Once Upon A Time – August 3 – 2017 – Neymar Transfers From FC Barcelona To Paris Saint-Germain For World-Record Fee

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August 3, 2023

1492 Christopher Columbus with Juan de la Cosa second-in-command sets sail on his first voyage with three ships, Santa María, Pinta and Niña from Palos de la Frontera, Spain for the “Indies”

1596 David Fabricius discovers light variation of Mira (1st variable star)

1914 Germany invades Belgium and declares war on France, beginning World War I

1934 Adolf Hitler merges the offices of German Chancellor and President, declaring himself “Führer” (leader)

1972 US Senate ratifies the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with the Soviet Union to limit the use of missile systems capable of defending against missile-delivered nuclear weapons

Historical Events Today Events in 2023

Today in Film & TV

1995 CNN en Espanol premieres

Today in Music

2017 Camila Cabello releases her single “Havana” (biggest song worldwide 2018, 19 million copies sold)

Today in Sport

1936 American sprinter Jesse Owens wins the 100m (10.3 seconds) in front of Adolf Hitler in a famous race at the Berlin Olympics, first of 4 gold medals at the Games

1949 Basketball Association of America (BAA) & National Basketball League (NBL) merge to form National Basketball Association (NBA), Maurice Podoloff elected head of new league

2017 Brazilian soccer forward Neymar transfers from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record transfer fee of €222M on a 5-year deal

1527 First known letter sent from North America by John Rut while at St. John’s, Newfoundland

1909 MLB umpire Tim Hurst instigates a riot by spitting in the face of A’s 2nd baseman Eddie Collins who had questioned a call; 2 weeks later Hurst banned for life

Famous Weddings

1824 Inventor Charles Goodyear (23) weds Clarissa Beecher

1932 Austro-Hungarian-American theatre and film director Otto Preminger (26) weds Marion Mill

2000 British PM Gordon Brown (49) weds Sarah Jane Macaulay (36) in North Queensferry, Fife

Archimedes may have invented the elevator centuries ago, but Elisha Otis, born on this day, worked out how to make it safe – and the skyscraper was born. – August 3, 1811

He had broken three world records and equalled another, all in 45 minutes. Then, on this day, Jesse Owens made a mockery of Hitler’s belief in black inferiority – August 3, 1936

FAAN Suspends Airport Taxi Services in Abuja Airport

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 3, 2023

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) has suspended airport taxi services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The suspension, which is with immediate effect, according to FAAN was due to unresolved factional disputes amongst the car hire operators.

FAAN explained that the dispute has been affecting airport car hire service operations.

This was contained in a statement in Abuja on Thursday by the Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection of FAAN, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua.

FAAN Inaugurates Aviation Cargo Village In Lagos

The Authority advised airport users and passengers to use secured alternative means of transportation or e-hailing services in and out of the airport pending the resolution of the dispute.

The statement reads: “The FAAN wishes to inform the general public that the airport car hire service at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been suspended with immediate effect.

“This is as a result of the unresolved factional dispute amongst the car hire operators which has been affecting airport car hire service operations.

“Consequent upon this suspension, FAAN Management advises the general public and all airport users, particularly our esteemed passengers to use secured alternative means of transportation or E-hailing services in and out of the airport.

“The Management of FAAN regrets any inconvenience this necessary suspension may cause our esteemed passengers, airport users, and the general public”.

FAAN however stated that normal car hire services will resume as soon as their differences are resolved.

Former NUC Head Tackles FG Over Poor Implementation Of Free Education

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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August 3, 2023

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A former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Julius Okojie has criticized the federal and state governments over lack of effective and faithful implementation of free education in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme.

He insisted that both primary and secondary levels of education in the country must make education free and compulsory in letters and in action, adding that it is disheartening to hear that some pupils still learn under trees in some parts of the country.

He made the statement in Abuja at the launch of the Thomas Agnes Christianah Okojie (TACO) Charity Foundation, named after his parents and wife, noting that parents are still paying outrageous fees in private schools, while public schools continue to increase charges on a daily basis.

The event also featured the inaugural edition of the Julius Okojie lecture series titled The Future of the Nation’s University System.

He said that Nigerian leaders owe every Nigerian child free primary and secondary education to enable them to occupy their spaces in daily life.

He said students learning under the tree would eventually be half-baked, which according to him is not good for the country’s growth and development.

He said basic and secondary education systems have not been made free because of lack of appropriate structure.

He added that proffering solutions to some of these needs are what propelled him to do more for children in this regard.

The guest speaker, Desireé Guobadia, in her presentation called for reconsideration of Higher School Certificate (HSC) programmes in the country, saying the maturity that HSC gave was missing in the integration of students into higher institutions today.

She said that the certificate would provide the much-needed training platforms for students to mature.

She also said that the numbers of higher institutions in the country today is insufficient to cater for the admission needs of Nigerians.

Leaked Documents Allege Plans For Military Intervention In Niger

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faith Jegede

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August 3, 2023

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9 days after men of the presidential guard took power from the democratically elected government in the Niger republic and after several days of protests and disruptions, investigative journalist David Hundeyin is up on the trends list after posting what many think is evidence that Nigeria under president Bola Tinubu is preparing to attack Niger republic

The tweet read: “Our worst fears seem like they’re coming true.The drug pusher actually intends to attack Niger Republic, and the Nigerian military is currently being mobilised to Sokoto in the northwest, to launch an air offensive on Niger.”

Prior to this, Nigerians have debated back and forth the pros and cons of Nigeria getting involved in the instability brewing in the country, with the cons usually taking the lead.

Ekiti Varsity Don Seeks Swift Passage Of Anatomy Act

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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August 3, 2023

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A former Head of Anatomy department in Ekiti State University (EKSU) Ado-Ekiti, Adebanji Akingbade has called for the swift passage of the Anatomy Act by the National Assembly for it to be practiced across universities in the country.

Akingbade, who disclosed that the legislation which has reached second reading in the House of Representatives when passed and assented to by the president, would aid academic research in the field of anatomy in the institutions.

He said this during the third annual seminar and award ceremony of the Department of Anatomy in EKSU tagged, Anatomy Education and Research in Nigeria : Current trends, challenges and future directions ‘ under the leadership of the president, Michael Jokotoye .

He tasked the Federal Government and the lawmakers to ensure the bill is passed and assented to as soon as possible to guarantee effective practice of anatomy in all universities across the states.

He noted that anatomical education should be embraced by all, adding that it was a science that helped in tackling prevalent health challenges in the society.

Akingbade, who received an award of excellence during the event, revealed that the first set of graduating students of Anatomy department in EKSU is currently under the scheme of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across the country.

He said that the seminar was the third in the history of the university, with the aim of sensitising and re-educate the students about the prospects of Anatomy in Nigeria.

The dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Awoyinka Olayinka advised the students not to be intimidated, but to rather exhibit the act of professionalism in their endeavours.

On his part, the Provost, College of Medicine, James Bamidele who was represented by Olatunde Oseni, charged the students not to be deterred in facing challenges in life.

Borno to Vaccinate 2.5M Children Against Polio

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Cleopatra Okohai

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August 3, 2023

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The Borno State Government, in partnership with the World Health Organisation, has flagged off polio vaccination, targeting 2,506,233 children across the state.

The Outbreak Response Vaccination Campaign is targeted at children 0-59 months across 26 local government areas of the state.

The Executive Director of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Professor Mohammed Alhaji, revealed that the polio programme in the state was able to interrupt the transmission of the Circulating variant Polio Virus (cVP2).

“It has been 13 months without a case of cVP2 in Borno State. We will continue to work as a team to sustain polio-free status,” he added.

Prof. Alhaji decried the current low level of routine immunisation carried out in the state, noting that it made the children highly vulnerable to polio.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Coordinator, WHO, Dr. Ibrahim Salisu, thanked the state government for its strong leadership and commitment, and for giving health the topmost priority.

He said the current immunisation campaign was aimed at eliminating the risk of transmission of all forms of the polio virus and to boost immunisation coverage in the state

“Our partnership with the Borno State government, and relevant stakeholders, has resulted in a successful planning and deployment of necessary resources for the campaign to commence,” Salisu said.

UNILAG Appoints Acting Registrar

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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August 3, 2023

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The University of Lagos has appointed Esther Makinde as the university’s acting Registrar

Makinde’s appointment followed the expiration of the tenure of the immediate past Registrar, Ismaila Oladejo, on July 31, 2023.

A statement issued by the institution which was made available to the press said Makinde’s appointment was with immediate effect.

It said there has been a leadership transition in the Registry of the University of Lagos with the end of the five-year tenure of Ismaila Oladejo Azeez, on July 31, 2023.

He was appointed Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council of the University of Lagos on June 28, 2018, and served the university meritoriously.

Olakunle Esther Makinde is a seasoned administrator whose record of exemplary service spans various sections of the Registry.

The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of Management, Staff, and Students, congratulates Olakunle Esther Makinde and wishes her a successful tenure of office.

Liberia National Road Fund Launches Internship For STEM Students

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Nzubechukwu Anodo

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August 3, 2023

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The National Road Fund of Liberia has officially launched the Mentoring and Internship Program for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) students in Monrovia.

The program aimed to provide valuable diligence exposure and hands-on experience to aspiring students in STEAM fields.

It is also designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice for students pursuing STEAM discipline which offers an exceptional opportunity for students to gain practical insights, develop their skills, and contribute to the real world.

The Manager of the National Road Fund of Liberia, Joseta Neufville-Wento said the Mentoring aspect will focus on selected students who will be assigned a dedicated mentor from experienced professionals that will provide guidance, support, and career advice throughout the program duration.

She spoke during a press conference at the entity’s headquarters in Monrovia.

She said that the Hands-on Experience students will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects, applying their theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios which will foster critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills.

She noted that the program will include various skill-building activities, workshops, and training sessions to enhance students’ technical and professional competencies where they will be evaluated at each level of the program.

She said during the program, students will have the chance to interact with professionals from diverse backgrounds that will help build valuable connections and expand their professional network.

She added that the mentoring and internship program will span three (3) months and is open to students currently enrolled in accredited STEAM-related programs at recognized institutions.

She encouraged all parents whose child/children desire to study in such field to utilize the opportunity at hand as she believes that the country will shortly be a technological place which they as STEAM students will sharply and highly be considered.

She spoke during a press conference on Monday, July 31, 2023, at the entity’s headquarters in Monrovia.

LOAN SHARKS: FG Orders Removal of 18 More Apps

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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August 3, 2023

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has ordered Google Limited Liability Company (LLC) to remove the applications (apps) of additional 18 Digital Money Lenders (DMLs) that have not received relevant regulatory approvals, from its Playstore.

Some DMLs, popularly called loan sharks in Nigeria, have gained some notoriety due to their operational model which bordered on sharp practices, customer intimidation and unconventional loan recovery method.

Federal Govt Delists Loan Apps, Vows More Clampdowns

The DMLs are Getloan, Joy Cash-Loan Up to 1,000,000, Camelloan, Cashlawn, Nairaloan, Eaglecash, Moneytreefinance Made Easy, Luckyloan Personal Loan, Cashme, Easynaira, Swiftcash, Crediting, Swiftkash, Hen Credit loan, Nut loan, Cash door, Cashpal and Nairaeasy gist loan.

The competition regulatory body disclosed this in a statement signed by its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, which noted that the apps were not among those delisted on July 20th, 2023.

According to the statement, “The Commission, as part of its continuing investigation and audit, has identified additional apps operating on the Google Playstore without regulatory approval or in violation of the Limited Interim Regulatory/Registration Framework and Guidelines for Digital Lending, 2022 (Guidelines).

“Accordingly, the Commission has entered a further order requiring Google to immediately remove, withdraw or drawdown the following apps.

“The Commission will continue engaging Google to clarify how and why apps that have not received relevant regulatory approvals are available on Google’s platform (Play store).

“Under the Guidelines, only DMLs that have been subjected to regulatory scrutiny and compliance evidenced by written approval from the Commission are allowed on Playstore.

“The Commission notes that some DMLs have resorted to the use of Android Package Kits (APK) file formats to reach consumers outside of the Google Playstore.

“This appears to be a device by some of these DMLs to evade or avoid regulatory compliance.

Ganduje’s Remarks as National Chairman Of The All Progressives Congress (APC) (Full Text)

By

Mana Balagbogbo

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August 3, 2023

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Let me start by expressing my sincere gratitude to Almighty GOD Who has pleased to make me the honour and privilege to lead this great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). I am, indeed, most humbled.

May I also warmly appreciate the leader of our party, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju and Jagaban of Borgu for his continued support and commitment to the ideals of our great party.

I would also like to specially acknowledge the contributions of His Excellency the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House Representatives, Hon. Tajuddeen Abbas, leadership and Caucus of the National Assembly, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, members of the National Working Committee of our party, party Elders and members of the Caucus.

Let me also thank the Progressive Governor’s Forum and all key stakeholders of our party for their dedication, diligence and strategic role in the development of our party.

With boundless gratitude for the confidence placed in me by leaders and members of our party, and with an unswerving resolve to honour that trust, I humbly accept my appointment as the Chairman of our party, the APC.

I am deeply touched and inspired by the generous words of congratulations and encouragement I have been receiving and wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to all the leaders and members for their strong support.

Our main focus will be promoting party unity and defending and increasing the number of executive and legislative seats we currently hold. Under my watch, internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to engage in wider consultations and make the party functional throughout the year.

More reforms will be carried out in the party in alignment with the current political landscape. We all agreed that we must unite our members to achieve support for our government to respond adequately, urgently and assertively” to the challenges that Nigerians confront on a daily basis.

The challenges include unemployment, poverty, insecurity, social cohesion and the rising cost of living.

I want to make a special appeal to Nigerians to bear with the President at this trying moment, considering that the country’s economy had been in shambles for years. I believe the policies and programmes to be unveiled by Mr President when his administration fully takes shape will surely turn around things for the better.

Our party must remain rooted among the people, must demonstrate a willingness to serve and make sacrifices, and must be willing to acknowledge and address our weaknesses.

It’s a huge privilege and an honour and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for my party and my country.

We will ensure a level playing field for all party members that want to contest elections under the party’s platform. Our primary elections would be free, transparent and fair.

Let me also use this opportunity to call on members of our party and all the people of Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to close ranks and ensure that the APC wins in the forthcoming governorship elections.

Finally, while accepting this responsibility, I count on your support to help me deliver it the best way I can.

God bless you all.