The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Jamaica record first-ever Women’s World Cup win to knock out Panama

    Jamaica record first-ever Women’s World Cup win to knock out Panama

    Jamaica won their first-ever Fifa Women’s World Cup match as Allyson Swaby’s goal gave them victory over Panama in Perth.

    Swaby rose highest to head home from a Trudi Carter cross in the 56th minute as the Reggae Girlz recorded a historic win – and in the process knocked Panama out of the tournament.

    France and Jamaica are joint top of Group F and now face final decisive group matches against Panama and Brazil respectively on Wednesday, 2 August.

    Read Also: FIFA Women’s World Cup: Waldrum targets knockout ticket for Super Falcons

    Lorne Donaldson’s side, who were without captain Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw after she was sent off in the dying seconds of their goalless draw against France, have shown significant progress since 2019, when they lost all three matches on their only previous tournament appearance.

  • Ban on sit-at-home: Kanu’s letter to Finland authentic – IPOB

    Ban on sit-at-home: Kanu’s letter to Finland authentic – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has confirmed the authenticity of Nnamdi Kanu’s handwritten note to Finland-based separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa instructing him to end his “infamous and reckless sit-at-home.”

    In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful on Saturday, the group said: “The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) confirms the authenticity of the handwritten note of our Leader penned to the Finland infiltrator and crime minister instructing him to end his infamous and reckless sit-at-homes.

    “It is pertinent to make the message disassociating Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB from the senseless enforcement of sit-at-home public to avoid consequences on innocent citizens.

    “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in his wisdom, communicated the message to the infiltrators through the right channel and a source they should trust. The claims that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s handwritten note is fake is part of their mischief to continue in their contract to blackmail IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu with the violent enforcement of the infamous sit-at-homes used to terrorise our people.

    “We understand that a power-drunk crime Minister with his inconsequential kangaroo defacto government in exile will ignore the order for the fear of deflating his over-bloated ego.”

    He explained that IPOB leadership initiated the Monday sit-at-home in protest of the abduction and rendition of their leader and to make sure that the Nigeria government arraigned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu openly, in a public court where they could see him.

    “But our leader instructed that it be suspended so that we don’t torture our people.

    “In line with the principle of command and control, we obeyed, and the sit-at-home order was suspended. However, infiltrators who don’t believe in the principle of command and control, which is a core value of IPOB, ignored the order from our leader.”

    He said Mazi Nnamdi Kanu had sent messages through his visitors at the Department of State Security (DSS) detention camp to the infiltrators to stop the reckless sit-at-home several times, all to no avail.

    Read Also: Simon Ekpa adamant as Kanu orders end to sit-at-home

    “Senator Enyinnaya Abaraibe tabled this message in the red chamber of the Senate, what Mazi Nnamdi Kanu told them when they visited him in the DSS custody with Ohaneze Ndigbo delegates in the DSS headquarters Abuja, where he was illegally and unconstitutionally detained in DSS solitary confinement since June 2021.

    “When our leader called for complete peace in Biafraland and to protect our people instead of killing them in one of his court appearances, he was referring to the infiltrators to stop their infamous enforcement of sit-at-home orders and enforcement. That call went on deaf ears. This last message in his handwriting is the last straw.”

    He said every Biafran must understand the importance of the letter.

    “If you are a lover of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, you must listen to him. Moreso, we must stop giving credence to the enemy of Ndigbo and Biafrans claiming to be Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s disciple but has gone ahead to make himself a Prime Minister while his supposed leader is in solitary detention.

    “Every Biafran must stop observing any sit-at-home order from the infiltrators. The reckless enforcement and abuse of sit-at-homes is an opportunity for criminals to kidnap, murder, maim, and snatch cars from innocent citizens.”

  • Chelsea close in on Rennes’ Ugochukwu

    Chelsea close in on Rennes’ Ugochukwu

    Chelsea are close to signing French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes for 27m euros (£23.2m).

    Ugochukwu, 19, has made 47 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes and has also featured in the Europa League.

    He is yet to make his senior debut for France but has played for his nation at under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels.

    Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said recently that the Blues need to add to their midfield.

    Ugocukwu, though, could well be sent immediately back out on to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg if a deal is finalised, after the Blues’ ownership group purchased a majority stake in the Alsace side in June.

    Chelsea have a plan to sign young talent that have potential to be future stars of world football, while clearing out their bloated squad following a £600m spend in the past two transfer windows.

    Read Also: Chelsea’s Fofana out for months after ACL surgery

    Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount have all departed the club this summer for Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, respectively, while the likes of N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy have moved to the Saudi Pro League.

    Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic both made the switch to Italian giants AC Milan.

    The Blues are reportedly pursuing a deal for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, but have had a series of bids rejected, while Conor Gallagher has been subject of a £40m offer from West Ham.

    Chelsea have already added attackers Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to their squad as well as Brazilian youngster Angelo Gabriel.

  • Nigeria will work again under Tinubu, says Shettima

    Nigeria will work again under Tinubu, says Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has reassured Nigerians, especially those living in Russia, that the country, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, will work again.

    A statement issued by the Director of Information in his office, Mr Olusola Abiola, said the Vice President gave the assurance late Friday evening in St Petersburg at a forum with members of the Nigerian community in Russia.

    Shettima, who was addressing concerns raised by members of the community, said “be rest assured that in the next 9 to 12 months there will be a swift change in the fortunes of Nigeria. I’m talking with all sense of certainty and responsibility because I believe in the capacity and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    Speaking on the efforts of the administration to reposition the economy, the VP said “we are here for the Africa-Russia Summit, but we are also here fundamentally to pursue the completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and revival of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).

    “It’s going to be a game changer. Having a vibrant steel industry is a sine qua non for the industrial take off of any nation. I can bet you, I can promise you that the President will bring Ajaokuta to a reality.”

    “Be rest assured that if there is one legacy that President Tinubu would bequeath to fellow Nigerians, Ajaokuta is one. I’ll come back to Russia, we are going to drive this process, and my leader, my boss and principal – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is irrevocably committed to Ajaokuta and to ALSCON.

    “We have begun the discussion, and we will see to it that these two companies take off, we have no option than to bring them to reality.”

    Speaking further about the prospects for Nigeria’s transformation, the VP said the Tinubu administration would harness the vast human and material resources to put the country on the path of sustainable development and growth.

    According to him, “this is the land of opportunities, we have the landmass and vibrant youth population. By 2035, there will be 65 million talent deficit in the world, America, Russia, Brazil will all suffer 6 million talent deficit. And Nigeria with a vibrant young population will be expected to fill the gap.

    “So, opportunities abound in the digital space. Our target is to train 1,000,000 Nigerians on digital skills.”

    The Vice President expressed confidence in the capacity of President Tinubu to transform Nigeria, noting that ”the President passionately believes in the Nigeria project,” and that his emergence as leader of the nation “did not happen by chance.”

    Citing examples of President Tinubu’s sterling performance as Lagos State Governor, Sen. Shettima said the President had shown “the propensity to inspire development across all sectors, and he has also shown the zeal, passion as well as the commitment to transform Nigeria.”

    He commended the conduct of leaders and members of the Nigerian community in Russia, stating that “the maturity exhibited by Nigerians living in Russia is an understatement, and I must confess that I am impressed by the Ambassador’s impressive achievements.”

    Read Also: Nigeria at new dawn, repositioned for greatness – Shettima

    Representatives of the Nigerian community in separate remarks commended the initiatives of the Tinubu administration to actively engage with the Russian government to improve relations between Nigeria and Russia.

    Present at the forum were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Amb Shehu Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr Gabriel Aduda; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mrs Mary Ogbe; President of Nigerian Community in Russia, Dr Maurice Okoli, and Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO), Russia, Mr Sampson Uwem, among others.

    In a related development, the Vice President on Saturday in St. Petersburg attended the second edition of the Annual Arts Exhibition of the Nigerian Embassy titled “I imagine Nigeria” which showcased art works by young Russian artists.  

    Besides seeing art works exhibited at the event and presenting gift prizes to young Russian artists, the VP in a brief remark, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy, noting its potential in deepening ties between Nigeria and Russia.

  • Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, subsidise transportation for workers, students

    Subsidy removal: Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, subsidise transportation for workers, students

    The governments of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe have started taking steps to contain the hike in transportation caused by removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state governments, which operate own transport companies, have continued to ensure that their fares remain lower than what obtains in motor parks.

    In Borno, Gov. Babagana Zulum had approved the release of 50 buses to address the situation.

    According to Mallam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, the buses will be added to the fleet of the state owned transport outfit, Borno Express Corporation.

    Gusau said that 30 vans were also provided to provide farmers, particularly those residing inside Maiduguri, free ride to outskirts of the state capital where their farmlands are located.

    A University of Maiduguri student, Mustapha Abdullahi, and a government worker, Ali Modu who patronised government buses picking passengers at N50 per drop, lauded government for the intervention.

    “I patronise Borno Express buses everyday, paying N50 from Post Office to University of Maiduguri as against N150 being collected by taxis and tricyclists,”  Abdullahi said.

    In Adamawa, the state government had constituted a special  committee on mitigating the effects of subsidy removal with Dr Amos Edgar, the Chief of Staff to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman of the committee.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s fuel subsidy removal hurting Europe’s refineries – Report

    Edgar revealed plan by Adamawa Government to purchase shuttle buses for workers and inter-local government transportation at subsidised rate.

    He said that other measures taken by government was the approval of N10,000 monthly subsidy for all workers and pensioners.

    Mr Labaran Salisu, the Director, Transport, Adamawa Ministry of Transport, said that some of the 250 partially leased vehicles in the ministry’s custody for inter-state services, would be deployed for town service at subsidised rate.

    In Yobe, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Mohammed Goje, said that plans were underway to provide free transport to students and civil servants.

    “Very soon the state government will provide buses for free transportation for civil servants and students,” Goje said.

    (NAN)

  • Rep seeks protection of Nigerians from discrimination

    Rep seeks protection of Nigerians from discrimination

    Lawmaker representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Anthony Adepoju has called for urgent intervention in protecting helpless Nigerians from discrimination in the hands of foreign nationals/employers.

    The lawmaker noted that the majority of foreigners who are involved in anti-people policies and disrespecting Nigerian laws are foreign nationals engaged in either construction industries or retailing businesses.

    Hon. Adepoju highlighted some of the obnoxious policies of foreign construction companies. He asked the House to direct its Committee on Human Rights to investigate.

    The motion read: “Notes that the Federal Government in its avowed and applaudable desire to boost the growth of the Nigerian economy has embarked on the policy of ease – of – doing business with its concomitant invitation and acceptance of direct foreign investments into the Country.

    Read Also: House of Reps gets 134 standing committees

    “Further notes the above sterling policy of the Government has opened a floodgate of foreigners into the country, some of who are embarking on policies and actions that are anti-people and in flagrant disobedience of our laws.

    “Concerned that the majority of foreigners who are involved in these unwholesome practices are foreign nationals engaged in either construction industries or retailing businesses.

    “Further concerned that the above stated nationals are fond of employment of Nigerians on ad-hoc basis with no conditions of service nor any welfare or medical services, thereby violating the rights of their workers and the labour laws of the country.”

  • Amotekun arrests teenager for alleged attempted shop breaking

    Amotekun arrests teenager for alleged attempted shop breaking

    Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi (Rtd.), State Commander, Osun Amotekun Corps, on Saturday said the corps arrested a 17-year-old boy in Osogbo for allegedly attempting to burgle a shop and hijack a motorcycle.

    Adewinmbi, in a statement, said the suspect, who is from Eko-Ende Ikirun, was arrested at about 5:54 a.m. on Friday, at the Capital Area of Osogbo, by an Amotekun patrol team.

    He explained that the suspect and an accomplice were spotted by a commercial motorcyclist trying to break into a shop.

    They subsequently attacked the motorcyclist and attempted to hijack his machine when he raised the alarm.

    Adewinmbi said during interrogation, the suspect confessed to perpetrating the act and admitted to shop breaking offences in the Osogbo metropolis.

    Read Also: Amotekun parades 28 suspected criminals in Ondo

    He, however, said the suspect had been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

    He implored parents on the proper upbringing of their children, decrying the rising level of teenagers and young children involvement in crimes.

    He said the law would not spare anybody caught involved in crime or criminality and warned residents to desist from criminal acts.

    (NAN)

  • Over 82m Nigerians, other Africans untreated for hepatitis, says WHO

    Over 82m Nigerians, other Africans untreated for hepatitis, says WHO

    Over 82 million people living with hepatitis in Nigeria and other African countries do not receive the care they need for testing and treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

    WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, in a message to commemorate this year’s World Hepatitis Day 2023, said infection with the hepatitis B virus is preventable by vaccination, while doctors can now successfully treat hepatitis C, caused by the hepatitis C virus, with antiviral drugs.

    She further disclosed that hepatitis causes the breakdown of the liver’s normal structure, which prevents the liver from working correctly.

    Dr. Moeti, therefore, called on countries and critical stakeholders to work towards scaling up hepatitis B immunization coverage to reach the globally agreed target of 90 per cent, particularly by introducing the hepatitis birth dose.

    She said, “The theme for this year’s World Hepatitis Day, “One Life, One Liver” seeks to emphasize the link between viral hepatitis infection and liver inflammation—that is, liver injury and damage—and the broader issues of liver health and primary health care.  

    “Hepatitis B is commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery. Hepatitis B is also spread through contact with blood or other body fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections, or exposures to sharp instruments.

    “Hepatitis C is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person by unscreened blood transfusions, sharing needles, and unsafe sexual practices that lead to direct exposure to blood.

    “More than 91 million Africans are living with hepatitis. In 2019, an estimated 1.2 million new hepatitis infections and 125,000 hepatitis-related deaths occurred in the African Region. Deaths occur mostly among the young and productive segments of the population.

    Read Also: 20,000 people drown in Europe each year – WHO

    “WHO’s global hepatitis strategy, endorsed by all WHO Member States, and the Framework for an Integrated Multisectoral Response to TB, HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis in the WHO African Region aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90 percent and deaths by 65 percent by 2030.

    “WHO supports regional and national efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 by providing clear guidance for decentralized and simplified person-centered prevention, testing and treatment of viral hepatitis, including eliminating hepatitis B through birth dose vaccination (the day of birth or the day after).

    “A lot still needs to be done to reduce hepatitis-related deaths and infections. Despite the availability of diagnostic tools and effective treatment, more than 90 per cent of people living with hepatitis in Africa do not receive the care they need, and less than 10 per cent of the population has access to testing and treatment. This leads to progressive advanced liver disease, devastating financial burden, emotional distress and stigma. Testing and treatment, as a public health approach, remains the most neglected aspect of the response.”

  • The 10 Top Football Transfers This Summer (So Far)

    The 10 Top Football Transfers This Summer (So Far)

    The 2023 summer transfer season still has weeks, at least in the Premier League. But we have already seen quite a few high-profile transfers that, although won’t break any records, are still promising developments that will surely impact the performance of the teams that operated them. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 most expensive summer football transfers in 2023, so far.

    Matheus Cunha and Min-Jae Kim

    Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha has played in Switzerland, Germany, and Spain so far, and spent the first half of the year on loan with Wolverhampton, in the Premier League. With the summer transfer window, the Wolves made it permanent.

    There are very few South Korean footballers who made a name for themselves in Europe – Min-Jae Kim is one of them. After playing with a couple of local teams, he did a stint in China, followed by a season in Turkey. Next, he spent a year in Serie A, and now, he went on to play in Bundesliga, with champions Bayern Munich.

    Both clubs paid EUR 50 million to have their new players.

    Rúben Neves

    Rúben Diogo da Silva Neves made his professional debut with Porto, followed by a six-year stint with Wolves. Now, in turn, he will continue in a much less-known but very generous league – he’ll play at the Saudi Professional League club Al Hilal, as a result of a EUR 55 million transfer.

    Manuel Ugarte

    The 22-year-old Uruguayan defensive midfielder left his home for Portugal at the age of 20. Since then, he played with Primeira Liga clubs Famalicão and Sporting CP before being discovered by the richest French club, Paris Saint Germain. The Ligue 1 champion paid around EUR 60 million to have him.

    Christopher Nkunku

    Christopher Nkunku is a French footballer of Congolese descent, born in Lagny-sur-Marne. He made his professional debut with Paris Saint Germain, then spent four years at RB Leipzig, in the Bundesliga. This summer, Chelsea FC paid around EUR 60 million to have him.

    Sandro Tonali

    Tonali made his debut at AC Milan in 2021, helping the team win the Serie A with his technique and playing style. And, aside from catching the eye of everyone using the top betting apps in South Africa, he also caught the eyes of football pundits in Italy, and the scouts at Newcastle United, who signed him for around EUR 64 million.

    Mason Mount

    Mason Mount stood out of the crowd as a youngster, helping England win the U19 European Championship in 2017. Since then, he earned the Chelsea Player of the Year title, and played in the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. His time at Chelsea came to an end this year when Manchester United signed him for around EUR 64 million.

    Dominik Szoboszlai

    As a youth player, Szoboszlai went from a smaller team in his native town to the Austrian second-league club Liefering. From there, he moved to RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig. He left Red Bull but he kept the Red: he was signed by Liverpool this summer in a transfer worth around EUR 70 million. This made him the most expensive Hungarian footballer in history.

    Kai Havertz

    Havertz started playing football at the age of four, slowly progressing from Alemannia Mariadorf to Bayer Leverkusen. In four Bundesliga seasons, the young forward scored 36 goals in 118 league games. He then left for Chelsea, where he stayed for three seasons. And this year, he’ll continue with Arsenal, with the Gunners paying around EUR 75 million to have him.

    Read Also: Reviewing the proposed N8,000 cash transfer

    Jude Bellingham

    Bellingham made his debut in Birmingham, but his time there was short: after just a season, he was grabbed by Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. But three seasons and 12 goals later, the 20-year-old midfielder got the offer of his life (so far): Real Madrid signed him for more than EUR 100 million.

    Declan Rice

    The most expensive player of the 2023 summer transfer season so far is Declan Rice, the 24-year-old English defensive midfielder. Rice trained with Chelsea and West Ham, and spent the last eight seasons with the latter, accumulating more than 200 appearances. The new season will find him at Arsenal: the Gunners spent over EUR 116 to improve their defence with the player.

    Final words

    The 2023 summer transfer season is far from over. So, there can still be high-profile transfers – but we don’t expect them to happen. Most of the biggest players that would warrant much more expensive transfers have either left as free agents (like Messi) or have years left of their contracts (like Mbappé). So, if nothing changes, these will remain the most expensive footballers in 2023.

  • BREAKING: Anambra native doctor regains freedom

    BREAKING: Anambra native doctor regains freedom

    • N350m ransom paid to kidnappers, source claims

    A popular native doctor in Anambra, Chukwudozie Nwangwu also known as “Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki” has regained his freedom one week after his abduction, allegedly after a ransom was paid

    Police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed Nwangwu’s release to The Nation.

    Ikenga said the native doctor was released by his abductors in the early hours of Saturday.

    Nwangwu was kidnapped around 11:30pm on Sunday, July 23 at Oba in Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state while two of his personal aides were shot dead.

    A source, who claimed to be close to the victim, said his abductors demanded for N300million before he could be released.

    “His friends rallied round and raised the money for the abductors, but they demanded for an additional N50million, which was also delivered to them, before he was released,” the source said.

    The Police spokesperson also confirmed the demands for ransom but denied knowledge of any such payment by Nwangwu’s family.

    Read Also: Anambra native doctor held over beheading of lawmaker 

    Ikenga said: “I have information that his abductors have contacted his friends and relatives and are demanding some millions.

    “I also have information that his abductors are demanding some specific amount which I have not gotten the accurate figure.

    “According to speculation, they said it’s over two hundred and something million, if not N300m.”I also have information that they have not paid, I also have information that he has been released by his abductors and we are making efforts to get information behind what happened.”