Monday

FG ends kerosene subsidy, pegs price at N83 per litre

ABUJA — The Federal Government, weekend, hiked the price of Household Kerosene (HHK) to N83 per litre from N50 per litre, thereby, officially ending subsidy on the product.
The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA , in its product pricing template released, weekend, however, stated that the N83 per litre price applies only to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), meaning that other petrol stations and dealers can sell higher than the stipulated amount.
Curiously, the hike in the price of kerosene came at a time when the price of crude oil had dropped to record low, with the price of petroleum products, such as kerosene, fuel and diesel, among others, dropping significantly in a number of countries, like the United States.
This also brings to question, the recent reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit announced by the Federal Government and which commenced at the beginning of the year.
Again, the PPPRA’s template also showed that at N83 per litre, the Federal Government is making a gain of N10.72 for every litre, as it puts the Expected Open Market Price, which is the Landing Cost plus Total Margins at N72.28 per litre. The expected open market price is the prevailing open market rate for the product in Nigeria, after taking certain costs into consideration.
Giving a breakdown of the price, the PPPRA template put the Landing Cost of  the product at N57.98 per litre, while the total margin due for middlemen was put at N14.30.
WAITING: Queue for kerosene at a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mega Filling Station in Yelwa, Bauchi State, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.
WAITING: Queue for kerosene at a Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mega Filling Station in Yelwa, Bauchi State, yesterday.File Photo
Further breakdown of the Total Margins showed that retailers margin was put at N5 per litre; Transporters, N3.05 per litre; Dealers, N1.95 per litre; Bridging fund, N5.85 per litre; Marine Transport Average, N0.15 and Admin  Charges, N0.15.
The PPPRA further put official ex-depot price, which is the price depot owners would sell at marketers, at N68.70 per litre, official ex-depot price for collection, N73 per litre while ex-coastal price is N68.02 per litre.
Late December, the PPPRA had on behalf of the Federal Government announced that effective January 1, 2016, Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, would be sold at N86 per litre by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) retail stations, while other oil marketers would sell at N86.50 per litre.
Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, who made the announcement, said the reduction in the price of the commodity was due to an implementation of the revised components of the Petroleum Products Pricing Template for PMS and household kerosene.
According to him, the revised template, which would be reviewed on quarterly basis, is geared towards ensuring an efficient and market-driven price that would reflect current realities.
He said: “Since 2007, while crude oil price had been moving up and down, the template remained the same. This had made it necessary for us to introduce a mechanism whereby the template would be sensitive to the price of crude oil.
“However, the template is not static, as there would be a quarterly review and if there is any major shift, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources would be expected to call for a review, either upward or downward, depending on the market condition.“

Buhari is not Nigeria’s messiah, declares Bishop Kwakpovwe

PUBLISHER of the daily devotional booklet, Our Daily Manna, ODM, Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe has cautioned Nigerians especially those who believe that President Muhammadu Buhari is Nigeria’s messiah, pointing out that God’s promised messiah is yet to come.
The cleric noted that Buhari is the forerunner of the messiah who will bring some changes if only he maintained his integrity and do the right things, just as he condemned recent agitations for a sovereign state of Biafra, saying “Biafra is like thick cloud without water or rain.”
Buhari
Buhari
The bishop, who is also the General Overseer of Manna Prayer Mountain, made these declarations at an interview session ahead of his ministry’s annual world anointing service scheduled for next Friday at the Tafawa Balewa Square TBS, Lagos. The theme of this year’s programme is: “Jehovah Ebenezer – Lord wipe my tears”.
“President Buhari is not the messiah; he is only preparing the way for the messiah who will eventually emerge. Buhari is like the John the Baptist. As a politician, Buhari will bring about some changes if he maintain his integrity and genuinely probe those he ought to probe,” he stated.
Accprding to the bishop, there are certain persons who assisted the president to get to power who he would not be able to probe even when he knows that they are not innocent.
“The messiah who will genuinely transform our country will emerge. Buhari is not the messiah but we should be hopeful that one day, we will sing a new song,” he stated.
Pledging his unwavering believe in the unity of Nigeria, the cleric argued that the peace the country has enjoyed since after the Nigerian Civil War should not be broken by digging up residues of hate for the selfish interest of certain individuals seeking to balkanize the nation.
He therefore enjoined all the pro-Biafra protesters to tread with caution, sheathe their swords and dialogue with constituted authorities on issues that would bring about unity, peace and progress of the country.
In his words: “There is nothing like Biafra. Biafra is like thick cloud without water or rain. There will be no civil war, our brothers in the South East will enjoy President Muhammadu Buhari. They should just allow peace to reign. Whatever challenges, disagreements that may have re-surfaced, are not beyond our collective ability to resolve.”
On the world anointing night, Bishop Kwakpovwe said the annual programme has attracted millions since its inception 11 years ago, adding that this year’s edition will mark the end of a 21-day fasting and prayer, which began on January 9.
He said: “It is a night of 12 mantles and there will be series of testimonies, instant healing from God because God is going to visit His people. God has promised to wipe all tears and He asked me to tell the people to bring 12 mantles and these mantles are prophetic in nature.”

Saturday

Matt Dixon: York City sign Hull City midfielder on 18-month deal

League Two side York City have signed Hull City midfielder Matt Dixon on an 18-month deal.
The 21-year-old made his debut for the Tigers in the League Cup first-round tie against Accrington Stanley in August.
 

Dixon was captain of the Championship club's under-21 side.
He could make his debut for the Minstermen, who are bottom of the Football League, in Saturday's match against Newport

Nigerian scientist turned opera star

The journey from scientist to one of the world's most sought-after sopranos is not a common one.
Omo Bello was doing research into genetics in her native Nigeria when in 2006, she was awarded a scholarship to train as an opera singer in Francece. Image result for omo bello

Five years later she graduated at the top of her class from the prestigious National Conservatory for Music and Dance.
Since then, Ms Bello has carved out a striking reputation on the operatic stage all over the world. Here's her story.

Thursday

Lee Seung-woo Set for Barca.

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The transfer rumour mill is in full flow at Barcelona after the club saw its transfer ban lifted this month, and South Korean starlet Lee Seung-woo is set to see his release clause quadruple following a promotion in the team's ranks.  
Lee is once again free to sign for the club after turning 18 on Wednesday, and according to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo (h/t ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan), his release clause could increase from €3 million (£2.2 million) to €12 million (£8.8 million).
The teenager moved to the Camp Nou from Incheon United in 2011 and was noted by Corrigan as one of the players whose arrival led to Barcelona being prevented from registering any new players throughout last year.
Lee was evidently eager to celebrate his landmark birthday after taking to his official Twitter account:
It's suggested the striker, who currently represents Barca's Juvenil A team, could make the move up to Barcelona B, part of the natural evolution in his career that opens up the chance of first-team involvement—and the rise in his clause.
In his first season with Barca's Infantil A, Lee scored 39 goals in 29 games to break a record previously set by club-mate Lionel Messi, leading the MailOnline's Pete Jenson to mention him as the "Korean Messi."

Liverpool in talks over Subotic

Jurgen Klopp is talking to former club Dortmund about centre-half Neven Subotic as he bids to shore up Liverpool’s injury stricken defence.
The Anfield boss hopes to bring in an experienced centre half on loan before Friday’s FA Cup game at Exeter to cover an crisis that sees them with NO fit centre halves at the club.
Reds defender Tiago Ilori’s 12 month loan has been cancelled by Aston Villa and he could go into the squad for Friday’s FA Cup visit to Exeter, but Liverpool still want an experienced addition in defence.
Talks are continuing over Subotic, who Klopp took to Dortmund from Mainz, but negotiations are stuck, and the Reds have also been in discussion with Inter about the possible loan of Italy international Andrea Ranocchia.

Ilori returns to Liverpool

Misfit Tiago Ilori is back training at Melwood after ending his miserable loan spell at Aston Villa.
Ilori, 22, has returned to Liverpool after failing to make a single appearance for Villa during his four-month loan spell at Villa Park.
The Portuguese centre-half, who cost Liverpool £7million from Sporting Lisbon in 2013, never played a single game under ex-Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.
Ilori has had loan spells at Granada and Bordeaux since joining Liverpool and boss Jurgen Klopp must now decide his next move.

Ojo returns to Liverpool

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Liverpool have confirmed that youngster Sheyi Ojo has had his loan at Wolves cancelled.
Ojo made a total of 19 appearances in all competitions for Wolves, contributing four assists and three goals.
But he has now returned to the club and could be in the squad for the FA Cup clash with Exeter on Friday.


Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Real Madrid at the end of the campaign

Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Real Madrid at the end of the campaign, according to reports in the Telegraph.
The former Manchester United star has enjoyed vast individual success since moving to the Bernabeu from United in 2009 but is ready to quit the club after seven seasons in Spain.
United and Paris-Saint Germain are reportedly the two clubs most likely to seal his signature.

Arsenal target Granit Xhaka



Arsenal target Granit Xhaka is set to leave Borussia Monchengladbach, according to reports cited by the Telegraph.
The midfielder is understood to have been on Arsene Wenger’s radar for some time and the 23-year-old’s father, who is also his agent, has refused to rule out a transfer for his son.
“At the moment I prefer not to say too much,” Ragip Xhaka said. “We’ll see what happens. I can say that several big clubs are interested. Everything is possible, we’re not ruling anything out.”
Bayern Munich, Napoli and Tottenham are also reported to be interested in Xhaka.

Drogba ready for Chelsea return



Didier Drogba is in talks to end his playing career at Montreal Impact and become Guus Hiddink’s assistant at Chelsea.
Roman Abramovich is understood to have succeeded in his bid to persuade the 37-year-old former Blues striker to return for a third spell at Stamford Bridge.
Sources close to the player have confirmed discussions are taking place after less than a year in the MLS.
Drogba is expected to be in position alongside Hiddink at Chelsea in time for their Champions League round of 16 tie against Paris St Germain next month.
He was a guest of Abramovich at the Bridge on December 19 for the club’s Premier League win over Sunderland.
Drogba and Hiddink then met and spoke with some of the Chelsea players in the dressing room afterwards.
Montreal Impact had been desperate to hold on to him after his 11 goals in11 regular-season matches and his efforts helping the club into the MLS playoffs.
But Abramovich feels his leadership will be key and there are suggestions that Drogba could even be groomed as a future boss.

Watford's Ighalo keen on United switch

Odion Ighalo appears to have sensationally opened the door on a move to Manchester United.
The 14-goal striker has been in stunning form in his debut season in the Premier League with his performances for Watford catching the eye all over.
Atletico Madrid are readying themselves to test the Hornets’ resolve in the summer but the man himself admits a switch to Old Trafford would be a dream come true.
“There has been speculation from Spain and Italy but I’ve played there and now want to play in England,” he told The Sun.
“I don’t think I will be moving but I’m not sure I’d say no if United called.
“They were my team growing up. I loved watching Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke on TV.

“They were my idols and playing at Old Trafford has always been a dream.”

Arsenal prepare to announce first January signing


Arsenal are closing in on Mohamed Elneny with the Egyptian midfielder set to sign from Basel imminently.
Arsene Wenger's men are pushing for a first title in 12 years and the Gunners boss has identified the centre of his midfield as most in need of an upgrade.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has admitted he'll need to act in the January transfer window after Liverpool's latest injury setbacks.
The Reds boss has been left with NO fit centre-backs after Kolo Toure and Dejan Lovren joined the casualty list - but on Wednesday, he completed the signing of Serbian starlet Marko Grujic.