The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Bayer Leverkusen sign Xhaka from Arsenal

    Bayer Leverkusen sign Xhaka from Arsenal

    Granit Xhaka has left Arsenal to join German side Bayer Leverkusen in a 25m euro (£21.4m) deal.

    The Switzerland midfielder, 30, has signed a five-year deal with the Bundesliga club.

    Xhaka, who joined the Gunners in 2016 and was briefly captain in 2019, had a year left on his contract but was expected to leave the club this summer.

    Arsenal are on the verge of signing England midfielder Declan Rice in a British record deal from West Ham.

    Xhaka scored 23 goals in 297 appearances for the Gunners, helping them win the FA Cup twice and finish runners-up in the Premier League last season.

    He scored twice during the final game of the season, a 5-0 home win against Wolves, before being given a standing ovation as he was substituted late on.

    That was in stark contrast to an angry confrontation with Arsenal fans after being substituted against Crystal Palace in October 2019, after which he admitted he was close to leaving the club.

    That resulted in him being stripped of the captaincy – just over a month after he had been handed the armband by then manager Unai Emery.

    Read Also: Arsenal agree £105m deal to sign West Ham’s Rice

    Arsenal rejected a bid of 15m euros (£12.9m) for Xhaka from Roma in 2021 and later that summer he signed a one-year contract extension to 2024.

    Xhaka previously spent four years playing in the Bundesliga for Borussia Monchengladbach, who he left to join the Gunners for a reported £35m in 2016.

  • Activist harps on need for renewable energy

    Activist harps on need for renewable energy

    Lagos-based filmmaker and climate justice advocate Yeside Aminat Olasimbo has stated that there is urgent need for huge concentration on renewable energy sources in Nigeria.

    According to the film-maker, there is a need to diversify the country’s energy sources through the integration of renewable energy sources.

    Olasimbo said massive investment in renewable energy by the Federal Government, which is one of the countries articulating climate action plans and net zero emission by 2050, will reduce the impacts of climate change includes flooding, drought, displacements, poverty, hunger, amongst others.

    Olasimbo said: “Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, and a major global oil producer, faces a critical energy challenge. 

    “Despite its abundant fossil fuel resources, the nation struggles with inadequate power supply. To address these issues and pave the way for a sustainable future, Nigeria must embrace renewable energy solutions. 

    “We need to diversify our energy by integrating renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. By reducing dependency on fossil fuel resources, Nigeria can enhance energy security and protect itself from the volatility of global energy markets” 

    In line with her efforts to draw attention to the climate challenges affecting Nigeria she reiterated the need to invest more in solar energy. According to her, solar energy, in particular, holds immense potential given Nigeria’s abundant sunlight. 

    “Investing in large-scale solar farms and decentralized solar systems can help bridge the energy gap, ensuring reliable and accessible electricity for both urban and rural areas,” she said.

    The environmental activist said the deployment of clean energy technologies would not only mitigate the environmental footprint but also promote sustainable development and improve public health.

    Olasimbo urged the Federal Government to facilitate swift transition to renewable energy as it presents an enormous opportunity for job creation and economic growth.

    “There is an urgent need for renewable energy in Nigeria. 

    “By embracing clean and sustainable energy sources, we can diversify its energy, expand power generation capacity, mitigate environmental impact, stimulate economic growth, and provide energy access to all its citizens. 

    “The government, in collaboration with non-government organisations and small medium enterprises in Nigeria can facilitate our transition to a clean green Nation free of fossil fuel for the future of my unborn kids. With a concerted effort and a forward-thinking approach, Nigeria can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable energy future,” Olasimbo said.

    Read more Renewable energy related stories:

  • Erica’s parents react to rumoured marriage with Wande Coal

    Erica’s parents react to rumoured marriage with Wande Coal

    Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Erica Nlewedim, has referenced her parents’ reactions to the report of her supposed marriage to singer, Wande Coal.

    The BBNaija ‘Lock Down’ participant, recently sparked reactions online after she claimed Wande Coal and her were officially a couple.

    She claimed they’d been married for a year, accompanying her tweet with photos, and wished herself with Wande Coal a ‘happy marriage anniversary’.

    “Today makes it a year since we got married! Happy anniversary to us,” she tweeted.

    In the next tweet, the actress reiterated her ‘marriage’ with the superstar singer, noting they were viewing their wedding pictures as it captured them looking into her phone with smiles on their faces, particularly on hers.

    “Looking at our wedding pictures awww,” she added.

    Perhaps she was oblivious to the gravity of her tweets as they soon set tongues wagging and ultimately got to her parents’ knowledge.

    Concerned about the calls and messages she revealed her parents have been receiving to that effect, Star Girl blamed the online community for blowing up the report.

    She shared a screenshot of her conversation with her mom, claiming social media users were responsible for the post getting to her.

    “See what you people have caused. My mom sent this.”

    In the chat, Erica’s mother informed her that people had been calling in respect of the wedding querying when it took place.

    “Ngo, are you the one that posted the video of yourself and Wande Coal? When did you get married? People are calling from Arochukwu, is it true?” the mom asked.

    In another tweet, Erica said: “Now my dad has called me and said about 12 people called him to ask if I got married.”

    In the end, the film star regretted her action noting: “Men who sent me to make this kind of joke.”

    Read more Erica related stories:

  • VIDEO: Students of Command Secondary School, Ibadan celebrate Army’s 160th anniversary

    VIDEO: Students of Command Secondary School, Ibadan celebrate Army’s 160th anniversary

    Students of Command Secondary School, Ibadan celebrate Army’s 160th anniversary

    Read Also: VIDEO: VP Shettima arrives Ibadan for Army Day celebration

  • Speaker Abbas steps down recommendation seeking to release Nnamdi Kanu

    Speaker Abbas steps down recommendation seeking to release Nnamdi Kanu

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas on Thursday stepped down an amendment motion seeking to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    This followed a recommendation by Rep.Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia)  following a motion by Rep. Eze Nwachukwu Eze (PDP-Ebonyi) in Abuja during plenary.

    Eze had moved a motion titled “Need to Forestall Further Killings in Ebonyi Local Government Area, and the Rising Insecurityi in Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State.

    But Onwusibe representing Isiala Ngwa North of Abia State had asked the House to amend the motion to ensure the release of Kanu so as to end the disturbing cases of killings in the south eastern part of the Country.

    it would be recalled that Kanu had been in the custody of the  Department of State Security (DSS) in spite ruling by the court to release the leader of the group

    in his motion, Eze urged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to consult with Political, Traditional and Religious Leaders in Ebonyi State and South East.

    This according to him is to find a lasting solution to the Insecurity in the South East.

    He also also urged the Acting Inspector General of Police to mobilise Armoured Personnel Carriers to strategic Points across Ebonyi State to forestall future attacks.

    He further urged the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to ensure effective policing of Ebonyi/ Ohaukwu Federal Constituency of Ebonyi, other States of the South-East and the entire country.

    He also urged the Nigeria Police Force to engage in training of the vigilante group for intelligence gathering and effective community policing.

    He asked that the House mandated the Committee on Police Affairs (lwhen constituted to make Budgetary provisions for the Nigeria Police force to acquire more combat Helicopters.

    This according to him is to ensure proper surveillance of the South-East States and Nigeria in general.

    However an amendment to the motion to include the release of Nnamdi Kanu was rejected and deferred by the Speaker who said the subject matter should not come under the motion on Ebonyi killings.

    But Onwusibe said, the insecurity was as a result of the prolonged detention of Kanu, adding that the government should consider a way of releasing him so as to restore peace to the region.

    However, Rep Ibrahim Halims, the Deputy leader of the House, rejected the amendment, saying, ” matters like that are always determined by court and not by parliamentary decision.”

    In his contribution, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps. said the motion moved by Onwusibe was to find an amicable way of resolving the issue with regards to Kanu.

    He added that what the prayer of the amendment should read was to urge Mr president to use any other diplomatic or political  approach to find a lasting solution on this issue.

    According to him, those of us from the region know where the shoe is pinching us.

    Read Also:

    In his ruling, Abbas said “this is a topical issue, my ruling on this is that I will defer ruling on this at this particular time and I will invite both the minority and majority leaders

    This according to him is to consult and see what the point of the law says before I make my own position known.

    “So while I rule on other motions and amendment that have been proposed, that particular one is suspended for ruling next week after due consultation.”

    (NAN)

  • Olowere’s death, huge loss Christendom, Oyo – Makinde

    Olowere’s death, huge loss Christendom, Oyo – Makinde

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the death of Prophet Michael Ojo, founder of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Agbara, Asi Bodija, as a huge loss to Christendom and the entire Oyo State.

    This is contained in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday.

    Makinde expressed his condolences to the leadership of the CAC Worldwide, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State branch and the immediate family of the deceased.

    He described the late prophet, popularly called Baba Olowere,  as a worthy father of faith “and one of God’s generals, who have given their all to ensure the continued prosperity of Oyo State through their prayers and other contributions”.

    The governor said that the late cleric would be highly missed by his followers, admirers and the Christian faithful in the state.

    He said: “I received the news of the death of Prophet Michael Ojo Olowere, with shock.

    “Baba lived his life serving God and humanity. He was a God’s General who sought the good of Oyo State and Nigeria and contributed his quota to making it happen.

    Read Also: Popular Ibadan CAC cleric Olowere dies

    “We have lost a worthy father of faith in Oyo State.

    “I condole with the CAC Worldwide, the Oyo State CAN, the members of CAC Oke-Agbara, Asi Bodija and the entire people of the state.

    “I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give all of us the fortitude to bear this loss.”(NAN)

  • VIDEO: LASU best graduating student meets Gov Sanwo-Olu at Lagos State House

    VIDEO: LASU best graduating student meets Gov Sanwo-Olu at Lagos State House

    LASU best graduating student meets Gov Sanwo-Olu at Lagos State House

    Read Also: Activists beg Sanwo-Olu to recall sacked ASUU members

  • At 30, I can count my real friends on one hand – DJ Cuppy

    At 30, I can count my real friends on one hand – DJ Cuppy

    Popular disc jockey DJ Cuppy has implied she has more ‘fake’ friends than genuine ones in her life.

    The billionaire daughter inferred after spending three decades on earth, her circle of friends consists of only a few real ones.

    She suggested if she were to count those she considered true among her friends on one hand, it may turn out to be just one.

    “At 30, I can probably count my real friends on one hand. Maybe even on one finger,” the disc jockey tweeted.

    Soon after 30 in April, Cuppy shared her experience with her fans, stating life metamorphosed into a never-ending holiday from that point.

    At the time, the entertainer who was on vacation with her boxer beau, Ryan Taylor, in Muscat, the capital of Oman, confessed her entire life had become synonymous with holiday trips following her pearl anniversary.

    Read more DJ Cuppy related stories:

  • FG warns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    FG warns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja warned Nigerians against indiscriminate dumping of refuse to avoid degrading the environment.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusufu, gave the warning during a press briefing to commemorate the 2023 National Environment Sanitation Day (NESD).

    According to him, dumping refuse openly will affect the ecosystem and result in avoidable disasters, as such Nigerians should embrace sanitation habits, including sustainable waste management.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme for 2023 NESD is, ‘Promoting Sustainable Waste Management for a Healthy Environment: Stop Open Dumping’.

    According to Yusufu, the theme entails the need for individuals, households, businesses, schools and others to have sanitary facilities and services to ensure the protection of the eco-system, aesthetic value of the environment and natural resources.

    ”This will also prevent odour nuisance and further transmission of sanitary related disease; promote public health and improve the quality of lives of the populace, thereby reducing poverty through environmental sustainability,” he added.

    Read Also: Make family planning a legislative affair, AAFP tells FG

    The permanent secretary further said that sustainable waste management would prevent pollution of water, air and land.

    He said that this would ensure sustainable eco-system, improve resource recovery, reuse and recycling, thereby promoting circular economy in waste management.

    Yusufu said it would also “prevent blockage of drainages, water pathways and flooding of communities”.

    The permanent secretary urged Nigerians to improve on sustainable waste management, saying this would translate to better health indices, including reduction in child and infant mortality rate, and other related diseases.

    The permanent secretary said that the event would be marked with community sanitation and sensitisation at Kuchigoro in Abuja, and other  selected communities across the country.

    He said that the target was to encourage the people and governments to put in place measures for containment, collection, treatment, reuse, recycle and disposal of all wastes, thereby ensuring proper waste management and ending open dumping.

    “The National Environmental Sanitation Day commemoration is to institutionalise sound environmental sanitation practice as a lifestyle amongst the populace through massive awareness creation and reward for innovative best practices in environmental sanitation.

    “The provision of safe functional sanitary facilities and services in every premises for the management of waste materials (hazardous & non-hazardous) is a necessity for sustainable waste management,” he added.

    Yusufu said that the focus would also be on behavioural change to attain SDG three, six, and seven on good health and well-being, access to clean water and sanitation, as well as safe management of sanitation.

    “These activities are also expected to be adopted and implemented by the 36 States of the federation to commemorate the 2023 National Environmental Sanitation Day.”

    He therefore urged all Nigerians to fully participate in the programme and create more awareness on environmental sanitation and good hygiene practices.

    NAN further reports that Nigeria began celebrating the NESD in 2005 to promote behavioural change in sanitation and hygiene practices among citizens.

    (NAN)

  • Kano Assembly confirms Justice Aboki as first female Chief Judge

    Kano Assembly confirms Justice Aboki as first female Chief Judge

    The Kano State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Justice Dije Aboki as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.

    The confirmation of the first female Chief Judge followed the consideration of a letter forwarded to the assembly by Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf and read by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore during Thursday’s plenary.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje had, in March, sworn in Justice Aboki as acting Chief Judge of the state.

    Similarly, the Kano State House of Assembly has confirmed three more commissioner-nominees sent to the Assembly by Gov. Kabir-Yusuf.

    Their confirmation followed the smooth screening on the floor of the Assembly presided over by  Falgore, on Thursday.

    Read Also: Yusuf submits 19 commissioner-nominees to Kano Assembly

    The nominees screened are Ibrahim Fagge, Ibrahim Namadi and Amina Abdullahi -Sani.

    In his remark after the confirmation, Falgore sked the cleared nominees to justify the appointment by being dedicated to their duties when assigned portfolios.

    He urged them to complement the efforts of the governor in the development of the state.

    The nominees, after the confirmation, described the opportunity as a call to serve the people of the State.

    They promised to contribute their quota to the development of the state and implement the manifesto of the party, for the overall development of the state.

    The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the assembly screened and confirmed 19 commissioner- nominees last month.

    (NAN)