Qatari Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al Thani is the owner of the Spanish football club.
Established in 1948, Malaga is currently ranked 6th on the points table in La Liga this season and is a modest club whose highest rank had been seventh.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Malaga Academy to play Aspire team
Leading Spanish Primera Division club Malaga's academy squad ‘Cadete Preferente’ arrived in Doha on Monday on the invitation of Aspire, a multi-discipline Qatari sports training centre of international prestige which has some of the world’s best sporting facilities.
The Málaga squad will play two matches, on Monday 26th and Wednesday 28th, with the Aspire teams, in a championship that will bring together some of the best young squads in the world.
Qatari Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al Thani is the owner of the Spanish football club.
Established in 1948, Malaga is currently ranked 6th on the points table in La Liga this season and is a modest club whose highest rank had been seventh.
Qatari Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al Thani is the owner of the Spanish football club.
Established in 1948, Malaga is currently ranked 6th on the points table in La Liga this season and is a modest club whose highest rank had been seventh.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Nigerian Diplomats amongst debtors owing New York City nearly $17 million in parking fines
Egypt and Nigeria top the list of countries owing New York City in parking tickets issued to diplomats. The city is owed nearly $17 million in parking tickets, a huge amount that may have grown this week as world leaders gathered for the UN General Assembly.
The city's Department of Finance said unpaid tickets totaled $16.7 million through the end of July. Egypt topped the list with $1.9 million in tickets, followed by Nigeria with about $1 million and Indonesia with about $725,000.
US congressmen Michael Grimm, Peter King and Edolphus Towns have introduced legislation that would impose sanctions on countries with diplomats who fail to pay parking fines in New York City.
Under current law, 110 percent of total unpaid parking fines owed to New York City and Washington will be withheld from the foreign aid and obligations to the offending countries.
New York City is home to 289 foreign missions and consulates. The diplomats' tickets were issued for safety violations including blocking fire hydrants.
"There's no such thing as 'diplomatic immunity' from paying parking tickets," Michael Grimm (US Congressman)
said when the legislation was introduced in May.
"If you get a ticket in NYC, you have to pay it. No exceptions. New York City's budget is tight enough as it is, and foreign diplomats do not deserve a free pass at the expense of New York City taxpayers."
The city's Department of Finance said unpaid tickets totaled $16.7 million through the end of July. Egypt topped the list with $1.9 million in tickets, followed by Nigeria with about $1 million and Indonesia with about $725,000.
US congressmen Michael Grimm, Peter King and Edolphus Towns have introduced legislation that would impose sanctions on countries with diplomats who fail to pay parking fines in New York City.
Under current law, 110 percent of total unpaid parking fines owed to New York City and Washington will be withheld from the foreign aid and obligations to the offending countries.
New York City is home to 289 foreign missions and consulates. The diplomats' tickets were issued for safety violations including blocking fire hydrants.
"There's no such thing as 'diplomatic immunity' from paying parking tickets," Michael Grimm (US Congressman)
said when the legislation was introduced in May.
"If you get a ticket in NYC, you have to pay it. No exceptions. New York City's budget is tight enough as it is, and foreign diplomats do not deserve a free pass at the expense of New York City taxpayers."
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Online video of woman being raped angers Nigerians
In the grainy video, a Nigerian woman repeatedly asks her attackers to kill her as they take turns raping her at a university dormitory. The five men only promise to drive her home, pushing her back down each time she starts to stand up.
Local authorities have dismissed the 10-minute video, which has ricocheted around the Internet in recent days. But Nigeria's youth minister is calling for police to prosecute the men. Some Internet users disturbed by it are even offering rewards for information.
Activists in Nigeria say the video exposes an underreported epidemic of rape in Africa's most populous nation, and they plan to march in the coming days to draw attention to the case.
"The perpetrators go further to record it and circulate it. It shows for me that they're daring society to take action on it," said Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, the executive director of a Nigerian women's rights group called Project Alert. "It shows that there's a high level of impunity."
The video had circulated for weeks around the campus of Abia State University near Nigeria's southern oil-rich delta before being posted on the Internet. It appears to take place in a single-room dormitory or student hostel.
The men taking turns raping the woman who repeatedly asks to go home. "Please just kill me," the woman cries several times. The men laugh.
Nigeria's Youth Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has issued a statement calling for the university and police to arrest and prosecute the men shown in the video, as well as offering assistance to the woman.
"The attitude of these men, if indeed they are young Nigerians, does not represent the character and nature of the Nigerian youth," the minister said.
However, the university and state government officials have denied the video's authenticity and that it took place near or on school grounds, Effah-Chukwuma said.
Abia state police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna said on Tuesday that no one reported the rape to university officials or to any of the state's police precincts. He said he searched for the video on the Internet only after hearing about it.
"From the look of things, I don't think such a thing happened," Ogbonna said. "All I know is that state command is not aware of such an incident."
Rape is rarely reported to authorities in Nigeria
only 1,952 cases in 2009, according to federal police statistics posted on a website called Nigeria Police Watch. However, a 2006 Amnesty International report said those numbers are believed to "be sporadic, piecemeal and inconsistent" in a nation of 150 million people.
Nigeria's federal police force also remains largely incapable of investigating crimes, as its officers routinely harass motorists for bribes at checkpoints and arrest citizens randomly to collect so-called "bail money."
Activists say they fear for the woman shown being attacked in the video, who now may be shunned by those who can identify her face.
"Why should I come out and speak of my victimization when I'm going to receive secondary victimization?" Effah-Chukwuma asked. "The whole society blames (the victim)."
Local authorities have dismissed the 10-minute video, which has ricocheted around the Internet in recent days. But Nigeria's youth minister is calling for police to prosecute the men. Some Internet users disturbed by it are even offering rewards for information.
Activists in Nigeria say the video exposes an underreported epidemic of rape in Africa's most populous nation, and they plan to march in the coming days to draw attention to the case.
"The perpetrators go further to record it and circulate it. It shows for me that they're daring society to take action on it," said Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, the executive director of a Nigerian women's rights group called Project Alert. "It shows that there's a high level of impunity."
The video had circulated for weeks around the campus of Abia State University near Nigeria's southern oil-rich delta before being posted on the Internet. It appears to take place in a single-room dormitory or student hostel.
The men taking turns raping the woman who repeatedly asks to go home. "Please just kill me," the woman cries several times. The men laugh.
Nigeria's Youth Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has issued a statement calling for the university and police to arrest and prosecute the men shown in the video, as well as offering assistance to the woman.
"The attitude of these men, if indeed they are young Nigerians, does not represent the character and nature of the Nigerian youth," the minister said.
However, the university and state government officials have denied the video's authenticity and that it took place near or on school grounds, Effah-Chukwuma said.
Abia state police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna said on Tuesday that no one reported the rape to university officials or to any of the state's police precincts. He said he searched for the video on the Internet only after hearing about it.
"From the look of things, I don't think such a thing happened," Ogbonna said. "All I know is that state command is not aware of such an incident."
Rape is rarely reported to authorities in Nigeria
only 1,952 cases in 2009, according to federal police statistics posted on a website called Nigeria Police Watch. However, a 2006 Amnesty International report said those numbers are believed to "be sporadic, piecemeal and inconsistent" in a nation of 150 million people.
Nigeria's federal police force also remains largely incapable of investigating crimes, as its officers routinely harass motorists for bribes at checkpoints and arrest citizens randomly to collect so-called "bail money."
Activists say they fear for the woman shown being attacked in the video, who now may be shunned by those who can identify her face.
"Why should I come out and speak of my victimization when I'm going to receive secondary victimization?" Effah-Chukwuma asked. "The whole society blames (the victim)."
Sunday, September 18, 2011
SSS offers N25 million naira reward for UN building bomber
Nigeria's State Security Service on Sunday offered a 25 million naira (160,000 dollars/116,000 euros) reward for information on the "mastermind" of the August 26 bombing of UN building in Abuja that killed 23 people.
"A reward of 25 million naira is being offered for information that could lead directly to the apprehension or conviction of Mamman Nur ... identified as the mastermind" of the attack, the State Security Service (SSS) said.
"Following the bombing of the UN building ... by Boko Haram, Mammman Nur was identified as the mastermind and security agencies subsequently declared him wanted," the SSS said in the statement.
The SSS requested members of the public to give any information on the suspect to the nearest police station, military formation or any other security agency.
The SSS attached the photograph of Nur to the email statement.
"He is still declared wanted," said the statement signed by the SSS spokeswoman, Marilyn Ogar.
A suicide bomber on August 26 made his way through a gauntlet of security at the UN's main compound in the Nigerian capital Abuja, forcing his way through the gate before ramming into the building.
The resulting explosion blew out the building's first two floors, killing 23 people and leaving 116 others wounded, some seriously.
It was one of the bloodiest attacks targeting the UN.
Radical Islamist Boko Haram sect has claimed responsibility for the attack, condemned by the UN secretary general Ban ki-moon.
"This terrorist attack showed utter disregard for human life," Ban said in a message read by his top representative in Nigeria, Daouda Toure.
"It was an assault not just on our premises, but on our values and our work. There can be no justification for such wanton killing and destruction."
The SSS had earlier said that an Al-Qaeda-linked suspect who recently returned from Somalia masterminded the attack.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Rotimi Amaechi leads 5 Governors to US Investment For
The Executive Governor of Rivers State and chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum Rt.Hon Chubuike Rotimi Amaechi, will lead a delegation of six state governors from Benue, Cross River, Katsina, Imo and Ogun to participate in an Investment Forum on Nigeria at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Washington DC on Monday 19th September.
The Forum will draw participants from the United States business community as
well as funding agencies. It is organised by the Center in collaboration with two
other organizations;
Africare and Constituency for Africa, all based in the US
capital.
During his two day visit, the Rivers State Governor will also be speaking at
another breakfast session to select members of the Nigerian Working Group at
Corporate Council on Africa and at the renowned Center for Strategic
International Studies, a renowned policy think tank.
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi is one of the Governors alongside Raji
Fashola of Lagos State who have raised the bar of infrastructural development in
their various states by making huge investments.
He recently embarked on the development of a brand new city known as the
Greater Port Harcourt City. The aim of the project is to decongest the
overcrowded city of Port Harcourt and create new jobs opportunities for the youth
population who hitherto have found past time in restiveness.
Speaking on the visit, Uche Igwe, a former Africa Policy Scholar at the
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and now Visiting Scholar at
the Africa Program at SAIS Johns Hopkins University Washington DC said
Investment at the state level is critical to transformation of rural communities.
His words “we are happy that our Governors are visiting for talk to US investors.
The level of infrastructural development needed in Nigeria is quite huge.
“Investment at the state level is critical to transformation of rural communities.
Nigerian States need the support of external actors and smart investors
especially in the Niger Delta. Governor Rotimi Amaechi is leading the way which
hopefully his colleagues will emulate.”
The Forum will draw participants from the United States business community as
well as funding agencies. It is organised by the Center in collaboration with two
other organizations;
Africare and Constituency for Africa, all based in the US
capital.
During his two day visit, the Rivers State Governor will also be speaking at
another breakfast session to select members of the Nigerian Working Group at
Corporate Council on Africa and at the renowned Center for Strategic
International Studies, a renowned policy think tank.
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi is one of the Governors alongside Raji
Fashola of Lagos State who have raised the bar of infrastructural development in
their various states by making huge investments.
He recently embarked on the development of a brand new city known as the
Greater Port Harcourt City. The aim of the project is to decongest the
overcrowded city of Port Harcourt and create new jobs opportunities for the youth
population who hitherto have found past time in restiveness.
Speaking on the visit, Uche Igwe, a former Africa Policy Scholar at the
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and now Visiting Scholar at
the Africa Program at SAIS Johns Hopkins University Washington DC said
Investment at the state level is critical to transformation of rural communities.
His words “we are happy that our Governors are visiting for talk to US investors.
The level of infrastructural development needed in Nigeria is quite huge.
“Investment at the state level is critical to transformation of rural communities.
Nigerian States need the support of external actors and smart investors
especially in the Niger Delta. Governor Rotimi Amaechi is leading the way which
hopefully his colleagues will emulate.”
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Ex-President Obasanjo on peace talks with Boko Haram?
ABUJA, - Reports filtering the media claimed that former Nigerian President is on the verge of concluding talks with members of the Islamist sect Boko Haram.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is leading the peace moves, visited the family of the slain leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, in Maiduguri for a closed-door session.
Obasanjo, who arrived in Maiduguri at about 11.40am, was received by Borno State Deputy Governor Zanna Umar Mustapha.
Although the former President claimed that he was on a private visit, it was learnt that the visit was to initiate the talks, which the government plans to have with the Boko Haram (Western education is sin) members.
A source, who pleaded not to be named because of the "sensitivity" of the matter, said: "Obasanjo met Mohammed Yusuf’s family at Railway Quarters, the demolished headquarters of Boko Haram.
"The ex-President stayed with them for about one and a half hours before departing for the airport."
Obasanjo was said to have flown into Maiduguri from Jos where he had a joint peace meeting with the Jamatul Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Plateau leaders.
The source said Obasanjo pleaded with Yusuf’s family to prevail on Boko Haram members to sheathe their sword and stop the spate of bombings nationwide.
The source quoted Obasanjo as saying: "This is a personal initiative. I urge you to forgive and forget the past.
"I plead with you to give me the chance to mediate between the family and the government."
The brother-in-law of the slain Boko Haram leader, Babakura Fuggu, whose father was also executed in 2009, reportedly said: "Since 2009, this is the first time any high-profile figure has commiserated with the family.
"We are happy with this visit. About 30-40 per cent of our members are scattered in neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroun."
The source added that Obasanjo may brief President Goodluck Jonathan on his mission on or before this weekend.
A top government source, who pleaded for anonymity, said: "The government is ready for talks with Boko Haram, like it did in the Niger Delta.
"The ex-President has decided to avail the government of his experience in peace-keeping operations. He believes dialogue could save the nation from bomb explosions.
"You should expect more follow-up talks with the Boko Haram sect. After all, after returning from the battle front, we go back to the peace table."
Source- Ascology News
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is leading the peace moves, visited the family of the slain leader of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, in Maiduguri for a closed-door session.
Obasanjo, who arrived in Maiduguri at about 11.40am, was received by Borno State Deputy Governor Zanna Umar Mustapha.
Although the former President claimed that he was on a private visit, it was learnt that the visit was to initiate the talks, which the government plans to have with the Boko Haram (Western education is sin) members.
A source, who pleaded not to be named because of the "sensitivity" of the matter, said: "Obasanjo met Mohammed Yusuf’s family at Railway Quarters, the demolished headquarters of Boko Haram.
"The ex-President stayed with them for about one and a half hours before departing for the airport."
Obasanjo was said to have flown into Maiduguri from Jos where he had a joint peace meeting with the Jamatul Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Plateau leaders.
The source said Obasanjo pleaded with Yusuf’s family to prevail on Boko Haram members to sheathe their sword and stop the spate of bombings nationwide.
The source quoted Obasanjo as saying: "This is a personal initiative. I urge you to forgive and forget the past.
"I plead with you to give me the chance to mediate between the family and the government."
The brother-in-law of the slain Boko Haram leader, Babakura Fuggu, whose father was also executed in 2009, reportedly said: "Since 2009, this is the first time any high-profile figure has commiserated with the family.
"We are happy with this visit. About 30-40 per cent of our members are scattered in neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroun."
The source added that Obasanjo may brief President Goodluck Jonathan on his mission on or before this weekend.
A top government source, who pleaded for anonymity, said: "The government is ready for talks with Boko Haram, like it did in the Niger Delta.
"The ex-President has decided to avail the government of his experience in peace-keeping operations. He believes dialogue could save the nation from bomb explosions.
"You should expect more follow-up talks with the Boko Haram sect. After all, after returning from the battle front, we go back to the peace table."
Source- Ascology News
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Qatar Stars League Fixtures 2011-2012: Champions Face Daunting Start
Defending Qatar Stars League champion Lekhwiya will face a tricky start to its 2011-2012 QSL season with an opening day match at the against Al Wakra Sports Club. Not only that, another away clash against Abdulla Mubarak’s Al Ahli will follow up after that. Djamel Belmadi’s (Lekhwiya coach) men then returns home to face QSL debutant Al Jaish before another big test in the form of Al Gharaffa, and Al Khor, which will only be their fifth match of the season. Indeed, it will be a daunting start to its season.
The first match for Lekhwiya will be on September 16 at the Al Wakra SC.
Even Al Gharafa will be having some sort of a tough start to its campaign with an opening day fixture at home against Qatar Sports Club, followed by difficult clashes against Al Khor and Al Arabi. Although they will return home with two corresponding matches against defending, champion Lekhwiya and less fancied Al Kharaitiyath on the list. However, the demanding round of opening fixtures will not help the fact that Gharafa will also have to monitor its way past the qualifying stages of the Champions League. Their performances will set the benchmark for the rest of the season.
Gharafa’s first match will be home at the Gharafa Stadium against Qatar SC on September 16. The following week they face a serious test as they travel to Al Khor.
As far as Al Rayyan is concerned, it will open its season with a tough away trip to Gerard Gil’s Umm Salal. Following that, they return home to host Al Kharaitiyath before traveling to Al Khor. After the international break, Rayyan will have to work themselves out of a tricky tie against Al Ahli before they get ready to host Al Wakra.
Their first serious test will however be the following week as they travel to Doha to face Al Arabil. They face three tough home fixtures in November when they host Gharaffa, Al Jaish and then Al Sadd.
Al Arabi appear to have the easiest of opening round of fixtures and perhaps only their opening game represents a difficult challenge by their standards before the international break. They face Al Khor away from home first before taking on the likes of Wakra and mighty Gharaffa at its home ground. After the international bridge, Arabi will have to visit Umm Salal, before visiting Sadd Stadium to take on Al Sadd Sports Club.
Round 1 Fixtures
16/09/2011
Al-Gharrafa - Qatar SC
Al-Ahli - Al-Arabi
Al-Wakra - Lekhwiya
Umm-Salal - Al-Rayyan
18/09/2011
Al-Sadd - Al-Kharitiyath
Al-Jaish - Al-Khor
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