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FIFA Women World Cup: Super Falcons In Knockout Phase, May Face England In Round Of 16

July 31, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Falcons of Nigeria played a goalless draw against World Cup debutants, Republic of Ireland at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

The girls were shambolic in the match. They were unable to create scoring chances. Their best chance in the game came from an Uchenna Kanu header but the Irish Goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan, parried it and it hit the cross bar.

Nigerian Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action on two occasions. The Paris Saint Germain Football Club of France shot stopper put her team in the game.

Many had expected that the Super Falcons will come all out and record a convincing win against the Ireland team, but the Nigerians failed to make strings of passes as they held on to the ball for too long and were easily dispossessed.

Asisat Oshoala who returned to the starting line- up of the team had two shot off target, with the first which could have been an opener going wide.

Coach Randy Waldrum started the game with Nnadozie in goal, maintaining his back four that consists of Michelle Alozie, Blessing Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre.

In the midfield, Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe retained their position, while Oshoala player as the lone striker.

Ifeoma Onumonu was the only exclusion from the team that started the game against Australia.

With the goalless draw, the Super Falcons progress to the Round of 16 Knockout Phase as runners up in Group B following the 4-0 thrashing of Canada by Australia.

Hayley Raso scored a brace for the Matildas of Australia, while Mary Fowler and Stephanie Catley scored a goal apiece to send the Coach Beverly Priestman Canadian team out of the tournament.

The Super Falcons is likely to play England in the Round of 16 as the England Female Team tops Group D with Six Points and would play China which is on three points in the last Group match.

Denmark would play Haiti in their last Group. A win would guarantee them a place in the knockout stages of the tournament. They recorded a victory in their opening match against China.

Justice Nweze, Dissenting Voice In Imo Governorship Election Judgement at SC, Dies At 64; NBA Mourns

The Source

July 31, 2023

By Gideon Njoku

He was called by many names, including the lone voice in the wilderness by virtue of his dissenting voice in the 2019 Imo Governorship case at the Supreme Court.

While six other Supreme Court Justices, including the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, declared Senator Hope Uzodinma Governor of Imo State, and sacked the Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as Governor in January 2020, after seven months in office, the Honourable Justice Centus Nweze dissented and wrote a minority judgement.

On Sunday, July 30, 2023, that lone voice at the time died at the age of 64.

By his death, the South-east Zone of Nigeria, has no Justice at the Supreme Court. One of the Zone’s representatives, the Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili, retired at 70, the other, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta passed in 2021 at the age of 69.

A native of Enugu State, Nweze was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Nweze, before he went to the Bench was legal adviser to Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, a former Governor of Enugu State.

Born on September 25, 1958, he acquired all his degrees, including his PhD from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).

Reacting to the death of Justice Nweze, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, described him as a courageous Judge.

In a statement signed by Akorede Habeeb Lawal, Publicity Secretary, NBA, on behalf of the President, the NBA said in part: “His Lordship’s numerous decisions have shaped, impacted and developed our law and jurisprudence. He was a disciplined, hardworking and courageous judicial officer.”

Foreign: Niger Coup: Prof. Akinterinwa Warns Tinubu Against Use Of Force

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 31, 2023

A renowned scholar and expert in international relations, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa has cautioned President Bola Tinubu in the manner he intervenes in the political crisis in Niger Republic.

The West African country was thrown into crisis last week following a military coup de’tat that has now thrown up General Abdourahamane Tchiani as its military leader.

The Economic Community of West Africa, ECOWAS, has rejected the forceful change of power, calling on the coup plotters to return power to President Bassoum within one week. Tinubu is the president of ECOWAS.

The bloc after a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Sunday announced a slew of economic measures against the new regime, including land, air, and Sea blockade.

ECOWAS has also warned that force may be used if the soldiers failed to reinstate democratic government within the stipulated time.

Reacting to the crisis, Prof. Akintehinwa said Nigeria as ECOWAS leader should adopt diplomacy to bring all the parties together with the aim of restoring lasting peace to the restive poor country, saying Nigeria lacks the resources to fight any war at the moment.

Citing ongoing efforts by the West and Russia to control Niger, the renowned diplomat warned that Nigeria is “likely to have a war we are not prepared for” in case we decided to send troops to remove the current military leader.

He blamed the wets for making lives in the country difficult for its people, saying the coup plotters have received massive support since they came to power last week.

“Russia and Wagner group are capitalising on the manner Western powers are making lives difficult in the country to advance their own interest,” he stated.

West African leaders on Sunday gave the military junta in Niger one week to cede power, warning they did not rule out the “use of force”, and imposed immediate financial sanctions.

In its demand for the immediate reinstatement of President Mohammed Bazoum, the 15-nation ECOWAS bloc said it may be forced to use force to restore constitutional democracy.

ECOWAS said, “In the event the authorities’ demands are not met within one week (ECOWAS will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force.

“For this effect, the chiefs of defence staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately.”

The bloc also announced the “suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger”, apart from imposing a “travel ban and asset freeze for the military officials involved in the coup attempt”.

“The same applies to their family members and the civilians who accept to participate in any institutions or government established by these military officials,” said the statement, which was read out at the end of the crisis meeting yesterday by President Tinubu.

Recall that General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the new military leader had warned ECOWAS against using military force, saying they will be violently resisted.

Zenith Bank Retains World Finance Banking Awards As Nigeria’s Best Bank

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 31, 2023

For a third year running, Zenith Bank Plc has been named the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria at the World Finance Banking Awards 2023. The bank also emerged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2023, retaining the award for a second consecutive year.

The awards were presented to Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, at the London Stock Exchange recently. The recognitions celebrate the bank’s tremendous feats and milestones in financial performance, financial inclusion, corporate governance, and sustainability.

Commenting on the awards, Dr Onyeagwu said that: “these awards are a testament to our resilience and ability to adapt to the vagaries of the market as well as our innate capability to engender very stellar business performances through our innovative products and solutions. It also affirms our continued commitment to global best practices in corporate governance, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.”

Dr Onyeagwu dedicated the awards to the Founder and Group Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, thanking him for his mentorship and for establishing the basis for a resilient and highly successful institution. He also expressed gratitude to the board for their exceptional leadership, vision, and insight; to the staff for their unwavering commitment and dedication; and to the bank’s customers for making Zenith their preferred bank.

World Finance is a foremost international magazine providing extensive coverage and analysis of the financial industry, international business, and the global economy. Its editorial combines award-winning journalism, covering a vast array of topics from banking and insurance to wealth management and infrastructure investment, with contributions from some of the world’s most esteemed economists and theorists and consultants from government think tanks and the World Economic Forum.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, with these latest honours coming on the heels of several recognitions, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best Bank in Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021 and Retail Bank of the Year, for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

Subsidy Removal: Catholic Bishops Say Palliative Not Cure For Economic Problems

James Orji

July 31, 2023

Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has dismissed the government’s plan to embark on palliative measures as a way of cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

The bishops made their position known through the president of CBCN, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru during a homily delivered at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Abuja on Sunday.

Speaking at the conference, Iwejuru said the country is on the brink of collapse due to the present economic challenges in the country, following the recent removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu ended the multi-billion fuel subsidy regime on May 29 during his inauguration as president in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

His government later promised to give palliatives as a way to reduce the effect of the removal on Nigerians.

The bishop, however, said such measures are not enough to end the current economic quagmire in the country, describing the ‘fabled palliatives’ as too small to redeem the country from the years of bad leadership in the country.

The bishops said the government has decided to punish Nigerians by removing fuel subsidy instead of arresting those that benefitted from the corrupt regime.

Warning that despite the fact that the country is on the verge of total collapse, Ugorji said, “Government has not ceased to inundate citizens with it’s fabled palliative measures to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal. I am sure those running the nation’s affairs at all levels know that palliative measures can never be a cure for any economic or health challenge.”

According to him, “If Nigerians are given food items as palliatives, we will definitely go hungry again, after consuming the food. So, I ask: Why waste resources on palliative measures, instead of attacking the problems frontally?

“Provision of a constant source of energy remains the driving force in all developing and developed economies. Why is ours different? Why should we not subsidize fuel?

“We have severally been told that some people have been enriching themselves from our commonwealth through petrol subsidy. For many patriotic citizens, this argument does not hold water.

“Why has the government failed, is unwilling or incapable of identifying the supposed culprits and bringing them to account for their sordid act?

“There is a lot of deceit and corruption in the land. How can anybody explain why and how the former administration hurriedly commissioned the Dangote refinery, which is yet to start production? So, why the haste in commissioning an unfinished project?

“There is also the fabled story of the supposed Nigerian airline and how an aeroplane was hired or borrowed to flag off its operation. Where is the airline today? Has anyone been asked to account for the act? This is not a good national testimonial.

“The root of Nigeria’s problem is massive corruption. For Nigeria to survive, we must collectively fight corruption, whichever way it rears its ugly head.

“Government must be told that we cannot afford the luxury of punishing the entire populace, because of the corrupt tendencies of a few. This is not fair to all concerned.”

Adamawa: Calm Returns After Curfew

James Orji

July 30, 2023

A Few hours after the Adamawa state governor, Ahmadu Fintiri imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state normalcy has returned to the troubled Northeast state.

The state government was forced to impose the stay I door order following a spree of looting by some criminals in the state, who did not spare private or government warehouses.

One of their major targets is the state’s Ministry of Agriculture where they carted away food and other valuables.

While imposing the curfew, Governor Fintiri had warned that violators will be severely punished.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Humwashi Wonosikou, government took the steps to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The statement said, “The Governor of Adamawa State, the Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has declared a 24-hour curfew on the state, effective immediately Sunday 30th July 2023,” the statement read.

“Governor Fintiri said the curfew followed the dangerous dimension the activities of hoodlums had assumed across the state capital as they attack people with matches and break into business premises and homes carting away property.

“With the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state.

Rt. Hon. Fintiri said only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew.

“The Governor is appealing to citizens and residents of the state to comply with the directive, adding that any person found contravening the order would be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.”

Meanwhile, some residents of the state have blamed the economic situation in the country for the recent development in the state. They advise the government to take concrete steps to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

Owerri Residents Celebrate Police, Thank Them For Good Job

The Source

July 30, 2023

By Charles Igbo

The Imo State Police Command got a rare commendation from Owerri residents on Saturday.

In scores, they trooped out to clap and praise and celebrate them for their gallantry in foiling an armed robbery attack in Owerri on Saturday July 29, 2023.

The gallant boys not only foiled the robbery, they apprehended two of the hoodlums, and neutralised one of them – the driver.

The scary scene took place at a luxury shop, Goldwise, which deals in gold, diamonds and other luxury gems.

The armed robbers, allegedly, seven in number, had stormed the luxury shop at between 11.30am and 12 noon. Located close to a popular restaurant at the Ikenegbu area of Owerri, Kilmanjoro, the armed robbers, who wore military camouflage uniform, stormed the shop, and asked everybody to lie face- down on the floor. They did, and the devil’s packed jewelleries worth over N200m.

But an eagle-eyed Policeman who accompanied his Principal to Kilmanjoro restaurant, and was watching from outside and waiting for his Principal to come out, suspected something unusual, seeing how the robbers jumped down from their vehicle, and moved into the shop.

He placed a call to the Police Tactical Team. Before they arrived, the gallant Policeman, aimed at the driver of the vehicle, who was in the car, waiting, and neutralised him. The Police

Tactical team arrived in record time, and engaged the robbers in a shoot out. They were overwhelmed by the Policemen with their firepower, and arrested two of them. Others escaped with various degrees of injuries.

None of the two caught waa from Imo State, or the South-east.

According to the Imo State Police Command when the suspects were paraded, the two caught were Peter Gaura, 27 years, from Kogi State who the Police identified as a dismissed solider, and Promise Joshua, 25 years, from Delta State.

Joshua, while being interrogated, disclosed to newsmen that he works as a bouncer at a newly opened popular hotel in Owerri.

President Tinubu Probes CBN, Appoints Special Investigator

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

In a bid to unravel possible hidden facts surrounding operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), President Bola Tinubu has appointed Jim Osayande Obazee as Special Investigator to probe the apex bank and Related Entities.

Obazee is the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).

The appointment was contained in a letter by the President, personally signed by him and dated July 28, 2023 in which he directed the Special Investigator to investigate CBN and key Government Business Entities (GBEs).

Obazee is also expected to block leakages in CBN and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments, whether private or public.

The letter reads: “In accordance with the fundamental objective set forth in Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), this administration is, today, continuing the fight against corruption by appointing you as a Special Investigator, to investigate the CBN and Related Entities.

“This appointment shall be with immediate effect and you are to report directly to my office.

“The full terms of your engagement as Special Investigator shall be communicated to you in due course but, require that you immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).

“You are to investigate the CBN and related entities using a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment. I shall expect a weekly briefing on the progress being made.

“Find attached, herewith, my directive suspending the Governor of the CBN from office with effect from 9th June 2023.”

Suspended CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for illegal possession of firearms.

ECOWAS Heads Of State Insist On Democratic Rule In Niger Republic, Impose Sanctions On Military Rulers

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Heads of State and Governments of Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) is set to dislodge soldiers from Niger Republic going by their decisions on Sunday in Abuja at the end of their meeting.

A statement by Dele Alake Nigeria’s President Spokesman stated that first is their call for the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate Head of State and Government of the Republic of Niger within seven days.

In a communique at the end of the Extraordinary Summit on Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger read by the President, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, the leaders also rejected any form of purported resignation by President Bazoum and declared him as the only recogniszed and elected President by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.

‘‘In this regard, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly-mandated officials will be recognized by ECOWAS.”

The leaders expressed strong condemnation of the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger, and the illegal detention of President Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government.

They demanded full restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Niger and considered the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum as a hostage situation, holding the authors of the attempted coup d’état solely and fully responsible for his safety and security and that of his family and government.

In the event, ECOWAS’ demands are not met within one week, the leaders said they would take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger.

“Such measures may include the use of force for this effect, the Chiefs of Defence staff of ECOWAS are to meet immediately,’’ the leaders said.

ECOWAS leaders also condemned the pronouncement of support by foreign governments and foreign private military contractors, while expressing appreciation to various governments and partners for their stance and solidarity.

The Summit hosted by President Bola Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, also agreed to appoint and dispatch a Special Representative to deliver the demands of the authority.

In response to the coup attempt, the Summit announced immediate sanctions on Niger including the closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger, establishing a no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger, and suspending all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger.

Furthermore, assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Bank, Niger state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks will be frozen.

Niger will also be suspended from all financial assistance and transactions with financial institutions within ECOWAS.

Additionally, travel bans and assets freezes were imposed on the military officials involved in the coup attempt, as well as their family members and civilians who accept to participate in any institution or government established by these military officials.

In his closing remarks to the Summit, President Tinubu thanked fellow leaders, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, the Special Representative of the Secretary -General and Head of the United Nations Office in West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simaõ, for their active engagement and invaluable contributions to the discussions.

‘‘As we come close to this Extraordinary Summit on the socio- political situation in the Republic of Niger, I send my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your active engagement in our open and closed door meeting.

‘‘Your invaluable contributions to our discussions have got us this far and hopefully, we will achieve our objective.

‘‘The essence of African unity and solidarity is hereby reaffirmed. Our unwavering commitment to democracy, peace and prosperity is hereby resolved.

‘‘Throughout our deliberations, we have recognized that the challenges faced by Niger are inter connected with broader issues affecting our region.

‘‘As African leaders, it is our shared responsibility to foster stability and progress, placing the wellbeing of our people at the forefront of our endeavours, and working together towards their prosperity and happiness must always consistently, be our goals and consistently.

‘‘We will stand with our people in freedom and our commitment to the rule of law and not the barrel of gun. Africa has come of age.

‘‘We reject coup and interruption to constitutional order. Thank you for coming,’’ he said.

Adamawa State Grounded

Ayodele Oni

July 30, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Business activities in Adamawa state may be at the lowest ebb for few days as restriction has been clamped on movement of the people throughout the state

Following the upsurge in the activities of hoodlums, Adamawa state Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri has declared 24-hours curfew on the state with effect from Sunday.

Governor Fintiri, while announcing the decision in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Sunday, said that with the curfew in place, there will be no movement throughout the state.

The statement however added that only those on essential duties with valid identification would be permitted to move around during the period of the curfew.

Fintiri explained that the measure became necessary and unavoidable owing to the dangerous dimension activities of hoodlums had assumed in all parts of the state.

The Governor noted that the hoodlums attack people with matchets and break into business premises and homes carting away property.

Fintiri appealed to citizens and residents of the state to comply with the directive, adding that any person found contravening the order would be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law.

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