Military airstrike kills several bandits in Kaduna forest

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November 14, 2020

The Defence Headquarters has claimed victory over some bandits using Kwabiambana Forest area in Kaduna State as hideout.

It noted that the nefarious operations of the bandits, who also engage in cattle rustling, were disrupted by the Air Component of Operation Thunder Strike of the military.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, said in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, that the operation was conducted on Nov. 12.

Giving details on what led to the operation, Enenche said they acted following reports indicating that close 100 bandits carrying high calibre weapons, mounted on motorcycles, had rustled a large number of cattle and other livestock from Dankolo and Machitta villages.

He disclosed that the bandits and the rustled livestock were subsequently spotted by a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft on a reconnaissance mission at Kaboru village heading towards Kwiambana Forest.

According to him, the Air Component, therefore, dispatched a NAF attack helicopter to the location which engaged the target area, leading to the neutralisation of several of the bandits.

Covid-19: Don’t return home for Christmas – PTF advises Nigerians abroad

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Toby

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November 14, 2020

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The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 has advised Nigerians in diaspora against coming home for Christmas celebration.

The task force noted that there would be testing and compulsory seven-days isolation for those abroad planning to come to Nigeria in the festive season.

National Coordinator of the PTF on Covid-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu made the appeal Friday during the weekly briefing of the Task Force.

He noted that the nation adopted this as one of the safety measures to control the second wave of COVID-19 spread.

Aliyu said it was very important for the Nigerians in diaspora to remain in their present locations for the time being.

“We know that we are going into the Christmas period and we are looking at steps to minimize the number of people we see during this period.

“If you do not need to travel, remain in the country during the period.

“If you are outside the country, now is not the time to start coming in on holiday.

“If you do have to come into the country on holiday, be aware that you have to do the mandatory seven days isolation and you have to be tested and confirmed to be negative.

“We will not be relaxing the rules simply because it is holiday season,” the Presidential Task Force on COVID coordinator said.

Sanwo-Olu launches Nigeria’s ‘first assembled electric car’

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Toby

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November 14, 2020

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday participated in the official launching of what has been described as Nigeria’s first assembled electric car.

TheNigeriam gathered that the electric car, named ‘Hyundai Kona’, was assembled by Stallions Automobile factory.

In his remarks at the launch, Sanwo-Olu said the state government will provide charging points for electric cars, and continue to partner with stakeholders who are ready to bring in innovative ideas that will make Lagos stand out and further create an enabling environment where business can thrive.

Speaking about the development, the Managing Director of Stallions Group, Rohtagi Manish, said the innovation is a step towards keying into an eco-friendly green Lagos, as the material used to assemble Nigeria’s First one hundred percent Electric zero-emission car was mostly sourced locally.

Senate commends Buhari for assenting to Banks, Financial Institutions Act 2020

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Toby

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November 14, 2020

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The Senate on Saturday praised President Buhari for endorsing the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020.

Media Committee Chairman, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the assent has effectively repealed the 1991 edition.

He expressed hope that the Act will rejuvenate the financial system and enhance the development of the economy.

“The work which has gone into the passage of this bill, like some previously assented to by Mr President, underscores the determination of the 9th Assembly to focus on the path of economic growth and development of our country.

“By this law, banks and financial institutions will be able to offer productive sectors of the economy, quality banking and financial services as well as ensure recovery of non performing loans”, he said.

Basiru noted that enactment of the BOFI Act followed other Bills passed by the Senate to boost critical areas for the economy.

He listed some as the Petroleum Profit Tax Act CAMA Act, Finance Act, Police Act, Deep Offshore and Profit Sharing Contract Act.

Obaseki re-appoints Osarodion Ogie as SSG, defers other appointments until 2021

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Toby

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November 14, 2020

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Edi State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has reappointed Osarodion Ogie as the Secretary to the State Government.

The governor announced the appointment on Saturday via his Twitter handle.

“I have approved the appointment of Osarodion Ogie Esq., as Secretary to the State Government,” the governor tweeted.

While noting that the SSG’s selection is the only appointments to be made, for now, Obaseki said he would announce his other aides to make up his cabinet on February 2021.

“This is the only political appointment to be made for now. All other appointments are deferred to the first week of February 2021.

All other appointments are deferred to the first week of February 2021,” he added.

Obaseki, who was sworn in on Wednesday for a second time in office, dissolved the cabinet that served with him in his first tenure hours before his swearing in.

Until his first appointment as SSG in 2016, Ogie was the Director-General of Obaseki’s campaign organisation.

He also served as the Commissioner for Works in the state under the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Why we approved ‘slight increase’ in petrol price — NNPC

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Toby

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November 14, 2020

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THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed the reason for what it described as “slight increase” in the ex-coastal price and ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol.

The corporation made the disclosure on Friday in a statement issued by its spokesman, Kennie Obateru.

According to Obateru, the “slight increase” in the price of petrol is due to the fluctuating realities of demand and supply.

He noted that the correct prices, as seen on the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company’s online portal for procurement of petroleum products are: N128 for Ex-Coastal Price and N153.17 and Ex-Depot Price (with collection).

Obateru advised petrol marketers to make their purchases through “the online PPMC platform at the recommended prices.”
He added that ex-coastal and ex-depot prices are expected to impact on pump prices nationwide.

The increase in petrol rice to 170/litre has attracted backlash from groups and prominent individuals in the country.

The main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has described the decision as “wicked and unbearable” adding that there is no justification for the increase by the Buhari administration, which PDP said, is “bent on fleecing Nigerians.”

Musa, Iwobi apologise to Nigerians over Sierra Leone draw

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Toby

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November 14, 2020

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Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has apologised to fans following their shock 4-4 draw with Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Benin.

The Eagles were shocked on Friday evening when the visiting Leone Stars fought from four goals down to draw 4-4 and pick a point from the encounter.

A brace from Alex Iwobi and goals from Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen saw the Gernot Rohr side cruising in the first half before Quee Kwame, Mustapha Bundu and Alhadji Kamara (brace) scored to equalise.

Musa, who played for most part of the game, has expressed his sympathy for Nigerian fans, assuring of a better performance when the teams go head to head again next Tuesday.

“Dear Nigerians on behalf of myself and my teammates we are really sorry for the disappointment,” Musa said in a video published on the Super Eagles verified Twitter handle.

“We know we made a very big mistake in the game but there’s nothing we can do, that’s football, sometimes we win sometimes we lose. But we are going to correct our mistake in the next game Insha Allah.

“We are going there and do our best to see that we qualify for the AFCON and we know we can do it.

“On behalf of myself and my teammates we are very sorry for the game, we will make it up,” the captain said.

Reacting also after the game, brace-scorer Iwobi tweeted: “Deeply Disappointed , We’ll Work To Put Things Right.”

Despite the draw, the Super Eagles remain top spot in Group L with seven points, and will face Sierra Leone in matchday four at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown on Tuesday.

Scores of secret service agents down with COVID-19 after campaign trips with Trump

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Toby

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November 14, 2020

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US-POLITICS-TRUMP — US President Donald Trump leaves the 72nd US Women's Open Golf Championship at Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster, New Jersey, July 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

The US Secret Service, which guards President Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and the White House, has been struck by an outbreak of COVID-19, US media reported Friday.

The Washington Post said that more than 130 Secret Service agents were infected by coronavirus or in quarantine due to contact with infected people.

The outbreak came after numerous agents traveled to campaign rallies with Trump where many officials and most of the attendees went maskless.

It also follows several White House events in the past three weeks led by Trump, including an election night party November 3, where most of those present also did not wear masks.

Afterward a number of officials reported positive COVID-19 tests, including Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows.

The New York Times said at least 30 uniformed Secret Service officers had tested positive in recent weeks in a “sustained” outbreak, and some 60 have been told to quarantine.

It was the latest of several waves of infection to hit the service since the pandemic struck the United States.

Several Secret Service agents were forced to self-quarantine after a Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma in June.

The same happened again after a July speech to sheriffs in Tampa, Florida led to positive COVID-19 tests.

The service also had an outbreak at its training academy in Maryland.

Secret service has around 7,000 employees, including the uniformed agents who guard the White House and presidential events, and the storied civilian suit-wearing bodyguards who stay close

to the president, vice president, president-elect and others, pledging to “take a bullet” for their charge.

Asked about the reports, Secret Service spokesperson Julie McMurray said they will not release any details on COVID-19 infections “for privacy and operational security reasons.”

“The health and safety of our workforce is paramount,” she added.

“We continuously assess the requirements necessary to operate during the pandemic and ensure we remain prepared and fully staffed to carry out our critical integrated protective and investigative missions, neither of which has been degraded by the pandemic,” she said.

10-year-old comedian Emmanuella builds house for mum

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Toby

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November 14, 2020

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Young comedian Emmanuella Samuel has built a house for her mother.

The 10-year-old shared pictures of the new structure and the dedication on Instagram.

“I built this for you mom. For all the prayers, all the encouragement and support. Mummy I know you said you want a portable house and this is it,” she wrote on Saturday.

“But forgive me because I must complete your mansion for you next year. Don’t worry it won’t make us go to hell.”

Emmanuella began comedy at the age of five in 2015.

She became well known after the comedy skit ‘This is Not My Real Face Oh’.

Emmanuella was born in Port Harcourt.

Scores of Secret Service Agents Infected with COVID-19 After Campaign Trips with Trump

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