayern talking points

Chelsea suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup as they continued their pre-season preparations at the National Stadium in Singapore.

The Blues, who cruised to a 3-0 win over Arsenal in their previous fixture, fell three goals behind in the first half before reducing the deficit through Marcos Alonso and Michy Batshuayi.
From Chelsea's shaky start to Bayern Munich's formidable strength in depth, here are five talking points from the game.

Alarm bells for Conte?
It is only pre-season and there are several weeks until the real stuff gets underway, but Conte will still be concerned by the manner in which Chelsea were torn apart in the opening stages. Bayern Munich's three goals arrived in the space of just 21 minutes, and the scoreline could have been even worse before the Blues finally regained some composure.

Each goal was defensively poor from Chelsea's perspective. First, Thibaut Courtois allowed Rafinha's bouncing shot to creep in from 25 yards, then Frank Ribery easily beat an off-colour Cesar Azpilicueta to cross for the unmarked Muller to apply the finish. For the third goal, Muller was allowed to carry the ball forward from the centre circle unchallenged.

Conte can point to the fact that Bayern started their pre-season preparations long before Chelsea and he can also take heart from their fightback, but those early struggles showed he has plenty of work to do on the training field - and, perhaps, in the transfer market.
Alvaro Morata makes his bow
The biggest cheer of the night came when Alvaro Morata trotted onto the pitch for his first Chelsea appearance in the second half. The Spaniard, who only completed his £70m move from Real Madrid three days ago, was introduced in the 64th minute to partner Michy Batshuayi up front.

There was no goal to mark the occasion, but it was still a positive run-out. Morata showed flashes of his ability, including one moment when he launched a Chelsea attack with a driving run through the heart of Bayern's midfield. He will hope to make his first start against Inter Milan.
Opportunities for Boga, Christiansen
Jeremie Boga was the man who made way for Morata. The 20-year-old attacker has spent the last two seasons on loan at Rennes and Granada, but he is now aiming to make an impression on Conte. 

Boga could not beat goalkeeper Tom Starke after latching onto a Cesc Fabregas pass in the first half, but his overall performance was positive, with his pace and power causing Bayern problems.
Another young player aiming to impress was Andreas Christensen. The 21-year-old Denmark international has impressed on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach over the last two seasons, but, like fellow centre-backs Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill, he struggled against Bayern. Christensen improved as the game wore on, but he might need to make more of his next opportunity.

Renato Sanches shines
Renato Sanches has endured something of a fall from grace since his dazzling displays for Portugal at Euro 2016, but his performance at the Singapore National Stadium suggests a return to form could be around the corner. The 19-year-old dominated central midfield against Chelsea, overpowering Cesc Fabregas and N'Golo Kante and distributing the ball intelligently.

Sanches snapped into challenges and won possession for his side high up the field, with Chelsea struggling to deal with his physicality. Manchester United and AC Milan have been linked with the young star after his difficult debut season at Bayern. On this evidence, however, Carlo Ancelotti might be inclined to keep him around.

Bayern show their strength
Bayern's largely dominant performance is all the more impressive when you consider they were missing key players such as Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Arturo Vidal, Thiago Alcantara and Arjen Robben.

The German giants boast formidable strength in depth. As well as Sanches' eye-catching performance, there were encouraging showings from new signings Corentin Tolisso and James Rodriguez. When the Champions League starts up again this season, Carlo Ancelotti's side might take some stopping.

Tottenham keen on Toljan

Tottenham are showing interest in Hoffenheim right-back Jeremy Toljan, according to Sky sources.

The 22-year-old impressed for Germany's U21s at the recent European Championships, which Germany won, and made 20 Bundesliga appearances last term.
Sky sources reported last month that Toljan was one of a number of potential replacements they had scouted to replace Kyle Walker, who joined Manchester City for over £50m a fortnight ago.
Porto's Ricardo Pereira was another but the Portuguese club have recently indicated that Spurs may have to stump up his entire £22m release clause.

Toljan is among new considerations but he is also reportedly of interest to a glut of top clubs following his showing in Poland, and a source has told Sky Sports News that Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen.
Toljan has just a year left on his contract and his market value in Germany is said to be little more than £3m, making him an even more attractive proposition.

Hoffenheim director of football Alex Rosen told German newspaper Bild on Tuesday that they could not compete with the likes of Spurs in terms of wages for a young player.
He said: "If Tottenham come in and offer to treble Toljan's salary, you cannot say: 'London is an unattractive city or Tottenham are a bad club'. This is all very positive, and then young people think about it."

Watch Newcastle v Tottenham on August 13, the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League at 12:30pm.

Transfer news : Deportivo make offer for Arsenal striker

Arsenal striker Lucas Perez has reportedly been subject to a bid worth around £9m from Deportivo La Coruna.

According to the IB Times today, the Spanish side are keen on bringing the 28-year-old back to his homeland and are willing to test Arsenal’s resolve this summer.
Perez left Deportivo only last summer, sealing his big move to the Emirates for a fee stated to be in the region of £17 million.

However, he has since struggled to make a lasting impact on English football, with Arsene Wenger favouring other attacking options.
The club-record signing of Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon is sure to push Perez even further down the pecking order at Arsenal, which could allow him an escape route back to Deportivo.

Perez is claimed to be desperate to leave the club and seek first-team football elsewhere, with him fully aware that chances will come at a premium next season given the attacking personnel that Wenger has at his disposal. - Read Sport

Too early to assess Morata - Conte

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte says it is still "too early" to assess the impact new signing Alvaro Morata will have after the striker made his debut against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The Premier League champions bought Morata from Real Madrid in a club-record £70m deal last week, and the 24-year-old made his bow as a second-half substitute in the Blues' 3-2 loss to Bayern in the International Champions Cup.
The Spain international was given a 27-minute run-out in the National Stadium in Singapore and Conte was pleased with his contribution.
"It's too early to speak about the impact of Morata," Conte said. "He has only been with us for two days and he needs time to work and find his feet and to understand our way of playing.

"But he showed a will to win, to fight and adapt to our style of play. For us, he's a good buy. We need to give him time to adapt, but we must be pleased with his performance today."
Chelsea found themselves 3-0 down after just 27 minutes against the Bundesliga champions, although Conte played down his side's slow start.
"For sure, to lose three goals in half an hour is difficult," he said. "Despite this, the players' response was very good because we didn't give up.

"Our start wasn't good but I think the players showed great willingness to try and change the result. I'm not too worried because we are still in pre-season, we are working very hard and Bayern is one of the top clubs in the world."
Meanwhile, Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti was delighted with his side's first-half performance, but the Italian did not read too much into the Bavarians' early dominance.
Bayern responded brilliantly to last week's 4-0 drubbing by AC Milan in Shenzhen with a scintillating start against Chelsea as Thomas Muller's double after Rafinha's pinpoint shot gave the Germans a 3-0 lead.

"These games in this period are not so real," he said. "Normally, Chelsea's defensive organisation is really good but maybe today they had more problems and Conte was trying out different players.
"I am sure Chelsea will have great defensive organisation in the coming season but it's only the pre-season and we did not want to spend too much energy pressing, so we made the most of our counter-attacking chances."

Muller, new loan signing James Rodriguez and winger Franck Ribery formed a formidable trio behind Polish striker Robert Lewandowski with the German's two sublime strikes singled out for praise by Ancelotti.
"Thomas is very important as he is an intelligent player, able to find space and despite not scoring a lot of goals last season was still very good," the Italian added after late goals in each half for Chelsea made the final score a lot closer.

"At the moment, he looks more efficient in front of goal and that's important for us. The positions he takes on the pitch are very useful for the side."
Rodriguez played his first full match since joining Bayern on a two-year loan deal from Real Madrid and the Colombia international was a constant menace to the Chelsea backline and unlucky not to open his account.

"His performance was good and it doesn't matter if he didn't score. It's important for him to gel with the others and he combined well with Muller, with Lewandowski and with Ribery," Ancelotti said. - Sky Sports

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Transfer news PSG yet to make offer for Sanchez

Arsenal are yet to receive a formal offer from PSG for Alexis Sanchez, according to Sky Sports.

There had been multiple reports in recent times that the French giants were poised to land the Chilean international this summer, and that they had made him one of their prime targets.
However, Sky Sports claim that they have not yet made a bid to sign Sanchez from Arsenal and PSG’s proposals remain speculation.

Despite this though, it is stated that they are willing to pay big money in order to land the versatile forward this summer. The snippet from Sky Sports states that PSG are prepared to pay more than £40m for Sanchez’s signature this summer as they look to build themselves into a force.

Unai Emery’s side have been linked with moves for top players such as Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Sanchez, of course, and they’re evidently willing to put up a lot of money to secure their targets.



However, Arsenal are almost certain to demand a lot more for such a key player.

Ronaldo finally breaks his silence over Real Madrid future

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he wants to stay at Real Madrid for the forthcoming season, adding that he is eager to win more trophies with the club.

Earlier this summer, allegations of tax fraud were brought against Ronaldo in Spain, prompting those close to the player to reveal in the media that he had decided to quit the world’s biggest club and wanted to make a return to Manchester United.

However, Ronaldo later appeared to row back on those comments, with Perez recently insisting in a radio interview that the 32-year-old would not be sold.
And now Ronaldo has for the first time spoken about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu, claiming that he wants to stay and win trophies at the club.

“Winning major trophies with my club last year was great, just like the individual trophies,” Ronaldo the Spanish newspaper Marca.
“Doing it again would be fine.
“You have to work hard, year after year, I will continue to do it. Football is my life, it is my passion.”

Despite Ronaldo making a decision to stay at the club, Real have nevertheless had a busy transfer window already this summer.
The club signed young defender Theo Hernández from Atletico Madrid for €30m, and spent a further €17m on Real Betis midfielder Dani Ceballos.

They’ve meanwhile made over €100m by selling the likes of Alvaro Morata, Danilo, Mariano, Diego Llorente and Burgui.
James Rodriguez has moved to Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deal, with an option to sign permanently in 2019. - The Independent 

Rooney relishing EL campaign

Wayne Rooney is looking forward to fulfilling a lifelong dream by making his European debut for Everton.

The 31-year-old has won the Champions League and Europa League, as well as five Premier League titles with Manchester United, but the visit of Slovakian side MFK Ruzomberok to Goodison Park is getting him excited.
It may only be a Europa League third-round qualifier, but boyhood Evertonian Rooney, who left the club in 2004 three years before their return to continental competition, is relishing the occasion.

"Something I always wanted to do was play in Europe with Everton," said Rooney, who has impressed in two pre-season friendlies against Kenyan champions Gor Mahia and Belgian side Genk, scoring in both.
"I was a bit disappointed not to do that before but now I'll have a chance. Obviously, I won the trophy last year so I'm hoping as a club we can go far and, you never know, try to win it. It would be even better.

"The first game back will be an emotional day for me and I'm looking forward to it. Overall, I'm looking forward to the season, hopefully getting back playing regularly and trying to help this club move forward."
Rooney returned to Goodison for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial in 2015 but his last appearance on his 'home' ground for Everton was against Bolton in May 2004.

"You always get that feeling when you're walking out the tunnel so to actually do it again in an Everton shirt will be a special moment for me," he told Everton's official website.
"It's always been a special place to come and play, even when I've been on the opposing side.
"It's been a positive start back here. It's great that we got so many players in early as we've been able to work together for nearly a month before the first game, get to know each other and how everyone plays.

"It's great to see and great to be a part of."

Pictured : Woman raped, murdered with stick inserted in her private part

A 27-year-old woman from Nkumba Central, Wakiso District of Uganda has been found dead with stick stock in her private part.

Residents of the area were left in shock yesterday after the body of the lady, identified as Rose Nakimuli, was found dumped at a banana plantation naked and a stick inserted in her private part.

According to Daily Monitor, this comes barely three days after a 17- year-old girl, Norah Wayana was discovered killed in the same manner and body dumped in a banana plantation near her parent’s home in the same area.
Rose’s husband, Mr Anatori Ndyabajeera, told the newspaper that he last saw his wife on Sunday evening.

“I was with my wife on Sunday at 5pm, after which I left for my home in Kawafu zone. Later, I called her phone at 7pm to check on her and we chatted for some good minutes.

“However, this morning I tried to call her but she wasn’t answering her phone and I was saddened to hear that she had been found dead.”

Rose is the fifth woman to lose her life in the seemingly increasing serial murders in the area.
However, Entebbe District Police Commander, Godfrey Ninsiima said at the scene that so far, nine people have been arrested in connection with the murders.

He also disclosed that a 10pm curfew has been imposed in Entebbe Town and the neighboring Katabi Town Council as a measure to curb the ongoing murders.

He said, “We already have suspects in custody. Some are already in Kigo Prison. It’s an organized group with ill intentions targeting women.
Also reacting, Kampala Metropolitan South Regional Police Commander, ACP Siraje Bakaleke called on women to avoid moving alone at night and warned that bars that would be found operating beyond 10pm would be shut down.
“We are not going to sleep. We have started making operations in Entebbe and have introduced bylaws to curb the increasing murders.”

Criminal cabal @ work !!! Nigerian government moves to regulate use of social media

The federal government is in a move to set up a council whose duty will be to regulate the use of social media in Nigeria.

The recommendation was made by the National Council on Information, NCI, which suggests, “setting up of a council to regulate the use of social media in Nigeria.”

The recommendation was part of a communiqué issued at the end of Extraordinary Meeting of NCI on Hate Speeches, Fake News and National Unity held in Jos, Plateau state.
The Council, presided over by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, recommended the use of stringent measures in checking conventional media and their programmes.

The Council noted that there was no way vetting and editing posts on Social media could be possible since it has no address.

The Council also suggested that information managers at the state level should open a website that would immediately counter report of any misinformation posted on social media.
It further recommended the killing of whatever is assumed or presumed to be hate speeches or fake news or misinformation by the information managers in various states on social media.
NCI said social media might take over the 2019 elections because Nigerians have come to rely on whatever they find on social media than on conventional media. - Daily Post

Man remanded in prison for allegedly stabbing son

An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded a 30-year-old man, Oyapidan Joshua, in prison for allegedly stabbing his son with a knife.

The accused, who resides on Sagamu road, Abeokuta, is facing a one-count charge of manslaughter.
The prosecutor, Insp Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 15 at about 9:30 pm on Sagamu road.
Eigbejiale said the accused attempted to kill his son by stabbing him with a knife on the neck and stomach.

The prosecutor said the accused had claimed his act was not intentional and had attributed   it to the devil.
The offence, he added, contravened Sections 320 and 335 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Adeola Adelaja, ordered that the accused person to be remanded in prison pending receipt of  legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions .
Adelaja adjourned the case till Sept.1 for hearing.

Integration : Southwest Governors subscribe to 25-year master plan

Governors of the six southwest states yesterday agreed to work in line with a 25-year master plan.

The 11-point communique read by host Governor Ibikunle Amosun, said the governors would set up an inter – State security task force to tackle the menace of fulani herdsmen and other crimes, establish agricultural produce export processing facilities, adopted the 25 years Master Development Plan designed by the DAWN, and hold regional agricultural summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, to tackle food challenges.

They also agreed that the artificial boundaries of states, religions and political affiliation will not act as barrier to the regional development, adding that all the states had been encouraged to improve bilateral cooperation and foster development.
The forum revealed that it would set up a committee to codify the values and ethos of the Yoruba race, in order to strengthen the identity and unity of the people of the region. It was also decided that the forum would henceforth be known as the Western Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Southwest governors yesterday lamented that the splitting of the Old Western Region into six states robbed the people of their spirit of oneness and hampered the pace of socio – economic development.
The six governors – Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti) and Rotimi Akeredolu(Ondo), expressed this sentiment at a meeting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during a regional meeting.

At the end of the meeting, they approved the 25-year decelopment plan designed by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) and agreed to collaboprate on security of the region, agricultural development and improvement of infrastructure.
Amosun, who hosted the meeting, said instead of state creation to “build bridges,” it left the Yoruba land  “digging trenches for protection against their own brothers and sisters” as well as fostering boundary disputes and security challenges among them.

The Governor recalled that many landmark achievements were recorded in Yoruba land when it was under one regional economic umbrella during the time of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as Premier. He advised that  the time had come for them to unite, promote  and re -enact the pre-eminence and achievements of the South-West in the Nigerian federation.
According to him, the onerous task on the hands of  the Southwest governors today  is to lead the  people to further prosperous living and  “Economic Self-Determination for South-West Nigeria” which formed the meeting’s theme.

“We will recall those laudable feats made us the envy of other Regions.
“We have physical infrastructure such as the Cocoa House at Ibadan, which was aptly named after the source of its funding; the Agodi Secretariat at Ibadan; and the different roads that connect our towns and cities some of which are still standing the test of time. We also have the educational infrastructure of which we are still benefitting from today.

“Indeed, many of us seated in this room are beneficiaries of the Free Education Programme of that time. It is the same Free Education Programme that culminated in the establishment of a University that was once the most beautiful campus in Sub-Sahara Africa, the then University of Ife, and now appropriately named the Obafemi Awolowo University, at Ile-Ife.
“We cannot also forget the economic infrastructure; we have the O’odua Group as the umbrella Investment House for the commercial enterprise of the Region such as the Sketch Publication; the Wemabod Estates; the Lafia Hotels; the Premier Hotel at Ibadan; the Area J4 Forest Reserve, etc.

“However, the creation of States from the old Western Region in 1976 which should have been an impetus for further socio-economic development have been allowed to create artificial boundaries between our people.
“And to further worsen the situation, some of our people are also making themselves available as instruments of division because of their selfish political gains. The consequence is that our people begin to see themselves as a people of one state or the other rather than as a sub-unit of the entity of the Yoruba people.

“This is not without its attendant challenges of intra and inter-state boundary disputes which have worsened security in some states and, hampered socio-economic development. Instead of building bridges, some of our people are digging trenches for protection against their own brothers and sisters.
Aregbesola said the old Western Nigeria recorded greater feats when it operated as single state than what obtained today as six states.
“We must be mindful of the fact that as singular state then, we achieved more than now when we are divided into six states.

“We must identify our strengths, unify those strengths and explore the strengths for the benefit of our people. We use the development to galvanise our potentials,” Aregbesola said.
Ajimobi explained that there were gains to be tapped from the numerical strength of the Yoruba,  stressing that should the six Southwest states elect to pull together, they would amount to over 60 million population and fit to become a country.
“I will like to plead for not only inter-governmental relationship but also inter personal relationship. Six of us combined, we are talking about more than 60 million people and that is more than a country.

“We are also talking of landmass of 60km square. With that we can stand as a mini country. If you look at each state in Southwest, if we make use of the potentials available to us , we are bigger than many nations in the world.
“We are as a region, very formidable region, we must not only talk it, we must act it. We reinstate and reinvigorate the concept of Omoluabi. Success is not money but character and industry,” he said.
Ambode aligned with the economic and political integration of Southwest states as espoused by his colleagues, saying it was of great significance to the nation while his Ekiti State counterpart said the forum represented the interest of the Yoruba nation.

Fayose said there was the urgent need for the cooperation and collaboration of all the governors to make the region a place of success again.
For Akeredolu,  the “development agenda for Southwest Nigeria is a great idea”.
“It is a forum where the governors meet to discuss issues of common interest. It is a great task for all us. We have great challenges and we must be prepared to face these challenges; united we stand, divided we fall. This meeting transcends political interest, we are brothers,”  Akeredolu said. - The Nation 

International crime : 5 Nigerians arrested in India for ‘drug, human trafficking’

Five Nigerians have been arrested by the Indian police for alleged drug trafficking.

The Nigerians – Cosmas Ojukwu, 30; John Okorie, 26; Okereke Cyril Anezi, 31; John Paul Onyebuchi, 34 and Ogunka Henry Okechukwu, 31 – were arrested for allegedly being in possession of a wide variety of drugs, including cocaine, brown sugar and amphetamine.
NAN, quoting the Times of India, reports that they were also accused of human trafficking by way of offering Nigerian girls into prostitution.
They were arrested by the Rachakonda police in Hyderabad alongside Palaparthi Sangeetha, 35, their Indian accomplice.

Anezi is said to be the president of Nigerians in Hyderabad and also a student of Nizam College together with Okorie.
Sangeetha and Onyebuchi were first to be arrested – at a bus stop on Sunday “with three grams of cocaine and 200 grams of ganja in their possession”.
“Based on Sangeetha and Onyebuchi’s confessions, police raided Ojukwu’s flat and arrested him having 10 grams of cocaine, 12 grams of brown sugar, 37 blue amphetamine tablets and 40 pink amphetamine tablets, a laptop, 1.54 lakh cash, three cell phones and an Activa vehicle in his possession,” the report said.

Mahesh Bhagawat, Rachakonda commissioner of police, said Cosmas has been procuring drugs from his friend Gabriel, “who operates from Goa and Hyderabad. He supplied drugs through Sangeetha, John Paul and Henry”.
Through his confession, the police reportedly raided the house of Okorie, Onyebuchi and Okechukwu and seized “seven grams of cocaine, 300 grams of ganja, Rs 50,000 cash, laptop and cell phones from their possession”.

The newspaper further said the total drugs and amounts of money seized are 20 grams of cocaine, 12 grams of brown sugar, 39.8 grams amphetamine tablets and pieces, 1.675 kg of ganja and Rs 2 lakh cash.
Onyebuchi and Okechukwu reportedly confessed that in addition to peddling drugs, they also trafficked Nigerian women to customers in Kushaiguda and Neredmet areas.

The commissioner of police was also quoted to have said the Indian visas of Ojukwu, Onyebuchi and Okechukwu had expired years ago.
“John Paul was arrested twice by Mapusa police of Goa in 2016 for illegal stay and drug peddling. Despite knowing about all this, Cyril knowingly provided him shelter at his rented flat in Yapral,” he said.
Cosmas, who came to India in 2012, reportedly has links with drug peddlers operating in Goa, Mumbai and Chennai. - News Agency

Anti-corruption war : MAGU CHARGES CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS TO MONITOR CONTRACT EXECUTION IN NIGER DELTA.

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu has called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the South-South, to brace up in monitoring the integrity and execution of contracts by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

He made the call on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at an interactive meeting with leaders of Civil Society Groups in Rivers and Bayelsa States.  According to Magu, the only modality of fighting the evils of  abandonment and poor contract execution of contracts is to be involved in thier monitoring. ‎ “We must monitor how contracts are being given and how they are executed to ensure transparency and accountability. Also, Civil Society Groups are needed to work with the EFCC in ensuring that right things are done, not only in respect of contract issues but also in all other issues.  Let people do the right thing within the South-South.  If people do the right thing it is for the benefit of the people of Niger Delta”, he said.

The EFCC boss also charged the leaders that they should be ready to serve as a bridge between the Commission and the larger public. He decried the rising rate of poverty within the South-South, noting that money meant for the development of the region is not being accounted for. He, therefore, urged the CSOs to work towards ending corruption in the region by sensitizing youths and other interest groups about the evils of corrupt practices. “Teach the younger once to imbibe self discipline. Teach them to avoid the wrong thing’’, he said.

For the Civil Society Groups to rise to the new responsibilities thrust on them, Magu admonished them to be committed, properly-involved and courageous. .  “We are coming together to adopt a common strategy, be committed and properly involved. You need patience, perseverance and courage.  They will fight you because corruption always fights back but they cannot overcome you because you are doing the right thing”, he said.
The National Director, Coalition of NGOs Against Corruption, Comrade.Haris Chuma, commended the EFCC on behalf of the CSOs. He noted that the fight against corrupt practices have stepped up since Magu came in and promised that the group will show more commitments and responsibilities in the new roles offered them by the EFCC. “We are willing and ready to work with the Commission to bring corruption to an end’’,   he said.

The Zonal Head of Operations, Port Harcourt, Mr. Ishaq Salihu, thanked the CSOs for their time with the Acting Chairman of the Commission. He said that the Chairman remained committed to the fight against corruption and assured them of cooperation at all times. - EFCC

Transfer news : Monaco and Real Madrid agree fee of €180m fee for Mbappe

According to Marca (@marca), Real Madrid and Monaco have agreed a fee of €180m (£160m) for Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe’s future has been a huge talking point this transfer window and he has been linked with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool after his amazing Ligue 1 and Champions League campaigns.
This move would smash the world record transfer fee set by Manchester United after they signed Paul Pogba from Juventus for £89m.

Marca says that Real are ready to “pulverise” all transfer record fees as this looks like an unbreakable transfer record if the deal comes through.
Marca also say that “have reached an agreement in principle with Monaco for the transfer of Kylian Mbappe,” they add by saying that Pogba’s transfer fee could be “ancient history”.

This means that Arsenal will miss out on Mbappe but it is very unlikely that they would be willing to pay the huge sum of £160m for the French youngster anyway. Arsenal’s main concern will now be how Mbappe’s transfer could affect their chase for Thomas Lemar. - Read Sport