Obama congratulates Jonathan, Nigerians on 53rd independence anniversary

The U.S. President, Barack Obama, has congratulated  President Goodluck Jonathan and the people of Nigeria as the nation celebrates its 53rd Independence anniversary.

Fashola unveils N30bn tallest hotel in West Africa

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, has  unveiled the tallest hotel in West Africa, the Intercontinental Lagos built at a cost of N30 billion.

TB Joshua rescued me from alcohol, drugs and mental issues – Nollywood Actor

Hanks Anuku, an actor and former addict tells how TB Joshua rescued him from alcohol, drugs and the mental problems that plagued him for many years in a recent interview.

Young mothers 'risk factor for early childhood death'

Children born to mothers under 30 are more likely to die than those born to older mums, a report on child deaths in the United Kingdom suggests.

Jealous ex-girlfriend sets rival ablaze

Tragedy occurred at Onugba Nike area of Enugu State when 20-year-old Cynthia Onah allegedly set ablaze another woman, 22-year old Chinwe Igwe for allegedly snatching her boyfriend, one Chika Kelechi.

JUNE 12 REVELATION: I gave Abiola N35m to contest – IBB

Could this be the beginning of understanding the dramas and intrigues of the historic June 12, 1993 election? Perhaps. Perhaps, too, for the first time, the high priest of that epoch, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, is going beyond the first layer of the mystery of what is today referred as “June 12.” The retired army general was the military president at the time and he had managed that political process. Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) was widely believed to have won the election, but Babangida annulled it before the umpire, the National Electoral Commission (NEC), announced the final result. The consequences of that act were dire and the rebounds ugly. Even today, those consequences are still gnawing at the delicate aspects of the country.

Digital broadcasting: Million of Nigerians may not be able to watch television from June 2015

Millions of Nigerians risk not being able to receive television signals from June 2015, if the Federal Government’s casual attitude to the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting does not change.

Robbers invade churches, cart away valuables

This is not the best of times for churches and clergymen in Anambra State. Call it signs of the end tme and one is not far from the truth. Hitherto, sacred places often dreaded even by the insane are now targets of daredevil robbers. There is a slogan right now in the state which says “one Sunday, one church robbery.”

42 die, 100 missing in River Niger boat mishap

A boat mishap has occurred on the River Niger close to Malilli village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, claiming no fewer than 42 lives. It was gathered that the 42 were passengers on board the ill-fated boat drowned, while 100 others have been declared missing.

Miss Philippines crowned new Miss World

A new Miss World was crowned Saturday, and though she competed as Miss Philippines, she hails from the United States.

Megan Young, 23, an aspiring filmmaker, took the top honor at the competition, held in Bali, Indonesia.

Pastor killed while preaching

Bond is set at $1 million for a Louisiana man accused of shooting and killing a church pastor as he preached in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Friday night.

Boko Haram kills 50 students in Yobe

Suspected Islamist gunmen have attacked a college in north-eastern Nigeria, killing up to 50 students.

The students were shot dead as they slept in their dormitory at the College of Agriculture in Yobe State.

Olawale Ayodele Ojo aka Pimp wins MTN Project Fame West Africa season 6.

Olawale Ayodele Ojo is a 400level Agronomy Student of Ladoke Akintola
University, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria has won this year's MTN Project Fame West Africa season 6.

Chinese bizman arrested for fraud

The Special Fraud Unit, SFU, Milverton, Lagos, has arrested a Chinese Chief Executive Officer of a manufacturing company in Ogun State over an alleged $644,171 fraud in China.
The 50-year-old suspect, Mr. Fang Yang, reportedly fled China to Nigeria in 2001 after his alleged accomplice and prime suspect, Leng Jiqing was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Lamar Odom 'leaves rented home in Palm Springs where he had been smoking crack cocaine with a woman' to meet wife Khloe Kardashian in LA

He was reportedly holed up in a house 100 miles outside of Los Angeles where he was reportedly 'smoking crack cocaine'.

But TMZ have now reported that the basketball star has fled the rented property in Palm Springs, to return to the Tarzana home he shares with wife Khloe Kardashian.

Michelle Obama's ID details hacked

Hackers stole millions of social security numbers by cracking open the networks of large US data brokers, reveals an investigation.

The ID details of US First Lady Michelle Obama and many other famous people were exposed by the hack attack.

Pastor, 2 kids killed as Boko Haram opens fire in church

Suspected Boko Haram Islamists on Thursday opened fire in a church in Nigeria’s restive northeast, killing the pastor and his two children before setting fire to the building and fleeing, the military said.

HEART ATTACKS AND WATER

How many folks do you know who say they don't want to drink anything before going to bed because they'll have to get up during the night.
Cardiac doctors will tell you gravity holds water in the lower part of your body when you are upright. When you lie down and the lower body seeks level with the kidneys, it is then that the kidneys remove the water because it is easier.

Twin sisters give birth on the same day

Babies Aiden and Donavyn were born about two hours apart to Ohio mothers who are identical twins.

Boko Haram leader, Shekau, claims he’s alive

Barely one month after the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) declared him dead in a border town, following gunshot wounds, Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, on Wednesday spoke on Youtube, claiming to be alive.

Woman escapes death after container fell on car

Its  impossible for anyone to survive this scenerio as seen in the picture when its not a movie. A Chinese woman made a miraculous escape after her car was crushed by a giant container as she was driving alongside a lorry carrying the huge, orange box, which suddenly listed to one side.

Delta kidnap kingpin, Kelvin, nabbed

A combined team of Army and Department of State  Security Services, (SSS), operatives, in a coded military operation, seized, in the early hours ofWednesday the most wanted kidnapper/armed robbery kingpin in Delta State, Kelvin Oniarah, and five of his gang members, in an undisclosed hotel in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Mother pictured drinking beer at school gates as she waits to pick up her kids

Perched on railing with a can of lager in one hand and a cigarette in the other, this mother is hardly setting a shining example to children filing out of a nearby primary school.

Richard Gere, wife set to end 11-year marriage

Actor Richard Gere and his wife Carey Lowell have separated and are planning on divorcing.

Poachers in Zimbabwe poison 87 elephants for ivory, official says

More than 80 elephants in Zimbabwe have been poisoned with cyanide -- the latest victims of poachers keen to feed soaring global demand for illegally trafficked ivory.

Since May, the carcasses of 87 elephants have been discovered in Hwange National Park, said Caroline Washaya-Moyo, public relations manager for Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.

Vatican excommunicates Aussie priest who backed gay ‘marriage’, gave Communion to dog

The Vatican has excommunicated a Melbourne priest who backed same-sex “marriage” and set up a rebel group for disgruntled Catholics after he was suspended two years ago following a homily promoting women’s ordination.

Govs Babangida Aliyu, Ahmed in N81 Billion Naira Fraud…The Saraki Connection

Two of the rebel Governors,  Kwara’s  helmsman, Abdulfattah Ahmed, and Niger States’ Babangida Aliyu, are alleged to be involved in some multi Billion naira  deals  running into over N81 billion.
Pointblanknews.com gathered that While Ahmed is alleged to have used a Bureau de Change owned by his brother to move N60 Billion through about 40 bank accounts, Aliyu is yet to account for the N9 billion he got through the capital market and another N6 billion the state got from Zenith Bank for ‘infrastructural developments’

British boy, 4, confronts Kenyan mall gunman who gave him Mars bars and begged for forgiveness

A four-year-old British boy caught up in the Kenya mall massacre showed astonishing bravery by confronting a marauding gunman who ended up begging for his forgiveness, it has emerged.The child told one of the terrorists that he was a 'very bad man' as he protected his mother who had been shot in the leg, and six-year-old sister.

Ribadu lied about assassination attempt, withdrawal of vehicles – Okiro

Former Inspector General of Police and Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Mike Okiro, has described former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as a liar.
Reacting to Ribadu’s evidence in a London court, in the case  involving former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori; Okiro said in a statement that Ribadu lied about attempt on his life and alleged withdrawal of cars attached to him while he was with the EFCC.

Fashola to engage youths on energy conservation

…As Lagos Govt plans to launch 2 new IPPs

Lagos as the only state in Nigeria with a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has arguably the most aggressive energy development agenda in the country. The state government has embarked upon several energy-related projects over the last few years. From Independent Power Plants (IPPs) to Public Lighting, to Solar Energy Projects; Youth Development programs to Household Energy and Emissions Calculators, the state is strategically increasing power supply in a sustainable and socio-economic manner.

CBN goes tough on politicians over dollar spending

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday condemned the arbitrary use of the dollar as against the naira in the country by  politicians, saying that its new policies would be issued soon to curtail this arbitrage.

Speaking at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja, CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said that the committee was satisfied with actions taken at the last MPC, and therefore, decided to hold the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 12 per cent. Whereas Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) on public sector funds was retained at 50 per cent, CRR on private sector deposits was also retained at 12 per cent.

President Jonathan to contest 2015 election

President Goodluck Jonathan declared in New York, United States of America on Monday that he could contest the 2015 presidential election because the Constitution empowers him to be in office for  eight years, on two term basis.

11 million Nigerian kids suffer from malnutrition -UNICEF

Country Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Jean Gough has said 11 million Nigerian children are suffering from malnutrition.

Gough who was in Maiduguri, Borno State capital noted that poverty and ignorance were mostly responsible for malnutrition in most developing countries of Africa. But she said UNICEF would be ready to provide information on nutrition of children to women.

Ailing BlackBerry agrees to $4.7 billion buyout

BlackBerry announced Monday it has agreed to a $4.7 billion buyout by a consortium of investors who plan to take the struggling Canadian smartphone maker private.
The company said in a statement that it has “signed a letter of intent agreement under which a consortium to be led by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited has offered to acquire the company subject to due diligence.”

Gunmen kill 160, abducted 10 women in Zamfara

Governor Abdulazez Yari of Zamfara  on Monday said gunmen killed 160 people and abducted 10 married women in different villages of the state in the last three months.
Yari made the disclosure when he addressed members of the House Assembly on security situation in the state in Gusau.

Tenant kills landlord, wife, sets house abaze

A tenant in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, south south Nigeria allegedly set his residence ablaze, Monday, killing his landlord and landlady.
The house is located at Asuquo Eyo Street in Ifa Ikot Okpon, Uyo Local Government Area of the state.

14,000 ex-bankers sue CBN over unpaid entitlements

Fourteen thousand ex-workers of non-consolidated banks in Nigeria have sued the Central Bank of Nigeria over the bank’s alleged refusal to pay their entitlements.

The ex-bank workers sued as registered trustees of the Association of Non-Consolidated Banks, Nigeria, in the matter that came up for hearing at the National Industrial Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on Friday.

Boy cuts knee, snail emerges 3 weeks later

When Ken Franklin picked up his 4-year-old son from daycare and asked how his day went, he got a pretty nonchalant answer. He said, 'Oh, dad, I pulled a snail out of my knee,'" Franklin told ABCNews.com with a laugh. "I said, 'That's nice. Here, have some popcorn.'

Presidency denies Jonathan in New York with 600-man delegation

The Nigerian Presidency has been compelled to deny reports circulating in social media that President Goodluck Jonathan travelled to New York for the UN General Assembly with a 600-man delegation all at the expense of government.
Spokesperson of the president, Reuben Abati has issued a statement categorically denying the report and describing it as false, saying the president travelled with less than a 30-man delegation to the event.

I’ve sold only 30 stolen vehicles – Engineer

A self-acclaimed Building Engineer has told operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State Police Command, that he is not an armed robber but a receiver of stolen vehicles.

The suspect, Kayode Haruna, who claimed to be a graduate of Yaba College of Technology, was alleged to have bought over 50 stolen vehicles from armed robbers at low prices after which he would sell them to members of the public.

Herbalists accused of gang-raping housewife remanded

A Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State, south west Nigeria has ordered that two herbalists accused of defrauding their client and raping her be remanded in prison.

Magistrate Olusola Aluko gave the order because of the refusal of the suspects to appear in court for 12 times without any genuine reason.

Police begin probe into Abuja killings

The Nigeria Police Force has begun an independent investigation into the killing of eight suspected members of  the fundamentalist Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in Abuja on Friday.

It was learnt  on Sunday that the police authorities did not believe the claim of the Department of State Security that the suspects, who were killed by the SSS and Army operatives in  two uncompleted buildings in the Apo Legislative Quarters, were members of  the sect.

NNSG lauds Mark over call for national confab

The Nigerian National Summit Group (NNSG) at the weekend commended the  Senate President, Senator David Mark for his call for a National Conference. In a statement signed by the its Executive Secretary, Tony Uranta, the group said one of the areas of concern of the proponents of a National Conference has been the suspected non-disposition of members of the National Assembly to this necessary round-table discourse, adding that the recent call by Senator Mark for a national conference has come as a pleasant and popularly welcome development.

Nigeria's President leads 600-man delegation to UN's General Assembly

Nigeria, which has failed to focus on implementing the United Nations Millenium Development Goals, is sending a record 600-man delegation to the 68th General Assembly in New York which will focus on a follow-up plan, SaharaReporters investigations reveal.
The delegation is led by President Goodluck Jonathan, who will speak at the plenary debate on Tuesday.  It includes two state governors and the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

Suicide bombers kill 77 at Pakistan church

A blast at a Protestant church in northwest Pakistan killed 77 people and wounded more than 120, a local official said.

The attack took place at the All Saints Church of Pakistan, in the violence-plagued city of Peshawar, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the country's capital, Islamabad.

$270 million worth of cocaine found on Air France flight

There was something odd about the 30 suitcases that showed up on a flight from Venezuela. The colorful bags weren't registered to any of the passengers on the plane.

When French officials opened them up, they discovered why -- 1.3 tons of pure cocaine were stuffed inside the anonymous bags.

The street value of the stash? About 200 million Euros, or $270 million.

Death toll in Borno attack up to at least 142

The death toll from an attack in Borno that saw insurgents dressed as soldiers set up checkpoints and gun down travellers on a highway has risen to at least 142, an official said Sunday.

Kenya confirms 59 killed in mall attack

The death toll in Saturday attack on a Kenyan mall in Nairobi has risen to 59, the cabinet Secretary of the Interior Ministry, Joseph Lenku, said on Sunday.
Lenku, who gave the new figure while addressing journalists in Nairobi, said the number of the injured had equally risen to more than 175 and were currently receiving medical attention at various hospitals across the city.

Hurricane Manuel hits Mexico; dozens missing after mudslide

Dozens of people are missing after a mudslide buried homes as Manuel pounded the country's Pacific Coast, Mexico's president said Wednesday.

At least 58 people are unaccounted for in the municipality of Atoyac de Alvarez, Mexican Pesident Enrique Peña Nieto told reporters Wednesday, describing damage there as "catastrophic."

ASUU may end strike next week

Hope of an early resolution of the strike embarked on by the public universities’ lecturers rises as the Vice-President Namadi Sambo met with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in Abuja on Thursday.

The meeting held behind closed doors had in attendance the supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike and the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie.

Chinese arraigned for attempting to rape Nigerian girl

Two chinese men, Chen Gang, 47 and Zhao Weidong, 31, have been arraigned  at the Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State,  for allegedly conspiring to rape a 20-year-old Nigerian lady, Oluchi Chukwuemeka.

The incident was said to have happened at Railway Compound in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos.

The men were said to be employees of a popular Chiense construction firm, China Civil Engineering Construction Company.