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Obi Presents N75 Million Hospital

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Peter Obi
  • Restates Commitment to Nigeria’s Development

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has presented cheques of $50,000 and N15 million, totalling N75 million to Immaculate Heart Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, Anambra State, during his courtesy visit to the health facility. He explained that the visit and the subsequent cheque presentation to the hospital are in continuation of his resolve and commitment to the actual development of Nigeria, using the most measurable yardstick, the Human Development Index, HDI.

Presenting the cheques to the Hospital, managed by the Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters, Obi explained that the $50,000 was a generous donation from his friend and brother, Prof Philip Ozuah, who he said, has remained committed to a better society and humanity in general.

He further added that the sum of N15 million was his support to the health facility in particular and the health sector in general. He reiterated the need to invest more aggressively in Nigeria’s health sector, owing to the critical role the sector plays in the development of a nation.

“Encouraging more investment in our health sector, especially at the primary healthcare level, is critical to the development of any nation. A healthy nation, they say, is a wealthy nation. Governments at all levels, therefore, must prioritize investment in the health sector,” Obi said.

Obi called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the critical sectors of the nation through rapid investments. He argued that these sectors play very critical roles in the development of a nation, especially Nigeria, on the journey to building a New and better Nigeria.

Obi said, “I encourage other well-meaning Nigerians and donor agencies to continue to support our health and education sectors and in pulling people out of poverty, as they play very critical roles in our developmental journey to a New Nigeria, which is possible.

“I thank the Proprietor and Management of Immaculate Heart Specialist Hospital for their consistent improvement in the healthcare delivery to the people. I have remained a very close friend to the hospital, and I have, over the years, always supported them. I am therefore glad with how they have continued to grow and improve in their healthcare delivery to the people.”

Appreciating Mr Peter Obi for his benevolence, the Mother General of Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters Congregation, Rev Mother Maureen Akabogu, described Obi as one whose unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria is visible to the blind. She stated that Obi has remained consistent in his support of their health facility and other health facilities across the country.

She prayed to God to bless Obi for his caring lifestyle while assuring that Obi’s financial

donation to the hospital would be put to judicious use to improve their healthcare delivery to the people.

Uzodimma To COAS: “lmo Was Challenging,”  Pledges Continued Support, Collaboration Within Army

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The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said that his government will continue to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army, noting that the officers and soldiers have done a lot to keep Nigeria as one.

He spoke on Thursday at the New Exco Chambers when he received in audience the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and his team who paid him a courtesy call  as part of the schedule of the Army Chief who was on operational tour of Army Formations in the South  East.

Governor Uzodimma who thanked the Army Chief and his team for coming to Imo State described the State as the hospitality hub of Nigeria and promised to continue to support the Nigerian Army.

The Governor recalled that  few years ago – 2020, 2021 and 2022 –  the whole world thought that Imo would be excised from the Nigerian Nation as a result of insecurity and expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies rose to the occasion to the extent that in 2023, when governorship election was held in Imo, it was adjudged the fairest in the Nigerian history.

Acknowledging that the events of the past in Imo were “actually very challenging,” he therefore called on Nigerians and every State in the country to continue to show gratitude to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the good job they are doing.

He pledged that in every position he finds himself he will continue to canvas support for the Nigerian Military.

The Governor described Lt. Gen Lagbaja as one of the finest Nigerian Army officers, noting that “his knowledge of the South East where he served as Officer, Commanding 82 Division has become an advantage.”

He reminded the COAS and the audience that in “the life of every nation there must be time of challenges and Nigeria is not an exception,” noting that “it takes one or two men to salvage the Nation from such challenges.”

Governor Uzodimma, therefore, urged the Army Chief and his team to continue in their job of defending the territorial sovereignty of the country which they have sworn to an oath and assured of the Nation’s continued support.

He pointed out that “if Nigeria must experience civilization, the Nigerian Army, from their wealth of knowledge, must be part of it.”

He congratulated Lagbaja on his appointment as the COAS and assured him that his doors are always open to receive him.

Governor Uzodimma seized the opportunity to invite the COAS and his team to his second term inauguration slated for Monday, January 15, 2024.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja told the Governor that he was in Imo State on operational tour of the Army Formations in the South East and thought it wise to use the occasion to pay a courtesy call on him.

He said the tour was meant to access the Army personnel, their operational functions and deployment, State of their barracks, welfare and readiness to attend to their assigned duties.

He said he had earlier visited Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu States and thanked  Governor Uzodimma for cutting short his official assignment in Abuja to personally receive him and his team.

Also, the COAS was full of appreciation to the Governor for all his support to the Nigerian Army, especially the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze.

On a positive note, the number soldier acknowledged that the security situation in Imo State has drastically improved as a result of the combined efforts of the Military and other security agencies.

He then assured the Governor that “the troops in Imo and other States of the South East are willing and ready to defend the zone and protect the law abiding citizens of the State to go about their normal businesses without harassment and intimidation.”

He congratulated the Governor on his re-election and ahead of his forth coming swearing-in ceremony.

The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Major Gen. H. T. Dada, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig. Gen. B. A Lawal, Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, 32 Division and those of 34 Artillery Brigade.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Deputy Governor-elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon Jerry Alagboso and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council joined the Governor in receiving the Army Chief and his entourage.

Jonathan’s Elder Sister Dies Aged 70 Years

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Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan

Madam Obebhatein Jonathan, elder sister to former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has passed on. She died on Thursday, January 11, 2024  at  the Federal Medical Centre,  Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, after a brief illness. She was aged 70 years.

A statement by Jonathan’s Media office, noted that the deceased popularly known as Amissi was a retired teacher, business woman, a loving mother and grandmother who lived a dedicated life of service to God and humanity.

She  was a devout  Christian, a virtuous woman and a role model to many  within and outside her community.

The statement also indicated that the burial has been scheduled for Tuesday 16th February, 2024, stressing that the details of the funeral rites would be announced by the family.

Madam  Obebhatein Jonathan is survived by three children, siblings, including His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and her mother, Mama Eunice Afeni-Jonathan.

Group Says Ondo People Will Not Adopt ‘Emi Lokan’ Mantra During Governorship Poll, Insists People Must Be Allowed To Choose Leader

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Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

A pressure group,Ondo Redemption Front, (ORF), has told political parties which are preparing for this year’s Governorship election in the state that ‘Emi lokan’ mindset will not work or be tolerated in the forthcoming election.

‘Emi lokan’ slogan used by President Bola Tinubu during his Presidential campaign tends to impose candidates rather than allow the people pick their choice among the contestants.

The Chairman of the ORF, Ayo Ologun, while speaking in Akure on Thursday also warned that it would reject any attempt by political parties to impose candidates on the people.

Ologun, noted that the next Governorship Election in the State would provide the avenue for the people to choose leaders that will steer the State toward sustained growth and development.

According to him, endorsing or imposing candidate by any of the political parties could derail the seamless and democratic process aimed at selecting the best candidate for the election.

“As we countdown to the elections, it will not be business as usual. Nobody should see the coming election as a right. The “Emi lokan’ mindset will not work or be tolerated in the forthcoming election.

“The people of the State will not be swayed by mundane things that stem from propaganda but will be more concerned about the antecedents of the aspirants, their track records, character, record in public service, and sign of empathy to the people they seek to govern.

“In our pursuit of a redeemed and transformed Ondo State, we recognize the importance of collaborating with various stakeholders, from civil society organizations to the media, and most importantly, the citizens themselves

“As part of our commitment to fostering positive change, the Ondo Redemption Front is gearing up to mobilize massive citizens’ participation ahead of the 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State.

“Our objective is clear, to empower the people with information, encourage active engagement in the democratic process, and foster an environment where every citizen’s voice is heard.

“We firmly believe that the cornerstone of a prosperous Ondo State lies in the election of competent and visionary leadership. The 2024 Governorship election presents an opportunity for the people of Ondo State to choose leaders who will steer the state toward sustained growth and development.

“The Ondo Redemption Front is committed to playing an active role in this process, advocating for transparency, fairness, and the election of leaders with the best interests of the state at heart.

“As a group, the Ondo Redemption Front is committed to ensuring that the state remains on a trajectory of progress, irrespective of the changes in leadership.

“We are resolute in our determination to hold the Ondo State Government, now under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, accountable for its actions and policies that impact the lives of the people.

“Our primary focus is on good governance and development. We believe that the people of Ondo State deserve leadership that prioritizes their welfare, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and overall well-being.”

Betta Edu: Only President Tinubu Can Determine Fate Of Minister – PGF

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Betta Edu

By Ayodele Oni

The Progressives Governors Forum, (PGF) has distanced itself from the plight of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.

The Forum maintained that only President Bola Tinubu could determine the fate of the Minister following  allegations of fraud  against her.

Speaking on Thursday, PGF said only President Bola Tinubu will take a final decision on the matter.

The President had, on Monday, suspended Edu over her alleged involvement in a N585 million fraud.

A leaked memo indicated that she recently approved the payment of N585 million social intervention funds into the private account of a civil servant.

Against this backdrop, Tinubu directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe the allegation.

Reacting, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, urged Nigerians not to hurriedly conclude that Edu is guilty of the corruption allegations against her.

Uzodinma said Nigerians should wait till the end of the ongoing investigations before drawing a conclusion on Edu.

He spoke while addressing journalists after a meeting of the Forum in Abuja.

“And in the wisdom of the President, she is being investigated. It is after the investigation is concluded and the report made available to the Government that it will take a final decision.”

OPINION: Reflections on Adesina’s Work with Buhari

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Azu Ishiekwene

By Azu Ishiekwene

I knew Femi Adesina when he was “Daddy Tobi.” He still is, of course. But back in the day when we were neighbours in “Olowora Inside”, a Lagos suburb, when you could call to a neighbour from your frontage, often by using the name of their first child, that was how we called Femi: Daddy Tobi.

I have heard people complain that a friend in government is a friend lost. I have seen it too – friends who are not only lost but who are also happy to lose themselves once in power or positions of influence. I don’t know if it’s a good or bad thing. People have their reasons.

But Daddy Tobi did not change. He has not changed. Through the eight years of his appointment, he has been the same jolly good fellow, slow to give offence, contemplative, almost ponderous to act, anxious to be politically correct (which is why he would say, the Good Book, instead of the Bible or Quran, for example), and full of thunderous laughter.

Understanding Buhari

His new book, “Working with Buhari: Reflections of A Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015-2023),”narrates his struggles, his hopes, his frustrations and triumphs as Buhari’s first political appointeeand perhaps the longest serving media adviser in Nigeria in the last nearly three decades.

I wasn’t surprised by his longevity, though that also brought its own miseries especially after the first two years of Buhari’s government. They’re partly reflected in Chapter Nine of his book entitled, “2017, Year of Health Challenge,” a chapter that also reminded me quite vividly of the book, Power, Politics and Death, by Olusegun Adeniyi.

Femi Adesina
Femi Adesina.

A significant difference, though, is that while Femi’s book is very personal – like a diary, Adeniyi’s is intensely revelatory, capturing not only the author’s odyssey but also the intrigues that shaped Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s short-lived presidency.

Femi makes it clear, upfront, that his book is not about the making of policies – monetary, fiscal, foreign – or even about the fundamentals of government. It’s a journey to understanding Buhari, the enigma from Daura.

After assuming office in 2015, Buhari enjoyed an extended honeymoon. The public was fed up with President Goodluck Jonathan and the chaos in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Masugudusugudu?

Buhari seemed to be the right man for the job, in spite of concerns about his academic and human rights credentials. The country was so taken in by the Buhari charm that a Hausa song, entitled, “Masugudusugudu,” became a hit for the dire fate supposedly awaiting the corrupt and their acolytes.

I was against Jonathan, and for Buhari, though not as remotely as Femi, a self-confessed Buharist. My support was conditional, sometimes confused, and for the most part of Buhari’s second term, frustrated and disappointed. But sometimes, you have to be close to people to know them better, which is the point of Femi’s book.

His reflections, however, did not assuage my disappointment about the former president’s congenital insularity or about the chaotic freedom in his government that obviously encouraged some of his appointees to run wild.

The new book did something quite important, though. It helped me, through Femi’s eye, to see a part of Buhari that may have been flawed but was perhaps not fatally damaged by malice.

In his own words

I will give two examples from the book. The first occurred after Buhari removed ItaEkpeyong as Director, State Services (DSS) in 2015, and replaced him with LawalMusa Daura. At this time, there were already suspicions that Buhari, being Buhari, his election would deepen Nigeria’s already fragile ethnic faultlines.

On page 166 of his book, Femi said he went to Buhari to complain about the potential ethnic blowout of the change.

“I had asked him,” he wrote, “Mr. President, you are removing ItaEkpeyong from the South-south, why not replace him with someone from that region, for balance?”

Buhari replied: “Before people are recommended to me, a search must have been done by appropriate set of people or committee. And one, two or three people are brought forward, in order of performance and competence. Now, if someone comes first and I bypass him because of ethnicity or religion, Allah would judge me.”

“But do not worry,” he told an obviously worried Femi, “the appointments would balance out.”

It would seem, from this passage, that Buhari was genuinely concerned about merit and competence. Maybe that was the case in his first term. Documents that I obtained independently at the time appeared to support this view.

For example, between 2015 and 2018, while the North-central topped appointments in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with 102 appointees; the South-west came second with 101 appointees, giving both zones 35 percent or 203 of the 567 appointments made.

But the complaint was not just about numbers but also about consequential postings. If Buhari passed the test on numbers in his first term, he failed disastrously on both counts in his second term. Not only were his appointments lopsided, he seemed so painfully absent, at least in the public eye, that any suggestions of competence or merit in his choices were commonly laughed out of hand.

The second example from the book of Buhari’s fatal innocence, portrayed through Femi’s sympathetic lens, was the former president’s role in the naira redesign palaver.

In Chapter Twelve, entitled, “In His Own Words…,” Femi quoted Buhari as saying, “The scarcity of money was not deliberately done to punish Nigerians…When he (former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele) was linked with the campaign for 2023 presidency, I did not ask him, because he told nobody he was getting involved. Otherwise, I would have removed him and told the nation why.”

Naira redesign, ‘Emilokan’

In the goodness of Buhari’s purple heart, which obviously saw no evil, heard no evil, and did no evil, he could not contemplate the open travesty perpetrated by the Central Bank governor who took the APC to court in his own name, asking the court to protect his right, as sitting governor of the bank, to contest the presidency. Emefieledid not hide his intention from the party or, in fact, from the public. But by some spell of magic, he managed to hide it from Buhari.

And the president who “did not want to deliberately punish Nigerians” twice publicly defended the naira redesign even when the country was chafing under its impact and in spite of a Supreme Court ruling against it.

But it was Femi’s job to defend him, and that shone through in the book, with at least three of the 28 chapters– “Wailing Wailers,” “You Always Defend Them Because You Are One of Them,” and “Managing ‘Brand Buhari,’” – devoted to the many stripes of his valiant efforts.

His reflection on whether or not the Villa is a haunted place as his predecessor, Reuben Abati, wrote in the famous article, entitled, “The spiritual side of the Villa,” is quite interesting.The jury is still out on that.

Yet, there were also moments of pure drama, like when Femi and late former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, squared off over a turf war or when Femi broke the news of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Emilokan” speech to Buhari aboard NAF One, only to get the parsimonious reply, “Asiwaju said all that? Thank you for briefing me.”

As is often the case with such jobs, family and friends also suffer collateral damage. But when people who knew that I had known Femi since our Daddy Tobi days called me to lash out, I often told them that Femi’s Buhari-philia wasn’t for the money or the attention.

And that was true. It was a matter of conviction and loyalty. As the book, which dedicated nearly 16 percent of its 488 pages to a chapter on Buhari’s achievements shows, nothing could change that.

Not even the burning spear of a million wailers!


Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP

Railway Track: “We Will Shut Down South-east If You Don’t Go Back To Site”, South East Youths Tell Chinese Firm”

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South East Railway Track

By Daniel Maduka

South East youths under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders COSEYL has threatened to embark on a million man protest march across the region’s major cities should the Chinese construction giants China Civil Engineering  Construction Corporation. CCECC fails to mobilize back to site within the next three days to complete the laying of tracks on the Aba/ PortHarourt rail network

COSEYL’s ultimatum is coming on the heels of a statement a few days ago credited to  Mr Fidet Okhiria a Director with the Nigerian Railway Corporation NRC, wherein he  claimed that  the track laying of the about 64 kilometers  rail line has been completed.

The South East body ,which spoke through its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem in a statement issued on Thursday January 11 2023,in Aba accused the Chinese firm of delivering a sub standard job ,which has resulted in the obstruction of a free flow of traffic in the commercial hub of Abia State, adding that the construction firm should as a matter of urgency go back to site to complete the job ,or risk facing the wrath of youths from the region.

” For the avoidance of doubt, the PortHarcourt/Aba rail line has not been fully and satisfactorily completed. The claim to the contrary by the contractor, should be ignored.

“Apart from not being completed ,the job was executed with complete disregard for even the minimum required standard.

“A close observation of the project by even lay men will easily expose the gross sub standard nature of the job purportedly delivered by a supposedly multi national construction out fit.

“The CCECC deployed sub standard materials in executing the job. Besides,the rail line steels are inferior and not straight, a situation that has the high potentials of derailing trains at will.

“In all ,we reject in totality the job claimed to have been delivered,and demand the immediate return to site by  the construction firm.

But if after three days our demands are not met ,we will proceed on massive protest march which will only be called off after the revocation of contracts awarded to CCECC in the South East region of the country.

The Source News Magazine reports that in recent times, motorists and other road users in Aba  have been subjected  to harrowing experiences, resulting from the serious traffic grid lock occasioned  by the evidently poor laying of the  tracks across adjourning roads.

The gruelling situation has even forced series of visitations to the construction site by the  Mayors of Aba North and Aba South Chief Sir JC Udeagbala and Chief Uche Wogu respectively.

I Will Complete Road Projects Started By My Administration In Edo – Gov Obaseki

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Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has emphasized that his government will ensure the completion of all road projects started by the administration, assuring commitment to the wellbeing of the people.

The governor, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, said his government will also sustain  reforms and programmes that have improved the living standards of the people, noting that the government will in the New Year focus on internal roads.

Obaseki said: “We are intentional about development of road and transport infrastructure in Edo State and will continue to deploy resources to ensure that we finish strong on this front.

“To this end, we will ensure to complete all road projects started by my administration, focusing on internal road networks and also progressing on the development of trailer parks in the State.

“We have opened discussion with the investor which the Federal Government concessioned the roads to, with the aim of working with the Edo State Transport Authority to ensure a more robust ecosystem to facilitate the development of critical infrastructure to drive economic development.”

He said: “Over the past year, we have successfully completed the construction of 565 roads, covering a total distance of 737.37 kilometers.

“Under the various streams of the Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR), we undertook the construction of 300 roads, spanning 212 kilometers across the State.

“In Edo North, we have successfully completed the construction of the Afokpella-Ogriga-Okugbe road with Awuyemi Spur, as well as the rehabilitation of the Secretariat Road in Igarra and several internal roads.

“In Edo Central, we constructed the Ekpoma-Iruekpen road and the Idumebo-Ihumudumu Royal Market Road, among other impactful developments.”

AFCON 2023: Can The Super Eagles Repeat AFCON 2013 Feat As It Parades Nine Debutants?

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Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin its quest for its fourth African Cup of Nations title on Sunday, January 14th, 2024 against Equatorial Guinea. The Team is grouped alongside host, Côte d’ Ivoire and Guinea Bissau.

The last time the National side won the AFCON Tournament was in 2013 in South Africa, where Late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi became the first indigenous Coach to  lift the AFCON trophy for Nigeria.

In AFCON 1980, the victorious Green Eagles Captained by Christian Chukwu was Coached by Late Brazilian Gaffer, Otto Gloria, while the AFCON 1994 triumphant Super Eagles captained by the Mercurial Keshi were coached by Dutch Tactician, Clemens Westerhof.

In achieving the AFCON 2013 feat, Late Coach Keshi did the usual, by naming 13 Debutants into his 23-Man List, leading to criticism from different quarters, has he was enmeshed in crisis with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, led by Amaju Pinnick.

Keshi however stood his ground and gave over Six home-based players a sense of belonging in the team.

They included; Chigozie Agbim, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel and Ejike Uzoenyi.

Other debutants who made the cut were; Fegor Ogude, Juwon Oshaniwa, Nosa Igiebor, Obiora Nwankwo, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa

The team went ahead to prove bookmakers wrong as it won the tournament to silence their critics.

On the part of the Super Eagles team hoisting the nation’s flag in Côte d’ Ivoire, though the journey has been rough as injury forced two of its players, Victor Boniface Okoh and Wilfired Ndidi to pull out of the team and were swiftly replaced by Yusuf Alhassan and Terem Moffi.

When Portuguese Tactician, Coach Jose Peseiro named his 25-Man Team for the continental showpiece, criticism trailed the list, as posers were raised on the yardstick that Ahmed Musa, Francis Uzoho and Joe Aribo made the cut despite not playing regularly for their respective clubs.

Like Late Keshi, Coach Peseiro has also included Nine Debutants into his squad and they include; Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Samuel Bright Osayi, Yusuf Alhassan, Raphael Onyedika, Olorunleke Ojo and Stanley Nwabali.

Soccer fans, enthusiast and analysts are hoping that this would be another ‘De Ja Vu’, a repeat of AFCON 2013 triumph, but another issue that ha sheen raised is how the team can synergize and play as a unit, putting into consideration that awful performances in their Two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Crocodiles of Lesotho and the Warriors of Zimbabwe where the Super Eagles came from behind to record a 1-1 draw in both matches.

Gbenga Atalese, a Soccer Analyst said that he isn’t expecting something different from the team as they have on several occasion failed Nigerians with the lackadaisical approach towards matches and woeful performance.

“It is still the same set of players, so I don’t want to raise my hope unnecessarily, I believ  we are just going there to make up the Numbers”, he concluded.

But Babafemi Adegbite, another Sport analyst and Soccer enthusiast said that he is optimistic that the Team will perform beyond our expectations as this is an Avenue to redeem their image after failing Nigerians on several occasions with their lowly rated performance.

Coach Christian Oduma, the Enugu State Grassroots Managers Association chairman, said that he expected the Super Eagles to win the continental trophy.

Odunayo urged the team’s handlers to choose players based on current performance, form, and fitness.

“They have all it takes to win the tournament; all they need is to play as a team. The technical crew also needs to be very tactical. This is not a time to choose players based on names or previous records,” he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Rangers Supporters Club, Dr Uchenna Orji, said that Nigerians were expecting an excellent outing from the national team at the tournament.

“The players we are taking to AFCON cannot afford to get anything less than the trophy. They are professionals playing for clubs abroad and getting results, so we expect them to play well for Nigeria.

“They are capable of winning the trophy for Nigeria because they have the capacity and motivation to do so,” he said.

COAS Warns Soldiers Against Abuse Of Social Media Usage, Reads Riot Act

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By Akinwale Kasali

The unknown officer who insulted and maligned the person of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu on the Social Media following the arrest of a Soldier who drove against traffic has led to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, reading a riot act to all soldiers on their usage of Social Media.

The Army Chief cautioned his men against the abuse of social media, and warned them sternly that the Army authorities would not take it lightly with any personnel who take to social media to denigrate constituted authorities.

Lagbaja who gave the warning while addressing soldiers during a familiarisation tour at 14 Brigade Ohafia, Abia State, tasked soldiers with showing loyalty and respect for the core values of the Nigeria Army.

Condemning the recent uncomplimentary remarks by a ‘one-way- soldier-driver’  against the Governor of Lagos State, the COAS threatened severe sanctions against any soldier abusing the use of social media.

He said, “Social media is good, but you must use it responsibly. We will not go to social media and start abusing constituted authorities like the young soldier did against the Lagos State Governor.

“What you cannot do to your dad or elders at home, don’t do to others. The Army is a disciplined organisation, and we can’t tolerate that. If we see it, we will descend heavily on you.

“You must conform to the rules and regulations that guide us. We have our core values, and we expect every soldier to abide by them.”

He assured the soldiers of enhanced welfare, adding that the Federal Government has approved payment of the backlog of the Group Assurance package for the families of their departed colleagues.