FOR THE RECORD: Council Of State Meets Over INEC, IG

The Council of State is scheduled to meet in Abuja Thursday this week to discuss key appointments proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Serena Williams Breaks Grand Slam Record With Johanna Larsson Win

Serena Williams has broken a grand slam record (AP)

Serena Williams broke the women's record for most grand slam singles wins as the American cruised past Johanna Larsson and into the US Open last 16.

Cash Crunch Threatens Buhari’s ₦500bn Social Protection Scheme

The reduction in Federal Government’s revenue caused by the sharp drop in global oil price is currently threatening the full implementation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s planned social protection programme.

Schweinsteiger Named In Man Utd Squad

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been included in Manchester United's 25-man Premier League squad.

Serena Williams Proud To Equal Martina Navratilova's Record For Singles Wins

Williams moved level with Navratilova's 306 major tournament victories beating fellow American Vania King 6-3 6-3 in the second round at Flushing Meadows

Serena Williams reflected on a "cool milestone" after equalling Martina Navratilova's Open-era record for grand slam women's singles wins.

How US, Argentina, Others Got Out Of Recession

By Everest Amaefule, Abuja

The graph of life is never straight and steep as many human beings would prefer it to be. There are the straight parts, the curves and then the twists. Economies also behave in similar fashion. We call the growth period economic prosperity. When it contracts, we say there is recession.

Nigeria’s Unemployment Scourge — The Guardian Editorial

Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige

The level of unemployment in Nigeria today is too alarming and should immediately engage the attention of those in power before its dire consequences consume the country.

2-IN-1 STORY: Drama As Workers Occupy Aero Contractors’ Office; Why Aero Suspended Scheduled Operations — NCAA

Copyright: ©Radim Kobližka

Aviation unions’ members have occupied the head office of Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest airline, which announced indefinite suspension of scheduled operations.

Nigerian, Dr. Sunmolu Beckley, Honoured In Canada With Hospital, Street Naming

As a specialist, Dr. Sunmolu Beckley had many options available to him when he decided to move to Grand Bank from the United States in 1988.

A new street in Grand Bank – Beckley Place – has also been named for Dr. Sunmolu Beckley. Council members unveiled the sign during a special celebration. Photo: Paul Herridge

Gabon Cup Of Nations To Go Ahead Despite Riots — CAF

Gabon's national football team players take part in a training session at the stade de la paix in Bouake on June 3, 2016 on the eve of their 2017 African Cup of Nations football match between Côte d'Ivoire and Gabon ©Issouf Sanogo (AFP)

The African Cup of Nations continental football finals will go ahead as scheduled in Gabon despite the wave of riots following President Ali Bongo's re-election, African football authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Top Liberia Politician Steps Down Over Corruption Scandal

Liberia's parliamentary speaker Alex Tyler (C) leave the Justice Court on May 25, 2016 in Monrovia ©Zoom Dosso (AFP)

Liberia's parliamentary speaker stepped down on Thursday as police investigate allegations that he took a bribe worth US$75,000 to facilitate the passage of legislation favourable to a British mining firm.

Jackie Chan To Receive Honorary Oscar

Jackie Chan has appeared in more than 150 movies since becoming a child actor in his native Hong Kong in the 1960s ©Johannes Eisele (AFP)

Action movie star Jackie Chan is due to receive an honorary Oscar, the Academy said Thursday, to recognize a glittering career that has seen him become a cultural icon.

Didier Drogba Foundation: Charity Commission Probe 'Coming To A Close'

Drogba is currently playing for Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact

A report into the "serious regulatory concerns" surrounding a charity run by Didier Drogba is due to be released by the Charity Commission within a month.

Joseph Yobo Denies Kano Pillars Signing Reports

Last week reports circulated that Joseph Yobo had signed a deal with Kano Pillars to play for them till the end of the season in his role as NPFL ambassador.

Aviation Unions Besiege Aero Contractors Over Indefinite Leave Handed 1,400 Workers

Copyright: ©Radim Kobližka

Aviation unions on Thursday besieged the head office of Aero Contractors Airline at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, a day after the embattled airline announced the suspension of flight operations and placed workers on an indefinite leave.

EPL: Transfer Deadline Day: Premier League Spending Reaches £1.165bn (SEE FULL GRAPHICS OF SPENDING ACROSS EU)

Above is a list of the “TOP FOUR” transfer/ fees during the 2016-17 summer transfer

Premier League clubs spent more than £155m on transfer deadline day as the summer window outlay reached a record £1.165bn.

CBN Readmits Suspended Banks To Forex Market

Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria on Wednesday said it had readmitted to the foreign exchange market banks that were suspended last week for non-remittance of US$2.12bn belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

FOR THE RECORD: Nigerian Govt Renames Solid Minerals Ministry, Approves New Mining Roadmap

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi

The Federal Executive Council has approved a new roadmap for the growth and development of the nation’s mining sector and the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.

NLC Vows To Resist Further Fuel Price Hike

NLC warning petroleum marketers not to contemplate any further increase in the pump price of the products, especially that of Premium Motor Spirit

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it will resist any further increase in the pump price of fuel by the Federal Government, saying the nation is yet to recover from the impact of the recent increase of petroleum products implemented last year.

Five Big Arrivals In Chinese Football

Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini became the Chinese Super League's latest big-name foreign manager last week ©Geoff Caddick (AFP)

AFP Sports looks at five top arrivals at the cash-rich Chinese Super League this European summer:

Football: top arrivals in China