Do you know?

 “Do you not know that God entrusted you with that money (all above what buys necessities for your families) to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to help the stranger, the widow, the fatherless; and, indeed, as far as it will go, to relieve the wants of all mankind? How can you, how dare you, defraud the Lord, by applying it to any other purpose?” John Wesley.

Donate today, no amount of money is little.

“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.” (2176798662, ZENITH, Fatai Olaitan Moshood)

Nigeria’s future safer with APC, says Buhari

 

…Says electing Tinubu will consolidate the achievements of his administration 

…Urges party members to ensure all round resounding victory in the forthcoming elections

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), on Friday declared the future of Nigeria is safer in the hands of the All Progressives Congress.

This is as Buhari said the APC-led government has managed to make Nigeria stable, laying a solid foundation for progressive growth.

This was made known in a statement signed by the president’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina.

Buhari stated this despite the unfavourable circumstances of global economic downturns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and very low international oil prices resulting in low revenue.

The President, who stated this at the unveiling of the Presidential Campaign Council and the Action Plan of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, pledged to be at the forefront of electing the former Lagos State governor as his successor.

He noted that electing Tinubu would consolidate the achievements of his administration adding that the presidential candidate had the capacity, visionary leadership and track record to do more.

He said, ”It would be disastrous to allow a situation that will lead to the reversal of the progress our country has made. Let me add that I joyfully accept the position of the chairman of the campaign council we are unveiling today.

”Our candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu is too well known for his capacity and can-do spirit. He stands tall in his track records as a democrat, a champion of the rule of law, a man at home in every part of our country, and a truly visionary leader. All you need to do is think of Lagos in 1999 and 2022

”I, therefore, want to assure all party members and supporters of our government that I will be at the forefront of this campaign.

”This election is even more important than the election of 2015 that brought us into power. The cost of losing the gains our country has made is much more than the need to stop the haemorrhage that led to our coming together nearly nine years ago.

”I want to charge every member to put in all their efforts during the next four and half months of campaign to ensure we record a resounding victory in all our elections nationwide. The future of this country is safer in our hands.”

Highlighting the achievements of the APC-led administration, Buhari explained ”The efforts of our men and women in the armed forces over the last years are beginning to yield positive outcomes. We are gradually taking back our country from foreign-inspired bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists in the northeast and northwest and other parts of our country.

”We are equally combating separatists, oil thieves and bandits in the southeast and south-south of the country.

”Our administration remains committed to progressively eliminating all flashpoints of insecurity nationwide. We would triumph over the enemies of our country; in whatever forms and shapes they appear.”

The President who described the APC President candidate as ”the Jagaban, my friend, partner, and brother,” said the occasion was important to him for two reasons.

”First, it is significant to note that this unveiling is the third by our Party. I have had the opportunity of unveiling two Action Plans. I had the privilege of presenting our party’s manifesto of Change in 2014.

”It was a manifesto that signposted our collective desire to arrest the directionless journey our country was headed under the People’s Democratic Party. The second time was in 2018 when I unveiled the Next Level agenda of our government.

”The second reason this occasion is significant is that we are having our first transition within our party where I am in the last year of my two-term mandate, and we have a new candidate to lead our party into another Presidential election.

”The events preceding our Presidential primaries and the conduct of the primaries were important milestones in the development of our internal democracy and party politics.

”I must congratulate the leadership of our party, other stakeholders, and the entire party members for the success of the exercise. We can say with confidence, that our party, the All Progressives Congress, is charting a steady course in our journey towards enthroning lasting democratic culture in our body polity.”

The President also thanked party officials in the National Executive Council, the Zonal, State, Senatorial, Local Government, and Ward executives for their unalloyed support to his administration and the great efforts and outstanding commitment to the cause of the party and democracy.

He urged them to be mindful of the importance of building a strong and purposeful political party, recounting that the project of pulling ”Nigeria back from the precipice in 2015 was made possible by putting together a formidable party peopled by many who have made a vow to work for a Nigeria we all can be proud of.”

Buhari charged party members to uphold the supremacy of the party operating within the guidelines as stipulated in their constitution.

He said, ”It is worth reiterating the fact that we are stronger today only because we continue to support the party.

”For us to develop an enduring democracy in our country, we must first subscribe to the supremacy of our political party.

”We must subject ourselves to the rules and learn to operate within the guidelines as stipulated in our party’s constitution.”

The President reiterated his congratulations to Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, for the victory at the primaries, commending the maturity and sportsmanship of other contestants.

He expressed delight that most of the aspirants transferred their structures, including campaign offices to the party’s candidate after the primaries, adding that it was a demonstration of the commitment of the party leaders and members to the cause of the party and democratic practices.

He challenged party members to see themselves as ”ambassadors of progressive principles and exemplify the best of us in action and words.”

2023: FG budgets N13.8bn for Obasanjo, Jonathan, IBB, Atiku, others

 A total of N13,805,814,220 has been proposed for the payment of pensions to former Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Heads of State, Chiefs of General Staff, retired heads of service, permanent secretaries, as well as retired heads of government agencies and parastatals in the 2023 fiscal year.

The beneficiaries include former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as Vice-Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, among others Saturday PUNCH has gathered.

Also expected to benefit from the windfall are ex-military Head of States, General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdusalami Abubakar, as well as former dictator and self-styled military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, and a former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd.).

It is, however, not clear if the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), and his deputy, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, will benefit from the largesse as they will hand over power on May 29, 2023. Buhari served as Head of State between December 31, 1983 and August 27, 1985 before he was booted out of office in a palace coup.

In the 2023 appropriation budget appropriation, which was highlighted under the service wide vote of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National planning, it was stated that a total of N2.3bn would be for “entitlements of former presidents/heads of states and vice-presidents/chief of general staff.”

An analysis of the proposal revealed that a total of N10.5bn would serve as “benefits of retired heads of service and permanent secretaries.”

The budget also revealed that a total of N1bn would be paid as “severance benefits to retired heads of government agencies and parastatals.”

At state level, governors and their deputies are also entitled to humongous pensions when they leave office and a number of former chief executives of the various states are known to be beneficiaries of the huge pensions, which include monthly payment, purchase of new vehicles, building of mansions and payment of domestic workers.

Mounting debt burden

Saturday PUNCH reports that the budget comes at a time when the government has continued to lament dwindling revenue amidst excess borrowing.

The country’s debt rose by N30.72tn between July 2015 and June 2022, according to data released by the Debt Management Office.

According to the DMO statistics, Nigeria’s total debt as of June 30, 2015 stood at N12.12tn. By June 30, 2022, the figure had risen to N42.84tn, which showed an increase of 253.47 per cent. Despite the high increase in debt over the years, the government still plans to borrow N8.4tn in 2023.

Just like the massive rise in debt, there has been a huge increase in expenditure under Buhari. The Federal Government has increased the projected expenditure in its annual budgets by about 238.45 per cent between 2016 and 2023, according to reports analysed by one of our correspondents.

According to data from the Budget Office of the Federation, the government budgeted to spend N6.06tn for the 2016 fiscal year. However, in the recently proposed 2023 budget, the projected aggregate expenditure was pegged at N20.51tn, more than thrice the amount budgeted in 2016.

Aduba stated, “It will show you the amount of greed and lack of morals most of them have. With all the money most of them have, why will they want a house in Abuja? Is it not criminal? Every four years, you are going to take a huge amount as salary and you will now go to the Senate.

“You know our laws are weak and that’s why some of these things are happening. Some states can’t even pay salaries to civil servants, yet the governors will be enjoying unearned benefits and the past governor will be enjoying pensions.

“Of course, you know the Houses of Assembly are in the pockets of the governors. So, when they propose ridiculous things, the assemblies will just pass them into law.”

Speaking on the matter, human rights lawyer and Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, Dr Monday Ubani, said giving pension to the former leaders would continue to have adverse effects on the economy unless it was repealed.

He said, “Provided it is an enactment of the state House of Assembly, which passes through the rigorous process of law making, it is something that is legitimate until that law is set aside. Unless there is a provision in the constitution that conflicts with it, in the absence of such, it remains a valid law.

“But with the economic situation, if a governor has been in office and made so much money from the system, and you are rewarding him again with such pension despite the fact that the economy is very fragile and many people are living in abject poverty, I don’t see the economic sense of that provision of building houses and paying them pensions.

“Yes, if anyone has served his state meritoriously, there is nothing wrong in making provision for him, but the problem is that most of the governors, while in office, amassed so much wealth and then come again to enact a law that will cripple the economy.”

The Chancellor, International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, Jackson Omenazu, said though paying benefits to past governors and presidents was not wrong, it should be based on their performance, which should be decided by the people.

Omenazu stated, “I think for those who served well and diligently, that is fine, but it shouldn’t be general, and I believe some of them aren’t worth it. There is no justification for the payment of pension.

“They (former presidents and ex-governors) are supposed to even return the salaries they took while in office, because there is nothing to show for it; rather, they worsened the situation of the country and their states.”

How gunmen opened fire on my convoy –Apostle Suleman

 

•Three cops, four others killed in attack

Gunmen on Friday attacked the convoy of the President, Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, along Benin–Auchi Road, Edo State, and killed three cops and four others.

It was gathered that the cleric returned from a foreign trip and was heading for a destination in the state when the gunmen attacked his convoy.

Suleman’s lawyer, Samuel Amune, who confirmed the attack, said the cleric just returned from a programme in Tanzania, adding that he escaped death by a whisker.

He said, “He was returning from a journey when some assassins attacked him. Three of his police orderlies, among others, died. He was returning to Auchi when the gunmen attacked him along Sabongida down to the Warake axis and Auchi shares a boundary with Warake. He had passed Warake and was entering the boundaries of Auchi when the attack happened.”

Reacting to the incident in a video posted on his Twitter handle on Friday, Suleman said that he escaped an assassination attempt on his life, noting that seven lives were lost to the attack.

He said, “My car was attacked; they opened fire on my car and kept spraying bullets, my wife and kids were in the escort car in the front. They killed the police; they killed the other people on the other escort car and the buses with us. Seven people moving in the convoy were killed.

“People who did this are expecting me to come out and mention their names so they can come out and deny, I won’t do that. The truth of the matter is, you can’t kill me, my life is in the hand of God, I’m a man of God.’’

Commenting on the incident, a security expert, Dickson Osajie, condemned the lack of security in the state, especially as the attack happened in broad daylight.

He said, “They attacked him (Suleman); seven people were killed. The country is not safe. How can people move around with guns on the expressway and they are not detected? It is a disturbing situation.”

Contacted for his reaction on the matter, the state police spokesperson, Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the attack.

He said six persons, including policemen and Suleman’s drivers, were killed, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate the whereabouts of the cleric’s domestic worker.

Nwabuzor stated, “The attack is confirmed. It was done around 5pm in Auchi. They travelled from Benin and were already at Auchi when they were given a hot chase and surprisingly they (hoodlums) shot at their vehicles. Three policemen were murdered; two of his drivers were killed; one domestic female worker killed and they are still searching for the other domestic female worker. As we speak, Apostle Johnson Suleman is safe. One of the hoodlums was gunned down and one of the vehicles was recovered.’’

 

Reactions as Wizkid welcomes second child with manager, Jada

Mixed reactions have trailed Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, professionally known as Wizkid and his manager, Jada Pollock, after they welcomed their second child.

Jada broke the news on her Instagram on Thursday, in commemoration of her birth anniversary.

Sharing photo of her cradling the newborn baby, Pollock said, “Beyond a blessing. Thank God for another year.”

Wizkid and Pollock’s relationship became public in 2017, when they welcomed their first son, Zion Ayo Balogun, five years after they met at Chris Brown’s concert in Lagos, when she was still Chris Brown’s manager.

Nigerians’ reactions:

Kunle_visuals: “So Wizkid born and he no post ham.”

frances_mmeso: “Congratulations and happy birthday to you Mrs manager.”

jadastyles_: “Dear Jada, I don’t know how you do it, but I salute you. You are smart, you are brave and you will forever rise; Happy Birthday mama.”

olayinkaakanke: “Congratulations on your new bundle of joy.”

Eemmylarge1: “The best wife and manager in the world. Everything is beyond blessed, blessings from junction to junction. Thank you for bringing out the best in our Goat life, we pray to have your type in our life Amen.”

mrmiyaki: “Double congrats to you my shinning light.”

bis_thonia: “Congratulations sweetie, may all women go and come back to give testimony like this.”

TEN HAG RULES MARTIAL OUT OF CHELSEA GAME

TEN HAG RULES MARTIAL OUT OF CHELSEA GAME

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Manchester United will be without Anthony Martial for Saturday's teatime trip to Chelsea (17:30 BST).

The Frenchman was forced off during our recent 2-1 win over Everton on 9 October, and has played no part in the subsequent fixtures against Omonia Nicosia, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

In an interview that you can read in full on Saturday morning, Ten Hag told club media that Martial will also be absent from this weekend's fixture at Stamford Bridge.

“Martial? He was on the [training] pitch, but he's not available for tomorrow,” revealed the boss. “We have to see how it develops in the coming days.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will also miss this weekend's match, as per a club statement released on Thursday.

Elsewhere, there is more encouraging news, however. Earlier in the week, defenders Harry Maguire and Brandon Williams were pictured training out on the Carrington pitches, as they bid to step up their respective returns from injury. And the boss told us that Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also edging closer to a first-team return.

“Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back on the pitch, so that's good news, because we need everyone,” said Erik. 

“We have so may games to cover, so we need a big squad, you need that you can pick players, that you have choice. So I'm happy with that process.”

THE STATE OF PLAY AT CHELSEA

 

The Blues will be without influential first-teamers Reece James and N'Golo Kante this weekend, while defender Wesley Fofana is also unavailable. Ben Chilwell could return, though, after being rested against Brentford. Conor Gallagher, however, will need to overcome a bout of illness to make the squad.

 

Kepa Arrizabalaga has unseated Edouard Mendy in the Chelsea goal since Graham Potter's arrival, and the new boss has been keen to rotate his players and employ different formations since assuming the reins. Armanda Broja led the front line against the Bees on Wednesday, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is perhaps still their senior striker. The Englishman's approach should keep everyone guessing until the team news is released at 16:30 BST on Saturday.

 

But the Chelsea manager could provide more detailed information on who he will have at his disposal when he sits down with the London media later on Friday afternoon.

Gavi is the Golden Boy FC Barcelona midfielder becomes third player from the club to be named the best young footballer in the world, while Alexia Putellas collects yet another accolade

Gavi is a Golden BoyG

is the Golden 

FC Barcelona midfielder becomes third player from the club to be named the best young footballer in the world, while Alexia Putellas collects yet another accolade

FC Barcelona has another Golden Boy. In a week in which he already won the Kopa Trophy, Gavi's status as the best young footballer in the world has been further cemented by this second award.

In a press conference in Hotel Villa Igiea di Palermo, Gavi's name was read out ahead of those of Camavinga, Bellingham and Musiala. The prestigious award presented by Italian sports paper Tuttosport goes to the world's finest player under 20 years of age. 

Four of the twenty shortlisted players, an amazing 20%, were from the same club, with Pedri, Ansu Fati and Nico González, the latter currently on loan to Valencia, all nominated, while Balde was also among the original selection but didn't make the final round. 

Alexia wins again

What's more, Aleixa Putellas was named best women's player, thus adding another individual honour to the Ballon d'Or won on Monday and the UEFA European Player of the Year prize a few months ago.

Another win for Barça

Gavi thus becomes the third FC Barcelona winner of the Golden Boy accolade. The first was Leo Messi in 2005 and the second was Pedri in 2021. Not forgetting that Cesc Fàbregas (2006) and Kun Agüero (2007) were winners too, but were not with Barça at the time.

Like Pedri the year before, Gavi can now celebrate the Kopa-Golden Boy double. Two absolute pearls that we are lucky to be able to enjoy gracing the Spotify Camp Nou. The future is looking very bright indeed.

Go West Brom ‘hold talks with Jody Morris about becoming new manager with ex-Chelsea assistant in line for first boss job’

Go West Brom ‘hold talks with Jody Morris about becoming new manager with ex-Chelsea assistant in line for first boss job’

FORMER Chelsea assistant Jody Morris has reportedly held talks about becoming West Brom’s new boss.

TalkSport claims the former Blues midfielder, 43, is high on the Baggies’ list as they search for Steve Bruce’s successor.

He was axed earlier this month after winning just one of 13 games in the Championship.

SunSport exclusively revealed West Brom were initially hoping to land Gary Rowett from Millwall.

And the Baggiest have also been keeping an eye on Pymouth’s Steven Schumacher.

However, Morris could now get the nod despite having never managed a senior team in his career.

Arsenal and adidas unveil Love Unites training kit

 

As part of the Premier League and Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces week, Arsenal and adidas have joined forces with Australian artist Kris Small to unveil the Love Unites training kit.

The kit is part of the 2022 Pride collection and inspired by the Stonewall Activists of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. 

The Love Unites shirt is a joyful explosion of colour that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community’s past and present.

The training kit is available to buy now on Arsenal Direct and the Armoury Shop located at Emirates Stadium. 

Martin Odegaard has been named the Norwegian Professional Football League’s Kniksens Hederspris winner for 2022.

 

The accolade is awarded to players who have made a significant contribution to Norwegian football, and the current national team skipper has been announced as this year’s recipient aged just 23 years old.

However, he already boasts a wealth of experience having made his club and national team debuts aged just 15, and holds the record as Norway’s youngest player as well as the youngest to feature for any nation in a UEFA European Championship qualifier.

The award was announced at the 50th anniversary of the Norwegian Professional Football League in Oslo Thursday evening, with the jury stating that Martin was a worthy winner.

“In addition to being one of the world's leading footballers, Martin Odegaard is a role model for all of us,” said Cato Haug, chairman of the Norwegian Premier League, speaking on behalf of the jury. “We can all be proud to have such a player in the world's toughest league that children and young people all over the world look up to. 

“The respect the player earns among everyone is unique. An incredible number of hours have been put into training every year, whether it is under the auspices of the club or personal training. He shows great loyalty to the club and the team he plays for, and he always gives his all. 

“He makes high demands both of himself and of everyone on the team. And without yelling, he has become a leadership figure.”

Upon receiving the award, Martin said: “I’m flabbergasted. I have to admit that. I didn’t expect this. It’s a bit surreal. It’s a great honour to receive this award.

“I've been through a lot. I broke through early and remember it like it was yesterday. Time flies. There have been ups and downs, but I feel like I'm making progress all the way.”

Martin also received praise from Mikel Arteta, who added: “This is a special award that is highly valued in his country. Martin is humble, hungry and he loves what he does. That is why he is our captain.”

Gabriel Magalhaes signs new long-term contract

 Gabriel Magalhaes has signed a new long-term contract with us.

Since joining from Lille in September 2020, Gabi has become a vital part of our first team, making 81 appearances in all competitions.

The 24-year-old defender continues to grow in stature with impressive performances and is also a big goal scoring threat. He netted on his debut in September 2020, and scored five times in the Premier League last season.

After putting pen to paper on a new contract with us, Gabriel Magalhaes admitted that he's as happy as he's ever been with life in north London.

The Brazilian centre-back has excelled in our colours since arriving from Lille in 2020, and has proven to be a huge fan favourite at Emirates Stadium.

Our supporters will be delighted to see Gabriel commit his future to us, and the defender reveals feeling is mutual.

"I’m very happy to sign this new contract with Arsenal, because it's such a big club," he said. "It’s my dream and today is the best day of my life. I’m so happy to extend my contract here.

"Every game the supporters are pushing the team in the stadium. It’s why I’m so happy to stay here. Arsenal is my home.

"In the future, I want to win games for Arsenal, I want to win trophies with Arsenal and stay here for a long time because it’s my home."

Who is Mandy Kiss?

 

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As stated in the above section under Mandy Kiss age, she is the face of many brands and this has added to Mandy Kiss net worth, adding to this the fact that she is a social media influencer has also contributed significantly to Mandy Kiss net worth. Currently Mandy Kiss net worth is approximately $300000. She also has garnered quite a following on her social media platforms - around 500k subscribers on youtube, 100k followers on Twitter and 656K followers on Instagram. NOw that we know who is Mandy Kiss let us check out some cool Mandy Kiss photos.

COME RON NOW Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at Man Utd training for showdown talks with Erik ten Hag after Tottenham tantrum

 

CRISTIANO RONALDO has arrived at Manchester United training for showdown talks after storming down the tunnel during his side's win over Tottenham.

The Portuguese superstar, 37, left Old Trafford before the final whistle as he was left furious at being an unused substitute.

Ronaldo did still show up to training on Thursday, with Erik ten Hag expected to deal with the superstar this afternoon.

When asked about the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's antics after the game, the Man Utd manager said: "We will deal with that on Thursday. I saw him leaving but I didn’t speak to him after.

"I don’t pay attention to that, we want to focus on this team, it was a magnificent performance from all 11 players.

"Tonight we celebrate the result and the rest we deal with on Thursday."