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The NBA community were in shock as Caris LeVert suffered an injury expected to keep him out for a long time. Brooklyn Nets forward Caris LeVert sustained a horrific injury as his side lost 120-113 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA game played on Tuesday, November 13.The youngster who is just 24-years-old has been one of the most consistent players for the Nets after overcoming several foot operations.  He was stretched off in the encounter and rushed to the Minneapolis hospital where the extent of his injury will be determined. Several players of the Nets and Timberwolves were seen in tear as the youngster left the court before the conclusion of the game.His injury scenario was reminiscent of that of Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward, Isaiah Canaan with the Phoenix Suns also last season and Paul George in 2014 with the a U.S.A. Basketball team. Several top stars in the NBA have responded to the injury to LeVert with well wishes.ReactionsLos Angeles Lakers Superstar Lebron James said, “Young Fella prayers to you! Speedy recovery and even stronger impact coming soon for sure!” Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George said, “God bless you youngin tough road ahead but we’re here to help lift you @CarisLeVert ! You know how to reach me     ” Paul Gasol said, “Speedy recovery @CarisLeVert! Your career is just starting and I look forward to seeing you continue to play at a high level when you are ready to get back on the court. #NBAFamily     ” Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul said, “Prayers out to @CarisLeVert!!! Been watchin him play this season and I’ve loved every bit of it! Hate to see him get injured.”      New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis said, “This guy has been hooping!! its so tough to see that happen… Prayers up for @CarisLeVert      Speedy recovery bro!”  Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade said, “I HATE injuries! Prayers up for Caris LeVert!” It is unknown the extent of Caris injury as there is no official statement by the Brooklyn Nets. Results of his injury are expected to be communicated but he is sure to miss the Net’s game against the Miami Heat and if it is as feared he could be out of the season like Hayward.

Listen to Wizkid’s latest release ‘Gucci Snake’ featuring Slimcase. Wizkid has officially released his much anticipated record, ‘Gucci Snake’ featuring Slimcase.After several months of buzz and expectation following his announcement of a collaborative effort with the ‘Otunba Lamba’, Slimcase, including leaked ‘behind the scenes’ images of the video shoot, Wizkid has now dropped the song, ‘Gucci Snake.’Last month, Wizkid had released his first official singles of the year in ‘Fever’ and ‘Master Groove’ and now he follows it up with another groovy single ahead of the release of his ”Made In Lagos” project due before the end of the year.’Gucci Snake’ was produced by North Boi and Killertunes.

The NBA community were in shock as Caris LeVert suffered an injury expected to keep him out for a long time. Brooklyn Nets Small forward Caris LeVert sustained a horrific injury as his side lost 120-113 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA game played on Tuesday, November 13.The youngster who is just 24-years-old has been one of the most consistent players for the Nets after overcoming several foot operations.He was stretched off in the encounter and rushed to the Minneapolis hospital where the extent of his injury will be determined. Several players of the Nets and Timberwolves were seen in tear as the youngster left the court before the conclusion of the game.His injury scenario was reminiscent of that of Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward, Isaiah Canaan with Phoenix Suns  also last season and Paul George in 2014 with the a U.S.A. Basketball team. Several top stars in the NBA have responded to the injury to LeVert with well wishes.ReactionsLos Angeles Lakers Superstar Lebron Jame said, “Young Fella prayers to you! Speedy recovery and even stronger impact coming soon for sure!” “God bless you youngin tough road ahead but we’re here to help lift you @CarisLeVert ! You know how to reach me     ” “Speedy recovery @CarisLeVert! Your career is just starting and I look forward to seeing you continue to play at a high level when you are ready to get back on the court. #NBAFamily     ”  more to follow..

Here are five things to know about Theophilus Afelokhai the goalkeeper who replaced Francis Uzoho Theophilus Afelokhai replaced Francis Uzoho for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash between Nigeria and South Africa, here are five things to know about the goalkeeper.1.    Theophilus Afelokhai is 27-years-old Born Nigeria on April 7, 1990 Theophilus Joel Afelokhai is 28-years-old.2.   Afelokhai’s previous clubsTheophilus Afelokhai is a known veteran in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).He started his career in the lower tier of football in the country but has become of the best domestic shot-stoppers in the country.He moved from NPFL giants Kano Pillars to Enyimba International in 2015 and has become one of the most important players at the club.3. Afelokhai and NigeriaBorn in Nigeria, Afelokhai has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the NPFL during his time at Kano Pillars and now at Enyimba.He did not feature for any of the national youth teams Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets at any major tournaments.He was a key part of the national U-23 Dream Team squad to 2011 CAF U-23 Championship as Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.Afelokhai was also part of the home-based Super Eagles team to the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.4. Style of playAfelokhai is a shot-stopper as he has proved time and again in the NPFL which he is regarded among the best on the domestic scene. In a league that is still developing, Afelokhai is being acknowledged as one of the best around.He is the first choice at Enyimba ahead of veterans Fatai Duada and Super Eagles shot-stopper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.Not the best in distribution like most modern day goalkeepers, Afelokhai is a dependable hand to prevent goals from the opposition and draws similarities with former Super Eagles shot-stopper Vincent Enyeama.5. AwardsWith Kano Pillars, he won multiple league titles before he moved to Enyimba International.On the International scene, he was part of the home-based Super Eagles team that won a silver medal at the 2018 Africa Nations Championship  (CHAN).

[FILE PHOTO] Obasanjo“The state governments that are either working against the passage of the Local Government Autonomy Bill are enemies of the people and must be treated as such,” former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated yesterday.
Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the ex-leader regretted that only nine of the 36 states had signed the bill passed by the National Assembly to crystallise development at the grassroots.
Obasanjo made the observation while addressing the Jerry Ugokwe-led Friends of Democracy, who paid him a courtesy visit.
The elder statesman introduced the reforms in 1976 while holding sway as a military Head of State.
He told his guests that the bill, among other things, was to make council areas autonomous “like the state governments.”
His words: “When in 1976, we brought in local government reforms, it was meant to be third tier of government and not to be subjected to the whims and caprices of any other government, just the same way the state governments are autonomous.”
He decried that 42 years after, that aim was yet to be achieved, adding: “ Rather most of the state governments are virtually stealing local government funds that the Federal Government appropriates to them monthly.”
He continued: “Local government is meant to be autonomous. But from what we know, most states have incapacitated the councils. They have virtually stolen their money in what they called joint account. They are to contribute 10 per cent but they never contribute anything.
“So, what we have across the country are local government areas that have functions but cannot perform them. They have staff but most of them cannot pay the workers and we keep getting excuses upon excuses.
“The bill passed by the National Assembly has only been signed by nine states. I am proud of those states because they are what you will call progressive states that really believe in democracy.”
The Owu chief further said: “My own state (Ogun) is one of them. I will say kudos to the Ogun State government. In the South South, only Bayelsa and Cross River have signed it. Kudos to those two states.
“In the North East, it’s only Bauchi. In the North West, it is only Sokoto. In the North-Central, we have four states – Kwara, Niger, Plateau and Benue. I will say kudos to the executives and legislatures of those states.

Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) presidential candidate, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, (left); National Chairman, Alhaji Gani Galadima; National Secretary, Paul Isanade, and National Auditor, Dave Okagbue, at the unveiling of Ezekwesili’s manifesto in Lagos… yesterday. PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRANThe presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has called for the deregulation of the oil sector to boost the country’s economy.
She, however, alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to sign the Petroleum Industry Governance (PIG) Bill was an act of corruption and means to amass funds for himself.
The former minister of education also posited that if the sector had been subjected to the competition and discipline of the market, it would have aided the development and growth of the country.
According to her, the N1.3 trillion disclosed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, that the Federal Government spends yearly on fuel subsidy was a waste of resources.
She said this was almost the same amount that the current government spent on constructing roads, equipping hospitals with medicine, funding the universities and working on power.
Ezekwesili, who spoke yesterday at a press conference to tell Nigerians how she would get 80 million Nigerians out of poverty, hinted that in less than 20 years, most of the oil resources would have dried up and no use for governments to relying on them.
She said: “Another difficult reform which we are committed to implementing is the oil sector reform. When I read somewhere that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, disclosed that the Federal Government spends about N1.3 trillion yearly on under-recovery, which is the new name that this government has given to fuel subsidy, I was astonished.
“It is stagnating our economy and impoverishing our people. Just imagine for a second how much good an ACPN government can do with an extra N1.3 trillion to spend on our mission to pull out citizens from poverty. It is not enough for the fuel subsidy to go; our government will also deregulate the entire oil sector, including the NNPC, and ensure it is subjected to the competition and discipline of the market. I have no interest in becoming the president of the NNPC when there are more important things begging for attention. Countries are moving away from oil.
“So, how can a reasonable government be so bothered with signing oil licences when there is fire on the mountain? President Buhari is so interested in grabbing power and keeping it for himself that he has even refused to sign the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).

[FILE PHOTO] Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate) to the President, Ita EnangPresident Muhammadu Buhari has assented an extradition law consistent with extant protocols.
His Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, stated yesterday in Abuja that his principal also signed into law the 2018 budget of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said with the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 2018, “this Act vests jurisdiction on extradition proceedings now on the Federal High Court and no more the Magistrate’s Court or magistrates.”
Enang added: “The amendment further introduces a new section 15(2) preventing a double jeopardy as protected by Section 36(9) of the constitution which prevents a person surrendered to Nigeria in accordance with extraction treaty; obligation from being arrested, detained, extradited or otherwise dealt with in Nigeria or any other country within the Commonwealth or any other nation having same extraditing agreement with Nigeria.”
The presidential aide said a total of N371.532 billion was approved as the 2018 budget for the FCT.
“The Act allows aggregate capital and recurrent expenditure of N371, 532,518,887 up to the financial year ending December 31, 2018,” he stated.
Other bills sanctioned by the president were the National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Establishment) (Amendment) Act 2018, Nigerian Institute Of Mining and Geosciences, Jos (Establishment) Act 2018, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control And Prevention (Establishment) Act 2018.
He went on: “This Act is an amendment to the 2007 Act and more succinctly defines matters of appointment to the council, empowers the agency or appropriate person to cause immediate abatement of imminent environmental pollution while appropriate warrant or court order is sought to ensure public safety, among others.”
The geosciences and mining piece of legislation establishes the institute, which provides courses of instruction, training and research in the fields as well as produces technicians and skilled personnel to man the industries in the sectors.
The disease centre law, on the other hand, is aimed at promoting, coordinating and facilitating the prevention, detection and control of communicable ailments and other public health emergencies in the country.

[FILE PHOTO] Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta stateDelta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged contractors in the state who have been mobilised to seize the opportunity offered by the dry season to deliver their projects.
During the inspection of some road projects in Agbor, Ika South Council yesterday, Governor Okowa noted that the people deserve good infrastructure.
The governor, who spoke to journalists after inspecting Queens Street, and roads at the Delta Development and Property Authority (DDPA) Estate, assured Deltans: “The dry season will be fully utilised for completion of road projects across the state. Though we noticed that some factors were not taken into consideration at Queens Street, the right thing would be done because our people in all parts of the state deserve necessary infrastructure.”
On the ongoing storm drainage projects in Asaba, he reassured that the contractors would meet the February 2019 deadline, disclosing also that some of the drainage projects had been completed while others were at different stages of completion.

University of IbadanUnless some drastic actions are taken to stop some religious fanatics, the University of Ibadan (UI) community is in for serious crisis.
A Muslim group was reportedly distributing hijab to female students of International School Ibadan (ISI) yesterday by 7am and asked them to wear it to the assembly ground.
Consequently, the management of the UI has warned against religion intolerance, which may cause crisis within the university community.
The situation forced the management of the school to hurriedly cancel the morning assembly and stop academic activities.
Deputy vice chancellor (Academic) of UI, who is also the chairman of ISI governing council, Prof. Abdeen Aderinto, warned that introducing religious sentiment into the 55-year-old school would divide the students and distract them from attaining academic excellence.
Aderinto disclosed that the UI management had on Friday received a letter from International School Moslem Parents Forum threatening that their female students would from Monday (yesterday) wear hijab to classes.
“We have a Muslim community association on campus here; they (parents’ forum) didn’t inform them of their agenda. I am a member of that community. There is also Parent Teacher Association (PTA) where all issues about the policies of the school are discussed; they didn’t bring the issue there, only to write the principal of the school last Friday and threatened to start enforcing wearing of hijab.
“This was strange and caused panic this (yesterday) morning. I was called and I went straight to see what was happening. The teachers said they were not safe to teach; that is why we stopped academic work. But we took SSS 3 students to another location for classes because their final examination is fast approaching,” he told The Guardian.
Meanwhile, 201 of the 7,577 students that bagged their first degrees at the university this year made first class honours.
The vice chancellor, Prof Idowu Olayinka, disclosed this yesterday in his address during the convocation of the institution at the International Conference Centre of the university.
Miss Grace Agi from Faculty of Public Health emerged the best graduating student.
The Guardian learnt that 1,735 students made second class upper division, and 4,366 students graduated with second class lower. Also, 834 students made third class and 69 students graduated with pass. A total of 372 students were grouped as unclassified.

A federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed an application filed by Senator Ayo Ademola Adeseun and Chief Olanrewaju Otiti, seeking transfer of the criminal charge against them to Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The duo (Adeseun and Olanrewaju) are standing trial on alleged N650 million fraud alongside a former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, charged against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The three defendants are chieftains of Oyo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The trial judge, Justice Hassan Sule, while ruling on their application and the counter-affidavit filed by the EFCC, ordered that the applications are lacking in merit and dismissed same accordingly.
The two PDP chieftains had in their application through their counsel, Mr. Michael Lana and Akinola Ayodeji, argued that every ingredient of the alleged case took place in Ibadan, adding that they have over 65 witnesses who are spread across nine local councils of their senatorial district to testify in the matter, noted that it would cost them lot of money to bring them to Lagos.
However, the EFCC counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, had prayed the court to dismiss the application for being unmeritorious.
He submitted that they were also duly arraigned at a Federal High Court in Ibadan before Akinjide’s petition to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul-Kafarati, which led to the transfer of the case to Lagos.
He, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the motions and continue with the hearing of the case.
Meanwhile, counsel to Akinjide, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), informed the court of his client’s intention to return her international passport to the court’s registry, which was earlier released to her on July 6, 2017.
Ayorinde (SAN) said the passport released to his client had expired and a new one had been obtained and urged the court to admit the new passport as one of the bail conditions granted Akinjide.
The trial judge subsequently adjourned till December 10, 17 and 18, 2018 for continuation of trial within trial.

NNPC towerRiverine communities in Ondo State will benefit from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) joint venture (JV).
This is towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030, which includes quick community development across the Niger Delta.
The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of CNL, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, said this at the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ilaje Regional Development Committee (IRDC) in Ugbo, Ilaje Council of the state.
According to him, the AGM represents another milestone in the history of IRDC and the General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) of the committee that was established in 2005.
“The achievements of IRDC over the years reinforce our belief that a process that is community-driven can stimulate quicker community development than processes and systems designed without effective participation of community members.
“The GMoU is designed to align with the Sustainable Development Goals. It seems to evolve programmes and schemes that would generate income/employment and develop programmes that will make the Regional Development Committees (RDCs) competitive,” he said.
Chairman of IRDC Community Engagement Management Board and CEO of New Nigeria Foundation, Prof. Obafemi Ajibola, tasked the stakeholders on sustainable community engagement and development.
Similarly, the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, along with other stakeholders at the AGM, commended the JV and the state government for prioritising the development of the riverine communities.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari arrives at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris on November 10, 2018 to attend a state diner and a visit of the Picasso exhibition as part of ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the 11 November 1918 armistice, ending World War I. (Photo by Eric FEFERBERG / AFP)President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Paris, France, assured Nigerians of better allocations for education, describing the sector as the engine of the development of any nation.
According to him, as revenue improves, his administration will also boost the anti-terrorism war through retooling of the military, just as the menace of abduction in parts would get its deserved attention.
“We campaigned on three key issues – security, economy and corruption – and we have not been contradicted by anyone that we have not recorded some results,’’ he stated.
While interacting with the Nigerian community in the French capital, Buhari submitted that the five per cent vote to education was inadequate to propel the desired economic growth, adding that the United Nations’ 26 per cent benchmark was ideal.
“We are currently reviewing investments in the entire infrastructure of the country. We will certainly need to do more in education,’’ the president said.
He enjoined the elite at home and abroad to contribute more in advancing education nationwide.
Buhari added: “I am doing my best now to utilise our resources to develop the country. We are already getting results on road, rail and power. My frustration is that some people still have plenty money stashed in Europe, U.S. and other countries.’’
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the Nigerian leader said the return of stolen assets would enhance his government’s efforts in investing in critical infrastructure that impact positively on the citizens.
He assured Nigerians abroad that attempts would be made for them to participate in future elections, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) INEC had been busy on strengthening and consolidating its achievements on fair and credible polls.
In her remarks, the country’s Ambassador to France, Dr. Modupe Enitan Irele, said the Diaspora citizens had demonstrated a high sense of responsibility, dedication, morality and commitment to national development.

[FILE PHOTO] Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State. Photo/ NANThe Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to begin an investigation into bribery allegations against Kano State Governor Umar Ganduje.
Videos online purport to show the governor taking bribes on different occasions.
Yesterday, a Kano High Court restrained the state House of Assembly from further investigating the matter pending the determination of the originating summons. It adjourned hearing till November 21, 2018.
The umbrella organisation of all registered political parties said: “The burden of proof that the President Muhammadu Buhari government is covering corrupt members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is heavier now with the Federal Government’s continued silence over the allegations against the governor.”
In a statement by CNPP Secretary General Willy Ezugwu, the organisation said: “We are left to believe that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the EFCC under Mr. Ibrahim Magu only fight corruption in states with opposition leadership. Not a few Nigerians have argued that the APC is a hiding place for corrupt politicians and a cover for looters who want respite from the anti-graft agencies under the current Federal Government.
“We are totally behind the position of the state House of Assembly that the courts cannot stop it from carrying out its legislative duties and urge the lawmakers to conclude the investigation without fear or favour.
It is shocking that instead of taking advantage of the fair hearing offered the governor by the state Assembly, Governor Ganduje chose to approach the court to stop the probe.
“Even when the Assembly offered the governor the liberty to appear before its seven-man investigative panel, the governor chose the dishonourable path by going for a black market order from the Kano State High Court, instead of proving his innocence before the committee.
“We are more worried that the EFCC has turned the other way while the presidency has said that the issue didn’t bother it. We therefore demand an immediate commencement of a full investigation into the allegations by the EFCC within 14 days or (it would) be legally compelled to do so.”
But Magu at a press briefing yesterday evaded a reporter’s enquiry on the videos. Asked what he made of them, he replied: “Next question, please.”
Also queried about the source of the wealth of APC National Leader Bola Tinubu, he said: “If you are really interested, write a petition and see whether I won’t act. It is not for us to listen to people on radio and begin to act. Yes, we have intelligence but the surest way to get action is to go and write a petition and substantiate the contents of the petition and see whether I will not act.”
On why the commission failed to prosecute the former board chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngozi Olejeme, over allegations of fraud, Magu said: “Olojeme escaped to South Africa because she has multiple passports and the EFCC has so much to handle.”
He however condemned alleged delay by the United Kingdom government in prosecuting a former Minister of Finance, Diezani Alison-Madueke. According to him, “We are tired of waiting. If you cannot prosecute her, bring her to Nigeria, so that we prosecute her because there is no prosecution going on there. Though we are involved in the investigation in this country and outside this country we cannot wait endlessly. Three years and above is sufficient enough to prosecute her.”
Magu, who reeled off the achievements of his agency in the last three years, disclosed: “We have recovered over N789 billion, over N206 million from within the country including Abacha loot, €8,168 million, £1,15 million, and Fr86,000 in three years.”
On the number of convictions scored by the agency, he said: “In 2015, we recorded 103 convictions. In 2016, we recorded 194 convictions. In 2017, the convictions were 189. From January 1, 2018 till date, we got 217 convictions.”
He said property recovered by the commission included: filling stations, petroleum products, lands, automobile, mansions, machinery and broadcast equipment.
“Mansions (407) were sized while 136 have been forfeited finally to the Federal Government. Nine filling stations were seized and placed under entry forfeiture; 98 pieces of land were seized, of which 56 are under entry forfeiture, while others have been forfeited finally to Federal Government.
“Also, 259 automobiles have been seized. Ninety-five are under entry forfeiture, while 224 have been forfeited finally. Saint Solomon Healthcare Centre, which is a very big diagnostic hospital located at Number 24 Street, Ikeja, Lagos, has also been forfeited finally.