Ambode, UNILAG VC task civil servants on teamwork (Guardian)
Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday emphasised the importance of teamwork and synergy in achieving corporate objectives, declaring that synergy held the key to maximum and ultimate performance as it represented “our way” rather than “my way or your way.” According to him, it also represented the commitment of his administration to assist the state civil service to appreciate and acquire the benefits that trainings bring to bear in attainment of strategic objective of government and the effectiveness of the institutions of state civil service. He said this while declaring open a two-day training for top civil servants in the state with the theme: ‘Team building and synergy workshop for peak performance,” organised by the Lagos State Ministry Establishments, Training and Pensions. Read more
‘Kogi, Bayelsa gov election to hold on Nov 2’ (Punch)
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday said the governorship election in Kogi and Bayelsa states would hold on November 2. The National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education, INEC, Mr Festus Okoye, in a statement also said the commission had approved the timetable and schedule of activities for the election. He stated that the official notice for both elections would be issued on August 1, while the parties were to hold their primaries from August 2 to 29. Read more
Adamawa employs 1,540 teachers despite Finitiri’s warning (Punch)
The Commissioner for Education, Adamawa State, Julius Kadala, has said state government would soon issue employment letters to 1,540 new post- primary school teachers whose recruitment process was just concluded. Kadala said his ministry had highlighted a manpower deficit of over 5,000 secondary schools teachers in the state but only got approval for 1,540 teachers because of the state government’s lean resources. He said, “But employment letters for the 1,540 successful candidates who have been interviewed and screened out of 26,400 applicants will be given to them in a week’s time.” Read more
Ex-deputy gov sues Akeredolu, alleges unpaid entitlements (Punch)
A former deputy governor in Ondo State, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, has dragged the Ondo State Government to court over non-payment of his outstanding emoluments and monthly pension arrears. Oluboyo, through his counsel, Mr Olu Ogidan, in the suit, asked the court to compel the government to pay his gratuities and pension running into millions of naira. It was gathered that the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adekola Olawoye, had in a letter affirmed that Oluboyo was entitled to his gratuity but silent on his monthly pension as passed into law by the state House of Assembly. Read more
Police charge four ex-SARS officers to court (Guardian)
Four dismissed officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad were yesterday arraigned before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, over alleged abuse of office. The dismissed officers, Sgt. Adeoye Adekunle, Sgt. Adeniran Adebowale, Sgt. Agbi Lucky and Sgt. Odighe Hehosa, who were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, corruption and abuse of office, pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were dismissed and subsequently charged before a Magistrate’s Court for armed robbery, kidnapping, unlawful detention and intimidation, as well as threatening violence. Read more
Falana condemns Ubani’s continued detention by EFCC (Punch)
Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), on Tuesday condemned the continued detention of a former Nigerian Bar Association chief, Mr Monday Ubani, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, without charge. Falana, in a statement, demanded the immediate release of the former 2nd Vice-President of the NBA from the anti-graft agency’s custody, where he had been held since March 19. The senior lawyer maintained that the detention of the ex-NBA chief and one Christopher Enai, for standing surety for a suspect who allegedly absconded, was unwarranted because the act did not constitute a criminal offence in Nigeria. Read more
Residents lament estimated billing, reduced power by Ikeja Electric (Guardian)
Residents of Abule Taylor have expressed displeasure over the low power supply and high bills being charged by Ikeja Electric (IE) since February, which has led to the collapse of small-scale businesses in the area. According to the residents, an attempt to meet with officials of IE to sort out their complaints about what they termed crazy billing has resulted to a backfire from the company. They alleged that the community was being punished for questioning the decisions of the company by reducing power given to the area to barely four hours a day. Read more
Israel election: Netanyahu set for record fifth term (BBC)
PM Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to secure a record fifth term after almost complete results from Israel’s election suggest a new right-wing coalition. His Likud party is expected to finish with a similar number of seats as ex-military chief Benny Gantz’s centrist Blue and White alliance. But Likud and right-wing allies are set to be the largest bloc with 65 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, local media said. The 69-year-old premier is facing corruption allegations. However, the election result means he could become Israel’s longest-serving prime minister later this year, overtaking Israel’s founding father David Ben-Gurion. Read more
Dalai Lama, 83, taken to hospital in India (BBC)
The Dalai Lama has been admitted to hospital in the Indian capital, Delhi, with a chest infection, but is reported to be in a stable condition. His private aide Tenzin Taklha said he was flown to Delhi from his hill town base after complaining of discomfort. The 83-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader fled to India 60 years ago after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. The Nobel peace laureate is a hugely popular speaker but has cut down his global engagements in recent years. Read more
Chukwu is in stable condition —NFF (Punch)
Nigeria legend Christian Chukwu is in good health and of sound spirit, says Chairman of the Enugu State FA and Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Chidi Okenwa. Following outcry at the weekend over the true state of health of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning team captain, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, mandated Okenwa to pay a visit to Chukwu and avail him of the correct state of things. Speaking to thenff.com on Monday evening following his visit to the former defender, Okenwa said Chukwu was in a very stable condition and adequately taken care of in a medical facility in Enugu State. Read more
Nigeria, Egypt qualify for ITTF World Junior Championships (Guardian)
For making the final of the team event at the ongoing ITTF African Junior and Cadet Championships, Nigeria and Egypt have secured their places at this year’s World Junior Championships (WJC) holding in Thailand. In the boys’ semifinal tie, Nigeria had an easy 3-0 win over Togo, while Egypt was made to work hard for their 3-1 victory over Tunisia. For the girls’ clash, Egypt recorded an emphatic victory over Tunisia but Nigeria had to give their best against Mauritius to be sure of their spot in Thailand. Read more
Son fires winner after Kane hobbles off (BBC)
Son Heung-min’s late goal gave Tottenham a crucial and well-deserved advantage over Manchester City in a thunderous Champions League quarter-final first leg. In a searing atmosphere in their vast new stadium, Spurs overcame the loss of Harry Kane to a serious looking ankle injury – sustained when he challenged Fabian Delph in the second half. And they made the breakthrough with 12 minutes left as Son twisted and turned on the byeline before shooting low past Ederson. Read more
Liverpool take control against Porto (BBC)
Liverpool took command of their Champions League quarter-final with Porto thanks to two first-half goals in the first leg at Anfield. Naby Keita put Liverpool in front in just the fifth minute when his shot from the edge of the penalty area deflected in off Oliver Torres. Roberto Firmino then tapped home the second from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross after Jordan Henderson’s fine ball from midfield. Porto did create chances but striker Moussa Marega failed to convert meaning his side leave Merseyside without what could have been a crucial away goal. Read more
What Mauricio Pochettino told Fabian Delph after Harry Kane’s ankle injury during Spurs’ win over Manchester City (Metro)
Mauricio Pochettino told Fabian Delph he was lucky to escape a red card after Manchester City were beaten by Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday. Spurs were dealt a major blow in the second half after Harry Kane came off worse in a robust challenge with Delph and was unable to continue. Kane had attempted to block Delph’s pass but he rolled his left ankle moments before the City left-back followed through and placed his foot on the striker’s ankle. Read more
Stopping Messi not mission impossible for Man United, says Solskjaer (Guardian)
Lionel Messi has a history of terrorising Manchester United but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes it is not impossible to stop the Barcelona star inflicting more damage in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final. Messi scored in both of Barca’s Champions League final victories over United, in 2009 and 2011, and is hungry to win the competition for a fifth time after crashing out at the last eight for the past three seasons. The Argentine has been in majestic form again this season, scoring 43 goals in 40 appearances to put Barca in position for a third treble in a decade. Read more