Peseiro Names Super Eagles 25-Man Squad For AFCON Tournament

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December 29, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Coach Jose Peseiro has finally named his 25-Man Team that will hoist the Nation’s Flag at the African Cup of Nations Championship scheduled for Côte d’ Ivoire from January 13th to February 14th, 2024.

The Three Time AFCON Champions have in its squad, three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and eight forwards, for its onslaught for a Fourth AFCON Trophy.

Captain Ahmed Musa returns to the squad after he was left out of the starting games to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series, while South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili is picked alongside Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo.

2009 U17 World Cup star Kenneth Omeruo (the only other candidate in the team apart from Musa who was in Nigeria’s 2013 squad that triumphed in South Africa) leads the defenceline alongside William Ekong, as well as Olaoluwa Aina, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Wilfred Ndidi is also back in the roost after missing the World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and will be expected to adequately feed the strike-force alongside Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Joe Ayodele-Aribo and Frank Onyeka.

Musa, Nigeria’s record goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup finals with a brace each in Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018, is in the forward-line alongside Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman.

All the 25 players will depart from their different bases on Tuesday, 2nd January to fly into Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates, for a one-week training camp that will last until Tuesday, 9thJanuary. The team will fly back to Lagos on Tuesday 9th January, and then fly into the Ivorian capital, Abidjan on Wednesday, 10thJanuary.

The Super Eagles, in their quest for a fourth continental title, will take on Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, 14th January in their first match of Group A, before further clashes with host nation Cote d’Ivoire (18th January) and Guinea Bissau (22nd January).

Nigeria, who will be participating in the Africa Cup of Nations for the 20th time, were champions as hosts in 1980, triumphant in Tunisia in 1994 and crowned winners in South Africa in 2013.

When Cote d’Ivoire hosted the finals in 1984, a young Nigerian squad led by the inimitable Stephen Keshi went all the way to the Final, before losing to much-experienced Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a memorable Final at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); William Troost-Ekong (PAOK Salonika, Greece); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

“We Will Be Responsible For Akeredolu’s Burial” – South-west Governors

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Ayodele Oni

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December 29, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

South-west Governors Forum has pledged to constitute a Committee to plan a befitting burial for late Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who died on Wednesday.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this while speaking on behalf of the Southwest Governors during a condolence visit to the wife and family of the deceased governor at his Jericho private residence in Ibadan, Oyo state on Friday.

He noted that the Governors of the Southwest will ensure that Mr Akeredolu’s is given the respect and honour he deserves.

“We will accord Akeredolu a burial that will be befitting of a great statesman and one of the leading lights of the southwest region.

“Collectively, we will be majorly responsible for his funeral rites per the farewell that he deserves.

“We will be setting up a joint committee of the southwestern states to work with the family and collaborate with the government of Ondo State to ensure that we give him a deserving funeral.”

Governor Abiodun, who had earlier described the late Akeredolu as a courageous individual whose vacuum will be difficult to fill, further said: “We are all here, governors of the south-west states, Governor Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Lagos.”

“He will soon be here; he has some flight issues. We are here to commiserate with the Akeredolu family and also the Ondo State government on the passing of our senior colleague and brother, His Excellency, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, who the Lord has called his side.”

“Without a doubt, we are all still in a state of shock and disbelief. Governor Akeredolu was the Chairman, South-West Governors Forum, Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, a position that he held and led very courageously, very fearlessly, as a learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a successful second term governor of Ondo State.

“All of us are here on behalf of our families, the entire Southwestern states, to commiserate with the family and people of Ondo State. Our prayers are that the Almighty God will forgive his sins and grant him eternal repose.”

“We also pray for the wife, children, family members, and the entire government of Ondo State to bear this very sad, shocking, and painful exit.

“This is a man who was an advocate for a southern presidency; we could recall vividly the reinvigorated Southern Governors Forum meeting in Delta State about two and a half years ago.

“He championed that cause that the southern presidency should come from the South, and he stayed with it among several causes that he championed successfully.

“Governor Akeredolu will be sorely missed by all of us. The void that he left will be very difficult for everyone to fill.”

The governors, Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), were led by the deputy governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal, to the Jericho residence of the deceased governor.

Jimoh Ibrahim Urge Governor Aiyedatiwa To Leverage On Akeredolu’s Legacy

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 29, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to build on the legacies left by his late predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The Senator praised Akeredolu for his legacy projects which he said dot the landscape of the Sunshine State.

Ibrahim made the remarks in Okitipupa, Ondo State, while commiserating with the Akeredolu’s family over the death of the late Governor.

Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as Governor of the State following the demise of Akeredolu Wednesday In Germany.

“I can only advise the new governor to build on the foundation of development and legacies laid by Akeredolu,” he said.

Ibrahim said that the death of the former governor was not only a loss to the state, but to Nigeria at large”.

According to him, Ondo State has lost an illustrious son, a fearless advocate of unity, equity, fairness and a faithful servant of the people.

“It is a monumental loss to Ondo in particular and Nigeria as a whole, a fearless commentator on national affairs is gone, Nigeria has lost a strong voice,” he said.

Ibrahim extolled Akeredolu’s boldness and clarity of thought, a virtue he said set him apart from many public office holders.

“You know where he stands on issues, no equivocation, no prevarication,” Ibrahim added.

He prayed for the repose of the late Governor’s soul and asked God to give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“We Will Attack You Again” –Terrorists Group Writes Plateau Community

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 29, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

There is fear and panic in Pushit Community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following threats of an imminent attack by a terrorist group.

The terrorists wrote to the Community and threatened to unleash havoc in the community on the 29th December, 2023.

This is coming days after over 150 people were killed after terrorists attacked villages in Plateau state from December 23 to December 25, 2023.

Stanley Kavwam, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum made this disclosure, and stressed that the community haa received about thirty-seven distress calls, yet nothing has been done by the Plateau State Government and Security Operatives in the State.

Kavwam said the letter warned that the residents of Pushit in Manga would be attacked on December 29.

“I received a call that a letter was sent to my own village by the terrorists that the attackers are going to invade on the 29th of this December.”

According to him, the terrorists dropped letters to other communities warning of previous attacks on those communities before they happened and security agencies did nothing to prevent the attacks.

He explained that after receiving the letter from the terrorists, residents called security agencies but nothing was done.

“They received about thirty-seven distress calls, yet nothing was done,” Kavwam said.

He noted that all the casualties of the terrorist attacks “are in communities inhabited by Christians.”

“The security forces know the attackers. They even know their hideout, For the past two decades, they know where they orchestrate all of these attacks,” he alleged.

Kavwam said the attacks are still going on, and there has been no response from anybody.

The shocking revelation is coming as the United Nations demanded a probe of the Christmas Eve attack in which 195 persons were killed in 17 villages in the Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos local government areas of the state.

The attack which was well-coordinated also displaced over 10,000 persons, many of whom were presently taking refuge in Churches, Mosques, Schools, and private residences.

The Chairman of Community Peace Observers in the Bokkos Local Government Area, Kefas Mallai, on Tuesday, said over 150 persons were killed by the gunmen.

Mallai also said information indicated that the gunmen were still attacking some villages, adding that over 10,000 people were displaced by the attacks.

On Wednesday, there were reports that the death toll had risen to 195.

“Nigeria Uses Second World War Aeroplanes, Artillery, Jets To Fight Insurgency” – Gumi, Asks Tinubu To Negotiate With Terrorists

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Ayodele Oni

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December 29, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Chief Negotiator for bandits and Islamic cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi, has said that the way out of banditry in Nigeria is for the Federal Government to enter into negotiation with the banned group.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to negotiate with dozens of bandits killing and causing mayhem across the country.

Gumi, claimed in a Trust Television interview that spending billions of naira on weapons to fight insurgency was archaic and a waste of taxpayers money.

The Islamic Cleric emphasized the need for the Government to concentrate on devising non-kinetic strategies of dealing with insecurity.

He said banditry is a social problem which emanated from the age-long farmer-herder crisis across the North, adding that honest dialogue with the perpetrators could aid in solving the menace.

Reacting to recent military bombardment of Tudun Biri residents in Kaduna State, Gumi said it was high time the military stopped interfering in internal security challenges, adding that the country needed a stronger police force to address issues such as banditry.

“This is not the first time such is happening. The military should fight the military. Tank by tank. Jet by jet. Military should be out of fighting insecurity. We are not fighting Cameroon or Togo.”

“And the jet fighters should not be used on citizens. I cannot imagine any American president, no matter how instructive, would use F16 to bombard Americans. Impossible. He would go down the next day.

“What we need are very good policies. Then stronger policing. That’s where our money should go. All those people should be involved in community policing.

“In every society you have very good people and they are the majority. Nigerians are very humble people; very resilient who can sustain a lot of hardship. So I don’t see why good governance and good policing should be a big deal.

“All the money we spend on buying all these Second World War aeroplanes and artillery and jets to fight insurgency is an archaic way of dealing with this issue. And billions of naira are spent on that.

“Negotiate with these people. Build for them schools and hospitals. Let them have future. Build for them markets. Even the people we call bandits, what they sometimes complain is that they no longer have cattle markets because whenever they establish market, it gets destroyed.”

Ekiti Begins Three Days Of Mourning For Akeredolu As Ondo Obas Say Deceased Left Enviable Record

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Ayodele Oni

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December 29, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State on Friday joined mourners of late former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as it declared three days of mourning in honour of the deceased.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji announced this after a condolence visit to the family of the late Governor in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Akeredolu was until his death the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and South West Governors Forum.

Governor Oyebanji in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode on Friday, declared the three- day state mourning.

All flags at public buildings across the state are to be flown half- mast for the three days of mourning, which commenced on Friday.

Also the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers in a statement signed by its Chairman, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi described late Akeredolu as honest and straight forward

The statement reads, “It is with rude shock that the Ondo State Council of Obas received the news of the passing away of our amiable immediate past Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON which occurred on Wednesday 27th December, 2023.

“Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, during his lifetime was honest and straight forward.

“He was passionate about the infrastructural and industrial development of Ondo State, many of which have started yielding fruitful results.

“Unfortunately, his death has created a big vacuum in the administration of the State. However, the Council takes solace in the fact that he left behind enviable records of achievements and successes which are worthy of emulation and will remain indelible in the minds of the good people of Ondo State.

“On behalf of the Ondo State Council of Obas, I wish to convey to the State Executive Council and the good people of Ondo State my deep condolences on the exit of our highly revered former Governor.

“May God grant the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Rivers Crisis: Abuja Resolution, A Death Sentence – Rivers Elders, Urge Fubara To Be Guided By Constitution

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Ayodele Oni

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December 29, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Notable stakeholders under the auspices of Rivers Elders have told Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to implement the Abuja Resolution on the political crisis in the state.

Rather, the elders advised Fubara to handle the issue constitutionally describing the pact as “a death sentence as it breaches all legal and constitutional rights you swore to uphold.”

President Bola Tinubu had brokered peace between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike over the political crisis in the state with a seven point resolution.

The crisis had led to division in the House of Assembly with 25 members loyal to Wike dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while the remaining lawmakers backed the governor.

The elders who signed the letter to Fubara include former Governors Chief Ada George, Ibim Princewill among others.

Part of the letter states: “We the people of Rivers State do not see any peace in the so called ‘Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation.’

“The Forum commends your Excellency’s honesty and sincerity in accepting that Mr. President’s Peace Proclamation ‘has elicited mixed reactions from our people and across the country…’

“Peace can only be practiced in a germane, truthful and just society. In this case, the environment in which the peace was brokered showed no sensitivity to the people’s security, political and social interest.

“Mr. Governor Sir, you stated categorically that you are a principal participant in the

entire saga and the Presidential Peace Proclamation is not as bad as being portrayed by those genuinely opposed to it.

“That proclamation is actually a death sentence as it breaches all legal and constitutional rights you swore to uphold. Mr. Governor, you

also stated in your broadcast that the document offers a way and means of peace: PEACE AT WHAT COST?

“Excellency Sir, one of the Arab-Israeli wars was declared over on the lawns of the White House,

believing that the war was indeed over with a declaration that there is peace in Galilee.

“Today we are living witnesses to the facts that the documents signed by the Late Israeli President Menachem Begin, and the Late PLO Chairman, Yasser Arafat, has been shredded into pieces, and there is neither celebration of Christmas nor peace in Bethlehem.

“On this note, we state that you do not place too much premium on the assurances of detractors; rather, be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria you swore to uphold.

“The Forum believes that there could be peace in Port Harcourt and indeed the entire Rivers State if only your Excellency would be circumspect in your actions, measured in your engagements, and have a critical mind in your review of events.

“Therefore Mr. Governor, you have no constitutional or any other legal power to implement the ‘Presidential Peace Proclamation’.

“The message of Christmas is peace in Bethlehem and to the world. We, at this Forum also wish you peace in Port Harcourt and the entire Rivers State.

Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

See full text below.

Gunmen Attack Chris Uba’s Convoy, Kill Police Officers, As Osuji, Emekuku-born Customs Officer, Is Murdered

By

The Source

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December 29, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

The intimidating convoy of Chief Chris Uba, the strongman of Anambra politics came under heavy attack by unknown gunmen on Friday, December 28, 2023.

The attack took place in Uba’s Uga Community.

Eye witness report said the convoy came under attack at Uga junction when he was on his way back to his sprawling compound.

The heavily armed gunmen who wore Military uniform opened fire on the convoy and sprayed bullets on the fleet of cars. Chief Uba luckily escaped in his SUV bullet-proof vehicle.

However, two out of the number of many Police personnel in the convoy were not that lucky. They were fatally shot by the gunmen, and died on the spot. Others as well as some passers-by, were injured. The gang operated in a Lexus SUV.

The day was saved by a Police mobile police squad from the Forward Operating Base. They confronted the bandits who escaped in their operational vehicle and left behind improvised explosives as well as an AK 47 rifle which they had taken from one of the fallen Police officers.

The Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the story, while the State’s Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has sent condolences to the family of the deceased and promised to arrest the perpetrators of the crime.

In another very ugly development, Don Osuji, a retired senior customs officer, was gruesomely murdered by gunmen who kidnapped him.

Osuji, from Ezedibia, Emekuku, Owerri North LGA, Imo State, was kidnapped a couple of days to Christmas day in Idemili, Anambra State while he was on his way back home from his Badagry, Lagos State. It is not yet confirmed if the gunmen made contacts with the family or not as all kinds of stories were literally flying around but one version said a demand of N100m each had been made on his head and that of one of the relations who was travelling with him. Other family members were released.

However, reports confirm that Osuji’s body was found in a gutter in Onitsha where it was thrown, with his customs ID card placed on his chest.

His community is engulfed in shock and sorrow, asking why such a fate befell on him and the Community.

Food Security: Abuja 200 Metric Tonnes Rice Factory Ready Soon- FG

By

James Orji

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December 29, 2023

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The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari says the 200 metric tonnes rice mill being set up in Suleja, Niger state will soon be ready for inauguration.

The minister made this known on Thursday when he led some officials of the ministry and Alwan Hassan, managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, BoA, on a visit to the rice factory.

He said the government had set up 10 rice Mills across the country through Public-Private- Partnership, PPP, arrangement as part of the ongoing effort to make food abundant in the country.

Apart from Suleja which the minister said would soon be inaugurated, there are other ones in Gwagwalada, and eight others across the six geo-political parts of the country.

The federal government says the 200 metric tonnes per day capacity rice mill situated in Suleja, Niger state, will be inaugurated soon.

In a report by NAN on Thursday, Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, spoke about the inauguration when he led directors in the ministry and Alwan Hassan, managing director of the Bank of Agriculture, on a tour to the Mabeli Rice Mill in Suleja.

Kyari said the rice mill is a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement with two of its kinds situated in Suleja and Gwagwalada, Abuja — while the other eight are spread across the country, saying food security is among the eight-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, adding that the aim is to end food importation.

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According to the minister, “In the past, we always relied on imported foods but what we have seen today is rice fully grown in Nigeria and processed in Nigeria and can stand with other imported rice.

“We are very happy we have our mill production and cultivation of what is being harvested.

“We will try to complete and commission this one and the others and we will also look at it in such a way that it will not only be for rice production but also staple foods.

“This is to enhance food processing because food quality and food security are important and key to this administration.”

BUA Cement: Abdul-Samad Makes Fresh Promise After Failing To Sell Bag For N3,500

By

James Orji

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December 29, 2023

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Abdul-Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group has reiterated his plan to sell a bag of cement for N3500.

The business mogul made this known to state House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos on Thursday.

Rabiu had earlier in September this year assured the president that BUA Cement would be sold at a market price of N3,500 instead of the current price of between N5000 and N5,500 by other cement brands.

That promise has failed to materialize two months after, as BUA Cement are still being sold at old price.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, the BUA boss said the company would make its cement product accessible at N3,500 by next year despite the current challenges.

BUA Cement would be sold at N3,500 by January 2024, the businessman restated.

“So dependent on the distance and dependent on the location. You know the price changes but we intend to keep that promise,” he said yesterday.