The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Fans celebrate ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha at 50

    Fans celebrate ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha at 50

    Some fans of former Super Eagles skipper, Augustine Okocha, popularly called, Jay-Jay, on Monday felicitated the midfield impressario as he clocked the quinquagenarian age of 50.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dribbling wizard was born on Aug.14, 1973 in Enugu.

    Okocha began his football career with Rangers International Club of Enugu and made his maiden appearance for the country at the U-20 AFCON in the island country of Mauritius, in January 1993.

    A cross-section of his fans, who spoke with NAN in Abakaliki on Monday, said that Jay-Jay deserved to be celebrated for a life dedicated to the service of his fatherland.

    They said that he brought joy to his fans and lovers of the round-leather game across the globe.

    Emmanuel Uzor, the Chief Press Secretary to former Gov. David Umahi, described Jay-Jay as “easily Nigeria’s most celebrated player on national team honours”.

    Uzor said: “Jay-Jay won gold at the I994 AFCON and the 1996 Olympic Games, a silver medal at AFCON 2000 and bronze medal at the 2002, 2004 and 2006 AFCONS.

    “He was the mainstay of the squad which ensured the country’s first World Cup appearance in 1994 and a top-notch player in France 1998.”

    A member of the Board of Ebonyi Football Association, Ikenna Odo, described Okocha as “a skills workshop”, who kept fans at the edge of their seats each time he was in action.

    “Pa Jay was described by the late football icon, Pele, as one of the greatest footballers to have existed and his skills brought such global  review to him.

    “It is a fact that the country has not found his replacement upon his retirement in 2006, with the Super Eagles fortunes dropping since then,” he said.

    Rangers Media Officer, Nobert Okolie, said the club would always celebrate Okocha for bringing the name of Rangers to international limelight.

    Read Also: Nkechi Okocha plans big for birthday

    “Young Jay-Jay, alongside his elder brother, Emma, made waves in Rangers before he left for greener pastures in August, 1990.

    “The Rangers’ family will never forget his goal from the centre circle against the defunct African Continental Bank (ACB) of Lagos, shortly before he left the country,” Okolie said.

    Another soccer enthusiast, Chiaka Ejeh, hailed Okocha for “planning his life well, unlike many retired footballers, who cannot make ends meet.

    “Okocha wisely invested the fortunes from his active days and has remained financially and socially afloat.

    “He is still very fit and never fails to dazzle fans, while featuring in exhibition games across the globe,” Ejeh, a teacher, said.

    (NAN)

  • First lady says Super Falcons displayed true sportsmanship

    First lady says Super Falcons displayed true sportsmanship

    The First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has applauded the Super Falcons for displaying thorough sportsmanship at the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

    The first lady said while welcoming the members of the Nigerian female football team and their officials on Monday in Abuja, that the players should see themselves as role models.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Falcons had on Aug. 7, crashed out of the game, having lost through penalties to England team, the Lionesses.

    Oluremi said the professionalism that was displayed on the field by the players gladdened her heart, that of President Bola Tinubu, and many Nigerians even as they did not get the trophy.

    “The dedication and resilience you displayed on the field has earned even Mr President and other Nigerians immense respect and admiration; this could only have been accomplished through good team spirit, handwork and discipline.

    “Although the final result did not go our way, victory is not solely determined by the scores on the field, however, the unbreakable spirit and unity that you demonstrated are true markers of success.

    “The entire world noticed the unwavering strength and zeal that defines Nigeria through the posterity you displayed on the soccer field; I celebrate all of you for displaying high level of true sportsmanship on the pitch.

    “You have not only represented Nigeria on the global stage but you have also become role models for our youths, especially young girls who now see their aspiration mirrored in you.’’

    The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau on behalf of the team, thanked the first lady and President Tinubu for their support before, during and after their performance at the women’s world cup.

    He acknowledged that he saw a trending video of the first lady where she passionately supported the supper falcons during their win over Australia while she watched them on a television.

    However, he promised that all the entitlements of the team and their officials shall be paid accordingly.

    “I want to express our gratitude to you for being part of the send off organised for the team before their departure to Australia, it really serves as a morale booster to the team.

    Read Also: BREAKING: First Lady hosts Super Falcons

    “By reason of their round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup, the players will earn a sum of 60,000 dollars each, the NFF really wanted the team to go further in other for the players to earn more money which they truly deserve.

    “I want to assure that the players and the officials will be paid all their entitlements as soon as we receive the world cup money from FIFA.

    The Captain of the team, Onome Ebi, also appreciated the first lady and the president for their support, especially with the dinner and for the warm reception.

    “I feel happy about our performance at the same time, sad because it was not what we planned to achieve but I and my teammates showed the world that we wanted to get to the last.

    “However, it is unfortunate that it happened that we were knocked down by penalty which is so emotional to us because we aimed so higher.’’

    (NAN)

  • We’ll contribute significantly to entertainment industry – Dosh Lowkee

    We’ll contribute significantly to entertainment industry – Dosh Lowkee

    An entertainment outfit, Dosh Entertainment Empire, has revealed that one of the main objectives of the record label was to give talented up-and-coming artistes in the industry the opportunity to be heard, as well as help them fulfil their dreams in life.

    Sunday Stephen, popularly known as Dosh Lowkee, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the prestigious record label “Dosh Entertainment Empire” stated this during a chat with some selected journalists on the future of the company.

    Speaking of the entertainment outfit, Sunday said: “Dosh Entertainment Empire is an innovative and dynamic entertainment organization that has carved a niche for itself in the industry.

    “Founded with a deep-seated passion for music, film, philanthropist, Altruism and the arts, the primary objective of the company is to discover, nurture, and promote talents, thereby contributing significantly to the entertainment industry.

    Read Also: Lifting 10m people out of poverty

    “At Dosh empire, the belief is that entertainment is a powerful tool that can be used not just to entertain, but to educate, inspire, and effect change in society. This is why our company is committed to producing entertainment content that is not only enjoyable, but also culturally relevant and impactful.”

    Sunday further stated that his outfit’s mission “is to revolutionize the entertainment industry by offering a platform where talents can be honed and showcased to the world.

    “Dosh Entertainment Empire aims to be the go-to place for all things entertainment, providing a variety of services including talent management, film production, event planning, and much more.

    “Dosh Entertainment Empire prides itself on its ability to stay ahead of trends and constantly innovate in order to deliver the best possible entertainment experiences. The company’s dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that every project undertaken exceeds expectations and sets new standards in the industry.”

  • Bobrisky reportedly loses dad

    Bobrisky reportedly loses dad

    Controversial social media personality, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky has reportedly lost ‘her’ father, Kunle Okuneye.

    Bob’s sibling, Debola Okuneye who announced this on Monday, said: “My father died this morning and we are making preparations for his burial.”

    Another source identified simply as Lastborn, a friend and colleague of the deceased, confirmed the development, adding he would be buried today according to Islamic rites by 4 pm.

    Read Also: Bobrisky stuns fans with newly acquired backside

    ‘Yes, you saw it. It’s true, he will be buried by 4 pm today,” Lastborn stated.

    Though Bob is yet to make a post about the development via ‘her’ Instagram page, a now-viral screenshot from ‘her’ Snapchat story corroborated the report.

    The post reads: “Guys, I lost my dad this morning,” accompanied with a tearful emoji.

  • Factory machine cuts off worker’s hand in Ogun

    Factory machine cuts off worker’s hand in Ogun

    A factory worker in an Animal Feed production company has lost his forearm to the factory machine while working on it.

    The victim, Jeremiah Sulaiman, an employee of New Hope Industry located at Logbara village via Owode, Ogun State, was said be the handler and cleaner of the machine. 

    He was said to be working on the production machine when a part of it got hold of his forearm arm and cut it off. 

    Sulaiman’s cries attracted colleagues to his duty post where they rescued and rushed him to Babcock University Hospital Ilisan, Ogun State.

    Ogun Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said it happened on August 11 and the case was reported to the police by one Ibidun Abiodun, a who identified herself as the Administrative Manager of the factory.

    “The situation report from Owode Egba Division was incidented that on the 11th of August 2023,one Ibidun ABIODUN “f” who stated she is the Administrative manager of New Hope Industry, a factory where animal feed is produced , located at Logbara village via Owode reported that one Jeremiah Sulaiman “m” an employee of the company and is in charge of machine handling and cleaning of the industrial machine got his forearm chopped off at about 0000hrs of same date while performing his duties on the fateful day.

    Read Also: Kwara announces job vacancies for garment factory

    “The victim was rushed to Babcock University Teaching Hospital Ilishan by the Production manager and his immediate supervisor, where he has been stabilised and responding to treatment.

    “Preliminary investigation has begun into the unfortunate incident to unravel how the victim’s forearm was chopped off.

    “The Commissioner of Police has been briefed and he has ordered that the executives and members of the victim’s family meet in his office as part of the investigation procedures.

    “Hazards are inevitable in work places but employees must take steps to ensure their personal safety especially in the instant case involving automated machines. This will not be first time such incidents are reported, but members of the public can rest assured that the Commissioner of Police CP ALAMUTU ABIODUN MUSTAPHA psc is on top of this investigation,” Superintendent of Police Omolola Odutola stated.

  • I get jealous when someone else has my wife’s attention – 2baba

    I get jealous when someone else has my wife’s attention – 2baba

    Iconic musician Innocent Idibia aka 2baba has confessed he literally turns green with envy when someone else gains the attention of his wife, Annie Idibia.

    He shared a clip of his wife posing with some ladies and then exchanging warm pleasantries with a white man thereafter.

    Possibly, the sight of his wife with the Caucasian in an affectionate embrace aroused in the ‘African Queen’ classic hit maker some form of jealousy which led to him baring his feelings.

    Read Also: I didn’t snub 2Baba in London club – Mikel Obi

    With the aid of the voice over, 2baba expressed his insecurity, his desire to shield Annie’s enviable traits from preying men so that she’s not stolen from him.

    The voice-over stated: “I get jealous when someone else has your attention. It’s not as if I’m bleeding or insecure, I just don’t want someone else to realise how amazing you are and for them to steal you away from me.

    “I just really do not want to lose you to someone else, you mean too much to me for that to happen.”

  • Timeless album changed my life – Davido

    Timeless album changed my life – Davido

    Afrobeats megastar Davido has acknowledged his fourth studio album ‘Timeless’ has brought an unimaginable transformation in his life.

    Released at a time when the singer was just recovering from mourning the demise of his son, the album has since gone on to not only inflame the global music scene but also charted Davido’s career into exciting new horizons.

    While reacting to a tweet by PopBase indulging tweeps to mention an album that changed their lives, O.B.O proudly responded with the cover art of his sizzling album ‘Timeless.’

    Since its release on March 31, 2023, the 17-track album has recorded several historical landmarks including the highest number of album pre-orders by an African artist, breaking the previous record set by Burna Boy, with his Grammy-winning album “Twice as Tall” and several others.

    In just eight days of its release, Davido’s ‘Timeless’ broke the record for the biggest African album in Apple Music history by first-day streams worldwide,

    It broke the record for the most simultaneous African songs on Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 100, with nine, reached Number Two on Apple Music’s US Albums chart, a new record for an African album and also broke the record for the African album with the most simultaneous Number One entries on Apple Music’s albums chart.

    Read Also: Davido’s ‘obstinate’ cyclist fan refuses to send singer account details

    Audiomack also announced that Davido’s ‘Timeless ‘ had over 12 million streams in its first 24 hours of release, which is more than any other album on Audiomack ever.

    Spotify announced that Davido has broken the biggest first day stream on its Nigerian platform. The album garnered 4.91 million streams on its first day of release; surpassing the previous record of 1.36M by Burna Boy’s ‘Love, Damini.’

    Davido’s ‘Timeless’ also broke the record for the biggest first-day streams on Boomplay by tallying 7.25 million streams on opening day surpassing the previously set record by Burna Boy’s “Love, Damini” at 3.38 million streams.

    Same album recently propelled a fan, Emmiwuks to embark on a cycling journey from Benue to Lagos so as to deliver a special gift to Davido for his effort in blessing listeners with his lyrical might going by the impressive figures and numbers the project has continued to amass as well as how it resonates with fans worldwide.

  • PSG agree deal to sell Neymar to Saudi side Al-Hilal

    PSG agree deal to sell Neymar to Saudi side Al-Hilal

    Paris St-Germain have agreed a deal to sell Brazil forward Neymar to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for a fee understood to be about 90m euros (£77.6m) plus add-ons.

    The transfer is subject to the 31-year-old completing a medical and all necessary paperwork.

    Read Also: Al-Hilal set to announce Neymar signing ‘next week’

    Neymar joined PSG for a world record fee of 222m euros in 2017 but he missed the side’s Ligue 1 opener on Saturday.

    He has not been made part of coach Luis Enrique’s plans for the new season.

  • Neveah issues N8.9bn series 6-13 commercial paper

    Neveah issues N8.9bn series 6-13 commercial paper

    Leading commodity trading company Neveah has announced the completion of its Series 6-13 Commercial Paper Issuances where a cumulative amount of N8.9billion was raised. 

    The series 6-13 issuances were well received and subscribed to by a wide range of investors including asset managers, insurance companies, PFAs and trustees. In addition, the issuance received the approval of FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited (“the Exchange”).

    The successful completion of the Series 6-13 Commercial Paper Issuance affirms Neveah’s strategic objective to evolve into a leading dealer and exporter of world-class quality solid minerals and agro commodities to its clients while ensuring a transparent business approach. 

    Read Also: Neveah raises commercial paper target to N20 billion

    The successful debt financing rounds came on the heels of ratings of A1 (short-term) and an upgraded rating of BBB+ (long-term) with a positive outlook retained from DataPro Ratings. 

    The CEO Mr. Ibidapo Lawal said:: “Our goal is to become the apex export firm for solid minerals and agro products in Nigeria. This issuance will help meet our working capital needs and further enhance our capacity to achieve our goals. We are grateful to all the parties who made this a success.”

    The Managing Director/CEO, Investment Banking at United Capital Plc, Dr. Gbadebo Adenrele said: “United Capital Plc is pleased to act as Lead Arranger to Neveah on its successful capital raising rounds which support the Company’s strategic growth objectives and will continue to leverage on its deep knowledge of the capital markets to provide the right support for SMEs and mid-market businesses seeking to access funding.”

  • Firm launches show to prevent child crime

    Firm launches show to prevent child crime

    Development Standards Technologies Limited, has initiated a charity children’s talent reality show tagged Kellogg’s Kids Show(KKS) as part of efforts to curb the increasing rate of social vices and crime among Nigerian children and youths. 

    The Project Manager of KKS, Emmanuel Egbule, announced this in a phone interview. 

    According to Egbule, the KKS is their own way of supporting the government in tackling insecurity in Nigeria

    He said: “We cannot fold our arms and wait on the government to fight this huge challenge facing our nation alone. We, as Nigerians have to part take in working for a crime-free nation, which is good for all of us. This is why we are putting up this novel program with our partner, Worship Flame Entertainment Hub.”

    “The KKS reality TV show is aimed at totally engaging Nigerian children to display their God-given creative talents. In the process, the children will be trained for free on how to develop and use their talents for their future benefit. In the end, the children who are extremely talented, passionate and excel in the showcase it to the world, will be handsomely rewarded,” Egbule, the producer of the reality show, explained.

    “We are also partnering with patriotic like-mind bodies to produce this program. It is being held now the children are on vacation to fully engage them in healthy projects to guide them against idle-mindedness among them, which is the devil’s workshop. In addition, we believe this program will guide our children against moral mind pollution with some negative adult reality shows, which lead them into social vices and criminal activities,” he further explained.

    Mr. Chinakwe Moses, the Project Manager of Worship Flame Entertainment Hub, who decried the massive luring of Nigerian children and youths into various crimes, said that the KKS is most importantly aimed at discovering and nurturing the vast human among our children which are unfortunately wasting away today. This is because nobody cares about this painful colossal waste of these huge human resources, which if well harnessed and exploited will be of great economic benefit to our nation.

    Moses, a co-producer of the program, stated that the show is targeted at children between 8 and 14 years old.

    He said, “KKS will bridge the gap between children, their talents, and the users of those talents (their audience). The show will bring experts, mentors, and role models in each of the talent areas. They will guide the children through the path of success while being televised and celebrated on national television.

    Read Also: Oil firm names chief executive officer

    “The program will run for eight weeks, starting from 22nd August 2023 with the children’s academy, live show performances, voting by viewers, eliminations, and the emergence of a winner. The winner will go home with a star prize of N5 million prize and relevant tools to aid his or her talent to blossom”, Chinakwe said.

    He added registration for this program is free of charge for all Nigerian children. Therefore, for participation, the interested children or their parents should log in to the KKS official website (www.ktshow.com.ng), for their free registration.

    Media Officer of the program, Mr. Isaac Daniel, said that the talent categories of the KKS include singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, painting, puppetry, comedy, magic, DJ, spoken words, etc.

    “The show will be featuring celebrated personalities as Judges. These include award-winning talkshow host, Mrs. Annie Idibia; ace broadcaster, Emadomi Wilson, aka Ratata, Of Wazobia FM; Barrister Omotunde Adebowale David, the famous actor popularly known as Lolo1, David Jones David; among others. The show will be hosted by on-air personality, Onyinyechi Ekumankama.