The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • We will provide best venue, Okowa assures FIFA inspectors

    Delta Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has assured that the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, will provide the best venue for the 2020 U-20 Women World Cup tournament to be hosted in Nigeria.

    Okowa gave the assurance on Wednesday in Asaba when a FIFA team on inspection of facilities in the stadium visited him.

    He vowed to put in place any further facility that would be needed for the competition.

    Read Also: Obaseki assures of Edo’s readiness for FIFA Under-20 Women World Cup

    While recalling that international events such as the 21st Africa Senior Athletics Competition, Super Eagles’ matches with Seychelles and Egypt, among others had been hosted at the stadium without any hitch, he said that hosting the World Cup would be a great event that would be welcomed by football enthusiasts and all Deltans.

    “I am glad that you are here to inspect sporting facilities in our state; as a government, we have continued to do the best we can to develop sporting facilities and we have done very well in that area.

    “It is good that you are happy with the facilities we have on ground and the compliments from you will help us to continue to do the best we can; Asaba and our state generally is peaceful and I want to reassure you that we will do what we have to do if there are areas we need to improve on.

  • Sanwo-Olu reaffirms support for Nigeria Open

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has  reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the annual ITTF Challenge Plus Nigeria Open a table tennis tournament that has drawn over 30 countries to the state.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu said the hosting of the tournaments has put Lagos on the world map, with players across the world, eager to be part of it.

    Sanwo-Olu said:

    “We want to continue to raise the bar so that other countries will continue to come to Lagos to compete. We will not relent in our efforts to empower our youths – this has been part of our campaign promises to support our youths in actualising their dreams through sports. Wahid Oshodi has made Lagos State proud and taken table tennis to a greater heights in Nigeria and Africa at large. Our commitment to the sport will not dwindle and we assure ITTF that we will do our best to make the tournament more glamorous in coming years,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Read Also: Commonwealth table tennis: Aruna Quadri’s absence excites Indian star

    It was an unusual atmosphere on day one at the ongoing tournament as recently crowned Junior League National champion, Okanlawon Usman thrilled fans, beating former national champion Omeh Amadi in the second group game of the men’s singles.

    Okanlawon who defeated Amadi by 9-11, 11-5, 11-8, 3-11, 12-10 (3-2) and he felt excited over his victory.

    “This is my first time of meeting Amadi on the table, I was told that I should play with confidence and I did that, which made me beat him. I look forward to playing with the likes of Aruna Quadri and many stars.”

    Former champion, Solanke Azeez hopes to get a place on the podium this time as he says no one seems to be a threat to him this year.

    “I don’t see any threat because I know all the players in the U-21 category and they know me too. I have been training so hard for this tournament and, hopefully I will get a medal this time,” he said. In the men’s singles, I will try to do my best and I also promise to be a good ambassador of my fans,” he said.

  • Nigeria must beat N/Macedonia – Nnamani

    Coach of the Nigeria U19 boys’ team, Emeka Nnamani has said that the team must beat host North Macedonia today if they hope to progress at IHF Youth World Championship Skopje, North Macedonia.

    The Nigerian team lost to Bahrain 36-28 in their debut on Tuesday and will be hoping for victory against the host, who also lost their opening game to Argentina 26-23.

    Nnamani said that his team needs the win to stay in contention after Tuesday’s loss to Bahrain. “Well, we should expect a win and nothing less. Though the standard of competition is high and technical, we are ready to give a good account of ourselves.”

    Read Also: IHF World Youth tourney: Nigeria loses to Bahrain

    The coach stated that the hosts are a strong side and one of the best handball-playing countries in the world, while urging his team to give their best in today’s game. “Macedonia is one of the best handball Nations in the world. And as the host country, they had a good preparation for the championship. However, I believe we will come out victorious in today’s game.”

    He also said that the team has corrected its mistake during yesterday’s training, expressing the belief that the players would be tactically disciplined to adhere to the game plan. He also noted that the standard of the competition is high and assured that his boys would give their best at the championship.

    The host was under pressure against Argentina, missing glaring chances toward the end of the games but would hope for calm nerves when they meet Nigeria today.

  • Lagos to residents: keep environment clean

    Amid preparations for Ed-eil-Kabir, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday spoke of the need for a clean environment during the celebration.

    Addressing reporters at Alausa, Ikeja Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of the Environment Abiodun Bamgboye, urged Lagosians to keep their environment clean, as they celebrate.

    He implored them to dispose of animal waste properly, bag their refuse and put them at designated points.

    Read Also: Lagos begins renewal of parks

    Bamigboye said everything would be done to rid Lagos of refuse under the sanitation Intervention Programme (SIP).

    The PS said: “To prevent outbreak of epidemics, residents must always ensure that they handle waste in the most appropriate way.”

    He said the law against street trading was still on, warning against the display of rams on major highways, road medians, lay-bys, gardens and parks.

    Bamigboye said the sales of rams must be done without defacing the state or compromising the well-being of Lagosians.

  • ‘Don’t allow minors take bet’

    Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB) has warned licensed operators not to allow minors take bet at their outlets.

    Speaking on Wednesday at a news briefing in Ikeja, General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer Seun Anibaba said operators who failed to heed the warning of “Game Responsibly” would be fined, suspended and they might lose their licences.

    Read Also: Western Lotto diversifies, births lotto9ja

    He said bet advertisements should not be placed near schools, adding that advertisements on television, which attracted children under 18 years, would be sanctioned.

    Anibaba appealed to parents to sensitise and warn their children, who are minors, not get close to any betting centre.

    He said the LSLB enforcement unit would monitor bet centres, adding that any minor caught would face the consequences.

  • 2020 WOMEN’S U20 WORLD CUP: FIFA pleased with facilities in Edo

    The FIFA inspection team, which arrived in Nigeria on Monday on an inspection tour of facilities for the hosting of the 2020 edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, has expressed satisfaction at the state of facilities in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

    Nigeria is bidding to host the tournament alongside India and South Korea. India, however, is out of contention as they were handed hosting rights to the 2020 edition of the U17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria last hosted a FIFA tournament ten years ago when it hosted the men’s U17 World Cup.

    The FIFA inspection team, which included Christopher Exley, Sara Jane Booth, Kliment Taseki, Rhiannon Ceirwen Martin and Heyral Kaj Jurgen, were conducted round facilities in Benin City on Tuesday.

    They were joined on the tour by Nigeria’s bid coordinator, Mallam Mainasara Ilo and officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) including its President, Amaju Pinnick, Aisha Falode, head of the Women’s Football League, and Ruth David, head of Women’s football at the federation.

    The FIFA and NFF officials were conducted round facilities, which included the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, practice pitches at Western Boys High School, one of the mini stadia the government is building for the event, and the Protea Hotel, by Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Godwin Dudu-Orumen and other officials of the Commission.

    Read Also: FIFA ranking: Nigeria move 12 spots, now 33rd

    The FIFA team later paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who assured them that the state was not only willing to host the matches of the tournament but was more than capable of doing so.

    “We are happy to welcome you to our state and we assure you that we are not only willing to host but also that we have what it takes to do so. Here in Edo, we have a tradition of excellence in sports dating back to the creation of this state. This will be on full display if Nigeria gets to host the tournament,” Governor Obaseki said.

    The Edo State Governor said the 2020 World Cup will coincide with the 2020 National Sports Festival, which Edo State would be hosting. He said long before the decision by FIFA to inspect facilities in the state, his government had commenced the construction of facilities and the refurbishing of existing ones for the games. He said some of these facilities would be used for the 2020 World Cup. In addition to these, the Governor said some of the best hotels in the country are located in Benin City. He added that with the depth and rich heritage of Edo culture, which is acknowledged all over the world, visitors to the state during the tournament would have a lot to enjoy.

  • Police arraign two for ‘fighting over N5,000’

    The police on Wednesday arraigned two men in Badagry, Lagos, for allegedly fighting over N5,000.

    Kehinde Adewale, 28, and Rasaki Balogun, 32, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of assault, breach of the peace and arson.

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akpan Nkem said the defendants committed the offence on July 22 at Ona-Odo Compound, Imeke, Badagry.

    Read Also: Man seeks divorce from ”troublesome” wife over constant fighting

    He alleged that the men conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.

    Nkem claimed that during the fight, Adewale broke a bottle on Balogun’s head.

    The prosecutor said in retaliation, Balogun went into Adewale’s room to destroy and set ablaze property valued at N150,000.

    Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya granted the defendants N200, 000 bail with two sureties each in the like sum.

    He adjourned the case till August 28.

  • Eko Disco promises regular power supply at Sallah

    Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Wednesday assured its customers of improved electricity supply during the Eid-El-Kabir holidays.

    It urged those on analogue meters to apply for prepaid meters under the Meters Asset Providers (MAPs) through its website.

    In a statement, General Manager (Corporate Communications Unit) Godwin Idemudia said EKEDC would ensure that customers enjoyed the holidays.

    “Eko Disco is aware of the high expectations of customers looking forward to enjoying a steady power supply during the holidays.

    Read Also: Eid-el-kabir: FG declares Monday, Tuesday public holidays

    “Within our capacity, we will ensure that whatever allocation we receive from the national grid is distributed equitably to ensure improved supply within the period.

    “Beyond that, we know that occurrence of faults may be beyond our control, but we have taken certain measures.

    “Every department, especially the Fault Monitoring and Clearing Unit, has been mobilised toward sustaining regular power supply within our network.

    “We have mapped out effective strategy to ensure that customers within the network enjoy regular power supply during the celebration and beyond.

    “In case there is any spark from the pole or fault from EKEDC transformer, our technical crew is on standby in our business units.

    “Our technical crew will work throughout the holidays to rectify electrical faults so that customers can enjoy the holidays,” Idemudia said.

    He implored customers to ensure prompt payment of their bills, to avoid disconnection during the holidays.

  • Kaduna seeks Ist class Emirs as sureties for El-Zakzaky’s medical leave

    Kaduna state government has asked that stiff conditions be attached to the medical leave granted Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and wife Zeenat by a Kaduna state High Court to ensure their return after treatment to continue with their trial.

    Justice Darius Khobo of the state High Court had on Monday granted the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) leader and his wife leave to seek medical treatment at the Medanta Hospital, India, just as the Department of State Services (DDS) stated its readiness to comply with the court directives.

    However, Kaduna state government which in the first place dragged Zakzaky and his wife before the court for culpable homicide, said it has approached the court seeking for seven measures that would ensure that the defendants don’t become asylum seeker in India.

    The Governor Nasir El-Rufai led government prays that the court makes, Zakzaky, his wife and each of the other defendants produce two prominent sureties including a first class chief or emir.

    The government, while expressing its displeasure with the terms of the medical leave noted that, “while the Kaduna state government respects the court’s ruling on medical leave, it disagrees with the premises on which it is based. Therefore, an appeal will be lodged on the matter, but a stay of execution will not be sought as the state government believes that a person may choose to travel abroad for any medical condition at his own cost.”

    Read Also: El-Zakzaky’s plight worsens as elder brother declares him a terrorist

    A statement signed by the Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan on Wednesday stated further that, “in compliance with the court ruling, the Kaduna state government has filed at the Kaduna High Court terms for strict supervision of the medical leave, as follows:

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria shall confirm the appointments of the defendants/applicants with the Medanta Hospital, India, and undertake all necessary diplomatic arrangements and protocol to ensure compliance with the conditions of the medical leave.

    “Each of the defendants/applicants shall undertake to return to Nigeria to continue their trial as soon as they are discharged from the hospital, and shall also be responsible for the cost of their travel, treatment and living expenses while on their medical leave.

    “Each of the defendants/applicants shall produce two prominent and reliable persons as sureties, one being a first class chief/emir of national repute and the other a prominent person within Kaduna state who shall undertake to produce the defendants whenever they are needed. The sureties must also produce evidence of landed property within Kaduna state.

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria shall obtain from the Government of India an irrevocable guarantee that it will not entertain any application by the defendants/applicants or any third party seeking asylum under any guise or conferring the status of political prisoners or any other status aside from being medical patients on the defendants /applicants and shall also restrain the defendants/applicants from any act inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

    ‘Each of the defendants/applicants shall undertake in writing, endorsed by their Counsel, that while on medical treatment in India, they shall do nothing to jeopardize the ongoing trial, the peace and security of Nigeria and the laws of the Republic of India in whatever form.

    “Security agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria shall escort the defendants/applicants and remain with them throughout the duration of their treatment in India and thereafter shall return with them after their discharge from the hospital. The Nigerian High Commission in India shall undertake prior vetting and grant consent before any visitor has access to the defendants/applicants while in the Republic of India.

    “Many of these terms of supervision depend for their actualization on actions by the Federal Government of Nigeria which is the sovereign power vested with the constitutional responsibility for foreign affairs.” It said.

    On 19th April 2018, the Kaduna state government filed an eight-count charge against Malam Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, Mallama Zeenah Ibrahim, Yakubu Yahaya Katsina and Sanusi Abdulkadir Koki for the offenses of:

    Criminal Conspiracy, Culpable Homicide punishable with death, Unlawful Assembly, Wrongful restraint, Disturbance of public peace, Voluntarily causing grievous hurt, Inciting disturbance and Breach of Public Peace.

  • Boy, 9, needs N575,000 for surgery

    Six months after he was born, Kehinde, son of Mr. and Mrs. Yusuf Isiaka, has known no peace.

    He has undergone surgeries to correct a problem in his brain- hydrocephalus, (water in the brain).

    Nine-year-old Kehinde needs N575,000 for the final surgery and to purchase a support chair and machine to help him walk.

    His father, who was at The Nation head office in Matori, Lagos, yesterday, is appealing to well- meaning Nigerians and others to assist his son.

    Read Also: Boy needs N1.5m for urgent brain surgery

    He said: “My son’s ailment started six months after he was born in September 2009, and we have so far spent N2.5million to keep him alive.

    “He has been taken to Ado Awaye General Hospital in Iseyin, Oyo State as well as 10 private hospitals. We took him to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan in June 2011 where he has been taking treatment.”

    Kehinde’s parents can be contacted on 08022300344 and 08033503135.

    Donations can be sent to Guaranty Trust Bank 0151945965. Account name: Kehinde Abdur Raheem Yusuf.