3 die in theater collapse

In Argentina

Three people were killed and two injured when a near century-old theater building in Argentina collapsed while undergoing renovation work, police said Thursday.

Three people were killed and two injured when a near century-old theater building in Argentina collapsed while undergoing renovation work, police said Thursday.

The historic building in the northern city of San Miguel de Tucuman collapsed around 8:00 pm (2300 GMT) on Wednesday with heavy traffic in the street outside.

Police first reported one man had been killed but revised the toll after discovering in the rubble two more bodies, those of another man and a woman.

There were no workers in the building at the time and police believe the victims were all passers-by. Two other women were being treated for multiple injuries but were out of danger.

Investigators believe the collapse of the French-style Parravicini theater was due to a problem in the structure that dates from its construction.


It closed in 1995 but had been under renovation for months to turn it into a commercial building

Jury tells Samsung to pay big for copying iPhone design

South Korean technology giant Samsung has been ordered to pay Apple $533 million for copying iPhone design features in a patent case. 

In Summary
Apple reasoned in court that design was so integral to the iPhone that it was the "article of manufacture" and worth all the money Samsung made by copying the features.
The three design patents in the case apply to the shape of the iPhone's black screen with rounded edges and a bezel, and the rows of colourful icons displayed.

Samsung no longer sells the smartphone models at issue in the case.

A federal court jury on Thursday ordered Samsung to pay Apple $533 million for copying iPhone design features in a patent case dating back seven years.

Jurors tacked on an additional $5 million in damages for a pair of patented functions. The award appeared to be a bit of a victory for Apple, which had argued in court that design was essential to the iPhone.

The case was keenly watched as a precedent for whether design is so important that it could actually be considered the "article of design" even in a product as complex as a smartphone.

"We don't think it is supported by the evidence," Samsung attorney John Quinn told US District Court Judge Lucy Koh after the verdict was read in her courtroom in Silicon Valley.

"We have every concern about the determinations about the article of manufacture."

Quinn declined an offer by the judge to send jurors back for further deliberation, saying Samsung would pursue post-trial motions to address its concerns about the verdict.

Juror Christine Calderon said the panel agreed that one of the design patents — the grid of coloured icons — did represent the whole phone, while the other two at issue in the trial were seen as the display assembly that gave the iPhone its look.

She compared it to the Mona Lisa: "you use the paint, but it is not the article of manufacture."

"I had to really think about it," the 26-year-old Calderon, a technical writer, said after Koh dismissed the jury.
"We kind of felt like we ended up at a happy medium."

Long legal road

The case had been sent back to the district court following a Supreme Court decision to revisit an earlier $400 million damage award.
Apple reasoned in court that design was so integral to the iPhone that it was the "article of manufacture" and worth all the money Samsung made by copying the features.

The lower figure sought by the South Korean consumer electronics titan would have involved treating the design features as components.

The jury had been asked to determine whether design features at issue in the case are worth all profit made from Samsung smartphones that copied them — or whether those features are worth just a fraction because they are components.

Apple argued in court that the iPhone was a "bet-the-company" project at Apple and that design is as much the "article of manufacture" as the device itself.

The three design patents in the case apply to the shape of the iPhone's black screen with rounded edges and a bezel, and the rows of colourful icons displayed.

Samsung no longer sells the smartphone models at issue in the case.

Two utility patents also involved apply to "bounce-back" and "tap-to-zoom" functions.
An original trial finding that Samsung violated Apple patents preceded a lengthy appellate duelling over whether design features such as rounded edges are worth all the money made from a phone.

Technology vs Style

Samsung challenged the legal precedent that requires the forfeiture of all profits from a product, even if only a single design patent has been infringed.

The US Supreme Court in 2016 overturned the penalty imposed on the South Korean consumer electronics giant.

Justices ruled that Samsung should not be required to forfeit the entire profits from its smartphones for infringement on design components, sending the case back to a lower court.

"Today's decision flies in the face of a unanimous Supreme Court ruling in favour of Samsung on the scope of design patent damages," the South Korean company said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"We will consider all options to obtain an outcome that does not hinder creativity and fair competition for all companies and consumers."

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

The key question of the value of design patents rallied Samsung supporters in the tech sector, and Apple backers in the creative and design communities.

Samsung won the backing of major Silicon Valley and other IT sector giants, including Google, Facebook, Dell and Hewlett-Packard, claiming a strict ruling on design infringement could lead to a surge in litigation.

Apple was supported by big names in fashion and manufacturing. Design professionals, researchers and academics, citing precedents like Coca-Cola's iconic soda bottle.

The case is one element of a $548 million penalty — knocked down from an original $1 billion jury award — Samsung was ordered to pay for copying iPhone patents.

Tanzanian varsity develops app to track disease outbreaks

In Summary
AfyaData analyses data collected from the field and submits it to the central server via internet connection..
The software then sends an alert to health officials if any abnormal pattern is identified in the data.
The launch comes at a time the country is intensifying response after deadly Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

AfyaData is mobile and web-based application and can submit information offline including GPS location and photos attached to the data collected.

The launch comes at a time the country is intensifying response after deadly Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

SUA vice chancellor Prof Raphael Chibuda said AfyaData will be used to track diseases such as Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and other infectious diseases.

Related Content

Tanzania boosts Ebola response in border regions

The application, according to the developers, is currently in use by over 400 community members and health officials in Ngorongoro, Morogoro, Kilosa, Malinyi, Ulanga and Kibaha districts in northern and eastern parts of the country.

The software was developed by a team of animal, human and ICT specialists at the Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS) based at Sokoine university.

The project was funded by a US-based organisation, Ending Pandemics.

It is available for download on Google Play Store.

How Reps laid to rest bill seeking to override Buhari's veto

Peace Corps

Here's the full gist of how Reps members dashed the only hope of reviving Peace Corps bill.

Attempt to override President Muhammad Buhari's veto on Peace Corps Bill, was rejected by members of the House of Representatives on Thursday.

President Buhari, had on February 27, 2018, declined assent on a Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Peace Corps, citing paucity of funds and duplication of duties of existing security agencies as main reasons.

But the lawmakers felt the bill was popular and going by the trend of unemployment and insecurity in the country, a Peace Corps organisation enacted as government agency would help curb some of the challenges.

Delta lawmaker, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, while addressing newsmen in Abuja, had said "President Buhari made a costly mistake by declining assent to the bill."

Ossai had vowed to "personally undertake collation of signatures" for overriding the President's veto.

Consequently, the lawmakers, again, began the process to give legal backing to the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria, when Kogi lawmaker, Hon. Sunday Karimi sponsored the bill and it passed first reading on March 21, 2018.

The politics and intrigues...

The interest of the lawmakers, however, started waxing cold, when, members at the front burners were allegedly being "pressurized by the Presidency" to back down on the move.

It was gathered that some members of the Parliament, especially, those from the northern part of the country; those who didn't want to risk a return ticket on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) under the leadership of the President, and those who  for fear of investigation over alleged corruption,began to bow to pressure.

Hon. Karimi, who sponsored the overriding process through first reading, backed out from the move, leaving the bill to become orphan and kept in limbo, at the mercy of Committee on Rules and Business for two months.

At the risk of final extinction and in a move to allow the bill complete its legislative circuit, the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Emmanuel Orker-Jev, on Thursday prepared the bill for a second reading.

The bill, which was slated for number one business on the Order Paper of Thursday, May 24, 2018, was captioned, 'A Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Peace Corps, to develop, empower and provide gainful employment for the youth, facilitate peace, volunteerism, community services, neighbourhood watch and nation-building; and for related matters (HB. 89)'.

Orker-Jev had just started reading the lead debate on the bill, when the chamber, which was half-empty, started witnessing the influx of members, while lobbying became intensified on the floor of the House.

While leading the debate, Orker-Jev said, "Apart from the jobs that would be crested through the establishment of Peace Corps, it will compliment the activities of other security agencies like police and civil Defence to maintain law and order in the country".

Taraba lawmaker, Hon. Rimande Shawulu, speaking in favour of the bill, said there was need for the establishment of the corps to assist other security agencies.

"There is need for us to bridge the gap in internal security. Actually there's a very wide gap in policing of this country," Shawulu, who is Chairman, House Committee on Army, said.

"There are too many ungoverned in Nigeria and there are too many black spots in Nigeria. Nigeria also lacks adequate manpower that could assist the security agencies in intelligence gathering", he added.

Lagos lawmaker, Hon. Rita Orji, was of the opinion that the fund recovered from the Abacha loots should be channelled to funding the Peace Corps.

Speaker after Speaker, the lawmakers took turn to debate, in favour or against overriding the President's veto.

The summary of the line of debate of pro-Buhari lawmakers was that, the reasons given by the President was cogent enough to lay the Bill to rest.

They argued that, having served in the Nigerian Army as a General and serving currently as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Buhari has first hand information about the security of the country more than anyone else.

Those who were in support of the bill argued that, being a Commander-In-Chief does not place in the shoulders of Mr. President, the exclusive knowledge of security in the country, adding that the Corps could also help in reducing crimes and insecurity if established.

Hon. Ossai, who had earlier boasted to undertake collation of signatures to override Buhari's veto but eventually perceived to have bowed to pressure, said; "The rejection by Mr President gives us the opportunity to redeem ourselves for passing the Bill in the first place."

The Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (Kano), admitted that the Corps would provide job opportunities to teeming Nigerian graduates but since the President had vetoed the bill, he was in the better position to know what was good for the country.

Buhari's reelection campaign

The House, was however, thrown into rowdy session, when, a pro-Buhari lawmaker from Sokoto state, Hon. Musa Seriki Adams used the platform to campaign for Buhari's re-election.

"The solution Nigeria's security challenges and what will bring lasting peace is not by supporting Peace Corps Bill but by supporting President Buhari to come for a second term"; the move which was resisted through points of order from Hon. Jonathan Gaza (Nasarawa) and Hon. Nkem Abonta (Abia).

Other lawmakers who kicked against the bill were, Hon. Idris Wase (Plateau), Hon. Baballe Bashir (Kano), Hon. Johnson Oguma (Edo), Hon. Adamu Shika (Niger), Hon. Johnson Agbonayima (Edo) and Hon. Benson Babajide (Lagos).

Dogara was helpless

The last minute effort of the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, to salvage the situation could not yield result, as pro-Buhari lawmakers seemed to have been adequately mobilised for a serious showdown.

As if that was all they came to the plenary to do, as soon as the question was pulled by the Speaker and a resounding 'Nay' voice votes rented the air, the pro-Buhari lawmakers were seen jumping up, hugging each other and celebrating that the bill fainted, thereafter, all of them left the chambers, leaving a few others to continue with the rest business of the day.

Any hope?

With the setback suffered on Thursday, May 24, 2018, the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill is therefore left at the mercy of the executive arm of government, which solely reserves the right to recall the Bill and take a second look at issues formulated therefrom.

On the other hand, the Bill, which had already gone through various legislative processes at the National Assembly, would not have much stress in scaling through the hurdles when such opportunity resurfaces in the 9th Assembly, after 2019 general elections.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria which was registered under 'Part C' of the Company and Allied Matters Act of 1992 at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), would continue to exist as a Non-Governmental Organisation, with special consultative status with the United Nations and African Union.

No official statement has been released from the leadership of the Corps in reaction to the latest development, at press time.

But the national commandant of the Corps, Dickson Akoh, had earlier described President Buhari's rejection of the bill as a conspiracy against Nigerian youths.

In the midst of all these, the Police has also failed to vacate the headquarters of the Peace Corps located in Jabi, Abuja, despite the court and Reps orders asking the Force to leave the premises.

UN gives $2m to stem Nigeria cholera outbreak

The UN has allocated $2m (£1.5m) to help tackle a cholera outbreak in the north-east of Nigeria.

At least 50 people have been killed by the disease since the end of March.

There have been more than 400 confirmed cases in Yobe state, where many people live in overcrowded conditions having fled their homes because of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The funds from the UN will help provide safe water for more than 1.6 million people and improve sanitation in the affected communities.

But the UN said more resources were needed especially now rainy season had set in and the risk of outbreaks and spreading of water-borne diseases was higher.

Why Africa’s volcanic soil swells legs

Podoconiosis is a painful condition that affects more than four million people across tropical Africa.

The characteristic swollen legs are caused by long-term exposure to irritant volcanic soils found in countries like Cameroon and Burundi.

One and a half million people in Ethiopia alone are living with podoconiosis.

Gail Davey from Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Addis Ababa University found that simple routines such as washing feet and wearing shoes helped to reduce acute attacks by 20%. She told BBC Health Check about her research:

Algerian blogger jailed for 10 years for spying

An Algerian court has sentenced blogger Merzoug Touati to 10 years in prison for sharing sensitive information with a foreign country.

The court in the port city of Bejaia found Mr Touati, 30, guilty of "leaking intelligence to agents of a foreign country to damage the military and diplomatic interests of Algeria".

The prosecutors have sought life imprisonment.

Rights group Amnesty International has tweeted his picture saying Mr Touati was being imprisoned for simply for posting online:

The conviction is related to an interview Mr Touati conducted with an Israeli foreign ministry spokesman and posted on his blog in January 2017. He has been in custody since his arrest.

However, the court dropped the accusation of inciting armed disobedience against the state, which is punishable by death under Algerian law.

Mr Touati’s lawyer Boubakeur Essidik Hemaili told news agency AFP that his client was innocent as he "was exercising his rights guaranteed by the constitution. He can talk to whom he wants".

Mr Touati will appeal the sentence, according to his lawyers.

The Vice-President of the Algerian League to Defend Human Rights, Said Salhi, expressed his "disappointment" with the verdict.

Ten years in prison is very harsh given the facts."

NDLEA to curb drug abuse through “special raids

In FCT

He explained that the SRS as the name implies involves surprise raids on the traffickers’ black spots and hideouts in the territory such as Zone 4, Bannex, Jabi and other areas in the outskirts of the FCT.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), FCT command says it is poised to curb drug abuse and trafficking among youths in the territory through “Surprise Raiding Strategy” (SRS).

Mr Peter Adegbe, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

He explained that the SRS as the name implies involves surprise raids on the traffickers’ black spots and hideouts in the territory such as Zone 4, Bannex, Jabi and other areas in the outskirts of the FCT.

According to Adegbe, the strategy is part of the agency’s efforts in tackling drug vendors and traffickers in the territory and environs.

He said the command would achieve the goal by ensuring that the demand and supply of both cocaine and cannabis sativa are reduced to the barest minimum.

“Once people, especially the youths, are well informed about the dangers of drug abuse, the demand will drastically reduce and this will affect the supply.

“The command has chosen to tackle the menace of drug abuse and ridding the territory with this new strategy,” he said.

The spokesman said that the menace of drug abuse had become a global concern as citizens particularly young people in several countries were engaged in the act.

“It is disheartening that children at tender age already have problem using drugs.

“There should be deliberate and sustained efforts at educating the younger generation on drug prevention,’’ Adegbe said.

The spokesman said the command would not relent in its efforts to rid the FCT of hard drugs, adding that several campaigns had been held in this regard.

He urged Nigerians especially parents and guardians to give listening ears to their children and youths who were the vulnerable groups against drug abuse.

Adegbe also appealed to residents of the FCT to join hands with the NDLEA in ensuring a responsible society void of social vices.


“The public needs to understand that they should also support the NDLEA in tackling this drug menace,” he said.

Lagos Muslim pilgrims board begins payment for BTA

2018 Hajj

The state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, announced this on Friday in Lagos at a meeting with 19 appointed coordinators to manage pilgrim affairs in the state.

The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced payment of Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) to intending pilgrims for the 2018 Hajj.

The state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, announced this on Friday in Lagos at a meeting with 19 appointed coordinators to manage pilgrim affairs in the state.

AbdulLateef, who doubles as the “Amir-ul-Hajj” for Lagos state, said that pilgrims would be given the opportunity to exchange a minimum of N244,000 for 800 dollars within a two week window.

“We urge the pilgrims to proceed to the pilgrim board’s office at the old secretariat for their BTA without further delay.

“Each pilgrim is entitled to exchange a minimum of 800 dollars for N244,000 at the official rate of N305.00 to a dollar as directed by the Federal Government,” he said.

He advised the intending pilgrims to take advantage of the concessionary exchange rate and to present their receipt of payment and international passport to get their BTA.

“It is advisable that they come forward before the window closes because the dollar rate is higher in the black markets and banks.

“Only fully paid pilgrims are entitled to the official rate and must come with their receipts of payment and international passports,” he said.

He also advised Muslims to use the fasting period to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for themselves and other faithful worldwide.

“You should invest your resources to propagate good deeds and help your Muslim brothers and sisters as much as you can as this is more rewarding in this blessed month of Ramadan,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Mr Muftau Okoya, emphasised the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that all intending pilgrims must possess a National Identity Card.


He urged the intending pilgrims to register for the identity cards, while expressing the determination of the state government to ensure a successful Hajj.

Presidential aspirant wants a woman as his deputy for 2019 election

Fela Durotoye

He said he wants a running mate who is also capable enough to fill the president's shoes.

Presidential aspirant, Fela Durotoye, has disclosed that he's currently searching for a female running mate to stand next to him to contest in the 2019 presidential election.

While speaking during an appearance on Lagos-based Nigeria Info FM on Friday, May 18, 2018, Durotoye noted that he believes in empowering women as it is a great way to create a better society.

Durotoye, a management consultant and leadership expert, said his choice of running mate will be a woman who is quite capable to become president in the event something happens to the president.

He said, "I believe in women. I believe in not only giving women opportunities but support to women and I believe that when you support women, more than half of your society, you can only have a better society.

"So women are not less than men but equal partners to men and, more importantly, if you empower that group of people, you'll have an amazing society.

"The gender distribution and gender balance policy that we have is a 50-50 gender balance and there is a very strong chance that, if everything goes the way I would like it to go, my running mate will be a woman.

"I have been very clear and we're currently in the search for a female vice presidential candidate who will not be chosen just simply because she's female, but she'll be competent to be a president should anything happen to the president.

"That tells you the kind of way I feel about women; I think women should be given the greatest opportunities to do great things."

Durotoye to contest with ANN

Durotoye declared his intention to run for president on the platform of the Alliance for a New Nigeria (ANN) on February 22, 2018.

He believes Nigeria has all the resources it needs to be a desirable place for anyone to inhabit, provided it gets the right leadership.

In his declaration speech, he disclosed that he wants to see a Nigeria where old parties with their old ideology of godfatherism would become history.

Soldiers who rape girls in IDP camps should be severely punished

Pulse Opinion

An Amnesty International report on how Nigerian soldiers rape women in IDP camps, should be fully investigated and culprits severely punished.

When my editor forwarded me the link containing Amnesty International’s latest report on Nigeria, it took me a while to move on to other stories of the day. I was stunned, depressed, horrified and outraged all at once.

I am still stunned, depressed, horrified and outraged.

The original report is over 70 pages long, but the good guys at Pulse have summarized it all for you and you can actually read the abridged version here.

Amnesty International’s latest report tells of how soldiers and members of the so called civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) take turns to rape women and girls who are fleeing the Boko Haram insurgency, as a pre-condition for offering them food.

Nigeria has been waging a war with Boko Haram since 2009. As the terrorists  sack one community after another and burn homes for fun, what is left is a humanitarian crisis that sees thousands fleeing to internally displaced persons camps for some shelter and food.

According to Amnesty International, it is these vulnerable women that soldiers battling Boko Haram forcibly demand sex from; and have them raped when the women aren’t willing to give up their bodies for a bowl of food. The punishment for refusing to satisfy the sexual urge of a soldier or civilian JTF is that you are beaten, brutalized or starved, Amnesty International says.

The report quotes one victim of the sex for food scandal, identified as 20-year-old  Ama (not her real name), as saying: "They will give you food but in the night they will come back around 5pm or 6pm and they will tell you to come with them… One [Civilian JTF] man came and brought food to me.

“The next day he said I should take water from his place [and I went]. He then closed the tent door behind me and raped me. He said I gave you these things, if you want them we have to be husband and wife”.

Mrs. Osai Ojigho who is the Director of Amnesty International in Nigeria said; “Ten others in the same camp said that they were also coerced into becoming ‘girlfriends’ of security officials to save themselves from starvation. Most of these women had already lost children or other relatives due to lack of food, water and healthcare in the camp.

“The sexual exploitation continues at an alarming level as women remain desperate to access sufficient food and livelihood opportunities.

“Women said the sexual exploitation follows an organized system, with soldiers openly coming into the camp for sex and Civilian JTF members choosing the “very beautiful” women and girls to take to the soldiers outside. Women reported they were too afraid to refuse demands for sex.

“Sex in these highly coercive circumstances is always rape, even when physical force is not used, and Nigerian soldiers and Civilian JTF members have been getting away with it. They act like they don’t risk sanction, but the perpetrators and their superiors who have allowed this to go unchallenged have committed crimes under international law and must be held to account.”

As you would expect, the Nigerian military and federal government have dismissed Amnesty International’s report as a fabrication.

The authorities say Amnesty International’s sole motive is to damage the country’s reputation before the international community.

This isn’t the first time the Nigerian military would be dismissing an Amnesty International report as a tissue of lies. However, you only have to look at how soldiers treat civilians down South at peace time, to conclude that accusations of human rights abuses often levelled against men in uniform aren’t entirely baseless.

Beyond dismissing allegations of sexual and human rights abuses with characteristic bellicosity and aloofness, the Nigerian army and the federal government should embark on some soul searching whose ultimate goal should be to cleanse law enforcement of the bad eggs who engage in these utterly despicable and condemnable acts.

Certainly, not every soldier is out there raping vulnerable women. There are decent soldiers protecting vulnerable persons from Boko Haram's bombs and bullets and who do not solicit sex as payment for their work.

However, the overall goal should be to make sure that those who prey on vulnerable women in the northeast are singled out and punished in accordance with military and state laws.

Police arrest navy officer, 11 others for armed robbery

In Oyo

The officer is alleged to have helped the criminal gang transport stolen vehicles.

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Oyo State Police Command has arrested an officer of the Nigerian Navy, and 11 other suspects in connection to armed robbery and car snatching in Oyo, Lagos, Kwara and other states.

The state's Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, disclosed that the officer, Jimoh Adesoye, a lance corporal, used his position to aid the criminal gang to transport stolen vehicles snatched from victims.

During a parade of the suspects to the media, Odude revealed that the gang is on the wanted list of SARS in Lagos and Kwara, but were arrested in various locations in Oyo state.

According to the Punch, Adesoye begged for mercy as he disclosed that he had bought more than two cars from the gang before realising that they were stolen.

He said, "I am a seaman in the Nigerian Navy. I told one of my friends that I needed a car and he introduced me to these people. Although I have my personal car that I use, I wanted to change it and my friend introduced me to them.

"I have bought more than two cars from the gang, but I later got to know that the cars were stolen. I know it is not right for me to buy such cars, I plead with the command to have mercy on me."

Other suspects alleged to belong to the gang include Lateef Isa, Taiwo Yekini, Kehinde Yekini, Tunji Ismail, Adeyemo Babajide, Saka Jamiu, Akin Akingbade, Mudashiru Abdullahi, Rasheed Adeniran, Lukman Jimoh, Dauda Lamidi, and Waheed Ganiyu.


Officers recovered arms and ammunitions as well as other items from the gang including one pump-action rifle, seven live cartridges, four cars, motorcycles and stolen home appliances.

Nigeria's reservation on free trade deal

Almost 50 African nations signed the African Continental Free Trade Agreement in March but Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari decided not to, saying he could not agree to anything that would undermine the country's manufacturers and entrepreneurs.

The BBC's Ijeoma Ndukwe went to the south-eastern town of Nnewi to see how growing intra-African trade would affect Nigerian brands.

Zambia frees prisoners to mark Africa Day

Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu has pardoned 464 prisoners to mark Africa Day, which is being celebrated across the continent on Friday.

But those released do not include prisoners convicted for the defilement of children, Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has said.

Mr Kampyongo said it was within Mr Lungu’s powers as president to pardon prisoners.

Dozens of inmates also had their death sentences commuted to life, he added.

Sadio Mane sends 300 Liverpool shirts to hometown

Sadio Mane has given 300 Liverpool shirts to locals in his hometown in Senegal, so they can wear them during the Champions League final.

The 26-year-old forward, who grew up in Bambali in the West African country, made the generous gesture before the Reds' clash with 12-time winners Real Madrid on Saturday.

He said:

There are 2,000 in the village. I bought 300 Liverpool jerseys to send to the people in the village, so the fans can wear to watch the final.

My mum and my uncle, they are all going to be watching.

Nobody in the village will work this day. I will be going back in the summer after the World Cup and hopefully I will be showing everyone a [winners'] medal."

Zambia launches national cleaning day

The Zambian government has introduced a national cleaning day to be held once a month.

The exercise is part of the “Keep Zambia Clean, Green and Healthy Campaign”, which President Edgar Lungu re-launched last month in a bid to raise cleanness levels in the southern African country.

Local Government Minister Vincent Mwale, whose ministry is overseeing the exercise, said it would kick off this Saturday with the president leading the cleaning.

He told journalists:

It is now a requirement as government policy that all citizens participate in the cleaning of their surroundings every last Saturday of the month."

He said only Seventh Day Adventists would be exempted from the exercise on a Saturday to allow them to worship, but they would be expected to get tidying the following day.

SA police investigate Bitcoin scam

Police in South Africa are investigating a scam in which investors lost 1bn rand ($80m, £60m) after investing in the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.

A company called BTC Global had promised its clients that they would earn 2% per day, 14% a week and 50% in a month.

A notice on the company's website says its services have been suspended.

It blames Steven Twain, the company's primary trader, for not following through with paying the investors.

It says that it has not heard from him and cannot do anything until Mr Twain resurfaces.

However, police say the company encouraged the alleged scam.

Police investigator Yolisa Matakata said, "This may prove to be the tip of the iceberg with potentially thousands more yet to discover they've lost money."

Reuters says that local technology news website mybroadband.co.za reported in March that more than $50m was lost by investors in BTC Global.

Trading in Bitcoin has been growing on the African continent but authorities have been warning that it could be promoting illegal activities.

South Africa's central bank said on Thursday it was in the process of determining whether cryptocurrencies complied with its financial surveillance and exchange control regulations.

Moghalu

Aspirant says he's Nigeria's next president

He said he'll be sworn in as president after next year's election because Nigerians are ready for a change.

Presidential aspirant, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has expressed confidence in his ability to emerge victorious in the 2019 presidential election, noting that millions of Nigerians are ready for someone bold and different.

The former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) told Channels Television on Thursday, May 24, 2018, that Nigerians are not happy with the country's current realities and urged them to back him to achieve a political revolution.

He said, "Millions of Nigeria want something different, new and bold. The situation in which we as a country today is terrible. We have nine million people who have lost their jobs in the last three years. We have a society in which people are being killed in their homes and in their communities as if the state does not exist and our law enforcement just watches helplessly.

"Nigerians are not happy about these and they want a change and they're looking for people who will lead them into a very different future, and that's where I'm offering myself to do that job. A different reality is going to be constructed in this country. We're going to have a peaceful; political revolution at the ballot box. For that to happen, you must believe that it is possible.

"On May 29, 2019, I will be sworn in as the president of the federal republic of Nigeria. Go and write it down."

Moghalu joins YPP
Moghalu's appearance on Channels Television happened just hours after he disclosed that he will run on the platform of Young Progressive Party (YPP).

In his statement titled, "A bold dare, a bold response to Nigeria's call, and a bold invitation: Have the courage to join us", he disclosed that the urge to not become a part of the old order of failed and recycled politicians influenced his decision to join YPP, noting that he wanted to join a party that shared his vision of leadership as one of service and accountability.

He described YPP as a grassroots-oriented party with historic network and cell leaders in every one of the six geo-political zones of the country. He noted that the party has full and final structures  that can finally put an end to the agitations of Nigerians for quality leadership.

He said, "So I am here today to announce that in response to the parties of the past, in response to umbrellas that block out the light of hope, and brooms that sweep away truth and replace them with lies, in response to the parties of tired old tricks and tired old systems and tired old men, I and millions across Nigeria will choose the Young Progressive Party -  YPP  -  the party of today and tomorrow.

"This is, importantly, an organizational choice. The Young Progressive Party has over the past year set up full and final structures  -  extensive offices, with an extensive pool of party officials, operatives, volunteers across the country. This is a grassroots-oriented party. Matched with our historic network and cell leaders across Nigeria in every one of the 6 geo-political zones of the country, this is a union made in possibilities."

YPP was registered as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in June 2017.

President to receive 2018 budget Friday

President to receive 2018 budget Friday, says Saraki

Saraki made this known to State House correspondents after the breaking of (Ramadan) fast with Buhari at the President Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday receive the 2018 budget a week after its passage by the National Assembly, Senate President Bukola Saraki disclosed.

Saraki made this known to State House correspondents after the breaking of (Ramadan) fast with Buhari at the President Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

Saraki explained that the delay in  transmission of the budget to the president was informed by the fact that the two chambers of the National Assembly had passed different figures last week.

He, however, confirmed that the two chambers had harmonised the figures and concluded the exercise on Wednesday.

He said: “I think that should have been done, we had to harmonise, its just a slight difference, it has been passed yesterday (Wednesday).

“It was in the rules and proceedings of today. So, I am sure by tomorrow, we will transmit it to the Presidency.’’

Saraki thanked the President for inviting them for the breaking of fast and expressed the hope that the event would further enhance the existing cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate increased the 2018 budget from N8.612 trillion as proposed by Buhari to N9.12 trillion.


The senate also increased the crude oil benchmark price pegged for the budget from 45 dollars per barrel to 50.5 dollars per barrel.

Pull over in case of fatigue’, FRSC tells drivers

Ramadan

The FRSC official said taking few minute rest as a safety measure, should be adhered to by drivers as it would relieve them of the usual fatigue associated with fasting.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists to pull over in a safe place and take a rest in case of fatigue during the Ramadan fast.

The FRSC official said taking few minute rest as a safety measure, should be adhered to by drivers as it would relieve them of the usual fatigue associated with fasting.

Mr Philip Ozonnandi, the FRSC Unit Commander in Ore, gave this advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ore, Ondo State.

He appealed to motorists to always obey traffic rules and regulations, adding that using the Ramadan period as an excuse to flout traffic rules would not be tolerated by FRSC officials.

“I will advise motorists especially our Muslim brothers to pull over and take some rest in a safe place on the highway when fatigue sets in as a result of the Ramadan fast.

“I think this is one of the safety tips against road crashes, fatigue is likely to cause sleep while on the wheels.

“Drivers should also obey all traffic rules on the highway as using Ramadan period to violate traffic rules will not stop the FRSC officials from performing their lawful duties,”Ozonnandi said.

The FRSC boss also urged all Muslim faithful to use the Ramadan period to pray for accident free period and the peace of Nigeria. 

Governor wants more Judges, Customary Court of Appeal in Ekiti

Ayodele FayoseGovernor wants more Judges, Customary Court of Appeal in Ekiti
The Governor made the appeal during the official commissioning of the ultra modern four storey complex of the state high Court In Ekiti on Thursday. 

Governor Ayodele Fayose has appealed to the Federal Government and the Chief Judge of Nigeria to provide more judges and a customary court of appeal in the state.The Governor made the appeal during the official commissioning of the ultra modern four storey complex of the state high Court In Ekiti on Thursday. 
He said the ultra modern four storey edifice ‎is named after the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti Mr Ademola Ajakaiye being the pioneer Judge of the state high Court. 
Fayose who said the Judiciary is the last hope of a common man, said he dedicated the complex to the people of Ekiti and that the edifice will stand a test of time.
“I will ensure continuous maintainance of the complex the Governor said”.
Earlier, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Mr Emmanuel Udom said he salute Governor Ayodele Fayose’s developmental efforts and achievements in the state.
He said a government that performs well, deserves continuity hence I enjoin Ekiti people to continue to support the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
In his speech Aare Afe Babalola the founder of Afe Babalola University who applauded the state Governor for helpin‎g the state achieve the magnificent and befitting complex for the Judiciary of the state urged citizens of the state home and abroad to come and assist in the struggle for the development of the state.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Ado Ekiti Branch, Mr Gbemiga Adaramola ‎in his speech thanked Governor Ayodele Fayose for fullfiling his promise of the complex to association. 
The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti Mr Ademola Ajakaiye thanked God and the governor of the state for the honour to still be alive to witness the day and not the other way round. 
“May God grant the governor of the state all his heart desires he said”‎.
In his speech, the Chief Judge of Nigeria Mr Walter Onoge thanked the governor of the state for taking the welfare of the judiciary sector very seriously by providing such a befitting working environment for them.
He enjoined other state governors in Nigeria to emulate Governor Ayodele Fayose by improving the well being of the Judiciary sector of their states.
He urged judges all over Nigeria to be up and doing ensuring speedy and unbiased judgments.
Climax of the occasion is the commissioning of the ultra modern state  high Court ‎complex named Justice Ademola Ajakaiye high Court.

DR Congo boat sinks 'killing 50 passengers'

About 50 people have died in a river boat accident in the north-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a local official says.

Richard Mboyo Iluka, the deputy governor of Tshuapa Province, said the fishing boat was loaded with passengers when it sank as it was travelling between Mokoto and Mbandaka.

He said the cause of the accident was not yet clear and people had been searching for missing passengers.

A Lagos female boxer with Olympic dreams

A group of young female boxers from a poor part of Lagos are hoping to win gold for Nigeria at the 2020 Olympics.

The teenagers train in a makeshift boxing ring in the dirt and share the space with chickens.

Many of the girls have already made it to state champion level and believe they have what it takes to be the best in the world.

Boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore told BBC Minute:

''My training is not easy, but if you focus on it and have determination you can do anything.”

Seven killed in Libya bomb near hotel

A car bomb exploded in the centre of the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi killing at least seven people and injuring dozens on Thursday night.

Security officials said the dead were civilians.

The device exploded close to Benghazi's biggest hotel, the Tibesti, where many people attend evening gatherings during the month of Ramadan.

Eight cars parked on the street lined with shops were destroyed, news agency Reuters reports.

Libya's second city is controlled by the Libyan National Army, led by self-styled general Khalifa Haftar.

His forces opposes the UN-backed government in Tripoli.

Niger Delta residents retain right to sue Shell

A British High Court judge ruled on Thursday that a Nigerian fishing community would maintain the right to take legal action should the oil company Shell fail to clean up areas devastated by oil spills in the Niger Delta.

The Bodo fishing community went to court following two major oil spills in 2008 and Shell settled the claims for $70m (£52m) in 2015.

The clean-up has now begun.

Shell's lawyers argue that the prospect of further legal action is a hindrance.

They say that it gives people the impression that there could be a bigger payout if the job is not done properly - and people might be tempted to disrupt the clean-up.

South Africa to launch first optical telescope

South Africa is launching its first automated optical telescope on Friday in the province of Northern Cape, the headquarters of the country's space exploration project.

The Meerlicht optical telescope could soon help unravel the mysteries of the universe, beginning with a closer look at the vast African skies.

Optical telescopes work by detecting visible light in space – and this one will be used alongside a radio telescope.

Together they will a give a real-time image the solar system at night.

This latest development is part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project - which once completed will be the largest telescope in the world – the size of about 200 football fields.

The SKA will have antennas here in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and is expected to change space exploration as we know it.

Snake-bites listed as global health priority

The World Health Organization (WHO) has passed a resolution recognising snake bites as a global health priority.

WHO says complications from snake bites remain one of the most neglected tropical diseases.

The resolution aims to ensure countries follow a common strategy in dealing with snake attacks.

This will include providing cheaper antidotes and training.

More than 100,000 people die of snake bites annually around the world - a fifth of them in Africa.

Nearly half a million people face blindness, amputations and other disabilities following snake bites.

In Nigeria, it is estimated that more than 10,000 people are bitten by snakes each year, but the exact death toll is unknown.

Wise words

African proverb of the day:

Every man is a prince in his own bed."

A Chewa proverb sent by Joseph Amazuwa Chirwa in Lilongwe, Malawi

Click here and scroll to the bottom to send us your African proverbs.

Fake Lagos State Task Force officer arrested for taking bribe

An impersonator has been arrested for extorting N3,000 from motorist along Ikorodu Road.

The Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit has apprehended a man, Abiodun Adeleye for impersonation.

Adeyeye, a 51-year-old man, was arrested during an attempt to extort money from a motorist under Mile 12 bridge located along Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

A post shared via Instablog9ja's IG on Thursday, May 24, 2018, confirmed that the suspect illegally arrested a Toyota Camry owner and collected a sum of N3,000 from the person.

According to the gossip platform, the suspect who had in his possession a Motorola GP 340 security walkie-talkie, often rakes in N10,000 daily since starting scam business around July 2017.

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Infinix Hot 6 star commences on the 19 of May 2018 and closes on May 28th, 2018

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