Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Category: Featured

  • Real Madrid fight back to draw with Club Bruges

    Real Madrid fight back to draw with Club Bruges

    By Our Reporter

    Real Madrid scrambled their way back from two goals down to avoid a hugely embarrassing defeat to Club Bruges and draw 2-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

    The result left the 13-times winners with one point after two games in Group A.

    Nigerian forward Emmanuel Bonaventure stunned the Santiago Bernabeu by giving the Belgians the lead in the ninth minute, mis-controlling the ball and nudging it towards goal but somehow still beating Real keeper Thibaut Courtois to score.

    Bonaventure struck again with another scrappy goal in the 39th minute, losing his footing as he bore down on Courtois but still producing a stunning finish to lift the ball high into the net.

    Real captain Sergio Ramos headed his side back into contention with a goal in the 54th minute.

    While midfielder Casemiro equalised with a header in the 85th, moments after Bruges captain Ruud Vormer had been sent off.

    Zinedine Zidane’s side are joint-bottom of Group A with one point, having lost 3-0 at Paris St Germain two weeks ago.

    PSG won 1-0 away to Galatasaray to top the group with six points. (Reuters/NAN)

  • Super subs give Manchester City 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb

    Super subs give Manchester City 2-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb

    By Our Reporter

    Manchester City made it two wins out of two in the UEFA Champions League Group C on Tuesday.

    This was after goals from substitutes Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden gave Pep Guardiola’s side a 2-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

    It was a game that could easily have ended in frustration, with Dinamo defending deep and effectively, but it turned on the introduction of England international Sterling in the 56th minute.

    The Croatians frustrated the Premier League champions with some excellent defending in the first half.

    All Manchester City could manage from their domination was Ilkay Gundogan’s shot against the bar in the 21st minute.

    This was after an earlier effort from Sergio Aguero had been well dealt with by Dinamo goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

    David Silva screwed a shot wide after the ball fell to him inside the area.

    But Manchester City did not create enough from the amount of possession they enjoyed.

    Guardiola’s side attacked almost exclusively down the left, where full-back Benjamin Mendy was allowed plenty of space.

    But it was either the delivery into the box let them down or the Dinamo defence stood firm.

    Riyad Mahrez on the right flank saw too little of the ball and Manchester City failed to really use the full width of the field.

    They were too often getting involved in “five-a-side” contests on the edge of the box.

    The introduction of Sterling increased the tempo and width of Manchester City’s play and it was the England international who broke the deadlock in the 66th minute.

    He turned in a low cross from Riyad Mahrez after a superb diagonal pass from Rodri.

    Dinamo tried their luck in the final stages but were caught on the counter.

    In stoppage time Sterling broke and slipped the ball wide to Foden who confidently drove home.

    Manchester City move on to six points from their opening two games after winning their first match 3-0 at Shakhtar Donetsk, while Dinamo have three points.

    “They defended so well, even the goal from Raheem the defender was there.

    “I didn’t expect them to play so deep, they only shot on target at set-pieces, but they did what they did so well,” said Guardiola, who praised Sterling for his improved finishing.

    “He’s a player who is always there, he has this talent he loves to score goals, you always have that feeling.

    “We had chances but they defended really well and that’s why it was difficult to score a goal,” he said.

    “I think still he can improve his finishing. Today the pass for Phil was perfect.

    “Still, there is a gap to be even more clinical. But it’s important that all the time he’s there and that’s why he’s been able to score the goals,” Sterling said.

    Foden’s instant impact, with his goal coming four minutes after he came on, left Guardiola feeling sorry that he was unable to find more minutes for the talented 19-year-old.

    “I know, he deserves to play, I want to give him minutes, I’m unfair to him. I’m sorry but he has (Kevin) De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Rodri (ahead of him).

    “I know the best way is for him to play minutes but he’s so young.

    “I don’t know many players of his age (who) have played so many minutes. He’s going to be incredible in the future but it is what it is.”(Reuters/NAN)

  • Nigeria needs committed leaders to be great again, says Gov. Ugwuanyi

    Nigeria needs committed leaders to be great again, says Gov. Ugwuanyi

    By Our Reporter

    Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has said that Nigeria needs committed leadership, collective patriotism and sacrifice to be great again.

    Ugwuanyi made this assertion on Tuesday during the 59th Independence Anniversary of the country at Okpara Square, Enugu.

    The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, said that in spite of circumstances that had threatened the unity of the country, Nigerians had been more united.

    He said that Oct. 1 would remain a reference day in the history of the country.

    “Nigeria has been through the stormy weather and political turbulences that seriously threatened the unity of our Nation, but we have equally recorded brilliant promises that united and made us proud as Nigerians.

    “We have also seen economic prosperity with the economy of the Old Eastern Region rated as the fastest growing economy in the entire Africa,” he said.

    Ugwuanyi said that the country had also witness pathetic economic challenges that had slowed down the development of the nation.

    “Our opinion is that Nigeria is still a growing nation and a problem identified is a problem half solved.

    “It is encouraging that we are not shying away from confronting our challenges as one people with one destiny.

    “Therefore, I have no doubt that with committed leadership and collective patriotism and sacrifice Nigeria will be great again.

    “Our heroes past shall smile again from their graves as we build a Nigeria of their dreams,” he said.

    He said that the youths of the country needed to be appreciated for their undiluted loyalty and faith in the nation.

    The governor said that his administration would continue to invest in the education sector as well as empower residents of the state.

    The high points of the ceremony were march-past and cultural displays by primary and secondary schools in the state as well as a minutes’ silence in honour of the fallen founding fathers of the country. (NAN)

  • 6 Hands-on money rules every single guy should take on

    6 Hands-on money rules every single guy should take on

    Single dudes should consider taking on some of these hands-on money rules:

    1. Rent must not exceed half of your monthly earnings

    Yes, you want to live alone, have your own place and be independent, but you should not spend a fortune or run into debt renting an apartment. Ensure your monthly rent is not more than half of your total earnings per month. For instance, if you earn N100,000 per month ensure you do not rent a place that costs more than N25,000 per month. This means that you would be looking out for a space that would possibly cost you N300,000 per year.
    It’s easy to get sold on the dream of emancipation from parents and total independence, but if it’s going to jack up your bills, it’s probably not a wise financial move. If you must rent a space, consider getting flatmates and move up from there.

    2. Opt for hobbies that don’t require an upkeep cost

    As a dude, you have a number of hobbies and activities you engage in, to keep life eventful and interesting. It could be fitness, or just games for leisure. The thing is, a number of these hobbies require ongoing upkeep costs; from club membership dues, to cost of supplies, uniforms, and even trips/get-togethers.
    While it is definitely alright to have hobbies, just make sure you go for one that requires minimal maintainance, or even none at all. For instance, no matter how much you love golf, you may want to put that off for later, when you are more finically stable. Not only do you have to register to use the golf course, you have to get the outfits and the need for fresh supplies are almost endless. You may want to consider alternatives like playing music, on an instrument you already have, or even football with friends or colleagues.

    3. Cut down on eating out

    Yes, you want to join in on the Sunday brunches with colleagues; you want to prove to your girlfriend, who loves fancy food, that you are enough for her; you also want to order from ‘The Place’ like your colleagues, instead of brining something homemade or buying from the lady across the road and being the “stingy” or “low-class” one. But if you are concerned with upgrading your financial status, you will have to skip these splurges. They seem small, but actually, they accumulate and take a toll on your finances. You will be surprised to find out that sometimes, the cost of the daily take-out is what, over time, separates the rich dude from everyone another dude the wrong side of the thin money line.

    4. Acquire cars based on reliability and fuel efficiency…otherwise, use public transport

    There is the assumption that owning a car makes a dude more appealing. Before using your life’s savings to buy a car, you must at least consider two factors.
    Ask yourself: how reliable is the car?

    How fuel-efficient is it? Answering these questions lets you know if you would be actually making an investment by buying the car, or acquiring a liability.
    This is because fuel bills and repair bills are serious money drainers when you own a car. Do not just jump and buy any car just because it is cheap and it still moves. If you cannot say for sure that it is reliable and fuel-efficient, get on with public transport.

    And by public transport, I don’t mean Uber and Taxify.
    There is absolutely nothing wrong with commuting to work in a bus or keke napep. It is actually a better option as it is incredibly faster in rush-hour traffic. It’s also cheaper when you consider the fuel, oil and other maintenance costs of running the car. You save more and you upgrade yourself financially.

    5. When shopping, use the 30-day rule

    Believe it or not, shopping is not a “girl” thing. Guys love to shop too. When shopping – online or in-store, it is important that you adhere to the 30-day rule. The rule simply implies that you wait 30 days after your first serious impulse before buying the expensive item, no matter how essential you think it is. Waiting 30-days give you enough time to do research and ascertain the impact it could have on you financially, and whether you even really want it or not. Sometimes we are deluded by brief fascination and end up spend a lot of money on something that we will never use and may not improve our lives in any way.
    The 30-day rule gives you the time to come back to reality and make the sane decision.

    6. Don’t borrow money to invest

    Every financial guru will tell you to invest your money in something, if you want to be financially stable in future.
    While this is great advice, you must also ensure that you do not use borrowed money (money that is not originally yours) to invest…no matter how lucrative the investment seems or how much of an asset you assume it will be.
    In the case where the investment you want to make is either a fixed deposit or bond, you will eventually find that the dividends may not able to match the rate of interest you pay on the loan. Again, even investments, such as equities, that offer higher returns, can be too risky

  • Nigeria @ 59: Gov. AbdulRazaq donates audio books to Special Needs School

    Nigeria @ 59: Gov. AbdulRazaq donates audio books to Special Needs School

    By Our Reporter

    Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Tuesday donated audio books for the use of the visually impaired students of the School for Special Needs in Ilorin.

    AbdulRazaq, who visited the school, congratulated the students on Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary celebration.

    The governor’s visit came after the students returned from the independence parade at the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin, the state capital.

    AbdulRazaq, who had gone to identify with the children, also inspected the ongoing renovation of two blocks of five classrooms in the school.

    The renovation works followed the governors maiden visit to the school in July.

    During the visit he had lamented the neglect of the school and pledged to ensure the facilities were upgraded.

    Mrs Faoziyah Aroyehun, the principal of the school, commended the governor for the audio books, which she said would be very useful for the pupils.

    “These audio books are particularly useful for the visually impaired students and we appreciate Your Excellency for the kind gesture.

    “We also commend you for the ongoing interventions in the school, which you facilitated,” she said. (NAN)

  • Nigeria at 59: We must remain united to make Nigeria pride of Africa — Sanwo-Olu

    Nigeria at 59: We must remain united to make Nigeria pride of Africa — Sanwo-Olu

    By Our Reporter

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians to remain united to retain Nigeria’s preeminence as the pride of Africa.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the advice on Tuesday, during a parade commemorating the 59th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.

    He called on Nigerians to keep their hope alive and remain united to build a prosperous nation.

    According to him, the Federal Government and Government of Lagos State have made irreversible progress to restore the glory of the past and build on the legacies bequeathed by the nation’s founding fathers.

    He said that the effort to rebuild the country and keep it on path of progress remained on course, as the implementation of his party’s programmes would bring greater good to the majority of citizens.

    ”Today, we take glory to the men and women who laboured and sacrificed their time, knowledge and resources to see that our nation gained freedom from colonial rule and attained the status of a sovereign nation.

    ”Since Oct. 1, 1960, we have achieved significant progress despite our challenges and setbacks. We have remained united in our determination and desire to build a truly prosperous nation that will be the pride not only to Africans but the entire black race.

    ”As we celebrate this year’s independence anniversary, we must remain committed to achieve our collective aspirations as a nation,” he said.

     

    L-R: Chairman, APC Lagos, Alhaji Tunde Balogun; Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf and others during the cutting of the cake to mark the 59th Independence Day celebration at the Police College ground, Ikeja, on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

     

     

    Sanwo-Olu said his pact with the people of Lagos was to consolidate the foundations laid by the successive administrations in the state in the last 20 years.

    He said that his administration remained committed to good governance as the tool to solving the challenges facing the state.

    ”As leaders in position of authority, we are committed to achieving the greatest good for the greatest number and ensuring that we do what we can to improve and impact the lives of our people through good governance and our development programmes.

    ”It is re-assuring that we are on the right track to attaining greatness and achieving the goal to build the foundation for a sustainable growth.

    ”We take pride in the role that our state has played and will continue to play in the development of our nation,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to remain resolute in sustaining the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers, adding that his administration would ensure Lagos remained attractive to private sector-led investment.

    The governor called on residents to eschew actions that would divide the country along ethno-religious line, pleading for patience as government at all levels rolled out activities to make the system better.

    He also called for citizens’ cooperation with his government, as the task of building the state was a collective sacrifice of all residents.

    ”I wish to remind you all that governance is not about the people in government alone; it is everybody’s business.

    ”I will therefore use this opportunity of this celebration to seek the continued cooperation and support of all citizens of this great state, especially in the areas of compliance to rules and regulations as well as voluntary discharge of civic obligations,” Sanwo-Olu said. (NAN)

  • Keys to Good Customer Service for Online Business

    Keys to Good Customer Service for Online Business

    Selling something to a person once is not a very difficult proposition but to sustain it and make the person come back to you regularly is what good business is all about. The best way to beat competition and stand out in the crowd is to build a strong relationship with the customer. Here are some sure winners:

    13 Keys to Good Customer Service Online
    1. Make sure your product is good, if not excellent. Obviously a product not rated very highly by you cannot make much of an impact on discerning customers either. No ingenuous marketing strategy can work for a bad product. People may get fooled once but it could break your business forever.

    2. People are wary of online shopping mainly because it is not reliable. Stand out above competition by establishing a personal contact with the customer. Be available on the phone or online chat 24/7. Human responses attract the customer and create a better, long standing relationship, than automated responses.

    3. Another sure way to build up reliability is to adhere to delivery dates and specifications without making false promises and unannounced delays.

    4. Products must be exhibited with as many explicit details as possible to keep the customer satisfied. You must remember that customers cannot feel or touch products eliminating the third dimension altogether. Customers get to view hundreds of products at the click of a button, so a well exhibited product will clinch much more deals than others.

    5. Provide an FAQ page with common queries and doubts about your products/services to help the customer, along with an e-mail address exclusively for FAQ’s.

    6. Put your contact information clearly and make yourself available to respond to customers concerns. Responding personally creates a bank of goodwill for customers, that is known to boost sales by nearly 42%.

    7. Personalize your e-mails by including customer’s names and personal details like birthdays, anniversary or important occasions. Send details of new products with personal recommendations that are genuine. This works like magic.

    8. Deal with complaints and problems promptly and provide after sales service that is sure to catapult your customer base, as most sales promotional efforts are used only till the transaction is over and customers are clueless about problems that arise after the sales, especially for electric and electronic goods.

    9. Build a rapport with customers by including short surveys and suggestions that make the customer’s opinion important, whether it can be implemented or not. This projects a positive image for the business.

    10. Offer discounts or special gifts to loyal customers and keep them happy.

    11. Do not make empty promises or go back on your word and loose your credibility. There are dozens of online businesses offering the moon and stars. Make your offers credible and stick to them.

    12. Give the option of a buy-back offer or a warranty that can replace the product in case of any faults in the product.

    13. Automation is an advantage for tracking orders and keeping the customers in the picture where the status of their ordering process is concerned.

    All these factors are crucial for building a good customer service and boosting sales to an unimaginable height.

    Source: naijatechguide.com

  • Independence Day Dinner: Osinbajo entertains guests to “Nigerian swag’’

    Independence Day Dinner: Osinbajo entertains guests to “Nigerian swag’’

    By Our Reporter

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday at a dinner organised in commemoration of Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, thrilled the guests with visual descriptions of attributes that make Nigerians outstanding.

    Osinbajo, who spoke on a lighter note, said that one of the distinct attributes of the Nigerian person was the `Nigerian Swag.’

    He described `Nigerian swag’ as that uniquely confident way that made Nigerians to stand out everywhere and in everything they did.

    Osinbajo, who got the guests laughing and clapping intermittently, cited the sport called Bobsled and presented a power point video of Nigerians girls dancing at the Winter Olympics.

    “They thought only white people could do this because it is a winter sport; if you don’t have winter and snow in your country you can’t be a bobsled champion.

    “Well, so they thought until the Nigerians came to the Winter Olympics in Pyeong Chang South Korea, three Nigerian girls.

    “ Seun Adigun, Ngozi onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga the first Africans in Bobsled at the Winter Olympics.

    “They raced into history in style and they ended it with dance.

    “How else would you know that they are Nigerians.’’

    He said that the World Cup came in May 2018; but well before the World Cup kicked off, Nigeria had started winning.

    Osinbajo recalled that when Nike released the design of Nigeria’s jersey called Naija in Feb. 2018, three million people pre-ordered the Jersey for 90 dollar a piece on line.

    He said that eventually thousands of people lined up to buy the jersey and it sold out in the stores within hours.

    “The jersey was lit; so lit that we won the first prize for the best dressed team, Peru came second and Belgium came third.’’

    The vice president listed the quality and prowess of Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, Nigerian wedding, dance and language as some other aspects of Nigerian uniqueness.

    “And then there is Anthony Joshua, as far as we are concerned the best boxer in the world not only is he a heavy hitter– he could also pass for a model; so much Swag.

    “How about the Nigerian wedding, it has become the toast of the world, among other things, we are teaching the world that every wedding deserves a hashtag.

    “ #Baad 2017, for BankyW and Adesuwa Etomi, #YemiandDolly 1989 or #Dolyem 1989 , that’s me and my lovely wife, to the dramatic entrance of the bridal party, and see the groom flying and of course, the Aso Ebi.

    “And everywhere, they are learning our languages; everywhere, here is a kindergarten class in China; the children are learning Igbo; very soon, everyone is going to be speaking Igbo.

    “Our contemporary dances have so much swag from skelewu to sekem to shakiti bobo, sakusaku and the most recent, Zanku, I am sure you all know how to gbe se ..gbe se .to gbe body e.

    “It is now gbe se, gbe se, all over the world; nobody dances like us; it doesn’t matter whether you are the distinguished senator representing Kogi west or the distinguished senator representing Osun West.’’

    Osinbajo also listed one of the richest men in Africa, Aliko Dangote, President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo as among those who carry Nigerian swag with their dance steps.

    According to him, when it comes to fashion, Nigerians are the masters of style.

    “From the geles, and look at what Iya rainbow is wearing, and of course the famous Madam Kofo’s gele.

    “Nigerians brought Ankara to mainstream fashion.

    “So Nigerian designers are making waves internationally with the infusion of Ankara in their collections.

    “And the likes of Lisa Folawiyo, Mackie O, Andrew Iyamah, Kenneth Ize, Mowa Ogunlesi, have been featured in Vogue and other international fashion magazines and events such as the New York fashion week.

    “The Nigerian-American designer Ena Udemba designed Beyoncé’s drop dead gorgeous Ankara outfit; today the whole world is wearing our Ankara; from Michelle Obama, Rihana and Kim Kardashian, ‘’ he said.

    He also displayed Buhari featuring with his `trade mark black kaftan’ describing him as the number one man with the swag.

    Earlier, in his remark, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, thanked those who contributed directly or indirectly toward the success of the 59th Independence celebration.

    He said that the administration was determined to build on the foundation for change laid in the last four years.

    The dinner featured performances by cultural troupes drawn from different states.

    It attracted notable Nigerians including Maryam Abacha, Wife of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, a former Chief of General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd) and former Vice President, Namadi Sambo.

    Also present were Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, service chiefs, members of the Federal Executive Council, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industries among others.(NAN)

  • Dep. Gov convoy attack, IGP, compensates wives of slain police officers

    Dep. Gov convoy attack, IGP, compensates wives of slain police officers

    Abel Leonard Nzwanke, Lafia

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has presented a cheque of N1.5m to the wives of policemen, who lost their lives during an attack on the convoy of the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, on the Akwanga/Lafia Road.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bola Longe, who presented the cheques to the wives of the cops on behalf of the IG recently, said, “In the month of August 2019, we lost our gallant police officers, who were in the entourage of the state’s deputy governor.”

    He further explained that N500, 000 would be given to the wives of each deceased officers to reduce their suffering.

    Mr.Longe said, “Our IGP, Mr Mohammed Adamu, who is always leading by example and has given us direction that has greatly assisted the Nigeria Police, has packaged some money through what is called the  IGP’s family welfare package, to be given to the wives of deceased officers.”

    Speaking to Daybreak news  on behalf of the beneficiaries, the wife of the most senior officer, Mrs Bulus Samuel, thanked the IG for the gesture and promised that judicious use will be made of  the  money and their children will be taken care of.

    Those who benefited from the package were Samuel, Cecilia Sunday and Anita Panya.

  • No third term for Buhari as Presidency disowned support group’s commentary

    No third term for Buhari as Presidency disowned support group’s commentary

    By Our Reporter

    The Presidency has disowned a support group’s commentary, advocating for constitutional amendment to give room for presidential third term limit to able President Muhammadu Buhari to extend his tenure beyond 2023.

    A statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, late Tuesday night in Abuja, said no circumstances that would warrant the president to seek for third term in office.

    The statement read in part: ”The Presidency wishes to correct internet-based gossip and un-informed media commentary regarding presidential term limits, given credence by so-called support groups, staging street demonstrations asking President Muhammadu Buhari to do a third term.

    ”There are no circumstances – nor set of circumstances – under which President Buhari may seek to amend the Constitution regarding the two-term term limit on holding office as President.”

    According to the presidential aide, President Buhari intends to serve his full second elected term in office, ending 2023 – and then there shall be a general election in which he will not be a candidate.

    ”There is not even the faintest possibility that this will change.

    ”It is important to note that there was a past attempt to change the Constitution to allow for the-then incumbent president to stand for a third term. That attempt was wrong, unconstitutional – and rightly rebuffed,”

    Shehu insisted that no such attempt would happen under the Buhari administration.

    ”President Buhari is a democrat. He respects the Constitution. Any activity aimed at altering the two-term limit will not succeed and shall never have his time nor support,” he added.(NAN)