NIGERIA - MEANWHILE, PRESIDENCY SAYS BUHARI IS HALE AND HEARTY

The Presidency has dismissed media reports that President Muhammadu Buhari is sick.
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina refuted the claim on Saturday, insisting that Buhari is as fit as a fiddle.

Earlier today, news had made the rounds that the President was sick and may be flown abroad if his condition does not improve.

NIGERIA - BUHARI REPORTEDLY ILL, PREMIUM TIMES REPORTS

The sick President is being treated at the presidential villa, an online newspaper, Premium Times reports.

According to Premium Times, the president has an infection in his left ear, otherwise called Meniere Disease, a challenge which has drastically reduced his outings in the last one week.

ARGENTINA - CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIA HITS ARGENTINE PRESIDENT, TAKES REST

Argentine President Mauricio Macri cancelled his official activities Saturday, a day after being hospitalized for several hours with cardiac arrhythmia, a government source said.

Macri was temporarily hospitalized Friday at a private clinic near his presidential residence and underwent medical testing before returning home.

Nigeria - Ijaw youths commend FG for Ogoni clean-up

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) on Saturday applauded the Federal Government for the commencement of the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the clean-up of Ogoniland.

U.S. warns Islamist militants planning attacks in South Africa

The United States warned its citizens on Saturday of possible attacks by Islamist militants on U.S. facilities or shopping malls in South Africa during the upcoming month of Ramadan, but the South African government said the country was safe.

Tennis - Muguruza overpowers Serena to win French Open title

Garbine Muguruza achieved the rare feat of overpowering world Serena Williams to claim her maiden grand slam title with a 7-5 6-4 win over the world number one and defending champion in the French Open final on Saturday.

NIGERIA - MASSOB SAYS BIAFRA STRETCHES TO GULF OF GUINEA, HAILS NIGER DELTA AVENGERS

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Saturday, threw its weight behind the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, whose unrelenting onslaught on crude oil pipelines and installations in the Niger Delta region has plunged production capacity to below 800BPD. 

Nigeria Seizes Billions Of Pounds In Looted Cash

Nigerian officials say they have seized more than $10.3bn (£7.1bn) in looted cash and assets in the past year as part of an anti-corruption drive by the country's president.

Information Minister Lai Mohammed said the funds include $583.5m in cash and $9.7bn in cash and assets under interim forfeiture, including sea-going vessels, buildings and land.

Boko Haram Kills Dozens On Niger-Nigeria Border

At least 32 soldiers have been killed in a clash with Boko Haram militants on Niger's border with Nigeria.

Niger's defence ministry said that the soldiers - 30 from Niger and two from Nigeria - were killed when Boko Haram attacked the southeastern town of Bosso.

Iraq - Police and medics say six persons have been killed and 15 wounded in suicide bombing north of Baghdad

Six people were killed, including four soldiers, and 15 were wounded on Saturday.

Germany - Lightning Strikes Injure 71 At Rock Festival

More than 70 people have been injured by lightning strikes at a music festival in Germany.

There are calls for the Rock am Ring festival, which takes place in Mendig, around 93 miles (150km) from Frankfurt, to be shut down as more thunderstorms are forecast.

NIGERIA - NIGER DELTA CRISIS: IJAW TELLS THE FG TO WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM THE REGION

Ijaw leaders from the 78 Ijaw clans, traditional institutions and socio-political bodies from Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Ondo and Delta states met yesterday in Warri for several hours over the renewed violence in the Niger Delta region, especially the destruction of critical infrastructure by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

NIGERIA - SEVEN FAKE MILITARY PERSONNELS ARRESTED BY THE NIGERIAN ARMY IN RIVERS STATE

The Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt has arrested seven men for allegedly parading themselves as army and navy personnel in Rivers and environs, The Forefront has learnt.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Capt. Eli Lazarus, presented the suspects to journalists on Friday.

US - UCLA gunman killed estranged wife before campus attack

A former University of California, Los Angeles, graduate student shot dead his estranged wife at her Minnesota home before driving halfway across the country to UCLA, where he killed a professor and himself, authorities said on Friday.

NIGERIA - FEMI FANI-KAYODE TO EFCC; CHARGE ME TO COURT, BAIL CONDITIONS MET

Former Spokes-person to ex- President Goodluck Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani- Kayode said yesterday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC should  release him since he has met all his bail conditions or charge him to court. 

Targeted Cancer Care To Spare Patients Chemo

Thousands of cancer patients could be spared chemotherapy every year following significant advances in personalised medicine, experts have said.

The "future of cancer treatment" is likely to involve tumour testing which can determine whether gruelling treatments would offer any benefits.

Muhammad Ali, boxing great and cultural symbol, dead at age 74

Former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, whose record-setting boxing career, unprecedented flair for showmanship, and controversial stands made him one of the best-known figures of the 20th century, died on Friday aged 74.

Australia - So sad!!! Human Remains Found Inside 14ft Crocodile

You will recall the Forefront reported the news of a lady in Australia believed to have been pulled under a beach and swallowed by a crocodile. Now, human remains - believed to be missing woman Cindy Waldron - have been found inside a 4.3m (14ft) crocodile captured in Queensland, Australia.

Research - Snails Use Just Two Brain Cells To Make Decisions, A clue to robots development

Scientists have discovered that snails solve complex decisions using just two brain cells, in a discovery that could help engineers develop energy efficient robots.

By attaching electrodes to the brain circuitry of freshwater snails that were on the hunt for food, researchers learned the molluscs used only two neurons when they found a tasty lettuce.

FOOTBALL - ZLATAN IBRAMOVIC CLOSE TO SIGNING FOR MAN UTD

Manchester United are to sign Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the start of Euro 2016, the Forefront understands.

United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the striker's representatives are believed to be finalising terms on a one-year contract.

LEGENDARY BOXER MOHAMMED ALI CLOSE TO DEATH IN THE HOSPITAL

Muhammad Ali is "close to death" in a Texas hospital after being admitted for respiratory problems, a source close to his family has told Reuters.

The former world heavyweight boxing champion is said to be in an "extraordinarily grave" condition.

NIGERIA - FG DIRECTS BANKING, INSURANCE AND OTHER FINANCIAL SECTORS TO SUSPEND RETRENCHMENT

The Federal Government on Friday directed banks, insurance and financial institutions to suspend the ongoing retrenchment in the sector.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, stated this in a statement in Abuja.

US Election 2016 - Reuters and Ipsos polls show Clinton has opened up double-digit lead over Trump nationwide

Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton has opened up a double-digit lead over Republican rival Donald Trump, regaining ground after the New York billionaire briefly tied her last month, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Friday.

APOLOGY FOR INACTIVITY SINCE JUNE 1ST

Sincere apology for a lengthy disconnection since June 1st on the Forefront occasioned by unforseen digital hiccups well surmounted for optimal performance. Good to be back. Welcome to the Forefront.

US - Man who killed UCLA professor identified as doctoral student

                                  
                                 

Los Angeles police on Thursday identified a graduate engineering student, Mainak Sarkar, as the man who killed a University of California professor in a murder-suicide that prompted a two-hour lockdown of the sprawling urban campus.
Sarkar shot dead engineering professor William Klug, 39, in a small office on the campus, police said. The attack appeared to be provoked by Sarkar's belief that Klug had stolen computer code from him, according to a March blog post by a person of the same name.

FOOTBALL - MOURINHO PULLS OUT OF SOCCER AID MATCH, ALLARDYCE IN

                                   
Jose Mourinho has officially pulled out of this weekend’s Soccer Aid charity game, and has been replaced by everyone’s favourite dancing manager Sam Allardyce. 

The new Manchester United boss was set to take charge of England at Old Trafford, going head-to-head with Premier League champion Claudio Ranieri.

Innovation - Bone Conducting Headset Creates 360 Degree Sound

                                

A team of inventors have created a prototype headset that they claim could give us an extra sense.

Sonna uses bone conduction to transmit sound directly through the skull - and because it bypasses the ear canal, you do not need headphones.
“We have these little vibrating pieces that send sound vibrations into your skull and those then travel to your ears,” said Allison Rowe, Sonna's co-creator.

NIGERIA (EDUCATION) - POST UTME SCRAPPED BY THE FG

                                       

The Federal Government Thursday scrapped the conduct of post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) for candidates seeking admission into higher institution.
The government explained that all tertiary institutions were at liberty to conduct screening for candidates seeking admission into any school.
Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, said this on Thursday in Abuja after declaring open the 2016 Combined Policy Meeting on Admissions to Universities, Polytechnics and other higher institutions in Nigeria.

PHOTOS (NIGERIA) - OGONI CLEAN UP: VP OSINBAJO RECEIVED BY GOVERNOR WIKE IN PORTHARCOURT

                                

Nigeria - Shocking!!! Niger Delta Avengers Tells President Buhari will die if he visits Ogoniland

A suspected member of a newly established militant group in Nigeria has warned the life of President Muhammadu Buhari is in danger if he visits the oil-rich Niger Delta region. 

Entrepreneur Spends $1m Biohacking His Body

Dave Asprey plans to live until he is 180 and he insists he is not kidding.

The technology entrepreneur, businessman, author and top ranking health podcast host has made a career out of biohacking; the art of experimenting with diet, sleep, exercise and tech to improve your body, mind and life.

NIGERIA - MODU SHERIFF INSISTS HE REMAINS PDP CHAIRMAN

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remain embroiled in power crisis which has taken a new turn as Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has told the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt that he remains the party’s chairman.

He described the “caretaker committee” headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi as a group of “usurpers” and a “contraption” that was set up in defiance of valid court orders.

US - Two people shot dead at University of California LA as the campus is on lockdown

At least two people were shot dead at the University of California, Los Angeles on Wednesday, police and campus officials said, drawing a phalanx of police cruisers to the scene and prompting officials to lock down the campus.

So sad!!! Pakistan teen burned alive for refusing marriage proposal

A young Pakistani woman died Wednesday after she was tortured and set alight in the country's conservative northeast for refusing a marriage proposal from the son of a former colleague, relatives and police said.

NIGERIA - CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF SAYS THE MILITARY WOULD NOT RETREAT IN SAMBISA FOREST

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, on Wednesday,  that the military would intensify its offensive in the Sambisa Forest until the area was completely rid of terrorists.

US - North Korea says Trump isn't screwy at all, a wise choice for president

North Korea has backed presumptive U.S. Republican nominee Donald Trump, with a propaganda website praising him as "a prescient presidential candidate" who can liberate Americans living under daily fear of nuclear attack by the North.

NIGERIA - GUBER POLLS: INEC FIXES JUNE 22ND FOR COMMENCEMENT OF VOTER REGISTRATION IN EDO AND ONDO STATES

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said voter registration in Edo and Ondo States would commence on June 22 ahead of governorship elections in both states.

The governorship elections in the two states take place in September and November.

US ELECTION 2016 - CLINTON REACHES OUT TO SANDERS OVER DEMOCRATS UNITY

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has been in contact with rival Bernie Sanders in an attempt to unify their party.

Mrs Clinton's victories in the primaries have put her well ahead of Mr Sanders as she tries to secure the Democratic party nomination.

Study Shows 'Statins' Could Stop Breast Cancer Return

Statins could be used in the treatment of breast cancer after researchers found it may help prevent the disease returning.

While a majority of women with ER-positive breast cancer respond to hormonal therapy, about 12,000 per year see it return.

Chinese Boy Sneaks On Jet And Gets All Way To Dubai

A Chinese boy sneaked on board an Emirates passenger jet and flew to Dubai because he thought he could earn his fortune begging in the commercial hub.

The 16-year-old, named only as Xu, was found in the cargo hold of flight EK303 from Shanghai when it landed at Dubai airport. 

NIGERIA - OSUN PDP SAYS PLANS TO RESTRICT GOVERNORS' ABROAD TRIP COULD RESULT IN CIVIL WAR

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Osun State chapter, yesterday warned President Muhammadu Buhari against acts capable of plunging the country into civil war, saying tampering with the constitutionally guaranteed immunity of governors would spell doom for the country. 

NIGERIA - BUHARI TO LAUNCH OGONI LAND CLEAN UP ON THURSDAY JUNE 2ND AS HE VISITS NIGER DELTA

President Muhammadu Buhari will launch the Ogoni land clean-up on June 2, a statement has said.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, Head of Corporate Affairs unit, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt.

PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER SHARIF UNDERGOES HEART SURGERY

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif successfully underwent open heart surgery in London on Tuesday, his daughter said.

It was the 66-year-old premier’s second major cardiac medical procedure in five years.

South Sudan cracks down on journalists, activists, critics

South Sudanese security forces have temporarily detained at least 10 journalists, activists, and other perceived government critics since the formation of a coalition government between the government and armed opposition at the end of April, the victims and media houses said.

FOOTBALL - US Issues Euro 2016 Terror Attack Warning

The US State Department has issued a "potential terrorist attacks" warning for Americans planning to travel overseas for events such as the Euro 2016 football tournament.

"The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events," the alert said.

NIGERIA - ONDO WORKERS SET TO JOIN NEIGHBOURS EKITI STATE WORKERS IN INDEFINITE STRIKE

Civil Servants in Ondo State are to begin an indefinite strike action on Wednesday, June 1, to protest non-payment of over five months salary.

The strike notice is contained in a communiqué issued in Akure by the state Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

NIGERIA - BUHARI APPEALS FOR QUICK PASSAGE OF MONEY LAUNDERING BILLS

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday night urged the National Assembly to speedily consider and pass five bills presently before it.

He listed the bills to include the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) bill, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Appropriation bill, Mutual Legal Assistant in Criminal Matters bill, Statutory Budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and bill for Acts for domestication of agreements for avoidance of double taxation between Nigeria and South Korea, Spain, and Sweden respectively.

NIGERIA - RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE IN NIGER STATE LEAVES CHURCH BURNT AND FOUR KILLED

The Forefront has learned that there is religious violence in Pandogari, Rafi local government area of Niger state and the killing of a Christian, over alleged blasphemous comments about Prophet Mohammed on the social media, the Nigerian Army has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in the town. 

NIGERIA - FAYOSE TO BUHARI: GOVERNORS ARE NOT YOUR APPOINTEES

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has said the alleged plot by the Federal Government to prevent him from travelling abroad was inherently unconstitutional and dictatorial. 

SYRIA - 'Dozens Killed' In Airstrikes On Syrian City

Russia has denied being behind airstrikes that have reportedly killed dozens of civilians in a hospital and mosque in Syria.

FOOTBALL - NEW UNITED BOSS MOURINHO VISITS CARRINGTON GROUND

Jose Mourinho made his first of what will be many trips to Manchester United's training ground on Monday, as he gears up to take the reins at the club.