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Obi Hails Gallant Super Falcons, Basketball team, The D’Tigress African Champion

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The Source
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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last general elections, Mr Peter Obi has hailed Nigeria’s Senior National female football team, the Super Falcons on their outstanding performance in the female World Cup competition despite their defeat at the knockout stage on Monday by England.

In a message on Monday, Obi called the members of the female national team and their handlers worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and gallant losers.

He observed that the fact that our girls were edged out on penalty shootouts “showed that you were formidable and as good as the England National Female team that won the match on penalty kicks.

“You have demonstrated the indomitable and fighting spirit for which Nigerians are known all over the world.

“You were worthy ambassadors of Nigeria as your conduct, on and off pitch, throughout your stay in the competition was decent and exemplary.

“A typical Nigerian is not known for drug deals and thuggery but diligence and integrity which all of you displayed throughout your stay in Australia, hosts of the competition.

“The fact that this is the best performance of the Super Falcons in their World Cup outings so far means you did not come back empty-handed.

” I congratulate all of you and urge you to keep your fighting spirit as we are confident that the Nigeria of your dream would soon be realized”, Obi stated.

The female national team was knocked out 4-2 by England through penalty shootouts on Monday after their game at full-time and extra time ended in a draw.

In a related development, Obi congratulated our female National Basketball team, the D’Tigress who emerged as champions of Africa for the fourth consecutive time in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship.

We are proud of what they have accomplished and happy with the victory they brought to our nation.

“I appreciate them for their sacrifices and years of training which pushed them to victory. And to their coach, Rena Wakama, who just etched her name in the books of history as the first female coach to win the competition since its inception in 1966, I celebrate her.

“D’Tigress and the Super Falcon have proven again that Nigerian youths are highly talented, and can compete favorably on the global stage, with the right training and opportunities. We will make it happen because the best is POssible for our nation.

We Have Reliable Register For Vulnerable Persons In Ondo – Information Commissioner

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bamidele Ademola- Olateju

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has assured that it has reliable and current register for the identified vulnerable persons in the state.

The register is expected to be used for the disbursement of N10,000 unconditional cash transfer for 18,000 selected vulnerable persons in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju who gave the clarification at the maiden edition of the Ondo State Media Agenda, organized by the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Monday, assured that the fund would be fairly distributed.

The Ondo State Government had among palliatives measures announced last week, promised to give N10,000 to 18,000 selected vulnerable people in all the local government area from August to December 2023 and free shuttle buses for students from resumption in September to December 31, 2023.

Olateju assured that the state has a reliable parameter for identifying vulnerable people in the state, stating that the register of vulnerable people was generated through enumerators hired by World Bank and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) some years back.

Speaking on why the state government chose to bring back the free school shuttle buses that had been abandoned for long, she said that it is necessary for the government to come up with easier and faster measures to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on masses in the state.

“We are all feeling the heat of the effect of the subsidy removal but what can we do now to cushion the pain of citizens.

“It is easier to fix these buses than to keep waiting for delivery from manufacturers of vehicles. It is easier and faster to put them to use for the benefits of our people.”

Earlier in her address, Mrs. Ademola-Olateju commended members of the pen community, saying that the press had been very supportive of the Ondo State Government since the inception of the current administration.

In his opening address, Chairman of NUJ Ondo State Council,  Leke Adegbite, stated that the Ondo State Media Agenda was organized as a forum to hold public office holders accountable to the public, adding that more state government officials would be engaged subsequently.

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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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

By
Ayodele Oni
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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

By
James Orji
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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

By
James Orji
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Adamu Fintiri
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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Diaso Vwaere

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Philip Shuaibu and Godwin Obaseki

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.”

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