Super Eagles, unarguably one of the most feared and flamboyant side in Africa opened the year on a positive note by reclaiming the African Cup of Nations in South Africa after a nineteen year wait.

Nigerians saw that gift as awesome but it was the tonic to a blistering performance in sports in the out-going year. Stephen Keshi not only handled the Eagles to a resounding victory, but he has also set the bar high as the first local coach to do so but also won who has won the competition as captain.

The victory has also uplifted the profile of home based players following the contributions of Godfrey Oboabona and Sunday Mbah.

Okagbare cuts the difference

Following the football experience, Blessing Okagbare showed her class as she won a silver medal in the women long jump and a bronze medal in the 200m at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Moscow, Russia. She also holds the African record in 100m sprint. By reason of honors and awards bestowed on her by the government and accolades from other quarters, it was evident she had captured both a golden silver and bronze for the country.

Eaglets remain Golden

National under-17 side Golden Eaglets proved their mettle when they outclassed others to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates to give Nigeria her fourth hold on the trophy. This feat follows those achieved in China in 1985, Japan in 1993 and South Korea in 2007.

The competition in threw up players regarded as future materials for the senior national teams. Kelechi Iheanacho and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu already have in the Eagles squad bound for the African Nations Championship, CHAN in South Africa in early 2014.

Others

There were other top class performances some being Nigerian wrestlers who proved themselves at the Common-wealth Champion-ships in South Africa and weightlifters who won medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Malaysia. Nigerian athletes continued their surge to the zenith of the continental when they won the African Championships title in Port Novo, Benin Republic.

Dearth of competitions for athletes almost in all the sports and elections into national federations that have many still enmeshed in disputes were some of the low points of the year.

03:34

Nokia Pro Camera Captures high resolution photos, zoom into details and reframe them as new images. Adjust focus, white balance and exposure with easy, intuitive controls.

Powered by Windows Phone 8.The Nokia Lumia 1020 with Windows Phone 8 comes with built-in Microsoft Office to help you stay productive wherever you are. With customisable LiveTiles and exclusive features like the People Hub you can stay up to speed with all the most important things in your life.
SpecificationsDisplayDisplay size: 4.5 ''Display technology: 

ClearBlack, AMOLED 

Touch screen technology: Super sensitive touch PhotographyMain camera sensor: 41 MP,

 PureView Flash type: Xenon flash Power management

Maximum talk time (2G): 19.1 hMaximum talk time (3G): 13.3 hMaximum music playback time: 63 

hWireless charging: Yes, with accessory cover Processor

Processor name: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 

Processor type: Dual-core 1.5 GHz

Nothing else comes close"It's the clear winner of the end-user Business Choice Award for smartphones.”

Unbeatable photos and videoThe only smartphone with a 41 megapixel camera sensor, Full HD video and Nokia Rich Recording for incredible audio capture.

Your moments captured like never before.The Nokia Lumia 1020 takes photos and video that no other smartphone can match with a 41 megapixel camera sensor, PureView technology, Optical Image Stabilisation and amazing high-resolution zoom.

Powered by Windows Phone 8.The Nokia Lumia 1020 with Windows Phone 8 comes with built-in Microsoft Office to help you stay productive wherever you are. With customisable LiveTiles and exclusive features like the People Hub you can stay up to speed with all the most important things in your life.
SpecificationsDisplayDisplay size: 4.5 ''Display technology: 

ClearBlack, AMOLED 

Touch screen technology: Super sensitive touch PhotographyMain camera sensor: 41 MP, PureView Flash type: Xenon flash Power managementMaximum talk time (2G): 19.1 hMaximum talk time (3G): 13.3 hMaximum music playback time: 63 hWireless charging: Yes, with accessory cover ProcessorProcessor name: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 Processor type: Dual-core 1.5 GHz

Also known as Nokia EOS, Nokia 909, Nokia RM-875, Nokia RM-877, Nokia RM-876.

GENERAL	2G Network	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions
	3G Network	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-875, RM-877
		HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-876
	4G Network	LTE 800 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 - RM-875
		LTE 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - RM-877
	SIM	Micro-SIM
	Announced	2013, July
	Status	Available. Released 2013, July

BODY	Dimensions	130.4 x 71.4 x 10.4 mm, 96.9 cc (5.13 x 2.81 x 0.41 in)
	Weight	158 g (5.57 oz)

DISPLAY	Type	AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
	Size	768 x 1280 pixels, 4.5 inches (~332 ppi pixel density)
	Multitouch	Yes
	Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3
		- PureMotion HD+ ClearBlack display

SOUND	Alert types	Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones
	Loudspeaker	Yes
	3.5mm jack	Yes
		- Dolby Digital Plus - Dolby headphone enhancement

MEMORY	Card slot	No
	Internal	32 GB, 2 GB RAM / 64 GB (Telefonica exclusive)

DATA	GPRS	Yes
	EDGE	Up to 236.8 kbps
	Speed	HSDPA, 42.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps; LTE, Cat3, 50 Mbps UL, 100 Mbps DL
	WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
	Bluetooth	Yes, v3.0 with A2DP
	NFC	Yes
	USB	Yes, microUSB v2.0

CAMERA	Primary	41 MP (38 MP effective, 7152 x 5368 pixels), Carl Zeiss optics, optical image stabilization, auto/manual focus, Xenon & LED flash, check quality
	Features	1/1.5'' sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size, PureView technology, geo-tagging, face detection, dual capture, panorama
	Video	Yes, 1080p@30fps, 4x lossless digital zoom, video light,check quality
	Secondary	Yes, 1.2 MP, 720p@30fps

FEATURES	OS	Microsoft Windows Phone 8, upgradeable to WP8 Amber
	Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon
	CPU	Dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait
	GPU	Adreno 225
	Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
	Messaging	SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM
	Browser	HTML5
	Radio	Stereo FM radio with RDS
	GPS	Yes, with A-GPS support and GLONASS
	Java	No
	Colors	Yellow, white, black, red (AT&T exclusive)
		- SNS integration - Active noise cancellation with a dedicated mic - MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ player - MP4/DivX/XviD/H.264/H.263/WMV player - 7GB free SkyDrive storage - Organizer - Document viewer - Video/photo editor - Voice memo/command/dial - Predictive text input

BATTERY		Non-removable Li-Ion 2000 mAh battery (BV-5XW)
	Stand-by	(2G) / Up to 384 h (3G)
	Talk time	Up to 19 h (2G) / Up to 13 h 20 min (3G)
	Music play	Up to 63 h

MISC	SAR US	1.23 W/kg (head)     0.97 W/kg (body)
	SAR EU	0.76 W/kg (head)     0.67 W/kg (body)
	Price group

TESTS	Display	Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 2.103 (sunlight)
	Loudspeaker	Voice 69dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 72dB
	Camera	Photo / Video
	Battery life	Endurance rating 61h

09:19

The Spiritual Leader of One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has predicted victory forSuper Eagles at the forthcoming 2014 WorldCup in Brazil.He made this known to Daily Independent athis Spiritual Village, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while speaking on plans to mark his spiritual birthday on January 1, 2014.Maharaj Ji was determined speaking about it:"I have said it and nothing will change it. If the Super Eagles handler, Stephen Keshi, shows more love to Maharaj Ji, the true name of the Almighty. He will lead the team to victory that will shock the world."I want him and top shots of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to visit Maharaj Ji Village and let us have a discussion. Let them come and put Maharaj Ji's power to test. I cannot be here and Nigeria won't be able to conquer the world."I told them before that Eagles will win the Nation's Cup and so it was. The powers of Chukwujekwukwu will touch the players again and they will have strength to run faster as children of the light than any otherteam at the tournament. Nigerians should come and avail themselves of the opportunity of the power now."Keshi should humble himself more. I foreseethe cup coming to Nigeria in 2014. Nigeriansshould stop doubting because the Living Perfect Master is talking. I think by now government in its own wisdom would have shown appreciation to me for the victory of Eagles at the last Nation's Cup. They shouldknow that it is only by encouraging me that they receive more."The Spiritual Leader proceeded:"The players, particularly the goal keeper, should avoid wearing blue jersey which wasone of the things that caused initial problems for the team during the Nation's Cup before an NFF top shot got across to me to intercede. Blue is the colour of mermaid. That is not ideal for any progressive development."I have said it loud and clear that the cup is within reach and definitely it will come to Nigeria if the sports administrators and the coaches take the advantage. I cautioned Samson Siasia, the former Eagles' handler, but he retorted saying 'is Satguru God'? That affected him and he was booted out."However, not only the Super Eagles, tell other national teams to come and receive the power to excel and it shall be well with them at any tournament,"he assured.

08:45

Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole survived a motor accident at Ewu Village along the ever-busy Benin-Auchi road in Edo State at about 9.45am Saturday, 28th December 2013 on his way back to Benin City from hisIyamho Village.The incident occurred at about 9.45am at Ewu, in Edo Central Senatorial District, whena Peugeot J5 Bus filled with tomatoes and plantains apparently lost control and rammed into the Governor's Flag Car from the opposite direction before swerving into a roadside ditch.Three vehicles in the Governor's convoy were in front of the Governor's Flag Car andhad passed the Peugeot J5 Bus before it [J5Bus] had direct impact with the Governor's car, which had the Governor, his Aide-De-Camp [ADC] and his Driver as occupants.The Governor's Car was badly affected but both occupants of the Peugeot J5 Bus and that of the Governor's sustained no injuries.The Peugeot J5 Bus was following a truck that was descending the Ewu Slope when itsuddenly veered off into the Governor's lane from the opposite direction and directlyimpacted on the Governor's vehicle, apparently because of brake failure.Fortunately, none of the passengers in bothvehicles sustained injuries. The Comrade Governor is hale and hearty, his ADC and other occupants of the Peugeot J5 are also in good condition.The incident has been reported to the Divisional Police Station at Ewu for further investigation. This is to assure all good people of Edo State that there is no cause for alarm.Their loving Comrade Governor is fine, hale and hearty as well as other occupants of the other affected vehicle. The Comrade Governor is wishing everyone a prosperous new year ahead. Signed

EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

08:41

Vice President Namadi Sambo is spending a fortune to furnish and upgrade his official residence and guest house, two projects costing N2.1 billion and lingering since his election alongside President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.In three years leading up to 2013, the government has spent a minimum of N300 million annually to furnish and upgrade the vice president's residence and guest house, according to past and present federal budgets.The biggest spending -N900 million- for the upgrade and furnishing was done in 2011.That year alone, N500 million was channelled into acquiring, upgrading and furnishing the vice president's guest house at Aguda House, while a separate N400 million was spent on purchasing some more furniture and extending the vice president's lounge there.In 2012, the government spent additional N437.1 million for the "upgrading and furnishing" of the same guest house, and squandered additional N112 million solely on"household equipment" for Mr. Sambo's residence.The installation of Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) facilities at the residence, was completed at a whopping N202 million.This year, the vice president's Aguda guest house and his residence were furnished at arelatively modest N75.7 million, while landscaping at the residence alone was done at N26 million.A new guest house for Mr. Sambo, at Yakubu Gowon crescent, Asokoro, was also given N170.7 million worth of furniture.It could not be immediately confirmed how much of the proposed works have been implemented after spending more than N2 billion, an amount enough to furnish at least200 primary schools where pupils attend classes under tree shades and sit on bare floors. Such school furnishings are estimatedat an average N10 million per school in the federal budgets.Used differently, the amount can provide water in at least 200 Nigerian communities, based on the same budgetary estimates of N10 million community water scheme.Despite the huge funding already, the government has made new allocations for the project for 2014, with the likelihood of even more spending for the vice president'sfurniture and upgrading coming in 2015.If the National Assembly approves a new budget proposal submitted by President Jonathan, as it likely would since previous furniture allocations for Mr. Sambo were notblocked, then the government will spend an extra N123 million on Mr. Sambo's new guest house at Yakubu Gowon crescent.Taxpayers will also buy kitchen utensils worth N8 million for the vice president.The total N2.1 billion for furnishing and upgrading is far ahead of government's allocation for some key road projects within the same period.The obscene allocations for Mr. Sambo's home and guest houses follows a trend thathas seen the government repeatedly channel more funds for the convenience of public office holders while key projects suffer.While the government claims it was cutting the cost of governance to address dwindlingrevenues and mounting developmental needs, it has for years continued to direct scarce funds for the luxury of its officials, providing them with exotic cars, homes, and other perks while more than half of Nigerians live on less than a dollar per day.In 2012, the presidency budgeted N1 billion for feeding, and half a billion naira for cars for President Jonathan and Vice President Sambo. The car purchase was suspended after public outrage following media reports.Mr. Sambo's office has become notorious forsome of the administration's most outlandishspending. The cars the vice president was to receive would have been his second set in two years, having already spent N323 million on cars in 2011.Also in 2012, the Federal Capital Territory Administration raised an already outrageousN7 billion for the construction of a home for the vice president by adding extra N9 billionto make it N16 billion. The National Assemblyfinally blocked that request.

04:57