Home Blog Page 2303

OPINION: Margery Okadigbo: Keeping The Legacy Alive

By
The Source
-
0
Margery Okadigbo

By James Okoroma.

The appointment of Senator MARGERY OKADIGBO as  Chairman of the newly-incorporated Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by President Muhammadu Buhari  presents a unique opportunity for one to closely examine the content and character of this woman with stoic disposition within the context of the challenges she has faced in the Nigerian Project and the successes she has recorded upholding the legacies of her husband seen and regarded by many as one of Nigeria’s most controversial and cerebral Politicians  who served Nigeria with every strength he could muster till the last breath.

Mrs Okadigbo’s appointment came after Mr. President had suspended the inauguration of the old Board for reasons which were not made public.

I make haste to state here that Mrs Okadigbo’s appointment is not just another patronage dispensed to another Nigerian Politician for political considerations. It is a well-thought out reward for merit, tenacity of purpose, discipline, good conduct and commitment to the national interest.

Since September, 2003, when her husband, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo passed on, Mrs Okadigbo has held on tenaciously to those values and philosophies that defined her husband as a great Nigerian Patriot, Political Strategist and Thinker who died in the course of National Service.

What many do not know, is that Mrs Okadigbo is a Lawyer of over thirty-six years standing and a businesswoman with vast interests in Real Estate, Merchandising and Human Resource Management. She has silently continued to record several achievements in Law Practice, business and Politics in furtherance of her husband’s wishes and Vision for the Nigerian Nation. Unlike several other women who have gone to town after being widowed,

Mrs Okadigbo has stayed away from scandals and kept her eyes on the ball in pursuit of popular causes that benefit all Nigerians irrespective of their religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Like her husband, she successfully ran for the Senate and sat on her husband’s seat as the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District.

While in the Senate, Mrs Okadigbo made commendable contributions that helped in enriching Legislations and improving  Governance generally.

At the social level, she  has remained a motivator, role model and a beacon of hope to many Nigerian women who are facing challenges in their homes and careers.

Immediately after her husband’s death, she retreated and concentrated on raising her children, maintaining family cohesion and ensuring that her husband’s name and reputation were not soiled for any reason. Today, the children her husband left behind, are all University Graduates from some of the best Universities in Europe and America. In this regard, she has fulfilled her husband’s wish to give their children the best education anywhere in the world.

Senator Margery lives a disciplined and austere life with no interest at all in ostentatious possessions and opulence.

To also ensure that her husband’s  Legacies are sustained for all generations of Nigerians, Mrs Okadigbo established the CHUBA OKADIGBO FOUNDATION which  consistently offers Scholarships to many, picks hospital bills of indigent patients, assists widows with Credit facilities and secures employment for University Graduates and other Classes of people.

She pursues these causes with modesty and without any intent to make political capital out of them.

In Ogbunike Community, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State where Dr. Okadigbo hailed from, Mrs Okadigbo is regarded as the mother of the poor, widows, orphans and socially-alienated. In fact, she is the present-day Mother Theresa in that area.

This explains why she  consistently wins any election she indicates interest in. She is the woman of the people and the political leader they respect and adore.

Till date, the story is still  told of her Empowerment Programmes while in the Senate which liberated many men , the Youth and Women from poverty in Anambra North. Her inclination has always been to create wealth and improve lives wherever she finds herself without making noise.

There is no doubt that Dr. Okadigbo will be proud of this woman who has brought honour to his name and sustained his legacies  wherever he is.

As she assumes duty at the NNPC as Board Chairman , there is no doubt she will bring  her experience, discipline, business acumen and vast international and local contacts to bear on her new assignment.

Dr. Okoroma was Special Assistant to late Senate President, Dr Chuba Okadigbo.

Uzodinma Swears-in Ag. President, Imo Customary Court Of Appeal

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has sworn-in Hon. Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie as the Acting President, Imo State Customary Court of Appeal, Owerri.

Addressing the Acting President, members of the Bar and the Bench,  senior government officials and key traditional rulers at the New Executive Council Chambers,  Government House Owerri at the ceremony, Friday,  Governor Uzodimma congratulated Justice Okorie and informed him that his appointment was strictly on merit and in adherence to due process.

He charged Justice Okorie to discharge his duties in full compliance with the principles of due process and the rule of law upon which he was nominated and inaugurated.

Again, he reminded the audience that the Shared Prosperity Administration of his government is anchored on the respect for the rule of law and due process, insisting that he expects the Acting President of the Customary Court of Appeal to follow the same process.

He requested him to always bear the people in mind while dispensing justice, noting that “the people always look at the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.”

Governor Uzodimma further reminded Justice Okorie that his “appointment comes with a lot of responsibilities which expects him to live above board and show examples that will galvanize the Bench and the Bar to be always on  their toes.”

He enjoined him to remember that “after God, it is only the judges that hold the authority to make pronouncements that could lead to life and death; hence such authorities must be delivered and or dispensed with the utmost fear of God.”

Governor Uzodimma added: “The judiciary ought to be always more than circumspect,  be just, fair and firm.”

He emphasized that it is only by doing so that the common man will continue to see the judiciary as their last hope.

The Governor promised to provide the judiciary with the necessary tools that would assist the members in the dispensation of justice in Imo State.

In his response after the swearing-in, Justice Okorie thanked Governor Uzodimma for finding time despite his crowded schedule to inaugurate him as Acting President Customary Court of Appeal.

He promised to be guided, always, by the letters of the oaths of office he took in the discharge of his duties.

He also promised to work to improve on the already set standards by his predecessors in the State Customary Court of Appeal.

Present at the swearing-in were the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Barr. C. O. C. Akaolisa and other members of State Expanded Executive Council.

Justice Okorie was accompanied by the Ag. Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Theresa Chikeka, serving and retired Judges of Imo State and the Chairman Imo State Nigerian Bar Association,  Barr. Jude Ogamba.

Also present were the Chairman,  Imo State Traditional Institution Council/Chairman, Community Policing,  HRM Eze (Dr.) Emmanuel Okeke, the Chairman, Imo State Elders Council, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya and the traditional ruler of Ihim autonomous community in Isiala Mbano, HRH, Eze Oliver Ohanwe.

Suspected Herdsmen Invade Ondo Community, Kill, Burn Houses, Ambush Amotekun Guards

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Ondo - Molege community

By Ayodele Oni

Suspected Fulani Herdsmen invaded Molege community in Ose council area of Ondo State shooting dead three persons.

During the incident, which happened early Friday morning, some houses were set ablaze by the invading herdsmen, who were reportedly angered that the villagers prevented their cows from feeding on their farmlands.

They reportedly mobilized and set the villages and the farms on fire while the villagers took to their heels as they could not confront the fire power of the invaders.

The State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adeleye Adetunji, stated that “while on a routine patrol today at Molege in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State our men were informed that some nearby villages in Molege have been taken over by herdsmen while they burnt down some people’s properties.

“We moved in with three patrol vehicles and took control of the situation in the village.

“On their way back, some men suspected to be herdsmen suddenly opened fire on our men in an unprovoked attack because Amotekun does not want to start shooting people.

“We are trying to find out who they are as an adequate investigation is ongoing.

“We urged the people of the community to go back to their homes as peace has returned back to the village.”

Chief Adetunji was, however, silent on the casualties recorded during the  invasion of the village by the herders.

The State Commissioner of Police,Mr Oyeyemi Oyediran, on Friday, paid a visit to  the affected community, situated in Ose Local Government Area of the state to ascertain the level of damage caused by the suspected marauders, who attacked the camp and razed houses overnight.

The Police Commissioner, during the visit, met with the community members, encouraged them, allayed their fears and vowed to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the evil act accordingly.

Mr Oyeyemi has ordered immediate deployment of men  of the Special Squads and PMF personnel to the community to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area.

A statement by the Pice Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, stated that “The command is also using this opportunity to assure the good people of Ondo State of adequate protection of their lives and property  and are enjoined to give the Police genuine information that  will help reduce crime to the barest minimum in the State.”

Magodo: Afenifere Demands Apology

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Uche Mbah

The pan-Yoruba socio cultural group, Afenifere, has asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to apologise to the Yoruba Nation for humiliating the Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Afenifere said both prevented the Governor from intervening in a crisis that threatened the peace of his subjects.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi.

Recently, confusion and chaos had followed a Supreme Court judgement handing over Magodo to the original Land owners.

The place was taken over by a former Military regime. The indigenes suspected foul play and went to Court.

A contingent of Policemen were dispatched from Abuja to, allegedly, effect eviction, and an exchange between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who hurried to the Estate, and an officer of the Nigerian Police Force, a DSP, ensued on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

Irked by the exchange between the Governor and the CSP, “Afenifere is demanding unreserved apologies from the IGP and AGF for this despicable affront.

Not only that, we are, also, demanding the immediate take-off of State Police by any State that is ready to establish such. Nigeria should no longer be run as a country under a Unitary System of Government ”, the statement said.

Ajayi said the confession by the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP),  the leader of the police team to Magodo, has shown that Nigeria is not practising a Federal System of Government.

“The country is officially called Federal Republic of Nigeria, while the extant Constitution dubs each of the State Governors as the Chief Security Officer of their respective states. Yet, when Governor Sanwo-Olu wanted to take a step he considered necessary for the issue at hand, an obstacle was put on his way.”

While the Inspector General of Police has ordered his men out of Magodo, the Attorney General said he “took exception” to the reaction of South-west Governors to the incident.

“We condemn, in very clear terms, the role of the attorney-general of the federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, in this act of gross moral turpitude,” the South west governors forum said in a statement signed by Rotimi Akeredolu, its Chairman.

But Malami, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Dr Umar Gwandu, said the position of the Governors was a vituperation of ulterior motives of some political class.

“We see it as a vituperation of ulterior motives of some political class, who derived pleasure in dragging the name of Malami in the mud to achieve some sinister objectives,” the statement read.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice takes exception to the Southwest Governors unjustifiable insinuation of impunity against the Office of the Attorney General over the execution of a judgment of the Supreme Court.

“The role of the executive is, in this respect, simply to aide the maintenance of law and order in due compliance with rule of law arising from giving effect to the judgment of the apex court of the land.

Claiming that the Supreme Court judgement concerning the land tussle was delivered before he was appointed, he defended the officers at the estate.

“The judgment was a reaffirmation of the judgments of the Court of Appeal and High Court delivered on 31st December 1993,” he said.

“It is widely reported in the papers that the Lagos State Governor was quoted to have said, “I’ve spoken extensively with the Inspector-General of Police and the Honourable Attorney-General, and we’ve resolved all the issues”, he said.

“Some of the cardinal pillars of democratic Government are the doctrine of separation of powers and obedience to the rule of law inclusive of Court Orders.

“It is a common knowledge that execution of the judgment and orders of Courts of competent jurisdiction, and the Court of last resort in the circumstances remains a cardinal component of the rule of law and the office of the Attorney General wonders how maintenance of the law and orders in the course of execution of the judgment of the supreme can be adjudged by the imagination of the Governors, to be unruly.”

On Wednesday, at a meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu and all the parties, at a meeting, resolved all the issues amicably.

2023: Northern Youth Group Backs Osinbajo, Wants Presidency Zoned To South-West

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has continued to receive support from different groups in his yet-to-be declared interest to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

This time a Northern Group under the aegis of Arewa Consensus Assembly, has canvassed for the micro-zoning of the Presidency to the South-Western part of the country in the interest of justice and equity.

The Group said contrary to the insinuation and agitation by some people from Northern extraction, clamoring for  the Presidency to be retained by the North, it  will further divide the country if it happens.

It stressed that there should be equitable distribution of power, for the nation to remain United.

At a Press Conference in Kaduna, Chairman of the group, Daniel Shawulu, said the real interest of the North is about the vast majority of the people and not the parochial interest of a few politicians who, he said, are usually more vocal and claim to speak on behalf of the region.

He equally endorsed the candidature of Osinbajo as the person to succeed  President Buhari.

Shawulu noted that there is responsibility on the part of  leaders to build and foster confidence between the different ethnicities and geo-political zones of Nigeria.

It added that the country at the moment needs someone with requisite insight to consolidate the much-desired results and continuity of the structural programs commenced by the present administration.

The endorsement of Osinbajo, Shawulu said, is based on his competence and knowledge of the current socio-economic and security challenges confronting the country.

“The real solution of maintaining sufficient control relevance in Nigerian national politics is for the north to champion rotation to the South-West.

“The conference admits and recognises that Nigeria is in a delicate situation and our unity is fragile because of security challenges that have been clocked many times in religious and ethnic approach, especially by propagandists.

“The joint conference admits that the acceptable next President of Nigeria must have an appeal that crosses ethnic, religious and demographic lines, especially the youths considering the most recent history and trajectory of Nigeria.

“Such a person must have a demonstrated record of service at the national level and the history of believing in the unity of Nigeria, integrity and a proven record of modesty, energy, experience and conduct that is exemplified and inspired confidence across the entire country and not negotiable.

“The joint conference notes that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo fits and addresses the question of balance, qualities and attributes expressed and resolved by the joint conference.”

Days ago, the Billboards and Posters of Osinbajo’s Presidential aspiration surfaced in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, indicating the preparedness of  his supporters  to  convince him to  join the 2023 Presidential race and wrestle with his political mentor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Osinbajo was Lagos State Attorney General under the Tinubu Governorship of Lagos State.

The campaign banners have the inscription, “Join us, Nigeria asks for Osinbajo 2023.”

Ortom Urges Buhari To Declare Miyetti Allah, Fulani Group, Terrorists; Slams Him Over PDP

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has, again, lashed President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to declare two cattle rearing groups popularly known as Miyetti Allah and one other as terrorists.

The said Groups are; Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM).

Ortom made this call following the recent designation of bandits as terrorists by the Federal Government after several months of delay.

The outspoken Governor also slammed President Buhari for tagging the opposition Party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a failed Party.

The Benue Governor who spoke through his spokesperson Nathaniel Ikyur, said labelling bandits as terrorists “is not enough.”

In the statement  the Governor said: “even though the Federal Government’s measures on bandits now seem strong, the security challenges will only be adequately addressed if similar hard position is taken on Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, MACBAN and the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) who have vowed and continued to cause mayhem in Benue State and other parts of the country because of the anti-grazing laws.

“For us in Benue State, the law has come to stay. It is irrevocable. In fact, we have maintained our position that Benue State has no grazing routes, reserves or areas so whatever. It was enacted in good faith for peace and order in the state. It was done among other things to end the incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes in the state.”

He also tasked the President to do all that is necessary to revamp the ailing economy and save citizens from poverty.

“Nigerians have absorbed enough hunger and misery in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) misrule,” he said. “Or is it possible that Mr. President is not aware that Nigerians are dying from his misrule”.

As regards the President insulting the PDP, Ortom said, “As a critical stakeholder of the PDP, this is completely false.

“If anyone has failed, it is the Buhari led-APC Federal Government that has failed by taking Nigeria from top to bottom.

“The  PDP is ready to rescue Nigeria from the insecurity and economic horror placed on Nigerians by the APC, stressing that the party is better prepared with laudable programmes on the welfare of Nigerians and to rebuild the nation from the APC tale of woes.”

How Lagos Assembly Padded Budget With N400bn- Ex-NIMASA Boss

By
Bayo Bernard
-
0

By Tosin Olatokunbo

A former governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Lagos state, Prince Ade Dosumu has raised alarm over the decision of the state House of Assembly to pad the 2022 Budget signed by the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the tune of N400 billion.

Dosumu, a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, NIMASA accused the lawmakers and some vested interest of trying to steal from the state to fund next year’s election.

In a statement posted on his social media page titled: “Lagos State 2022 Budget- Height of Financial Recklessness.” the ex-NIMASA boss accused Governor Sanwo-olu and the lawmakers of financial recklessness.

The full statement reads thus: “As a responsible citizen and patriotic stakeholder in our dear state, I feel compelled to bring to the attention of ALL Lagosians the budgetary disparity, hugely flawed process and impending implication of the recently passed Lagos State 2022 financial budget highlighting the State Government’s display of gross irresponsibility in its handling.

“On the 24th November 2021, the Executive Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented a proposal of ₦1.38 Trillion tagged as ‘Budget of Consolidation’ to the State House of Assembly as the 2022 Lagos State financial Budget. This was welcomed by discerning Lagosians with cautious optimism.

“It is logically expected that the governance of a state (particularly Lagos State with verse skilled professionals) would have employed the whole gamut of well experienced civil service workforce across various agencies and ministries with the assistance of experts within the Budget and Economic Planning ministry of the state to collate and review this budget prior to its presentation to the State House of Assembly for approval with non or minimal modification required.

“However, it is exceedingly shocking that the Lagos State House of Assembly passed a totally different budget criminally padded to the tune of ₦1,758,196,448,44 Trillion (An addition of almost 400 billion naira over the originally proposed figure of ₦1.38trillion).

“This brings about the following nagging questions: “Where, why and how did the Lagos State House of Assembly conjure an addition in excess of ₦350Billion over the meticulously prepared and ratified document put together by the Lagos State bureaucracy?

“What did the Governor omit in his original budget proposal to warrant such mind buggling increment from the supposed hallowed chambers of the State House of Assembly?

“Why did Governor Sanwo-Olu not ask any question as President Muhammdu Buhari is querying the #37billion padding of the National Budget by the National Assembly? What then can we say of almost #400billion padding of a State budget?

“Could this be a connivance or collusion between the State Executive and the Legislative arm of the state to siphone a substantial portion of Lagos State budget

“Could the defiant attempt to raise capital expenditure from ₦823.35 billion to ₦1.166.2 trillion be laying foundation for a white elephant project as 2023 elections draws closer?

“Could this apparent bastardization of the budget be lending credence to the genuine fears across the state that there is a grand plot from the ruling party to fund the Presidential campaign of its godfather with state funds?

“These questions are not rhetorical. As Lagosians, I believe we need clarification and the Government of Lagos State needs to be transparent in the way our collective patrimony is being spent.

“The helpless people of Lagos State are left to wonder how the state genuinely and sincerely plans to fund this outrageous budget without recourse to another of its scandalous and potentially enslaving borrowings.

“Why should Lagosians be made to bear perpetually the burden of the profligacy of unpatriotic representatives, who are simply not concerned about the future of Lagos State but their personal ambitions?

“What legacy is the Lagos State government leaving for our children?

“We demand an explanation, transparency and accountability.

Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the National Assembly to be careful over the 2022 Budget to avoid the wrath of Nigerians. The president spoke to Channels Television on Tuesday, barely two weeks after he accused the lawmakers of padding the budget.

2023: Igbo Group Backs Tinubu

By
Bayo Bernard
-
0
Bola Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By James Orji

An Igbo group, South-East Destiny Movement for Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2023 has joined the teeming supporters of the former Lagos Governor asking him to contest next year’s presidential election.

The position of the group negates that of opinion leaders, politicians and professionals who said the presidency should be zoned to the region for the sake of equity, due to the fact the region has not produced the president since the return to democracy in 1999.

On Tuesday, Ayin Pius Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the federation, SGF and presidential hopeful urged the major political parties in the country to zone the position to the south east.

Speaking on the controversial power shift issue, the Convener, SDMBAT, Chief Ekene Enefe, said Tinubu has paid his due as versatile politician whose service is required to turn the country around at this critical time.

Anyim Pius Anyim
Anyim: A Presidential Hopeful

The group said it has painstakingly assess the capacity of Tinubu who is also the National Leader of the ruling APC to govern the country successfully if given the chance become the president, noting that the politician is a detribalized Nigerian who has assisted many people to top political positions, without considering tribe or religion.

According to Enefe, “we are supporting him because what Nigeria needs in a president is capacity, competence and national acceptability.

“What we need in Nigeria is a good leader, who is informed and who can harness and allocate the resources of this country equitably.

“We cannot continue to advocate for a president based on ethnicity. There was a time when people from the South-East occupied good positions in government, but it did not translate into improved infrastructure in the region.

“As a matter of fact, some of the champions of the president from South-East extraction are doing it for selfish reasons. How have they used their former opportunities to better the lots of the people in their immediate environment?” he said.

He stated further that a massive mobilization is ongoing across the south east to ensure that the former governor achieves his ambition to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

“We are in touch with every community in the South-East; we have been existing and decided to provide our platform for BAT, because he represents a better opportunity for the APC and better leadership for Nigeria, because of his proven experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, a top presidency aspirant from the south east has appealed to the ruling APC, PDP and “all the political parties to take the fair, just and equitable decision to zone their Presidential slots to the South, particularly the South-East”.

Covid-19: Health Group Charts Priority Areas For Equitable Post Pandemic World

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Lola Dare

By Akinwale Kasali

At a time when different Variants of Covid-19 Pandemic is ravaging the world, the Centre for Health Sciences Training, Research and Development, CHESTRAD, a non-government and not-for-profit organisation has charted eight priority areas to be focused on in the next three years for engagement as part of the post COVID-19 pandemic recovery strategy.

The advocacy initiative under the new strategic plan places priority on “equity, inclusion, and solidarity” with focus on primary health care (PHC) through expansion of partnerships; especially with the private sector to expand resource base for growth and sustainability.

The strategic plan hopes to consolidate partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders including citizens and duty bearers to demand and entrench equitable access to health delivery and effective response to public health emergencies in the global south.

Unveiling the plan in a statement, CHESTRAD Global President, Dr. Lola Dare, promised her organisation’s readiness to forge ahead with the “new strategic plan with Great Expectations that COVID19 build back investments will thoughtfully re-imagine the inter-dependence required to end the pandemic and to achieve global health development goals in Africa”.

According to her, the organisation “will continue to strengthen its operational procedures and thought leadership at global and regional levels through partnerships of shared value and mutual respect. CHESTRAD Global will focus on attainment of globally recognized benchmarks, including those established by the International Aids Transparency Initiative (IATI) amongst others”.

The statement draws attention to the successes of previous engagements under 2018 – 2021 strategic plan in terms of making thought leadership and voices for change in the global south heard on global health and development debates in terms of “country determined priorities, equity, blended financing, democratized access to data and learning” in the quest for effective implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Drawing on the huge lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of poor access to health care and economic disruptions with attendant impacts of the social media on citizens, policy and public trust as a result of infodemic, CHESTRAD has repositioned for short and long term strategies relevant in “identifying fit-for-purpose dynamic interventions at global, regional, and country (including sub-national levels) and across four iterative phases of a pandemic viz; Rescue, Recover, Restore and Reimagine”. Strategic repositioning becomes imperative in providing effective and efficient responses to communicable diseases such as cholera, lassa fever, malaria, HIV, diarrheal diseases considering that African “health systems are very fragile, fragmented with investments dominated by globally determined priorities rather than locally felt or prioritized needs.”

Within the strategic framework (2022 -2025), CHESTRAD will forge partnership for multi-sector interventions with focus on: expanding access to financial services for women and young persons as a key component of COVID19 bounce back investments and financial risk protection to achieve health SDGs; and positioning blended financing remains centre stage, including de-risking investments in health and education, expanding access of country and regional based organizations to both social impact investments and grants.

It will also democratize access to, and use of, technology, information management and data science as well re-define global solidarity and diplomacy for health and development, using the global advocacy for ‘vaccine equity’ as a test case of her commitment to shared humanity.

AFCON 2022: Cyril Dessers To Replace Ighalo, As Al Shabab Refuses To Release Him For Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Super Eagles at Teslim Balogun Stadium

By Akinwale Kasali

2019 African Cup of Nations highest goal scorer, Odion Ighalo, may not represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the 2022 AFCON tournament in Cameroon if feelers from the Super Eagles camp in Garoua, Cameroon is anything to go by.

Ighalo is still trapped in an imbroglio with his Saudi Arabia Club Side, Al Shabab over contractual agreement.

It was gathered that Ighalo was not released by his Saudi Arabia club Al Shabab owing to contractual reasons.

Before joining the White Lion from Shanghai Shenhua in 2021, the former Manchester United Football Club of England striker signed a clause that he would not be involved in international duties.

Prior to that move, Ighalo had announced his retirement from the Nigeria national team, however, he was recalled by former Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr as the German moved to solve the Super Eagles’ worrisome attacking line.

As it stands, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF,  Confederation of African Football, CAF and Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, are in talks with the Prince Khalid bin Sultan Stadium giants.

Except for any late consideration by the Saudi side, the Lagos-born goal poacher will be missing in action when Augustine Eguavoen’s men take on the rest of Africa in their quest for a fourth African title.

As it stands, Feyenoord Football Club of Holland striker, Cyril Dessers may be called upon to lead the Super Eagles attack as a last minute option for Interim Coach, Eguavoen.

After naming his 28-Man team on Christmas Day, Four players pulled out of the tournament due to injuries, Covid 19 and fangs baring of Watford Football Club led to the opting out of Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis.

If Ighalo is not released by the Saudi Club Side, the number of players that opted out will soar to Five.

Before now, Dessers who is superb form at the moment in the Dutch Eredivise League and as also been banging goals for his Club in Europe Competition, was part of the players who were tipped to make the list.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t make the cut. As it stands now, his hope for playing for the Super Eagles at the top stage could become a reality if Ighalo doesn’t make the cut and he is called upon as a replacement.

Dessers was Born in Belgium to a Belgian father and Nigerian mother, Dessers chose to represent Nigeria at the international level in December 2019.

He was called up by the Nigeria national team in March 2020 as part of the team invited for the AFCON qualifying fixtures against the Sierra Leone national team.

Having failed to play in that showdown, he waited until October before making his bow in a friendly 1–1 draw with Tunisia in Austria.

1...2,3022,3032,304...3,066Page 2,303 of 3,066