Football Legend Roberto Carlos Sentenced to Prison Over an Offence

A judge in Brazil has sent football legend, Roberto Carlos to jail after committing an inexcusable offence. 

Roberto Carlos

 

A Rio de Janeiro judge has sentenced former Real Madrid and Brazil international full-back Roberto Carlos to jail for failing to pay child support.

 

The 44-year-old owes his ex-partner Barbara Thurler 61,000 reais (around 20,000 U.S. dollars), according to documents lodged with the Itaperuna family court in Rio de Janeiro state. Carlos, a father of nine, has two children with Thurler.

 

Judge Mayane de Castro said the family rejected a proposal by the 44-year-old to pay the sum in instalments. The retired World Cup winner's lawyer, Fernando Pittner, said the matter would be resolved without Carlos going to jail.

 

Carlos, who was capped 125 times for Brazil's national team, currently lives in Spain and works as an ambassador for Real Madrid.

 

-Xinhua

Fresh Song-: Dogo Yaro - SAMPULU

Fresh Song From Our Very own DOGOYARO and he calls this club banger "SAMPULU" download share and enjoy

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

AGILA CARNIVAL 2017 WILL BE HISTORICAL- CHIKE MORDI

Porth Harcourt-based Costume Designer, Mr. Chike Mordi spoke to Ogi John and James Ibechi on this year’s (December 2017) edition of Agila Carnival.

 Excerpt:

 Who is Chike Mordi, for the sake of our readers?

My name is Chike Mordi, I am a costume designer.

We understand you are the costume designer for Agila carnival, what is the inspiration; how did you come about the idea of the designs?

As you all know, custom designs are character-inherited. The inspirations for the costumes are drawn from the film. Film-based designs are what we do for the carnival to interpret the theme for the year, which is one people one love. The Idomas are known for their unity because it is popularly said in their dialect “ Opiatoha Ki’Idoma ”. That is, their strength lies in their unity. Based on that, we are working on the design that is based on the history of the people. We look at the Idoma yesterday, today and tomorrow.  

Marketing of carnivals costumes is a huge revenue source where you make the costumes and people buy them, wear them, style up with them and they remain fashionable after the carnival. Are you able to do that for Agila Carnival?

Like you just rightly said in other carnivals around the world, people take freebies; people buy stuff that they can take home for other people to see and know. It’s a sort of creating awareness for the carnival. Yes for this year in Agila Carnival we are looking at having stuffs like that where people can get souvenirs and take home. Not only the souvenirs, we are not going to be in charge of producing the souvenirs of the carnival, but we are also looking at human capacity building, because the people have to benefit from the carnival. The carnival has a commercial value, so we are looking at booming the youths of Benue State – talking to them and training them on these things like producing costumes, to market themselves in the carnival. Produce their artworks, their artifacts and other things  that tourists will come over for carnival, buy and then take home. The 2017 edition of Agila Carnival will witness training, sales and all forms of exhibitions for costumes. And not just costumes, Idoma-based arts will also be on sale. Example are their traditional attires. You have their fabrics and will be put out there for people to know that  Idomas are capable of doing that and if they properly invest in them, they will produce in quantity and they will have commercial value. This year, we are seeing how we can get the people involved because the carnival is for the Idomas and generally Benue people. So they have to embrace their carnival and come together, celebrate themselves so that the world will recognize them and also celebrate them and we are calling on all Benue indigenes, all Idomas, all Tivs, etc. As far as I am concerned there is no difference between them. They are one people. Let them come together and enhance the theme, “One people one love”.

 more after the cut

MUSIC: Linda Ochagla – Shine | @LOchagla

Amb. Linda Ochagla is back with another smash hit  titled “Shine” which is a song of hope and Thanksgiving, the song gives hope to people who have been believing God for a break through in their life, with faith God always keeps to his words, He will do what he says He will do, so never be discouraged in whatever circumstance you find yourself.
“Shine” by Linda Ochagla was produced by Machua Touchez (Tanzania) and was mixed and mastered by Charles Creation (Nigeria) 

Download Mp3: Linda Ochagla – Shine | @LOchagla

Benue BIG BOY "REX MONEY" SPEND MONEY ON MAYORKUN IN LAGOS

Benue born millionaire and ciroc ambassador popularly known as 'Rex' flexed the "mama" cronner of Dmw Mayorkun in lagos city alongside his Rich gang Dangote also from Benue  on his birthday night. After launching a brand new range rover sport, Rex intend to host all the Benue born in August on a pool and concert party this weekend with Mc smart as the host and OD WOODS,JUMABEE turning up the moment. Enjoy photos.

Leave Niger Delta Before October 1 - Militants Warn Northerners, Yorubas

As hate speeches continue to fester in Nigeria with several tribes locked in a cold war, a militant group in the Niger Delta has asked the northerners and the Yorubas to leave their region. 

 

File Photo

 

Niger Delta Agitators, on Thursday asked northerners and the Yorubas in the Niger Delta to leave the region before October 1, 2017.

 

This is contained in a statement signed by the convener of the NDA, John Duku; Ekpo Ekpo of Niger Delta Volunteers; Osarolor Nedam (Niger Delta Warriors); Henry Okon Etete (Niger Delta Peoples Fighters); Asukwo Henshaw (Bakassi Freedom Fighters); and Ibinabo Horsfall (Niger Delta Movement for Justice).

 

Titled ‘Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators to resume attacks on September 10, 2017; Northerners, the Yoruba to leave Niger Delta before October 1, 2017,’ the group stated that it took the decision at a meeting held in Akwa Ibom State.

 

It reads, “After hours of careful deliberations, we unanimously resolved as follows: To commence operation zero oil in the Niger Delta from September 10, 2017 as a preparation for the actualisation of Niger Delta Republic.

“We totally condemn the recent meeting between PANDEF and the Acting President; we see it as another plot to deceive the Niger Delta people. First and foremost, the meeting was marred by inordinate greed of the PANDEF as they did not involve the representatives of the agitating groups and youth leaders.

“We wish to let the Acting President know that those he met have no capacity and cannot solve the current crisis in the Niger Delta; therefore they cannot represent the militants or speak for the Niger Delta people.”

 

The coalition insisted on its demand for 100 per cent control of the resources of the region.

 

“The Federal Government should hand over all oil blocks owned by the northerners/Yoruba to Niger Delta indigenes. All oil companies operating in such oil blocks/wells should vacate by October 1st, 2017.”

 

NDA further called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to relocate its headquarters to any of the Niger Delta states and replace its Group Managing Director with an indigene of the region.

 

“All the multinational oil, gas, servicing and marine companies must relocate their operational base to the Niger Delta, sign a new memorandum of understanding with Niger Delta people which will include Niger Delta indigenes being paid same salaries with foreigners.

 

“We demand independence and sovereign Republic of Niger Delta, all the companies and businesses owned by the northerners/Yoruba in Niger Delta should be vacated before October 1, 2017.”

“We call on all agitating groups to resume attacks/bombings on all oil/gas pipelines, especially the exporting lines across the Niger Delta region from September 10, 2017. This is to ensure zero oil/gas production before October 1, 2017.

 

“We shall work to interface with more patriotic and zealous Niger Delta people to work out new collective approach that will ensure total freedom and complete control of our resources by any means necessary.”

Cartoon Network Responds to Allegations of Airing P*rnographic Content

DStv's Cartoon Network has issued a statement concerning viral allegations and screenshots that the TV station has been showing soft p*rn which is dangerous for kids. 

 

 

A report of an obscene picture displayed on the children targeted television channel has met widespread criticism.

 

DStv's Cartoon Network, in the face of criticism concerning an adult content reportedly aired on its channel, has released a statement to calm nerves.

 

Social media users, mostly parents and morally conscious persons shared reproachful comments following reports that the satellite television station displayed a photo that portrays nudity.

 

In its defense, the children targeted entertainment platform denied any use of obscene images on its channel, claiming that the picture attributed to it is fake.

 

A statement displayed earlier today on DStv's Facebook page reads:

 

"We are aware of the justified concern of some of our African viewers regarding what purportedly shows inappropriate content on Cartoon Network. 

"We can confirm without hesitation that these images are not authentic and have never been broadcasted or shared on any official Cartoon Network platforms in Africa in any capacity.

"The fake images on social media were not produced by Cartoon Network, and are in no way representative of our goal to provide suitable, age-appropriate entertainment for African children and families."

 

 

This development is similar to negative reactions received when Disney's "Star vs the Forces of Evil" aired its first gay scene.

 

The major concern is that children, who make up the main audience of the programme will be badly influenced by the content. In an Africa where homos*xual activities are strongly frowned against, such message is seen as a plot to derail kids from cultural values prescribed by their society.

Confusion Reigns over Neymar PSG Debut

Brazilian superstar, Neymar Jr's debut for PSG might be delayed following a documentation problem he is yet to sort out. 

 

Neymar Jr

 

Neymar is poised to make his much-anticipated debut for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday when they travel to Guingamp in their second game of the Ligue 1 season.

 

However, the French league are still waiting on a transfer certificate from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) before the Brazilian can finally play. The certificate has to arrive before Sunday if Neymar is to take to the pitch at the Stade du Roudourou this weekend, with it possible that FIFA may have to intervene if the RFEF do not send the document by Friday.

 

But the French Football Federation (FFF) appear confident that the saga surrounding Neymar, who cost PSG a staggering world record of 222 million euros ($264m), is near its end.

 

“The transfer is complete, so this should not last,” FFF president Noel Le Graet told sports daily L’Equipe.

 

“The federation is in contact with our Spanish counterparts. There is no reason for this hold-up to continue. “These are complicated deals, but there is no missing document today.

 

“I do not need to tell you that there are a few problems within the Spanish federation. I do not doubt that this will be quickly solved. Wolves do not eat each other, you know.”

 

Neymar watched from the Parc des Princes stands as PSG cruised to a low-key 2-0 win over newly-promoted Amiens in their Ligue 1 opener last time out, and coach Unai Emery will want the forward available sooner rather than later.

 

The 25-year-old scored 105 goals in his four seasons at Barcelona, and his new team will be expecting him to score far more over the next few years. Although the main goal for the capital club is to finally challenge for the Champions League crown, their first task this term will be to retake the Ligue 1 title from Monaco.

 

Spaniard Emery has no doubt that his new arrival will help the team achieve those lofty goals, whether he makes his debut on Sunday or the following week against Toulouse.

 

“He’s a player who will help the club get to a higher level,” he said.

 

“Without Neymar PSG is a great club, but with Neymar it’s a little better. “The way we will adapt being close to a player like him… The other players here are also some great players, so together we can get better and grow.”

 

Once again, PSG’s main rivals for domestic honours appear to be Monaco, who are desperately trying to hang on to rising star Kylian Mbappe in the face of serious interest from Real Madrid.

 

The 18-year-old started in their opening 3-2 victory over Toulouse last weekend, as captain Radamel Falcao found the net. Leonardo Jardim’s principality outfit will be expecting to make it two wins from two when they pay a visit to Dijon on Sunday.

 

Nice, who have the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Napoli on Wednesday, kick off the second weekend at home to promoted Troyes on Friday without their two star players the injured Mario Balotelli and new signing Wesley Sneijder.

 

Lyon’s youthful side started with a 4-0 thumping of Strasbourg last week and travel out to Brittany to take on Rennes on Friday

Rivers Shuts Down 1,886 Illegal Schools

The People's Democratic Party-led administration in Rivers State has closed down some schools as part of the means to sanitize the system. 

 

Governor Nyesom Wike

 

Rivers Government has closed no fewer than 1,886 schools operating without government’s approval, Governor Nyesom Wike said in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

 

Wike made the development known when the management staff of Jesuit Memorial College, Mbodo-Aluu, paid him a courtesy visit.

 

He said the schools were shut for failing to meet specified standards of the state Ministry of education. He said that parents patronising the affected schools had been told to relocate their wards before the next academic session began.

 

According to him, the government will fully implement measures aimed at strengthening the state education sector by September.

 

“We want to maintain standards that will uplift education in the state,” Wike said.

 

Wike also explained that his administration was committed to transforming the state and empowering its people through an enhanced education sector. He condemned examination malpractice associated with some illegal schools operating as West African Examination Council centres in some remote parts of the state.

 

According to the governor, most illegal schools have become WAEC magic centres where examination malpractices are promoted.

 

He, however, commended the management of the Jesuit Memorial College for establishing a branch in Rivers in honour of the 60 students who died in the Sosoliso air crash in Port-Harcourt on Dec.10, 2005.

 

He assured them of the state government’s support to ensure that the school served the people better. Earlier, the Principal of the school, Rev. Emeka Asogwa, explained that the school was established in memory of the 60 students of Jesuit Memorial College, Abuja, who died in the air crash.

 

He commended the state government for partnering the school in infrastructural development. He also appealed to the governor to assist the school to get the Certificate of Occupancy for the 21 hectare of land allocated to it by the state government.

Anambra Massacre: Why Gunmen Attacked the Church on Sunday

A suspected drug deal that went wrong is assumed to be the cause of the massacre in Anambra which left 11 people dead and several others injured. 

The Church premises in question

 

It was a bloody Sunday in Anambra State, yesterday, as unidentified gunmen invaded St Philip’s Catholic Church, Amakwa Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state, killing no fewer than 35 worshippers and injuring scores of others now receiving treatment in different hospitals in the state.

 

But the state police command said only eight persons were killed, while 10 others sustained various degrees of injuries. It was learned that trouble started for worshipers who were in church for the 6:00am Mass, when at about 6:45am, the gunmen rode into the church in a Lexus SUV, as one of them entered the church and shot at close range an elderly man, later identified as Pa Ikegwuonu, while others remained in the vehicle outside.

 

An eye-witness told Vanguard that after killing the old man, the gunman opened fire on other worshipers, as those who tried to flee were cut down by the gunmen outside the church. Pa Ikegwuonu is the father of Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu, a businessman from Amakwa, who built and donated the church to Nnewi Diocese, while his wife was shot on her right arm and still on admission at the teaching hospital. It was gathered that the gunmen were looking for his son, Aloysius, who was said to have returned to the village on Saturday and left later in the day.

 

According to a source, the gunmen had thought  he was in the church and had wanted to deal decisively with him over a yet-to-be ascertained business deal.

 

How it happened — Witness

 

A survivor, Mr. Stephen Ohamadike, told Vanguard at the church premises that the gunmen entered the church around 6.45am as they were about to begin prayer of the faithful.

 

He said: “Those of us who were to say the prayers of the faithful had just assembled at the altar and I had Number 2 which meant that I was to say the prayer for Nigeria. Suddenly, I saw someone who was putting on a cap shooting indiscriminately inside the church.

 

“There was pandemonium and in the midst of the confusion, I just lay down on the floor. The officiating priest and the Mass servers quickly left the altar and the Mass came to an abrupt end.

 

“I counted 11 dead people and many were wounded. I used the vehicle belonging to Pa Ikegwuonu to take him and his wife and others to Evans Hospital where the doctors advised us to go to the teaching hospital. I used the car to convey many other people to the hospital before I came back to Amakwa.”

 

The parish priest, Rev Father Jude Onwuaso, declined comment on the incident, saying the Bishop had directed that only the Diocesan Director of Communications should speak on the matter. Several other parishioners, who sustained bullet wounds were being treated at the hospital, with over 50 medical doctors from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, and other private hospitals around Nnewi battling to save their lives at the Emergency Unit of the hospital.

 

Governor Willie Obiano, who visited both the church and the teaching hospital, described the incident as very worrisome, adding that preliminary investigations by the Police showed that it was a case between two people from the community who were resident abroad.

 

He said: “It is tragic that these two people had to bring their quarrel abroad to the village and to the church where innocent people had to be killed and injured. We are not going to relax until those who perpetrated this heinous crime are apprehended. That I can assure you.

 

“It was so bad that the gunmen went round the church to ascertain that the car belonging to the person they were after was there before they entered the church and started shooting, not knowing that it was his parents that came in the car. “I don’t want churches in this state to become apprehensive because of this incident because it is an isolated case.”

 

The governor commended the doctors for their quick response to save lives, adding that but for their intervention, more lives would have been lost. He promised that the state government would offset the bills of those being treated and assist in bearing the cost of the funeral of those who lost their lives.

 

The police boss told Vanguard on phone that they were yet to know perpetrators of the massacre but urged members of the public to give Police information in order to round them up. According to him, so far, we have not been able to know the exact number of gunmen that attacked the church.

 

He said:  “It could be one, two or more.  They came but did not get their target and they went to the church. We have not declared their target wanted because he is also a victim.  He built a church for his people and that was where the killing took place.

 

‘’They were after him but ended up in the church. We strongly suspect that the killing is related to a drug cartel. Whatever the problem, they should have sorted themselves out there instead of coming to Anambra to wreak havoc. We will certainly involve Interpol in cracking this case and we have already swung into action.”

 

In a separate statement, the state police command said it would leave no stone unturned in fishing out the gunmen.

 

The statement read: “Unknown gunmen had today (yesterday) Sunday, August 6, 2017, entered the church, while the Mass was going on and shot at worshipers. Following a distress call, men of the police force rushed there and are currently rescuing the worshipers.

 

“The hospital authority has confirmed eight persons dead and 18 injured. The command assures Ndi Anambra that the police is on top of the situation and will fish out the perpetrators soon.

 

“Intelligence report/preliminary investigation proved that it is a fight between the two sons of the community living outside Nigeria that caused the incident because one of them built the church which the incident happened.

 

“It is sacrilegious but for now it is still premature to disclose the identities. We will brief the public after investigation is concluded.”

Silverbird TV Reporter Reportedly Beaten By Police During 'Resign or Resume' Protest in Abuja

More controversial details have continued to emerge from the scene of the anti-government protest in Abuja led by Charles 'Charly Boy' Oputa and a former social media manager of the PDP, Deji Adeyanju. 

 

The police officer and the journalist

 

Sergeant Idiake Julius has been accused of brutalising a Silverbird Television reporter, Amadin Uyi during a peaceful protest to compel President Muhammadu Buhari to return to Nigeria after spending 93 days in London, United Kingdom.

 

A picture of him being engaged with the reporter is currently making rounds on social media. Rumours have it that the journalist landed in the hospital after the attack.

 

Astonishing! Meet the Woman Who Claims to Have the Longest Legs in the World (See Photos)

A woman is looking to write her name in the Guinness Book of World Records as the one with the longest legs in the world. 

Caroline Authur

 

A mum of two whose legs measure 51.5 inches from hip to heel claims she has the world’s longest pins, reports Sun UK.

 

The woman identified as Caroline Arthur, a former model who lives in Melbourne, is 6ft 2in tall meaning her legs account for around 69 per cent of her frame. The 39-year-old dermotherapist is now challenging the current Guinness World Record holder – Russia’s Svetlana Pankratova – in a bid to claim the coveted title.

 

“I believe that they are definitely the longest in Australia and, as far as I know, in America, too,”she said.

 

“The lady in the Guinness Book of World Records has legs that are 51.9 inches long so it’s quite close.

 

“Because it’s so close I think it is worth contacting them and finding out exactly where they measure from and getting an official, accurate measurement done.”

 

 

Caroline has always struggled to find clothes that fit her long slim physique and is subjected to stares and astonished glances whenever she is out in public.

 

“Mostly, I enjoy it. My friends always have to be a bit prepared when they venture out with me because people do stare – especially if I’m dressed up in heels,” she said.

 

“I just know by now that if I’m going out with people in the evening, I’m going to get a lot of attention so I am sort of used to it.

 

“I have had a few people say nasty things but mostly it’s great and people are really nice”.

 

Caroline has passed her impressive height on to her two children, 13-year-old Cooper, who is already 6ft 2in, and Zoe, who at 15 stands at 5ft 9in.

 

Caroline’s mother, Janet Ware, however, is only 5ft 2in.

 

Acting President, Osinbajo Unveils Five Super Mushshak Aircraft Bought from Pakistan

Five Super Mushshak trainer aircraft acquired by the President Muhamamdu Buhari-led federal government, were on Tuesday in Kaduna unveiled by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo. 

Yemi Osinbajo

 

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday in Kaduna unveiled five Super Mushshak trainer aircraft acquired by the federal government to boost the capacity of Nigeria Air Force personnel in the country.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the five aircraft are among the 10 acquired by the government from Pakistan.

 

Mr. Osinbajo, who was represented by Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said Nigeria would welcome more support from friendly nations in its efforts to mow down Boko Haram insurgency.

 

“I will not fail to mention that the decision to acquire the Super Mushshak aircraft from Pakistan has greatly promoted the existing bilateral relationship between the two sister countries.

 

“It is our hope that we will continue to have the support and collaboration of other friendly nations, especially as we continue to combat insurgency and other security challenges in our country.”

 

The Acting President, who also witnessed the graduation of 16 young student pilots from 401 Flying Training School, for the first time in 30 years, pledged that the administration would continue to invest in the country’s air arsenal.

 

He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had two years ago pledged to build the capacity of the armed forces to effectively address Boko Haram insurgency and other national security threats.

 

“These achievements are a demonstration of the commitment and visionary leadership of the administration,’’ he said.

 

Mr. Osinbajo stressed that the administration had remained committed to its desire of ensuring a peaceful country.

 

“This has been a major security policy thrust of this administration. We have since embarked on qualitative training and acquisition of new platforms and other supporting equipment for the Armed Forces and security agencies.

 

“We have also sanitised the procurement process of military hardware with a view to eliminating corruption and inefficiency. I make bold to say that we have achieved remarkable savings and infused quality into the system.

 

“This has contributed in no small way to the acquisition of these new aircraft without any encumbrances. It is now your responsibility to make good use of the aircraft as we await the delivery of the last batch by the end of the year.

 

“I have no doubt that the acquisition of the Super Mushshak aircraft would add impetus to the training efforts of 401 FTS.”

 

He lauded the achievements and transformations taking place in the military, linking the feat to “focused and visionary leadership.”

 

“It is heart-warming to see the Nigerian Air Force striving to meet the nation’s security needs through the sacrifices, dedication of the officers, airmen and airwomen,” he added.

 

Earlier, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar said the NAF has attained 70 per cent aircraft serviceability as against 30 per cent two years ago.

 

He said that the training of several combat pilots and other capacity building initiatives had raised the morale of air personnel and their efficiency.

 

“We now have the capability to embark on and sustain major operations simultaneously within and beyond our national boundaries,’’ he said.

 

-NAN

See the Underground Ritualist Den Discovered Along Lagos-Abeokuta Highway (Photos)

A man suspected to be a ritualist has been nabbed and set ablaze by an angry mob after he was found in an underground den. 

The allleged ritualist was caught and mercilessly beaten by an angry mob

 

Photos of alleged underground ritualist den discovered today by a highway sweeper has left many people in serious shock. It was found at Obadeyi under Ojokoro LCDA along the Lagos/Abeokuta expressway. 

 

Some road side sweepers who alerted resident in the early hours of today said a woman and her child were dragged into the hole as she cried for help. After the alarm was raised, one AbdulRaheem was brought out of the canal that links Agbado Oke Odo area still on the expressway.

 

 

Efforts by security operatives to arrest the alleged ritualist proved abortive as aggrieved youths and touts lynched him and set him ablaze as he insisted he can not confess but preferred to be killed.

 

Two other alleged ritualists were caught at obadeyi and Ijaiye ends of the canal.

 

 

They confessed to the fact that there is a ritualist den under the road that has been in operation for over four years. The suspects are presently at Ojokoro police station.

Popular Singer, Kcee Declares Intention to Contest in 2017 Anambra State Governorship Election

Limpopo crooner, Kcee has shocked many people after announcing on his social media handle that he is going to contest in the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election.

 

Nigerian musician, Kcee has shocked his fans with the surprise declaration to run for the governorship position in his state. The singer who is from Anambra state made his intentions known on his Instagram page on Wednesday after posting his campaign photo. The election will take place on the 18th of November, 2017.

 

Kcee wrote: "Its about time, Big Announcement on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 11am.... #Nottooyoungtorun #Attentiontodetail2017."

 

Nigerian singer, Kcee

Breaking News: Kogi Speaker Resigns

The Kogi State House of Assembly speaker has reportedly resigned from his position after pressure was mounted on him.



Speaker, Umar Ahmed

The crises rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly took a new dimension today Thursday as unexpectedly, the Speaker, Umar Ahmed resigned his position.

The letter of his resignation was read by the Deputy Speaker, Hassan Abdullahi who presided the plenary sitting.

A new speaker is about to be elected but sources said, the majority leader, Kolawole Matthew has gotten the nod to be elected.

Details shortly.

RADIO BENUE PARTNERS AGILA CARNIVAL

As part of the glamour for this year's Agila Carnival, the Director-general of Radio Benue has pledged her organisation's sustained partnership because of the Agila Carnival's genuine readiness to impact the society positively.
She made this known when some officials of Agila Carnival led by the organisation's vice president Mr Henry Ipole paid her a visit in her office.
While congratulating the Face of Idoma over Miss Patience Abbah, commended her initiatives towards empowering the youths and assured her of the readiness of the station to propagate her activities and acknowledged the resilience and achievements  of the Agila Carnival so far in engaging the youths meaningfully, and said she was proud to be one of their partners.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of Agila Carnival, Mr Henry Ipole had explained that the visit was to express appreciation to the Director-general  for all her support  and encouragement  to the organisation.

Mr Ipole said the essence of carnival was to promote cultural values in Benue South senatorial District and to engage the youths meaningfully so as to divert their attention  from social vices, noting that the carnival activities  include traditional wrestling,  football competition, Benue's Got Talent, Carnival procession, and Face of Idoma among others.

ZONE C ALGON PARTNERS AGILA CARNIVAL.

This year's Agila carnival is no doubt receiving maximum  boost as meaniful organisations in the state are already lining up support for the carnival. Just few days ago after Radio Benue offered their partnership, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria  (ALGON)Zone C branch in Benue State has pledged  their support in providing intense security  and ensure mobilisation of cultural troupes  from all the Zone C local government areas as well as encouraging involvement of the entire idoma people.

This was made known by the ALGON Chairman, zone C chapter, Hon George Ali who also doubles as the Executive Chairman of Otukpo local government  Council when he played host to the management  of Agila Carnival at the local government  secretariat. Hon Ali commended the team for upholding the idoma culture particularly among the youths for the past five years and expressed appreciation to the Face of Idoma, Miss Patience Abbah, for the numerous projects she had carried out in the Benue South zone especially for registering over fifty students across the local government areas in the zone for JAMB and encouraged her and the management  of the carnival to sustain the tempo.

Earlier, the president of Agila Carnival, Edwin Ochai, represented by his Vice, Mr Henry Ipole, had congratulated the chairman for his well deserved victory at the local government  polls and on his development strides so far. Mr Ipole informed Hon Ali of the change in name of Agila Carnival to Idoma International  carnival and also solicited security for the success of this year's event which comes up in December.