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AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Book Round Of 16 Ticket, Defeat Guinea Bissau; As Equatorial Guinea Wallops Host, Côte d’ Ivoire

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles of Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

A 36th minute own goal from Opa Sangate was all the Super Eagles of Nigeria needed to qualify as Group A runners-up, to book the Round of 16 ticket at the ongoing African Cup of Nations championship in Côte d’ Ivoire.

The Super Eagles needed an outright win against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau for the knockout phase of the continental showpiece, and they curtailed the Guinea Bissau team from the blast of the commencement of proceedings by female Moroccan Referee, Bouchra Karboubi.

Coach Jose Peseiro made some changes in the Super Eagles Line Up, dropping William Troost Ekong who picked up a knock in training by starting the team with Stanley Nwabali in Goal, while Ola Aina, Bright Samuel-Osayi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Kenneth Omeruo in the heart of the five man defense.

Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze in the midfield while Victor Osimhen led the attack.

As expected, the Super Eagles dominated the game but were unable to convert their chances, not until Sangate’s own goal that sent the vociferous Nigerian supporters to ecstasy.

The second half was not different from the first as the Super Eagles played their heart but squandered several scoring chances.

The introduction of Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Zaidu Sanusi changed the dynamics of the game, but the dominance of the Nigeria team never metamorphosed into the desired second goal.

At the other Group A match, host, Elephants of Côte d’ Ivoire was annihilated 4-0 by the National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea, to keep their qualification hopes in a fix.

The possibility of Côte d’ Ivoire qualifying for the Round of 16 hangs in the balance, with the team waiting patiently for the outcome of Group matches to determine whether they will qualify as one of the Four Best Losers.

Nigeria finished the Group A Table with Seven Points as the Equatorial Guineans who also gave Seven Points, but have a better Goal difference.

Eze Ohiri’s Kidnap: How Family’s Suspicion Of Alleged Complicity  Triggered Arrest Of Brother

By
The Source
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Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri

By Gideon Njoku

Unless the family of the immediate past Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri quickly gets its act together, big trouble is afoot.

This is because of the arrest, on alleged suspicion of complicity in the Eze’s kidnapping, of his younger brother, Solomon Ohiri.

Recall that Ohiri, the Traditional Ruler of Orodo in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area was kidnapped from his Palace on January 6,, 2024. He spent the whole of about two weeks before he was finally released by his abductors on January 17, 2024.

Ohiri was with his United States of America-based brother, Solomon, who came back to spend his Christmas and New Year holidays with family when he was abducted by the hoodlums.

According to reports, both men went out in the morning and as they came back and drove into the Palace, they were suddenly accosted by the hoodlums. But, as the hoodlums dragged them into their operational vehicle, Solomon took a suicidal risk , ran for his life, and escaped.

The circumstances under which he escaped remain shady, but some people said he told the hoodlums he was just the Eze’s driver and ran.

However, his suicidal escape did not quite go down well with a couple of family members who felt something was not quite right.

According to an impeccable  source, they reported Solomon to the anti-kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, and Solomon was quickly arrested for alleged, possible, complicity in his brother’s abduction.

Locked up for days for investigation, allegedly, in the same cell with confirmed kidnappers, it was a depressed, outraged and scared Solomon, who reached out to a number of his friends to brief them on his ordeal. He cried out for help. He pleaded his innocence, and wondered how anybody could suspect him of such an atrocious deed. “How could I have organized the kidnap of my own brother?”, he was reported as repeatedly asking nobody in particular.

At his base in the US, his friends are outraged. His wife and children are in a trance. One of his friends told this magazine: “Even if Solomon claimed to be Samuel’s driver, he is not far from the truth. Each time Samuel visits the US, Solomon was his regular driver. He would drop everything he was doing and be at the service of his brother-Traditional Ruler.”

He also said that the Eze would be angry with the members of his family who triggered the arrest of Solomon by the Police.

However, a couple of people  argued that Solomon’s arrest normal for the Police was Norma to enable the Police ask him questions since he was present at the crime scene and witnessed his brother’s abduction.

Meanwhile, Eze Ohiri has been rescued from his abductors by the Police according to a Police report.

The Eze who broke down and dissolved into tears was given a rousing welcome by his subjects.

A reliable source also told this medium that Solomon has been released from Police custody. It is, however, not known if he was released on bail, or if he is free to go back to his base. What is clear though is: for the Ohiris, His Royal Highness would need to do a lot of work to restore trust and bring the family together.

Makinde Submits Report On Ibadan Explosion To President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Tinubu and Seyi Makinde
File Photo: President Bola Tinubu and Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has presented the report of last Tuesday’s explosion at Dejo Oyelese Close, Adeyi Avenue, Bodija, Ibadan to President Bola Tinubu.

The Special Adviser on Media to the governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, disclosed in a statement on Monday, that Makinde was at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, over weekend to present the report to the President.

President Tinubu had earlier commiserated with the Government and people of Oyo State following the incident, while also directing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.

Tinubu had equally called on all concerned agencies of government to quickly unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Governor Makinde appreciated the Presidency for its support following the incident, noting that the Oyo State government would do everything possible to provide succour to victims and to fish out and punish those behind the tragedy.

Coalition Of Yoruba Groups Caution AYCF Over Remarks On Relocation Of FAAN Headquarters To Lagos

By
Akinwale Kasali
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FAAN office in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movement, AYDM, a Coalition of over 100 Yoruba Groups have condemned the statement made by the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, over the relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Headquarters  from Abuja to Lagos.

The Coalition warned the AYCF led by its President, Yerima Shettima, to desist from making inflammatory statements on policy decisions of the Federal Government that could cause division and unhealthy rancour across ethnic lines.

In a statement on Monday, signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, AYDM and the Coalition said the relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Headquarters should not have generated parochial reactions attributed to the AYCF Chairman, Alhaji Shettima Yerima.

The Group said both the relocation of FAAN Headquarters and some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from Abuja to Lagos State appear to have been driven by honest intention to ensure optimum performance.

AYDM said Nigeria needs to embrace the decentralisation of Government functions and institutions in order to ensure greater prosperity and functional performance.

“The Stock Exchange in Lagos is the oldest in Nigeria. Stock Exchange is the twin economic front of the Central Bank. The two should actually be located in the economic nerve centre of any country. In the case of Nigeria, the centre is Lagos.”

It added that it is dangerous for the stability of the country if AYCF seeks to dictate what the President and the Vice President should do.

It urged the AYCF to recognise that Nigeria belongs to all.

The statement reads further, “The Arewa group should be contended with the explanation contained in the circular to relocate certain government departments as part of ongoing efforts by the current administration aimed at optimizing operational efficiency, improving service delivery, and ensuring economic vibrancy across Nigeria.

“Eighty percent of the funds from airport services are from Lagos. 80 percent of local and international airports in Nigeria are through Lagos ports. These are enough reasons to relocate the FAAN to Lagos. There was no reason to have moved the FAAN from Lagos in the first place.”

AYDM said it is important to emphasise that such decisions are part of a strategic approach to governance, with the ultimate goal of fostering development.

Ajayi said, “it is crucial to note that examples abound globally where key institutions have been strategically located outside the countries’ capitals, leading to positive outcomes. Numerous countries have adopted this approach to distribute economic activities, drive development, and promote balanced growth”.

According to him there are examples globally. For instance, German government moved key institutions to Bonn from Berlin and this move not only contributed to Bonn’s growth but also facilitated economic development in the country.

“In the same vein, Netherlands strategically located its Parliament and government institutions in The Hague, while Amsterdam remains the economic and financial hub. This dual-city model has proven effective in balancing political and economic functions. Just as key financial institutions head quarters are located in New York instead of Washington DC, the USA political capital or between New Delhi, the Indian capital and Bombay the economic head quarter”.

AYDM said in South Africa, while Pretoria hosts the South African seat of Government, key economic institutions remain in Johannesburg

“Relocating certain departments to Lagos is not merely a shift of administrative offices but a strategic move aimed at even development. Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub, already houses various financial and commercial institutions.

The group said the strategic importance of Lagos is the reason why many foreign embassies retain their Lagos offices.

“Leveraging this existing infrastructure can contribute to enhanced synergy, efficiency, and economic growth.”

AYDM said the relocation of certain departments appears to be a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering national development and economic growth.

“It aligns with global best practices and exemplifies a forward-looking approach to governance”

The group advised AYCF to always make a well informed and fact based statements rather than spewing reckless and inflammatory statements laden with bigotry.

The AYDM is a coalition of over 100 Pan Yoruba groups includingbut not limited to O’odua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), Agbekoya Solidarity, South West Professionals, (SOWPROF), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association, (NATA), ANACOWA which is the SW organisation for all Okada riders, Network for Yoruba Alliance, (NENA), Oodua Students Congress, (OST), The Covenant Group, South West Women Coalition, (SWEC), Vigilanted Regional Groups. (VRG), Covenant Group, Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC New Era), Yoruba Artisans Congress, (YOAC), O’odua Peoples Congress, (Reform), South West Hunters Association, (SWEHA) and many others

First Lady Urges Nigerians To Intensify Prayers Against Kidnapping, Rejoices Over Al-Kadriyar Sisters

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Oluremi Tinubu and Al-Kadriyar Sisters

By Akinwale Kasali

Worried by the spate of kidnapping and insecurity in the nation, Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers.

She lamented the menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities in the nation, most especially in the  Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, and said that through prayers, the nation can be rescued from the kidnapping menace.

The First Lady said this in a post on  her official X handle (formerly Twitter) account following the return of the five abducted sisters of the Al-Kadriyar family.

She wrote; “I rejoice with the Al-Kadriyar family, friends, and Nigerians in general for the safe return of the Al-Kadriyar sisters.

“Prayer works, and I want to thank all Nigerians, especially mothers for praying for the safe return of the Al-kadriyar sisters. Let us, however, not relent in our prayers.

“Let us intensify our prayers as it is prayers that would bring us out of this conundrum we find ourselves as a nation.

“I commend our security agencies for their efforts and urge them not to relent in combating insecurity in our Nation. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

It would be recalled that five of the six sisters of the Al-Kadriyar family were kidnapped alongside 19 others by bandits in the Bwari area of Abuja recently and regained their freedom on Saturday, January 20.

Gunmen killed the eldest of the six sisters – Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, and three others, and dumped their corpses in an isolated area.”

Nabeeha and her sisters were abducted alongside their father, Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar. Nabeeha had since been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

She was a 400-level student of Biological Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Other siblings include Najeebah Al-Kadriyar (500 level, Quantity Surveying); Nadheerah Al-Kadriyar (300 level, Zoology) both students of ABU; Aneesah and Adeebah.

LASG Shuts Oke Afa, Katangowa Market Over Filthy Environment

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Katangowa Market

By Akinwale Kasali

In a bid to curb the mounting environmental health concerns and bring an end to filthy market environments in the State, the Lagos State Government has sealed Oke-Afa Market in Isolo Area and Katangowa Market in Abule Egba area of the State for violating waste disposal regulations and for sundry unhygienic practices around the markets, constituting grave environmental infractions.

The LASG had, earlier, reiterated its stand on zero tolerance for filthy and unhygienic environment in Lagos markets, resulting to the sealing of the aforementioned markets.

Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, reacting to the closure of the markets noted that the Government’s zero tolerance for waste initiative which started last year was still on course, stressing that any market or facility engaging in reckless waste disposal would be sanctioned.

He said: “The Government has not jettisoned its zero tolerance for waste initiative which we have been pursuing since last year. The only way for markets and traders, is to engage in decent and civilised waste disposal practices as outlined by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). Any market or facility that runs foul of this arrangement will face sanctions”.

Wahab assured residents that the markets would remain sealed until stringent hygiene and waste disposal measures were implemented and compliance maintained, adding that the state government was totally committed to ensuring cleanliness in all parts of the metropolis.

“The health and well-being of our residents are paramount. We cannot allow a few to endanger the health of many through irresponsible environmental practices. The sealing of these markets is a necessary step to compel compliance and safeguard public health”, he said.

The managing director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged various market executives, to always mobilise their members to abide by waste management regulations, including the use of the double dino bins provided for markets and observance of hygienic habits in their activities.

According to him, “The rules of engagement are simple enough and the markets are all familiar with them: Do not dispose of waste recklessly; use the dino bins; shun waste disposal on road median around markets; deploy waste policing to prevent and apprehend outsiders messing up your markets and pay your waste bills promptly. It is as simple as that”.

He warned that the zero tolerance initiative would be pursued more vigorously this year, adding that markets that refuse to embrace basic and decent waste disposal practices would not escape sanctions.

Gbadegesin further appealed to market executives to work harder on mobilising their members to do what is right to preserve the environment for the good of everyone.

The LAWMA boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment, stressing that cooperation from all stakeholders, including market operators and traders, was crucial.

“LAWMA deploys resources daily to clear waste from markets across the state. However, our efforts are often hampered by poor waste management practices within the markets themselves. We urge traders and market authorities to adopt responsible waste disposal habits and work with LAWMA to maintain clean and healthy environments”, he stated.

Aiyedatiwa Meets Ondo APC Stakeholders, Preaches Unity Ahead Of Governorship Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Ondo APC Stakeholders

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, continued his fence mending mission on Monday with an interactive session with stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

The Governor, according to the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, urged them to embrace peace and unity ahead of the coming governorship election in the State.

It was the first of such meeting since the Governor was inaugurated and he used the opportunity to thank the party leaders for their support, stressing the need for all contending forces within the party to come together to move the party and the State forward.

The Governor said: “It is important for me to tell you that as leaders of our party, we must put behind us the events of the last few months and come together as one big family for the progress of the APC and the development of our dear State.

“To me, what happened in the past was just politics. It was not a fight; it was not a battle; it was mere politics and I can say that I did not take any offence from that.

“The most important thing for us is to remain as one big family. There should be no division in our party.

“There is the need to make our party stronger and that necessitated the idea of this enlarged stakeholders meeting to bring everybody on board. Our party leaders and members are critical stakeholders that we cannot afford to neglect.

“There have been complaints from many of our party officers at local levels of not being carried along in the scheme of things.

“That must now be a thing of the past. All our party officers from ward to local government to State levels will be given the recognition they deserve.”

The Governor promised to liaise with the leadership of the party to ensure the smooth running of the party structure, regular stakeholders’ engagement and the operations of the Leaders’ Caucus and the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Speaking on the forthcoming governorship election in the State, the Governor urged the party leaders to ensure peaceful conduct of aspirants and their followers, adding that there must be a rancorous-free primary election and peaceful governorship election in the State.

Aiyedatiwa, who paid glowing tributes to former Governor, Late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, promised that the state government will work with the family to give him a befitting state burial and to immortalize his name and legacies.

The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing keen interest in the peace and development of Ondo State, adding that the president is happy with the current tranquility being enjoyed in the State.

Speaking earlier, the State Chairman of the APC, Ade Adetimehin, who commended the Governor for the timely engagement of party stakeholders, stressed that party leaders must put the past behind to foster unity ahead of the coming governorship election.

Ondo Sunshine Stars Sack Coaching Crew

By
Ayodele Oni
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Edith Agoye - Sunchine Star FC Coach

By Ayodele Oni

For fear of being relegated, the Management of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure has announced the sack of the entire coaching crew and its Head, Edith Agoye.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Bamidele Ologunloluwa, on Monday at a meeting with the coaching crew of the team.

Also sacked along with Agoye  were his technical crew; Assistant Coaches, Akin Olowokere, Banjo Adepoju and Folorunsho Stephen.

Ologunloluwa said the sack came after a poor run of form and several ultimatums given to the coaching crew by the management.

The commissioner said he would not wait until the teams that had outstanding matches started playing and Sunshine Stars  are fighting relegation battle.

He noted that the mandate given to the coaching crew has not been met despite the support given to them lamenting that it was unfortunate that it has to come to ‘this’.

“It’s not going to be business as usual, I don’t want to fight relegation anymore, it is not about witch-hunting. Once a technical crew is not performing, the job is about hiring and firing like you know.”

Agoye, in his response, appreciated the Commissioner for the opportunity to be the head coach and work with the team and wished the team well in future.

“I can only wish the club all the best going forward and I wish the coming coach the best of luck.”

Sunshine Stars are currently 12th on the log with 22 points from 19 matches.

Egbu Diocese Mourns The Passing Of Okeke, Its Deputy Chancellor

By
The Source
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Chukwueloka Okeke

By George Best Okoroh

  • Knights Of St Christopher, Devastated Over Death Of President

The Diocese of Egbu, Anglican Communion, is in deep mourning. Death has just dealth the Diocese a heavy blow. It snatched the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese, Barrister (Sir)  Chukwueloka  from mother- Earth.

Barrister Okeke, also, doubled as the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese on the Niger. And was the President of the Council of Knights, Egbu Diocese for two consecutive terms, plus an extension of one year given to him by the Bishop of the Diocese, His Lordship The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor. As a crowning glory, SirOkeke was the Chairman, Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri Joint Council of Knights for two years  – January 2021 to January 2023.

Fondly called C.T. by his numerous admirers, Okeke was from Ndam, Ngo, Nnobi  Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, but chose to settle in Imo State.

A consumate Lawyer, he graduated from the University of Nigeria in 1986 and was called to the Bar in 1987.

Chukwueloka Okeke
Barrister (Sir)  Chukwueloka

He had a successful legal practice  with his chambers in Owerri.

Okeke was  amongst pioneer parishioners to join the Diocese of Egbu on its creation in 1996.

He rose from the position of a Legal Secretary in the Diocese before he was elevated to the office of the Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese in 2020.

Sir Okeke was not only a pioneer Knight of St Christopher in the Diocese of Egbu, but also the first Secretary of the Council. In 2018 he became the President of the Council, and after a two term tenure of six  years, the Bishop Okorafor, who is the Knight Superior, granted him another one year which he was still serving before he passed.

Noted for his very amiable, meek and unassuming disposition, Sir Okeke was the founding secretary of the Christian Fathers’ Association, now Men’s Christian Fellowship of the Diocese of Egbu.

Aged 64 years at the time of his death on 10th January, 2024, C.T. is survived by his wife, Lady Odisa Okeke, and four children.

Wike Hits Fubara As Court Declares Rivers N800billion 2024 Budget  Illegal,  Nullifies Decision By Four- Member Assembly

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

….Endorses 27 Wike loyalists

By Ayodele Oni

There are indications of a possible setback in the implementation of the 2024 Budget of Rivers State following the pronouncement, Monday, by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The Court nullified the N800bn 2024 Budget already signed into law by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The Governor had, in December, presented an N800bn 2024 Appropriation Bill to a faction of the state House of Assembly, made up of only four Lawmakers.

This was at the peak of the crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesome Wike, now minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).

Following the passage of the budget by the lawmakers, Fubara subsequently signed it into law.

The Rivers Assembly became factionalized following a move by 27 lawmakers loyal to ex-governor Nyesom Wike to impeach Fubara.

The presiding Judge, James Omotosho, held that everything done by the four lawmakers is illegal, null and void.

The Court also recognized the other faction of the Assembly being led by Amaewhule as the Speaker.

Already, the 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike have decamped to the All Progressives Congress,(APC), while the Speaker of the four members loyal to Fubara has resigned his membership of the Assembly.

There seems to be  relative peace following Intervention of President Bola Tinubu twice, as some of the loyalists of Wike in the state cabinet that resigned in the wake of the crisis have returned.

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