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“We Will Leverage Superlig To Transform Abia, Export Our Talents To The World” – Vice President, Aba Club Owners

July 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Vice President of the umbrella body of Aba Football Club owners, Hon. Chijioke Kalu Ukpai, has assured that members will key-in to the recently introduced Abia state Superlig.

He described the concept as a real watershed which holds a very bright prospect both for the economy of Abia and the fortunes of clubs in the state.

The Source reports that the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development in partnership with Alliance 51, a spots and entertainment management outfit, had, on July, 3,2024, unveiled the State’s novel Superlig.

The State Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba said the new football league was conceptualized to add value to existing sporting infrastructural facilities, shore up the State’s internally generated revenue ,grow the GDP through a cluster of businesses ,and provide a veritable platform for talents, and stakeholders in the football field to make a worthy living.

The Superlig, Ananaba noted, is anchored on a 9- team format ,with three clubs each from the three Senatorial zones of Abia state.

Addressing the Media after a crucial parley with the Chief Executive Officer of Alliance 51 and top member of the League Management Committee LMC , Dike Dinmiri, in Aba, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Vice President of club owners ,noted that the programme represents a paradigm shift from what is known to the club owners.

Hon Ukpai said with over 50 private football clubs in Aba, they are mulling a merger process to enable them reap maximally from the new opportunities presented.

“Initially, when the idea was sold to us (football club owners) we were lost. However after a considerable discussion with key operators, I can confidently say that what we have been introduced to is a very wonderful development.

“We have not seen such before in the annals of football management and development. Particularly, we are excited by the huge economic prospect which in turn will positively impact on all stakeholders within the chain.

“We thank God that today, private football club owners in Aba will begin to see a spectacular change in the administration of the Sport in this important city.

“It is a massive paradigm shift from what we are used to. The Superlig will be transformational, both economically, and in talents hunt and development.

“We have a whole lot of serious clubs that are redundant,good players that are unknown,with zero opportunities to be exposed to the world” Hon Ukpai stated.

Further speaking ,he emphasized that the Abia Superlig provides a rare opportunity for Nigeria’s talents out side the Nigerian Professional League to get exposed, sign contracts and play professional football all over the world.

He noted that the live broadcast aspect of the Superlig will serve as rehabilitation therapy for hidden talents and private clubs in Aba and the entire Abia state.

“We have the factories for football talents here in Aba, and what is remaining is the enabling environment to distribute the products from the factories to the entire country and the world in general. The biggest chance, has been presented through the introduction of the Abia Supelig and we will grab it with both hands” the Vice President, Aba club owners promised.

Tinubu To Angry Nigerians: “Shelve Protests, I Will Address Pressing Issues”

Akinwale Kasali

July 24, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Worried by the threat of a nationwide protest against his Government, President Bola Tinubu has pleaded with Nigerians to shelve the proposed Protest. He said that his administration is working tirelessly to address the hardship faced by Nigerians.

President Tinubu pleaded with the conveners of the nationwide protest and Nigerians in general to be patient with his Government. He said he has heard their grievances and is working seriously to ensure that all their concerns are addressed.

The President who spoke through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said he is working assiduously to ensure that the country’s economy is placed in a good position.

Idris said: ‘‘We discussed the issue of the country in general and Mr President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest.

“Mr President said he listens to them and takes what they say seriously and he is working assiduously to ensure that this country is good not just for today but also for the future.

“The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas. He has listened to them”.

The nationwide protest is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.

“My Wife Harassed Over Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan” – Akpabio

Akinwale Kasali

July 24, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed that his wife, Unoma was harassed on the phone by thousands of Nigerians over his response to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks on the Senate floor.

His disclosure followed the Social Media backlash which greeted his unsavoury response which not a few Nigerians termed “sexist”

Akpabio shut down Akpoti-Uduaghan from speaking without him recognizing her to do so. And added: “Here is not a “nightclub”.

That generated controversy on several social media and Women Groups platforms all of which called out Akpabio :for being sexist and insulting women.”

But rendering a apology apology to Akpoti-Uduaghan during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio said he would never intentionally denigrate any woman. He said his wife’s phone number was made public, resulting in her receiving about 3,000 calls over his response to Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He said, “I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women.

“Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologise to you.

“The interest shown In the social media shows that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you. I do not mean any harm. People should concentrate on things that will move this country forward

“Social media handlers should practice with decorum. We won’t, out of anger, regulate social media.

He, also, denied social media claims that he has “numerous girlfriends, stressing that he has only one wife and she is enough for me.”

Umahi Revoked Road Contract To Competent Company, Handed It To Firm His Son Is Director – Katsina Elders Forum

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina Elders Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to step in urgently to reverse the revocation of the contract for the construction of the 147 km Katsina-Dutsinma-Marrarabar- Kankara road by the Works Minister, Engr. Dave Umahi.

The Forum said much as they don’t want to attack the person of Umahi, it is nevertheless in receipt of information that the Minister has re awarded the contract to a company in which his son is allegedly a Director.

In a statement issued in Kano on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, its Spokesperson, Dr Namanga Danmajiya, noted that the road contract awarded in April, 2024, by the Tinubu administration represents the most signature project being executed in the State by the President.

They wondered how the Works Minister would suddenly sideline a competent firm already doing a good job of the project, and re- award it to a company in which he has vested interest.

The Katsina Forum warned that Umahi’s action is not doing any good to the image and perception of the President by the people of Katsina.

“Because of the award of the contract by President Tinubu, his popularity and support base swelled like a wild fire among the citizens of Katsina.

“Many welcomed the development with happiness because it will help in the transportation of goods across the Country.

“We don’t want to believe and work on the allegation against the Minister of Works that he revoked the contact because he has personal interest in the firms that he re-awarded the job to.

“The allegation further says that one of the contracting Companies has his biological son as a Director.” the Katsina Forum stated.

Dr Danmajiya said after the road contract was awarded by the President, stakeholders in Katsina established a monitoring and supervision team to follow the progress of work due to the importance the people attached to the project.

According to him, as at the time the contract was revoked and taking from the contracting firm, the monitoring team attested to the good job it was executing .

The Forum, therefore, wondered on what other grounds, apart from some ulterior motives, the contract should be revoked by the Works Minister.

The Forum called on the President to intervene so as to protect his integrity and the love the people have cultivated for him because of the importance of the road project to the lives of Katsina citizens.

“We believe strongly that President Tinubu is being manipulated as far as the issue of the revocation is concerned”, the Forum noted.

Sudanese Crisis: South Sudan’s Oil Export, Economy Face Uncertain Future

The Source

July 23, 2024

President Salva Kirr Mayardit of South Sudan

By Enitan Akinlabi, Head, Foreign/ Diplomatic Desk

The Sudanese civil war which erupted April last year is taking a huge toll on the neighbouring South Sudan’s oil export and economy.

The land locked country which until 2011 when it gained independence, was the Southern part of the Republic of Sudan is rich in crude oil butdepends on its war ravaged neighbour, Sudan, for its oil export.

According to South Sudanese Ministry of Finance, the country, for the past six months, has not exported oil through Sudan, owing to the ongoing war which has worsened its economy.

“From our knowledge, it is now six months, actually going to seven months now since we stopped exporting oil because of the conflict in Sudan, and has greatly affected our efforts to generate revenues”, a top South Sudanese official at the Ministry of presidential affairs told said.

The 1st undersecretary in the Finance Ministry, Malual Tap confirmed the developed but expressed hopes of a resumption soon.

“Let me say, maybe good news but with caution and optimism. I have to approach it from Sudan, likely in one month, maybe we will be able to resume our oil exports but until then, we will continue to struggle”, said Tap.

He was of the opinion that it was time the country and its leadership move forward to diversify the economy, moving away from depending on oil revenues exported to the international markets for sale through Sudan now engulfed in a raging war.

“I think it is high time for our people to move and develop other sectors so that if oil is not flowing or being affected by outside factors, we can rely on other sectors, more importantly the agriculture and the mining sectors but above all, we should switch our main focus to the most sustainable revenue we have in our country and that is non- oil revenue. We have been relying on one commodity, the oil. and as we speak today, it has been six months without exporting our oil, especially the Dar blend that used to our budget”, he stressed.

This magazine gathered that South Sudan and oil companies have been in dialogue with parties to the conflict in Sudan, but it appears challenges have not fully been resolved to permit resumption.

The military-led Sovereign Council of Sudan controls the port while the reb Paramilitary Rapid Support Force are operating in the area where the facilities of the pumping station are located.

Revenues from oil account for over 90 percent of South Sudan’s annual budget.

We Paid N5 Million Ransom To Our Abductors – NYSC Members

Ayodele Oni

July 23, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Contrary to the claim by the Ondo State Police Command, the Youth Corps members that were kidnapped while returning from Anambra State after their orientation have revealed that the family of each of the victims paid a sum of one million Naira, before they were set free by the kidnappers.

The five victims, who include four corps members and one artisan, were kidnapped by the bandits at about 11.00 pm last Thursday at Omi Alafa Village in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area, of Ondo State and dragged into the forest.

The driver of the vehicle and one passenger sitting in front were shot dead by the bandits.

Narrating their ordeal, one of the Corps members, Patience Andrew, said the bandits contacted their families and demanded a sum of N30 million each for ransom but after much negotiation they agreed to collect one million Naira.

She described the four days experience in the den of the bandits as horrible and hellish, saying they were beaten black and blue by the kidnappers while they were given garri and dirty water to eat once a day.

Andrew said: “We boarded a bus from Abia State to Onitsha, but our driver was not fast enough, one of the park drivers took us to where we boarded another bus going to Akure.

“We got there around 2.00pm

but the driver did not take off immediately, so we left Onitsha park around 5.00 pm with nine passengers in a Sienna bus. We got to Ondo State around 10.00 pm, and that was when the incident happened. They flashed a torch light on the driver and the driver said: “Oga I no see you”.

“They just shot him twice the moment he made that statement and the woman sitting next to him was killed. One guy too was matcheted, two people died and we don’t know about the guy that was butchered because he ran away.

“Then they brought us out of the vehicle and took us inside the bush, we trekked from past 10 pm till around 7.00 am the following day in the bush. The kidnappers were five in number and their age-range should be around 25 years. They were speaking the Hausa/Fulani language and they had one interpreter.

“They tortured us and we were only given garri and water once a day. At first, they asked for N30 million per person but as the negotiation was going they brought it down to three million Naira so they now asked us to bring in one million Naira each.

“We slept inside the bush throughout the day. We heard the bark of a dog and the sound of a cow in the bush and we also passed through farmlands when we were coming out, and we didn’t meet anybody on the road then our brothers came with one million Naira.

The State Police Command had, in a statement, on Monday, claimed that the victims were abandoned following the hot pursuit men of the command gave them.

“Sorry Will Be Your Name If You Disturb The Peace In Enugu” – Security Agencies Warn Enforcers Of Sit-At-Home Order

The Source

July 23, 2024

Kanayo Uzuegbu - Commissioner of Police Enugu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Security agencies in Enugu State have warned that they will no longer tolerate the criminal imposition of sit-at-home order in any part of the State by any equally criminal elements and/or groups.

Rising from a Security Council meeting on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Government House Enugu, they warned all promoters and enforcers of any form of sit-at-home order to stop, henceforth or be prepared to face the consequences.

The Source reports that recently, a group believed to be loyal to the Simon Ekpa-led faction of the Indigenous peoples of Biafra IPOB, the Autopilot Militia, has been pushing for a week long sit-at-home in Enugu and other South-east states.

Speaking after the Security Council meeting which was presided over by the Enugu state Governor, Dr. Peter Mba, the State Commissioner for Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, said that some strategic measures have been taken to ensure the protection of lives and properties of the people.

“We are just coming out from a Security Council meeting with His Excellency ,the Governor, and with all the Security Chiefs in attendance.

“We took some strategic and critical decisions to ensure that the security architecture in the State is further strengthened. We have to give the good people of Enugu State Security guarantee.

“We also resolved that sit-at-home remains an aberration in Enugu state. People should go about their lawful businesses .

“Any activities and/or actions by any person and group of persons that are considered inimical to the existing peace of the state ,will be ruthlessly dealt with.

“Any person that disturbs the peace ,and business activities of lawful residents ,oh my God ,Sorry will be his/her name.

“The morale of all the security agencies is very high . There is confidence building. Our men are ready to crush any criminal that dares the peace of the State.

“We are further positioning the security agencies every corner of Enugu state .We will appear to the criminal like a ghost and deal with them like a ghost”, the CP warned.

The Source reports that the Monday sit-at -home order was conceived by members of the IPOB in 2021 to protest against the arrest, detention and trial of its leader Nnamdi Kanu.

But, over time, the idea conceived with noble intentions was hijacked by some unscrupulous elements for the promotion of their selfish interests, leading to series of wanton killings, abductions and destruction of properties.

The negative activities of some people masquerading as IPOB members have since forced Nnamdi Kanu to condemn and distance him self from the destructive activities of the later day promoters and enforcers of the sit-at-home.

Ekpa, who the Enugu State Governor last week described as a businessman scammer, and common criminal only out to promote his interest at the expense of the lives of the Southeastern people, is said to be the apostle for the continued enforcement of the order .

His Autopilot group are believed to be behind the continued enforcement of the Nnamdi Kanu long-discarded sit-at-home order in the South-east region.

IGP Reveals Those Behind Planned Nationwide Protest, Reads Riot Act

Ayodele Oni

July 23, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has read the riot act to those planning to protest in the country over the harsh economic situation.

He warned against any violence under the guise of replicating the protest which shook Kenya.

Some groups are reportedly currently mobilizing for protest under the theme #EndBadGovernance.

But speaking on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja during a strategic meeting with top Police Officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Egbetokun advised those planning the protest to jettison the idea, saying the police would not fold arms watching them engaging in violence.

The IGP explained that the Force’s decision was based on what happened during the last #EndSARS protest nationwide, insisting that the police, particularly has not been relieved of the trauma they passed through.

“Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously. We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities.

“We will, therefore, not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleash violence on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again.”

According to him, the police have run background checks on many of the organisers and sponsors of the protest, it was found out that many of them are not living in Nigeria, and that they are only out to instigate crisis in the country.

“Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks.

“Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

“While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder.

“As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences. The last #EndSARS protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, and the loss of several lives.

“Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise. Rather than lead to any positive outcome, EndSars merely aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country.

“Indeed, we are yet to fully recover from the huge economic losses and deep-seated psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon our people by these protests.”

Fielding questions from journalists, Egbetokun also said that measures are in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters will be apprehended.

“We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and dissolving Nigerians.

“Consequently, I want to seize this opportunity to sound the note of serious warning to hoodlums who may want to take laws into their own hands in the name of protests. Do not worry.”

“We Have Put Adequate Measures For Ease Of Business, Combating Smuggling At MMIA” – Nigeria Customs

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 23, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Comptroller of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Michael Toyin Awe, has said that adequate frame work has been instituted to improve trade facilitation, enhance revenue collection and effectively control smuggling activities.

This is even as he announced the collection of over N80 billion in revenue within the first six months of 2024.

A statement issued on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 by the Command’s Spokesperson, Victor Ogagbo, indicated that the Command, also, recorded export of goods worth over N266 million within the period under review.

The over N80 billion revenue generation, represents a marked improvement over the N39 billion realized during the corresponding period in 2023,.

The improvement according to Comptroller Awe was due to the introduction of strategies that enhance World Customs, best practices,.

The strategies in turn have aided the ease of business transactions ,facilitated trade, and reduced cargo clearance time.

“The Command from January to June 2024 was able to collect a total duty of eighty billion,three hundred and fifty one million, two hundred and ninety nine thousand and sixty eight Naira only (N80,351,299,068.00), on Customs and other charges.

“In comparison to the revenue collected same period in 2023, the revenue stood at thirty eight billion, seven hundred and seven million, fifty four thousand, two hundred and sixteen Naira, forty four Kobo only ( N38,707,054,216,44.) which clearly shows a progressive difference of forty one billion, six hundred and forty four million, two hundred and forty six thousand, eight hundred and fifty one Naira fifty six Kobo only.( N41,644,246,851,56) depicting 107.5% increase.

“The Command, also recorded export of goods with Export value worth of two Hundred and Sixty six million, six hundred and fifty five thousand, one hundred and thirteen Naira sixty six kobo only( N266,655,133 .66.)from the country from January to June, 2024 with an FOB value of two hundred and four thousand, Five hundred and ninety seven Dollars, seven Cents.($204,597,07)”

Awe, expressed the Command’s commitment towards sustaining and improving on its revenue generation profile in the second half of the year..

To this end, he appealed for the continued cooperation of stakeholders, adding that the Command will not relent in providing an enabling environment for the promotion of ease of transactions and trade facilitation.

Similarly, the Comptroller, while appreciating Officers and Men of the Command, called for continued dedication, particularly in the area of combating smuggling activities.

Atiku Justifies Nationwide Protest Just As Presidency Warns Actors

Ayodele Oni

July 23, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that Nigeria’s constitution and Courts give the right to Nigerians to protest.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Atiku highlighted Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered), which unequivocally guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.

This is just as the Federal Government warned those behind the planned protest that they will meet the strongest resistance of their lives.

Atiku criticized the irony of the current administration’s attempts to stifle these rights, noting that those in power today were themselves leading protests in 2012.

He argued that a responsible Government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.

He warned that any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to democracy.

“It is deeply ironic that those who now seek to stifle these rights were themselves leading protests in 2012. A responsible government must ensure a safe and secure environment for citizens to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful protest.

“Any attempt to suppress these rights is not only unconstitutional but a direct affront to our democracy.

The warning by the presidency on Tuesday was made by an Aide of the President, Olusegun Dada on his X account.

He declared that those planning a protest want to burn down the country, and they will meet the strongest resistance of their lives.

The Presidential Media aide stated that they are waiting for those planning the protest, adding that it won’t be a resistance from security agencies, but from those who gave their mandate to President Tinubu via the ballot box.

“Those who want to burn the country down under whatever guise will meet the strongest resistance of their lives.

“Not from security agencies, but from the silent majority that gave their mandate to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for four years in the first instance. We are waiting.”

Some Nigerians are reportedly planning a nationwide protest against economic hardship and harsh government policies driven by the fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the Naira.

The protest is billed to hold in the first week of August.

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