BAMY BLOG

Multiple award winning singer, Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, got an heroic welcome on Monday when he visited Surulere, Lagos where he grew up as a child. The ‘Come Closer’ singer was seen having fun with fans in pictures and videos. The Starboy is currently in the Country after a tour with American Rapper, Future and shutting down Ethiopia. He took the opportunity to visit his hood in Surulere where he grew up. He was received with cheers from the old and young in the hood who found it awesome to be close to their neighborhood’s biggest musical export.

A Federal judge in Washington has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing parts of its transgender military ban. Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly held that the plaintiffs "have established that they will be injured by these directives, due both to the inherent inequality they impose, and the risk of discharge and denial of accession that they engender. " She blocked provisions having to do with accession and retention directives meaning directives concerning joining and retaining military personnel. The government had argued that the lawsuit was premature and moved to dismiss the case because the policy is still subject to review.

World heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has promised to visit Sagamu in Ogun State soon. Joshua, whose father and mother are from Sagamu,  defended his IBF and  WBA  titles on Saturday against Cameroonian Carlos Takam at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. The family of the 28-year-old and the Sagamu Youth Congress prepared for his visit after his victory over former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in April. However, Joshua postponed his  visit. Spokesman for the SYC, Ayodele Osho, told reporters that the youth body had contacted the champion through one of his promoters to facilitate his visit to Nigeria. “It is another exciting moment in the annals of Sagamu that our brother is progressing well in his chosen field,” he said. “Before his first fight, we have been  identifying  with him and we let him know that we are supporting him and behind him in all his fights. The youths of Sagamu are expecting him home anytime he comes because he has promised

Next year's US Open is set to allow coaching during matches but the man who guides Serena Williams has vowed to keep quiet for fear of making the 23-times grand slam champion too reliant on him in high-pressure situations. Patrick Mouratoglou, who began coaching the American in 2012, went on to say that offering advice to the 36-year-old during matches could also stop her doing what she does best – turn matches around. The American is hoping to return to action in early 2018 following the birth of her first child last month and has not ruled out launching an audacious defence of her Australian Open title in January. "I don't want her to start thinking she needs someone to turn a match when she's in trouble," Mouratoglou told Reuters in an interview at the US Open earlier this month. "She's been doing this better than anyone for 20 years. I don't want her to start to think like this. It would hurt one of her main strengths and would be wrong

The Producers Guild of America on Monday placed a lifetime ban on Harvey Weinstein after more than 80 women accused him of sexual harassment, rape, and assault. In the long-running list, top actresses such as Rose McGowan, Mira Sorvino,  Angelina Jolie, Cara Delevingne, Kate Beckinsale, Annabella Sciorra, Juliana de Paula, Trish Goff, Lupita Nyong’o, Lauren Sivan, Minka Kelly, Angie Everhart and Daryl Hannah among many others came forward to accuse the Hollywood producer of sexual harassment, rape, and assault. In a shocking statement released by the board, it was revealed that they have decided to cut ties with Weinstein after they voted unanimously on October 16 during a meeting to have him ousted. Read the full statement below.. 'As was recently reported, the Producers Guild's National Board of Directors voted unanimously to initiate proceedings to terminate the membership of Harvey Weinstein,' read a statement from the guild issued Monday. 'The PGA Cons

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has dismissed suggestions he finds life in London "too stressful", saying he would sign for ten years with the English Premier League champions if offered. The 25-year-old -- who signed a club record £58 million deal from Real Madrid in the close season -- was quoted in Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday as saying he missed playing for former Italian club Juventus. But the Spanish international insisted it was simply a problem with communication. "I have a problem with this interview. I'm very happy in London with my wife," said Morata ahead of Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Roma. "When I say it's a stressful city it's only because of the traffic and lots of people. It's an incredible city and I really enjoy London. "If Chelsea proposes 10 years I would sign." But Morata conceded that he wanted to return to Spain eventually. "I really like London now but

Real Madrid's first ever trip to Wembley to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Wednesday will come as a welcome distraction to the European and Liga holders in the midst of their worst domestic run of results in five years. Sunday's shock 2-1 defeat to Liga newcomers Girona saw them fall eight points behind arch rivals Barcelona in the standings, the biggest gap they have faced with a league leader since their final turbulent campaign under Jose Mourinho in 2012-13. Madrid were also defending champions in the Portuguese's final campaign but came unstuck at the start of the season, dropping eight points in their first four games while Barcelona raced ahead, eventually finishing 15 clear of Madrid while Mourinho had an acrimonious split with the dressing room. The feeling in the Spanish sports press after Zinedine Zidane's side threw away a 1-0 lead at halftime was one of resignation about Madrid's faltering campaign, as the 32-times Liga champ

Some months ago, there were rumours flying around that the Ghanaian actress may be expecting her first baby. Some didn’t believe, while others still congratulated the expectant mother. It seems this news may be true as the website that broke the news, Nkonkonsa.com, reports that Yvonne’s baby is light-skinned, ‘Obroni’ suggesting that the father of the baby is also light skinned and probably also not a Ghanaian. Yvonne gave birth to her baby girl, yesterday Sunday, October 29th, 2017. “Nkonkonsa.com gather exclusively that the “Heals & Sneakers” actress successfully delivered her first child at a health facility in Accra on Sunday morning October 29, 2017. Interestingly Yvonne’s cute baby girl is light-skinned (Obroni), indicating that the father of her daughter is also light-skinned and probably not a Ghanaian. According to close sources, Yvonne’s baby daddy was right by her side at the hospital to welcome their daughter. Yvonne and her daughter are strong and they

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has asked club fans to support striker Romelu Lukaku, saying the Belgium international has been subjected to unfair criticism. After scoring seven goals in as many league games, Lukaku has not scored in the following three matches and his fading goalscoring exploits along with his underwhelming record in big games has been criticised. Mourinho reckoned Lukaku deserved more support after an assist in each of his last two league games, the most recent of which led to the winning goal in last Saturday's 1-0 victory over third-placed Tottenham. "I would like the supporters to explain to me why they don't support him so much because he gives everything and I think it is not fair when scoring the goal or not scoring the goal (he) makes the whole difference," Mourinho told the club's website. "I don't think it is fair at all. So, I'm a bit disappointed - but not with him. With him (I am) very pleased."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has no doubt that striker Alexis Sanchez will give his best against Manchester City in Sunday's Premier League clash as he believes the Chilean has a "social contract" with his teammates to get victories. Sanchez, who was been among Arsenal's top scorers for the past three seasons, failed to complete a move to Pep Guardiola's side in August and is yet to hit his stride this campaign, scoring just twice in nine appearances across all competitions. The Chilean's lone league goal came in the 5-2 win over Everton earlier this month but Sanchez failed to make an impact in last Saturday's 2-1 win over Swansea City. "I have no concerns because I'm not suspicious about performances or the desire to win of a football player," Wenger told British media. "When you are a football player you have a social contract with the rest of the team and I never question that. Once you don't respect that, it is diffi

German Bundesliga club Cologne have been ordered to pay compensation to Arsenal over damage caused by their supporters during their Europa League match in London last month, Uefa said on Monday. European soccer's ruling body imposed a one-match away supporter travel ban, suspended for two years, on Cologne in the event of further disturbances and fined them €60 000 over the behaviour of their fans at the Emirates. The German club were issued with 3 000 tickets but about 20 000 of their supporters descended on the stadium, delaying the kickoff by an hour. Portuguese club Braga have been hit with a partial stadium closure for their next Europa League home match against Hoffenheim. Uefa's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body found the club guilty of racist behaviour and improper conduct of officials during the 2-0 home defeat by Ludogorets this month. Braga were also fined €15 000 for a late kick-off infringement and their manager Abel Ferreira will serve a touchline

Arsene Wenger first made his name as Arsenal manager by discovering players that few rivals had spotted and signing them at bargain prices. Victory in his 800th league game in charge, 2-1 against Swansea City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, came thanks to another player who attracted few headlines when he arrived at the north London club. Sead Kolasinac, the Bosnian left wing-back, is unlikely to make the same sort of impact at Arsenal as Patrick Vieira or Thierry Henry, but his pre-season arrival on a free transfer from Schalke 04 proves Wenger can still spot unheralded talent. Saturday saw Kolasinac scored his third goal for the Gunners, and first in the Premier League, to cancel out a first-half opener by Swansea's Sam Clucas. Kolasinac then set up the winner for Aaron Ramsey. "Since he has arrived he has convinced everyone that he is a good signing," Wenger said. "And when you see the quality of his performance today, you can see there are still s

Gonzalo Higuain scored a brace to bring his tally of Serie A goals to 101 as Juventus went top of the Italian league with a 2-0 win that plunged AC Milan further into crisis on Saturday. The 29-year-old Higuain opened after 23 minutes in front of a capacity 80 000 crowd at Milan's San Siro Stadium and grabbed a second on 63 minutes for the six-time reigning champions. It put Juventus provisionally top with 28 points from 11 games just ahead of Napoli on goal difference. Napoli can reclaim top spot at Sassuolo on Sunday as can Inter Milan who are just two points behind the leaders before visiting Verona on Monday. "Playing at the San Siro is never easy and Milan are historic rivals. In these fixtures, form is wiped out," said coach Massimiliano Allegri. "It sets us up nicely for the Champions League on Tuesday." For Higuain the century of goals in Italy – after achieving the same in Spain – was revenge for his disallowed effort during the week. &

Shortly after Cardi B and Migos rapper Offset got engaged during Power 99’s Powerhouse concert in Philadelphia Friday night (Oct. 27), the "Bodak Yellow" proudly showed off her massive new ring on social media. “Jesus Christ I’m so emotional, @offsetyrn I loveee you so much,” she captioned an Instagram photo of herself displaying the 8-carat, pear shaped ring on her finger. “Thank you for seeing the potential in me since you met me .For giving me advice molding me and loving me .Your such a amazing man to me your family ,friends ,kids and you are extremely talented.I can’t wait to spend FOREVAAAA with you. Lets make a lot shmoney and love together.” See Cardi B’s picture of her glittering engagement ring below.

Nigerian born British boxer, Anthony Joshua, defeated Carlos Takam with a tenth-round technical knockout at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday night. The win helped Joshua retain the IBF world heavyweight title though it came at a cost as he injured his nose from a headbutt in the second round. Takam was displeased as he claims he was coming up and could have won the 10th round when the referee stopped the bout. “I respect Anthony Joshua, but the referee should not have stopped the fight. I want a rematch,” Takam said while addressing the crowd from the ring. No doubt, Anthony had the better part of the fight, winning every round. He told the packed Cardiff arena in his in-ring interview: “I just worry about my opponent. Unfortunately, the ref stopped it. I think people wanted to see Takam unconscious on the floor, am I right? “He was getting there. I didn’t have control over the ref’s decision. We get the win and now we look forward to 2018. Joshua with Sa

Arsenal celebrated Arsene Wenger's 800th Premier League game as manager with a win but only after coming from a goal behind to beat Swansea City 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The Swans went ahead in the 22nd minute when Sam Clucas scored his first goal for the Welsh club since a pre-season transfer from Hull City. But Sead Kolasinac equalised six minutes after halftime and Aaron Ramsey put Arsenal ahead seven minutes after that as the Gunners recorded their 10th successive home win in the Premier League. There were few signs early in the game of the struggle in store for Wenger's men and such was Arsenal's command in the first 20 minutes they felt free to pass the ball with all the intensity of a five-a-side training match. Their lack of urgency, however, meant that Arsenal's only significant efforts on goal in that period came when Per Mertesacker headed an Alexis Sanchez free-kick straight at former Gunners 'keeper Lukasz Fabianski and Hector

England Under-17s became world champions in ecstatic fashion as Phil Foden's double and Rhian Brewster's eighth goal of the tournament powered the Young Lions to a 5-2 World Cup final win over Spain. It was a sensational turn-around for Steve Cooper's side after slipping 2-0 behind in little more than half an hour but they showed endless reserves of energy, enthusiasm and skill as they matched England's World Cup-winning under-20s in style and avenged defeat to the same opponents in the final of the European Championship. England have been the dominant force in age-group football in 2017, asserting themselves in a way their senior counterparts can only dream of, and in Manchester City playmaker Foden and Liverpool forward Brewster they have two of the nation's most prized talents. Brewster's header gave England hope at 2-1 down, Morgan Gibbs-White grabbed the equaliser and from there it was one-way traffic, Foden producing a pair of smart finishes and Ma

Substitute Anthony Martial's 81st minute strike gave Manchester United a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday to keep them in touch with Premier League leaders Manchester City. After last week's surprise defeat at Huddersfield Town, Jose Mourinho's team could ill afford another slip-up and they had to battle hard against a resilient Spurs to take the points. United move on to 23 points, two behind leaders City who are at West Bromwich Albion later on Saturday, while third-placed Spurs are on 20. The impact from substitutes Jesse Lingard and French forward Martial proved decisive in the latter stages of a largely attritional battle in sweeping rain. Tottenham, without their top scorer Harry Kane who was ruled out with a hamstring injury, played some tidy and progressive football in midfield. But although South Korean winger Son Heung-min, playing in a central striking role, provided some intelligent movement and linked up well, the threaten

As the central government of Spain prepares to impose direct rule on Catalonia after the north-eastern region held an illegal referendum on independence, Real Madrid travel to Catalan outfit Girona on Sunday in a La Liga match laced with political undertones. Situated around 100-kilometres from Barcelona, Girona is fiercely pro-independence and the regional government leader, Carles Puigdemont, is former mayor of the city. With growing public protests across the region, a spiky atmosphere with a strong anti-Spain sentiment is expected at the newly promoted side's Montilivi stadium. Real, who travel to neighbours Fuenlabrada on Thursday in the King's Cup, have recovered from a shaky start to their title defence to sit third having won five of their last six games in all competitions. Coach Zinedine Zidane says that neither he nor his players will be affected by what is likely to be a frosty welcome. "I'm not worried about the reception. We're going to pla

Lewis Hamilton hailed one of his "best drives" on Friday despite being outpaced by Daniel Ricciardo during second free practice for this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, where on Sunday he hopes to claim his fourth drivers’ world title. The 32-year-old Briton, who spun and ruined a set of tyres at Turn 11 early in the session, said his recovery and consistency in the remainder of that practice had seen him produce a drive that was “one of the best I have every done.” Earlier, he had suggested that a fourth world title would not usher him towards retirement and hinted that he is likely to remain in the sport for the next few years. “I can easily imagine myself without Formula One, but it is not about that right now,” he told reporters. “There are some really cool things coming along that are going to complement where I am in Formula One.” He declined to elaborate on his plans, but conceded that he had been in Los Angeles earlier in the week to discuss “creations” he

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, have been honoured by His Royal Majesty, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun and Paramount ruler of Ijesaland. According to a statement signed by Daniel’s media officer, Ayo Giwa, the couple were conferred with the titles of Asoju Oba and Yeye Asoju Oba of Ijesaland The ceremony, which was part of activities marking the monarch’s 80th birthday anniversary, took place at the Adimula’s palace in Ilesa. It was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life which included political big wigs, corporate players, diplomats and notable personalities. Oba Aromolaran said that the choice of Daniel and his wife was informed by the exemplary philanthropic acts, immense contributions to community development and overall empowerment of the citizenry constantly exhibited by the two-term governor of Ogun State and a front runner for the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. “Ot

A Lagos State High court sitting in Igbosere has fixed November 11, 2017, for the ruling in the trial of the alleged kidnap suspect, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike also known as Evans, and three others. Evans who was in court today was rearranged on a fresh charge, 7 count charge of conspiracy, attempted kidnap, attempted murder and murder.  The presiding judge, Justice Tawio listened to the argument from both counsels on whether or not to quash the charges against Evans.  But the defence argued that the accused person already has a case against him at the state high court Ikeja, on the same offence which is a gross abuse of court process.  He added that bringing another case on the same offence against the suspect will amount to repetition and duplication of charges.  In response, the prosecution stated that the defence is in total misinterpretation/ misunderstanding of the word duplicity. The DPP adds that according to sec 153 of the ACJ 2015 a count should contain one single of

According to Forbes, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is now the richest person in the world for the second time as Amazon stock opened up more than 8% higher than Thursday’s close, adding nearly $7 billion to Bezos’ net worth overnight. Bezos had a net worth of $89.7 billion, as of the start of trading on Friday, while Gates had a net worth of $90.1 billion, up $550 million from yesterday. Then by 10:15 a.m. Eastern, Amazon stock had climbed nearly 2% since the market opened, adding $900 million to Bezos’ net worth and putting him in the No. 1 spot with a net worth of $90.6 billion versus Gates’ $90.1 billion at that time.  Amazon stock surged in after-hours trading on Thursday after the company reported strong third quarter earnings. Amazon reported $43.7 billion in revenue, well above the $42.1 billion analysts expected. He became the richest person in the world for the first time three months ago as Amazon stock hit an all-time high on July 27, just before Amazon reported its second

The Catalan Parliament has voted to declare independence from Spain. In response, just 40 minutes after the declaration of independence, the Spanish Senate in Madrid imposed direct rule to dismantle Catalonia’s autonomy. Now there are fears of violence and maybe a civil war. The Catalan Parliament voted 70 votes to 10, with two abstentions. Before the vote, Catalan MPs opposed to the region's independence stormed out of parliament in protest - with pro-independence MPs draping their empty seats with Catalan flags. The independence motion was passed in the 135-strong assembly with 70 votes in favour, 10 against and 2 blank ballots, the assembly's speaker said. Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and Vice President Oriol Junqueras exchanged congratulatory embraces and handshakes after the vote. After the motion was passed, thousands of Catalans gathered outside the parliament building and cheered and danced.  But the Spanish prime minister wrote on Twitter immediately after

Popular Nigerian singer, Oritsefemi, has taken to his Instagram page to announce that he would be officially tying the knot with his fiance on November 25th, 2017. The MSN Gang henchman shared a photo of himself and his fiancée, Nabila and wrote; “It’s #ON 25 November, 2017. Oritsefemi & Nabila will be having their wedding.” Weirdly, the singer decided to add prices of the various aseobi available, also giving an account number where the money should be posted.  Aso-ebi for this great day is now out! Please know there are limited numbers, and it will be on first come, first serve. The choice is yours; Ladies: 40k or 25k. Men: Cap is just 2k. If you are interested, pay into; Diamanté Global Ventures, 0022378151, GTBank. Address for pick up with your invite will be sent upon receipt of payment. For more details, call Abebi on 0706 084 2366. See you there.

Federal High Court in Abuja has awarded a whooping sum of 40 million naira compensation to Chocolate City Group President, Audu Maikori for his unlawful arrest and detention by the Police on the orders of Kaduna state Governor Nasir el-Rufai. Audu Maikori was arrested earlier this year for posting inciting tweets about an alleged case of murder by Fulani herdsmen in Kaduna. This turned out to be false information, and he not only retracted his tweets after facing backlash but also apologized. Delivering judgement today, Justice John Tsoho insited that Maikori's arrest in Lagos was unlawful and ordered the respondents to the suit: Governor el-Rufai, IG of Police, Commissioner of Police and the Attorney-General of Kaduna state to pay the damages, also directing that they add the sum of N1,430 as the cost of instituting the fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by Maikori in May 2017. The Judge however ruled that the police could arrest suspects for allegedly violat

Claude Puel has rejected concerns about his playing style and declared that winning is more important than entertaining, although he added that he hoped to do both at Leicester City. Speaking at his first press conference since his appointment on Wednesday, the Frenchman defended his record at Southampton, from where he was sacked in June despite leading the club to eighth place and the final of the EFL Cup. Puel maintains that Southampton were not as negative as their goal tally suggested – they failed to score in their final five home matches under him – and he dismissed the comments made this week by the former Southampton player Matt Le Tissier, who claimed Saints were “boring and a little bit dull” last season. “It is not important about this,” Puel said of Le Tissier’s complaint. “Last season for example we developed good football without the clinical edge. We were seventh place for creating chances but 20th for converting. But that is finished. It is important to stay w

Daniel Ricciardo outpaced championship chasing Lewis Hamilton to top the times in Friday's second free practice ahead of this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix. The Australian, showing his Red Bull car was competitive in the rarified thin air conditions, clocked a best lap in one minute and 17.801 seconds to outpace the three-time champion Briton's Mercedes by one-tenth of a second. Hamilton, who needs a top five finish to clinch his fourth drivers' world title, was outpaced earlier in the morning's opening free practice session by his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas. Ricciardo’s Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen was third, before he was halted by an engine failure, ahead of Hamilton's only remaining title rival, Sebastian Vettel. The Ferrari driver endured a painful episode during the session when he had to abort a lap and drive back to the pits after feeling a stinging fluid in the seat of his car. His teammate Kimi Raikkonen was fifth ahead of compat

Leicester City have appointed the former Southampton head coach Claude Puel as their manager following last week’s dismissal of Craig Shakespeare. He has signed a contract until June 2020 and was described by the club’s vice-chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, as “a perfect fit”. Leicester interviewed several candidates for the position that has been held on a temporary basis for the past two matches by Michael Appleton, who will revert to his assistant’s role. Puel will be introduced to the media on Friday and will take charge of Sunday’s home match against Everton, who are without a full-time manager. Puel was let go by Southampton in June despite leading the club to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League and the final of the Capital One Cup. Southampton flopped in the Europa League and decent domestic results were deemed not good enough to compensate for a style of play that many supporters decried as too defensive. Several players disliked his rotation policy. Puel t

For the first time in the club’s history, Arsenal’s minority shareholders voted down a resolution at an Arsenal AGM prompting a card vote on the issue of re-electing chairman Sir Chips Keswick and non-executive director Josh Kroenke, son of owner Stan. With the backing of majority shareholders Kroenke Snr and Alisher Usmanov, both Keswick and Kroenke Jr were eventually re-elected, but not before the dissenters’ initial no vote caused a significant delay in proceedings. The significance of the symbolic gesture was not lost on manager Arsene Wenger who later took to the stage to plead with supporters to back his players on the pitch. The manager was handed a new two-year deal by Kroenke in the summer despite a traumatic season that saw fan frustration reach new levels. “It’s an immense privilege to speak here for a 21st time. I dedicate 99 per cent of my life to making you happy. Looking at what happened today, that’s not easy,” Wenger said. “A football club is about the past,

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the draft budget estimates for 2018. This was revealed by the Minister of Budget and Planning, Udoma Udoma, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja. The minister said the Council will liaise with the National Assembly to determine when the president will submit the draft estimates for the consideration of the two chambers. Mr. Udoma, however, declined to comment on the details of the approved budget, saying the Nigerian constitution only allows the president to give out the details and he will do so when the National Assembly is ready to receive the draft. Thursday’s council meeting, postponed from Wednesday, was presided by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The office Office of the Presidency condemned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari over the Abdulrasheed Maina scandal. In a statement published on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu described Mr. Maina as “one of the monsters created by the former PDP government,” and said that the opposition party therefore has no right to criticize the Buhari government over the matter. Mr. Shehu emphasized that Mr. Maina was a top member of the Goodluck Jonathan government and was involved in a multi-billion naira pension scandal that benefited several members of the Jonathan administration. “Top officials in the PDP government, from sectoral heads to those charged with responsibility for law and order, received some of these billions of naira from Maina,” the spokesperson said.  “We have all the transaction records and these are matters that the EFCC has been pursuing to ensure that they all have their day in court.” Mr. Shehu sugges

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has revealed that the Federal Government ordered it to take over the troubled Nigerian carrier Arik Air to save it from total collapse. AMCON said that as at the time it was taking over the airline in February this year, the carrier was already enmeshed with a major crisis that would have led to a loss of thousands of jobs. The spokesman of AMCON, Mr. Jude Nwauzor stated today that the airline like Aero Contractors, which it took over about five years ago experienced huge challenges arising from all manners of business irregularities and series of operational encumbrances bordering on flights delays, cancellations, bad corporate governance, accumulating staff salaries, among other ills. He, however, said that eight months after the takeover of the airline, its operations had changed for good. He said: “Interestingly, Arik Air flights now depart on schedule without delay. For instance, flights scheduled for say 10:00 a.m call

Real Madrid will not use their branded team coach to transport players for the trip to Catalonia to play Girona on Sunday for security reasons, Spanish media reported. The club do not want the vehicle to become a target due to political unrest in the region over Catalonia's bid for independence. Madrid do not usually bring the team coach to matches which are considered high risk, like the "Clasico" in Barcelona or away at Athletic Bilbao. The team are planning to arrive in Girona by plane on Saturday evening before the match on Sunday, which they will travel to in an unmarked coach, Marca said. The plans are subject to change based on the political situation.