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Russian President Vladimir Putin said the levels of trust between Moscow and Washington have deteriorated since U.S. President Donald Trump took office. Asked about relations since Trump became president, according to a transcript of the interview released by the Kremlin on Wednesday: Putin said, “One could say that the level of trust on a working level, especially on the military level, has not improved, but rather has deteriorated.” Asked about accusations that Syria’s government launched a chemical weapons attack in Idlib province, Putin said that Damascus had given up its chemical weapons stocks. He said he believed there were two main explanations for the incident in Idlib province: that Syrian government air strikes had hit rebel chemical weapons stocks, releasing poisonous gas, or that the incident was a set-up designed to discredit the Syrian government. Trump’s administration accused Russia of trying to shield Syria’s government from blame for a deadly gas attack. ...

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov began a meeting with his US counterpart Rex Tillerson in Moscow with a warning -- do not strike the Syrian regime again. The two top diplomats are sitting down together in Moscow on Wednesday for what are expected to be painstaking talks, after a chemical attack in northwestern Syria plunged the old Cold War enemies to a new low. The two countries have traded barbs over last week's chemical attack, which killed 89 people, and prompted the US to carry out its first air strikes against the Syrian regime in the six-year conflict, taking out aircraft and infrastructure at a Syrian military air base. The White House on Tuesday accused Russia and Syria of carrying out a confusion campaign over who was responsible for the chemical attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made comparisons between the US response and its 2003 intervention in Iraq, calling it a "tedious" story. The deaths have been widely blamed on Syrian President Bas...

A whistle blower on Tuesday led the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to N4 billion suspected to be proceeds of corruption. The commission disclosed this in a message sent to the media on Tuesday evening. However, EFCC did not state where and how the latest discovery was made. It said investigations revealed that the money belonged to a former deputy governorship candidate in Niger State. “The suspect uses the names of two companies – Katah Property & Investment Limited, and Sadiq Air Travel Agency – in laundering the funds. “Each of the company has N2 billion fixed in its deposit account domiciled in Guaranty Trust Bank. “The suspected owner of the account and the account officer are currently on the run,” the commission said. The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the EFCC on Monday intercepted huge sums of money in various currencies totalling about N250 million at the popular Balogun market in Lagos. According to its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, the ...

The presidency on Tuesday gave the clearest indication yet that it would not succumb to the Senate and remove Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the anti-graft EFCC. The Senate recently refused to screen presidential nominees for the position of the resident electoral commissioners, saying it would not do so until Mr. Magu is removed as Acting EFCC Chairman. The Senate had twice rejected the president’s request to confirm Mr. Magu. But speaking at an interview on Tuesday night, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Mr. Magu enjoys the confidence of he and the president. “I’m fully in support of Magu as the EFCC Chairman just as the prgesident is…” Mr Osinbajo said. Speaking on the Senate rejection, the vice president said “it is up to the Senate to make their judgement. If our candidate is rejected, …, we can represent our candidate.” The Senate, while rejecting Mr. Magu the second time had said it would no longer consider him if his name is sent again by the president. But Mr. Osinbajo ga...

Dollar and Naira bills The Naira on Tuesday sustained its loss against the dollar at the parallel market. This was in spite of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s intervention at both the interbank market and Bureau De Change (BDC) window. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the naira on Tuesday afternoon exchange between N405 (buying rate) and N410 selling rate at the parallel market. NAN reports that it was weaker than N405 traded on Monday. Also, the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N490 and N430 respectively. At the BDC window, the Naira was sold at N362 to a dollar, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro traded at N500 and N428 respectively. Trading at the interbank market saw the Naira closed at N306.20 to the dollar. A currency trader told NAN that dollar had remained scarce in the market in spite of the injection of foreign exchange at the interbank market and the BDC window. Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, the President, Association of Bureau De C...

President Trump suggested on Tuesday that he could sweeten the terms of a trade agreement China if Beijing assists in solving the North Korea “problem” — but that the United States is prepared to move forward in the western Pacific without Chinese help. “I explained to the President of China that a trade deal with the U.S. will be far better for them if they solve the North Korean problem!” Trump tweeted early Tuesday, three days after hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. “North Korea is looking for trouble,” Trump wrote. “If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! U.S.A.” I explained to the President of China that a trade deal with the U.S. will be far better for them if they solve the North Korean problem! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2017 North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them...

WASHINGTON (AP) — In defending President Barack Obama's decision not to enforce his chemical weapons "red line" against Syria in 2013, Obama and other former officials repeatedly pointed to a U.S.-Russia agreement to remove Syrian stockpiles as proof that the president got results without resorting to a military response. While it's true that some 1,300 tons of Syria's declared chemical weapons and precursors were removed under the agreement, serious concerns always existed that not all such armaments or production facilities were declared and destroyed or otherwise made unusable. Those concerns, aired publicly and privately by United Nations and other officials almost since the deal was struck in September 2013 in Geneva, gained credence last week when President Donald Trump ordered missile strikes on a Syrian air base in retaliation for the most recent chemical weapons attack blamed on the Syrian government. Obama administration officials, starting with t...

As relations between the U.S. and Russia strained after the recent deadly chemical gas attack in Syria, a Russian lawmaker said Moscow will not fight Washington’s troops in Syria, Sputnik reported Monday. In retaliation to the deadly attack, President Donald Trump ordered missile strikes on a Syrian government-controlled air base Thursday — a move that upset Russia. Victor Ozerov, the head of the Russian Federation Council's defense committee, told Sputnik the Russian Aerospace Forces deployed in Syria are to support President Bashar Assad regime’s anti-terrorism efforts and not engage in military conflict with the U.S. "Russia is not going there to conduct armed activity with the US, our task there is to support the Syrian armed forces in the fight against terrorism," Ozerov told  the Russian news agency , adding, "we have a mandate to fulfill this very task." Ozerov also maintained that the deployment of Russia’s Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate to the...

Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing rehabilitation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, saying the exercise is going according to schedule. Addressing journalists in Abuja, shortly after inspecting the runway of the airport, Professor Osinbajo again affirmed that the airport would be reopened on April 19, 2017 The Vice President was accompanied on the tour, by officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The Managing Director of FAAN, Mr Saleh Dunoma, while explaining the design of the rehabilitation to the Vice President, noted that the work done so far, was already 80% complete. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport shut down its operations on March 18, 2017 for rehabilitation of its runway and the Kaduna International Airport has been serving as the alternative.

The Syrian president Bashar al-Assad who this week ordered the use of chemical weapons on innocent civilians in Syria, killing hundreds, with kids left to gasp for air while they died, has called U.S President Donald Trump's retaliatory attack on their military base today 'Irresponsible' and 'foolish'. Assad, backed heavily by Russian president Vladimir Putin and Iran, has turned his country into a war like zone as he uses his military to attack not just 'terrorists' but also rebels against his government and innocent civilians who live in rebel-held areas. "At 3.42am, the United States carried out a flagrant aggression with missiles against one of our airbases in the central region, killing six people and wounding a number of others, and causing significant damage," Assad's office said on Friday afternoon. "The airbase was almost completely destroyed - the runway, the fuel tanks and the air defences were all blown to pieces,...

The United States on Friday warned it was ready to hit Syria again after targeting an air base in a strike that infuriated Moscow and fuelled calls for a new diplomatic push to end the six-year war. US Ambassador Nikki Haley delivered the warning at an emergency session of the UN Security Council where Russia accused President Donald Trump’s administration of violating international law and waging an “act of aggression” against its ally Syria. “The United States took a very measured step last night,” Haley told the council. “We are prepared to do more, but we hope it will not be necessary.” Launched in retaliation for a chemical attack blamed on President Bashar al-Assad’s government, the missile strike marked the first direct US assault on his regime. Haley said the strike destroyed an airfield from which Washington believes Damascus launched the attack on rebel-held Khan Sheikhun, where 86 people including 27 children died this week. “We were fully justified in doing so,...

Children get treatment at a hospital after a suspected chemical gas attack in Idlib, Syria.Anadolu Agency In the Syrian town of Khan Sheikhun, site of an alleged chemical weapons attack, residents still mourning their dead on Friday welcomed US strikes as a way to pressure Damascus. “God bless Trump,” said Abu Ali, in his forties, hours after the US launched a barrage of cruise missiles at a Syrian government air base in the central Homs province. “God willing, these strikes will be a clear warning to (President) Bashar al-Assad, to tell him: Bashar, enough killing and injustice against these people,” he told AFP. The attack ordered by President Donald Trump was the first direct US military action against Syria’s government since the conflict began six years ago. It came after a devastating suspected chemical weapons attack on Khan Sheikhun on Tuesday that killed at least 86 people, among them 30 children, and left hundreds suffering symptoms including convuls...

“My fellow Americans: On Tuesday, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad launched a horrible chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians. Using a deadly nerve agent, Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women and children. It was a slow and brutal death for so many. Even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack. No child of God should ever suffer such horror. Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched. It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons. There can be no dispute that Syria used banned chemical weapons, violated its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and ignored the urging of the UN Security Council. Years of previous attempts at changing Assad’s behavior have all failed, and failed very dramatically. As a result, the refugee crisis continues to deepen and the region co...

A 26-year-old man could spend the next three years in jail if he is convicted for stealing 'Kpomo' worth N80,000. Adesanya Tobi, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lagos State for allegedly breaking into a shop and stealing » 44 pieces of 'Kpomo' (cow skin), valued at N80,000. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tobi broke into a shop owned by one Iyabo Yusuf located at Ijaye bus stop, Ojokoro area of the state on March 25, 2017, and stole the items she kept there. The police prosecutor, Eruada Victor told the court that the accused was arraigned on a two-count charge, adding that the offenses contravened sections 285 and 308 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, with Section 285 stipulating a three-year jail term upon conviction. Victor added that Tobi was caught by a vigilance group in the area, and tendered the iron rods and cutlass he allegedly used to damage the door of the shop » , as exhibits. When the charges were re...

President Donald Trump ordered a massive military strike on a Syrian air base Thursday, in retaliation for a “barbaric” chemical attack he blamed on President Bashar al-Assad. In a brief televised address delivered hours after the UN Security Council failed to agree on a probe into the apparent chemical attack, Trump confirmed the first American targeted strike against Assad’s regime. Declaring it in America’s “vital national security interest” to prevent the spread of deadly chemical weapons, Trump accused Assad of a “very barbaric attack” in which “even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered.” “Tonight I call on all civilized nations to join us in seeking to end this slaughter and bloodshed in Syria and also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types,” Trump said. Trump’s visceral reaction to the suspected sarin attack prompted a swift and massive response, with the US firing 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at the Shayrat Airfield at 8:40 pm Eastern Time (0040 GMT), according to...

North Korea’s hacking operations have expanded to more countries, including Nigeria, a report by a Russian cyber security firm, Kaspersky, has claimed. The cyber security firm said hackers backed by North Korea were targeting financial institutions in 18 countries, including Nigeria. According to a report on the hacking claims by the CNN, two international security experts believe North Korea is likely spending the stolen funds on its nuclear weapons programme. “Banks and security researchers have previously identified four similar cyber-heists attempted on financial institutions in Bangladesh, Ecuador, the Philippines and Vietnam,” the report read in part. “But researchers at Kaspersky now say the same hacking operation, known as ‘Lazarus’, also attacked financial institutions in Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Poland, Taiwan, Thailand and Uruguay.” Hackers were traced to North Korea after Kaspersky detected a mistake, an...

The love God has for every of His child can not be quantifiable, God our heavenly Father has an intention for us before he made us, just like every other manufacturer has an intention in mind before he begins to produce any product so also do God has such in mind. For example if you conceive producing yogurt drink. You will put all the required ingredient in it for it to taste good and not to be rejected by the consumers, this knowing fully well that it has like products to compete with in the market. You set up the required company and all needed to make it work. Also if for example, you breed dogs for business purposes, all that the animal will need to survive and be in good health in order for you to make all the money and time you have invested will be provided by you. Sometimes when you are a very rich, you won't mind to go hungry or borrow in order for the animal to eat. Because you know what investment you have put into it, If 90% of your animals are sick, you will of course...

As Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz's youngest son continues to grow up, mom and dad can't help but recognize his adorable and dare we say talented skills. While hanging out at the house Tuesday afternoon, Swizz decided to document his child's musical skills. As it turns out, two-year-old Genesis can drop a beat. And for those moms and dads out there who love to dress their kid in style, the two-piece outfit is less than $54 total. Not to be outdone, the couple's oldest son also appears to be taking after his parents in the music department. Back in December, Swizz documented the moment Egypt wrote his very first song. "Proud Dad Alert. Egy wrote his 1st song Super-boy," he wrote with video of his son at the piano. "Wait for the fancy fingers at the end. Kids you gotta love em #Dedication #hardwork EGY-Keys-Beatz." While both parents continue balancing work life and family time, Alicia recently shared some goals she has for her two boys. ...

Pope Francis on Wednesday delivered a strong appeal for a political solution to the war in Syria, condemning what he called “unacceptable carnage” perpetrated this week when an alleged chemical weapons attack killed over 70 people. “I firmly deplore the unacceptable carnage that took place yesterday in Idlib province, where scores of helpless people, including many children, were killed,” Francis said on Wednesday after his weekly general audience. At the moment, 72 deaths have been confirmed, with 20 children among the victims. The pontiff then called on the “consciences of those with political responsibility, both locally and internationally, to cease this tragedy and bring relief to that dear population which, for too long, has been exhausted by war.”   Francis also encouraged those bringing aid to victims of the conflict to press on, “even amid insecurity and discomfort.” It’s still unclear what happened in the rebel-held Syrian town Tuesday at dawn, with repo...

Angry Nigerians have trolled the Facebook page of the young man, Sodienye Mbatumukeke who ordered for iPhone 7 from Jumia and  later brutally killed the Jumia delivery man identified as Mr. Chukwuma Eleje.  It can be alleged that Sodienye and his and two other accomplices which includes one miss Joy Eluwa allegedly tied the deceased and dumped his body into a septic tank. A user who seemingly knows the suspect very well identified him as a barrister' son. The deceased Mr Chukwuma Eleje from Ozizza, Afikpo, Ebonyi state -was married with 4 kids before his untimely death

The entertainment industry was again hit by tragedy as  Nollywood actress, Modupe Oyekunle died during childbirth. The fast rising actress lost her life on  Tuesday  after giving birth.The baby who was her third child however survived. Playground disclosed the news of her death on their Instagram account. Popularly called Oyinbo because of her complexion, Modupe gave birth to her baby, before giving up the ghost. She played a prominent role of Sandra in Segun Ogungbe’s blockbuster movie, Ibi Giga, among other movies she has acted in. She was a  also member of Igi Aloye caucus in Abeokuta, which produced the likes of Odunlade Adekola.

Forbes, a website renowned for ranking of richest people in the world, has made available the list of richest people in Nigeria in 2017. In the latest release, 9 Nigerians made the billionaires club cut with some, just few million dollars away from reaching the benchmark. Below are top 10 richest men in Nigeria according to Forbes ranking 2017, ranging from the least to the top. 10. Oba Otudeko: Oba Otudeko is the Chairman and founder of the honeywell group. He is also the chairman of FBN Holdings Plc. His operations spread across oil and gas, flour mining, real estate, and marine transportation. Net Worth: $650 million. 9. Jim Oviah: Jim Oviah is the founder of Zenith Bank. He is the chairman and the largest shareholder with a stake of almost 10%  He also manages a mobile telecom Visafone which has over 3 million subscribers. Net Worth: $1 billion. 8. Orji Uzor Kalu: The former governor of Abia State. He is the founder and chairman of Slok Holding. A conglomerate wi...

The list of successful candidates in the aptitude test for the Direct Short Service Commission Course 24 of the Nigerian Navy has been released. In an official statement by Suleman Dahun, the Nigerian Navy has released the list of candidates who are successful in the aptitude test for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 24 held on December 17, 2016. The Navy spokesperson, disclosed that applicants are to check www.joinnigeriannavy.com  or www.navy.mil.ng  f http://naijjacelebrities.blogspot.com.ng/Nigerian Navy Result for their names. He said; “Successful candidates are to report at the Nigerian Navy Secondary School Ojo, Lagos State for further screening commencing from 10 April 2017. “The Exercise will involve the screening of academic certificates/credentials, medical test, physical fitness test, written and oral examinations." Dahun said successful candidate should come for the screening with various items including originals and p...