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Emirates Skywards, the award winning frequent flyer programme, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year by giving 15 lucky members the chance to win one million Skywards Miles each.
Emirates Skywards Members in select markets who travel to any Emirates destination during the promotional period (29 May and 31 December 2015), and answer three multiple choice trivia questions correctly will be entered into a prize draw to win one million Skywards Miles, opening up a world of opportunity to travel even further. Utilizing the Emirates App will double members' chances to win one million Skywards Miles when they travel during the promotional period.  Winners will be announced every month through December 2015.
Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: "To mark Emirates Skywards' 15th anniversary, we thought there was no better way to celebrate than to reward our members with Miles that will support their travel aspirations.  This incredible initiative will offer 15 of our customers the opportunity to see more of the world on Emirates or our partner airlines, upgrade their flight experience, or gain access to exclusive products and experiences. The Emirates Skywards programme is about rewarding and growing loyalty amongst our customers. We appreciate the support of our membership base and will continue to work hard to provide even more options and flexibility for them to earn and redeem Miles."
With over 140 destinations on six continents to choose from, Emirates Skywards members will have no trouble selecting where to spend their miles. For example, one million Emirates Skywards Miles can be redeemed for twenty one Economy Class tickets to Dubai, or 13 economy class tickets to Guangzhou, Six Business Class tickets to London, or three First Class tickets to New York. The Miles can also be redeemed for a trip around the world for those who want to tick off all the destinations they want to see, or upgrades for friends and family to experience a First Class getaway in their own Private Suite, among other numerous reward options. The possibilities for the winners are as big as the reward itself.
Emirates Skywards membership is free and anyone can apply by visiting www.emirates.com. There are currently over 12 million Skywards members worldwide.

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Rafa Benitez had tears in his eyes during an emotional unveiling at Real Madrid today, where he was confirmed as their new coach on a three-year contract.‎
The Spaniard started his coaching career with Real's youth squad back in 1993, and was born in Madrid.
Benitez, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked last month after the club recorded a trophyless season.
He leaves his post at Napoli to take the job. The side finished fifth in Serie A last season, missing out on a Champions League place.
"It's an emotional day returning here to my home," Benitez said at his unveiling. "I have a good technical team behind me and I hope things go well, that we win titles and the team plays well."
"When you have a roster with such quality you have to attack, to try to score goals, and to win if possible playing attractive football."

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At least six people has been killed in an explosion in the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri, a civilian vigilante assisting the military against Boko Haram has disclosed.

BlackBox Nigeria reports that this is coming a day after a suicide bomber who was reported to have chanted 'Sai Buhari' detonated a bomb at a meat market in the state capital.
"We have so far recovered six dead bodies. We are still working at the scene, so the casualties may rise," said Danlami Ajaokuta of the blast on the Baga Road, which happened at 5:30 pm (1630 GMT).
Maiduguri has been a regular target for Boko Haram Islamists since the group began its insurgency six years ago and has been hit four times since last Friday.
Early on Saturday, the militants launched an attack with rocket-propelled grenades that was repelled by the military but hours later a suicide bomber killed 26 at a city mosque.
On Tuesday, there was again shelling from positions on the outskirts of the city and another suicide attack, this time at a cattle market that left at least 13 people dead.
The spate of attacks came after new President Muhammadu Buhari took office on Friday and described Boko Haram as "godless" and "mindless" in his inaugural speech.
Ajaokuta, a civilian vigilante who works in the Baga Road area, said the blast happened at a garage opposite a military unit and it appeared to have been caused by explosives left nearby.
One mechanic, who asked not to be identified, added: "I had just gone to get water when the explosion happened. I would have been among the victims.
"The garage was full with colleagues who were chatting at the time. I'm afraid we may lose many of our friends."
The mechanic did not give a death toll. Ajaokuta said one suspect seen nearby before the blast was taken away by soldiers.
Buhari, who himself survived a suspected Boko Haram attack in the northern city of Kaduna last July, has pledged to move the military's command centre from the capital Abuja to Maiduguri.
Maiduguri holds special significance for Boko Haram. The group was founded in the city in 2002.

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Ifeoma Aggrey-Fynn, an On Air Personality with Rhythm FM Port Harcourt has been shot dead.

Iphie as she is fondly called was murdered along the Aba-Port‎Harcourt Expressway yesterday ‎June 2nd by unknown gunmen.

A statement by the radio station she works for confirmed the death stating that Iphie was also a writer and motivational speaker.

BlackBox Nigeria gathered that she was on her way from Abia state where she had gone to visit her parents when the public bus she was in was attacked by armed robbers. The driver had reportedly attempted maneuvering away from the hoodlums who opened fire on the bus which strayed towards the OAP.

The body of the dark skin damsel has reportedly been taken to the morgue as her bereaved family members make burial plans.

BBN
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The family of 24-year-old Youth Corper, Ijeoma Susan Azubuike, have declared her missing.‎
According to news circulating on social media, Azubuike was last seen on Sunday, May 31st, in Owo, Ondo State, when armed robbers attacked a bus that was transporting her and other passengers to Lagos.
One of the passengers who was on the bus during the attack reportedly called Azubuike's family and gave the following account:
The GUO bus which was bringing them to Lagos from Abuja was attacked by armed robbers in Owo and they all had to run for safety, after the robbers had left, they all went back to the bus to continue their journey and it was then they discovered that Ijeoma was missing.
The passenger said they got the mobile number from the Manifest which Ijeoma had filled her father's details as her next of kin, since that Sunday till now Ijeoma has not been found.
A female passenger who Ijeoma met at the park, told us as they ran for their safety into the bush Ijeoma noticed her carrying her own bag on her neck and screamed "My bag!!" and quickly ran back to get her own bag. That was the last time she was seen.
Anyone with information on Azubuike's whereabouts is encouraged to call: 08066121270 | 08136364708 or contact the nearest police station.
We hope she is found safe and sound soon.

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An American tourist inside a car was killed and a tour operator was injured in an attack by a lion at a park near Johannesburg, South Africa, a spokesman for The Lion Park has disclosed.‎
Staff members hurried into an enclosure at the park to fight off the lion and called an ambulance after the attack took place around 2:30 p.m. local time, or 8:30 a.m. ET, the spokesman, Scott Simpson said.
The woman, who was in the passenger seat of a car and has not been identified, died while emergency services were treating her, Simpson said, adding that the driver of the car, a tour operator, sustained injuries on his arm from fighting off the lion.
Witnesses quoted in South African media said they saw two people traveling in a car with their windows open. The lion is reported to have jumped at the woman through the open window and killed her.
A State Department official confirmed an American was killed at the park but declined further comment.
The lion responsible for the attack will not be euthanized, but could be moved to a private location, Simpson revealed.
Earlier this year, a lion attacked an Australian tourist in his car, though that tourist did not die from his injuries, Simpson added. He said the park has not had a fatal attack since the current management took over in 1999.

ABC

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An American tourist inside a car was killed and a tour operator was injured in an attack by a lion at a park near Johannesburg, South Africa, a spokesman for The Lion Park has revealed.
Staff members hurried into an enclosure at the park to fight off the lion and called an ambulance after the attack took place around 2:30 p.m. local time, or 8:30 a.m. ET, the spokesman, Scott Simpson said.
The woman, who was in the passenger seat of a car and has not been identified, died while emergency services were treating her, Simpson said, adding that the driver of the car, a tour operator, sustained injuries on his arm from fighting off the lion.
Witnesses quoted in South African media said they saw two people traveling in a car with their windows open. The lion is reported to have jumped at the woman through the open window and killed her.
A State Department official confirmed an American was killed at the park but declined further comment.
The lion responsible for the attack will not be euthanized, but could be moved to a private location, Simpson further disclosed.
Earlier this year, a lion attacked an Australian tourist in his car, though that tourist did not die from his injuries, Simpson added. He said the park has not had a fatal attack since the current management took over in 1999.

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Civil Servants in Lagos State met with the new Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and advised him to drop some policies of the immediate Governor, Babatunde Fashola, especially the usage of consultants in the public service.
A large number of the civil servants, who spoke on Tuesday during a meeting at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, said the jobs being handled by consultants were jobs meant for them.
They assured the governor that they were capable and willing to go about their duties with required efficiency, commitment and expertise.
One of them, who did not disclose his name, said, "We want you (Ambode) to discontinue the use of consultants so that we can do our jobs. We want to prove that we are also able and capable."
The civil servants also observed that their salaries did not meet the reality of working and living in Lagos.
They explained that during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, civil servants earned as much as their counterparts in the federal civil service and the private sector.
One of them specifically observed that the housing policy of the immediate past government was out of the reach of civil servants.
He said, "During Jakande's time, he built houses that common people, especially civil servants, could afford. When you build houses, construct markets, you have to ensure that the common people, who the facilities are meant for, are able to get them. Most of the ones done by the last administration did not get to the people who needed them."
Earlier, Ambode said he desired that the civil servants in the state take their jobs seriously, be efficient and punctual at work.
He added that there was no way the state could move forward without the support of the 128,000 civil servants in the state.
Ambode said, "The engine room for the growth and development of Lagos State is the civil service. I will accord you the respect that you deserve. I am ready to reward hard work, merit and professionalism.
"I like to resume at 8am. So, I decided to make my official residence the Lagos House, Ikeja, which means I can work till 12am and when I wake up by 7.15am and ask for the Permanent Sectary, she will answer me. You can come by 8:20am, but when your Permanent Secretary starts harassing you, be sure that it is from me."

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Indications have emerged that the President is likely to head the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in the emerging cabinet, rather than trust anyone else with the source of most of Nigeria's revenue, his associates said.
According to one of Buhari's long-standing associates who spoke on condition of anomymity, Nigeria's oil sector is so dirty that nobody's hands are clean enough to do the "surgical changes" needed. Another political associate said: "He will do it. It would be stupid to give that position to anyone else." According to the first source, Buhari has still not settled on his cabinet and has laughed off media speculation about figures he will appoint. Joking with friends as he read out a newspaper article that mentioned possible names: "They have picked my ministers for me. Have I even told you who I want?" "It's going to be a lean government, I doubt he'll have 42 ministries like Jonathan but he must have at least 36 (for the number of states) as prescribed by the constitution, though it does not specify whether they have to be senior or junior," an adviser in the ruling APC party told Reuters. The new administration had not yet gone through reports on Jonathan's handover notes on policy, the adviser said. "There is a huge body of proposals being bandied around the place," the advisor said, adding that Buhari plans to let the N60 billion a year amnesty programme end in December as scheduled to save money and it is unclear what he will fund in its place. He has also made it clear that he wants to revamp Nigeria's refining sector, which declined while the country became dependent on imports for fuel. "He's emotionally attached to the refineries because he built some of them. He wants them to start functioning again," the APC source said.‎

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said it had formally served the Senator-elect for Ogun East senatorial district, Buruji Kashamu, a notice by the United States government demanding his extradition for drug-trafficking offences.‎
The service was said to have been made on June 1, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015 with a copy made available to the Chief Judge, Federal High Court.
In a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA said the step was taken to show its respect for the law.
It read, "In an application made to the Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation is seeking the extradition of Buruji Kashamu to answer alleged drug trafficking charges. This is in line with the Extradition Act CAP, E25 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as modified by Extradition Act Modification Order, 2014). The notice of the suit was officially served on Kashamu by the NDLEA on June 1, 2015."
The statement further stated that members of House of Representatives, in a letter signed by the Chairman House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Jagaba Jagaba, commended the development after receiving a copy of the notice.
Jagaba was quoted as saying, "This action has sounded a warning that no longer shall any Nigerian be considered to be above the law, no matter how highly placed. It equally points to the fact that no matter how long it takes, the law would catch up with all that has a case to answer. The agency has shown that it can work without discrimination."
Kashamu's lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, could not be reached for confirmation of the service as calls made to his number indicated it was switched off.
Kashamu's media aide, Austin Oniyorkor, however, said the notice was not served on his boss, but was dropped in his office.
He said, "The triumphant announcement by the NDLEA that they have served Prince Kashamu with the extradition proceedings is not only laughable but false. He has not been served. Rather, a copy of the process was dropped in our office in Lagos yesterday (Monday). So, we shall deal with it in accordance with the law. In the mean time, the NDLEA should be warned to stay away because they have no role to play in the current proceedings. And if we should discover that they have usurped the functions of the Attorney-General of the Federation, we shall certainly make an issue of it."

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Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, arrested two housewives for ingesting about 2.635 kilogrammes of c•caine and hiding some quantity in their underwear and private part.
They were arrested by the operatives while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to China.
One of the suspects, Mrs. Alaka Deburah Uzoma, 47, was found with 1.180 kilogrammes of cocaine as she inserted 260 grammes of substance in her private part and also ingested 60 wraps weighing 920 grammes.
The second suspect, Mrs. Chukwujekwu Chinyere Priscilla, a 45 years old housewife, was caught with 1.455 kilogrammes of c•caine as she packed 59 wraps on her body, inserted one parcel  weighing 1.285 kilogrammes in her v»gina and ingested ten wraps weighing 170 grams.
Recounting her ordeal, Mrs. Chukwujekwu Chinyere Priscilla said she wanted to establish herself financially to take care of her children, stressing that was the major reason she got involved in smuggling drug.
"I am married to a soldier but he abandoned me ten years ago when he retired from the Army. I got married early because there was no money for me to further my studies after my primary education. ''Since then, my life has been sorrowful. I sell female clothes and shoes to take care of my children. I met a man at the market who promised to assist me in my business by making me an importer. This was how we began to talk on phone.
''He gives me recharge cards and money to sustain myself. It was the day I was to travel that he told me that I will take drugs to China. He took me to a hotel where I was given the drugs and six thousand dollars to buy my goods in China.
''I could only swallow ten wraps, so I forced some in my v»gina and packed others in my underwear."
The second suspects, Mrs. Alaka Deborah Uzoma, also said that her husband abandoned her with seven children.
"I sell female bags and shoes to sustain myself and my children. My husband left me in 2005 and since then, I have been facing several challenges. I took loan to travel to China and in the process, I incurred huge debt which compounded my problems.
"At a point, I had no money for food, school fees and even house rent. This was what made me to smuggle drugs. I swallowed 59 wraps of drugs all through the night because of 6,000 dollars.
''I also packed some in my underwear and one in my v»gina. It was a terrible experience. I feel so sad that I have to end up this way as a Christian," she lamented.
Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, said the suspects were desperate drug traffickers, having to ingest and insert drugs in their v»gina.
Mr. Umar said:  "These women are curiously desperate for ingesting drugs, packing some on their bodies and inserting in their v»gina."
Meanwhile, chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said the action of the women was disgraceful, adding that it was better they were caught in Nigeria instead of China where there was capital punishment for drug trafficking.
"It is good that the drugs were detected here by our officials because China has capital punishment for drug trafficking.
''This arrest has saved them from death and the country from embarrassment. Their action was utterly disgraceful because as mothers they ought to show good example for their children to emulate," Giade said.
He said the suspects would soon be charged to court for drug smuggling.

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Sepp Blatter is the focus of an FBI corruption investigation in the United States, American media reported Tuesday, shortly after his
shock resignation as president of FIFA.
The New York Times and ABC News reported the investigation, citing unnamed law enforcement officials and sources familiar with
the case, but gave no further details.
An FBI spokesman said the bureau was "making no comment" beyond last week's announcement by the Attorney General and FBI
director that FIFA was being investigated for corruption.
ABC News said Blatter was being investigated by the FBI and US prosecutors as part of the probe that led to last week's indictments.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced last Wednesday that the United States had indicted 14 FIFA executives and sports marketing executives accused is a $150 million bribery scheme.
Seven FIFA officials were arrested in a dawn swoop by Swiss police on a luxury five star hotel in Zurich ahead of the body's executive meeting, which saw Blatter briefly re-elected.
At the time, US prosecutors said the investigation was ongoing but would not be drawn on the possible charges against other senior FIFA figures and pointedly refused to answer questions about Blatter.

Yhemmie_blaq‎

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Carlo Ancelotti has turned down a chance to return to AC Milan as coach, reiterating that he needs to take a break from the game.
The 55 year old had revealed after being sacked by Real Madrid last week that he would be taking a 12 month sabbatical to recover from a back operation he will undergo in Canada this summer.
However, Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi nonetheless sent club CEO Adriano Galliani to Madrid for a series of meetings with Ancelotti, who spent eight seasons at the Giuseppe Meazza between 2001 and 2009.
Ancelotti admitted after the talks that the chances of him rejoining the Rossoneri were "50-50" but the former Italian international turned the job down on Tuesday.
Carlo Ancelotti has informed Milan that he will not be able to become the coach of the first-team squad for next season.
Despite Ancelotti's rejection, Milan are still expected to part company with current boss Filippo Inzaghi, who could only manage to lead the San Siro side to a 10th-placed finish in his first season in charge. 

Yhemmie_blaq‎

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Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has dropped Chibuzor Okonkwo and Kunle Odunlami from his list of players called up from the domestic
league ahead of this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.
Just eight out of the 26 initial invitees made the cut with goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi leading the charge alongside Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Chika Akas, Bright Onyedikachi, Solomon Kwambe, Gbolahan Salami and
Ikeckhukwu Gabriel.
According to Keshi, the retained players would be joined by the fifteen invited foreign pros for the final phase of preparations for Nigeria's opening 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna.
He also encouraged players who failed to make the cut to work harder towards getting an invite to the national team in the future.

Yhemmie_blaq‎

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Research has it that the phrase, "I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody",which was used by the President Muhammadu Buhari during his inauguration while giving his speech was actually lifted from a the lyrics of a song which was produced and sang by rock group War in 1960, in a song titled 'Out of Nowhere'. ‎
The phrase ended up being the headline quote of the President for the day and even after on many national dailies and other online news.
The song is off an album titled, Black Man's Burdon. The lines is actually on minute 1.06. You can search for the song and listen.

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THE Nigerian Government under the Grand Aid Assistance to the African continent, through the Japanese International Cooperation System (JICA) has entered into an agreement with the Japanese government, to construct 30 primary schools comprising 225 classroom blocks in Oyo State.‎
Mr. Kazunori Ogaguchi, the Project Manager of the scheme stated to journalists that the project has about $8.5m as a budget.
In his words, he said, 
"It is to everyone's knowledge that the major problem of basic education in Nigeria is access; getting all children to school, providing classrooms and other facilities".
The 225 classroom blocks according to ogaguchi would be completed within the space of 12 months. He further adding by saying the classrooms blocks would also be equipped with well trained teachers and well furnished with furniture.

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At least five persons have  been confirmed dead at Woji, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, after eating dog meat from a popular inn in the area.‎
The mysterious death has raised tension in the community as people have begun to question the tragic result that has followed the eating of dog meat alleged to have been cooked by one Friday Dickson, popularly called Etiaba.
It was gathered that Etiaba had been in the area for a long time, running an inn where he cooks only dog meat in Mini-Woji Road at Woji Town.
Mr Brain Ogbondah, a member of the community, revealed that five people who ate the dog meat prepared by Etiaba, among others, had been confirmed dead some hours after eating the dog meat.
He said the situation has mounted tension in the community, resulting in an emergency meeting by the council of chiefs and elders, with a view to locating other members of the community who also ate the dog meat.
He said the suspect fled the community after the five people were confirmed dead.

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