President Muhammadu Buhari said his Government will borrow an additional N5.01 trillion in 2022 to enable the his Government execute its N16.39 Trillion budget.

The President made this known today during the presentation of the budget to the National Assembly in Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari described the budget as Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability.

Capital expenditure will gobble N5.35T and debt service N3.61T.

Total recurrent expenditure will be N6.83T, out of which personnel cost will consume N4.11T.

Total revenue expected is N10.13T.

Oil revenue will be a third of it as it is estimated at N3.16T. Non oil taxes will be N2.13T and Federal Government revenue from its MDAs will be N1.82T.

President Buhari said the oil benchmark for 2022 has been put at $57 and daily production at 1.88 million barrels, including condensates.

Government expects exchange rate to be stable at N410.15 to US Dollar and inflation to be kept at 13 percent.

Buhari tried to allay the fears of critics of borrowing by government.

He said the loans were within what Nigeria could afford and that the crisis the nation faces is ‘revenue challenge’, so that it can sustain repayment of the loans.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/07/10/2021/president-muhammadu-buhari-to-borrow-n5-01trillion-to-implement-2022-budget/

The Nigeria Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will depart Abuja today (Thursday) for London, the United Kingdom where he is billed to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at a United Nations High-Level event on the Energy Transition in Africa agenda with a special focus on Nigeria.

The event holding tomorrow (Friday) at the Imperial College will feature meetings organized by United Nations Energy ahead of the United Nations Climate Conference COP26 which would be hosted by the United Kingdom in Glasgow, Scotland.

Professor Yemi Osinbajo will also hold talks with the President Designate of COP26, Mr Alok Sharma, a cabinet rank United Kingdom Minister and the Chair of the UK Government’s COP26 Energy Transition Council (ETC), discussing issues regarding the 2050 global Net-Zero emissions target and the need for the international community to align on the key elements of a just and equitable transition for all. The meeting holds at Whitehall.

The Vice President will also deliver an address at the Imperial College London, where he is billed to interact with the academic community on the global energy transition and Nigeria’s position on a just transition. Imperial College is at the forefront of research on generating a new understanding of the investment opportunity in renewable energy, clean technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Read Full Article Here>>>>>https://optimistchannel.com/07/10/2021/vp-yemi-osinbajo-to-represents-president-muhammadu-buhari-united-nations-meeting-in-london/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday formally laid the N16.39 trillion budget expenditure for 2022 fiscal year tagged: ‘Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability’ before the joint session of the National Assembly.

The N16.39 trillion budget estimates which was predicated on the key parameters and fiscal assumptions encapsulated in the 2022 – 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper passed by the National Assembly, include total federally-collectible revenue estimated at N17.70 trillion.

These include: conservative oil price benchmark of $57 per barrel; 1.88mbpd oil production (inclusive of Condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day); N410.15/$ exchange rate; 4.2 percent projected GDP growth rate and 13 percent inflation rate.

According to him, the total federally distributable revenue was estimated at N12.72 trillion while total revenue available to fund the 2022 federal budget is estimated at N10.13 trillion. This includes Grants and Aid of N63.38 billion, as well as the revenues of 63 Government-Owned Enterprises.

The oil revenue is projected at N3.16 trillion, Non-oil taxes are estimated at N2.13 trillion and FGN Independent revenues are projected to be N1.82 trillion.

The proposed expenditure for 2022 fiscal year comprises N768.28 billion as Statutory Transfers; N6.83 trillion Non-debt Recurrent Costs; N4.11 trillion as Personnel Costs; N577 billion for Pensions, Gratuities and Retirees’ Benefits; N792.39 billion for Overheads; N5.35 trillion for Capital Expenditure including the capital component of Statutory Transfers; N3.61 trillion for Debt Service and N292.71 billion for Sinking Fund to retire certain maturing bonds.

In his address, President Buhari assured that the administration will prioritize defence and internal security, while continuing to ensure that our gallant men and women in the armed forces, police and paramilitary units are properly equipped, remunerated and well-motivated as well as distribute resources fairly and reach vulnerable groups of our society.

On the 2022 fiscal balance, Federal Government projected N6.26 trillion representing 3.39 percent of estimated GDP, slightly above the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

According to him, Federal Government planned to “finance the deficit mainly by new borrowings totalling N5.01 trillion, N90.73 billion from Privatization Proceeds and N1.16 trillion drawdowns on loans secured for specific development projects.”

Mr President also unveiled the administration’s plan to review the policy effectiveness of tax waivers and concessions; boost customs revenue through the e-Customs and Single Window initiatives; and safeguard revenues from the oil and gas sector.

While acknowledging that Nigeria has witnessed two economic recessions within the period of this Administration, he argued that the country “had to spend our way out of recession, which necessitated a resort to growing the public debt. It is unlikely that our recovery from each of the two recessions would have grown as fast without the sustained government expenditure funded by debt.”

He assured that the loans will be used to finance critical development projects and programmes aimed at improving our economic environment and ensuring effective delivery of public services to our people, including: completion of major road and rail projects; effective implementation of Power sector projects; provision of potable water; construction of irrigation infrastructure and dams across the country; and critical health projects such as the strengthening of national emergency medical services and ambulance system, procurement of vaccines, polio eradication and upgrading Primary Health Care Centres across the six geopolitical zones.

He also expressed Federal Government’s medium-term plan to grow our Revenue-to-GDP ratio from about 8 percent currently to 15 percent by 2025, adding that at that level of revenues, the Debt-Service-to-Revenue ratio will cease to be worrying.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/07/10/2021/president-mohammadu-buhari-presents-n16-39trillion-appropriation-bill/

Police have charged a Brazilian footballer with attempted murder after he kicked a referee in the head.

Sao Paulo de Rio Grande’s William Ribeiro was playing in the second division against Guarani de Venancio when he attacked referee Rodrigo Crivellaro.

After a decision went against him, Ribeiro forced the official to the ground before savagely booting him in the head.

He had to be restrained by fellow players as the game was suspended and armed police arrived to arrest him.

Crivellaro was knocked unconscious and is thought to have suffered injuries to both his head and spine during the unsavoury attack.

After being discharged from hospital on Tuesday morning, he told reporters he has no recollection of the incident.

Sao Paulo de Rio Grande have immediately terminated Ribeiro's contract, labelling it one of the "saddest episodes in their history" and "unfortunate, regrettable and above all revolting".

President Delvid Goulart Pereira, speaking on their 123rd anniversary as a club said: "We are sorry and deeply ashamed.

"We send all the apologies in the world to the referee and his family as well as apologising to the public in general for the lamentable scene seen today."

A magistrate later confirmed that Ribeiro had been charged with attempted murder, which carries a maximum sentence in Brazil of 30 years in prison.

But it is not yet known if he will be released on bail or remain behind bars until his trial.
Read Full Article Here>>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/06/10/2021/footballer-charged-with-attempted-murder-after-kicking-ref-in-head/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said Nigeria is ready to extend a helping hand to South Sudan towards the political and economic stability of the country.
President Buhari made the promise in Addis Ababa during a bilateral meeting with President Salva Kiir of South Sudan.

Buhari further assured the full support of Nigeria to put all efforts into bringing long-term stability and prosperity to the entire continent.

‘‘Nigeria will contribute its quota as much as possible to the development of South Sudan. Take us into confidence and ask us what we can do,’’ Buhari told the South Sudanese leader.

He stressed that the need for cooperation among developing countries, the Nigerian leader said with investments in education, improved economy, and healthcare, things will surely improve.
On the situation in Guinea and Mali, President Buhari reiterated that African leaders must support efforts geared towards the return of democracy in the countries.

The President expressed concern that as long as Libya remained unstable, the proliferation of arms and the problems in the Sahel would continue.

In his remarks, President Kiir, who acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, appreciated the country’s effort in the liberation struggle of South Sudan.

He also commended the First Lady of Nigeria for assisting in the education of many South Sudanese girls in the country.
Read Full Article Here>>>>>https://optimistchannel.com/05/10/2021/president-buhari-pledges-to-help-south-sudan-overcome-economic-challenges/

Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg has apologised for the “disruption” caused after its social media services went down for almost six hours  impacting more than 3.5bn users worldwide.

The billionaire apologies after an internal technical issue took Facebook, Messenger, Whatsapp and Instagram offline at about 16:00 GMT on Monday.

The scramble to bring it back online eventually succeeded at around 22:00.

But it is likely to increase scrutiny of the social media giant’s reach.

For hours, potentially billions of people found themselves without the social media tools they relied upon to keep in touch with friends and family. Others reportedly found they could not access services which required a Facebook login.

Read More News>>>>Facebook announces winners of 2021 Community Accelerator Program in Africa

Meanwhile, businesses around the world, which use social media to connect with customers, were faced with the prospect of an unexpected financial hit.

Mark Zuckerberg himself was thought to have lost an estimated $6bn (£4.4bn) from his personal fortune at one point as Facebook shares plummeted, according to the business website Fortune’s tracking software.

Down detector, which tracks outages, said some 10.6 million problems were reported around the world – the largest number it had ever recorded.

Facebook down: What went wrong?

Users flood Twitter with jibes

Facebook whistleblower reveals identity

Facebook later said it had been brought offline by a faulty configuration change which not only impacted the websites and apps, but also affected the company’s internal tools.

Those tools included Facebook’s internal email and even employee work passes.

Some reports suggest that Facebook headquarters was in “meltdown”. Even “the people trying to figure out what this problem was” couldn’t access the building, New York Times technology reporter Sheera Frenkel told the BBC.

The New York Times reports that the problem was eventually resolved after a group managed to get into a California data centre and reset the servers. The company has not confirmed this.

Facebook has said it is working to understand what happened so it can “make our infrastructure more resilient”. Tech experts have described the issue as being akin to the social media giant falling off the internet’s map, so it could not be found.

The company said there was “no evidence that user data was compromised”.

The outage comes at a particularly difficult time for the company, which is finding itself increasingly under pressure over its reach and impact on society.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/05/10/2021/zuckerberg-loses-7-billion-hours-after-facebook-whatsapp-and-instagram-crashed/

Reference is made to Chief Staff officer [Operations] memorandum 110/20 dated 22/01/20

This Headquarters has noted with concern the proliferation of photos and videos on social media platforms where police officers are openly seen denigrating the Government, uttering political statements and improperly dressed with some female officers posting sexually seductive photos and videos in full Zimbabwe Republic Police uniform .

This conduct is tarnishing the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s image and is contrary to the dictates of the disciplinary code as espoused in the Police Act, Chapter 11:10.

Commanders are implored to immediately identify such members and take decisive action which includes disciplinary trials and boards of inquiry (suitability).
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/04/10/2021/zimbabwe-police-officers-banned-from-using-social-media-platforms/

TikTok — the global platform for creating and sharing short-form videos — has reached a global milestone by building a community of one billion people who use the app.

A notification issued on Monday said: "At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. Today, we are celebrating that mission and our global TikTok community that has reached one billion people worldwide."

The video-sharing platform said: "We are honoured to be a home for our immensely diverse community of families, small businesses, and creators who transform into our favorite stars."

TikTok has become a part of life for people around the world because of the "creativity and authenticity of our creators."

The announcement further added that TikTok's global community is remarkable in its ability to reach millions of people across generations.

Earlier this month, TikTok had launched a localised Urdu version of its safety centre in Pakistan.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/04/10/2021/tiktok-becomes-home-to-one-billion-users/

Instant messaging platform WhatsApp has announced the business directory to quickly find local businesses within WhatsApp, WABetainfo reported Wednesday.

“This feature may not be available to you right now, but it will be rolled out for more people later,” WABetainfo wrote.
In order to bolster e-commerce on its services, a new test has been rolled out which allows users to find shops and services through a directory in the app.

“This could be...the primary way that people start a commerce process in WhatsApp,” Matt Idema, Facebook’s vice president of business messaging, said in an interview with Reuters this week.

WhatsApp, unlike Facebook and Instagram, does not run ads in its app. Idema said previously businesses were promoting their WhatsApp numbers on packaging or websites or using Facebook ads to bring users into chats on WhatsApp.

The messaging service has increasingly courted business users, with a specialised app for small firms and an API, or type of software interface, for larger businesses to connect their systems, which generates revenue.

As online retail has continued to boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, Facebook has pushed in-app shopping features across its apps. In June, Zuckerberg announced Facebook’s Shops feature would expand to WhatsApp in several countries. In recent years, WhatsApp also has also launched shopping tools like product catalogues and shopping carts.

WhatsApp said the new test would include thousands of businesses in categories like food, retail and local services across certain São Paulo neighbourhoods. Idema said India and Indonesia were good next candidates to expand the feature.

The company, which has faced user backlash amid confusion over privacy updates and was fined by the Irish data protection regulator over privacy breaches, said it will not know or store the location of people’s search or results through the new directory feature.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/04/10/2021/whatsapp-issued-out-new-business-directory-to-promote-e-commerce/

This season was packed with a lot of shocking twists, pranks and unexpected turns. One of which was Emmanuel and Liquorose’s secured position as top 5 finalists. The duo popularly referred to as ‘Emmarose’, were saved from last week’s eviction after Emmanuel won ultimate veto power. He made Liquorose head of house with Cross as the deputy.

Liquorose established herself as a top contender from the beginning of this season’s show. Emmanuel on the other hand, appeared to have struggled for weeks before he found his footing. Some fans connect his growth on the show to his relationship with Liquorose.

Emmanuel and Liquorose first set their eyes on each other at the beginning of the show. Their connection garnered mixed reactions from fans watching. Many were of the impression that the ship would soon sink. Although they weren’t a terrible match, fans seemed to be worried about Liquorose growing more attached than he would.

Other housemates also spent their time analyzing the various ships that developed throughout the course of the show. When it came to Liquor and Emmanuel’s relationship, some came to the conclusion that Emmanuel was an unrepentant flirt and Liquorose would end up hurt eventually.

We have seen different relationships form on the show with each person scared to define the relationship or properly state their intentions. Emmarose was no different. They mentioned enjoying each other’s company as their only reason for being together and nothing serious. But when Liquorose was mandated by Big Brother to avoid Emmanuel, we got to see how much he truly cared about her.

Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/02/10/2021/how-liquorose-and-emmanuel-became-the-last-survivalist-in-the-bbnaija-house/

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D, has condemned the ‘reckless’ closure of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State by the Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede-led management and demanded as a matter of urgency and necessity the re-opening of the institution for students to continue their examinations.

The NANS Zone D also threatened to call for the removal of the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede even as it disclosed that its Zonal leadership will relocate its secretariat to the University campus gate until the VC reverses the decision.
They also called on the students of the university and all student union bodied across the South West to mobilise in numbers for a showdown on Saturday until the management rescinds its decision, adding that it shall be calling for the removal of the University Vice-Chancellor at that spot and they shall be mobilised in their numbers.
In a press statement signed by the duo of Kowe Odunayo Amos, Coordinator, NANS Zone D and Giwa Yisa Temitope, Secretary-General, NANS Zone D, they described the directive by the institution management to close down the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State as extremely infantile and primitive.

This is even as it demanded an immediate reversal of the decision by the management to close the institution which it claimed was draconian, hasty and unnecessary.


While describing the decision by the management to close down the institution as expected, NANS expressed disappointment at the institution’s management for doing it in response to students’ agitation over the death of Adesina Omowumi Aishat, a Part 4 student of the Department of Foreign Languages who died as a result of negligence by health workers at the University Health Centre.

According to the press statement, “As an association, we find it appalling that the University management could go to the extent of twisting the narrative by saying that she was adequately treated. Meanwhile, reverse was the case.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/02/10/2021/oau-shutdown-nans-threatens-mass-protest-request-vice-chancellors-removal/

The presidents of France, Germany, India and Saudi Arabia have congratulated Nigeria for attaining 61 years of independence. 

This was contained in separate statements they sent to President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday. 

French President Emmanuel Macron, in his felicitation message, said he had personal attachment with Nigeria, and called for a strengthened France, Nigeria relationship on all fronts. 

In a telephone chat initiated by the outgoing German Chancellor, Angela Merkel with Buhari, she wished him greater successes in the challenging task of leading Nigeria and her about 200 million people.
Read Full Article Here>>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/01/10/2021/france-germany-india-and-saudi-arabia-congratulate-nigeria-at-61/

Mamady Doumbouya a special force colonel who led a coup in the West African state of Guinea on September, will be sworn in as interim president on Friday, the authorities say.

Doumbouya will be sworn in at noon (1200 GMT) at the Mohammed V conference centre in the capital Conakry, a communique read late Wednesday on national television said.

He will become transitional president, serving before the country returns to civilian rule, according to a blueprint unveiled by the junta on Monday that does not mention a timeline.

The September 5 coup, the latest bout of turbulence in one of Africa’s most volatile countries, saw the overthrow of 83-year-old president Alpha Conde.

Alpha Conde became Guinea’s first democratically elected president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/30/09/2021/guinea-junta-leader-to-be-sworn-in-as-president/

Federal lawmaker representing Irewole/ Isokan/ Ayedaade federal constituency in Osun State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Taiwo Oluga has described the governor of the state, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola as a rare gem and a blessing to the people of the state, just as she congratulate the governor on his 67th birthday anniversary.

Oluga in a congratulatory message issued and personally signed, copies of which made available to the newsmen in Osogbo, rejoiced with the people of the state for having Oyetola as the governor, saying he is uncommon gift from God to the people of the state.

The lawmaker saluted the relentless efforts of the governor in moving the state to higher pedestra in the comity of states in Nigeria, adding that the state has witnessed tremendous development under the watch of governor Oyetola.

Hon. Oluga added that kudos should be given to governor Oyetola for the prudent management of the state resources even during this tight period of crunched economy.

She prayed for long life in good health and more wisdom for the governor to continue the good work he has started in the state.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/29/09/2021/youre-a-gift-to-osun-state-people-oluga-commend-governor-oyetola-67/

Youri Tielemans has not yet committed his long-term future to Leicester City.

Youri Tielemans is only contracted with the team until the end of the 2022-23 season.

Leicester City may consider selling their FA Cup final hero at the end of this season if they cannot strike a new deal.

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are knocking around for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, reports The Athletic.

The 24-year-old Belgium international publicly said he is "keeping his options open" as he negotiates a new Leicester deal.

Barcelona and Madrid would be interested in Tielemans, who has also been linked with Liverpool, should he become available next off-season.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/29/09/2021/barcelona-and-real-madrid-interested-in-leicester-city-player/

Accra has won the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Book Capital for the year 2023. This was contained in a press release by the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay on 22nd September 2021.

Accra will therefore host the title from 23rd April 2023, which is celebrated globally as the World Book and Copyright Day, to 22nd April 2024.

Accra’s bid for the 2023 title was chosen by UNESCO, ahead of those of other cities including Budapest (Hungary), Jakarta (Indonesia), Constanta (Romania), and Saint-Marc (Haiti). Thus, Accra becomes the 23rd city to hold the title, coming after Guadalajara (Mexico) in 2022.

Currently, the title is held by Tbilisi (Georgia), whose tenure started on 23rd April 2021 and will end on 22nd April 2022. The statement from UNESCO stated that Accra’s bid was selected for its strong focus on young people and their potential to contribute to the culture and wealth of Ghana.
Every year since 2001, UNESCO awards the World Book Capital title to a designated city. The bid for the title is highly competitive.

In addition to being prestigious, the title is used to promote the domestic book industry, libraries, books, reading, creating awareness on literacy issues, and a lively book culture. The title is also used to promote tourism and the cultural heritage of the city. Winning the title is therefore an important symbolic acknowledgment of the city and the country as a whole.

The winning city must demonstrate the progress it has made in advancing book publishing, promotion of the UNESCO Agreement on the Importation of Educational, Scientific and Cultural Materials (Florence Agreement), and access to information among others.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/29/09/2021/accra-wins-unesco-world-book-capital-for-2023/

The European Union and China must continue engaging on a number of issues despite differences, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in a video call on Tuesday, according to an EUROPEAN UNION statement.

"The High Representative noted that while disagreements still persisted, the European Union and China needed to continue engaging intensively in a number of important areas," the European Union said, adding Borrell underscored the inclusive and cooperative character of Europe's Indo-Pacific strategy.

The European union is taking a softer stance on China, one of its most important trade partners, than the United States which has struck a new security deal (AUKUS) with Britain and Australia that is widely seen as designed to counter China's growing assertiveness in the Pacific.

But critics said the agreement undercut U.S. President Joe Biden's broader effort to rally allies such as France to that cause after Australia ditched a submarine deal with Paris to buy U.S. submarines, infuriating France.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/28/09/2021/europe-and-china-must-settled-there-disagreements-european-union-says/

The Royal Jordanian Airlines will resume flights to Syria after a nine years of not working.

Jordan's national airline made the announcement on Tuesday that it would fly to the war-torn country starting Oct. 3. The nation said on Monday that it would fully reopen Jaber the main crossing between Jordan and Syria on Tuesday.

Ministers from both countries met in Amman for two days. Resuming flight service between the countries is one of several moves aimed at restoring relations.

The ministers also agreed to cooperate in the energy, water and agricultural sectors.

The nations will increase commercial trading, reinstate a joint water committee regulating the Yarmouk water basin, and reactivate an electrical line to help the damaged electrical infrastructure in Syria. They also discussed transporting gas and electricity to crisis-stricken Lebanon.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/28/09/2021/royal-jordanian-airlines-to-resume-service-to-syria-after-9-years-offline/

Afghanistan will not address the United Nations General Assembly, in the wake of the Taliban takeover and potential competing claims of representation at the world body.

A United Nations spokesperson said they were informed by email on Saturday that they were withdrawing. Ambassador Ghulam Isaczai had originally been scheduled to speak on Monday, the final day of the annual debate that draws world leaders to New York.

Isaczai was appointed by the previous Afghanistan Government of Ashraf Ghani, but still holds the country's U.N. accreditation.

On September 20, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a letter from the Taliban saying their interim foreign minister, Ameer Khan Muttaqi, wanted to participate in the annual U.N. gathering. It also said Isaczai was "ousted" as Afghanistan's ambassador, and the Taliban were nominating Mohammad Suhail Shaheen to replace him.

The secretary-general's office forwarded this to the General Assembly committee that handles the accreditation of ambassadors. The credentials committee typically does not meet until October or November, so no resolution of the issue is imminent.

Myanmar has also informed the U.N. that it will not address the annual gathering.

In February, the military seized power in a coup and detained most of the national unity government. The junta has sought to replace Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun with one of its own but will also have to go to the credentials committee with its request. Myanmar was initially scheduled to speak on Monday, but withdrew several days ago, U.N. officials said.

Meanwhile, Israel's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, made his U.N. debut. While he argued the hardline position on why Iran is a threat to Israel's security, his calm but urgent tone drew a sharp contrast to his predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu. The Iranian threat dominated most of the former prime minister's U.N. speeches, which were accompanied by props and a cheering section.

Bennett did not touch on Iran for a full 13 minutes. As for the Palestinians, he never mentioned them. He spoke first of Israel's pioneering efforts vaccinating its population against COVID-19. Israeli data has helped other governments in developing their own vaccination strategies.
Read Full Article Here>>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/27/09/2021/afghanistan-myanmar-skip-united-nations-general-assembly-in-new-york-city/

Show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu left fans stunned at the ‘Shine your eyes’ eviction show on Sunday after announcing the housemates’ eviction.
Ebuka who first announced Pere’s eviction later confirmed that it was from the house and not the game.
The first real eviction of the show was later confirmed to be Queen. Having had an impressive run, the now ex-housemate revealed she will be going head-on into governance.
Shortly after Queen’s eviction announcement, Ebuka confirmed Nini as the second housemate to be officially evicted from the show.
The third housemate to officially exit the show was Saga which seemed not to come off as a surprise for many viewers.
In a final twist, Ebuka announced the eviction of housemate, Angel.
Both Angel and Pere will be moved to a separate location in the house for another major ‘Shine Ya Eye’ move.
The housemates were moved to the White room and issued what Big Brother described as the most intense games of their lives. The game of trucks and screws will afford one housemate an opportunity to join the house as the fifth finalist.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/27/09/2021/bbnaija-s6-update-big-brother-evicts-three-housemates-introduces-new-twist/

Arsenal claimed consecutive Premier League victories over Tottenham for the first time since 2014 as they eased past their North London rivals 3-1.

Having initially made a strong start to life under Nuno Espirito Santo, Spurs have now lost three successive league games, with their manager seeing his first derby effectively lost inside the first 45 minutes.

Emile Smith Rowe's 12th-minute strike gave Arsenal a deserved lead, which was doubled when he teed up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 15 minutes later.

Spurs offered limp resistance and the game was essentially put to bed by the excellent Bukayo Saka, with Son Heung-min's effort a mere consolation for Tottenham.

Smith Rowe rewarded Arsenal for a bright start when he drifted towards the near post to slot Saka's clever low delivery beyond a rooted Hugo Lloris.

Thomas Partey tested Lloris from range and Aubameyang fired a long-range effort narrowly over the crossbar before Spurs threatened a riposte through Son, who forced Aaron Ramsdale to turn behind from a tight angle.

Aubameyang found the desired accuracy to double Arsenal's lead as Spurs were caught on the counter, the Gabon forward freeing Smith Rowe down the left with a neat backheel and then firing into the bottom-right corner from the eventual return pass.

Tottenham failed to learn their lesson and were undone by another Arsenal break. It was Saka this time who was given the freedom of one flank, and he surged into the open space to tuck home after seeing Harry Kane block his attempted pass to Aubameyang.

After his defensive efforts fell short, Kane then missed a glaring opportunity to offer a more traditional contribution to proceedings as he headed wide unmarked from a corner, encapsulating an awful first half for Spurs.

Kane did draw a save from Ramsdale on the hour mark and then beat the Arsenal goalkeeper, only to see his dinked effort drift wide of the right-hand post.

Son side-footed beyond Ramsdale, with Granit Xhaka injured in the build-up, but those were the only blots on a superb day for Arsenal, who survived an injury-time scare when their goalkeeper tipped a Lucas Moura strike onto the crossbar.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/26/09/2021/arsenal-3-1-tottenham-gunners-defeated-easy-derby-win-over-tottenham-hotspur-spurs/

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has declared October 1 a sit-at-home day and banned the Nigerian flag in the South-East.

IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, made the declaration in a statement in Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday.He said the ban on Nigerian flag would be enforced with immediate effect.

“The IPOB has declared October 1, 2021 a total shutdown in Biafra land as a sign of our rejection of the evil construct called Nigeria and there shall be no movement in Biafra land on this day.
“Also, the IPOB has declared that from today, September 25, 2021, all Nigerian flags mounted anywhere in Biafra land must be brought down. The IPOB leadership will communicate to banks directly and give them a reason they must peacefully bring down Nigerian flags in their banking premises before we do it ourselves in our own way.

“Everybody must strictly adhere to this directive. We want to let the world know that Biafra land is not Nigeria and shall not be. A word is enough for the wise.

“In line with the memorandum of understanding and alliance between Ambazonia and Biafra nations, members of the IPOB, under the command of our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to ask Biafrans to support and celebrate Ambazonia Independence anniversary on October 1, 2021.

“We advise Biafrans to stand with Ambazonia people as they celebrate their God-given freedom and independence. We should bear in mind that our brothers and sisters in Ambazonia are passing through persecutions in the hands of murderous Cameroonian government, just like Biafrans are facing similar ordeals in the hands of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which sympathises with terrorists but kills peaceful agitators.
“We, therefore, urge world leaders to use the opportunity of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly meeting to discuss the sufferings of the two persecuted nations of Biafra and Ambazonia. Our people have suffered enough in the hands of our oppressors, who are in bed with terrorists but derive pleasure in crushing peaceful agitators instead of addressing our genuine concerns.”
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/26/09/2021/ipob-bans-nigerian-flag-in-south-east-and-declares-sit-at-home-on-october-1/

A former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, John Yoriyo, alongside 14 other chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former deputy governor and thousands of his supporters were received into the PDP by the state party Chairman, Major-General Abnor Kwaskebe (retired), on Saturday in Gombe State.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yoriyo, a former deputy to ex-Governor Danjuma Goje, kicked against the running of the APC in Gombe, describing PDP as the best political party.
Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/26/09/2021/former-deputy-governor-and14-other-apc-chieftains-defect-to-pdp/

Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, says Nigeria has lost its primacy as the Giant of Africa to other countries that diversified their economies.

Former Emir Muhammadu Sanusi said Nigeria is now behind many other African countries in development indices.

The Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria said this at the closing session of the Kaduna Investment Summit, tagged, ‘KadInvest 6.0.’

CBN former Governor said while Nigeria depend on crude oil, which is fast depleting and struggling to sell, the rest of the world was embracing technology.

“Globally, work is being redefined; 30 to 40 per cent of workers in developed economies will need to significantly upgrade their skills by 2030. And what are the major drivers of this redefinition? ICT and remote working, which we have seen even here with COVID-19.

“There is increased automation and Artificial Intelligence. Very soon, robot will take over work in most countries and those who have jobs are those who operate the robots or manufacture the robots or service the robots.

“For us in Nigeria, the enclave economy that we have, the so called goose that lays the golden egg is about to die. There will be no eggs. The future is not in the carbons.

“A few months ago, Germany was able to produce enough renewable energy for the entire country’s need. Today, we are having difficulties selling Nigerian oil. So, not only are we having problems to produce, even when we produce, the market is not there.

“So, this is forcing a change, and for us, a country that depends on oil, things need to change.

“Nigeria is ranked 114th in the global innovation index. We are lower than other African countries such as Kanya, Rwanda and Senegal. We are, in fact, ranked 14th in sub-saharan Africa. I think we should have this reality check and know where we are as a country. Let’s stop calling ourselves the Giant of Africa, because we are the giant with clay feet.

“Countries like Kenya, Rwanda and Senegal are ahead of us. I am not even talking about South Africa. Our expenditure on education is only seven per cent of the budget. We are spending less on education than Ghana; I am not talking about as per percentage of the budget; in absolute terms, even though the Ghanaian economy is much smaller than the Nigerian economy, even though the Ghanaian government revenue is less than Nigerian revenue, Ghana is spending more on education than Nigeria.

“And we are surprised that industries are moving to Ghana. We are surprised that the Ghanaian President has become the leading President in Africa? We are not investing in education and human capital.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/26/09/2021/nigeria-no-longer-giant-of-africa-says-muhammadu-sanusi/

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says "everything can happen" with regards to Alexandre Lacazette's future ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

Lacazette's contract expires at the end of this season and the striker has been linked with the likes of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla.

Gunners manager Arteta is unsure whether Lacazette, who has scored two goals in three matches this season, will stay at the club.

The Spaniard said: "We discuss that internally and we discuss that with him. It's a long season ahead of us, everything can happen, everything is open."

Granit Xhaka is available to return against Arsenal's fierce rivals at the Emirates Stadium this weekend after serving a three-match ban.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/24/09/2021/mikel-arteta-comment-on-lacazette-future-at-arsenal/

Joshua Kimmich warned "hungry" Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich still have room for improvement after they beat Greuther Furth 3-1 despite Benjamin Pavard's red card.

Robert Lewandowski's long goalscoring streak ended at 15 consecutive Bundesliga games - one short of Gerd Muller's record - but the champions moved three points clear of Wolfsburg.

That is now 40 goals in their past eight matches for ruthless Bayern, who led 2-0 courtesy of great finishes from Thomas Muller and Kimmich at half-time.

Pavard was given his marching orders for a professional foul on Jeremy Dudziak early in the second half, but a Sebastian Griesbeck own goal extended their lead.

Cedric Itten's header in the closing stages was too little, too late for bottom side Furth in the Bavarian derby at Sportpark Ronhof on Friday.

Bayern have won eight consecutive matches in a great start to Julian Nagelsmann's reign and midfielder Kimmich says there is more to come.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/24/09/2021/joshua-kimmich-warns-there-is-more-win-to-come-from-bayern-munich/

Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari is set to address 76th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York on  Friday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The Nigerian President would deliver his speech around 9am (around 2pm Nigerian time) to other world leaders during the morning session.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/24/09/2021/president-muhammadu-buhari-set-to-address-united-nations-general-assembly/

Youngster talented artist StarWichey
Drop his New EP.. this Album featured some of the other Artists like Olamide Badoo, Judan and Sunnylaw. The young Upcoming artist has worked so very hard to release this very EP and hope you the fans enjoy it.
Listen and Download Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/20/09/2021/album-starwichey-new-album-optimist/

Please leave a comment about the artist

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has described Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as the most qualified candidate to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari come 2023.

The governor’s statement is coming weeks after the vice president’s office issued a statement saying Osinbajo has not declared for the presidency following the appearance of posters online and in major Nigerian cities suggesting that he would run for the presidency in 2023.

Playing host to the Progressive Consolidation Group for Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo at Government House Lafia on Monday, Sule further described the VP as a sellable candidate.

“Osinbajo is the most qualified candidate and only sellable product that can succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in the forthcoming 2023 presidential election across the country,” he said.

While endorsing the vice president to run for the presidency come 2023, the governor said Nasarawa State is in support of what he called “continuation”.

Describing the vice president as a man of integrity that everybody loved to reckon with, he said if given the opportunity to lead the country, Osinbajo as a professional lawyer would lead the nation to the highest level of development.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/21/09/2021/2023-election-yemi-osinbajo-more-than-qualified-to-be-president-nasarawa-governor/

FIFA has invited football's governing bodies to an online summit to discuss biennial World Cup plans and the international calendar on September 30.

FIFA, led by chief of global football development Arsene Wenger, has been promoting the idea for the World Cup to shift format and take place every two years.

Wenger's proposal would see a major final held every year, the former Arsenal manager previously suggesting players would be playing in another tournament if it was not the World Cup either way.

However, UEFA and CONMEBOL have both rubbished the suggestions due to scheduling concerns, with FIFA now inviting the pair - along with all other member associations and league representatives - to discuss matters further.

"There is a broad consensus within the game that the International Match Calendar should be reformed and improved," FIFA's statement on Monday said.
Read Full Article Here>>> https://optimistchannel.com/20/09/2021/fifa-to-hold-summit-for-biennial-world-cup-proposals/

President Muhammadu Buhari has named Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Board Chairman. He also appointed Mele Kolo Kyari and Umar I. Ajiya as Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, respectively.

The president also ordered the incorporation of NNPC Limited in line with the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

In a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina on Sunday, the President in his “capacity as Minister of Petroleum Resources, has directed the incorporation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited”.

Adeshina explained that “this is in consonance with Section 53(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which requires the Minister of Petroleum Resources to cause for the incorporation of the NNPC Limited within six months of commencement of the Act in consultation with the Minister of Finance on the nominal shares of the Company.

Read Full Article Here>>>> https://optimistchannel.com/20/09/2021/president-muhammadu-buhari-approves-incorporation-of-nnpc-and-appoints-board-members/