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Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte is returning to menus on August 28, its earliest official launch date ever. The early launch date for the Pumpkin Spice Latte could be a strategy to boost sales in the fourth quarter while growing the chain's cold-drink business.

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte is returning to menus on August 28, its earliest official launch date ever.

The coffee giant's reputation has taken a beating so far in 2018, leaving Starbucks scrambling for solutions.

The early launch date for the Pumpkin Spice Latte could be a strategy to boost sales in the fourth quarter while growing the chain's cold-drink business.

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte is back earlier than ever this year.

This week, Starbucks confirmed that the Pumpkin Spice Latte will return on Tuesday, August 28, the drink's earliest official launch date ever.

The early launch date comes at a time when Starbucks desperately needs a win.

This year has been a tumultuous one for the chain. In April, CEO Kevin Johnson was forced to apologize after a video of two black men being arrested at a Philadelphia location of the coffee chain went viral. In response, the chain closed down all locations for anti-bias training.

Starbucks' reputation took a major hit following the arrests. In May, the company's workplace reputation hit a 10-year low, according to YouGov BrandIndex data.

Soon after employee anti-bias training, Howard Schultz, the chain's then-chairman and former longtime CEO, who essentially served as its founder, announced he would be leaving the company. And, when the company reported its most recent quarter of earnings in late July, same-store sales in the United States increased just 1%, negatively impacted by poor Frappuccino sales.

The fall of the Frappuccino serves as an interesting parallel to the dominance of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Both represent Starbucks' ability to drive sales by not being a snobby, upscale coffee shop, but instead selling drinks that cost more than a cup of coffee and appeal to people — especially younger customers and women — with a sweet tooth.

For a while, Frappuccinos represented a guaranteed sales boost for Starbucks, with the super-short-lived Unicorn Frappuccino being celebrated as a viral success. But this year, the chain cancelled its well-known Frappuccino happy-hour deal as sales slumped.

"It really hasn't been worth it over the last two years and wouldn't be worth it this year," Starbucks CFO Scott Maw said of the promotion during a JPMorgan forum in March.

The downfall of the Frappuccino took a powerful weapon out of Starbucks' arsenal. However, despite being on the menu for nearly 15 years, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has maintained its power with customers, which could help explain why Starbucks wants to bring its launch date a little bit earlier in the year.

"We know the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a beverage that Starbucks customers wait for with anticipation all year, and we’re excited to give our fans the opportunity to get their fall fix a little earlier," a Starbucks representative said in an email to Business Insider.

This week, Piper Jaffray lowered its rating on Starbucks — from buy to neutral — in part because comparable sales are tracking at 2%, which is lower than the consensus of 2.8%. Starbucks' next quarter represents the 13-week period that started on July 1 and will end in early October. Making sure that PSL season goes on as long as possible and lasts for as much as the fourth quarter as possible is a helpful way to boost these sales.

Starting Pumpkin Spice Latte season in August instead of the first week of September carries some risks, as the seasonality of the drink is key to its power. However, there could be a surprising secondary benefit with the slightly earlier launch.

Much of Starbucks' recent growth has been in cold drinks. Over the last five years, Starbucks went from cold drinks making up 37% of sales to more than 50% of sales. While the weather won't change much between the end of August and early September, an August launch date may be the slight push that customers need to order iced versions of the PSL — drinks Starbucks has been pushing for at least the last two years.

With iced PSLs on the menu, customers can incorporate more variations into their routine and boost sales as a whole. And, when Starbucks is in a rough place, there are worse things to do than go all-in on Pumpkin Spice Latte.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Aug. 14, directed the immediate overhaul of the SARS.

A former Commissioner of Police, Mr Lawrence Alobi, on Sunday in Abuja, called for a robust capacity building on democratic policing for men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Aug. 14, directed the immediate overhaul of the SARS.

The directive was sequel to complaints by Nigerians on the alleged human rights abuse by men of the SARS.

“I want to recommend strongly to the Police Management to organise a massive and robust capacity building training on democratic policing for men of SARS,” Alobi said.

He told NAN that the police unit also required training on human education and application of emotional intelligence in law enforcement and policing.

The former police officer said the type of government a country operates determines the style of policing.

“The security agencies and personnel of the police should imbibe democratic norms and values in line with international best practices.

“The SARS officers must be given rules of engagement and well funded to be able to face the challenging job they engage in to avoid being compromised,” he said.

He said the police was the most risky job in the country which required more incentives.

“The more the risk the more the incentive should be. When they are well funded the more they will perform,” he said.

He said the citizens also had a duty in the policing of the country, and that their roles should not be underplayed.

Alobi blamed human rights advocates in the country for emphasising only the rights of the citizens while neglecting their duties to the country.

He advised the citizens to be security conscious and to encourage security agencies to perform their duties.

Alobi noted that SARS was basically established to fight violent crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping and also to intervene when the need arises.

“The only important thing is for them to be supervised, given operational guidelines on what they should do and those they should not do,” he said.

NAN also reports that as part of the overhaul of the unit, SARS has been ordered not to attend to civil or commercial matters again, but attend strictly to Armed Robbery and Kidnapping cases.

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Simple home remedies you can use for soft and pink lips.

Apply Cucumber Juice

Lighten your dark lips by rubbing a slice of cucumber firmly on lips for the juice to soak on. If you repeat it five minutes daily for a week, you can get a beautiful pink link.

Mix Rose petals in milk

Soak rose petals in clean water for 3o minutes and mash it to form a paste. Add a few drops of glycerin, a teaspoon of honey and mix well.

Dab the paste on your lips as well then wait just fifteen minutes before smoothly massaging it off applying milk. This remedy can bring about wonderful results.

READ ALSO: Papaya face masks recipes to fight signs of aging

Massage with lemon juice

Lemon is notably known for removing stains and keeping our utensils cleans. Due to its bleaching properties, you can use for pink lips, just cut a thin slice from the lemon, sprinkling a bit of sugar on top and rub your lips with this combination on a regular basis.

Mix honey, almond oil, and sugar

Sugar works to exfoliate lifeless skin cells. Combine an equal amount of sugar, honey, and almond oil. Use this to your lips, massaging it in for ten minutes.

READ ALSO: 4 reasons why every man should own coconut oil

Scrub with toothbrush

After brushing your teeth, use your toothbrush to scrub your lips to eliminate the chapped, dry skin that forms around your lips, making them look fresher.

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In his last memoir, Arizona Senator and former Republican presidential candidate John McCain revealed the heartbreaking details of how he found out he had brain cancer.

In his new memoir, Arizona senator and former Republican presidential nominee John McCain revealed the heartbreaking details of how he found out he had brain cancer.

His fight with brain cancer has kept him home in Arizona and away from Congress for much of the last year.

McCain died on Saturday, one day after his family announced he would be discontinuing his cancer treatment.

In his last memoir, Arizona senator and former Republican presidential nominee John McCain revealed the heartbreaking details of how he found out he had brain cancer.

In seventh McCain's book, titled " target="_blank"The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations," he writes that he was scheduled for a regular physical on Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.

After completing his physical, McCain was heading out of town for the weekend when his physician told him to turn around and come back to the Mayo Clinic. The brain scan that McCain had undergone during his physical had discovered something.

He underwent surgery several hours later. Like McCain, the neurosurgeon who performed the procedure was also on his way out of town before being called back. The five-hour procedure was a minimally invasive craniotomy with eyebrow incision.

"They cut a hole in my skull along my left eyebrow to look at my brain's left frontal lobe and see what the trouble was," he wrote. It was a two-inch blood clot that they found and removed.

McCain was back on his feet quickly, as he went home the next day after the surgery and responded well cognitively to questions the physicians asked him.

But a few days later, it was revealed that the blood clot was a primary brain tumor. McCain never heard of the medical term before and did not fully understand the diagnosis, but he knew it was serious when someone brought up the late Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts.

"I knew it was serious from the sober demeanor of the medical professionals in the room, and when someone, I don't remember who, mentioned that it was the same cancer that Ted had, I got the picture," McCain wrote.

While the procedure successfully removed the tumor, McCain was told that the form of brain cancer could spread across his body.

Despite recovering well from the procedure and being in good physical condition, McCain's physicians did not think that he should travel to Washington for the debate and vote over health care before undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

But in McCain-esque fashion, he was able to convince his physicians to allow him to fly back to Washington and famously vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

He died surrounded by family on Saturday.

"I hope those who mourn my passing, and those who don’t, will celebrate as I celebrate a happy life lived in imperfect service to a country made of ideals, whose continued success is the hope of the world," McCain wrote in his book.

"And I wish all of you great adventures, good company, and lives as lucky as mine."

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In his last memoir, Arizona Senator and former Republican presidential candidate John McCain revealed the heartbreaking details of how he found out he had brain cancer.

In his new memoir, Arizona senator and former Republican presidential nominee John McCain revealed the heartbreaking details of how he found out he had brain cancer.

His fight with brain cancer has kept him home in Arizona and away from Congress for much of the last year.

McCain died on Saturday, one day after his family announced he would be discontinuing his cancer treatment.

In his last memoir, Arizona senator and former Republican presidential nominee John McCain revealed the heartbreaking details of how he found out he had brain cancer.

In seventh McCain's book, titled " target="_blank"The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations," he writes that he was scheduled for a regular physical on Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.

After completing his physical, McCain was heading out of town for the weekend when his physician told him to turn around and come back to the Mayo Clinic. The brain scan that McCain had undergone during his physical had discovered something.

He underwent surgery several hours later. Like McCain, the neurosurgeon who performed the procedure was also on his way out of town before being called back. The five-hour procedure was a minimally invasive craniotomy with eyebrow incision.

"They cut a hole in my skull along my left eyebrow to look at my brain's left frontal lobe and see what the trouble was," he wrote. It was a two-inch blood clot that they found and removed.

McCain was back on his feet quickly, as he went home the next day after the surgery and responded well cognitively to questions the physicians asked him.

But a few days later, it was revealed that the blood clot was a primary brain tumor. McCain never heard of the medical term before and did not fully understand the diagnosis, but he knew it was serious when someone brought up the late Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts.

"I knew it was serious from the sober demeanor of the medical professionals in the room, and when someone, I don't remember who, mentioned that it was the same cancer that Ted had, I got the picture," McCain wrote.

While the procedure successfully removed the tumor, McCain was told that the form of brain cancer could spread across his body.

Despite recovering well from the procedure and being in good physical condition, McCain's physicians did not think that he should travel to Washington for the debate and vote over health care before undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

But in McCain-esque fashion, he was able to convince his physicians to allow him to fly back to Washington and famously vote against the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

He died surrounded by family on Saturday.

"I hope those who mourn my passing, and those who don’t, will celebrate as I celebrate a happy life lived in imperfect service to a country made of ideals, whose continued success is the hope of the world," McCain wrote in his book.

"And I wish all of you great adventures, good company, and lives as lucky as mine."

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For decades in the US, government officials on both sides of the aisle have generally made a point to back a strong dollar in public — especially those in the Oval Office. President Donald Trump, on the other hand, has repeatedly lashed out about a strengthening greenback.

Government officials have argued for a strong dollar for decades.

President Donald Trump has gone against that precedent repeatedly.

Some analysts think he could use exchange rates instead of tariffs to push US trade competitiveness.

For decades in the US, government officials on both sides of the aisle have generally made a point to back a strong dollar in public — especially those in the Oval Office.

President Donald Trump, on the other hand, has said the dollar is "getting too strong" and repeatedly lashed out at other countries for using monetary accommodation to weaken their currencies.

Twice this past week, he criticized the Federal Reserve, which is meant to be independent from political influence, for raising interest rates. (Higher interest rates are attractive to foreign investors, so they generally lead to a stronger currency.)

The Fed has raised interest rates five times since Trump took office, with two of those hikes coming under the leadership of Jerome Powell — his Fed chairman pick. It is expected to hike rates two more times this year, according to Bloomberg's World Interest Rate Probability data.

"As we have seen in recent weeks, the President has ramped up verbal jawboning over a strong dollar and higher US rates as the currency has strengthened," ING strategists Viraj Patel and Chris Turner wrote in a note this week, adding that the strength of the greenback appears to be "at the upper bound of the White House's tolerance level." The dollar has jumped more than 8% since April, right around when the Trump administration announced plans to hit other countries with tariffs.

Trump is far from the first politician to favor lower interest rates. Easy money is politically popular for a number of reasons. But for a president in a trade war months before midterms, analysts say it appears to be increasingly about defending trade competitiveness.

If the administration shifted from tariffs to the use of exchange rates, Nomura chief economist Richard Koo pointed out that it would essentially allow simultaneous price adjustments for "all imported products." A weaker dollar can stimulate exports because it makes US products cheaper abroad.

That could be an attractive means of boosting exports, analysts say, as a trade war triggers political backlash in key constituencies for the president and his party. Tariffs have raised prices for American companies and lowered access to foreign markets, potentially setting the stage for dampened economic growth.

A trade war can also present logistical issues, especially for an administration plagued by disorganization and legal chaos. A recent Associated Press analysis found the Trump White House has had record turnover.

"A protectionist policy that must be individually tailored to each product category requires large numbers of administrative staff, and a period must be established during which companies can apply for exemptions," Koo said. "Exchange rate-based adjustments, on the other hand, entail no such costs.

"In that sense, the more problematic administrative delays become and the more industry opposition mounts, the greater the likelihood that President Trump will replace tariffs with exchange rates as his main tool for addressing US trade imbalances."

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The affected buildings, about 10 in number, he revealed, were recently built by the Judicial Service of Ghana to house Appeal Court judges.

At least nine judges whose homes are located on the vast land government plans to build a national cathedral on have been served notice to vacate immediately, host of Joy FM's news analysis show "Newsfile" has revealed.

READ MORE: Building a national cathedral is a good idea - Nana Addo

According to Samson Anyenini, the government has rented "alternative expensive bungalows" for the Judges to relocate temporarily while it begins "construction of over twenty new bungalows on a different land in replacement for what it is going to destroy to make way for the cathedral."

The affected buildings, about 10 in number, he revealed, were recently built by the Judicial Service of Ghana to house Appeal Court judges.

Samson, a lawyer by profession, further suggested that move "could even constitute interference with judicial independence as much as it may smack of continuing disregard for the welfare of Judges."

READ MORE: Nana Addo cuts sword for construction of interdenominational worship centre

President Nana Akufo-Addo on March 6, 2017 cut sod for the construction of the national cathedral for interdenominational worship in Accra.

 Below is Samson's comments on his show

My Take today is simply to ask a couple of questions and make a plea for change in plan for the site marked for the 5000-seater national cathedral to be built in commemoration of Ghana’s 60th independence anniversary.

The CPP’s James Bomfeh is in the Supreme Court asking why a secular nation would embark on such a project. I ask why we cannot find land in Accra for it but to embark on “demolition of all buildings [sited] from the Ridge Circle to the Scholarship Secretariat, the Judicial Training Institute at East Ridge”, the Passport Office and other structures? That’s a long stretch and vast acres of prime land hosting many expensive buildings. That’s the area that hosts about ten six-bedroom bungalows built only five years ago by the Judicial Service to house Court of Appeal Judges.

The many residents including nine Judges have been served quit orders to vacate the area immediately. The Government has rented alternative expensive bungalows for the Judges to relocate temporarily while it begins construction of over twenty new bungalows on a different land in replacement for what it is going to destroy to make way for the cathedral. Lands Minister Peter Amewu further assures those affected that lands will be found to reconstruct the institutions to be destroyed in this area.

The legal principle of eminent domain which finds full expression in our Constitution empowers Government to compulsorily acquire land for the common good. In other words, Government can have whatever land it desires for this cathedral. But should it cost the taxpayer so much as is the present plan? What sort of cathedral is this that such vast land is required to built?

All the affected persons and institutions including the judiciary should go to the President or get the Council of State to advice against the demolitions and the criminal waste of scarce resources of an economy surviving on borrowing and donations. There must be plenty naked land in Accra (vast acres along the motorway) for this project if it is a priority at all.

I have a bias for the judiciary and plead that our Judges should not be housed in those rented bungalows. I dare say this act could even constitute interference with judicial independence as much as it may smack of continuing disregard for the welfare of Judges. Private developers have in recent times rudely rendered a Judge homeless and broken another’s wall compromising his security. How their Cantonments residences or portions got sold to those private developers remains a mysterious embarrassment to the State.

But is this area not crowded enough and aesthetically inappropriate to host such a cathedral? Should this area not rather be expanded into a Judicial Enclave where judges live and can easily network for improved judicial camaraderie as is the case elsewhere?

But did the Judicial Council, the Chief Justice agree to this and can we hear the Ghana Bar Association on this?

Mr. President, please order a change in plan.       

Samson Lardy ANYENINI

August 25, 2018       

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NYSC orientation course for Batch B Stream II begins on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

The management of the National Youth Service Corps has advised prospective 2018 Batch B Stream 2 corps members to print their call-up letters.

Following the registration exercise for the prospective corps members which closed on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, NYSC has congratulated the PCMs for a successful mobilization.

The agency on its Twitter handle, @officialnyscn also announced that Orientation Course will start on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.

5 important documents you MUST take to camp

1. Call up letter

 Your Call up Letter is the most important credentials you must not forget to take to the camp. It is a vital document for camp registration as it serves as the only evidence that you are a prospective corps member and not in the camp to impersonate anyone.

The Call-up letter will be taken from you and returned later, however, DO NOT laminate this letter.

2. Final year ID card

Your final year ID card is another essential credential you'll be requested to present at the camp. This, of course, is meant to confirm your studentship and avoid impersonation.

Note that it must be the ID card your school authorities issued in your final year, not the ones you used in your early years at the university or polytechnic.

3. Notification/Statement of Result

The statement of result from your school is also an essential document no prospective corp member can do without. Your school will provide you with this before leaving for the camp, so make sure you get yours.

4. Medical report

 The medical report is very important for prospective corps members who have a reason to seek redeployment.

ALSO READ: This UNILAG student keeps herself going with two businesses

If you are posted to a state and you need to redeploy to serve in another state that is close to your family on health ground, the camp officials will ask you to provide your medical reports before your redeployment can be processed.

5. Passport photographs

Make sure you take as many Passports photographs as you can, about 20 in red backgrounds. You would need them at every registration point at the camp.

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Abioye made the remark at a Sunday thanksgiving service titled: “Unveiling the Breakthrough Power of Kingdom Stewardship.”

Bishop David Abioye, Senior Pastor of Living Faith Church, Goshen, Karu, Nasarawa, says Christians don’t have to be ordained to serve God.

Abioye made the remark at a Sunday thanksgiving service titled: “Unveiling the Breakthrough Power of Kingdom Stewardship.”

He said Christians who truly served God would not lack anything, hence the call on all worshipers to serve God in one capacity or the other and not leave the responsibility to the ordained workers alone.

“Serving God can take you from the bottom to the top. Anyone who serves God is not wasting resources and time but investing in their future. Stewardship is the path to enthronement,” he said.

He added that when more Christians work for God, it would lead to positive impact for both the Christians and the society.

He, however, cautioned that God would only reward service rendered by those whose hearts were panting for God.

“God wants pure hearts. He is looking for a heart that is longing for him because when a heart pants after God, He reciprocates with multiple blessings.

“Don’t stop praying and serving God if you don’t want your heaven to be shut. You shall serve and he shall bless. It is the action you put in that God blesses,” Abioye said.

He called on Christians not just to go to church to worship but to commit themselves in one religious activity or the other, and that Nigeria as a country would be better off.

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Alabi said that the vote buying popularly called “See and Buy’’ in the local parlance, would not take place during the  Sept.22 governorship election in the state.

Mr Wale Alabi, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, on Regional Integration, on Saturday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not be involved in vote buying.

Alabi said that the vote buying popularly called “See and Buy’’ in the local parlance, would not take place during the  Sept.22 governorship election in the state.

The SSA made the statement during the inauguration of  campaign team – Osun R-Connect (a voluntary group in the APC), to sensitise and remind the people of the state of what APC government had done so far.

He said that Aregbesola’s administration would still do more thereby, calling for the re-election of APC government in the state.

Alabi, who also doubled as the head of the R-Connect group, said the APC was not in any way nurturing the idea or embracing the system of ‘see and buy’ in the coming governorship election.

“If anybody is having or nurturing or wanting to embrace the system of ‘see and buy’, that will not be APC.

“Some other political parties are sleeping in their houses because they have the mindset that on the Election Day, they will just bring out money and buy votes.

“The APC, in spite of the fact that we have done a lot for the people of Osun, we are still not relenting on our efforts, as we are going out, talking to people, canvassing and begging them to let the development brought about by the APC government continue.

“We don’t believe in ‘see and buy’ and will never be part of it because vote buying has never been our way of handling things,’’ he said.

According to him, the R-Connect group (a social media group) is going all out to sensitise the general public to vote for APC government.

“The APC government has brought infrastructure and human development to the state and has given a lot to the people, so we think this is the right time for us to ask them to continue with the party.

“We are entering the markets and all the nooks and crannies of the state and local government areas to appeal to people to vote for APC so that the good work will continue,’’ he said.

Alabi said the campaign would continue till the day the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said all political campaigns should end.

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Makarfi made the declaration at an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, a presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday said he was confident of picking the party’s ticket for the 2019 election.

Makarfi made the declaration at an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State who also served as the Chairman, PDP National Caretaker Committee, is now one of the over 12 presidential aspirants of the party.

The PDP aspirant, who just concluded meetings with PDP members in the Southwest, said his exceptional performance as chairman of the caretaker committee would give him an upper hand at the primaries.

“PDP has become a beautiful bride because of what I did. The party was considered dead until I came in as chairman of the caretaker committee and turned it round.

“No other presidential aspirant in the party has my pedigree. I have been assured of becoming the groom by members who are aware of those efforts and have sworn they will not sell their votes at the primaries.

“Since I joined the PDP, I have never left the party.

“My experience as a member of the Senate committee on finance for eight years is also an advantage. I will bring the experience to bear when I pick the ticket and emerge as president,” he said.

Makarfi said contrary to certain opinions, money would not determine who picks the PDP ticket, and that money has never been a determinant factor in who becomes the president of Nigeria.

“When did Nigeria start to produce presidents because of resources? Former presidents Alh. Shehu Shagari, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alh. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and now President Muhammadu Buhari, did not become presidents based on money.

“In one of the southwest states I visited, a member said other aspirants have been giving them money and gifts, but I don’t have to give them money or gifts to vote for me in the primaries because they know I am the best man for the job,” he said.

On a female vice president, Makarfi said he had wanted a female running mate if he won the primaries, but the person he had in mind declined and opted for a lower responsibility.

He lamented that Nigerian women were yet to take up the challenge of becoming presidents or vice, noting that those positions were not exclusive to men.

“I look forward to seeing a female president not even vice in Nigeria someday. It is time the women stop taking back seats,” he said.

The PDP aspirant, reacting to INEC’s registration of more political parties that brought the number registered to 91, said while it allowed freedom of association, there was need for sanity.

“I know that the major parties will reduce the number via coalitions and MOU’s. However, it is not the duty of political parties to do so,” he added. 

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Anagbe made this assertion during an interactive session and prayers organised by the Catholic church, traditional institution and other stakeholders towards peaceful elections in 2019.

Bishop of the Makurdi Diocese, Wilfred Anagbe, has stressed the need for more prayers for the nation, particularly Benue to record an election devoid of rancour and violence in 2019.

Anagbe made this assertion during an interactive session and prayers organised by the Catholic church, traditional institution and other stakeholders towards peaceful elections in 2019.

The event was co-organised by the Makurdi Catholic Diocese, and held at the Pastoral Centre, Makurdi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 306 traditional rulers, youths, members of the Catholic Women Organisation and Catholic Men Organisation and other stakeholders attended the prayer for a violence-free election in 2019.

According to him, ‘the Vote Not Fight Campaign’ was to promote peaceful participation in the electoral process and the catholic church was not left out in ensuring it was successful.

Anagbe urged all the political stakeholders, especially the youths, to shun violence during the election.

He urged the catholic youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs before, during and after the election.

“The whole world is focusing on Nigerian now on the forthcoming elections, this is a very crucial time for the state and country.

“As Christians, we must intercede on behalf of Nigeria in general for conduct of a peaceful, free and credible elections devoid of violence.

“I urge you, (the catholic church ) to get your Permanent Voters Card, (PVC) and cast your votes to the candidate of your choice, especially God fearing candidates ” the Bishop said.

He said the people must continually pray that God in His infinite mercy choose for Benue and the country, the leaders that would make development as their paramount responsibilities.

He said, ” I pray that before, during and after these elections, particularly that of Benue, the Almighty God will show us mercy.

“When the good of that new government comes, we hope to be alive to witness it in Jesus name.”

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the minister was the Chairman at the reception of the wedding of  Tolulope Ajibola  and Kolapo Faleye, both petroleum engineers.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed got guests at a wedding reception, on Saturday in Ilorin roaring with laughter following his jocoserious  remarks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the minister was the Chairman at the reception of the wedding of  Tolulope Ajibola  and Kolapo Faleye, both petroleum engineers.

Tolulope is the daughter Chief Simon Ajibola, a former Senator who represented Kwara South in the National Assembly while the groom’s father is Mr. Olufemi Faleye also from Kwara.

Addressing the couple and guests, the minister said,: “I am so delighted to be invited to be the chairman of this wedding ceremony because wedding ceremony is a thing of joy.

“I pray that happiness will not cease from our homes.

Mohammed, though a staunch Muslim, quoted  from the Holy Bible to the admiration of guests.

Speaking extempore, he said: “I will start my address by referring us to the Book of Isaiah chapter 4, verse 1 which says:

“The time shall come when seven women shall take hold of one man and say food, shelter we shall provide, please let us bear your name to save us this disgrace.

“So, I rejoice with Pelumi that God has given you, your own husband. I pray your union shall be fruitful and enduring.

“To the groom, I want to refer you to the Book of Deuteronomy 24:5 which says: When a man weds, he shall not be called upon to go to war or work. He shall stay in the house with the wife for one full year.

“I am going to speak with Mr. Faleye to allow you to stay for one year so that you can do your duty.

Not done with the amused guests, the minister dropped his last advice which threw the audience in the hall into uncontrollable laughter.

“I am going to end my address by giving you a valuable advice. By the Grace of God, Pelumi will be fruitful and give birth to male and female children.

“I am giving you this advice based on 38 years of experience in marriage with my wife, here, pointing to Alhaja Kudirat, sitting by his side.

“Whenever, Pelumi takes in and you want to know whether the baby will be a boy or a girl, you need not go to any hospital or do any scanning.

“Follow my example which had worked and never failed.

“When the pregnancy is eight months old, take a brand new N1000 note, put it in the navel of Pelumi. If the baby moves, it is a girl.  If it does not move, it is a boy. Don’t ask me why.”

NAN reports that the minister earlier attended the marriage solemnisation at the Month Olives Anglican Church, Tanke, Ilorin.

In a sermon, the Vicar, Rotimi Omotoye  said marriage is honourable and enjoyable. He enjoined the couple to build their union with the fear of God, love, trust and endurance.

Speaking to the congregation, comprising  politicians, the clergy admonished those in  authority to render selfless service to the people and shun unreasonable acquisition of wealth and material things.

He also charged the government of the day to do more in improving security, peaceful co-existence as well as alleviating poverty and improving the living standard of the citizens.

Reacting to the exhortation by the priest in an interview, the Information minister said  President Muhammadu Buhari is on the right path.

Mohammed said: “The pastor said that government should aim at alleviating poverty, improving the lives of the citizens. If these are the yardsticks for good governance, I think we have passed.

“I can make bold to say that government that feeds 8,500,000 pupils everyday is a government that is benefitting the people.

“A government that provides infrastructure such as rail, roads, bridges, power and water is a government that is reaching out to people and touching lives.

“I came out of that service more convinced that this government is on the right path because all our programmes are meant not for a few individuals but for the public.

The minister reiterated that the administration was on the right track and everything is being done  for the benefit of Nigerians as a whole and not for few Nigerians.

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NANS President says the planned protest was canceled because it did not follow due process.

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Danielson Akpan has reportedly ordered the immediate suspension of the planned protest by law students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN)  in Abuja.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, August 25, 2018, Akpan said the protest called by NANS Senate President, Bamigbade Taiwo did not follow due process.

He added that the mass action, which was conveyed in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari did not have the backing and support of the National Association of Nigerian Students.

The NANS president said, “I want to clearly and categorically inform President Buhari and the general public that neither the letter nor the planned mass action emanated from the association''.

 “The writer is an impostor of one of the executive offices of NANS, which elections will be slated in the coming emergency senate sitting in September.

“He has been reprimanded and duly apologised for his actions via his Facebook page – Bamigbade Taiwo Egalitarian.

“Hence, the planned mass action is suspended forthwith. It will only be considered when every channel and avenue for peaceful resolution and consultation is exhausted''.

NANS President promises to protect interest of aggrieved strudents

Akpan, however, said he felt the pain and sympathise with the aggrieved students, adding that consultations with the management of NOUN and relevant stakeholders to resolve their grievances would immediately commence.

“Therefore, students of NOUN should disregard and stay away from the planned mass action of 27th-31st Aug. 27 to Aug. 31, and go about their normal academic activities.

“I want to assure them that the NANS Presidency is ever willing and ready to address their grievances and fully protect their interests,’’ he said.

ALSO READ: This UNILAG student keeps herself going with two businesses

For some months now, there has been a disagreement on whether Law graduates of the National Open University, NOUN are qualified to be admitted into the Nigerian Law School or not.

According to reports, the Nigerian Law School has reportedly denied NOUN Law graduates admission into the post-graduate school for five years.

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The PDP called for the arrests, following a statement issued by a chieftain of the group, Garus Gololo who called for Saraki's resignation.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of threatening its leaders.

According to Daily Post, the group said “We are worried with the content of the statement and take exception to threat to our leaders. We are re-iterating for umpteenth time that MACBAN is non-political, non-religious charitable organization established for the interest of livestock breeders in the country and will therefore have no business meddling into political issues.”

MACBAN said this in reaction to calls for the arrest of its leaders by the PDP.

The PDP called for the arrests, following a statement issued by a chieftain of MACBAN, Garus Gololo, who called for Senate President Bukola Saraki’s resignation.

Gololo also threatened that the group will forcefully remove Saraki if he does not step down.

MACBAN fires back

MACBAN, in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Baba Othman Ngelzarma on Sunday, August 26, 2018, told PDP to focus on providing credible opposition.

The statement reads: “MACBAN has issued a statement on the 22nd August 2018 clarifying its position where it strongly took exception by the callous statement and had disassociated itself from what Garus Gololo had said, because he does not have the mandate of the association to speak on its behalf.

“We are however surprised by the statement accredited to PDP calling for the arrest of the entire leadership of MACABN for a statement made by an individual who has no capacity in whatever form to speak for the association.

“We consider the statement made by PDP Publicity Secretary unfortunate, we have noticed with consternation that the PDP publicity take special delight in issuing statement that are mundane and detrimental to the party itself and had succeeded in making statement issued by him look childish.

“We are calling on the PDP and any other political organization to concentrate on given Nigerians credible opposition where people can pitch their tents when dissatisfied with where they belong. We believe the opposition should be done with utmost sincerity of purpose devoid of meddling into issues that does not add value.

“We most re-emphasize that the statement made by Garus Gololo should be seen as his own personal opinion as it does not in any way represent the position of MACBAN.”

ALSO READ: Nigerians on Twitter react to Miyetti Allah's threat on Saraki

Also, the Benue government in its reaction to Gololo’s call for Saraki’s resignation, said that the cattle rearers group have now become influential in President Buhari’s government.

Governor Samuel Ortom’s spokesman, Tever Akase also wondered why the MACBAN chieftain has not been arrested.

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The SUG president says the laundry bay is necessary because some students have no where to wash their clothes.

Living in school hostel just got better for undergraduates at the University of Calaba, UNICAL as the Students Union Government of the institution provides an ultra-modern laundry bay for the students.

The laundry bay according to the SUG president, Enyam Kelvin, became necessary as some hostel halls have nowhere for students to wash their clothes.

While speaking at the commissioning of the laundry bay, Kelvin said the bay could take up to 500 students washing at the same time.

 “We had to develop a means where students can wash comfortably and make it up to standard considering the equipment and facility. The project cost almost N4 million, the funding came through partnership with the University management because of the Vice-Chancellor is students oriented and he assured that the project must be completed and we want to thank God for it.

“The bay can simultaneously carry up to 500 students washing at the same time. We have a maintenance structure in place because if we don’t manage it, it will become a problem. We have put up modalities to ensure the facility is maintained to serve all Nigerian students. This is the first capital project in the republic. We would also orient the students on the need to maintain the facility so other students can also enjoy the facility after them.

Kelvin also praised the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Zana Akpagu for making the project possible.

ALSO READ: 10 things you should never do before examinations

“The Vice-Chancellor has been very encouraging. He made this a reality. He is a student-oriented VC. He has always promoted the students' agenda and we are grateful to him”.

The University of Calabar is a second generation tertiary institution established by the Federal Government in 1975.

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