28 Killed, Dozens Wounded in Suicide Bombings at Istanbul Airport

Three suicide attacks on Tuesday at Istanbul’s Ataturk international airport in Turkey have killed at least 28 people and injured up to 60. The Istanbul governor gave the new toll after initial reports of 10 fatalities.

Up to three attackers were involved, when they reportedly opened fire with Kalashnikovs as they targeted an entry point to the terminal and blew themselves up.

Recent bombings in Turkey have been linked to either Kurdish separatists or the so-called Islamic State group.

I will be Glad to End up in Jail rather than Surrender the Senate to the Nefarious Agenda of Few Individuals - Bukola Saraki

Sequel to their arraignment at an Abuja High Court monday on allegations of forging the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu,  Saraki, in separate statements poured out their sincere expressions #Akonuche....a statement personally signed by Bukola Saraki, said he would fight the current battles confronting him to the end and would be glad to end up in jail rather than surrender the leadership of the Senate to the “nefarious agenda of a few individuals”.

He also claimed that there was a government within the government of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which had seized the apparatus of executive powers to pursue their nefarious agenda.

Acting Police IG Recommends Immediate Retirement of 30 Senior Officers....Writes to Presidency

According to THISDAY Newspaper monday, the new acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, was said to have on Friday last week, allegedly written to the presidency to retire 30 senior officers.

The officers who are of the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of police, were said to have been penned down for immediate retirement.

The reason for his move might not be far fetched. Even though they are all coursemates, they are his senior in terms of promotion.

Diamond Bank Leads FG’s campaign to unlock IT innovations, Start-ups Incubation

L- R : Rob Giles, Head, Transaction & E-  banking, Diamond bank plc; Kabiru Aregbesola, Technical Adviser, Office of the Vice President; Moseope Olaosebikan, Special Assistant on Media and ICT, Office of the Vice President; Uzoma Dozie, Chief Executive Officer, Diamond bank plc; and  Lanre Osibona, Senior Special Assistand on ICT, Office of the Vice President  at the 2016 Aso Villa Demo Day (AVDD)  

Diamond Bank has thrown its weight behind Federal Government’s initiative to unlock unprecedented opportunities for young entrepreneurs and information technology start-ups under the Presidency’s pet project tagged “The Pitch” in ‘Aso Villa Demo Day’.

The Aso Villa Demo Day, which is aimed at stimulating innovation, entrepreneurship and technological ideas is a programme of the Federal Government to identify, incubate, mentor, support and celebrate the best in the fields of information technology and entrepreneurship. 

David Cameron resigns as prime minister after Britain Votes Brexit

David Cameron has resigned as prime minister after Britain voted to leave the European Union.

The prime minister, who backed a Remain vote, said Britain required "fresh leadership" to negotiate the country's exit from the EU.

Brexit wins as Britain votes to leave European Union

Britain has voted to leave the European Union, with the Leave campaign securing around 51.8 per cent of the vote.

David Cameron, who will address the nation shortly, is now facing calls to resign as Prime Minister.

Afrinvest Executives Reengineering Nigeria’s Economy

Leading wealth advisory firm, Afrinvest, has established itself as a repository of top quality executives and leaders who would play a critical role not only in driving the growth of businesses but also improving public sector efficiency and economic recovery. The appointment of 30-year old Mark Okoye, a former Associate at the firm, as Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget Development in Anambra State is further confirmation of that fact.

President Buhari Appoints Ibrahim Kpotum as Acting Inspector General of Police

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Ibrahim Kpotum Idris as the acting Inspector General of Police (IG).

His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Police Council.

He replaces Mr. Solomon Arase who retired yesterday.

Arase accompanied the new IG to the president’s office when the appointment was made.

Prior to his appointment, Idris was the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Operations.

British Man Michael Steven Sandford tried to kill Donald Trump: Court papers

BBC has revealed that the  Briton who tried to grab a police officer's gun at a Donald Trump rally in Las Vegas said he wanted to shoot the US candidate, according to court papers say.

Michael Steven Sandford, 20, did not enter a plea when he appeared before a judge in Nevada and was remanded in custody until a hearing on 5 July. He is charged with an act of violence in a restricted area.

EFCC Freezes Fayose’s Account,

The personal account of the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose and that of his associates have been frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC). Fayose Speaking at the premises of Zenith Bank, Ado-Ekiti, where he had his personal account, the governor claimed that he had gotten winds of plans by the Presidency to freeze his account some days earlier. 

Most Houses in Nigeria are Boring, The walls have no story to tell...that I have come to Solve - The Lady Painter

The advent of small businesses in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized as they have contributed immensely to local economies by bringing growth and innovation to the community in which the business is established. Small businesses also help stimulate economic growth by providing employment opportunities to people who may not be employable by larger corporations. 

Small businesses tend to attract talent who invent new products or implement new solutions for existing ideas. In this interview with Small business owners doing things that you can't imagine to make a living, Akonuche presents Uju Udoka The Lady Painter who sees painting as a good business and a huge source of income, According to Uju, " I have come to make your walls tell stories".

Enjoy excerpts of the interview after the cut...  

ISIS are Heading to France and Belgium to carry out series of terror attacks - Belgian Corps Warn

According to the TheSunUK, Beligan anti-terror unit contacted French police to warn them about some ISIS extremists who are intending to travel from Syria to France and Belgium to carry out a series of terror attacks. According to a French official, a warning note was sent police across france on Tuesday.

According to a Belgian paper Derniere Heure , The extremists could have left Syria 10 days ago, and are sailing to Europe and attempting to land in Greece and Turkey without any passports. The paper, which said it had obtained an alert message, warns that the fighters targeting a Belgian shopping mall and a US fast-food restaurant for their imminent attacks.

Pensioners Protest over 34month Pension Allowance in Owerri - Pictures

According to a Facebook user, below are photos of pensioners protesting  this morning in Owerri over the callousness of the Governor who has refused to pay them over 34 months pension allowance. 

See more photos.... 

Nigerian Veteran Music Producer OJB Jezreel is Dead

A reliable source just revealed  to Akonuche that music icon OJB is dead.

OJB who had a kidney transplant in 2013 failed last week and his family had to keep him on N35, 000 dialysis daily to overcome the relapse.

OJB sadly passes on a month to his 50th birthday. 

Federal Government 500,000 Teaching Job Portal Gets 35 Million applications within Three days

The newly launched Jobs portal of the Federal Government “N-Power. gov.ng,” has recorded over Thirty-five million applicants which 400,000 applications  was successful since it opened for submissions on Sunday, June 12, 2016. 

According to the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande.

"The portal was opened in order to receive applications towards filling 500,000 direct teaching jobs scheme. so far, 400,000 applicants were successfully registered for the teaching jobs within the first 36 hours the website began operation.

Microsoft Set to Acquire LinkedIn for $26.2 Billion in Cash

Microsoft has reached an agreement to acquire LinkedIn for $26.2 billion in cash. The deal would be the largest in Microsoft’s history, dramatically expanding the company’s reach with ownership of the dominant business social network, with more than 433 million members.

LinkedIn, based in Mountain View, Calif., “will retain its distinct brand, culture and independence,” the companies say in a news release. “Jeff Weiner will remain CEO of LinkedIn, reporting to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. Reid Hoffman, chairman of the board, co-founder and controlling shareholder of LinkedIn, and Weiner both fully support this transaction. The transaction is expected to close this calendar year.”

Jay Z, Future & DJ Khaled Shoot new Music Video ....'"I Got The Keys"

Setting the pace for his Major Key album, DJ Khaled shot the visual for the project's reported first single, "I Got The Keys." The song is set to feature Jay Z and Future, just as the Atlanta rapper promised.

DJ Khaled shared the news of the video, where else, Snapchat. He also took to Instagram to share some photos of the shoot.

Nigeria Football Legend Steven Keshi Dead at 54.

One of the most outstanding captains of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, and former coach of the team, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, is dead at 54, his family has announced.

According to Emmanuel Ado, Steven Keshi's brother, the 54-year-old died of Cardiac arrest in the early hours of Wednesday, June 8.

Tiwa Savage and Don Jazzy Meet Super Rap Star Jay Z at Roc Nation

Here we go again...Tiwa Savage is getting back on track as She meets super rap star Jay Z in New York. Here is her first photo with Jay Z at the Roc Nation Head Office. Tiwa is on the  move to finalize a deal with Jay Z's Roc Nation. Don Jazzy Marvin Records Boss was also present at the meeting. See you at the top Tiwa !

AP Reports Hillary Clinton Wins Democratic Nomination

After a grueling campaign and race that has packed as much sensation as a presidential election itself, the AP is reporting that Hillary Clinton has clinched the number of delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination.

Jay Z & Rita Ora Reach Settlement After Suing Each Other

Rap king Jay Z and Rita Ora have come to terms after suing each other. Ora filed the first case in December, which was answered by Hov's Roc Nation saying she didn't fulfill her contractual obligations.

Now, Mirror reports that a new document has been filed that says the two parties have reached a settlement out of court.

According to BBC on Buhari's Medical Trip to the UK

A leading Nigerian doctor has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of reneging on a promise to end "medical tourism" by seeking treatment in the UK.

Nigerians spent $1bn (£690,000) on foreign medical trips in 2013, most of which was unnecessary, said Dr Osahon Enabulele.

Nigerian politicians were mostly treated by Nigerian doctors in the UK, he added.

Mr Buhari flew to London on Monday to be treated for an ear infection.

It is unclear where the 73-year-old would be treated for what his office described as a "persistent" infection.

Dutch Photographer is Suing Spotify for Copyright Infringement Over Notorious BIG's Image Use

Dutch photographer Dana Lixenberg is suing Spotify for copyright infringement over its use of a picture she took of the late Notorious B.I.G., according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Lixenberg has taken photographs of plenty notable musicians including Prince, Tupac Shakur and Whitney Houston and has also been recognized for her work in Rolling Stone, Vibe and The New Yorker, among others.

Djokovic Beats Murray to win first French Open Title

Photo -BBC

World  number one, Novak Djokovic beat Brit­ain’s Andy Murray to win his first French Open title and complete the career Grand Slam.

The Serb, 29, won 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 to win his 12th major title and became the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slams at once.

Murray had hoped to secure the third leg of his own career Slam, having already won Wimbledon and the US Open.

The Scot, 29, was Britain’s first male finalist in Paris since 1937.

Rapper Meek Mill has been hit with an Additional Eight Days on House Arrest.

Instagram/Meek Mill

Just when it appeared that Philly lyricist was on his way to breaking free of the chains of house arrest, the rap artist was ordered by a judge to complete additional days on house arrest.

According to TMZ, the extension stemmed from a mix up regarding the type of community service Meek was to complete. The rapper was reportedly ordered to complete 90 days of community service with the homeless, Habitat for Humanity, senior citizens, or veterans.

Federal Government of Nigerai Scraps Post UTME, Pegs cut-off points at 180

The Federal Government on Thursday demanded that all controversial examinations usually organised by universities in Nigeria for admission seekers after the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations should be scrapped.

The government argued that if there was absolute confidence in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, there should be no need for Universities to conduct internal examinations to determine the fate of candidates seeking admissions.

Niger Delta Militants Attack more Oil Pipelines in Bayelsa

The Niger Delta militants seem to be gearing up in their daily blowing up of Oil pipelines. The Militia group on Thursday blew up two extra oil pipelines in Bayelsa State, threatening to bring oil production in the country to a halt.

The militant group that calls itself the Niger Delta Avengers, which has claimed responsibility for most of the attacks since the beginning of the year, said it had attacked two crude pipelines operated by Italy’s oil major Eni.

Ex-NNPC GMD, Barkindo, Becomes OPEC Secretary-General

A former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Mohammed Barkindo, has emerged as the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Two OPEC delegates said Nigerian candidate Barkindo was chosen to be OPEC’s new secretary-general on Thursday in Vienna at the group’s 169th conference, Reuters reported.

Federal Government Flags off Ogoniland Clean-up

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who represented President Buhari today in Rivers State has flagged off the Niger Delta cleanup exercise. In attendance were State Governors, dignitaries and indigenes of Rivers. 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inaugurated the clean-up of Ogoniland with a warning to militants to end the continued attack on oil and gas installations. see pictures after the cut...

Pusha T & Jay Z Release a New Track - 'Drug Dealers Anonymous'

King Pusha T is back, and this time with a new single to follow up his latest release titled, Darkest Before Dawn . Enlisting a god-father in hiphop, Jay Z joins the ranks on the new cut ‘Drug Dealers Anonymous.’

The Old Timers are Better than the New Chaps in today's Nollywood - Hilary

We are "Akonuche", a platform where you air your sincerest opinion, discuss and vent on a particular issue or topic that people want to know more about. We believe your opinion(s) will improve, expose and educate people. please see interview with one of Naija’s top movie reviewer Hilary  CEO  “ThaRevue”- a movie platform that review movies.  Hilary believes that the new chaps are not better than the Old timers in Nollywood, and he also differ on the issue of nudity, romance and all in the industry.…Enjoy !

Drake, Beyonce & Rihanna Top Hip Hop Album Sales

Drake's VIEWS are still from the top of the Billboard's Top 200 albums chart. Beyonce and Rihanna hold it down in the Top 10 as Ariana Grande and Blake Shelton released projects that threatened Queen Bey's sales last week.

Nigeria Records First Trade Deficit in Seven Years

The Punch reports that Nigeria recorded its first deficit in Trade of N793.5bn.

According to the  National Bureau of Statistics, the country recorded a decline of N793.5bn in the first quarter merchandise trade to close at N2.72tn from N3.51tn in the fourth quarter of 2015, the first time in the last seven years.

The bureau, in the trade statistics report released on Tuesday, said the drop in the first quarter trade represented a decline of about 22.6 per cent over what was recorded in the preceding quarter.

It attributed the decline in the first quarter trade to a sharp drop in both import and export trade.