Ivory Coast Votes On New Constitution As Opposition Boycotts

Voters in Ivory Coast cast their ballots in a referendum on Sunday to decide whether to approve a new constitution that President Alassane Ouattara argues will guarantee peace in the wake of years of political turmoil.

Under Ouattara, Ivory Coast has made an impressive recovery since a 2011 civil war capped a decade-long crisis. The International Monetary Fund projects it will be Africa’s fastest growing economy this year.

Despite five years of peace, however, Ivorians remain deeply divided along political and ethnic fault lines. And both they and the investors who are now flooding in, crave the stability that will allow the world’s top cocoa grower to cement its status as the continent’s rising star.

“It’s an opportunity but also a duty,” Ouattara said after voting in the commercial capital Abidjan. “Turning the page on the crisis born of the constitution of 2000 is essential for the future of our nation.”

Opposition parties have called for a boycott of the vote, arguing that the new text was designed to further entrench Ouattara’s political coalition. So, while the “yes” vote is heavily favored, voter participation will be key to determining whether the text has the widespread backing.

By midday, turnout in Abidjan was visibly lower than during last year’s presidential election when 54.6 percent of eligible voters cast ballots.

Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko said incidents of suspected opposition supporters using violence to impede the vote had been recorded in around 100 polling stations in Abidjan and western Ivory Coast. But he said they would not affect the results.

The current constitution, drafted under military rule after a 1999 coup, was at the heart of Ivory Coast’s prolonged unrest.

In its most controversial clause, it says presidential candidates’ parents must both be natural-born Ivorians – a deliberate swipe at northerners, many of whom, like Ouattara, have family ties that straddle the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali.

The new constitution scraps that rule, which was used to disqualify Ouattara from a poll in 2000, and now only one parent must be Ivorian. It also creates a post of vice president and a senate. The president says all these new measures will guarantee more political stability.

However, the new text also allows future changes to the constitution to go ahead without a referendum and with just a two thirds majority in parliament – a body now heavily dominated by Ouattara’s allies – a fact that has raised concern among some rights groups.

Some civil society groups and diplomats, meanwhile, have criticized the process of drafting the text and submitting it to a plebiscite as rushed and lacking transparency. Voters have had just two and a half weeks to review the 184-article charted

BENUE GOVT. FLAGS OFF INTERNATIONAL CARGO AIRPORT

 The Benue State government and its joint venture partners under the Public Private Partnership, has flagged off the 38 Billion Naira Benue international cargo airport on a 6,000-hectre land along the Makurdi-Lafia road.
Governor Samuel Ortom while speaking on the economic viability of the project conceived by former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, said, the 38 billion Naira investment by the Nigerian/Chinese consortium on the airport project and other service, would change the economy significantly.

On its part, the consortium financing the project, which is now under the supervision of the Ministry of Aviation, is seeking security for men and infrastructure, as the governor perform the ground-breaking ceremony.

This 6,000 hectres of land along Makurdi-Lafia road, will host the Benue international cargo airport that will operate from the existing Makurdi Airport.

However, the project was stalled in 2014 when the management of the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command refused to share the airport facilities with the proposed cargo airport project expansion.

The project, which is on a ‘build, operate and transfer agreement’ for a period of 25 years, is being flag off to accommodate cargos from Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau states.

While explaining the delay in the take-off of the project, Governor Ortom gave credit to his former colleague and Aviation Minister, Oduah, outlining the benefits of the project.

Already, the contractors handling the Benue International Cargo Airport project have mobilised to the 6,000 hectres site, with a promise to deliver the project for commissioning in five years.

Buhari Celebrates Africa’s First Female Newscaster, Anike Agbaje-Williams At 80

President Muhammadu Buhari is celebrating legendary newscaster, presenter and first African female to appear on television, Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams, on her 80th birthday.

In a statement on Saturday, President Buhari joined Williams’ family, friends and the media profession, in celebrating the broadcaster who ruled the industry for more than 30 years.

Known for her sonorous voice, Anike Agbaje-Williams started out early with the first television station in Africa in 1959, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV).

As one of the pioneer African television broadcasters, better known as ‘‘Africa’s First Lady of the Tube’’, the President believes the veteran journalist worked hard to inform, educate and entertain her listeners, and to also sustain the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who established the WNTV as a ‘‘surrogate teacher’’.

The President commended the quintessential courage and persistent spirit of Williams who constantly pushed herself to improve on her God-given talent until she reached the pinnacle of her career, carting home many awards even after retirement.

President Buhari prayed that the almighty God would grant Williams longer life, good health and more strength in her newfound love of singing in the choir after retirement

Aisha Buhari Says Leaders Must Fulfil Promises

The wife of Nigeria’s President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has stressed the need for leaders to keep to their campaign promises, as she flagged off the distribution of relief items for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benisheikh, a liberated town in Borno State.

Mrs Buhari told some group of journalist that the distribution of the relief materials to the IDPs was a fulfilment of a promise she made.

Some of the items distributed were nutritional food supplements and some food items collected by the “Get Involved”’ programme, a component of her pet project tagged “Future Assured”’.

Benisheikh is one of the liberated towns in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State where IDPs have already returned to pick up their lives from where they left off.

Mrs Buhari’s programme is a campaign for well-meaning Nigerians to support victims of over six years Boko Haram insurgency and the vulnerable in the northeast.

The relief materials by Mrs Aisha buhari were given to over 300 women representing their families.
Aisha Buhari was recently criticised for her comments on the composition of her husband’s appointments, insisted that leaders must keep to their promises.

“We thank almighty Allah for the opportunity to start fulfilling the promises we have made that’s the essence of having a leader. When you promise you make sure that you fulfil your promise and that is what we are all after and that is what I am after in particular.

'i am after the success of my husband’s administration, and he can’t do it alone except with the help of the governors, their wives and all members of our progressive party', she stated.

“I am here today to flag-off the distribution of food items donated by well-meaning Nigerians from south, west, east and north. I thank our donors on behalf of Borno people and the entire northeast people of Nigeria,” Mrs Buhari told beneficiaries of the relief materials.

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima says contributions are welcome from all quarters to fasten the resettlement process among IDPs.

He says the gathering was made possible by the remarkable progress in the counter-insurgency war.

At least 350 families represented by the women benefited from Mrs Buhari’s intervention in Benisheikh.

FALZ AND SIMI 'LOVE UP' IN NEW EP 'CHEMISTRY'.

Music stars, Falz and Simi, who were both nominated in the best breakthrough act category at the recently concluded MTV Africa Music Award, have released a joint EP titled 'chemistry'.
 the two musical artist have come a long way in music industry, always doing their best to stay fresh in the game.
I must comment that the release of the seven track project on thursday,was preceded by several 'pre-wedding' themed photographs, which caused a frenzy on social media, as many wondered whether they would long standing speculations of a romance between them.
However, one may say that this came as a birthday gift from falz to fans as the long-awaited EP collaboration with simi was also released on the singers birthday.
 songs on the extended play include 'foreign','cinderella','show you pepper','enough is enough' and many others.

Ferguson Says Liverpool Are Strong League Title Contenders

Former Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, says Liverpool are seriously Premier League title contenders this season.

Ferguson said Jurgen Klopp had “revived Liverpool's enthusiasm” since taking over as manager in October 2015.

“For two decades, Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity.

“You can now sense you truly have to count them in this year,” he told German magazine Kicker.

Liverpool are third in on the league table, sharing points with leaders Manchester City.

In their nine league matches in the present season, they have played four of the current top seven – Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United and defending champions, Leicester City.

The Reds have also made it through to the fifth round of the EFL and will face Leeds United in the quarterfinal.

Two Powerful Earthquakes Hit Italys Central Region

Italy Central region has been struck by two powerful earthquakes, with buildings damaged and scared residents pouring out into the streets.

Officials say a 5.5-magnitude quake struck at 19:10 local time (17:10 GMT), followed two hours later by a 6.1 magnitude tremor near Visso in Macerata province.

So far, no deaths have been reported but one person was injured.

There are also reports of downed power lines, damage to historic buildings and a landslide on a main road north of Rome.

The quakes come two months after a powerful earthquake struck Amatrice in the south, killing 295 people.

Wednesday’s earthquakes were felt across central Italy, including in the capital, Rome, where buildings shook and doors and windows rattled

UNICEF Urges Nigeria To Strengthen Primary Health Care System @nokpakam

UNICEF, Northeast Nigeria, World Polio DayThe United Nations Children’s Fund – UNICEF is urging Nigeria to strengthen its primary health care system in other to curb the spread of wild polio virus in the north east to other parts of the country.

The Chief of Health for UNICEF in Nigeria, Mr John Agbor made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja to mark the 2016 World Polio Day.

He explained that this has become important to enable Nigeria consolidate the little gains already made in its effort to put an end to the virus.

Nigeria’s polio-free certification suffered a major setback in August 2016, when four new cases of wild polio virus were reported in the north east.

The federal government immediately launched an emergency response team to curtail the spread of the virus.

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole said that the government has already spent over eight billion naira on immunization of children against the polio virus.

Asides efforts made in the past, he restated the government’s commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria.

At a separate press conference, the Chairman of the Senate Committee On Primary Health Care, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa called on the executive to strengthen the routine immunization of children under age five.

Over 30 million children have been vaccinated in Nigeria against polio in the three rounds of emergency response to the recent outbreak.

Man Utd: Mourinho Says Pogba Needs More Time To Click

Manchester United coach, Jose Mourinho says critics should give his £89m midfielder, Paul Pogba, more time to click.
Mourinho’s made this comment after the 23-year-old France midfielder, who joined the club 3 months ago, scored twice in Thursday’s 4-1 Europa League win over Fenerbahce.
His performance on Thursday was regarded by critics as better than his lackluster contribution in Monday’s goal less with Liverpool.

Mourinho in responds to such comments said, “Two days ago he was the worst player in the Premier League and 48 hours later he’s phenomenal".

“He needs time. I’m happy with his performance. He has what we need'. Morinho affirmed

Mourinho believes his world record signing needs time to get used to a different style of football.

“I was in Italy and I know the characteristics, the pace and intensity.

To be in Italy for four or five years and then come back to the Premier League, I was not expecting him to adjust in a click of fingers.”

Pogba, who spoke after the Europa game said he is more comfortable with the Red Devils team now and hopes to put up more spectacular performances.

REVENUE COLLECTION IN NIGERIAS CAPITAL CAUSES FACE -OFF BETWEEN LAWMAKERS.

House-of-Representatives-in-Rowdy-session A disagreement over the collection of Tenement Rates in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory has led to a face-off between two members of the House of Representatives during a public hearing on the matter.

This transpired on Wednesday when officials of the Federal Capital Territory appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory.

They had come to answer questions on the collection of revenue, especially Tenement Rates, in the city, a step the committee says is illegal.

Addressing the house, the Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Honourable Herman Hembe, argued that only the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service is allowed to collect any form of tax in the nation’s capital but his position was, however, opposed by Zaphania Jisalo, a lawmaker from the Federal Capital Territory.

"The committee should enter into a closed door meeting, to delibrate and find ways to ameliorate the issue" he stated.
However, the Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Honourable Umar Bago and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, disagreed over the amount of debt owed to the agency.

The disagreement followed a discussion on the award of a debt recovery contract, which the committee says it is investigating.

After the disagreement on the issue, the committee fixed an investigative hearing for next month when the committee promised to look into the issues raised by petitions it received on the matter.

POPTVOFFICIAL TO BE LAUNCHED IN NOVEMBER 5th

Its about to go down once again as POPTVOFFICIAL will be launched on the 5th of November 2016. Am sure you are ready to see the next big thing just in your very before. Expect great fun and entertainment straight out of  UNN... Exclusive gists, personality digest, events review, pre event prologue, red carpet coverage..nd a whole lot...fun at ur tips...wif no charges...*😉

```Expect the MTV base of UNN ```
@poptvoffical.


By Flawlex ifeanyi

PHYNO RENEWS CONTRACT WITH NAIRABET

The popular Nigerian igbo rapper Phyno, has just renewed his contract/ endorsement with Nairabet. His hard work has earned him this renewal.
This is Ezennunu's second year contract. Considering his pace in music, Akin alabi CEO NairaBet opted in for another round of the contract that will run for the next one year. Congratulations!!!

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT TO BOOST WATER TRANSPORTATION

The Lagos state government has begun ridding waterways of debris and water hyacinth, as part of the panasea aimed at boosting water transportation within the state and as regard this two water hyacinth and debris removal machines, have been deployed by the state government for the exercise.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, while representing the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare at the commissioning of both Machines, held at Ebute Ero Jetty, affirmed that for a long time, “hyacinth which is otherwise known as aquatic weed, had been a major source of concern with attendant challenges to the waterways sector”.

However the managing Director of Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Engr. Abisola Kamson, affirmed that asides negatively affecting the socio-economic activities of fishermen and inhabitants of the riverine communities, water hyacinth, which is a seasonal threat, had brought about damages to the propulsion system of boats, thus further affecting water transportation.
she further esplained that the new machines would go a long way in eradicating the menace of water hyacinth on marine ecosystems of the state, particularly the Ikorodu, Ajah, Badagry, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Mile 2 and Epe axis.

Giving technical insight as to the workings of the machine, Kamson said it can be lowered up to six feet deep into the water.

She also stated that it acts like an underwater lawn mower and cuts the vegetation while collecting weeds and debris.
Engr. Kamson described the commissioning as “a dream come true” and expressed gratitude to the Governor for the long-awaited initiative.

PHOTOS OF THE CANIVAL CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE CITY OF ENUGU BY THE NPFL CHAMPIONS.

Here are the photographs of the procession carried out within the city of Enugu state by the NPFL champions, ENUGU RANGERS INTL FC.

 

ENUGU RANGERS PLANS TO APPRECIATE ENUGU RESIDENTS TODAY FOR THEIR SUPPORTS SO FAR

         Enugu rangers international football club plans to thank and appreciate their fans within Enugu state today being 15th of October over their victory as the champions of the just completed Nigeria professional football league.
        they plead that you welcome them once you see them in our various area by showing them love.
We promise to bring to you details of this and more at the end of today. thank you.


                                                         HAVE A NICE DAY

                                           UP RANGERS, NEVER SAY DIE

CUSTOM SEIZES GOODS WORTH A BILLON NAIRA WITHIN EIGHT WEEKS

         The national coordinator of Nigerian custom service, Musa Jimo opined that over 500 contraband goods worth over a billion naira were seized. 
         He stated this in an interview conducted by group of journalists after he checking some withheld goods at the customs zonal command in kaduna state.
''these are illegal goods smuggled into the country through illegal routes and borders and were recovered by his men based on intelligent reports'' he stated
        He also affirmed that the team also seized smuggled unwholesome bags of rice being rebagged in Lagos to make it look like local product produced within the country.
       Also withheld were jerry can of vegetable oil, bags of second hand clothes, used tyres, cartons of frozen fish and used vehicles.
''Twenty five suspects have been arrested in connection with the illegal importation'' he also stated.
Joseph Attah, the deputy relations officer, customs headquarters in Abuja stated that the ban on importation of rice through the land border is still in full force.
''anyone one caught in this illegal act will be made to face the law'' he affirmed.
        He also stated that the aggressive revenue drive of the Nigeria customs service has improved significantly under the present administration.

EZEUGWU, A STAR WAITING TO EXPLODE

His electrifying pace, dazzling footworks, accurate crosses and deft touches all characterises the talent of offorka fidelis Ezeugwu, the talented right full back who reminds one of Brazilian great, Dani Alves.

Standing at just six ft and eloquent in English and igbo, ezeugwu who is slightly good in twi, is one player whose tenancity, vibrancy and intelligence makes one salivate at the prospect inherent.

Known as obeng by his Ghanian fans, his experience in clubs like Berekum Chelsea FC, a Premier League club in Ghana, kalighat milian sangha FC in India, disdevt in afrik FC, Godly boys FC in Enugu state, Nigeria.

His talent earned him a trial in the newest Nigeria professional football League Champions, Enugu Rangers, where he was signed and cleared officially for the first time from his previous club Godly boys FC.

Currently, he trains with Rangers FC and has featured in friendly matches throughout the just concluded season.

Rangers quest to retain the NPFL title next season having gone on a 32year drought before winning it this year, will take centre stage and pivotal to that quest lies herein the young and talented Ezeugwu, whose rare and electrifying talent makes one salivate at what a bigger deadly force Rangers would become when given an opportunity. His talent deserves recognition as there has been a massive cry from his fans all over for him to be given a deserved opportunity to play in the first team.

As their quest for dominance continues, they must look at their rank and notify that there is a shinning star waiting to complete the cycle. Remember that name, Ezeugwu as he is ready to conquer.

By Flawlex ifeanyi

 Ezeugwu [obeng] with berekum Chelsea fc,Disdevt in afrik fc,Godly boys & Enugu Rangers team mates.

THE NEED TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO

          Most people have resigned themselves to working for money. No one wants to be poor, But the fact still remains that whether you work for money or money works for you, we all have to work in one way or the other to earn money.
          Life cannot become one endless vacation because one will get bored to death. For some, financial freedom comes when money works for you but true financial freedom comes when you do what you love and love what you do. You do it for love and make money as you do it.
          The word Work conjures a lot of unpleasant feelings in many. The word is linked to misery, pain, suffering, confinement. With these feelings, most look at work as a necessary Way to earn money to pay for your bills and and keep body and soul together. These feelings give rise to the euphoria behind the phrase " thank God its Friday" TGIF. we love vacation, Fridays, public holiday, pay days. Anything that will keep you away from work and hate Mondays. The thought of work alone evokes the feelings of returning to prison.
          This raises the question: is it possible for one to do what you love and make money out of it at the same time?. The answer is YES. For instance celebrities from all fields of endeavor. They found their place in the scheme of things. When you love what you do and are at your best at what you do, you excel easily without to much sweat and stress. Excellence is not far away from this point.
           If you do not love your work, it is time to move on. You are a misfit, find your right fit while waiting to make the switch, you may want to start Looking at your present work in a new light. A new attitude and perspective may be all you need to start loving the work you do. If it is really not what you love, you need to know who you are and what makes you come alive. You cannot find what you don't know.
 You may feel that what you love will not put money on the table right now. This means that the skills you have for what you Love is still at the raw stage. There is a millionaire somewhere in the world doing exactly what you love. Endure your prison terms While you hone your skills to the level that you can make sufficient money to kiss your boss goodbye. It will not happen overnight. You need the commitment, focus and persistence to pull through. Being a star in any field does not come cheap.

By Flawlex eany

RANGERS PLAYER EGWIM TO BE TREATED ABROAD.

The governor of Enugu State, honorable Ifeanyichukwu Ugwuanyi, in his speech after the match yesterday promised that the injured player Mr Ifeanyi Egwim will be flown to Germany immediately for treatment.
"this is the only way to show his commitment and support to the team", he stated.
         Governor Ugwuanyi, also made the players to understand that he his solidly behind them, that they should not panic, stating that everything concerning Egwim will be handled and that they should celebrate their victory.
        Currently, the team member are in their camp located at Eke Emene, Enugu State.

ENUGU RANGERS BREAKS THE JINX AFTER 32 YEARS

       Rangers International football club of Enugu defeats El-kanemi worriors of maiduguri, borno state  four goals to zero after a tough battle in the on going Nigeria Professional football league tournament.
       This took place this afternoon being the 2nd of october 2016 at the Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium popularly known as the cathedral.
        The game kicked off by 4pm on the dot with sands of fans scattered in and outside the cathedral. two minutes after the kick off, a penalty was awarded to rangers which was scored by Chisom Egbuchulam. the game continued after that and in the next 30mins of the game, Osas Okoro of rangers scored the second goal which they maintained till the 1st 45minutes of the first half.
       However, while the fans were anxiously waiting for the second half, there was a display of the biafran flag which got massive sanding ovation from the crown but nearly caused havoc because the security officers wanted to stop its display but was later settled.
       Fifteen minutes later, the second half kicked off and sustaining the tempo of the game, as well as the fabulous play upheld by rangers players. 25mins later, Chisom Egbuchulam scored the 3rd goal. the game continued while the El-kanemi players struggled to score but all to no avail.
      Meanwhile, Just three minutes before the full time, Ifeanyi Egwim, a rangers player wanted to reach a ball right inside the eighteen yard box of his opponents goal post but the El-kanemis goal keeper rushed out to catch the ball but caught his legs instead thereby causing serious injury to ifeanyi and a whistle blow from the referee resulting to a penalty as well as a red card issued to the goal keeper. the penalty was played and was scored by Chisom Egbuchulam, making it the fourth goal and that was a hat-trick, that brought the match to an end with four goals to zero.
    The trophy was given to them as well as medals, and the governor of Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was in attendance from the kick off to the finish.