Full time scores:Chelsea 2 west Ham 0

Diego Costa was on target in a 2-0 win as Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea proved a barrier too far for West Ham.

The Hammers, who began the day in fourth place, have been transformed since being criticised by Jose Mourinho for playing "football from the 19th century" last season and joked on Twitter they had arrived at Stamford Bridge by horse and cart.

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 Tragedy: Who is to Blame

Who is to blame for the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 ? Is it Ukraine? Is it the pro-Russian separatists? Or is poor communication to blame? 

No one is claiming responsibility for the incident, as accusations are flying back and forth.

Ukrainian Prime Minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk has blamed the pro-Russian separatists, who he describes as “terrorists.”

Yesterday, Yatsenyuk reportedly called on authorities to “support the Ukrainian government to bring to justice all these bastards who committed this international crime,”according to CNN

On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin is blaming Ukraine’s recent stringent military operations against separatists for the violence and volatility in the region.

Other sources purport that perhaps it is neither party’s fault, instead; poor communication is to blame. According to Daily mail, the Malaysia Airlines crew was thought to have known about the “no-fly” zone spanning between Crimea and South-Eastern Ukraine.

However, a preliminary classified U.S. intelligence analysis, reveals that the missile that hit the aircraft was “likely fired by pro-Russian separatists inside Eastern Ukraine.”

***

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the passengers.

Sad.

Standing at the ticketing desk of Air Malaysia at Schiphol Airport , Dutchman, Arthur Laumann holds a floral tribute and photograph of family friend Wayan Sujana of Bali, believed to be missing on Air Malaysia flight MH17

Holland pays tribute to the passengers

Final Facebook Post of Passenger of Crashed Malaysian Plane Goes Viral

Hours before the plane crashed in Ukraine, a man believed to be a passenger made reference to the missing Malaysian Airlines MH370 which mysteriously vanished in March.

On his Facebook page, Cor Pan shared a photo of the plane he was about boarding with a caption, “Mocht hij verdwijnen , zo ziet hij d’r uit”. It has been translated to “If it disappears, this is what it looks like”.

9 Year Old South African Boy Marries 62-Year-Old Woman…For the 2nd Time

 

In 2013, BN brought you the news of an 8-year-old South African school boy who married a 61 year old South African woman to “make ancestors happy”.

He later spoke about his new wife with the woman.

The boy – now 9 years old – Saneie Masilela is the world’s youngest groom for the second time after remarrying the 62-year-old woman he married last year.

Although other villagers and onlookers describe the nuptials as “sickening”, the young groom dressed in a silver tuxedo says he did it again to make the marriage “official”.

No minding the 53-year-age gap, they repeated their vows a year later in front of 100 guests. His bride Helen Shabangu is a mother of 5, with children aged between 28 and 38 years old.

The ceremony took place in front of Helen’s long-term husband Alfred Shabangu. He said “My kids and I are happy because we don’t have a problem with her marrying the boy – and I don’t care what other people say.”

 

Both families claim the wedding is a simply “ritual” after the young school boy was told by his dead ancestors to wed last year.

The boy however hopes he would have a proper wedding to a woman his age in the future.

“I told my mother that I wanted to get married because I really did want to.
I’m happy that I married Helen – but I will go to school and study hard.
When I’m older I will marry a lady my own age. I chose Helen because I love her and, although we don’t live together all the time, we meet at the dumping site where my mother works regularly.”

Helen also told reporters that she is excited that Saneie chose her. “One day Sanele would grow normally and have family of his own and get married one day, all this ceremony is for making ancestors happy. We are playing.” she said.

The young boy’s mother is also fine with the wedding, telling journalists;

“He was just happy to get married, very excited and was not embarrassed about it. So much so he wanted to do it again.
After the wedding last year people keep asking them question like will they live together, sleep together, have babies but I keep telling them that after the wedding everything went back to normal – nothing changed.
Sanele moved to Venda not long after the wedding because he wanted to learn a new language, but they are very close. Our families are very close.
It was nice celebrate with a wedding once more, it was after all a calling from the ancestors.
By doing this we made the ancestors happy. If we hadn’t done what my son had asked then something bad would have happened in the family.”

Boko Haram Attacks Borno Again, 21 Killed

 

On Friday, Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram attacked Damboa, Borno State. 21 people have been confirmed dead.

2 weeks ago, the town was attacked by the sect leaving many residents, military personnel as well as members of the group dead.

According to Punch the town as well as other 50 other communities in the troubled state are susceptible to terrorist attacks.

As there was no security to repel them, they really attacked.

Abbas Gava, a member of the youth vigilance group, told journalists in Maiduguri that the sect attacked from 5 am and began the massacre.

An anonymous security officer confirmed the attack

Syria’s Al-Assad to be Sworn in for 3rd Term

BEIRUT (dpa/NAN) ― Embattled Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad who was sworn in on Wednesday for a third seven-year term in a country roiled by a civil war now in its fourth year.

Al-Assad, who was re-elected in June in a vote dismissed as a farce by the opposition and its Western backers, would be inaugurated at the presidential palace in Damascus.

Families of pro-regime Syrians killed in the conflict were expected to be present.

With jihadist groups making advances in several parts of Syria, al-Assad, who took power in 2000, has recently portrayed his regime as necessary to stem the tide of radicalism boosted by militants’ blitz in neighbouring Iraq.

The opposition and its Western backers have repeatedly called on al-Assad to step down.

Syria’s conflict started in 2011 with peaceful anti-government protests before descending into all-out war.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it had documented more than 171,000 deaths.

Here’s What Pastor Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible Church says About Alleged Ban on iPad & Android Devices

A rep for the church has posted a message on Facebook, claiming it is false that Pastor Kumiyi did not ban the use of iPad and Android devices

FALSE REPORT
“Pastor Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible Church bans the Use of iPad & Android Devices” – Encomium Weekly.

The above report has been trending in the Social media from Tuesday, 15 July 2014.

THIS REPORT IS FALSE.

There was never a time as referred to in the article, when Pastor W.F. Kumuyi made this statement or “BANNED” the use of mobile devices in the Church.

As much as every Christ-loving believer is encouraged to give God his/her full attention when in Church or in any other place, where the Word of God is being taught, this story is HIGHLY MISCHIEVOUS and MISLEADING.

There is no doubt that Technology has its place in the spread of the gospel message as well as believers’ development where such is put into proper use but its misuse or abuse is not encouraged.

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: FOR ALL MEN HAVE NOT FAITH. But the Lord is faithful, WHO SHALL STABLISH YOU, and KEEP YOU FROM EVIL” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3.

President Jonathan Requests $1 Billion Loan to Tackle Boko Haram

On Wednesday, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan sent a letter to the National Assembly, asking the lawmakers to urgently approve an external loan of $1 billion for the Federal Government to fight Islamist terrorist sect Boko Haram.

Senate President David Mark and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, read the letter to the Senate and House of Representatives respectively. The loan is meant to help upgrade equipment and train security officers properly.

“You are no doubt cognisant of the ongoing and serious security challenges which the nation is facing , as typified by the Boko Haram terrorist threat. This is an issue that we have discussed at various times.” he said in the letter titled Tackling Ongoing Security Challenges: Need for Urgent Action”

“For this reason, I seek the concurrence of the National Assembly for external borrowing of not more than $1bn, including government to government arrangements for this upgrade.” he continues in the letter.

The request may reportedly be considered today Thursday because of its urgency. In its 4.6 trillion 2014 budget provisions, the National Assembly already appropriated N968.127 billion for Defence on Boko Haram insurgency.

67 Giant African Snails Transported from Lagos Seized at Los Angeles International Airport

On July 1st, federal authorities at Los Angeles International airport (LAX) seized 67 live giant snails which were discovered in two picnic baskets.

The snails, which were intended for human consumption, weighed over 35 pounds in total, los angeles times reports.

Lee Harty of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed that the snails had been transported from Lagos and were bound for  San Dimas.

Customs authorities stated that in the past, they had found about one or two similarly large snails hidden in luggage, however; this was the first time “this pest has been encountered in such large quantity and as a consumption entry.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reportedly regards the large snails as “a damaging species, consuming more than 500 types of plants,” and are known to carry parasites that may be harmful to humans.

The incident is said to be currently under investigation.

Nigerian Gets First FemaleTable Tennis Umpire to Officiate at Commonwealth Games

LAGOS (NAN) ― Cecilia Arinye, the first female Nigerian table tennis umpire to be invited to officiate at the Commonwealth Games, on Monday attributed her nomination to hard work.

Arinye, a blue badge umpire, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that her selection was based on merit.

The Commonwealth Games will hold from July 23 to August 3 2014.

Arinye, the Director of Sports, University of Lagos, said that her passion for the game earned her the status.
”Invitation to officiate in such a global competition does not come on a platter of gold because it requires some formalities.

”Umpires’ records and achievements are some of the requirements for selection.

”My hard work and contributions to the sport both in Nigeria and outside the country earned me the slot.

”I ensure that I go for trainings as regards table tennis umpiring.

”I make sure that I attend officiating programmes both locally and internationally; I make additional efforts at all times,” she said.

She urged other Nigerian umpires to update themselves in modern techniques in officiating.
“All they need to do is to keep abreast of the latest techniques in the game and constantly attend training programmes.

“They need to be up-to-date with happenings in the game; this will help them to be considered for officiating at international competitions.

”If I can be considered, any other female umpire can also be considered.’’ Arinye said. NAN reports that another Nigerian, John Peters, will serve as a deputy referee for the tournament. Table tennis will feature in five events at the tournament.

Pastor Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible Church bans the Use of iPad & Android Devices during Service

 

Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church has banned the use of iPad and android devices for reading the bible.

According to Encomium Weekly, the ban was effective a few weeks ago because members of the church use the devices pretending they are reading their bible but are surfing the web and not paying attention to the sermon.

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey made Music Professor in OOU

 

Nigerian music icon, Evangelist Dr. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi has been made a Professor of Music at the Department of English and Performing Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Ogun state. In a ceremony held on Monday July 7th at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Hall of the school, the VC of the School, Professor Sabiru Adesanya, honoured him as a Visiting Artiste in the English Department.

Responding to the honor, Dr. Obey promised to give his new appointment the same attention he gives his music and share his wealth of experience with his students. He used the occasion to donate new sets of musical equipments to the Department of English and Performing Art.

Adamawa State Gov. Nyako Impeached

The Adamawa State House of Assembly has impeached the state Governor, Murtala Nyako.

After deliberations made by the seven-man impeachment panel, eighteen out of the 24 members of the Assembly voted to impeach the governor for his alleged “gross misconduct,”Punch reports.

However, deputy governor, Bala Ngilari, who was also up for impeachment, submitted his letter of resignation.

According to the constitution, if the governor is absent and his deputy resigns, the Speaker of the House has to become the acting governor of the state.

As a result, Assembly Speaker, Ahmadu Fintiri, will be sworn in as the new governor

Beyonce Dazzles In Ankara Outfit!

 

Beyonce is currently on her “On The Run” tour which must have been taking much of her time, nevertheless, she took time out during the weekend to have some fun with her own.
Stepping out looking good as always, Beyonce rocked a silk ankara blouse, snapback and skirt!

19 Pregnant Young Ladies Rescued in Abia Baby Factory

 

On Monday, a baby factory located at Umunkpeyi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government of Abia state was raided and no fewer than 19 pregnant young women were rescued.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abia State Command, help track down this location. A well recognized hospital in the state was demolished for the involvement in the illegal trading of babies for money.

The rescued girls and workers in the baby factory were paraded for the press. Apart from the pregnant ladies, 3 babies – all aged two, were also rescued.

An officer of the NSCDC revealed to reporters that the operators keep young women with unwanted pregnancies, and later sell them as soon as they are delivered.

The owner of the factory is presently at large. According to reports, the owner also arranges men to impregnate young girls and when the babies are delivered, the young ladies are given “peanuts”.

The police, women affairs ministry and wife of the state governor Mercy Odochi Orji have been informed about the rescue operation.

A lot of the pregnant ladies who complained that they had not been fed in two days, blame the condition on poverty and lack of parental care.

Drunk Guard Kills Female Babcock Undergraduate at Birthday Party in Ikorodu

 

The 22-year-old undergraduate,Busayo Ogunkoya of Babcock University, was shot by a security guard identified as Azeez Ibrahim, during a birthday party on Saturday 5th July 2014, at Mambillah Hotel, Ikorodu, Lagos.

According to punch Busayo did not know the person celebrating but she was invited by her boyfriend. All was going fine, until a drunk Ibrahim holding a gun he claimed he seized from some robbers, stormed the scene.

He reportedly mishandled the gun, and fired a bullet which hit Busayo in the neck region.

She was immediately taken to a private hospital where she was confirmed dead.

Police arrested the guard, the assistant manger of the hotel, as well as the victim’s boyfriend.

A tenant of Ibrahim’s house claims he is a caring landlord and some “forces” are behind the act.

Neymar flown home to Sao Paulo to begin his recovery

Neymar flown home to Sao Paulo to begin his recovery

A day after he was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup, Brazilian striker Neymar was flown to his home in Guaruya, Sao Paulo by medical helicopter to begin his recovery.

Neymar was first flown to Brazil's training ground in Rio where he had a tearful re-union with his team-mates, he then waved to hundred of fans and media before taking off along with his father.

The 22year old striker fractured a verterbra on Friday after Colombian player Juan Zuniga smashed his knee into his lower back. Speaking about the injury, a tearful Neymar said in a video

"My World Cup has not ended, it has been interrupted by a play but the tournament goes on and I told my team-mates to do everything in order to help me achieve my dream to be world champion,' Neymar said.

Getting a hug from Thiago Silva

And from David Luiz

At the re-union with his team mates

"My dream was to play at a World Cup final but I'm certain my team-mates will be champions. 'I will be there with them, and all Brazilians will soon be celebrating all of that.'

Neymar with the president of the Brazilian Football Condederation Jose Maria Marin

The broken bone highlighted

63 abducted Borno women reportedly escape from Boko Haram

63 abducted Borno women reportedly escape from Boko Haram

 

63 women out of 70 women who were reported to have been abducted by Boko Haram men in Borno state between June 12th - June 14th have regained their freedom. Reports by government sources as well as members of the Borno state vigilante group confirmed their escape.

An official of the Borno state vigilante group, Abbas Gava while confirming the escape to journalists in Borno, said the women made the bold move to escape on saturday July 5th while the sect men were attacking a military base in Damboa.

"I have just received an alert from my colleagues in Damboa area that about 63 of the abducted women and girls had made it back home. They took the bold step when their abductors moved out to carry out an operation. We don’t have the details of their escape yet, but we believe God gave them the opportunity at the time the insurgents came in their large numbers to attack Damboa where about 12 soldiers, five policemen, over 50 Boko Haram members and unspecified number of civilians were killed on saturday.”he said. Mr. Gava also said five women and two girls are currently still with the sect men, adding that one of the women is said to be a nursing mother.

A security official who also spoke with Premium Times anonymously confirmed the escape of the women

"There is no doubt about your report; the women and girls were able to escape. I guess it was during the time the gunmen were attacking Damboa,  left behind just some few men to watch over the women, but the women took advantage of an opportunity when the guys were dozing off, and bolted away but quietly" the source said. The source also added that some of the escaped women found themselves on the border towns between Adamawa and Borno state and have been taken into custody by the soldiers there. Some others who knew the terrain of the bushes were able to find their way home.

The Borno state government has not made any official statement on this.

A NEW LOOK FOR CIARA

On Sunday, Ciara debuted her bold hairstyle – dreadlocks. Captioning the photo, “Attitude”, The Body Party singer is definitely taking a page from her fiance Future‘s famous hairstyle.

JUDE OKOYE SETS TO WED,GUESS WHEN

 

P-Square's older brother and manager, Jude Okoye, and his fiancee MBGN Tourism 2012 Ifeoma Umeokeke, who got engaged on April 24th after dating for a few months, have picked July 17th for their traditional wedding. The wedding will hold at the bride's home town in Nnewi, Anambra state. Their white wedding will hold after Ifeoma, who is said to be pregnant, gives birth.