FIFA to Announce 2026 World Cup Host in May 2020

The 2026 World Cup hosts will be decided in May 2020, FIFA said on Tuesday, as it announced the timetable for the bidding process that was postponed in June last year in the midst of the corruption scandal which engulfed the global soccer body.
Soccer’s world governing body said in a statement that bidding nations would have to meet requirements on human rights, sustainable event management and environmental protection. Bidders who did not meet “technical requirements” would be excluded.
FIFA said they would make a decision by October on the number of teams taking part in the finals, the format and which continents would be eligible to host the competition.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to increase the number of participants from 32 to 40, while the rules ban the same continent from hosting two successive tournaments.
This means, for example, that China could not host the 2026 finals because Qatar will be the venue for 2022.
A preliminary phase, known as the “consultation process” will begin immediately and run until May 2017.
Countries will then have until December 2018 to formally submit their bids which would then be evaluated by February 2020, culminating in a decision three months later.
Under revised statutes, the winners will be voted on by the 209 members of FIFA at their annual Congress, rather than the Council.
The Council replaced the Executive Committee, who decided the previous hosts.
FIFA said that Gibraltar and Kosovo’s applications for membership would be submitted to the Congress on Friday and that both would be allowed to take part in the 2018 World Cup qualifying competition if accepted.
Benin was suspended with immediate effect due legal interference in the country’s football federation. A decision not to suspend Greece was ratified by the Council.

News Credit: The Independent News.

PHOTO: Pastor Mrs. Adebayo in a South African Attire

Pastor Mrs. Adebeyo rocking her South African attire on a program in South Africa

Aero Contactor Terminates Contracts of 100 Skyborne Outsourced Workers

Not fewer than 100 workers outsourced to Aero Contractors by Skyborne Ltd have been sacked following the airline’s decision to review its relationship with the company.
The airline confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday by its Media Consultant, Mr Simon Tumba, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The statement said: “In the course of reorganising and repositioning its business, Aero Contractors has reviewed its relationship with Skyborne by cutting down some of the services required from the company.

“This will help the company to invest more resources to enhance customer service. For the records, Aero has not sacked any of its staff.’’

NAN, however, gathered that most of the affected contract workers had spent some years with the airline.

A letter to one of the affected workers which was obtained by NAN claimed that the sack was as a result of the ongoing restructuring in the airline.

The letter reads in part, “Dear colleague, in the light of the ongoing restructuring at Aero, we regret to inform you that your services are no longer required and employment with SBL terminated with immediate effect.

“Please, return all company property to your Manager/Supervisor by 8:00 a.m. on April 28. We regret any inconvenience caused.’’

NAN reports that Aero Contractors had been in the news in recent times as allegations of corruption and diversion of funds were levelled against the past management.

The Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), which owns 60 per cent of the airline’s shares, had dissolved the previous management and appointed Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, as its Managing Director.

Akinkuotu, the immediate-past Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has been given the task of rebuilding the airline and helping it to regain its position as a key player in the industry. (NAN)

Dangote's Foundation Donates N2 Billion to IDP in Borno.

The President of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the Foundation has donated N2 billion to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno State as the Muslim Ramadan fast approaches.

He also said all the foodstuffs to be consumed by the displaced persons during the Ramadan fast will be supplied free in their camps.Dangote disclosed this yesterday while addressing IDPs at the Dalori and Bakassi camps in Maiduguri, the state capital.

His words: “Even though my Foundation had spent N1.4 billion in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, but this is not enough. This was why I am here to see things for myself. I want to assure you that we shall continue to work with both the state and federal governments to make sure all the IDPs camps are free of hunger.

“My Foundation will assist the Borno State government with the sum of N2 billion, so that Governor Kashim Shettima can focus on developmental projects, instead of expending millions of naira in feeding these displaced persons for the last three or five years.”

Dangote also paid a courtesy visit on the Shehu of Borno and pledged that the Foundation will supply IDPs with all the required foodstuffs during the Ramadam fast. He said he is also ready to invest and create more job opportunities for youths in the state.

He assured the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai Ibn El-Kanemi at the palace that; “It is a great pleasure for me to be here, today. It is my first time to visit IDPs in Borno state.

“Like I said earlier; that our visits to Borno state; will not be the last; but we will continue to partner with Borno State Government to create more jobs for our people. I also assure you that the entire feeding of IDPs during the Ramadam will be carried out by Dangote Foundation in alleviating the sufferings of our people in camps and host communities of Maiduguri.”

The Shehu of Borno, El-Kanemi thanked the Aliko Dangote for his support of about 2 million IDPs in camps and host communities. “Now you have donated N2 billion to IDPs. This financial contribution will make displaced persons smile; because this is the highest donations to the needy to the best of my knowledge. I think this will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of displaced persons, wherever they live,” said El-Kanemi yesterday at the palace.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state, who could not control his emotions, however wept at the camp.“Today (yesterday) is not a day of long speeches; but I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you. Thank you,” said Shettima.

News Credit: The Guardian.

Trailer Crushed Osupoly Student to Death.

May 9th, 2015 marked a sad day in iree as a female student of Osun State Polytechnic was hit to death by a trailer. The said female student was unlucky and lost her life when her reckless and drunk biker(Olokada) was trying to overtake a long-

truck conveying bags of beans from the right on the bank road of Ikirun. However, the two careless drivers were quickly tracked and handed over to law enforcement agents and transferred to Osogbo division of NPF  Not long did students noticed that the S.U.G intervened and drew the attention of the institution via the Directorate of
Students' Affairs led by Mr.Omotosho and also in quick attendance were Dr. Mrs. Farounbi, Mr.
Gbadamosi and Mr. Odedeyi(Stud.Aff.) as well as Ikirun community leaders led by High Chief Lawal
Qazeem Adetoye (Eesa of Ikirunland) who all sympathized and submitted effort to ensure better step were taken to address the ugly incident. The SUG President, DM, Muhammed Surajudeen (IMOLE) with Speaker and other officials who made quick effort in their separate outcry described the loss as a big blow to the SUG, entire Ospoly community, her parents and faculty with the credible amount
of talent she possessed alive. 

EFCC Grants Fani Kayode Administrative Bail.

The former Minister of Aviation and current Director, Media and Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organization, PDPPCO Femi Fani-Kayode, has been granted administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He got bail following his questioning on Monday over the N2.5billion illegally withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and paid into the accounts of six chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Goodluck Support Group (GSG).
He denied any wrongdoing, saying the cash went into the campaign and he accounted for it all.
The former Minister of Aviation, who arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at about 9.30am in company of some aides, was taken into custody for questioning at the Operation Unit in the Tunde Idiagbon wing of the commission.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said Fani-Kayode gave information on his antecedents and how he came about the N840million.
“After the preliminary interaction with the suspect, he was given an administrative bail. But he is yet to fulfill the required conditions”, said the source.
Responding to a question, the source added: “I think Fani-Kayode might be transferred subsequently to Lagos to join his colleagues who have been interrogated by our team.
“He was granted an administrative bail but he has not been able to meet the conditions. We are hopeful that he will get the required sureties”.
A breakdown of the N2.5 billion shows that Fani-Kayode got N840million; Goodluck Support Group – N320million; Achike Udenwa and Viola Onwuliri – N350million; Nenadi Usman – N140million; Olu Falae – N100m; Okey Ezenwa – N100million and Goodluck Support Group – N320 million.
Of the six people implicated in the scandal, three former public office holders have been questioned. They are Mrs Usman, a former Minister of Finance; Udenwa, a former governor, and Fani-Kayode, a former Aviation Minister.
EFCC detectives allegedly found that the N840million was paid in three tranches into Fani-Kayode’s account.
A source said: “The first tranche of payment involving N350million hit the account on February 19, 2015. Another N250milion was also paid into the account on February19, 2015 while N240million was similarly credited to the account a month later; precisely, March 19, 2015.
“The balance on this account as at 31st December, 2015 was N189, 402.72”.
Fani-Kayode’s account remains frozen by the EFCC.

Ryan Giggs Under Pressure to Quit Man United.

 Giggs' mate from the class of 92 has urged him to quit Manchester United should Jose Mourinho be appointed at the helm next season. The former midfielder has been acting as assistant manager under Van Gaal and has been told to look for a management role at a different club to gain experience.

The Mirror reports that, Ed Woodward is undecided over giving Giggs the go ahead to take over from Van Gaal and is considering other options should the Dutchman be relieved of his duties after the end of the season. Mourinho is tipped to take over should Van Gaal leave.The former Chelsea manager has also shown interest in returning to the Premier League with United currently the only club interested in his services.

Giggs can take inspiration from Gary Neville, who has had a stint with Valencia before being relieved of his services at the Spanish club. He was also coaching the England national team under the supervision of Roy Hodgson and is likely to travel to the Euros in France with the squad.

However, the dilemma facing Giggs is that he would rather have his stint with United now rather than later in his career because if he fails in his next club it would be difficult for him to be considered for the post at Old Trafford. Van Gaal's future at Manchester is still uncertain but should the manager win the FA Cup and finish in the top four he is likely to be given another shot at managing United.

Meanwhile, United have a viable chance of finishing ahead of City after the Citizens drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday, 8 May. Should the Red Devils win their next two games, they will finish above City irrespective of what happens in City's last game against Swansea City.

Indonesia National Team Lures Mourinho.

Jose Mourinho may be holding out to succeed Louis van Gaal as Manchester United manager this summer, but he has now been offered the Indonesia national team job.

Indonesia—ranked 185th in the world—is to be ambitiously attempting to lure the former Chelsea manager to southeast Asia.

The country’s youth and sports minister, Imam Nahrawi, confirmed the national team was after the Portuguese manager but believes it won’t be easy.

“This plan has been discussed with President Joko Widodo and the chairman of the Indonesian Olympics Committee, Erick Thohir, even though this won’t be easy,” said Nahrawi. “Our national team head coach must be a foreigner, accompanied with our local coaches as his assistant.”

Mourinho is keen to return to management but is believed to be hoping to take the place of Van Gaal at Old Trafford should the Dutchman be sacked at the end of the season.

Manchester United may still finish fourth in the Premier League, however, which could save Van Gaal’s job.

Fani Kayode Arrives EFCC Headquarters

following the Anti-Graft Agency's invitation to  Chief Femi Fani -Kayode, the former Minister of Aviation, has arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

The former Minister who served as the spokesman for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation in 2015, arrived the EFCC in a police convoy at 9:45am. 

He was invited by the anti-graft agency over an alleged N840m he received during the campaign, which was said to have emanated from the account of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“I will be strict. I will be a dictator..." Philippines Presidential Candidate

Firebrand mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is set to clinch the Philippines’ presidency, said he will be a “dictator” against evil and vowed to step down in six months if he failed to fulfill his promise to stamp out corruption.

“I will be strict. I will be a dictator, no doubt it. But only against forces of evil — criminality, drugs and corruption in government,” Duterte said Tuesday morning in his hometown of Davao City, in the southern Philippines.

“My message to all government employees — the police, the military, everyone, including cabinet secretaries — stop. You just stop (corruption).”

Duterte’s closest rival Mar Roxas conceded defeat Tuesday, following Grace Poe out of the race, though official results are yet to be announced.

“It is clear that Mr. Rodrigo Duterte will be the next president of the Philippines. Digong (Duterte’s nickname), I wish you success,” Roxas told supporters.

With more than 90% votes counted Tuesday, Duterte was in the lead with more than 38%, according to an unofficial tally from the PPCRV poll monitor.

Rodrigo Duterte: From ‘Punisher’ to Philippines President?

Over half of the 100 million-strong population registered for the pivotal election, braving stifling heat to cast their ballots Monday.

Duterte, known for his inflammatory comments, has been the long-time front-runner in a campaign dominated by the issues of the economy and corruption.

he usually bombastic politician took on a slightly more self-effacing tone Tuesday saying he would humbly serve the people of the Philippines.

“If I get to live to the day (of) my oath of office, I don’t have other desires than to serve the interests of the people of the Philippines. Nothing follows,” he said, promising to focus on improving education, health and agriculture.

Duterte was also seen getting emotional early Tuesday morning when he sobbed over his parents’ grave. According to Edith Ging Caduaya, who posted the video to Facebook, he asked his parents to continue guiding him as he prepares to lead the country.

Nigerian President Breaks Silence over Fulani Herdsmen Rampage

President Muhammadu Buhari finally broke his silence over the bloody rampage of armed herdsmen around the country. A statement by his Senior Special Assistant Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, disclosed that the President had directed the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, and the heads of other security agencies to “take all necessary measures” to end the attacks and bring their perpetrators to book.

This was the directive that victims of these attacks, community leaders, the media and many concerned Nigerians had pleaded with the President to make, long before the invasions and massacre of defenceless Nigerians in Agatu community in Benue State and Ukpabi Nimbo in Enugu State, but to no avail. It took the distress call that the Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi paid to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, before the Commander – in – Chief acted. Since the President issued the directive, things appear to be moving in a positive direction. Governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have already paid a solidarity visit to Ugwuanyi, and the security agencies that had all along played deaf and dumb to the distress calls of victims have roused themselves.

It is sad that the Federal Government’s decisive actions against the Boko Haram insurgents, Biafra agitators, the Shiite Islamic sect in Zaria, pipeline vandals and Niger Delta militants, were not extended to the herdsmen who killed, raped, kidnapped, and harassed innocent citizens while also driving people from their lands and leading their animals to devour the products of farmers’ sweat and toil. The failure of the Federal Government and its security agencies to respond with despatch to this menace worsened the already tense atmosphere among Nigeria’s diverse ethno-religious groups.

It has fuelled anger and suspicion against nomadic Fulani pastoralists who have over the years grazed their animals through indigenous communities unmolested because they never threatened anyone as they now do. We hope the President will match his words with decisive action and ensure the disarming of the militias and their treatment according to our laws. He should also explore all available modern options to ensure that herdsmen are settled in their own self – financed ranches, as that is the only way both the herdsmen and their animals can experience better life.

Let us also remind the President that his administration’s pledge to diversify the economy through farming will not succeed if the Fulani herdsmen continue to disturb the farmers. Apart from possible reprisal actions, we cannot expect more people to take to farming when farmers and their farm products are not safe from the insurgents.