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AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Gear Up For Côte d’ Ivoire Hurdle, Team Optimistic Of Victory

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Super Eagles New - AFCON 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles  have put behind their shambolic display in the opening match draw with the National Thunder of Equatorial Guinea. They are gearing up for their Thursday encounter with African Cup of Nations Host, Elephants of Côte d’ Ivoire.

The AFCON 2023 Host, who are also two-time champions of the continental competition, will look to book an early Round of 16 ticket by defeating Nigeria at the newly-built Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpe, while three-time champions and podium appearance-leaders Nigeria, joint-second on the group A log, are determined to wrestle all the points and enhance their prospects of a slot in the knockout rounds.

Defender William Troost Ekong, who led out the squad on Sunday, has appealed to Nigerians from all walks of life to keep supporting the team as they seek for all three points against the hosts on their own turf on Thursday evening.

“We went all out to pick the three points against Equatorial Guinea, but it didn’t happen. We live to fight another day. From our side, we are appealing to Nigerians from all over the world to keep supporting and believing in the team. Our objective is to first reach the knockout rounds and then we push strongly from there.”

Nigeria created opportunity after opportunity against the Thunder, but poor finishing ensured a 1-1 draw and share of the spoils on Sunday afternoon.

Coach José Peseiro has been provided with options in the fore with the arrivals of Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi, and the camp believes strongly that the team that scored 22 goals in qualifying (more than any other team in the series) could start firing better on Sunday.

“We expect a tough game because the Ivorians are the hosts and they are also top of our group. But we have our aspirations as well and we believe in ourselves,” defender Kenneth Omeruo said on Monday.

Half of the squad spent Monday morning in the gym before the evening training session, which was open to the media.

The stature of Thursday’s encounter has been enhanced by current realities around the two teams, but it was always going to be a game to behold since the draw was made, as matches between both countries at senior level have been furious and feisty on the terrain, and even outside it.

Both countries first clashed at the Africa Cup of Nations when Nigeria hosted in 1980. The encounter at the National Stadium, Surulere ended scoreless, and it was Nigeria’s second game (as it will be on Thursday) of the tournament. The Eagles had to defeat Egypt in their third match to qualify for the semi finals (in which they pipped Morocco 1-0) to make progress, and eventually win the trophy for the first time.

Ten years later, both countries again clashed in the group phase, with Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) scoring the match’s only goal after just three minutes in Annaba. The Eagles eventually made it to the Final, losing 0-1 to the host nation, Algeria.

In 1994, both teams clashed in the semi-finals at the Stade El Menzah in Tunis. It ended in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, with petite Michel Bassole scoring for the Ivorians and Yekini and Benedict Iroha netting for Nigeria. Yekini scored the winning penalty for the Eagles, and Nigeria notched her second crown by defeating Zambia 2-1 in the Final

In 2006, both teams met in the semi-finals in Alexandria, with the Ivorians running away 1-0 winners. Two years later, the Ivorians were again 1-0 winners after Salomon Kalou scored the only goal in a group phase encounter in the Ghanaian city of Sekondi.

In 2013, on their way to a third triumph, the Eagles edged the Elephants 2-1 in a quarter-final like no other at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Emmanuel Emenike and Sunday Mba scored for Nigeria.

In-between, there have been FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, the most memorable of which remain the two matches between both teams in the race to USA 1994.

In Abidjan on 2nd May, 1993, Yekini scored after only five minutes, but Abdoulaye Traore and Ibrahim Ouattara got the goals that gave the Elephants victory at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. In Lagos four months later, goals by Yekini (a brace), Daniel Amokachi and Thompson Oliha handed Nigeria a 4-1 win. The Eagles went ahead to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals.

Oyedele To Tinubu: Tackle Poverty With N8trn Savings From Subsidy Removal

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has disclosed that N8 trillion will be saved annually from petrol subsidy removal and forex exchange unification.

On his inauguration as Nigeria’s leader on May 29, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced an end to the multi-billion naira petrol subsidy, saying the government could no longer bear the burden of subsidizing the item.

The government later end the subsidy on the naira exchange to the dollar by unifying the forex market.

Analysts insist that huge funds have been saved from the policies after months of implementation.

Oyedele however called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to ensure that the savings from the two policies are channeled on programmes that will have positive effects on Nigerians.

He spoke during an event organized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry to analyse the 2024 Budget, saying that Nigerians have made a huge sacrifice due to the removal of subsidy on petrol and foreign exchange.

Oyedele said, “The Nigerian people made sacrifices as a result of the fuel subsidy removal of the government; that is N4tn savings a year. We did naira floatation. It is not perfect. We are also saving another N4tn. So we are having about roughly N8tn transferred from the private pockets of the people to the government.

“So, what we are saying to the government is — can we be intentional in spending this N8tn to make sure that it impacts the people most positively? Starting with the multidimensional poverty. why is it that more than 133 million people in Nigeria are living in multidimensional poverty? So these are the conversations we are having now. We want to build a platform where we can track how these monies are being spent.”

Not a few Nigerians have lamented that they are yet to feel the impact of the money saved from the removal of subsidies from the two items despite government promise that such would be channeled to critical areas in the economy capable of transforming the economy to better life for Nigerians.

Edo Guber: APC Chair Resigns, Joins Race

By
James Orji
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0

The chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo state Col. David Imuse (rtd) has resigned from his position.

His resignation was contained in a memo Imuse dated January 16 and made available to journalists in Benin, the state capital.

According to the former chairman, he resigned in other to contest for the governorship election slated for September this year by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Citing relevant section of the APC constitution, Article 31(2) (iii), Imuse stated that his resignation would enable him to contest the party sole governorship ticket with other aspirants.

Part of the statement said: “This is born out of my desire to enable me to get myself in the state of readiness to contest the next gubernatorial election in the state which is slated for the 21st of September 2024.

“I want to sincerely thank every member of this great party most especially, the State Working Committee and State Executive Committee for this rare opportunity given to me to serve at the Apex Office of the party in Edo State.”

Instructively, Imuse has now joined a slew of other APC aspirants, who are aspiring to succeed governor Godwin Obaseki.

State Of The Nation: Nigeria’s Sharia Council Regrets Backing Muslim-Muslim Ticket

By
James Orji
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0

The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, SCSN, has expressed regrets for supporting the Muslim-Muslim ticket which brought President Bola Ahmed to power.

According to the prominent Islamic organization, its belief that the All Progressives Congress, APC, same faith presidential ticket would bring progress to the country has been shattered.

More than seven months after coming to power, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kasim Shettima has failed to bring the needed change, SCSN said.

Sheikh AbdurRasheed Hadiyyatullah, the president of SCSN told journalists during a National Conference held in Abuja, the nation’s capital said it backed the same faith ticket in the belief that it would lead to the transformation of the country.

The group however said the situation in the country has since gone from bad to worse since the party came to power in May last year, stressing that the actions of the government so far indicate that it has no interest of the masses at heart.

“We are not making any progress,” Hadiyyatulah said, adding that ‘we have not enjoyed anything since seven months of this government”.

According to the Islamic leader, Hadiyyatulah, “The Nigeria of today is too bad. What we are buying at N200 before is N2000 now. We have scarcity of Naira and unemployment is escalating. Nigerians are not enjoying the new government at all.

“I don’t want to go personal but the Sharia Council helped the Muslim-Muslim ticket to be successful. We campaigned and supported this government until it came to power, but we are suffering.

“Some of the Ministers are siphoning and looting the treasury. I don’t want to mention any names, but we have all seen and read it. Nigerians have been suffering since the last seven months when this government came to power.

“We are not making any progress. The reason for the Muslim-Muslim ticket was to progress, triumph, succeed and to have a good government, but we didn’t have anything.

“See how Nigerians are suffering. No money. No progress. We have not enjoyed anything since seven months of this government.

“We are sympathetic with this government, but the way forward is for some of these Ministers to go home and rest, and we will find other people who will be honest with themselves and the country, those who are there to work, not to loot the country.”

Recall that the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket had caused a serious furore ahead the 2023 presidential election, as many Nigerians expressed reservations over APC’s choice, insisting that the party  was trying to polarize the country.

Both Tinubu and Shettima are muslims.

Ibadan Black Tuesday: Makinde Blames Illegal Miners For Deadly Blast

By
James Orji
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0
Governor Seyi Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has revealed that illegal miners operating in the state caused the explosion which occurred in the state last night.

The state helmsman made this known to journalists after inspecting the site of the blast in Bodija, Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday.

So far, two persons have been reported dead as a result of the incident, while other persons who received first degree injuries are now being treated at the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan.

Many buildings were also damaged as a result of the impact of the explosion, eyewitnesses to the blast said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the site of the explosion yesterday night, Governor Makinde stated that some illegal miners had stored explosives in one of the buildings that led to the blast.

Preliminary investigations by security agencies indicate “that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija” stored explosive devices in one of the houses which caused the blast, the governor said.

The state helmsman later posted on his X handle that temporary accommodation had now been provided to the victims, while those injured are now being treated at the UCH.

The governor called on the residents of the state to remain calm, stressing that the government is on top of the situation. He stated further that

According to Makinde, “This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.

“Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all-needed assistance to the injured. We have visited ,UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.

“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.

“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.

“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

“We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured,” the governor said.

Ibadan Explosion: Government Says No Cause For Alarm, Assures Situation Under Control

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo state government has assured residents in the state that government is in total control of a reported explosion in some parts of the state capital.

The explosion, which reportedly happened at a gas station in Ibadan late Tuesday, has not recorded any casualty but some houses were affected.

Report said most affected areas are Bodija and environs, but there was reported panic by people from all parts of the city.

Government statement, signed by the commissioner for information, Dotun Oyelade stated that “Residents of Ibadan and immediate environ experienced an uncommon explosion about 8pm this evening.

“There are various  interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and in the full control of the unfortunate occurrence in in order to mitigate the incident.

“All security service chiefs including para military chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to Reign in the spillover from the explosion.

“His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”

How Abuja-Based Female Broadcast Journalist Died in Fatal Car Crash, Left Three Little Kids Behind

By
The Source
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0
How Abuja-Based Female Broadcast Journalist Died

By Akinjide Aina,  Abuja

When a female broadcast journalist with Abuja-based Naija Info FM, Deborah Ohamara, popular as Debs, drove off to work early Monday morning, 15th January 2024, her greatest desire was probably to return home after her morning shift to the warm embrace of her three little beautiful daughters. But that was never to be.

Rather than return to the comfort of her home, the cold eerie silence of the morgue became her abode for Ohamara lost her life around 3 pm on her way back home following a fatal accident on Airport Road in Lugbe, Abuja involving her vehicle and two more others.

According to a Facebook user, Nten Ekpang, “A car hit Deborah Ohamara from behind while she was driving and she rammed into a moving trailer. She died from injuries sustained from the crash.”

Ohamara, 39, was of mixed parentage. While her late mother hailed from Yala local government area of Cross River State, her father is an indigene of Anambra state.

She joined Nigeria Info in 2018 after a stint with some broadcast outfits in Calabar,  the Cross River state capital.

Announcing her death, Nigeria Info 95.1 FM wrote on Instagram on Monday, “With a heavy heart, but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the passing of our dear colleague, sister and friend, Deborah Ohamara (Debbie), a brilliant and loved broadcaster with Nigeria Info Abuja.”

Ohamara, popularly described as the golden voice of Nigeria Info, started her career as a newscaster with the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC TV). She was also a presenter on 105.5 Paradise FM Calabar.

Ohamara’s last Instagram post was on her birthday on May 14, 2023, where she said she was “grateful for life”

Uzodimma Removes SOLADS, Set For Local Government Council Election

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma - Imo Civil Servant Promotion

In addition to dissolving the Imo State expanded Executive Council members on Tuesday, Governor Hope Uzodimma has, also removed the Sole Administrators of Imo’s 27 Local Government Areas from office.

Uzodimma, who dissolved his cabinet 24 hours after he was sworn-in for a second term in office, promised that the soon-to-be reconstituted EXCO will still accommodate those of them who distinguished themselves in their service during his first term of four years. The dissolution took effect January 16,

The dissolution of the Sole Administrators of the 27 Local Government Areas in the State was with immediate effect.

Affected in the dissolution of the expanded EXCO are all members, including Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

Addressing a gathering of all his political appointees on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma thanked members of the expanded executive council and other political office holders for their support throughout the first four years of his government, even in the face of challenges, but more importantly for working hard to ensure that his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), overwhelmingly won the governorship election in Imo State on November 11, 2023.

The Governor recalled that it was their support, loyalty and spirit of family that made it possible for him to win in all the 27 local government areas of Imo State.

He noted that collectively and individually, they made invaluable contributions to the stability and efficiency of his administration despite the challenges posed by Covid- 19 and the politically motivated insecurity.

Governor Uzodimma however reminded them that though a new term has dawned and demands that fresh persons, ideas and enthusiasm be taken into consideration, he will ensure that both those who will be directly involved in the new administration or tangentially involved, will have cause to be proud of being part of his government.

“I want to remind you that whether you will be directly involved in the new dispensation or tangentially involved, wherever you are, you will be proud to have been part of his government,” he said.

He appealed to them to appreciate his limitations as human by not being able to meet up to their expectations, and promised that he will strive harder in the new dispensation to do better.

Regardless, he pleaded with all the members of the dissolved executive council to bear in mind that their services will continue to be required, having been part of the APC family and government of the day.

Governor Uzodimma however seized the opportunity of the valedictory session to lament the activities of some political appointees that dent the image of the government and the person who offered them the opportunity to serve the public. He reminded them that political appointees are expected to live above board as regards corrupt practices, looting of public assets/funds, and other sharp practices.

He cautioned that the new dispensation will not tolerate members whose thought line will not be in sync with his vision for a better Imo State for all.

Sequel to the dissolution, all former Commissioners are to hand over the affairs of the Ministries, including vehicles and government property in their care, to the various Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries.

In the same vein, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and other strategic appointees are to hand over government property in their possession to the Office of The Chief of Staff to the Governor.

On the SOLADS, Governor Uzodimma has also approved their immediate removal from office with effect from January 16, 2024.

The dissolution of the SOLADS, the Governor said, is to pave way for the immediate conduct of Local Government elections by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) to usher in elected Chairmen and Councillors into the 27 LGAs of the State.

Consequently, the former SOLADS have been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of the Councils to the various Directors of Administration and General Services (DAGS) in their areas.

Governor Uzodimma also expressed his gratitude to the former Sole Administrators for their services to Imo State and wished them well in their future endeavours.

Uzodimma Dissolves Cabinet

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has dissolved the Imo State expanded Executive Council Members, with a promise that the soon-to-be reconstituted EXCO will still accommodate those of them who distinguished themselves in their service during his first term of four years in office.

Those affected in the dissolution include all members of the expanded EXCO, including Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

Addressing a gathering of all his political appointees on Tuesday, Governor Uzodimma thanked members of the expanded executive council and other political office holders for their support throughout the first four years of his Government, even in the face of challenges, but more importantly, for working hard to ensure that his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), overwhelmingly won the Governorship election in Imo State on November 11, 2023.

The Governor recalled that it was their support and spirit of family that made it possible for him to win in all the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.

Governor Uzodimma, however, reminded them that though a new term has dawned and demands that fresh persons, ideas and enthusiasm be taken into consideration, he will ensure that both those who will be directly involved in the new administration or tangentially involved, will have cause to be proud of being part of his Government.

“I want to remind you that whether you will be directly involved in the new dispensation, or tangentially involved, wherever you are, you will be proud to have been part of his Government,” he said.

He appealed to them to appreciate his limitations as human by not being able to meet up to their expectations, and promised that he will strive harder in the new dispensation to do better.

Regardless, he pleaded with all the members of the dissolved Executive Council to bear in mind that their services will continue to be required, having been part of the APC family and government of the day.

Governor Uzodimma, however, seized the opportunity to lament the activities of some political appointees that dent the image of the Government and the person who offered them the opportunity to serve the public. He reminded them that political appointees are expected to live above board as regards corrupt practices, looting of public assets/funds, and other sharp practices.

He cautioned that the new dispensation will not tolerate members whose thought line will not be in sync with his vision for a better Imo State for all.

“Nigeria Lacks Basic Medical Care Workers, Especially,  Nurses” – Peter Obi

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Peter Obi

By Akinwale Kasali

Peter Obi, Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election has stated the reason behind his decision to donate N75 Million to the Annunciation Specialist Hospital in Enugu State.

The former Anambra State Governor in a statement on his X handle (formerly Twitter) said that he contributed the funds to support the hospital’s noble project of setting up a College of Nursing Sciences to boost the number of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

“The Annunciation Hospital is setting up a College of Nursing Sciences to boost the number of healthcare professionals in the country, as Nigeria, lacks basic medical care workers, especially nurses,” Obi noted.

Out of the N75 million, Obi donated N15 million from his personal funds, while his friend, Philip Ozuah, a Professor, contributed $50,000.

Obi presented the cheques to the hospital on Sunday.

“I am glad to contribute to this noble project,” he said.

“While I appreciate kind-hearted Nigerians who have continued to advance growth in critical sectors, I encourage us all to do more for the nation, despite the difficulties,” he added.

The former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Vice Presidential Candidate at the 2019 Presidential Election said that with the nation ranking so low in the Human Development Index, HDI, due to the neglect of  critical sectors of our development, the Country must not leave the full weight of nation-building for the Government but contribute our quota to the nation.

He appreciated the hospital’s proprietors, management and staff for continuously improving healthcare delivery to citizens over the years.

“With our collective efforts as a people, we will build the New Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

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