Even In Defeat, You Are Great, President Tinubu, First Lady Celebrate Super Falcons

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August 7, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, and wife, Oluremi, led millions of soccer-loving Nigerians to cheer the Super Falcons for putting up an outstanding performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The female national football team lost their round of 16 match against the Lionesses of England, in a fiercely fought match determined on penalties.

In a tweet posted on his verified X account on Monday, President Tinubu acknowledged that the Super Falcons had represented Nigeria well and made the people proud on a global stage, adding that their brilliant performance did not go unnoticed.

“Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage”, the President said.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu also celebrated the Super Falcons for their superb performance in their match against the England team.

In a statement by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, the first lady said she is proud of the girls, who she said played their hearts out in the Round of 16 encounter of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The First Lady, who watched the match with the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, and the wife of Senate President, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, described the match as a tension-soaked encounter, saying the Nigerian girls were no push overs.

She said the only thing the England side had going for them was simply luck, emphasizing that she is indeed very proud of the performance of the Super Falcons.

The First Lady said she would be waiting to receive them as true heroes on their return home.

The Super Falcons lost 4-2 on penalties to their England counterparts after the completion of regulation time and extra time at the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup Tournament.

FIFA Women World Cup: Gallant Super Falcons Bow Out, Lose To England On Penalties

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 7, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

It took penalty kicks to separate the score between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Lionesses of England after both fail to score each other at the end of 120 Minutes.

Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie who lost their spots kicks gave the European champions victory as they defeated the resilient Coach Randy Waldrum side.

No doubt, the Super Falcons proved their mettle as the best team in the continent by curtailing Lauren James, the mercurial winger of the Lionesses, frustrating to get the marching order after stamping Alozie at the back with her boot, resulting to her been red carded.

At the blast of the whistle for the commencement of the Round of 16 encounter, the Super Falcons went all out firing from all cylinders forcing Goalkeeper, Mary Earps to make a brilliant save from Ashleigh Plumptre shot.

On two occasions the Super Falcons hit the framework, courtesy of Plumptre and Uchenna Kanu.

At the other end, Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action on four occasions in the match and she responded very well.

Coach Waldrum started the game with his back four that has played the previous three Group Matches, as Nnadozie remained in goal; Osinachi Ohale, Blessing Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie, while Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Rashidat Ajibade and Ifeoma Onumonu dominated the midfield with Uchenna Kanu leading the attack.

The introduction of Asisat Oshoala for Onumonu changed the dynamics of the game as the Super Falcons took the game to their opponents, but failed to get the desired goal.

The failure of the Super Falcons to advance beyond the Round of 16 means that the only surviving team in the continent is Morocco which plays Coach Renard Herve France team in their Round of 16 match tomorrow.

Gov Adeleke Speaks On Mission To Oyo State

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Ayodele Oni

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August 7, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has explained that his visit to Ibadan, Oyo state capital was to rub minds with his counterpart, Seyi Makinde on way forward for the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in south west.

According to him, there was no private meeting with Governor Makinde during the visit that could warrant him prostrating for him.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on Monday.

The statement stated that “It can be recalled that Adeleke had visited the Oyo state Governor’s lodge to see the newly renovated Oyo State Government House as Osun state government was embarking on similar renovation of Osun Government House located within Asokoro.

“It was also an opportunity for both leaders to review state of relationship and chart a path to strengthen the Peoples Democratic Party within the South West zone including the issue of filling the vacancy existing within the party zonal leadership.

“The interactions were in the open and at no point did the question of begging and prostration arose as there was nothing to plead and beg about. The venue was in the living room with photo opportunity.

“In the presence of everybody, the two leaders resolved to unite for the party in the zone, hence the need to call an emergency zonal meeting to hold later this week.

“All insinuations about infighting either among Osun Government functionaries or otherwise are the handiwork of those profiting from the lack of substantive leadership for the party in the zone.

“There is no infighting within Governor Adeleke’s cabinet over the planned meeting nor any disagreement as to when and how to hold the zonal meeting.

“The two Governors will surely feel embarrassed by the fake news as it was targeted at truncating genuine efforts to relaunch the party with a new leadership after recent happenings.

“We, therefore urge members of the PDP across the South West to ignore the fake news and focus on making a success of the forthcoming zonal meeting in the best interest of the party.”

Anambra: We Burst Kidnappers Camps In 9 LGAs; Sit-at-home No Longer Effective-Soludo

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James Orji

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August 7, 2023

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Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state says efforts by his administration to end criminality in the state has paid off.

The governor disclosed this in Awka, the state’s capital saying that the “See something, say something” campaign launched after he came to office has helped to bursts criminal gangs in the state.

Soludo who explained efforts being made by his government to end the weekly Sit-at-home by some elements in the IPOB in the south east has also yielded results, saying criminal gangs masquerading as pro-secessionists are losing the fight.

The state is one of the five south east states where Simon Ekpa, one of IPOB leaders have imposed Sit-at-home, which many Nigerians say is destroying the economy of the region.

Trillions of Naira is estimated to have be lost since the secessionist group imposed Sit-at-home to press home their demand for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of IPOB..

Speaking on Twitter on Sunday, Governor Soludo explained what his government has done so far to end IPOB Sit-at-home, and end criminality.

According to him, “When we assumed office on the 17th of March, about nine local government areas (LGAs) were no-go areas. Criminals seized them. People were being killed and kidnapped every day.

“We tackled it head on and today we have liberated about 70 to 80 percent of them. Those camps have been destroyed.

“Occasionally, remnants of them come out to cause trouble but we are getting better by the day.

“We are also dealing with agberoes (touts). Anambra is a place where youths flock from various parts of the country.

“Some of them get into the markets and parks and unleash mayhem on the people. We are unrelenting in fighting this and it is getting better.

“The Monday sit-at-home is virtually non-existent, especially in urban centres like Awka and environs.

“The occasional ones where they give week-long sit-at-home, nobody is obeying it anymore.”

The sit-at-home exercise was first declared in 2021 by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to demand the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, but it was later hijacked by criminals.

Few days ago, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA, met with the five state governors in the south east in Abuja, with a view to ending insecurity in the region.

Adamawa: How Soldier Opened Fire, Killed Captain During Argument

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James Orji

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August 7, 2023

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A captain in the Nigerian Army has been shot dead by a junior soldier during an argument in Adamawa state.

The incident, Daily Trust reports happened at a check point where the soldiers are trying to enforce the curfew imposed by the Ahmad Fintiri government, following the spate of looting that rocked the state last week.

Governor Fintiri imposed the curfew after hoodlums broke into government warehouse and looted several items, including palliatives meant to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy.

Sources told Daily Trust that the female soldier simply identified as Lance Corporal Nkiru shot a captain who tried to intervene in her altercation with civilians at Fire Service Round About in the state capital.

Security sources told Daily Trust that the female soldier had insisted that motorists retuning home during the curfew hours must turn back.

Some of them had identified themselves as workers on essential duty but she stood her ground.

“Some people stopped at the check point explained themselves as workers on essential duties but the female soldier insisted they must turn back. A captain came forward to intervene. Unfortunately she had already cocked her rifle, so she just fired and killed him accidentally,” a security officer said.

The victim was said to have been rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, where he was confirmed dead while the suspect was instantly arrested and whisked away by soldiers.

Brigadier General Muhammadu Gambo, the commander 23 Armoured Brigade Yola, has yet to speak over the incident.

Elevator Accident: LASG Suspends LASIAMA GM Over Dr Vwaere Diaso Death, Sacks Facility Managers

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 7, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government is not leaving any stone unturned in its investigation into the avoidable elevator accident that led to the death of a Medical Doctor, Vwaere Diaso at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island.

It has wielded the big stick by suspending the General Manager of Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency, LASIAMA, Adenike Adekanbi who is saddled with overseeing the activities of the facility management company.

It has also suspended all the Facility Managers with immediate effect.

The Lagos State Government had set up a panel to look into the likely causes, identify persons who might be culpable, and suggest ways of preventing any future occurrence.

For transparency, the membership of the panel included representatives of the Medical Guild and six representatives of House Officers.

After a thorough deliberation and investigation, the Panel submitted the report that led to the suspension of the said persons with immediate effect.

According to its findings, the incident happened around 6.50 pm. Due to the impact, the elevator doors were damaged and needed to be forced open to rescue the trapped House Officer. She was extracted at about 7.50 pm and resuscitation commenced immediately.

The deceased was said to have been wheeled to the emergency room and was immediately attended to by a medical team led by a highly experienced consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon. The team was assisted by all House Officers who were present at the time.

The initial objectives were to ensure a clear airway, maintain breathing, and establish circulation. The team was also joined by two consultant anaesthetists, including the Medical Director, who intubated the patient. Despite all the efforts, she stopped breathing around 8.13pm and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) commenced. This went on until 8.59pm when she was pronounced dead.

The Panel said that, “It is important to state that blood samples for cross-matching had not been taken and there had not been a request for blood at the time CPR commenced; it is not true that blood was not available. The State has a strong network of screening centres where blood is available. Besides, there is a register of voluntary donors who can be mobilised at very short notice.

“It is also important to state that the elevator that crashed was installed brand new in 2021. Elevator experts working with the Lagos Safety Commission have carried out an initial inspection and will be removing the elevator for further mechanical examination to determine why the safety features that should prevent this kind of accident did not work. Their findings will determine if we have a case with the elevator installer”.

The Lagos State Government however said that the operations and line of reporting of the facility managers have been restructured to involve the hospital management directly.

It added that it has handed the installation and maintenance contractors to the police for further investigation and likely prosecution if they are found culpable. The police will also investigate anyone else that might have been found to be negligent.

The Engineers are said to be working tirelessly to unravel why all the safety devices of the elevator failed at the same time, and that all its staff are fully insured, and also informed its life insurance providers about this incident.

FIFA Women World Cup: Super Falcons Set For Lionesses Of England, Determined To Make History

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 7, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are gearing up to make history in Brisbane, Australia when they file out against one of the tournament favourites and European Champion, the Lionesses of England in the Round of 16 Knockout Phase of the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

Victory in their Round of 16 clash with England on Monday morning will rank the Class of 2023 as the most successful Senior Women National Team of Nigeria, as the squad would have achieved a first-ever knock-out stage win at football’s highest platform.

When the Class of Super Falcons in 1999 reached the quarter finals in the United States, the tournament was a 16-team event and they made the last eight straight from the group phase, following wins over North Korea and Denmark.

Following the expansion to 24 teams, before this 32-team format, a team must negotiate a Round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals.

At the team meeting before the final Group B clash with Republic of Ireland at the now-familiar Lang Park, Coach Randy Waldrum had a sheet hidden under his instruction paper on the small board as he spoke to his charges.

After the instructions, he unveiled the hidden sheet to reveal the amount of $60,000 what each player would be receiving as prize money for reaching the Round of 16. The players roared.

This has however motivated the players to go out as the American tactician is likely to do the same at Monday’s pre-match meeting, with the figure a more handsome $90,000!

Another motivation for Monday’s game is that the opposition is England – the team that stopped the Super Falcons reaching the last eight in Sweden in 1995. This was four years before they made it in America.

Nigeria’s star player Asisat Oshoala will surely be keen to play a huge part in this. England’s defender and captain, Millie Bright, whom the Barcelona Feminine forward will be duelling with on Monday evening, is a fellow Ballon d’Or nominee like Oshoala.

Oshoala also watched another nominee and Spain’s star-girl, Aitana Bonmati score twice as La Roja eclipsed Switzerland 5-1 in the tournament’s first Round of 16 clash on Saturday.

On Monday, Nigeria will be eager to get quickly off the blocks with midfield anchors Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde, and attacking midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade obviously in the form of their lives.

Ucheibe, who excelled in 18 tackles in the group phase, and Ayinde (who had the highest passing accuracy in the match against Australia and won more possession against Republic of Ireland) will form the first line of protection for in-form goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defenders Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre.

At the fore, Nigeria could still bank on the energetic Toni Payne, Uchenna Kanu and Oshoala, but there is the possibility that power-charging Desire Oparanozie could see her first minutes in the finals on Monday.

With three African teams making it to the Round of 16 this time, the Falcons realise they have to do something extra to keep their heads above the African rubble.

Morocco became the first African team to win consecutive matches at the Women’s World Cup without conceding a goal when they pipped South Korea and Colombia 1-0 respectively to set up a clash with France. They finished with six points to Nigeria’s five, and helped account for the group stage elimination of two-time champions Germany in the biggest shock of the competition till date.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana lost their Round of 16 match to the Netherlands by 2-0, with the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Runners Up, bringing their fairytale World Cup to an end having led Sweden before being edged 1-2, led Argentina before ending it at 2-2 and snatched a late winner in a dramatic 3-2 defeat of Italy.

To continue being the team Africa has to look up to, the Super Falcons must come big to the party on Monday, on a familiar turf, and with the words of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau ringing in their ears.

“Our players are highly motivated and collectively ambitious. The match against England is a big one for them and they are keen to turn up on the day. Reaching the quarter-finals is a big possibility and they will go all out for it.”

However, President of the Tanzania Football Federation, Wallace Karia has congratulated the Super Falcons for reaching the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand.

In a letter to President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Karia wrote: “On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), I would like to take this opportunity to warmly congratulate Nigeria team (Super Falcons) for qualifying to the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16. Last 16 is a solid statement to world football that Africa is no longer a push-over in women football.

“A class shown by Super Falcons indicated that Africa has capacity to conquer world football, and it’s a matter of time to put that into record. We are praying for you to win the coming match. We believe that commitment shown by your team is a direct ticket to quarter final, and clinching the world title.”

The Super Falcons will file out against England on Monday morning by 8:30am.

My Deputy Is Indisciplined – Gov Obaseki

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Ayodele Oni

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August 6, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The crisis between the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy, Philip Shuaibu, is getting grave following allegation by the Governor that his Deputy once assaulted his driver.

The Deputy Governor had alleged that his resolve to succeed the Governor was the cause of the strained relationship.

Shuaibu got a restraining order from Abuja Federal High Court to stop him the Governor and the State House of Assembly from impeaching him.

But short of dismissed his Deputy as irresponsible, Obaseki described him as indiscplined. Said the Governor: “Imagine a Deputy Governor who insists that all other vehicles on the Governor’s convoy must be behind his own vehicle when he and the Governor are travelling together.

“A particular driver in the Governor’s convoy on a trip to a Niger-Delta State in 2020 was beaten to stupor under the supervision of the Deputy Governor and his wife, Maryann.

“His (driver) crime was that he dared to overtake Shaibu’s vehicle in order to catch up with the Governor’s convoy, where he is supposed to be.”

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Crusoe Osagie, described Shaibu, as a spoilt child with the attitude of self-entitlement.

Obaseki also said Shaibu is bullish and indisciplined who “on sundry occasions saunters and gallivants into the State Executive Council (SEC) meetings while the meeting is ongoing and the Governor already superintending.”

The statement said, “Like the biblical sinner who runs when no one pursues him, Shaibu has ran to the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking for a restraining order to stop Governor Obaseki from impeaching him – which is at best, a completely false allegation.

“The rabble-rouser Deputy Governor has now taken his indiscipline and hubris to the zenith by trying to create crisis because of his inordinate and self-serving ambition to succeed the Governor by all means, no matter whose ox is gored.”

Ondo Police Arrests Man In Possession Of Human Parts

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Ayodele Oni

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August 6, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a man found in possession of some human parts.

The arrest was effected by operatives of the Anti- crime section attached to Funmbi-Fagun police Station, Ondo town at the weekend.

The suspect, a 24-year-old boutique owner and suspected “Yahoo boy” was found with human parts at Ondo, headquarters of Ondo West local government area of Ondo State.

The suspect, whose name was given as Franklyn Akinyosuyi, is currently detained at the station undergoing interrogations by the anti-crime section.

The incident, which occurred at Elewuro area of the community had resulted into panic and apprehension, as the head of a human was discovered in a sack inside the room of the suspect in a rented apartment located in the area.

It was learnt that the human head was first discovered in a black sack inside the compound by some children of the landlord, who later raised an alarm before the matter was reported by the landlord at the station.

It was further learnt that when a search operation was conducted by the police in the rented apartment of the suspected Yahoo boy, several human parts and other items suspected to cham, human blood was also discovered by the police.

When interrogated by the police at the station, the suspect who exonerated his landlord, confirmed the ownership of all the items found in his possession.

He further explained that he brought all the items from his herbalist who resides in Ikirun, Ifelodun local government area of Osun State.

Speaking on the matter, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the station, said the matter would be transferred to headquarters in Akure, as soon as investigation is completed.

Confirming the incident, the State Police Command Spokesperson, Mrs Funmi Odunlami, said “ONE FRANKLIN AKINYOSUYI , male, 26 years who claimed to be a photographer and own a boutique in ondo town was challenged by his landlord for keeping a bag in a corner of the compound.

“The landlord became suspicious and asked the young man to open the bag, when he did, a human skull was found in the bag.

“After he was arrested, he claimed it was given to him by a Native Doctor in Osun State to enhance his Business. Investigation is on going and the suspect is in custody.”

Anti Corruption Group Faults President Tinubu On Appointments, Says Corrupt Former Leaders Are Being Favoured

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Ayodele Oni

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August 6, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), an arm of Transparency International (TI) has observed that appointments made so far by the administration of President Bola Tinubu are compensation for corrupt leaders.

It also frowned at what it called “recycling of former governors and Ministers” that failed the people on their previous duty posts.

A statement by Auwal Ibrahim Musa Executive Director, CISLAC in Abuja states that the body “would like to use this medium to express our total disappointment over the appointment and nomination of some people believed to be corrupt and with questionable integrity into leadership positions at political party level, the executive and the legislative arms of government.

“We are worried about the effect that such ill-thought actions will have on the morale of anti-corruption agencies in the country.”

Reacting to selection of former Kano State Governor Ganduje to lead the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) CISLAC said “A scenario where an individual who has very substantial corruption allegation against him is made to lead the ruling political party is worrisome.

“For example, the list has an ex-governor internationally accused of aiding a former military ruler to launder Nigeria’s wealth abroad.

“It is also disturbing that a politician who has a case to answer with the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is at the leadership of the National Assembly and will be conducting oversight duties on anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC.

“We equally frown at the recycling of some ex-governors and ex-minsters who glaringly failed to perform in their previous assignments.

“With the assemblage of these alleged corrupt individuals with integrity deficit, it is clear, therefore, that the President has no regard or concern for the public demand to have a sane and responsible government.

“Nigeria’s reputation in the global community is going to suffer negative consequences with the incredible damage the acts like money laundering, drugs trafficking , merchant of violence and illegal proliferation of arms have done to our country, which has contributed and will continue widening insecurity, poverty, collapse of education, health care infrastructural development and ethnics and value system.

“We find it very sad that young Nigerians will have no positive lesson to learn from these corrupt leaders.

“Citizens and well-meaning Nigerians must continue to demand that transparency, accountability and responsible leadership be institutionalized in our public offices.”