The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Nollywood launches film making in schools

    Nollywood launches film making in schools

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Anambra State has launched film making programme in secondary school curricula across the state.

    Chairman, Evangelist Leo Ewuzie, in a chat with reporters yesterday, said the initiative tagged: “Solution theatrical course clubs”, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, would replace the moribund dramatic societies in schools.

    He said the programme was targeted at uncovering and nurturing young talents and preparing them for opportunities in the thriving Nollywood and creative industry and tapping into the flourishing creative economy.

    Said he: “The partnership between the entertainment industry and the education sector will revolutionise the creative landscape of the state as well as offer brighter and more promising future for its young talents.

    “The ambitious project aims to achieve objectives, including talent discovery, movie production revival, unemployment, crime reduction and financial empowerment.”

    Ewuzie added that the initiative would host a three-tier sequential competition under the theme: ‘Rules and Regulations Guiding Discipline and Conduct in Anambra State Schools’.

    “Schools will compete at the local government level, showcasing their talent and creativity in dramatic performances.

    “The winning schools from the local competitions will progress to the zonal level, where they will compete against other talented participants from their zones.

    “The most exceptional performers from the zonal competitions will advance to the state grand finale, the pinnacle of the competition, where they will vie for the coveted title.

    Read Also: Peter Obi: I’m not a saint, there is nothing wrong with Nigeria

    “At each level of the competition, the top three performing schools and students will be recognised and rewarded for their outstanding efforts, further encouraging active participation and excellence in the field of dramatic arts,” he said.

    Education Commissioner Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh said the project would function as a club in private and public schools, adding that only theatre could express certain ways of life while reflecting lessons capable of changing individual perspectives.

    “Art is life; and drama a living literature, which is a powerful tool to inculcate positive values, policies and programmes as well as drive individual talents for alternative means of livelihood in future,” she said.

    President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary School, Anambra State branch, Mr. Obima Arazu, praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s policies targeted at developing students.

    He said the project had already been embraced by schools in the state, expressing optimism of its positive impact on the students and society at large.

    Speaking on behalf of the students, Blessing Chike of Capital City School and Chinedu Anagor of Igwebike Grammar School expressed joy about the initiative.

    They thanked the governor for his caring disposition towards students.

    They said the project would offer them access to film making and other opportunities.

  • ‘School feeding incentive for families to prioritise education’

    ‘School feeding incentive for families to prioritise education’

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Dr Yetunde Adeniji, has described the programme as incentive for families to prioritise education. She said it has not only improved children nutrition, but bolstered school enrollment and attendance rates, thereby becoming vital in the advancement of education, the alleviation of hunger and poverty eradication.

    She spoke at the Transitional Learning Centre in Wassa, where she had gone to oversee and assess the school feeding programme.

    Adeniji stressed the importance of education and nutrition in the comprehensive development of every child, irrespective of circumstances. She noted that initiatives like the programme hold the power to effect substantial positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.

    Read Also: Japa: Collect cost of trained doctors, others from recruiting countries – Fayemi

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the nation is exemplified by the Renewed Hope agenda. Within this framework, a vision is cast for a Nigeria wherein every child enjoys access to quality education and nutritious sustenance, regardless of their background or geographical location. By investing in the youth today, a brighter and more prosperous future is being forged for the nation,” she said.

    She said the success of the programme is not solely on government efforts, but also on the support and participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

    Adeniji called upon CSOs nationwide to emulate and support the Renewed Hope agenda championed by the President. She urged them to join hands with organisations such as Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, and the government, as together they strive to positively transform the lives of youth.

    She thanked the CSOs and other stakeholders involved in the programme.

  • Presidential yatch specialised security boat for Navy — Presidency

    Presidential yatch specialised security boat for Navy — Presidency

    The Presidency has provided a background to the provision for a “presidential yacht” in the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly.

    The Supplementary Budget provision has raised considerable dust in the public as many queried the need for such a provision and the House of Representatives struck it out of the budget.

    However, explaining the provision in a statement by Special Adviser to the President of Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said it was indeed a budgetary request of the Navy through the Ministry of Defense and was only tagged presidential because of the special security fittings on it.

    It further explained that the yacht is an operational naval boat, with specialised security gadgets and requested in a budget submitted under past administration, adding since government is a continuum, all assets and liabilities of past administrations now belong to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “Following public reactions over the provision for what is termed presidential yacht and other line items in the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation presented to the National Assembly, it is important to provide some clarifications.

    “First, we need to make clear that President Bola Tinubu’s administration respects the views of Nigerians on all matters of public concern. We thus consider it very imperative to clear any misconception and misunderstanding of the issues.

    “What was named as Presidential Yacht in the budget is an Operational Naval boat with specialized security gadgets, suitable for high profile operational inspection and not for the use of the President. It is called presidential yacht by way of nomenclature because of the high level security features.

    Read Also: Wike approves funds to maintain Abuja Nat’l Mosque, Christian Centre

    “The Naval boat was ordered by the navy under the previous administration. President Tinubu has consistently said that government is a continuum as he inherited both assets and liabilities of past administrations.

    “The payment request for the boat was part of the committed obligation submitted by the office of the Chief of Naval Staff to the Ministry of Defence. The total of the submitted requests was in excess of N200 billion, out which N62 billion was approved by the President.

    “President Tinubu is focused on securing our country and territorial waters. The Federal Government under his leadership is investing more resources to enhance greater economic output from our oil and gas, marine and blue economy,” the statement said.

    It further assured Nigerians that President Tinubu understands the economic strain facing Nigeria and is determined to change the circumstances and further assured that the fruits of the current harsh seasons will soon manifest in quality and improved life for all citizens.

    “In President Tinubu, we have a leader who understands the economic challenges being faced by the masses. His administration is working very hard to confront and surmount those challenges. Nigerians will soon get the benefits of the ongoing reforms that will certainly lead to a buoyant and improved quality of life for all citizens,” it assured.

  • AbdulRazaq restates support for SMEs as Muslimapreneur hosts 2nd Trade Affair

    AbdulRazaq restates support for SMEs as Muslimapreneur hosts 2nd Trade Affair

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday restated the administration’s resolve to strengthen small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and make the environment more conducive for businesses to thrive.

    The Governor spoke in Ilorin at the official opening of the second edition of the Muslimah Entrepreneurs Trade Affair, where a variety of locally made products and services are being displayed for patronage.

    The programme, which was organised by the Muslimaprenuer Forum,  has started attracting buyers from nooks and crannies of the state.

    “As you have seen so far, this administration has been supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the entire business community, and we will continue to do that. On our own, we have a lot of programmes coming up next year for women entrepreneurs and youths who are in the tech space, SMEs and so on,” he said  while declaring open the Trade Affair.

    AbdulRazaq, who was represented at the event by  Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf, said they would not have been able to come together for a trade exhibition if the government had not made the environment conducive for businesses to flourish.

    He hailed their entrepreneurship spirit to market Kwara-made products for Nigeria and the world at large, urging the residents to troop out and patronize them.

    “To be honest, we are very proud of Muslimah Entrepreneurs. They have come through, and have been able to market for each other. Honestly, they have the entrepreneurship spirit. And I have even seen a lot of products here that are made in Kwara for Nigeria. And I think they have a very big potential.

    “I implore everybody to patronize them. I like how they are focused on natural products. I have seen some products that have NAFDAC numbers already, which are good for the body system. I can see that they are very focused on what they do. This, I believe, has been encouraged by the government which created an avenue for ease of doing business in the state,” he added.

    Co-convener of the Trade Affair and CEO Baytu Tejmeel, Hajia Fatimah Saliu Adejumoke, in her remarks, said they came up with the second edition of the Affair to create ease and comfort for people, who she said are currently hit by inflated prices of goods and services in the markets.

    She said at least forty vendors are participating in the exhibition, and that their goods and services are cheap and affordable.

    Read Also: Fubara: Rivers NASS caucus declares support for Wike

    “It has not been easy putting this together. We, as a profit making organization, came together to make this happen. We have seen that things are a bit on the high side in the markets. So, we want to try our best and make it easier for our customers and co-vendors,” she said, asking kwara residents to come out en masse for this opportunity.

    “We have over forty vendors exhibiting here, and they all came with discounts and affordable goods services for everybody in Kwara state”.

    Adejumoke said Muslimaprenuer Forum is open for partnership and has been working towards that, adding that they have offered such interest to some governmental agencies and relevant stakeholders.

    “This is the second affair we are having. And we thank God Almighty. So far we have some turn up and we are very hopeful more people will come.

    “We are open to collaboration with governmental agencies. This is an entrepreneurship platform. We are expecting them. We have gone to KWACCIMA (Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture) and several offices to achieve that,” she said.

  • APC’ll win Nov 11 Gov poll with wide margin, Bello assures

    APC’ll win Nov 11 Gov poll with wide margin, Bello assures

    Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has assured supporters that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the November 11 governorship election with a wide margin on the back of achievements of his administration.

    Bello gave the assurances in Lokoja, on Thursday, when he received the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Mustapha, who was on a collaboration visit to the Kogi State Governor towards a peaceful election in the state.

    The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, stressed that he would work within the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in achieving a violence-free election, noting that his administration had made security topmost priority since assumption of office.

    “Having done well in all sectors of the economy of the State, particularly in security, we’re very optimistic that it will encourage our people to turn out en masse and exercise their civic duty.

    “Our outstanding achievements, which are visible, will speak and work for us, with the greatest of assurances that we will win overwhelmingly. We will cooperate with the Armed Forces in ensuring a peaceful election and also provide a level playing field for all contenders and for the people to turn out en masse to vote.

    “Kogi people are peaceful. We have, since the coming of our administration, made security of lives and properties a priority. We want to assure our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of stability, peace before, during and after the Governorship election.

    Read Also: Fubara: Rivers NASS caucus declares support for Wike

    “We also want to applaud the CDS for measures he has put in place for a peaceful election in the State,” the Governor stated.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu and Chief of Defence Staff for the significant reduction in crimes in the North West and South East since the coming of the present administration.

     Mustapha assured that the Armed Forces would be fully on ground towards ensuring a peaceful, violence free and credible election in Kogi State.

    He described the State as very strategic and important to the country, saying this was the reason the President was very particular about a peaceful election in the state and assured of maximum security to enable people to exercise their civic responsibilities.

    “The Armed Forces are here for the people of the State. I urge the people to turn out en masse to vote. The Armed Forces are concerned about ensuring a free and fair election for citizens to enjoy democracy. I therefore want to encourage eligible voters to come out and vote,” he said.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, however, warned that men of the Armed Forces who display unprofessional Conduct will be punished, while calling on members of the public to report any case of misconduct to the Military.

  • Wike approves funds to maintain Abuja Nat’l Mosque, Christian Centre

    Wike approves funds to maintain Abuja Nat’l Mosque, Christian Centre

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has approved funds for the maintenance of the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre.

    The Minister made this known after routine inspections of the religious centres in Abuja on Thursday.

    Wike said he was satisfied with work at the National Mosque and the Christian centre despite the initial stoppage of the work by contractors due to additional works to be done.

    He said the Christian Centre had requested funds for Phase 2 of the renovation, noting however that if the FCT did not have the funds to complete the project, he will meet with President Bola Tinubu for more funds.

    He said: “Jobs were awarded for the maintenance of the two National Monuments, which is the Mosque and the Church, and the jobs stopped because there were additional works that ought to be done.

    Read Also: Senate okay three additional RECs for INEC

    “I’m satisfied with all I have seen today and I have given the approval that the money should be released to the contractors to complete the additional project.

    “While the Christian Centre had requested for a phase II, which I said that I would look at the cost, if it is within what the Ministry of the FCT can build on its own, we would likely go ahead, but if it is what is above our threshold, we would have to go back to Mr. President for approval”.

    Wike further emphasised that the maintenance of the religious centres were part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the President was not against any religion but interested in inclusivity for persons of both faiths.

    He said: “What this tells you is that, it is in line with the agenda of Mr. President which is the Renewed Hope agenda of running an inclusive government, not abandoning National Monuments like this, which is part of our pride. Look at what we saw at the mosque, see the landscaping, look at what we have seen here in the church and the landscaping.

    “They are built for the city and that is why I have said that Mr. President is not anti any religion. He takes all religions as one because we are all one Nigeria. Of course, you should know that he gave me the approval to come and visit these places and take up what it requires to be done”.

  • Supreme Court decides jailed ex-Reps member Farouk Lawan’s fate January 26

    Supreme Court decides jailed ex-Reps member Farouk Lawan’s fate January 26

    The Supreme Court has scheduled judgment for January 26, 2024 in the appeal by jailed former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan.

    A five-member panel led by Justice John Okoro chose the date on Thursday after lawyers to parties made their final submissions and adopted their written briefs.

    Lawan’s appeal, marked: SC/CR/616/2022 is seeking to set aside the February 24, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which sentenced him to five years jail term and discharged him on two out of the three counts on the corruption charge brought against him by the Federal Government.

    Although it was his motion for bail, pending the determination of his appeal, that was listed for hearing, the court elected to take the main appeal rather than dissipating energy on the interlocutory application when the appeal was, on its own, ripe for hearing.

    Lawan’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) had, while urging the court to first take the bail application, said his client’s health was threatened.

    Daudu said: “He (Lawan) has stage three prostrate cancer,” noting the if it gets to stage four, there is no assurance that he will remain alive.

    But, on realising that the court was unwilling to walk back on its position, Daudu applied to withdraw the application for bail, following which the main appeal was taken.

    Daudu urged the court to allow his client’s appeal and set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    While adumbrating, Daudu noted that the Court of Appeal discharged on counts one and two, which attract maximum of seven years.

    Daudu argued that if the Court of Appeal could  discharge his client on the two counts, which he claimed, have the the same ingredients as the third  count, the Supreme Court should equally let off the hook in relation to the third count.

    Lawyer to the Fed Govt, Bagudu Sanni urged the court to affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeal and dismiss the appeal.

    The Court of Appeal had, in its judgment, reduced Lawan’s initial maximum jail term from seven to five years.

    Read Also: Senate okay three additional RECs for INEC

     Lawan was convicted by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on June 22, 2021 on a three-count charge of soliciting bribe, agreeing to accept bribe and actually accepting $500,000 bribe from businessman, Femi Otedola.

    The High Court of the FCT, in a June 22, 2021 judgment by Justice Angela Otaluka, sentenced Lawan to seven years on count one; seven years on count two, and five years on count three.

    But, in is unanimous judgment, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by the court’s President, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, quashed Lawan’s conviction on counts one and two.

    The court held that the prosecution failed to prove both counts relating to demanding for and agreeing to accept $300million bribe from Otedola.

    Justice Dongban-Mensem noted, in the lead judgment, that the investigators did shoddy job by not analysing call logs from the telecommunication service provider to ascertain whether or not their was phone conversations between Lawan and Otedola as claimed by the complainant.

    She further noted that while Lawan was accused of demanding and agreeing to $300m bribe from Otedola during phone conversations, it was incumbent on the investigators to obtain the call logs and analyse them.

    “There is no convincing evidence to establish counts one and two. There is a big lacuna in the respondent ‘s (prosecution’) case against the appellant (Lawan) as it relate to offences charged  in counts 1 and 2 . The offences were not proved beyond reasonable doubt,” she said.

     Justice Dongban-Memsen found that the prosecution (respondent) was only able to prove the third count relating to his accepting bribe of $500,000.

    She noted that even the appellant admitted collecting the $500,000 from Otedola.

    The judge  then acquitted Lawan on counts one and two (on which he was sentenced to seven years per count), but convicted him on count three (on which he was sentenced to five years.

    The judgment was on the appeal by Lawan, marked: CA/ABJ/CR/495/2021.

    Justices Peter Ige (now retired) and Mohammed Mustapha, who were other members of the panel, agreed with the lead judgment.

  • UPDATED: Ajaero failed to delineate labour struggle from partisan politics – Uzodinma

    UPDATED: Ajaero failed to delineate labour struggle from partisan politics – Uzodinma

    Imo Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma on Thursday provided clarity on the crisis rocking the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in his State, saying it boiled down to the President of the body, Joe Ajaero, mixing partisanship with NLC affairs.

    Uzodinma spoke to the crisis while speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after receiving the flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the governorship candidate of the party in the November 11 election from President Bola Tinubu.

    Uzodinma spoke with two other candidates of the ruling APC, whose elections have been scheduled for the same date Chief Timipre Sylva and Usman Ododo, candidates of the party in Bayelsa and Kogi states respectively.

    The NLC President was brutalised on Wednesday in Owerri, Imo State, where was meant to lead a peaceful protest.

    The circumstances surrounding the attack became hazy as he alleged being abducted and beaten by police personnel, whereas the police came out to claim its operatives went into the melee to protect the NLC boss, who was under attack.

    However, responding to questions from journalists on the Labour crisis in his state, Uzodinma accused Ajaero of being unable to distinguish his role as nation Labour leader and being partisan Imo State indigene. 

    He said as the Chief Security Officer of the State, he intervened to stop the dissolution of the state chapter of the NLC, whose tenure he said had not expired.

    Asked to explain why Ajaero was attacked in the state, Uzodinma said: “I wanted you people to be very careful because there is an attempt to mix up partisan politics or an attempt to blackmail my government but I can tell you that my people are already aware that.

    “That was why the NLC Imo State chapter addressed a World Press Conference that what their national leadership is doing is not correct and that they are not going to do any strike or protests and in the process, they decided to dissolve them to put in a caretaker.

    Read Also: Senate okay three additional RECs for INEC

    “Of course, I’m the Chief Security Officer and I have a responsibility to intervene. I encouraged the national leadership not to dissolve a management team that their tenure has not expired and that was what they did.

    “I don’t interfere with Labour matters but I have convinced my workers in Imo State to believe in me and that trust is what opposition parties are trying to fight. But I can assure you that Imo people already have taken that decision. 11th November is by the corner. Come and observe the election”, he said.

    On the allegations that he was owing 40 months in salary arrears, Governor Uzodinma said: “I think it is a very good opportunity for me to clear the air on the so called allegations.

    “When I came into Imo State as the Governor on January 15th 2020, from 2020 January till date, there’s no month we have not paid salary before 30th. The situation is that before this time, I thought that the trade union is a democratic entity that allows the opinion of people.

    “I don’t pay federal civil servants, I only pay Imo State civil servants and I challenged any Imo State civil servants to come out and say that between 2020 January 15th till date, that he has not received salary in any of the month.

    “What has happened in this ugly incident that the national president of Nigeria Labour Congress is from Imo State and has not been able to demarcate the difference between being a national leader of an organisation and an interested party in local politics. But God will manage the situation.”

    Reminded that the workers were accusing him of reneging on January 2021 agreement aside the backlog of salaries and this might impact his re-election, Uzodimma said: “Well, I still repeat, there’s no worker in Imo State…recall I came in January 2020 and by March, I started paying minimum wage of N30,000 that had been lying there, that previous leadership couldn’t pay. By December 2020 I paid 13th month, the first time on the history of Imp State civil service and I have maintained continuously this 13th month payment as an incentive.

    “I automated the payment system. Salaries are now received in an automated manner in Imo State. I brought new innovations, I reformed the civil service. No wonder in the civil service the entire Labour Congress of Imo State chapter endorsed me and I am the only candidate they are supporting in the election. The Nigerian Union of Pensioners endorsed me, from 2007 to 2020, no civil servants in Imo State received gratuity. It is only my government that has now floated bond to pay outstanding gratuities to civil servants.

    “So, I understand the sensitivity of this event but I want you people to be very careful because there’s an attempt to mix up partisan politics or an attempt to blackmail my government. But I can tell you that my people are already aware and that was why the Nigerian Labour Congress Imo State chapter, addressed a World Press Conference, that what their national leadership is saying is not correct. And that they are not coming to do any strike or protests. And in the process they decided to resolve them to put in a care taker.

    “Of course, I am the chief security officer and I have the responsibility to intervene. I encouraged the national leadership not to devolve the management team that their tenure have not expired and that was what they did.

    “I don’t interfere in Labour matters but I have convinced my workers in Imo State to believe in me and is that trust that the opposition parties are trying to fight. But I can assure you that Imo people already have taken their decision. 11th November is by the corner.”

  • Gbajabiamila to critics: President’s team not driven by money politics

    Gbajabiamila to critics: President’s team not driven by money politics

    The Chief of Staff to President, Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday chided critics peddling rumours that he would be sacked by the Commander-in-Chief.

    He said the rumours were a figment of imagination by the peddlers, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s team is not driven by money politics.

    In  his verified Twitter handle, Gbajabiamila said he is focussed Chief of Staff, whose attention cannot be distracted by rumour mongers.”

    The statement reads: “The government’s commitment to its objectives remains resolute, and it is clear that they intend to persevere through challenges or distractions that may arise,” the statement added.

    “There have been rumblings in political circles, with some labeling the Chief of Staff as an obstruction to progress, and speculating about potential removal.

     However, the Chief of Staff remains unfazed by the rumors and took to Twitter to set the record straight.

    “In a recent tweet, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the “renewed hope agenda” and its promise to deliver good governance to the Nigerian people. He emphasized that this agenda is not driven by personal gain or politics motivated by financial interests. The focus is unwavering, and no amount of propaganda will sway it.

    Read Also: German gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

    “The Chief of Staff stated that the government has a critical assignment to fulfill, and the objectives will not be derailed by baseless accusations from unverifiable sources. He reassured Nigerians that the President and his dedicated team will stay on course and deliver without being distracted.

    “In his message, he stressed that it is not the time to be sidetracked or allow divisive tactics to interfere with the noble aim. The government remains committed to its mission, and they will continue to work diligently towards achieving their goals.

    “While the rumors of the Chief of Staff’s potential removal may persist, his tweet serves as a clear statement of resolve from within the administration. “The government’s focus is on the “renewed hope agenda” and the promise of good governance for the people of Nigeria, unwavering and undeterred by external noise.

    “The government’s commitment to its objectives remains resolute, and it is clear that they intend to persevere through challenges or distractions that may arise.”

  • 2023 Ballon d’Or: Osimhen, Oshoala, Messi  other know fate today

    2023 Ballon d’Or: Osimhen, Oshoala, Messi  other know fate today

    Nigeria International strikers  Victor Osimhen  as well as  Asisat Oshoala would yet know how far  they  have progressed in the scheme of things as the identities of the 2023  Ballon d’Or  award  winners  are revealed today in Paris.

    The 24-old-year  Osimhen  last season helped  Napoli  to win the Italian Scudetto  for  the first since the Diego Maradona era  when he contributed  some 26 Serie A  goals plus another five goals in other  competition  to be  crowned  the season’s top scorer.

    Oshoala on her part  was in the scoring mix as  FC Barcelona Femeni  claimed  the  women’s Liga F  title and the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy.

    The award ceremony will feature four main categories including three for male players and one of female football excellence, with the reformatted voting criteria focused on the previous season (2022/23) as opposed to the calendar year.

    That tweak to the structure has placed Messi as the firm favourite to clinch an incredible eighth Ballon d’Or after leading Argentina to the FIFA World Cup title at the end of 2022.

    Read Also: Haaland and Foden score as Man City beat Man Utd

    But it would be interesting to see where  Osimhen  would finish  in an impressive shortlist that  also include  defending champion Karim Benzema,  PSG’s French Star Kylian  Mbappe, Man City’ s Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne amongst othe      

    Osimhen  at the weekend  hinted he would be on Cloud nine should he win the Ballon d’Or one day.

    “If one day I could get closer to win it (Ballon d’Or) , that would be more than a dream comes true for me. Just playing at this level is already amazing for me. If it comes, it comes,” Osimhen said in an interview on Mario Balotelli’s Twitch Channel, Vox to Box on TV Play.

     Meanwhile, Oshoala is in the run  against her Barcelona’s teammate and Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati  who is widely being tipped to win the Ballon d’Or Feminin award.

    Winners will also be declared for the Kopa Trophy to honour the selected best Under-21 player in men’s football, with Jude Bellingham tipped as the favourite to win the 2023 title ahead of defending champion Gavi as well as  the Yashin Trophy  for the top selected goalkeeper.