A Nigerian company, Dalisatech Limited, has produced a machine that  automates garri production, from cassava  peeling to frying into the end product, a popular staple in the country.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the machine was invented  by Dalistech after four years of research.

Until now, cassava  had to be peeled manually before being processed by a machine, for mostly manual frying.

NAN reports that Dalisatech garri processing plant however, peels cassava, washes it, grinds it, presses it and fries it into garri.

Managing Director of Dalisatech Group, Mr. Samuel Taniniwo told NAN on Sunday in Abuja that the Dalistech machine would assist economic growth by helping to boost food production.

Taniniwo disclosed that Dalisatech had also produced a machine “that makes palm oil production.a lot easier and cost effective with massive output’’.

“The era of crude methods of Garri and palm oil production is over,’’ he stated.

“The progress made so far is a product of four years of  unrelenting research and hard work of my team made of young skilful and talented Nigerians,” Taniniwo said.

According to him, the machines were“made up of state of the art metals that modern method of fabrication offers and can compete with any similar machines produced anywhere in the world’’.

More:

Leyton Orient and Jamaica midfielder Jobi McAnuff says England should stay composed after experiencing Panama's "tricks" first hand.

McAnuff, who played for Reading in the Premier League as well as Watford, Crystal Palace and West Ham, has faced Panama four times competitively in the last five years in World Cup qualifying with Jamaica.

His side have drawn twice and lost twice against Panama, who now face England in World Cup Group G on Sunday following their 3-0 defeat by Belgium on Monday.

McAnuff, now at Leyton Orient, says England should keep their head in case Panama attempt to frustrate them physically, and also says the opposition's centre-halves could be split.

Here, we run through his advice for the England side ahead of the clash in Veliky Novgorod.

"My advice for the team would be to stay composed. We came across a lot of tricks from the Panama side and others in qualification; I'd call them fouls, but a lot of things that go unnoticed, little pulls of the shirt or trying to stop your momentum if you're looking to pace forward.

"There were little fine details they will try to do to put you off your game, and you must keep a level head. We suffered in one game, getting a man sent off through frustration. It's something I'm sure England are used to facing, but Panama are clever in that sense.

"They've been around the block, there's a lot of experience, and they are very, very street-wise. England have a lot of young lads in the squad at the moment, and it'll be an interesting challenge."

"Their centre-halves - two from Roman Torres, Fidel Escobar or Felipe Baloy - are almost like throwback English centre-halves; they'll come, head it, very strong and very keen to win the ball.

"I definitely think that's an area England can exploit. I think they will be that keen to come and win the ball, that you can really pull them apart. If you can get good movement around them, with Harry Kane dropping into the pocket, or maybe the deeper player, Loftus-Cheek or Sterling or Rashford, whoever that is, they can definitely slip into the forward's pocket.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/23/world-cup-2018-england-must-stay-composed-if-panama-attempt-tricks/

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos on Saturday ordered that a World Cup Viewing Centre be opened at Ikorodu immediately.

The governor gave the directive in his response to the call for additional World Cup Viewing Centres in some parts of the state.

This gesture now gives the Lagosians living in that area of the state enjoy to watch live football action of the ongoing Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that football lovers have been trooping in large number to the six viewing centres provided by the state government.

Six similar viewing centres were opened across the state just before the kicked off of the World Cup.

The centres are located at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Campos Mini Stadium Lagos Island, Abesan playground, Alimosho, Naval Yard playground, Ajegunle, Bishop Aggrey Youth Centre Mushin and Epe Recreation Centre.

However, the Head of Public Relations, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Titi Oshodi said that arrangements have been put in place to ensure the speedy provision of the centre.

“The Ikorodu World Cup Viewing Centre will be located at the Ikorodu Town Hall. This viewing centre is to be in place in this weekend.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/23/lagos-state-gov-ambode-orders-additional-world-cup-viewing-centre-in-ikorodu/

Two members of the cult group Confraternity  have been arrested in Oru, Ogun state over the chilling murder of a 22 year-old student Oriade Adebisi and his girlfriend, Julian Eke Imaga.

Julian Imaga, 18 years-old and Adebisi were both students of Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye. They were killed on 28 May by the cultists, one of whom was a drop-out from the university. Their bodies have been recovered and sent to Ijebu-Ode General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

The cultists were arrested by operatives of the IGP-Intelligence Response Team(IRT) led by DCP Abba Kyari, in collaboration, with Oyo State FSars and Ogun State Police Command.

In a chilling post by Abba Kyari on his Facebook page,  Oriade Adebisi was ambushed in Oru-Ijebu by the killer cultists in the night of 28 May, while driving in his Honda Crostour Car with Reg.No. FST 350 FA. He was in the company of his girlfriend Julian Eke Imaga. The incident happened after Adebisi had visited a friend of his identified as Akogun.

“All of a sudden as he was driving towards Oru junction,  three armed armed men emerged on a motorcycle and whisked away the said Oriade Adebisi and his friend together with the car to unknown destination.

“On the receipt of this complaint on 3 June, Operatives of the IGP-Intelligence Response Team(IRT) led by DCP ABBA Kyari in collaborations of Oyo state FSars and Ogun state police command swiftly swooped on the hoodlums and two of the principal suspects Muritala Babatunde  and Taiwo Rasak  were subsequently arrested”, Kyari reported.

An iPhone X and with Etisalat sim and two pairs of canvas shoes belonging to the Adebisi were recovered from the first Muritala Babatunde.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/23/2-cultists-arrested-in-ogun-for-chilling-murder-of-2-oou-students/

Pope Francis is urging the nations of the world to take in as many refugees as possible.

The pontiff told reporters aboard the papal plane that he believes it is incumbent on governments to “welcome, to accompany, to place, to integrate” as many refugees as their societies can reasonably accommodate.

“Each country must do this with the virtue of government, which is prudence, and take in as many refugees as it can, as many as it can integrate, educate, give jobs to,” Francis said during the in-flight press conference, according to The Associated Press.

“We are living through a flood of refugees who are fleeing war and hunger,” the pope said.

More than 33,000 people have risked their lives to reach Europe by sea in 2018 so far, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency. About 771 are estimated to have drowned during the journey.

Francis was responding to a journalist’s question aboard the papal airplane during a trip back to Rome from Geneva.

A reporter asked him to share his thoughts on the current crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, and the influx of migrants attempting to enter Europe.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/22/pope-francis-urges-nations-to-welcome-refugees/

Ahmed Musa struck twice to become the first Nigerian to score at two World Cups Friday as the Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-0 win over Iceland, who missed a penalty.The African side will secure a spot in the knockout stage if they beat Argentina on Tuesday in Group D’s final round of fixtures.

A draw would be enough to eliminate the Argentines but would leave Nigeria’s fate hinging on the outcome of Iceland’s game against Croatia.

Musa, who came into the starting line-up in place of Alex Iwobi, announced himself with two of the goals of the tournament so far.

Musa’s sweetly struck half-volley fired Nigeria into the lead just after half-time before he added a second with 15 minutes to go to make the Group D game safe.

Iceland got a lifeline in the 82nd minute with a VAR-awarded penalty but dead-ball specialist Gylfi Sigurdsson blazed over the bar.

With Croatia heading the group on six points Nigeria knew a second defeat would mean elimination and Iceland started brightest after coach Heimir Hallgrimsson changed to a 4-4-2 from the 4-5-1 he had used in the 1-1 draw with Argentina.

Alfred Finnbogason, who scored the equaliser against Argentina as a lone striker, was joined up front by Jon Bodvarsson and the pair quickly made an impact.

Captain Aron Gunnarsson launched a long throw into the box and, after Bodvarsson had made a nuisance of himself, a push gave Iceland a free-kick just outside the area.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/22/fifa-world-cup-2018-switzerland-beat-serbia-2-1/

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brazil midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk on a five-year deal.

Fred becomes Jose Mourinho's second signing of the summer following the arrival of defender Diogo Dalot from Porto.

United announced earlier this month they had agreed a deal with Shakhtar, which Sky Sports News understands to be in the region of £52m plus bonuses, but had been waiting for Fred to be granted a work permit.

It is understood the bonuses could take the deal to around £61.2m - this would make him United's third most expensive signing of all time behind Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku.

He is in the Brazil squad at the World Cup, but did not feature in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their opening game.

Mourinho said: "Fred will complement our other midfielders' qualities, which we need; his creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game.

"I am very happy he is joining our club and I believe our players know how important he can be in our team."

Fred, who has an option to extend his deal by a further year, indicated Mourinho had been a big factor in his decision.

"This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team," he said. "To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/21/man-u-sign-brazil-midfielder-from-shakhtar-donetsk/

Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said his tactics are to blame for Lionel Messi's poor form at the 2018 World Cup.

The Barcelona star has had more shots than any other player so far at this World Cup (12), but has failed to score with any of them and his team are on the brink of elimination following Thursday's 3-0 defeat to Croatia in Group D.

Messi's struggles are in stark contrast to his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored four goals in his first two matches for Portugal - but Sampaoli feels Argentina's struggles have limited the impact of his star player.

He said: "I think Cristiano is a great player - you can look at all he has achieved as a player with his club and his country.

"Right now we shouldn't compare these two players. I think because of the reality of the Argentinian squad, it clouds Leo's brilliance.

"Leo is limited because the team doesn't gel ideally with him as it should.

"As coaches, we need to realise these things and try to deal with them and I'm the one that needs to accept it."

Argentina have picked up just one point from their opening two matches against Iceland and Croatia and must now beat Nigeria in their final match and hope other results go their way if they are to progress.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/21/blame-my-tactics-for-lionel-messis-poor-form-jorge-sampaoli/

New York intends to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration over family separations at the border, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said in a phone call with journalists that he would like the lawsuit to be filed within two weeks.

A statement from Cuomo’s office said the lawsuit would assert the administration “is violating the Constitutional rights of thousands of immigrant children and their parents who have been separated at the border.”

The governor’s office is aware of more than 70 immigrant children in federal shelters in New York, and the state would sue “to protect the health and well-being of children” held in New York and elsewhere, the statement said.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a class-action lawsuit in March over family separations, and a judge ruled earlier this month that the case could move forward.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/19/ny-to-sue-trump-administration-for-family-separations-at-the-border/

Real Madrid will present Julen Lopetegui as the new first team manager today, hours after he was sacked as coach of Spain.

Lopetegui, who returned to Madrid from Russia today will be presented to fans at 7:00 pm CEST at the Santiago Bernabeu presidential box.”.

The 51-year-old was named as Real Madrid’s new manager on Tuesday – then fired by his national team 24 hours later.

He was due to take charge of Spain’s opening World Cup clash against Portugal on Friday but Fernando Hierro will now be in the dugout.

Lopetegui arrived in Madrid in the early hours of Thursday morning as he prepares to officially take over as Zinedine Zidane’s replacement.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/14/real-madrid-to-present-julen-lopetegui-today/

Four men, who allegedly defiled and impregnated a 15- year-old girl, were on Thursday remanded at Kirikiri Prisons by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Henry Edmond, 47, metal fabricator; Richard Effiong, 22, businessman; Simeon Michael, 30, self employed; and Ashumu Muhammed, 33, security guard are being tried for defilement.

Magistrate Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi refused to take the plea of the accused but ordered that they should be kept behind bars pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“Based on the sensitivity of the case, it is difficult to grant bail. Bail will be at the discretion of the court.

“Case file should be documented and sent to the office of the DPP for advice,” she said.

The accused committed the offences between December 2016 and May 2018 at different parts of Ajah and Lekki, Lagos, the Police prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court.

He said that the accused unlawfully assaulted the girl by penetrating into her private parts on separate occasions.
“The accused have been having sexually intercourse with the girl which resulted in pregnancy.”

Ayorinde said that when the girl’s aunty discovered that she was pregnant, she questioned her.

“The girl, who is five months pregnant, mentioned all the men that have been sleeping with her since her aunty brought her to Lagos in 2016 to be helping her take care of her children.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/14/four-men-defile-impregnate-15-year-old-girl/

Thats nice Alex.

LIVERPOOL star Mohamed Salah has no interest in joining Real Madrid this summer, reports in Spain claim.

Salah had a sensational season under Jurgen Klopp this year, with the Egypt international netting 44 goals in all competitions.

The former Chelsea ace has been tipped to leave Anfield this summer, despite only joining the Reds last year.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are chasing the 25-year-old, who won the Premier League Golden Boot this season.

However, according to Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Salah will not join Real this summer.

They say the Egypt star has no intention of heading to the Bernabeu.

Diario Gol add that Salah does not forgive Real captain Sergio Ramos for injuring him in the Champions League final last month - and the winger wants revenge.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/12/epl-transfer-news-mohamed-salah-makes-real-madrid-decision-report/

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) commended the Federal Government for its intervention in the conflict between the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Council of Legal Education (CLE).

NANS hailed the effort of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami for initiating the resolution and urged the government to see its intervention through.

The association made the commendation in a statement signed by its Senate President, Taiwo Bamigbade, in Abuja on Monday.

Malami made the promised to resolve the crisis when the Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Abdalla Adamu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Bamgbose, however, admonished the Federal Government to ensure that it did not pay lip-service to the pledge.

He threatened that the association

would be compelled to shut down all the campuses of the Law School and NOUN study centres across the country at the expiration of its three-month ultimatum should the Federal Government default.

“The Federal Government’s promise through the AGF, who oversees CLE, is commendable and shows that the government is sensitive to NANS outcry.

“Therefore, we urge the AGF to ensure that the promise is not one of those numerous empty promises and delay tactic, thus giving the law graduates futile hopes for years. ‎

‎”Without mincing words, we want to sound it clear that NANS cannot entertain any further gimmicks.

“We insist on the admission of the affected NOUN law graduates to Law School during the August 2018 session like their counterparts from other universities. ‎

“Otherwise, we will shut down all the campuses of Nigerian Law School and NOUN study centres across the country at the expiration of our ultimatum.”‎

Bamigbade, however, promised that the association would continue to be law-abiding and respectful to constituted authorities “provided our concerns and destinies are not taken for granted.”

He said that the NOUN/Law School debacle had become a special matter listed and categorised under NANS state of emergency.

“We will fight against the injustice and persecution as we cannot sit and watch Nigerian students being ridiculed and maltreated unjustly for selfish interest.”

“Our demand is clear – admit all NOUN law graduates and existing law students without further delay.

“Nigerian students do not deserve the ridicule, pain and sufferings NOUN law graduates have been subjected to all these years.

“Enough is enough and a stitch in time, they say, saves nine,’’ Bamigbade said.

(NAN)

https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/12/noun-law-school-conflict-nans-commends-agfs-intervention/

After more than 20 years away, former Arsenal and France star Patrick Vieira, is returning to Ligue 1 to take the reins at Nice where he was unveiled as manager on Monday.

“I’m very happy to return to France, which I left at the age of 19 or 20,” Vieira told a press conference. “Returning to Ligue 1 was honestly always an objective, but I wanted to do so in the best circumstances and I think that’s the case.”

Vieira, 41, arrives after a stint at MLS outfit New York City FC. He has signed a three-year contract and replaces Lucien Favre who is moving to Borussia Dortmund.

Nice released a statement describing the 1998 World Cup winner as a “monument of French football”, whose dynamism and charisma had made him the obvious choice.

Vieira said he had several conversations with the club’s sporting director Julien Fournier and the president Jean-Pierre Rivere.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/12/former-arsenal-and-france-star-patrick-vieira-now-nice-manager/

Liverpool will complete a deal for Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir despite complications surrounding the deal.

That is the opinion of ESPN FC pundit and former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

Fekir was expected to join Liverpool on Friday but after a knee problem was reportedly found during his medical, the deal was delayed.

And on Saturday evening Lyon announced the deal was off, claiming their captain will remain at the club next season.

Hislop reckons the knee problem could delay any deal further, but reckons Fekir will still become a Liverpool player this summer.

“I think there are a number of moving parts to this,” he said on ESPN FC.

“All speculation suggests that there was an issue with the medical.

“If that’s the case then all of a sudden you’re talking about insurance, you’re talking about premiums.

“It’s not just a case of Liverpool offering more money or Lyon accepting more because, again, now you have insurance underwriters that come into play and that has to be taken into account.

“Maybe Lyon have to pay some of that insurance because he came through their academy, what not.

“So it’s not as simple cut and dry as what number you’re putting behind the pound sign.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/10/epl-transfer-news-lyon-midfielder-nabil-fekir-to-join-liverpool/

I give kudos for the composer of this article.
Infact it is loaded.

Isah Suleiman, the President of Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), has described the nation’s invitation to the 2018 World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) organised World Cup as a milestone achievement.

Suleiman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos that the development was as a result of payment of outstanding affiliation fees of the nation to WAFF.

“The passion I have for amputee football and the efforts to bring the sport to light at national and international events has started manifesting, and I feel so happy that its happening within this short period.

“This is the beginning of many good things to come as a form of reshaping poor state of this great sport and lives of the footballer that were practically neglected.

“The journey to this achievement was not easy, but my happiness is that we have regained our membership with the parent body and will now be part of their activities,” he said.

He added that the participation in the World Cup would serve as an exposure to the footballers and opportunity to boost the nation’s profile at the global level.

“We are affiliated to WAFF, yet we have not registered our participation in the World Cup, I targeted it as a key project to ensure that we break that jinx.

“This is a good development in the right direction for our amputee footballers; I am sure that they are also happy and will remain committed in the sport,” he said.

A South African court on Thursday sentenced a 23-year-old man to three life sentences for murdering his parents, Martin and Teresa as well as brother, Rudi with an axe in 2015.

In a case that has gripped the country, Henri Van-Breda also received 15 years in prison for attempting to kill his younger sister, who was gravely injured but survived.

He also received an additional 12 months for defeating the ends of justice, a court in Cape Town ruled.

Van-Breda, who pleaded not guilty, claimed an intruder killed his family members at their luxury estate in the Cape Winelands area of Stellenbosch in 2015.

Judge Siraj Desai dismissed van-Breda’s version as “nonsensical.’’

His sister, who was 16 at the time of the attack and suffers from amnesia, did not testify during the lengthy court case.

She suffered severe head injuries in a bloody onslaught that Judge Siraj Desai described as “cold-blooded” murder.

“These attacks display a high level of innate cruelty,’’ Judge Desai said.

“The violence was excessive and gratuitous. It was intended to cause maximum harm.’’

Defence lawyer Pieter Botha, who plans to appeal against the conviction and sentencing, had suggested Van-Breda’s youth and status as a first-time offender should be mitigating factors in the sentencing.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/07/a-23-year-old-man-who-murdered-brother-parents-bags-3-life-sentences/

A Deputy Director in the Kogi Ministry of Education, Mr Haruna David, suddenly collapsed and died in his office on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt in Lokoja that late David collapsed at about 3 p.m.

He was immediately rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, where he was pronounced dead by medical officials on duty.

Until his death, he worked in the Quality Assurance department of the ministry.

The deceased hailed from Ogugu, Olamaboro Local Government and was the Unit Chairman of the ministry’s Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria and Chairman, Lokoja branch of the Ogugu Development Association.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/05/kogi-deputy-director-dies-in-office/

Johannes Bonfrere, former national team coach has every reason to smile as the Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja handed over the apartment promised a the Dutchman in 1994.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the promise was made during the late Gen. Sani Abacha administration following Super Eagles’ victory in the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, during a courtesy call on him by Bonfrere, said redeeming the pledge was a sign of government’s commitment to integrity.

“This is consistent with the commitment President Muhammadu Buhari has made to make Nigerians proud of the country and to stand by and respond to needs of the citizens.

“But the matter did not go back 24 years. Rather it actually goes back 38 years.

“The Green Eagles, like Emmanuel Okala, Martins Eyo, Tunde Bamidele, among others, became the Super Eagles after winning the first Nations Cup Nigeria won.

“They were promised houses, but in their own cases they actually received the allocations and they did not have any document.

“So, it was not until April 2017, 38 years after the promise, that they finally got letters of allocation in this administration, which simply shows that the Federal Government is committed to solving problems, no matter how old.

“Change means that the government is solving very difficult and old problems, no matter how long the problems are, be it human, social, habitation needs, including infrastructure.’’

The minister also emphasised that the second housing programme which was currently being constructed in 34 states in Nigeria was also embarked upon under the present administration.

“That again is a sign that even National Housing has seen change,’’ he said.

Handing over the keys to the three-bedroom apartment, Fashola expressed satisfaction over the pledge’s fulfillment and thanked the former coach for his contribution to national development.

He noted that in Bonfrere’s case, he did not get any allocation or the letter, even though he has finally received the house.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/05/former-national-team-coach-jo-bonfrere-gets-house-in-abuja/

Rivaldo says Manchester United are getting a "wonderful player" after the club agreed a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Fred.

Fred came on as a substitute in Brazil's 2-0 friendly win over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday and is set to arrive at Old Trafford on a reported five-year deal.

United revealed the news in a brief statement on their official website, promising a further announcement "in due course".

Fred has made just eight appearances for Brazil but is part of their 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and 2002 winner Rivaldo believes the midfielder will be the right fit for United.

"He is a wonderful player," Rivaldo said.

"Like any other player when you move to a new country, he will need a little bit of time to adapt.

"But when you are a good player and a brilliant midfielder like he is, he is going to do well and he is going to be good for Manchester United and they will be good for him."

Fred moved to Donetsk in 2013 and was a part of three league-winning sides.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/05/freds-move-to-man-united-backed-by-rivaldo/

Real Madrid have a agreed a deal in principle for attacker Sadio Mane. The Reds attacker helped the Merseyside club reach the Champions League final in Kiev, where they lost to Los Blancos 3-1, and finish fourth in the Premier League.

The La Liga giants, however, lost their star manager Zinedine Zidane last week. He left the side saying that they needed a different voice.

His departure has put the Mane deal in doubt.

However, the former Southampton player Mane is on the top of Real's hit list for this summer's transfer targets.

Mane makes up a part of last season's famous attacking trio which included Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/04/real-madrid-agree-deal-with-sadio-mane/

Derby County have confirmed that Jody Morris has joined the club as assistant manager to new boss Frank Lampard.

Morris, who was a team-mate of Lampard's during their playing days at Chelsea, as well as at England Under-21 level, is the new manager's first addition to the coaching staff.

The 39-year old joins after leaving Stamford Bridge where he was the manager of Chelsea's U18s.

Morris made over 170 appearances for Chelsea before returning as a coach in 2013, and assisted the Under-21s before taking charge of the U18s for the past four seasons.

Speaking to the Derby website, Lampard said: "The team around you is hugely important. It's not just about me as the manager; everyone will have a part to play on the staff and Jody is the first part of that. I am delighted to have him on board.

"Jody has been hugely successful with Chelsea's youth team and he has won everything there is to win in the last few years.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/04/jody-morris-joins-lampard-as-assistant-manager/

The Super Eagles arrived in Vienna, Austria on Sunday to put finishing touches to their preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup holding in Russia from June 14.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team’s arrival was confirmed in a 44-second video posted on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) verified Twitter handle on Sunday.

In the video, the players and officials were seen joining a bus at the airport which was expected to take them to their base in Bad Tatzmanndsdorf, which is about three hours away.

They departed London on Sunday morning after playing a friendly with England on Saturday at Wembley Stadium, which they lost 2-1.

“The Super Eagles have arrived in Vienna. They head to their Avita Resort Base camp where they will train for the next couple of days,” the NFF wrote on their handle.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/03/super-eagles-arrive-in-vienna-austria/

The President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki has dissociated himself from the Offa Robbery Suspects contrary to claims by the Nigerian Police Force.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said that the allegation by the Police linking him with the suspects was baseless.

He called on the entire public to disregard the report trending online about his invitation over the robbery, stressing that “there is no way I could have been associated with armed robbery against my people”.

Below is the full text of the statement:

The attention of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been drawn to a story circulating online and apparently derived from a Press Conference addressed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moshood Jimoh, linking him (Saraki) to the Offa robbery.

Dr. Saraki will want the entire public to disregard this claim as a baseless allegation and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means. Let it be known that there is no way I could have been associated with armed robbery against my people.

“When the Offa robbery incident happened, I was the first top public official to pay a visit to the place and right there in the palace of the traditional ruler, I put a call through to this same Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the IGP, requesting him to make certain specific security arrangements as demanded by the people.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/03/i-have-no-link-with-offa-robbery-suspects-dr-bukola-saraki/

The Ugandan parliament on Thursday passed a law, which imposed a tax on people using mobile social media networks.

The decision is in an attempt to increase revenue in the country.

The tax for users of WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook is minimal, at 200 Ugandan shillings (five cents) a day, but adds up to about 18 dollars a year.

“As a government, we thought it would be good to impose taxes on some aspects of the social media,” deputy government spokesman Shaban Bantariza, said on Thursday.

He added that “government is installing infrastructure like WiFi in areas around the country and it will not do this without our contribution through taxes.”

However, human rights groups expressed concern over the move, which reportedly came about after long-time leader Yoweri Museveni said social media helped spread gossip.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/01/facebook-twitter-whatsapp-users-to-start-paying-tax-parliament/

Chelsea are ready to speak to Zinedine Zidane to see if he has an interest in taking over at Stamford Bridge, The Sun reports.

The French icon called time on his tenure at Real Madrid on Thursday, shocking the football world after having won a third consecutive Champions League title just five days earlier.

Should Zidane decide that he wants a break from management, however, the report claims that the Blues could make a move for Laurent Blanc instead.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/01/transfer-gossips-chelsea-fc-to-approach-zidane/

A former member of the House of Representatives, Opeyemi Bamidele, and another party loyalist have been shot.

The incident occurred on Friday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, as a result of an accidental discharge.

The victims were hit by the bullets during the takeoff campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Kayode Fayemi.

APC chairman in the state, Mr Jide Awe, confirmed the incident to Channels Television.

He, however, noted that the victims have been rushed to the hospital.

The party chairman further claimed that the shooting was aimed at Fayemi, although Bamidele accidentally fell victim of the shot.

“When he shot at the crowd, I believe sincerely that he (the police) aimed at Dr Kayode Fayemi but narrowly, he (Fayemi) was pushed by somebody walking behind him,” Mr Awe revealed during a telephone interview on Politics Today.

“Opeyemi Bamidele was equally very near him and the shot hit him. But I can say authoritatively that he’s not badly hit, and he is recovering as we are talking,” he added.

The APC chairman, who witnessed the incident, noted that those at the scene thought the shot was fired by an overzealous officer who was trying to pay respect to the former minister.

More: https://hi247.com.ng/2018/06/01/ex-lawmaker-opeyemi-bamidele-shot/