FG - We won’t abandon Boko Haram victims

• Nigerian Newspapers
  Nigerian Newspapers: We won’t abandon Boko Haram victims – FG
  Nigerian Newspapers Media – Nigeria
  
  From: Nigerian Newspapers Media – Nigeria
  
  President Goodluck Jonathan has assured that his administration will not abandon those affected by various insurgents’ attacks and other security crisis in the country, saying, “let me assure you that we will stand by you.” He said, “we feel your pain and we will do all we can to provide you with comforts and recovery.” Represented by Senate President, David Mark, at this year’s Special Inter-denominational Service with the theme: “Righteousness Exalts a Nation,” to commemorate Democracy Day at the National Christian Centre, Jonathan noted that no responsible government would standby and watch anarchy take over the streets. He vowed that his government would do everything within the ambit of the law to protect and defend not only our citizens but the unity of the country.
  
  He expressed happiness that reports reaching him indicated that the security operatives were presently revising the negative trend of insurgency in the three affected states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe and the environs that emergency rule was declared. . President Jonathan thanked Nigerians for the support of his government and assured that his administration was recording giant strides despite the various challenges and that the country’s policies had attracted investors and was still the prefered destination in Africa. He saluted the gallantry of the heros past, who had fought to ensure Nigeria remains one and enjoys democracy. Jonathan said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you to mark our democracy day. As you all know May 29 has been specially set aside in the annals of the nation not just to mark our return to the government for the people by the people, but also to celebrate our heros, who struggled to bring us to where we are today. “To all those men, women and institutions through whose labour we enjoy democracy today, we must continue to doff our hats, they remain shining examples of heroism and sacrifice. It is because of their hard work and sacrifices that we celebrate democracy today. We remain eternally grateful to all of them. “We who are saddled with the democratic leadership of the country at this point in our history, will continue to protect our freedom and our way of life. “We will continue to pull our shared values and ensure that Nigerians enjoy democracy, liberty in the land of opportunity, where no man is discriminated against. “We celebrate May 29 across party lines and social divide, this is how it should be. Because we celebrate, we understand the full import of democracy and what it means to our people, who have been able to choose in an unfiltered manner those who will lead them from where they are to where they want to be. “As an administration we have continued to nurture our democracy, the mantra of one man one vote, one woman one vote, one youth one vote, are the battle cry for free and fair elections in 2011. I’m glad to note that the 2011 elections continued to echo nationally and internationally as one of the freest and fairest elections this country has had. We have diligently followed through with similar success in Ondo, Edo, Kebbi and Kogi states amongst others, were the people spoke and their voices were heard loud and clear. “We have also raised up our war against corruption, our anti-corruption agencies are strengthen and for the first time in our history we have institutionalised a meeting between the three arms of government in conjunction with the anti-corruption agencies. We have achieved synergy through this forum in which issues of governance are placed on the front burner and ways fashioned out to ensure continued improvement in our body’s polity. “There is no doubt that our country there are challenges, we have received gratitude and outpouring of goodwill of all well meaning Nigerians on the unfortunate but inevitable declaration of state of emergency in the three states of north east, namely Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. “No responsible government anywhere in the world will fold its arms and watch anarchy reign supreme within its borders. This government therefore will do everything within the ambit of our law to protect and defend not only our citizen but the unity of our country. Report reaching me indicate that our gallant and patriotic security men are presently revising the negative trend of insurgency in the three affected states and the environs. “I want to assure Nigerians that this administration is up to task and will not relent until peace and normalcy returns to the affected states. “We will return sanity and peace to the streets of Nigeria and we will defeat all the threats to our corporate existence. “My prayers are with the families of our brave service men and women and all those who have tragically lost their lives to internal crisis in the nation. “Their memories will linger on in our hearts, our thoughts are with the unfortunate victims and families who faced a long road ahead, the wounded and heartbroken. Families rent apart by tragedies and sorrow, the churches, the mosques and those who lost possessions to attacks by insurgents. “As President of this great nation, let me assure you that we will stand by you. We feel your pain and we will do all we can to provide you with comforts and recovery. “Inspite of the challenges we have face, I make bold to say that our country is strong and our economy is growing faster than any other country in Africa today. “Our policies have continued to receive global acclaim and approval as most investors coming to Africa prefer to set up shops in Nigeria. In the midst of the lingering negatives our nation remains the center of gravity of our the African economy and society. “Our economy, music, films, sports particularly our football and fashion are all on the rebound across Africa. “Our people remain bold and courageous, working hard all over the country and around the world to keep our flag flying. “As we tackle the infrastructure deficit across sectors, our GDP and living standard will witness steady rise in the years ahead. Nigeria has come to stay, Africa looks up to us for leadership and direction, the world reposes high hopes in our capacity and credentials, we cannot afford to fail, and we will not fail. We must therefore continue to pull our strength, minimise our areas of weakness and create that positive synergy that will take us from where we are as a people to the destination of our hopes and dreams. We must try to pass on a prosperous and united peaceful and happy nation to our children and future generation. “Let me appreciate the support of all Nigerians to our administration, I appreciate your prayers and goodwill, together the destiny of our nation is assured”. The church announced the launch of campaign to restore core values to the nation. It said is time to use the campaign to save the nation from avoidable crisis currently plaguing the nation. The theme of the campaign is “Be the change you want to see” and will run for one year and will be launched on June 14th. Some notable personalities present were, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, National Assembly members led by Senate President David Mark, and Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, Federal Executive Council members, led by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim Presidential aides led by the Chief of Staff Mike Oghiadomhe, members of the diplomatic corps. Others were Deputy Governors of Oyo, Nassarawa, and Kaduna. Others were The Service Chiefs, Heads of Security and Para-military services, Traditional Rulers, members of the judiciary, Christian mothers, School children.
  
  The deputy governor, Ignatius Lonjang, who was the first to congratulate  the governor, stated that it was God’s mercy and a big surprise to Plateau people.

African Development Bank Group... Recruiting

• African Development Bank Group... Recruiting
  African Development Bank Group is seeking to recruit fresh Graduate for the below position:
  
  VACANCY - YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM - YPP 2013
  GRADE: PL-6
   
  OBJECTIVES
  The Young Professionals Program (YPP) targets motivated and talented individuals under thirty-two (32) years of age, who are committed to African development, have demonstrated outstanding academic and professional achievement, and have demonstrated effective team work and leadership potential.The African Development Bank (AfDB) hires approximately twenty (20) young professionals each year. Upon acceptance of offer and entry, the YPs complete a mandatory minimum of two years and maximum of three years on rotational assignments in different organizational units and sectors within the Bank.   The YPs will undergo on-the-job training and mentoring that will equip them with skills, knowledge and experience to address developmental issues in Africa in particular and the developing world in general.  At the end of three years and upon successful completion of the program, the YPs will be equipped to compete for any relevant vacancies in the AfDB.
  
  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  2013 YPP Selection Criteria
  The following established selection criteria guide the recruitment and selection into the Program, and at no time will the Bank make an exception for any candidate:
  Citizen of a member country (regional or non-regional) of the AfDB.
  A maximum of 32 years of age by December 31st of the selection year.
  A minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Engineering, Social Sciences, International Development, Business Administration, Finance, or any discipline that is relevant to the business of the Bank, and with outstanding academic credentials.
  Multi-disciplinary background and a minimum of three years relevant work experience. Demonstrated strong analytical skills; dynamism; results-orientation; and problem-solving capability.
  Areas of particular interest to the Program include leadership potential; ability to work in a variety of operational and corporate tasks; ability to leverage knowledge with others; and adaptability to working in a multicultural setting.
  Demonstrated passion for development issues and a commitment to Africa (field experience on the continent and/or in other developing countries is an added advantage).
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English or French with a working knowledge of the other language (working knowledge of a third language that is relevant to the Bank’s operations in Africa is an advantage).
  Working knowledge of Microsoft operating systems (PowerPoint, Excel, Visio).  Additional I.T. skills are an advantage.
  In addition, the AfDB will take into account skills in areas such as Information Communication and Technology (ICT); People management and Administration; Fiduciary Risks (i.e. Audit, Risk Management and Anti-Corruption); and Knowledge Management.
  
  Please note that all applicants must have completed and obtained a Master’s or equivalent Degree Certificate by the time the vacancy announcement closes to be considered for the program.
  
  Applications will be accepted until midnight (Tunis time) of the closing date and will not accept any application submissions after the closing date of the Vacancy Announcement
   
  SELECTION CRITERIA
  Including desirable skills, knowledge and experience
  
  METHOD OF APPLICATION:
  The application process requires you to Subscribe to African Development Bank Group [HR-Admin] For Jobs Notification in Your Mail Box using this Subscribe LINK-HERE & Check your E-mail inbox for a Verification message from ‘Feedburner E-Mail Subscriptions‘ immediately After Subscribing; to Activate Subscription! CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
  
  DUE DATE: 21 June, 2013

CAREER OPPORTUNITY AT CRIPSS

• CAREER OPPORTUNITY AT CRIPSS
  
  The Centre for Research on Information, Process and Software System (CRIPSS) is opened to serve as a technology backbone for companies and the governments.
  
  We conduct extensive research in the areas of database technology; Software Engineering and Intelligent Systems; bioinformatics, automation, algorithm, process optimisation and control, Biomedical Engineering; virtual machining; signal, image and multimedia processing; communications; nanotechnology; human - computer interaction; computational intelligence; distributed systems; integrated systems design and many more.
  CRIPSS is recruiting to fill the post of:
  
  VACANCY - DATABASE APPLICATION DEVELOPER
  LOCATION: Lagos
  
  JOB DESCRIPTION:
  Must be knowledgeable in Data structures and Algorithm; Database design; Transaction management; Distributed databases; Data Warehousing; Data mining; Information retrieval and XML; Spatial Data Management; OLAP; Logic Programming and Deductive Databases; Management of Uncertainty and Incompleteness in Database and Knowledge base Systems; Information Integration and Data Exchange; Semantic Web, Description Logics, Ontology Management, Querying the Internet, Bioinformatics, Digital Libraries, Business Intelligence; Data Cleaning; Managing Semantically Heterogeneous Data; Privacy Preserving Data Mining; Social Networks, Social Media, and Recommender Systems; and Text Databases.
  
  Jobs include heading the Database Research group and conducting lectures in the following areas:
  Data structures and Algorithm.
  Database systems
  Real time and Distributed Systems
  Automated Systems
  Database Projects and Research
  
  TO APPLY:
  The application process requires you to Subscribe to CRIPSS [HR-Admin] For Jobs Notification in Your Mail Box using this Subscribe LINK-HERE & Check your E-mail inbox for a Verification message from ‘Feedburner E-Mail Subscriptions‘ immediately After Subscribing; to Activate Subscription! Interested candidates should send your CV and supporting document to: info@cripss.com.
  
  DUE DATE: 28th June, 2013

Chelsea set to secure Van Ginkel as Mourinho's first signing

• Africcon News
  Africcon Media Report:  Chelsea set to secure Van Ginkel as Mourinho's first signing
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  The Blues believe that the 20-year-old, who scored eight times as Vitesse Arnhem secured Europa League football, is capable of holding down a midfield spot straight away
  Chelsea are set to make Marco van Ginkel the first signing of Jose Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge.
  
  A deal has already been put in place to bring the Netherlands Under-21s international, one of the finest emerging talents in Dutch football, from Vitesse this summer to strengthen the Blues' midfield.
  
  Van Ginkel was central to Vitesse's success in finishing fourth in the Eredivisie and qualifying for next season's Europa League.
  
  A powerful, box-to-box midfielder, the €10m-rated youngster - whose contract expires in 2015 - is seen as an individual capable of holding down an influential role in Mourinho's team.
  
  CHELSEA LATEST
  14/1     Edinson Cavani is 14/1 with BetVictor to join Chelsea
  Van Ginkel scored eight times in 33 league appearances during a season in which he earned a first call-up to Louis van Gaal's national squad for last November's friendly against Germany. He was also prominent in the Oranje's progress to this summer's Under-21s European Championship, where they have been drawn against Germany, Spain and Russia.
  
  Though Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord have all closely monitored the 20-year-old's development since his debut in 2010 and Benfica have attempted to recruit him for next season, Chelsea's close relationship with Vitesse enabled them to secure the player's transfer.
  
  Roman Abramovich has helped bankroll the club's success by loaning them a number of his Chelsea youth signings. French forward Gael Kakuta plus defenders Patrick van Aanholt and Tomas Kalas spent last season at Vitesse, whose chairman is the Georgian businessman Merab Jordania.
  
  After agreeing to terminate his contract at Real Madrid, Mourinho settled the terms of a new four-year contract at Chelsea, which is to begin in June.
  
  He has been granted control over the restructuring of the Stamford Bridge squad and has begun working on further reinforcements in central defence, midfield and centre forward.

Lewandowski will join Bayern this summer, says agent

• Africcon News
  Africcon Media Report: Lewandowski will join Bayern this summer, says agent
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  The Poland international's representative has revealed that his client will follow Mario Gotze to the Champions League winners ahead of next season
  
  Cezary Kucharski, one of Robert Lewandowski's agents, has revealed that the striker will leave Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.
  
  The Poland international has long been linked with a move to the Champions League winners and his representative has made it clear that the deal could be completed shortly.
  
  "Robert will join Bayern this summer. There is no point in pretending that he will not move to Bayern. Robert wants to leave and that is what will happen," Kucharski told TVN24.
  
  "It is a matter of time. It could be a done deal within a week or within two to three weeks. We are waiting for a signal from the club. We are working on this deal.
  
  "Robert needs a new challenge. He needs other people around him, a new coach and new motivation."
  
  Maik Barthel, Lewandowski's other agent, claimed earlier this season that the 24-year-old has already agreed terms with another club, prompting Bayern to issue a statement denying that they had reached an agreement with the striker back in April.
  
  Nevertheless, Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes suggested at the weekend that Lewandowski is destined to follow in the footsteps of Mario Gotze and leave BVB for the Allianz Arena side.
  
  Lewandowski has a contract with Dortmund until June 2014, yet he's widely expected to leave the club this summer following his refusal to sign a new deal.
  
  He had also caught the attention of clubs such as Juventus, Manchester United and Real Madrid, but his next destination seems to be Munich following Kucharski's latest comments.

Six killed as Lagos youths clash during match

• Nigerian Newspapers
  Nigerian Newspapers: Six killed as Lagos youths clash during match
  Nigerian Newspapers Media – Nigeria subway
  
  From: Nigerian Newspapers Media – Nigeria
  
  No fewer than six youths were killed, while others sustained injuries after youths clashed during a football match at the Ajah area of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos State.
  
  African Connect learnt that the youths had converged to play football during the compulsory monthly sanitation exercise when an argument ensued.
  
  According to police authorities, the clash was between three factions, the Olumegbon boys, Ajah boys and Ilaje boys.
  
  It was learnt that there was no winner in the battle as the casualties were spread evenly among the three factions.
  
  It was also learnt that the whole area was filled with blood as well as broken glass and sticks after the fracas.
  
  According to eyewitnesses, the damage had already been done before the police arrived.
  
  An eyewitness, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said Ilaje boys were not playing football but got involved in the clash when Ajah boys attempted to escape through their own territory.
  
  He said, “Ajah youths were playing football. Later Olumegbon boys arrived the place and soon an argument ensued which led to the clash. As the fighting continued, some of the Ajah boys tried to escape through Ilaje Community so the youths attempted to push them back so that they would not be embroiled in the fight.
  
  “The Ajah youths in the process, killed two of our youths and of course a fight ensued.”
  
  It was learnt that before the police could respond, the wounded had been rushed to the hospital, while the dead had been taken away by their respective factions.
  
  The Olumegbon boys were said to have carried the corpses of their dead colleagues to the palace of the Olumegbon.
  
  It was learnt that the incident was also part of a supremacy battle for the control of motor parks in the area.
  
  PUNCH Metro learnt that the factions were formed after some landowners started having disagreement over parcels of land in the area. The issue soon metamorphosed into divisions as each faction started having its area of  control, including motor parks.
  
  It was learnt that some elders and security agents had made various proposals for peace to reign in the area.
  
  Some of the proposals were that no member of a faction should trespass on another faction’s territories.
  
  A faction going into another faction’s motor park to collect toll, and dispute over land, had often been the causes of most of their clashes.
  
  The Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, confirmed that six youths were killed.
  
  Braide said two youths died from each group adding that it was a supremacy battle for the control in the area.
  
  She said the police had beefed up security of the area.
  
  She said, “Six youths were killed in the clash which started during a football match. Two youths from Ilaje, two from Ajah and two from Olumegbon were killed. Their fight  is always because of supremacy claims.”
  
  PUNCH Metro had reported in December 2012 that over seven people were killed during a similar clash between Ajah and Ilaje youths which left over 50 houses burnt.

Boko Haram Must Be Defeated At All Costs Said Jonathan

• Nigerian Newspapers
  Nigerian Newspapers: Boko Haram must be defeated at all costs said Jonathan
  Nigerian Newspapers Media – Nigeria
  
  From: Nigerian Newspapers Media – Nigeria
  
  President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said the excesses of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, must be curbed, not minding what it would cost the government.
  
  “The excesses of Boko Haram must stop. That is the decision of this present government now. It must stop, whatever it will cost the government, it must stop,” he said in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in an interview with journalists on the sideline of the 21st ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Africa Union.
  
  The President boasted that the government had the wherewithal to confront the reign of terror being unleashed by the sect members and that their actions were already being confronted with his recent declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
  
  Also at the same forum, Jonathan told the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon that the state of emergency in the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa might be called off before the end of six months initial prescription by the Constitution.
  
  The President said with the level of success so far recorded by the military in the affected states, he was optimistic that the emergency rule would end soon.
  
  “The military intervention in the affected states is going on well. There is no human rights abuse and there is no collateral damage with regards to security of individuals. I am optimistic that with the level of success already being recorded, the emergency rule in the affected states may not last up to the six months stipulated by the Constitution,” he told Ban.
  
  Jonathan also said that reports at his disposal showed that the relationship between civilians and soldiers on duty had been excellent.
  
  He said the soldiers’ rules of engagements and operation order were well defined and presence of troops in the areas had been welcomed by the residents.
  
  The President added that his recent order for the release of women and children being held by security agencies was a sign of commitment to resolving the security challenge within the ambit of the law, assuring the UN Secretary-General that the state of emergency was not designed to inflict suffering on the civilians.
  
  Jonathan also assured him that Nigeria would continue to play its leading role in the West African sub region.
  
  Ban had earlier sympathised with the government and people of Nigeria over the violence being unleashed on parts of the country by members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
  
  He noted that terrorism had become a global challenge and identified with the Federal Government on efforts being made to resolve the challenge. He also advised that there should be prudent and cautious measures to protect civilian population living in the affected areas.
  
  On curbing Boko Haram, Jonathan told the journalists that although terrorism was a global problem with the United States and United Kingdom and other countries having their shares, his administration was working hard to contain it in terms of immediate, medium and long-term approaches.
  
  He said, “For the short term, of course, there must be military intervention, we must beef up security, we must change the security architecture to make sure that we detect that something is about to happen before it happens so that we will be able to stop it.
  
  “We have stopped a number of incidents in the country. It is just that the few that happened affect life and whenever life is affected, you will not even think that somebody is doing anything.
  
  “That is why recently I even had to declare a state of emergency in three states so that we go all out to make sure that we seize these weapons.
  
  “A lot of free weapons come in because of the Libyan crisis. We must seize them. They are illegal weapons and must be seized and you cannot do that without declaring a state of emergency to enable the military enter any house, whether it is a residential building or a church, a mosque, a shrine, anywhere, and hotel. We will be able to enter and seize these weapons.
  
  “In the short term, it is to seize these weapons. That is why those three states we have the worst cases; we declared a state of emergency. By the time we finish combing, we would not have just stopped it there but we would have seized most of the weapons they are using. That is the short term.”
  
  The President added that his government’s medium term strategy was to concentrate more on education.
  
  He observed that the part of the country, where there had been prevalence of Boko Haram activities, has the highest rate of school dropouts.
  
  He said although the Constitution put the issue of basic education under the purview of state and local governments, the Federal Government still found it essential to intervene to make sure that there is improvement in the sector.
  
  Jonathan said the idea behind the intervention was to make sure that people received education so that they would not be easily brainwashed.
  
  He said another government’s approach was to create an economic environment that would afford individuals opportunities to fend for themselves.

Neymar has Now agreed a five-year contract to Barcelona

• Africcon News
  Africcon Media Report: Neymar has Now agreed a five-year contract to Barcelona
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  Neymar has Now agreed a five-year contract to Barcelona
  Barcelona have confirmed the capture of highly-rated Brazil starlet Neymar on a five-year contract.
  
  Neymar has been linked to some of Europe's biggest clubs - including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich - in recent years, but declared his preference was to remain with Santos in his homeland until after the 2014 World Cup.
  
  However, Santos announced on Friday evening that they had accepted two offers, allowing the 21-year-old to complete his move to Europe.
  
  Barcelona followed in the early hours of Sunday morning with the announcement of Neymar's signing.
  
  A club statement read: "FC Barcelona and Santos have agreed to terms for Neymar da Silva Santos Junior. The Brazilian forward will don the Blaugrana strip for the next five seasons. The 21-year old is one of the most promising footballers on the planet."
  
  Neymar also confirmed his decision, writing on Instagram: "I'm here with friends and family and they have helped me to write a few things here. I'm not going to hold out until Monday. My family and friends already know my decision. On Monday I will sign a contract with Barcelona."
  
  The 21-year-old's contract at Santos was due to expire at the end of next season and some reports had suggested an agreement with Barcelona was reached as much as a year ago. Now the move has been confirmed.
  
  Neymar wrote: "I want to thank the fans of Santos for these incredible nine years. My feeling for the club and the fans will never change. It is eternal!
  
  "Only a club like Santos FC could give me everything I have experienced on and off the field. I thank the wonderful fans who supported me even in the most difficult moments.
  
  "Titles, goals, dribbling, celebrations and songs that fans created for me will be forever in my heart..."
  
  Neymar 's Santos farewell will come during Sunday's season-opening game against Flamengo.
  
  "I made sure I could play the match tomorrow in Brasilia," he said. "I want to have the opportunity to once again take the field and hear the crowd scream my name...
  
  "It is a strange time for me, sad (farewell) and happy (new challenge). May God bless me in my choices... And I'm always a Santos fan!"
  
  Santos, meanwhile, said they made every effort to keep hold of the player for the season.
  
  A club statement read: "The management committee of Santos FC announces that it has received notification from the athlete Neymar Jr advising that he has decided to accept the proposal of Barcelona. The transfer of playmaker to the Spanish team will be sealed in the coming days.
  
  "After refusing offers of many millions for Neymar Jr since mid-2010, and implemented a career plan that allowed his historic stay in Brazil for several years, bucking the trend of Brazilian football to quickly sell its greatest talents, Santos FC finally agreed to sell.
  
  "Every effort was made to keep him in Brazil as long as possible, even offering to renew the current contract, which ended in July 2014. At this time, however, it was not possible to compete with the terms offered from abroad, which affected the decision of the player to review his professional life.
  
  "Due to the confidentiality agreement, and by mutual agreement, the terms of the transfer will not be disclosed by any of the parties.

Jose Mourinho has agreed A Four-Year deal with Chelsea

• Africcon News
  Africcon Media Report: Jose Mourinho has Now agreed a four-year deal to return to Chelsea
  Africcon New Media – News
  
  From: Africcon Media – Nigeria
  
  
  The Times is reporting that Jose Mourinho has Now agreed a four-year deal to return to Chelsea, and will put pen to paper on the £8.5 million-a-year deal on June 1.
  
  The paper claims he will have control of transfers this time around, and is prepared to listen to offers for David Luiz - linked with Barcelona - and Fernando Torres to fund his plans. The Blues have apparently already made an offer for Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, although he looks destined for Bayern, while Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and Porto centre-back Eliaquim Managala are also targets.
  
  Wayne Rooney could be set for a reunion with former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo: the Daily Mirror claims Real Madrid may launch a £25 million for the England international.
  
  It is reported that Carlo Ancelotti is eager to secure Rooney's services if he is able to take over from Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu. Real are hopeful Ancelotti will gain a release from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, and the Italian has begun planning for life in the Spanish capital.
  
  Rooney, who has handed in a transfer request with United, is said to be on Ancelotti's wish-list should the move become reality in the coming weeks. However, he is not prepared to part with Ronaldo in order to finalise the deal, which could see the pair team up once again.
  
  New United boss David Moyes, meanwhile, is looking to bolster his stocks regardless of Rooney's future. The Daily Mirror states Real's Luka Modric is on Moyes' radar after the 27-year-old struggled to make an impact in La Liga last season.
  
  Across Manchester, City boss Manuel Pellegrini is set to be handed £100 million in transfer funds, according to the Daily Mirror. The manager is hoping to use the money to bring across Isco with him from Malaga, as well as
  Napoli's Edinson Cavani, Fernandinho of Shakhtar Donetsk, Sevilla winger Jesus Navas and Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara.
  
  Arsene Wenger's search for a solid central midfield combination goes on. Former United man Paul Pogba has emerged as a potential target, with the Daily Mirror claiming the midfielder is unsettled at Juventus. Wenger tried to sign Pogba as a 16-year-old, while Stoke's Steven Nzonzi is said to be another option.
  
  In management, Roberto Martinez is set to quit Wigan, The Sun reports. The speculation comes as Everton's pursuit of the Spaniard heats up. Martinez will hold talks with his current employers when he returns from holiday this week.

Nigerian Newspapers

• Nigerian Newspapers
  Nigerian Newspapers: Train Accident: TWO Escape death in Train Accident -Ibadan
  Nigerian Newspapers Media – Nigeria
  
  From: Nigerian Newspapers Media – Nigeria
  
  TWO elderly people said to be on their way to a vigil escaped death by a whisker on Saturday night as a train hit their Mazda 323 LX saloon car at Sango market.
  
  The car with the registration number AG 32 WWW (Ondo), said to have been held up in a traffic gridlock on Sango-UI road, had the people (male and female) on board.
  
  According to an eyewitness, most vehicles that were caught on the rail track manoeuvred and escaped, while the woman, who was driving the affected car, could not, thus making the train to run into it.
  
  Another eyewitness, Kunle Ajibade, told Sunday Tribune that, “a traffic jam had developed along the railway, making many of the motorists to be stranded. At a point, it was obvious that many of them had almost forgotten that they were parked along the railway.
  
  “As though woken up from slumber, the train came on sight honking so loudly. Many of the motorists still caught in the jam began to drive in haste. It was a chaos that could not be immediately managed. The train had got so close that only very few buses and cars were able to escape. Many others later found their way. But a car was trapped by the train and it was impossible for those in it to escape.”
  
  The two elderly people, Sunday Tribune learnt had been taken to the hospital for medical attention.