Mamady Doumbouya a special force colonel who led a coup in the West African state of Guinea on September, will be sworn in as interim president on Friday, the authorities say.

Doumbouya will be sworn in at noon (1200 GMT) at the Mohammed V conference centre in the capital Conakry, a communique read late Wednesday on national television said.

He will become transitional president, serving before the country returns to civilian rule, according to a blueprint unveiled by the junta on Monday that does not mention a timeline.

The September 5 coup, the latest bout of turbulence in one of Africa’s most volatile countries, saw the overthrow of 83-year-old president Alpha Conde.

Alpha Conde became Guinea’s first democratically elected president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/30/09/2021/guinea-junta-leader-to-be-sworn-in-as-president/

Federal lawmaker representing Irewole/ Isokan/ Ayedaade federal constituency in Osun State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Taiwo Oluga has described the governor of the state, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola as a rare gem and a blessing to the people of the state, just as she congratulate the governor on his 67th birthday anniversary.

Oluga in a congratulatory message issued and personally signed, copies of which made available to the newsmen in Osogbo, rejoiced with the people of the state for having Oyetola as the governor, saying he is uncommon gift from God to the people of the state.

The lawmaker saluted the relentless efforts of the governor in moving the state to higher pedestra in the comity of states in Nigeria, adding that the state has witnessed tremendous development under the watch of governor Oyetola.

Hon. Oluga added that kudos should be given to governor Oyetola for the prudent management of the state resources even during this tight period of crunched economy.

She prayed for long life in good health and more wisdom for the governor to continue the good work he has started in the state.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/29/09/2021/youre-a-gift-to-osun-state-people-oluga-commend-governor-oyetola-67/

Youri Tielemans has not yet committed his long-term future to Leicester City.

Youri Tielemans is only contracted with the team until the end of the 2022-23 season.

Leicester City may consider selling their FA Cup final hero at the end of this season if they cannot strike a new deal.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are knocking around for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, reports The Athletic.

The 24-year-old Belgium international publicly said he is "keeping his options open" as he negotiates a new Leicester deal.

Barcelona and Madrid would be interested in Tielemans, who has also been linked with Liverpool, should he become available next off-season.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/29/09/2021/barcelona-and-real-madrid-interested-in-leicester-city-player/

Accra has won the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Book Capital for the year 2023. This was contained in a press release by the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay on 22nd September 2021.

Accra will therefore host the title from 23rd April 2023, which is celebrated globally as the World Book and Copyright Day, to 22nd April 2024.

Accra’s bid for the 2023 title was chosen by UNESCO, ahead of those of other cities including Budapest (Hungary), Jakarta (Indonesia), Constanta (Romania), and Saint-Marc (Haiti). Thus, Accra becomes the 23rd city to hold the title, coming after Guadalajara (Mexico) in 2022.

Currently, the title is held by Tbilisi (Georgia), whose tenure started on 23rd April 2021 and will end on 22nd April 2022. The statement from UNESCO stated that Accra’s bid was selected for its strong focus on young people and their potential to contribute to the culture and wealth of Ghana.
Every year since 2001, UNESCO awards the World Book Capital title to a designated city. The bid for the title is highly competitive.

In addition to being prestigious, the title is used to promote the domestic book industry, libraries, books, reading, creating awareness on literacy issues, and a lively book culture. The title is also used to promote tourism and the cultural heritage of the city. Winning the title is therefore an important symbolic acknowledgment of the city and the country as a whole.

The winning city must demonstrate the progress it has made in advancing book publishing, promotion of the UNESCO Agreement on the Importation of Educational, Scientific and Cultural Materials (Florence Agreement), and access to information among others.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/29/09/2021/accra-wins-unesco-world-book-capital-for-2023/

The European Union and China must continue engaging on a number of issues despite differences, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in a video call on Tuesday, according to an EUROPEAN UNION statement.

"The High Representative noted that while disagreements still persisted, the European Union and China needed to continue engaging intensively in a number of important areas," the European Union said, adding Borrell underscored the inclusive and cooperative character of Europe's Indo-Pacific strategy.

The European union is taking a softer stance on China, one of its most important trade partners, than the United States which has struck a new security deal (AUKUS) with Britain and Australia that is widely seen as designed to counter China's growing assertiveness in the Pacific.

But critics said the agreement undercut U.S. President Joe Biden's broader effort to rally allies such as France to that cause after Australia ditched a submarine deal with Paris to buy U.S. submarines, infuriating France.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/28/09/2021/europe-and-china-must-settled-there-disagreements-european-union-says/

The Royal Jordanian Airlines will resume flights to Syria after a nine years of not working.

Jordan's national airline made the announcement on Tuesday that it would fly to the war-torn country starting Oct. 3. The nation said on Monday that it would fully reopen Jaber the main crossing between Jordan and Syria on Tuesday.

Ministers from both countries met in Amman for two days. Resuming flight service between the countries is one of several moves aimed at restoring relations.

The ministers also agreed to cooperate in the energy, water and agricultural sectors.

The nations will increase commercial trading, reinstate a joint water committee regulating the Yarmouk water basin, and reactivate an electrical line to help the damaged electrical infrastructure in Syria. They also discussed transporting gas and electricity to crisis-stricken Lebanon.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/28/09/2021/royal-jordanian-airlines-to-resume-service-to-syria-after-9-years-offline/

Afghanistan will not address the United Nations General Assembly, in the wake of the Taliban takeover and potential competing claims of representation at the world body.

A United Nations spokesperson said they were informed by email on Saturday that they were withdrawing. Ambassador Ghulam Isaczai had originally been scheduled to speak on Monday, the final day of the annual debate that draws world leaders to New York.

Isaczai was appointed by the previous Afghanistan Government of Ashraf Ghani, but still holds the country's U.N. accreditation.

On September 20, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a letter from the Taliban saying their interim foreign minister, Ameer Khan Muttaqi, wanted to participate in the annual U.N. gathering. It also said Isaczai was "ousted" as Afghanistan's ambassador, and the Taliban were nominating Mohammad Suhail Shaheen to replace him.

The secretary-general's office forwarded this to the General Assembly committee that handles the accreditation of ambassadors. The credentials committee typically does not meet until October or November, so no resolution of the issue is imminent.

Myanmar has also informed the U.N. that it will not address the annual gathering.

In February, the military seized power in a coup and detained most of the national unity government. The junta has sought to replace Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun with one of its own but will also have to go to the credentials committee with its request. Myanmar was initially scheduled to speak on Monday, but withdrew several days ago, U.N. officials said.

Meanwhile, Israel's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, made his U.N. debut. While he argued the hardline position on why Iran is a threat to Israel's security, his calm but urgent tone drew a sharp contrast to his predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu. The Iranian threat dominated most of the former prime minister's U.N. speeches, which were accompanied by props and a cheering section.

Bennett did not touch on Iran for a full 13 minutes. As for the Palestinians, he never mentioned them. He spoke first of Israel's pioneering efforts vaccinating its population against COVID-19. Israeli data has helped other governments in developing their own vaccination strategies.
Read Full Article Here>>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/27/09/2021/afghanistan-myanmar-skip-united-nations-general-assembly-in-new-york-city/

Show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu left fans stunned at the ‘Shine your eyes’ eviction show on Sunday after announcing the housemates’ eviction.
Ebuka who first announced Pere’s eviction later confirmed that it was from the house and not the game.
The first real eviction of the show was later confirmed to be Queen. Having had an impressive run, the now ex-housemate revealed she will be going head-on into governance.
Shortly after Queen’s eviction announcement, Ebuka confirmed Nini as the second housemate to be officially evicted from the show.
The third housemate to officially exit the show was Saga which seemed not to come off as a surprise for many viewers.
In a final twist, Ebuka announced the eviction of housemate, Angel.
Both Angel and Pere will be moved to a separate location in the house for another major ‘Shine Ya Eye’ move.
The housemates were moved to the White room and issued what Big Brother described as the most intense games of their lives. The game of trucks and screws will afford one housemate an opportunity to join the house as the fifth finalist.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/27/09/2021/bbnaija-s6-update-big-brother-evicts-three-housemates-introduces-new-twist/

Arsenal claimed consecutive Premier League victories over Tottenham for the first time since 2014 as they eased past their North London rivals 3-1.

Having initially made a strong start to life under Nuno Espirito Santo, Spurs have now lost three successive league games, with their manager seeing his first derby effectively lost inside the first 45 minutes.

Emile Smith Rowe's 12th-minute strike gave Arsenal a deserved lead, which was doubled when he teed up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 15 minutes later.

Spurs offered limp resistance and the game was essentially put to bed by the excellent Bukayo Saka, with Son Heung-min's effort a mere consolation for Tottenham.

Smith Rowe rewarded Arsenal for a bright start when he drifted towards the near post to slot Saka's clever low delivery beyond a rooted Hugo Lloris.

Thomas Partey tested Lloris from range and Aubameyang fired a long-range effort narrowly over the crossbar before Spurs threatened a riposte through Son, who forced Aaron Ramsdale to turn behind from a tight angle.

Aubameyang found the desired accuracy to double Arsenal's lead as Spurs were caught on the counter, the Gabon forward freeing Smith Rowe down the left with a neat backheel and then firing into the bottom-right corner from the eventual return pass.

Tottenham failed to learn their lesson and were undone by another Arsenal break. It was Saka this time who was given the freedom of one flank, and he surged into the open space to tuck home after seeing Harry Kane block his attempted pass to Aubameyang.

After his defensive efforts fell short, Kane then missed a glaring opportunity to offer a more traditional contribution to proceedings as he headed wide unmarked from a corner, encapsulating an awful first half for Spurs.

Kane did draw a save from Ramsdale on the hour mark and then beat the Arsenal goalkeeper, only to see his dinked effort drift wide of the right-hand post.

Son side-footed beyond Ramsdale, with Granit Xhaka injured in the build-up, but those were the only blots on a superb day for Arsenal, who survived an injury-time scare when their goalkeeper tipped a Lucas Moura strike onto the crossbar.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/26/09/2021/arsenal-3-1-tottenham-gunners-defeated-easy-derby-win-over-tottenham-hotspur-spurs/

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared October 1 a sit-at-home day and banned the Nigerian flag in the South-East.

IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, made the declaration in a statement in Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday.He said the ban on Nigerian flag would be enforced with immediate effect.

“The IPOB has declared October 1, 2021 a total shutdown in Biafra land as a sign of our rejection of the evil construct called Nigeria and there shall be no movement in Biafra land on this day.
“Also, the IPOB has declared that from today, September 25, 2021, all Nigerian flags mounted anywhere in Biafra land must be brought down. The IPOB leadership will communicate to banks directly and give them a reason they must peacefully bring down Nigerian flags in their banking premises before we do it ourselves in our own way.

“Everybody must strictly adhere to this directive. We want to let the world know that Biafra land is not Nigeria and shall not be. A word is enough for the wise.

“In line with the memorandum of understanding and alliance between Ambazonia and Biafra nations, members of the IPOB, under the command of our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to ask Biafrans to support and celebrate Ambazonia Independence anniversary on October 1, 2021.

“We advise Biafrans to stand with Ambazonia people as they celebrate their God-given freedom and independence. We should bear in mind that our brothers and sisters in Ambazonia are passing through persecutions in the hands of murderous Cameroonian government, just like Biafrans are facing similar ordeals in the hands of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which sympathises with terrorists but kills peaceful agitators.
“We, therefore, urge world leaders to use the opportunity of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly meeting to discuss the sufferings of the two persecuted nations of Biafra and Ambazonia. Our people have suffered enough in the hands of our oppressors, who are in bed with terrorists but derive pleasure in crushing peaceful agitators instead of addressing our genuine concerns.”
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/26/09/2021/ipob-bans-nigerian-flag-in-south-east-and-declares-sit-at-home-on-october-1/

A former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Yoriyo, alongside 14 other chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former deputy governor and thousands of his supporters were received into the PDP by the state party Chairman, Major-General Abnor Kwaskebe (retired), on Saturday in Gombe State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yoriyo, a former deputy to ex-Governor Danjuma Goje, kicked against the running of the APC in Gombe, describing PDP as the best political party.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/26/09/2021/former-deputy-governor-and14-other-apc-chieftains-defect-to-pdp/

Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, says Nigeria has lost its primacy as the Giant of Africa to other countries that diversified their economies.

Former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi said Nigeria is now behind many other African countries in development indices.

The Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said this at the closing session of the Kaduna Investment Summit, tagged, ‘KadInvest 6.0.’

CBN former Governor said while Nigeria depend on crude oil, which is fast depleting and struggling to sell, the rest of the world was embracing technology.

“Globally, work is being redefined; 30 to 40 per cent of workers in developed economies will need to significantly upgrade their skills by 2030. And what are the major drivers of this redefinition? ICT and remote working, which we have seen even here with COVID-19.

“There is increased automation and Artificial Intelligence. Very soon, robot will take over work in most countries and those who have jobs are those who operate the robots or manufacture the robots or service the robots.

“For us in Nigeria, the enclave economy that we have, the so called goose that lays the golden egg is about to die. There will be no eggs. The future is not in the carbons.

“A few months ago, Germany was able to produce enough renewable energy for the entire country’s need. Today, we are having difficulties selling Nigerian oil. So, not only are we having problems to produce, even when we produce, the market is not there.

“So, this is forcing a change, and for us, a country that depends on oil, things need to change.

“Nigeria is ranked 114th in the global innovation index. We are lower than other African countries such as Kanya, Rwanda and Senegal. We are, in fact, ranked 14th in sub-saharan Africa. I think we should have this reality check and know where we are as a country. Let’s stop calling ourselves the Giant of Africa, because we are the giant with clay feet.

“Countries like Kenya, Rwanda and Senegal are ahead of us. I am not even talking about South Africa. Our expenditure on education is only seven per cent of the budget. We are spending less on education than Ghana; I am not talking about as per percentage of the budget; in absolute terms, even though the Ghanaian economy is much smaller than the Nigerian economy, even though the Ghanaian government revenue is less than Nigerian revenue, Ghana is spending more on education than Nigeria.

“And we are surprised that industries are moving to Ghana. We are surprised that the Ghanaian President has become the leading President in Africa? We are not investing in education and human capital.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/26/09/2021/nigeria-no-longer-giant-of-africa-says-muhammadu-sanusi/

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says "everything can happen" with regards to Alexandre Lacazette's future ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

Lacazette's contract expires at the end of this season and the striker has been linked with the likes of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla.

Gunners manager Arteta is unsure whether Lacazette, who has scored two goals in three matches this season, will stay at the club.

The Spaniard said: "We discuss that internally and we discuss that with him. It's a long season ahead of us, everything can happen, everything is open."

Granit Xhaka is available to return against Arsenal's fierce rivals at the Emirates Stadium this weekend after serving a three-match ban.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/24/09/2021/mikel-arteta-comment-on-lacazette-future-at-arsenal/

Joshua Kimmich warned "hungry" Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich still have room for improvement after they beat Greuther Furth 3-1 despite Benjamin Pavard's red card.

Robert Lewandowski's long goalscoring streak ended at 15 consecutive Bundesliga games - one short of Gerd Muller's record - but the champions moved three points clear of Wolfsburg.

That is now 40 goals in their past eight matches for ruthless Bayern, who led 2-0 courtesy of great finishes from Thomas Muller and Kimmich at half-time.

Pavard was given his marching orders for a professional foul on Jeremy Dudziak early in the second half, but a Sebastian Griesbeck own goal extended their lead.

Cedric Itten's header in the closing stages was too little, too late for bottom side Furth in the Bavarian derby at Sportpark Ronhof on Friday.

Bayern have won eight consecutive matches in a great start to Julian Nagelsmann's reign and midfielder Kimmich says there is more to come.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/24/09/2021/joshua-kimmich-warns-there-is-more-win-to-come-from-bayern-munich/

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari is set to address 76th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York on  Friday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The Nigerian President would deliver his speech around 9am (around 2pm Nigerian time) to other world leaders during the morning session.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/24/09/2021/president-muhammadu-buhari-set-to-address-united-nations-general-assembly/

Youngster talented artist StarWichey
Drop his New EP.. this Album featured some of the other Artists like Olamide Badoo, Judan and Sunnylaw. The young Upcoming artist has worked so very hard to release this very EP and hope you the fans enjoy it.
Listen and Download Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/20/09/2021/album-starwichey-new-album-optimist/

Please leave a comment about the artist

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has described Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as the most qualified candidate to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari come 2023.

The governor’s statement is coming weeks after the vice president’s office issued a statement saying Osinbajo has not declared for the presidency following the appearance of posters online and in major Nigerian cities suggesting that he would run for the presidency in 2023.

Playing host to the Progressive Consolidation Group for Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo at Government House Lafia on Monday, Sule further described the VP as a sellable candidate.

“Osinbajo is the most qualified candidate and only sellable product that can succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election across the country,” he said.

While endorsing the vice president to run for the presidency come 2023, the governor said Nasarawa State is in support of what he called “continuation”.

Describing the vice president as a man of integrity that everybody loved to reckon with, he said if given the opportunity to lead the country, Osinbajo as a professional lawyer would lead the nation to the highest level of development.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/21/09/2021/2023-election-yemi-osinbajo-more-than-qualified-to-be-president-nasarawa-governor/

FIFA has invited football's governing bodies to an online summit to discuss biennial World Cup plans and the international calendar on September 30.

FIFA, led by chief of global football development Arsene Wenger, has been promoting the idea for the World Cup to shift format and take place every two years.

Wenger's proposal would see a major final held every year, the former Arsenal manager previously suggesting players would be playing in another tournament if it was not the World Cup either way.

However, UEFA and CONMEBOL have both rubbished the suggestions due to scheduling concerns, with FIFA now inviting the pair - along with all other member associations and league representatives - to discuss matters further.

"There is a broad consensus within the game that the International Match Calendar should be reformed and improved," FIFA's statement on Monday said.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/20/09/2021/fifa-to-hold-summit-for-biennial-world-cup-proposals/

President Muhammadu Buhari has named Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Board Chairman. He also appointed Mele Kolo Kyari and Umar I. Ajiya as Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, respectively.

The president also ordered the incorporation of NNPC Limited in line with the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

In a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina on Sunday, the President in his “capacity as Minister of Petroleum Resources, has directed the incorporation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited”.

Adeshina explained that “this is in consonance with Section 53(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which requires the Minister of Petroleum Resources to cause for the incorporation of the NNPC Limited within six months of commencement of the Act in consultation with the Minister of Finance on the nominal shares of the Company.

Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/20/09/2021/president-muhammadu-buhari-approves-incorporation-of-nnpc-and-appoints-board-members/

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in New York for the high-level meetings of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The New York Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari arrived at the JF Kennedy International Airport in New York at about 4 p.m. local time.

The President was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.

Other Nigerian officials on the ground to welcome the President were, Niyi Adebayo, Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jeddy-Agba, his Environment counterpart, Sharon Ikeazor, Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Uzoma Emenike, among others.

Buhari would be the second head of state to address the high-level session of the General Assembly on the fourth day of the General Debates at about 9 a.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 24, when he would speak on the theme of the conference and other global issues.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/20/09/2021/president-muhammadu-buhari-arrives-new-york-for-united-nations-general-assembly/

Following widespread speculations that he is allegedly contemplating taking another shot at the nation’s topmost job, Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan against vying for the exalted seat in 2023.
In a piece entitled, “APC’s High-Profile Membership Recruitment and Issues for 2023,” Lukman argued that Jonathan stands the risk of rubbishing his hard-earned reputation if the alleged bid fails to materialise.

Governors Dave Umahi and Ben Ayade of Ebonyi and Cross River states, who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (Party) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), are speculated to be interested in the race.

Since the 2019 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa when APC leaders reportedly secured Jonathan’s support for its then candidate, Chief David Lyon, there have been insinuations that the Nigerian ex-leader would be pitching tent with the ruling party at the centre.

Some have even claimed that as part of the deal, Jonathan had been offered the presidential ticket for 2023. Amid the conjectures, Secretary of the APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CEPC), Senator John Akpanudoedehe, stated that new members were entitled to vie for political offices of their choice.

The PGF DG, who lauded the party’s poaching of top shots, wondered why Jonathan’s reported move was being “reduced to issue of contesting election.”

Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/20/09/2021/dont-lose-your-dignity-in-2023-as-pgf-dg-advises-jonathan/

Afghanistan girls on Saturday did not return to secondary school as classrooms reopened for the first time since Kabul fell to the Taliban.

On Friday, the Taliban instructed boys to return to school but omitted girls from the decree.

"All male teachers and students should attend their educational institutions," a statement from the Taliban education ministry said. This included boys in grades seven through 12.

A Taliban spokesperson on Saturday said girls aren't banned from attending secondary school. The Taliban first wants to set up a "secure transportation system" for its female students, a spokesperson told CNN.

"There are certain rules during their class time that must be obeyed that they could be safe and sound," Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/18/09/2021/taliban-says-male-students-can-re-enter-secondary-school-but-does-not-mention-female/

An Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, Friday ordered the federal government and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to pay N20billion to the pro-Yoruba self-determination activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had on July 1 invaded the Ibadan residence of Adeyemo, who is currently in detention in Cotonou, Benin Republic, leading to the arrest of 12 of his aides.
Justice Ladiran Akintola, who delivered the ruling, described the action of the DSS as “arbitrary aggression and prejudices” against Igboho and awarded N20bn as exemplary and aggravated damages.

But speaking on the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja Friday, Malami announced that the judgement would be appealed.
NAN quoted Malami as saying, “Efforts are already being made to commence the process of appealing the judgement.”
Igboho’s lawyer, Chief Yomi Aliyu (SAN), had challenged the federal government and sought, among other things, a restraining order for the federal government and security agencies not to intimidate, harass, arrest and freeze his bank account.

In his judgement, Justice Akintola dismissed the preliminary objection of the respondents, which challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

The judge said, “In the absence of any evidence that Nigeria was in a state of war, the style and procedure adopted by the second and third respondents and their agents in this case is highly condemnable, repressible, crude and most unprofessional.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/18/09/2021/attorney-general-abubakar-malami-protests-as-court-orders-federal-government-to-pay-sunday-igboho-n20billion/

A Los Angeles jury convicted Robert Durst on Friday of murdering his best friend 20 years ago, a case that took on new life after the New York real estate heir participated in a documentary that connected him to the slaying that was linked to his wife’s 1982 disappearance.

Durst, 78, was not in court for the verdict from the jury that deliberated about seven hours over three days. He was in isolation at a jail because he was exposed to someone with coronavirus.

Durst, who faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole when sentenced Oct. 18, was convicted of the first-degree murder of Susan Berman. She was shot at point-blank range in the back of the head in her Los Angeles home in December 2000 as she was prepared to tell police how she helped cover up his wife’s killing.

Berman, the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster, was Durst’s long-time confidante who told friends she provided a phony alibi for him after his wife vanished.

Prosecutors painted a portrait of a rich narcissist who didn’t think the laws applied to him and ruthlessly disposed of people who stood in his way. They interlaced evidence of Berman’s killing with Kathie Durst’s suspected death and the 2001 killing of a tenant in a Texas flophouse where Robert Durst holed up while on the run from New York authorities.




Durst was arrested in 2015 while hiding out in a New Orleans hotel on the eve of the airing of the final episode of “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” in which he was confronted with incriminating evidence and made what prosecutors said was a confession.

Durst could be heard muttering to himself on a live microphone in a bathroom: “There it is. You’re caught.”

Durst’s decision to testify in his own defence – hoping for a repeat of his acquittal in the Texas killing – backfired as he was forced to admit lying under oath, made damning admissions and had his credibility destroyed when questioned by the prosecutor.

The conviction marks a victory for authorities who have sought to put Durst behind bars for murder in three states. Durst was never charged in the disappearance of his wife, who has never been found, and he was acquitted of murder in Galveston, Texas, where he admitted dismembering the victim’s body and tossing it out to sea.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/18/09/2021/new-york-millionaire-robert-durst-found-guilty-of-best-friends-murder/

United Airlines announced Friday that new service between Washington, D.C. and Lagos, Nigeria will begin November 29 (subject to government approval).

The airline will operate three weekly flights connecting the U.S. capital to Nigeria’s largest city, which is also the top Western African destination for U.S-based travelers. Tickets will be available for sale on united.com and the United app this weekend.

“This new flight to Lagos has been highly anticipated by our customers and offers the first ever nonstop service between Washington, D.C. and Nigeria, as well as convenient, one-stop connections to over 80 destinations throughout the Americas including Houston and Chicago,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s vice president of international network and alliances.

“On behalf of all of United we’d like to offer our sincere thanks to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and U.S. Department of Transportation for supporting our plans to provide this service.”

“We are honored to work with our partners at United Airlines to welcome their second nonstop connection from Dulles International to the African continent,” said Carl Schultz, acting vice president of airline business development at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. “Lagos joins nearly 50 other nonstop international destinations currently served by the National Capital Region’s gateway to the world.”

United will operate this route with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner featuring 28 United Polaris® business class lie-flat seats, 21 United Premium Plus® premium economy seats, 36 Economy Plus®seats and 158 standard economy seats. This flight is the only service between the U.S. and Nigeria to offer premium economy product. Flights will depart Washington, D.C. on Monday, Thursday and Saturday and return from Lagos on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/18/09/2021/united-airlines-to-begin-flights-between-lagos-and-washington-d-c/

Nigerian Air Force fighter jet has killed nine people in President Buhari community, Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Several other villagers sustained injuries and are now receiving medical attention at a government health facility in Geidam.

This is even as the Nigerian Air Force denies any link of its fighter jets to the bombing.

According to a resident of Damaturu, Saleh Ibrahim, the jet shelled the village in the early hours of Wednesday when the villagers were preparing to go to the weekly market in Geidam, a neighbouring local government, 200 km from Damaturu.

“The villagers were already set to go to the market at Geidam early in the morning when, suddenly, the jet appeared from nowhere and started shelling the village.

“Instantly, three people died. The sound of gunshots scared the villagers and they ran for safety, but others sustained injuries as a result.

“Some of the injured were attempting to tend to the dead people when they also got hit by bullets from the jet.

“As of 5 pm on Wednesday, the number of dead people had risen to nine, while over 30 people sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at Geidam General Hospital,” Ibrahim disclosed.

He added, “Buhari village is in Yunusari local government, but Buhari village is closer to Geidam and the entire Yunusari local government doesn’t have facilities to attend to the injured victims.”
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/16/09/2021/nine-dead-many-injured-as-fighter-jet-allegedly-bombs-president-buhari-village-in-yobe-state/

Nigeria President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), has disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria will in October launch its N15 trillion infrastructure fund.

This as he urged commercial banks to join efforts with the Government in alleviating poverty; adding that 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households, comprising more than eight million individuals are currently benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer programme which pays a bi-monthly stipend of N10,000 per household.

President Buhari said this on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking virtually at the opening of the 14th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘President Buhari says 1.6m households, eight million individuals benefiting from conditional cash transfers’.

The President said the National Social Register of poor and vulnerable Nigerians had 32.6 million persons from seven million poor and vulnerable households identified, imploring bankers to play a stronger role in improving livelihoods.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/14/09/2021/federal-government-gives-n10000-to-1-6-million-households-every-two-months/

The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned the Deposit Money Banks to always observe due diligence and desist from all forms of malpractices in foreign exchange transactions.

The regulator gave the warning in a letter by the Director of Trade and Exchange Department, Ozoemena Nnaji, and addressed to the DMBs, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.

Nnaji urged the banks to, not only ensure to know their customers, but also to know their customers ‘ businesses.’ She said the directive was necessitated by recent occurrences in the FX market.

“The CBN wishes to remind all banks that it is their responsibility to not only know their customers (KYC requirements) but also know their customers’ businesses (KYCB requirements).
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/12/09/2021/abort-use-of-forex-trading-malpractices-cbn-warns-commercial-banks/

The Senate has asked the Nigerian Communications Commission to take the advantage of the National Policy for Fifth Generation network, to generate N350bn for the Federal Government in the 2022 fiscal year.

This was the verdict of the Senate joint committees working on the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, when the management of the NCC appeared before the panels of the red chamber.

The Chairman of the joint committees, Senator Solomon Adeola, said the 2022 budget of the NCC would not be N115bn, which it had projected.

He said, “We are proposing about N350bn. This is because there must be projection for the sale of the spectrum following the launch of the 5G network.”

The Federal Government on Wednesday approved the National Policy for Fifth Generation network to boost the country’s digital economy.

The approval was made after a presentation by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami.

This was contained in a press statement titled ‘Federal Executive Council approves 5G Policy for Nigeria,’ issued by the minister’s Technical Assistant on Information Technology, Dr Femi Adeluyi.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/12/09/2021/5g-network-nigeria-senate-imposes-n350billion-revenue-target-on-ncc/

Antoine Griezmann was eager to return to Atletico Madrid, according to Diego Simeone, who acknowledged there will be plenty of expectation on the forward.

Griezmann left Atleti for Barcelona in 2019 but, on deadline day, the 30-year-old returned to the Spanish champions on a season-long loan with an option to extend the deal.

With Barca hit by huge financial losses, the Catalan club needed to get Griezmann's wages off their books, even with Lionel Messi having left for Paris Saint-Germain.

Griezmann's departure from Atleti two years ago was by no means a smooth one, with supporters seemingly aggravated by the prolonged nature of the move. In 2018, the former Real Socieded attacker committed his future to the club, only to leave a season later.

However, Simeone insists Griezmann, who scored 94 LaLiga goals for Atleti in his first spell, was determined to return from Barca.

Read More News>>> https://optimistchannel.com/12/09/2021/antoine-griezmann-was-eager-for-atletico-madrid-return/

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed he was "super nervous" ahead of his second Manchester United debut against Newcastle United on Saturday.

The former Juventus striker lit up Old Trafford, opening the scoring before half-time and restoring the hosts' lead following Javier Manquillo's equaliser.

Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard added late strikes to seal win for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side, who have 10 points from their opening four Premier League games this season.

Aged 36 years and 218 days, Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the oldest player to score a brace in a Premier League match since Graham Alexander for Burnley against Hull City in April 2010 (38y 182d).

His return to Manchester United after a 12-year absence looked seamless, but Ronaldo admitted he was tense about proving he could still contribute to the Red Devils' title challenge.

"I didn't expect to score two goals. I expect one but not two. I have to appreciate the fans and what they did to me today. I feel so proud for that," Ronaldo told BBC Sport.

"The most important thing was to win and to win games. Manchester United needs to be where they deserve. It is to win, to build the team and build the club and the mentality.

"This is what we are looking for. Of course, I am happy to score goals I am not going to deny that but the most important thing is the team and the team played good.

"It is unbelievable. When I started the game I was so nervous, I swear. It is normally because I did not expect that they would sing my name all game.

"I was very nervous but maybe I didn’t show but I was. I was super nervous and was thinking last night that I wanted to play good and show I was still capable of helping the team.

Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/11/09/2021/cristiano-ronaldo-super-nervous-ahead-of-his-second-debut-for-manchester-united/

Paul Pogba will be in demand when his contract expires after this season.

While several big clubs are aiming to sign the midfielder, one has reportedly taken the lead.

The Santiago Bernabeu could be Pogba's next home.

REAL MADRID AIMING PAUL POGBA

Real Madrid are confident they can land Paul Pogba on a free transfer after this season when his contract expires, Mundo Deportivo reports.

The interest apparently is mutual, as the report says Pogba would favour a move to Los Blancos over interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

Read More News>>>>Real Madrid have verbal agreement to sign Erling Haaland

The deal might not be so easy to close if Manchester United decide to sell Pogba during the January window, but he remains a top target for Madrid either way.

After failing to find a landing spot in Europe following his departure from Arsenal, veteran centre-back David Luiz will join Flamengo through the end of 2022, according to reports by Fabrizio Romano and Goal Brazil.

Alexandre Lacazette appears on the way out at Arsenal after the Gunners made a significant effort to sign Tammy Abraham during the transfer window, Romano reports.

Chelsea and Bayern Munich could pursue a swap deal that sends Timo Werner back to Germany and brings Leroy Sane back to the Premier League, according to Todo Fichajes.

Everton will make another attempt to prise Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal during the January window, ESPN reports.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is drawing interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, according to 90min.

Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/11/09/2021/rumour-real-madrid-aiming-paul-pogba-david-luiz-headed-to-flamengo/