President Weah makes first appointments

*President Weah makes first appointments*

Liberia’s President George Weah on Tuesday made his first appointments less than 24 hours after his swearing in on Monday. Seven names made the first batch of appointees, including former Senate Pro-Tempore Gbezohngar Findley, who has been named Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Findley, according to local media, is close ally of immediate past President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, and staunchly supported Vice- President Joseph Boakai at the initial stage of the campaign period. He reportedly dumped Boakai, who ran for the presidency on the platform of the Unity Party and aligned with Weah, heavily campaigning for him in parts of the country.

This fueled speculations that Weah was receiving support from Johnson-Sirleaf, who was recently expelled by the UP for anti-party activities. Maj.-Gen. Daniel Ziankahn was immediately retired as the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia and appointed the Minister of National Defence, subject to Senate confirmation. Brig. Gen. Prince Johnson takes over from Ziankahn as the new Chief of Staff of the AFL.

Zambia on Verge of Containing Cholera outbreak after 78 deaths

*🇿🇲Zambia on Verge of Containing 👾Cholera Outbreak After 78 💐Deaths*

Zambia is close to containing a cholera outbreak that has killed 78 of the more than 3,600 people who have fallen sick since October. Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya told reporters the number of cholera cases being recorded daily had dropped to less than a quarter of what was being reported two weeks ago. "We continue to record a drop from an average 164 cases daily to an average 25-30 cases per day. In the last 24 hours, we have had a total of 32 cases," Chilufya said.

On January 14, Zambia relaxed rules, including the closure of markets and schools, imposed to curb the spread of cholera as the number of new cases being reported halved. Chilufya said the measures put in place to contain the outbreak were clearly working. President Edgar Lungu last month directed the military to clean markets and unblock drains to help to fight the spread of the disease.

"The civil-military operation that has been going on has paid dividends," Chilufya said, referring to the presidential order for the military to join the cleanup exercise. Chilufya said by January 20, the government had vaccinated 1.3 million people, including inmates in congested prisons, against cholera.

Lagos Island boils as Assassins Kill NURTW member

*Lagos Island Boils As Assassins Kill NURTW Member*

There was palpable tension at Idumota Area of Lagos Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria following the alleged assassination of the principal assistant to one of the National Union of Road Transport Workers chairmen in the area. The assassin is identified simply as Alnold Swagger by suspected assassins in the early hour of Tuesday over a power tussle.

Though details of the incident were sketchy as of the time of filling this reports, sources told PM News that the target of the suspected assassins was a Chairman in the area identified simply as KP. The source further said that while Alnold Swagger died on the spot, two others with him inside the car sustained serious injuries and were quickly rushed to the hospital where doctors were battling to save their lives.

The source said that the assassins numbering about four trailed the car belonging to the chairman of Idumota, Lagos at about 1.30am in their motorcycles, blocked the car and opened fire on the occupants thinking that the chairman, their target drove the car, but unknown to them that it was his principal assistant who drove the car.

Lagos Island boils as Assassins Kill NURTW member

*Lagos Island Boils As Assassins Kill NURTW Member*

There was palpable tension at Idumota Area of Lagos Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria following the alleged assassination of the principal assistant to one of the National Union of Road Transport Workers chairmen in the area. The assassin is identified simply as Alnold Swagger by suspected assassins in the early hour of Tuesday over a power tussle.

Though details of the incident were sketchy as of the time of filling this reports, sources told PM News that the target of the suspected assassins was a Chairman in the area identified simply as KP. The source further said that while Alnold Swagger died on the spot, two others with him inside the car sustained serious injuries and were quickly rushed to the hospital where doctors were battling to save their lives.

The source said that the assassins numbering about four trailed the car belonging to the chairman of Idumota, Lagos at about 1.30am in their motorcycles, blocked the car and opened fire on the occupants thinking that the chairman, their target drove the car, but unknown to them that it was his principal assistant who drove the car.

Zambia on Verge of Containing Cholera outbreak after 78 deaths

*🇿🇲Zambia on Verge of Containing 👾Cholera Outbreak After 78 💐Deaths*

Zambia is close to containing a cholera outbreak that has killed 78 of the more than 3,600 people who have fallen sick since October. Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya told reporters the number of cholera cases being recorded daily had dropped to less than a quarter of what was being reported two weeks ago. "We continue to record a drop from an average 164 cases daily to an average 25-30 cases per day. In the last 24 hours, we have had a total of 32 cases," Chilufya said.

On January 14, Zambia relaxed rules, including the closure of markets and schools, imposed to curb the spread of cholera as the number of new cases being reported halved. Chilufya said the measures put in place to contain the outbreak were clearly working. President Edgar Lungu last month directed the military to clean markets and unblock drains to help to fight the spread of the disease.

"The civil-military operation that has been going on has paid dividends," Chilufya said, referring to the presidential order for the military to join the cleanup exercise. Chilufya said by January 20, the government had vaccinated 1.3 million people, including inmates in congested prisons, against cholera.

Lagos Island boils as Assassins Kill NURTW member

*Lagos Island Boils As Assassins Kill NURTW Member*

There was palpable tension at Idumota Area of Lagos Island, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria following the alleged assassination of the principal assistant to one of the National Union of Road Transport Workers chairmen in the area. The assassin is identified simply as Alnold Swagger by suspected assassins in the early hour of Tuesday over a power tussle.

Though details of the incident were sketchy as of the time of filling this reports, sources told PM News that the target of the suspected assassins was a Chairman in the area identified simply as KP. The source further said that while Alnold Swagger died on the spot, two others with him inside the car sustained serious injuries and were quickly rushed to the hospital where doctors were battling to save their lives.

The source said that the assassins numbering about four trailed the car belonging to the chairman of Idumota, Lagos at about 1.30am in their motorcycles, blocked the car and opened fire on the occupants thinking that the chairman, their target drove the car, but unknown to them that it was his principal assistant who drove the car.

Former President Obasanjo warns President Buhari of Nigeria

Go And Rest! Former President Obasanjo Issues A Statement Asking Buhari Not To Seek Second Term*

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a special press statement on the state of the Nigerian nation. While reiterating his desire not to return to partisan politics, the former military head of state who later became a civilian president in 1999 used his lengthy press release to ask President Muhammad Buhari not to seek a second term in 2019.

He writes: President Buhari needs a dignified and honourable dismount from the horse. He needs to have time to reflect, refurbish physically and recoup and after appropriate rest, once again, join the stock of Nigerian leaders whose experience, influence, wisdom and outreach can be deployed on the sideline for the good of the country. His place in history is already assured. Without impaired health and strain of age, running the affairs of Nigeria is a 25/7 affair, not 24/7.

I only appeal to brother Buhari to consider a deserved rest at this point in time and at this age. I continue to wish him robust health to enjoy his retirement from active public service. President Buhari does not necessarily need to heed my advice. But whether or not he heeds it, Nigeria needs to move on and move forward.

Zambia on Verge of Containing Cholera outbreak after 78 deaths

*🇿🇲Zambia on Verge of Containing 👾Cholera Outbreak After 78 💐Deaths*

Zambia is close to containing a cholera outbreak that has killed 78 of the more than 3,600 people who have fallen sick since October. Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya told reporters the number of cholera cases being recorded daily had dropped to less than a quarter of what was being reported two weeks ago. "We continue to record a drop from an average 164 cases daily to an average 25-30 cases per day. In the last 24 hours, we have had a total of 32 cases," Chilufya said.

On January 14, Zambia relaxed rules, including the closure of markets and schools, imposed to curb the spread of cholera as the number of new cases being reported halved. Chilufya said the measures put in place to contain the outbreak were clearly working. President Edgar Lungu last month directed the military to clean markets and unblock drains to help to fight the spread of the disease.

"The civil-military operation that has been going on has paid dividends," Chilufya said, referring to the presidential order for the military to join the cleanup exercise. Chilufya said by January 20, the government had vaccinated 1.3 million people, including inmates in congested prisons, against cholera.

Retired General and candidate Sami Anan arrested

*Egypt 🇪🇬 election: Retired general and candidate Sami Anan arrested 😱*

Former chief of staff in the Egyptian army, Sami Anan, has been detained after announcing his intention to run for president.

Mr Anan has been accused by the armed forces of violating Egypt's military code, running for the post without permission and forging documents.

Mr Anan, who served as the army's chief of staff from 2005-2012, announced his intention to stand against President Sisi on social media earlier this month.

Speaking to the Reuters news agency, a spokesman for Mr Anan denied he had broken any laws, and blamed "inaccurate reading of Anan's announcement" for the arrest.

I love Trump for being Frank with Africans

*Uganda's Museveni: I love Trump for being frank with Africans*

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has given a speech declaring his "love" for US President Donald Trump. Earlier this month, Mr Trump was accused of referring to African nations as "shithole" countries during an immigration meeting. Mr Trump has denied making the remarks but US senators who attended the meeting say that he did. The African Union demanded that Mr Trump apologise for his "clearly racist" comments.

"America has got one of the best presidents ever," Mr Museveni said to laughter during the opening of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in the Ugandan capital of Kampala. "I love Trump because he tells Africans frankly. The Africans need to solve their problems, the Africans are weak."

Mr Museveni's comments are in opposition to the reaction of many leaders who have condemned Mr Trump's language. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron told the BBC that he shared Africa's outrage.

Germany plane and helicopter crash in mid-air,killing four

*Germany: Plane ✈ and helicopter crash 💥 in mid-air, killing four*

A small plane and a helicopter have collided in south-western Germany killing four people, police say. A rescue helicopter which had been on a training flight was involved in the crash above the town of Philippsburg, air rescue organisation DRF said.

DRF said the victims were the two helicopter pilots and the two occupants of the plane.

"We do not yet know who was in which aircraft," a police spokesman was quoted as saying by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

The crash scene is about five kilometres (three miles) east of Philippsburg, a town which has an operating nuclear power plant.

Congressional Democrats call on facebook, Twitter to urgently investigate and combat Russian bots and trolls

*Congressional Democrats call ☎ on Facebook, Twitter to urgently investigate 👀 and combat Russian bots and trolls*

Top congressional Democrats on Tuesday called on Facebook and Twitter to urgently examine the role of Russian bots and trolls in the growing online campaign to release a classified memo about allegations that the FBI mishandled a classified surveillance request as it probed Russia’s meddling in the 2016 campaign.

Hashtags such as "ReleaseTheMemo" have been trending on Twitter in recent days, and accounts affiliated with Russian influence efforts have been supporting this effort, according to the Alliance for Securing Democracy, a U.S.-based group that examines efforts by Russia and other nations to interfere in democratic institutions. The hashtag has also been shared by Donald Trump Jr. and Rep. Steve King.

The letter to Facebook and Twitter calls for rapid study of these allegations and for the companies to shut down accounts that are involved. The authors are Rep. Adam Schiff and Sen. Diane Feinstein, both California Democrats; Schiff is ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, and Feinstein is ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"If these reports are accurate, we are witnessing an ongoing attack by the Russian government through Kremlin-linked social media actors directly acting to intervene and influence our democratic process," wrote Schiff and Feinstein. "This should be disconcerting to all Americans, but especially your companies as, once again, it appears the vast majority of their efforts are concentrated on your platforms. This latest example of Russian interference is in keeping with Moscow’s concerted, covert, and continuing campaign to manipulate American public opinion and erode trust in our law enforcement and intelligence institutions."

The urgent request for investigation, with a report back due on Friday, underscores growing Capitol Hill scrutiny of the influence of social media on American politics, as well as growing concern over release of the classified GOP memo. The letter is addressed to Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey.

Pence worries North Korea will hijack the messaging around the Olympics

*Pence worries North Korea 🇰🇵 will ‘hijack the messaging around the Olympics’❗*

A major reason Vice President Pence will attend the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea next month: He is worried North Korea's Kim Jong Un will hijack the Olympics .

“He has grave concerns that Kim will hijack the messaging around the Olympics. The North Koreans have been master manipulators in the past,” a senior White House official told reporters aboard Air Force Two on Tuesday as the vice president returned to the United States from a trip to the Middle East. “It’s a murderous state.”

The official did not want to be identified, as he discussed the internal discussions. Pence plans to speak “truth on the world stage, which is the opposite of what the North Koreans do,” the official said.

“I think a lot of vice presidents in the past have gone ceremoniously to the Olympics, and that’s what they do and that’s great. They cut the ribbon. Check the box,” the official said. “We wouldn’t be making this trip if that’s what it was about.”

The official said the vice president and his staff were alarmed by news this week that South Koreans were dazzled by the arrival of Hyon Song Wol, a singer in North Korea's all-female Moranbong Band and a rising political star in Kim's regime. She led a seven-member delegation to inspect Olympic facilities in the South where the North's Samjiyon orchestra will play on its visit during the games next month. Twenty-two North Korean athletes will compete.

CIA warns Kim Jong Un could use nukes as coercive tool

*CIA warns Kim Jong Un could use nukes as 'coercive' tool*

CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that the US intelligence community still considers North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be a "rational actor" but that assessment does not mean he is only developing nuclear weapons as a means to preserve his regime.

"We do believe he would use these toolsets beyond self-preservation," Pompeo said at the American Enterprise Institute, adding that Kim is likely prepared to use both nuclear and conventional military forces for "coercive" purposes with the intent of reunifying the Korean peninsula under his rule. While the CIA has long highlighted North Korea's rapid improvements in the capacity and rate of its intercontinental ballistic missile tests, Pompeo emphasized that Pyongyang's progress should be measured by reliability rather than in timelines.

"Kim Jong Un will not rest with one single successful test" that demonstrates he has the ability to hit a US city with a long-range nuclear weapon, Pompeo said. "His next move would be to develop an arsenal" or the capacity to deliver missiles from multiple firing points simultaneously, he added, noting it is "our mission is to make the day that he can do that as far off as possible."

Maduro ready to stand in early presidential poll

*Venezuela: Maduro ready to stand in early presidential poll*

Venezuela's pro-government Constituent Assembly has ordered fresh elections before the end of April. President Nicolas Maduro told thousands of his supporters at a rally that he is ready to seek another six-year term. "It's the right decision. Imperialism and the right were plotting to take over the economy," said Mr Maduro.

The opposition is weakened and divided and many of the president's main potential challengers are in self-imposed exile or in jail. But former presidential candidate Henrique Capriles said the government was so unpopular that it could lose the vote.

"The government and its leaders annoy the majority of Venezuelans," he tweeted, urging the opposition to "unite to save democracy". Mr Capriles cannot stand in the presidential vote as he was banned from public office for 15 years in April for mismanaging public funds as governor of Miranda state.

At least 27 dead in twin Benghazi car bombs

*At least 27 dead in twin Benghazi car bombs*

At least 27 people have been killed in two car bombs near a mosque in the Libyan city of Benghazi. Varying reports say 20 to 30 more were wounded by the blasts, which took place within minutes of each other.

The first vehicle blew up in front of a mosque in the central al-Sleimani neighbourhood, as worshippers were leaving the building after evening prayers. A second car exploded soon afterwards on the other side of the street.

Both military personnel and civilians are among the victims. The number of fatalities may rise, a spokeswoman for the local al-Jala hospital told AFP news agency. It is not yet clear who was behind the bloodshed. The BBC's North Africa Correspondent Rana Jawad says many bombings of this kind go unclaimed in Libya.

Benue Residents Protest Take Protest To National Assembly*

Benue Residents Protest Take Protest To National Assembly*

Some indigenes of Benue State have taken their search for justice for victims of herdsmen killings to the National Assembly. They took their protest to the legislature, occupying the entrance of the National Assembly, on Thursday, 48 hours after both chambers of the lawmakers debated the issue. The protesters demanded that both the Senate and the House of Representatives speed up their investigations, and ensure that all those behind the killings face the law.

The Deputy Minority leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Chukwuka Onyema, who addressed the protesters on behalf of the Federal lawmakers gave assurance of the government to address the situation once and for all.

“We have set up a panel, the panel is going to come back to us and tell us their findings. I don’t think anyone in his right senses will sit down and allow this kind of thing (the killings) to happen. We have called on security agencies and we are going to do our best. You will hear of our resolutions and when we come up with our resolution, I think the whole of Benue will be proud of us,” Onyema said.

*

Kenya 🇰🇪 investigates 'sex attacks' on new mothers at hospital*

*Kenya 🇰🇪 investigates 'sex attacks' 😱 on new mothers 👩 at hospital*

Kenya's health minister has ordered an investigation into claims new mothers were sexually assaulted at a flagship hospital in the capital Nairobi.

Social media posts alleged that male staff members targeted the women when they went to feed their babies.

The Kenyatta National Hospital said the reports were "untrue" and denied any assaults took place.

Its CEO, Lily Koros, has asked anyone with evidence to pass it to the hospital or the police.
A post about the assaults first appeared on a Kenyan Facebook page called Buyer Beware, prompting more users to allege that sexual assault was common at the hospital.

One poster said that she knew of a woman who had given birth to twins via Caesarean and was attacked on her way to see them. The woman scared the attackers away by screaming, she said.

Health Minister Cleopa Mailu said he wanted a report into the allegations by Monday.

Nasa removes ✋ US astronaut from ISS mission

*Nasa removes ✋ US astronaut from ISS mission 😱*

The US astronaut Jeanette Epps has been removed from her upcoming mission to the International Space Station (ISS) just months before launch.

Dr Epps was to have been the first African-American astronaut assigned to the space station crew.

She would have flown aboard a Russian Soyuz flight in June but is being replaced by another astronaut.

Nasa has not given a reason for withdrawing her but says she will be considered for future missions.

 

Museveni: Uganda may reintroduce executions

*Museveni: Uganda may reintroduce executions*

Uganda could begin enforcing the death penalty again, President Yoweri Museveni has said, 13 years after the country's last execution. Mr Museveni said his "Christian background" had prevented him from going ahead with executions, but this "leniency" was encouraging criminals. Human rights groups have warned against the move.

In Uganda, 28 offences merit the death penalty, the highest in East Africa. Some 278 people are on death row. "I have not been assenting to hanging of convicts because of my Christian background but being lenient is causing people to think they can cause harm and get away with it," President Yoweri Museveni wrote on Twitter.

He also said he would "hang a few" at a graduation ceremony for prison wardens in Kamapala on Thursday. "Executing prisoners won't end crime," the executive director of Uganda's Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, Livingstone Ssewanyana, told the Washington Post. "The police are very weak with no capacity to investigate crimes extensively. As a result, you find serious failures in the systems."

What a Body Transformation💪🏽 Ranveer Singh

*What a Body Transformation💪🏽 Ranveer Singh!*

"Padmaavat —> Gullyboy" Ranveer captioned this photograph on Instagram. From bulking up to resemble a Khal Drogo, to thinning down to a boy-next-door, Bollywood's real-life clown looks like the next Aamir Khan when it comes to body transformations.

We're stumped!

👮Police ✅Confirm Militia ☠Groups ‘Armed with AK-47’ in Benue

*'Code red' storm causes Dutch and German transport chaos*

Dutch authorities have suspended all flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol airport as a severe storm causes transport chaos in the Netherlands. Most rail traffic has also stopped as winds gust at up to 140km/h (90mph). Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest airports, says flights will gradually resume and passengers can still check in. But two departure halls are closed.

The storm is now causing damage and disruption in Germany. Rail traffic has stopped in the densely populated Ruhr. Dutch Twitter users have posted photos of trucks and trees blown over by the gales. Many trees have come down on railway lines. A national transport website, VID, reported 17 trucks blown over by the strong winds.

The Dutch Railways (NS) and operator ProRail said overhead power lines had been damaged by the wind, as well as some railway tracks. An alert on the NS website said: "A hurricane-force storm is raging over our country and causing a lot of damage to the rail network and stations. "NS and ProRail therefore have to stop the train service until further notice. Only Arriva trains in Groningen and Limburg can continue running."

Police have confirmed the existence of armed militia groups in Benue State which they said investigations would reveal soon. Speaking on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television, the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Moshood, countered claims by Governor Samuel Ortom that there was nothing of such.

“Yes, they were armed with AK-47 (riffles); we have records, we have footage and you can’t just start arming people,” he said when he appeared on Sunrise Daily. He also disputed claims that the ranch guards who were inaugurated by the state government were unarmed, insisting that the police have their evidence.

The Force spokesman noted that it was unlawful for any person to be in possession of arm without the consent of the Federal Government. He added that the said ranch guards were meant to take note of any suspicious activity and report to the police, stressing that investigations had revealed that they were carrying prohibited weapons.

Code red' storm causes Dutch and German transport chaos

*'Code red' storm causes Dutch and German transport chaos*

Dutch authorities have suspended all flights to and from Amsterdam Schiphol airport as a severe storm causes transport chaos in the Netherlands. Most rail traffic has also stopped as winds gust at up to 140km/h (90mph). Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest airports, says flights will gradually resume and passengers can still check in. But two departure halls are closed.

The storm is now causing damage and disruption in Germany. Rail traffic has stopped in the densely populated Ruhr. Dutch Twitter users have posted photos of trucks and trees blown over by the gales. Many trees have come down on railway lines. A national transport website, VID, reported 17 trucks blown over by the strong winds.

The Dutch Railways (NS) and operator ProRail said overhead power lines had been damaged by the wind, as well as some railway tracks. An alert on the NS website said: "A hurricane-force storm is raging over our country and causing a lot of damage to the rail network and stations. "NS and ProRail therefore have to stop the train service until further notice. Only Arriva trains in Groningen and Limburg can continue running."

Indian-Origin Doctor Helps Nigerian banker gives birth inside plane

 

Indian-Origin Doctor Helps Nigerian banker gives birth inside plane!*

A 41-year-old Nigerian banker identified as Toyin Ogundipe, aboard an Air France flight, was delivered of a baby boy mid-air about 35,000 feet above sea level and four hours away from the destination. The mother of two who lives in the UK had gone into labour a week earlier than her delivery date, and was in childbirth pains and having contractions about 10 minutes apart.

The baby, who was named Jake, was delivered after a 30-minute labour, Mailonline states. A second-year urology resident, Dr. Sij Hemal, who was also a passenger in the plane, helped with the delivery of the baby half-way through an eight-hour flight from Paris to New York. Dr. Hemal, who spoke to Mailonline, said he was just glad everything went smoothly — and was relieved it all happened before he’d had any champagne.

While talking about his fear, he mentioned that his biggest fear was that the mother could die from bleeding or shock after birth. But looking back, he insists it all went as well as it could have done. Dr. Hemal, who had been on vacation in New Dehli, India, was flying coach class via Paris and New York on his way back to Cleveland, Ohio, on December 17

*Oil spill off China coast now the size of Paris*

*Oil spill off China coast now the size of Paris*

An oil spill from an Iranian oil tanker that sank in the East China Sea is now the size of Paris. The slick covers an area of 101 square kilometres (39 square miles), after almost doubling in size from the start of the week, according to figures released Wednesday by the Chinese State Oceanic Administration.

Chinese authorities said there were four separate slicks that had formed after the Panama-registered Sanchi tanker sank Sunday. The largest oil slick is 48 square kilometres (19 square miles), it added. The Administration did not respond to a request for additional information Thursday.

It had been burning in the East China Sea for a week following a collision with another vessel. All crew members, 30 from Iran and two from Bangladesh, are presumed dead. The Sanchi was carrying 136,000 tons -- around one million barrels -- of oil from Iran to South Korea when it collided with the Hong Kong-registered CF Crystal freighter in the East China Sea on January 7.

Drone saves two Australian swimmers in world first

Drone saves two Australian swimmers in world first*

Two teenage boys were rescued by a brand new lifesaving drone in Australia while lifeguards were still training to use the device. The swimmers, aged 15-17, had got into difficulties off the coast of Lennox Head, New South Wales (NSW). A member of the public spotted them struggling in heavy surf about 700m (2,300ft) offshore.

Lifesavers instantly sent the drone to drop an inflatable rescue pod, and the pair made their way safely to shore. John Barilaro, the state's deputy premier, praised the rescue as historic. "Never before has a drone fitted with a flotation device been used to rescue swimmers like this," he said.

Lifeguard supervisor Jai Sheridan was piloting the device when the alarm was raised. He described the experience as "unreal". "The Little Ripper UAV certainly proved itself today, it is an amazingly efficient piece of lifesaving equipment and a delight to fly," he told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

Constitution amendment tops agenda as govs meet in Abuja

 

*Constitution amendment tops agenda as govs meet in Abuja*

State governors met on Wednesday evening under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The meeting, the first of its kind in 2018, was held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The forum’s chairman and Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, presided over the meeting that started at about 9 pm.

Top on their agenda is a briefing from the constitution amendment committee headed by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State. The meeting was also meant to consider the health agenda for 2018 which is to get the commitment of governors to universal health care coverage, polio eradication and nutrition among others.

*⚽Didier Drogba Opens Fully Furnished 🏫School for 🇨🇮Ivorian Village

*⚽Didier Drogba Opens Fully Furnished 🏫School for 🇨🇮Ivorian Village📹:*

Former Ivorian international footballer, Didier Drogba, has inaugurated a school built in his region. It is specifically in the village of Onahio Pokou-Kouamekro. Under the auspices of the Didier Drogga Foundation and with support from Nestle and the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), some 350 children can now have access to education in the rural cocoa growing community.

The Didier Drogba Foundation, Nestlé and ICI share the common objective of helping children live healthier lives and helping develop thriving resilient communities. Like any public school, the Didier Drogba school will be handled to the government to run, Nestle said.

The facility will replace an existing school in Pokou-Kouamekro which was made of mud and lacked the necessary infrastructure. It comprises of 6 classrooms, a kindergarten class, a school canteen, school latrines, a football field and 3 teachers’ homes to attract qualified teachers.

Fire and Fury: Trump expose to become television series

*Fire and Fury: Trump expose to become television series*

The bestselling exposé Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by journalist Michael Wolff is about to hit the small screen. According to Hollywood Reporter, Mr Wolff has sold television rights for seven figures. President Trump has condemned the book, which depicts a chaotic administration and a president unfit for office, as full of made-up stories.

It is not yet known which network will screen the series. The rights have been sold to Endeavor Content and Mr Wolff will executive produce the project alongside former Channel 4 and BBC executive Michael Jackson, who now runs Two Cities Television. Mr Wolff wrote the exposé after a year of unprecedented access to the White House and staff in Mr Trump's administration. The contentious book was published in January and has already sold more than a million copies.

After leaked excerpts created a public sensation, Mr Trump responded angrily on Twitter, calling the book "boring and untruthful" and written by a "total loser". Mr Wolff thanked the president in an NBC interview, saying "not only is he helping me sell books, but he's helping me prove the point of the book." The US president also defended his mental state declaring himself a "very stable genius" after the book raised concerns about his fitness for office.

US POLICE arrest two boys after vandalism killed 500k bees

*US 🇺🇸 police 👮 arrest two boys after vandalism killed 500k bees 😱*

Police have arrested two boys for allegedly vandalising a honey business in the US state of Iowa that killed half a million bees in late December.

Wild Hill Honey's owners said they had caused $60,000 (£43,400) of damage and called the crime "completely senseless."

Co-owner Justin Engelhardt told the Sioux City Journal: "They knocked over every single hive, killing all the bees.

The losses faced by Mr Engelhardt and his wife drew national and international attention and police were able to track down the suspects with the help of tip-offs from the public.

The boys have been charged with criminal mischief, agricultural animal facilities offences, burglary, aggravated misdemeanour and possession of burglar's tools.

China's economy grows by 6.9% in 2017

: *China's economy grows by 6.9% in 2017*

China's economy grew by 6.9% in 2017 according to official data - the first time in seven years the pace of growth has picked up. The figure beats Beijing's official annual expansion target of about 6.5%. China is a key driver of the global economy and so the better-than-expected data is likely to cheer investors around the world. But many China watchers believe the GDP numbers are much weaker than the official figures suggest.

This month alone, the governments of Inner Mongolia and of the large industrial city of Tianjin have admitted their economic numbers for 2016 were overstated. Taking the figures at face value, the 2017 growth rate is China's highest in two years. And it represents the first time the economy has expanded faster than the previous year since 2010.

However as Beijing ramps up efforts to reduce risky debt and to increase air quality, analysts said this may impact 2018 growth. The numbers released on Thursday also showed that in the last three months of 2017, the economy grew at an annual rate of 6.8% - slightly higher than analysts had been expecting.

Gunmen in Pakistan have shot dead a mother and daughter who were administering polio vaccinations in the south-western city of Quetta.

*Pakistan 🇵🇰 polio: Mother and daughter killed 💐 for giving vaccinations*

Gunmen in Pakistan have shot dead a mother and daughter who were administering polio vaccinations in the south-western city of Quetta.

Sakina Bibi, 38, and her daughter, Rizwana, 16, had been giving drops to children when two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire, police said.

Police said that the vaccination team had not been given security as in the past the police presence had drawn attention to their work.

Police official Naseebullah Khan said the women had been part of a major immunisation campaign in Balochistan province, of which Quetta is the capital.

Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world, along with Nigeria and Afghanistan, that have failed to prevent the transmission of polio, according to the World Health Organization.

*Pope Francis 💍 marries couple ❤ on Chile flight ✈*

*Pope Francis 💍 marries couple ❤ on Chile flight ✈*

Pope Francis has made history by performing a wedding ceremony for two flight attendants on board a plane travelling between cities in Chile.

Paula Podest Ruiz, 39, and Carlos Ciuffardi Elorriga, 41, had been married earlier in a civil service but asked the Pope to bless their marriage.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis visited the city of Temuco in Chile's southern Araucania region, where he called for unity in one of the country's longest-running conflicts.

He is wrapping up his visit to the country on Thursday with an open-air mass celebration in Iquique, before heading to Peru for the final leg of his two-nation trip.

Muslim cleric arrested with human parts

*Muslim cleric arrested with human parts in Lagos*

The Police on Tuesday arrested an Islamic cleric, Alfa Kayode Abdul-Fatai, in Alakuko area of Lagos State for being in illegal possession of human parts including a female private organ.The suspect, who was arrested at No. 4, Okedumola Street, Off Obadare area of Alakuko, was said to have also been caught with a heart and other parts of a female in his room.

The Lagos State’s Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, said the Islamic cleric was arrested following a tip-off and investigation by officers in the command. Oti said the suspect, during interrogation, revealed that the said human parts were given to him by an accomplice who has also been rounded up.

According to Oti, the suspect and the accomplice would be charged to court at the end of its investigation. He said the Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, particularly urged members of the public to be conscious of the activities of people living in their vicinity, and report any suspicious movement to law enforcement agencies.

Man allegedly rapes two goats to death

*Man allegedly rapes two goats to death*

A middle-aged man, identified as Mbiti Munyao in Kangundo constituency, Machakos area of Kenya was arrested for allegedly raping two goats to death. According to the area assistant Chief Mary Mulwa, Munyao was seen pulling the two goats from a bush where the animals had been tied on Saturday, January 13. The two goats were said to have taken their last breath after Munyao was done with them.

The accused spent a night in police custody before he was charged and bailed for sh100, 000( N349,515.00) after he pleaded not guilty to the accusation. He was charged with an unnatural offence and unlawful killing of goats. The images of the two dead goats and the man in the police station have sparked outrage among Kenyans with most of them condemning the inhumane act.

Nigerians want to boycott beef over herdsmen attacks

*Nigerians want to boycott beef over herdsmen attacks*

Nigerians are calling for the boycott of beef as a way of protesting the incessant attacks and killings of people by herdsmen. The position was made known in a poll conducted by PUNCH Online. The poll, titled 'Herdsmen killings: Should Nigerians boycott beef?' went live at 2.34pm last Thursday and was collated on Tuesday.

It asked respondents to indicate Yes if they wanted to boycott beef in protest against the herdsmen’s attacks; or No if they didn’t support the boycott movement. Those who were indifferent to the matter were also asked to indicate so by clicking Indifferent.

Majority of the 2,961 respondents wanted to boycott beef. Precisely, 2,252 respondents, signifying 76 percent, chose Yes; 540 respondents, signifying 18 percent of the total respondents, chose No; while 169 respondents that made up the remaining 6 percent of the respondent population said they were Indifferent.

Dangote blames unemployment

*Dangote Blames Unemployment For 💥Violent Killings In 🇳🇬Nigeria

The President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, has attributed the deadly conflict between suspected herdsmen and farmers in parts of Nigeria to the country’s increasing unemployment rate. Dangote stated this on Tuesday in an interview with Channels Television.

“If there are jobs, there wouldn’t be anything like Boko Haram, there would not be anything like herdsmen. Once you are engaged, you do not have time for mischief,” he said. The conflict between herdsmen and farmers, especially the New Year’s Day killings in Benue allegedly by herdsmen has dominated the headlines and split public opinion.

It has also led to criticism of the Federal Government, which many say is not doing enough to address the issue, a claim the Presidency has denied. Dangote is not one of the government’s critics when it comes to the issue.

Demolished patience Jonathan building

*FCDA 💥Demolishes ‘Patience Jonathan’s 🏢Building’

A building belonging to the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, has been demolished by the Federal Capital Development Authority. The building, located in Mabushi District of the nation’s capital, houses a foundation belonging to Mrs Jonathan.

Lawyer to the former first lady, Mr Emmanuel Anene, said the demolition of the property was unexpected, as the relevant authorities had been shown the building plan. Anene, who added that the matter was in court, accused the FCDA of disregarding the rule of law and due process in carrying out the demolition.

SA lawyers demand $130m refund from firms

*South African lawyers demand $130m refund from firms*

South African prosecutors have called for two consultancy firms to repay $130 million (£94.4 million) they earned from the state power company, Eskom. McKinsey, and a local firm called Trillian, were paid the sum in 2016 for giving advice. Trillian was controlled by the Gupta family, whose closeness to President Jacob Zuma led to corruption charges.

Both the Guptas and Mr Zuma, who has said he will set up an inquiry into the family, deny any wrongdoing. Officials are investigating whether McKinsey allowed money from Eskom to go to Trillian as a way of winning the consultancy contract. McKinsey, which has lost clients over the scandal, said it stopped working with Trillian once it realised its connection to the Guptas.

The global firm has also said it is happy to return the money it earned in the deal. McKinsey, which admitted in October it "made several errors of judgement", also maintains it gave no money to Trillian.

US holds back $65m aid to Palestinians

*US  Holds back $65m aid to Palestinians 😱*

The US is withholding more than half of a $125m (£90m) instalment destined for the UN relief agency for the Palestinians, American officials say.

It will provide $60m in aid to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) but will hold back a further $65m.

A UN official said the move would have devastating consequences for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people.

President Donald Trump said earlier the US could cut aid if Palestinians rejected peace efforts with Israel.

The US funds almost 30% of the UN agency's work overall and gave $370m to UNRWA last year. The money withheld is part of this year's first instalment.

On Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sharply attacked Mr Trump's Middle East peace efforts, saying he would not accept any peace plan from the US after it recognised Jerusalem last year as Israel's capital.

He accused Israel of putting an end to the 1994 Oslo Accords, which began the peace process.

Syria war Turkish forces

*Syria war: Turkish forces mass 👀 near Kurdish areas*

Turkey's president has warned of imminent military offensives on two Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria, as tanks and troops mass on the border.

"Turkey is aware about the fact that entering Afrin will not be easy because it was the people of Afrin who turned this region into a graveyard for Turkey-backed extremist mercenaries," he told the ANHA news agency.

Turkish officials have watched in alarm over the past six years of civil war in Syria as the YPG and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance that it dominates have taken control of tens of thousands of square kilometres of territory.

In 2016, Turkey supported an offensive by Syrian rebels - dubbed Operation Euphrates Shield - to drive Islamic State (IS) militants out of the key towns of Jarablus and al-Bab, and also to stop YPG fighters moving westwards towards Afrin and taking full control of the Turkish border.

Last October, Turkey stepped up the pressure on the Kurds in Afrin by deploying troops to northern Idlib province as part of a deal agreed with Russia and Iran that set up a "de-escalation zone" with the aim of reducing fighting between rebel factions and Syrian pro-government forces.