The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FIFPRO warns players against signing for Egyptian clubs

    FIFPRO warns players against signing for Egyptian clubs

    The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO), a global representative body for professional footballers, has advised foreign players against signing for Egyptian clubs.

    A statement issued by FIFPRO said the decision followed series of alleged frequent contractual disputes and abusive behaviour by club officials.

    The statement has already triggered a strongly-worded response from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

    FIFPRO said a player moving to a club in the country had “a high chance of resulting in legal proceedings”.

    Read Also: FIFPro: Salah axed from World’s Best 23

    “In recent times FIFPRO has seen a spike in labour conflicts in Egypt, concerning both the non-payment of salaries and abusive behaviour such as the confiscation of passports, forgery, and blackmail,” the statement read.

    The body warned players against handing over their passports to club officials, even if told it was required to obtain a residency or work permit.

    It added that the retention of travel documents had been used to force players to sign termination agreements.

    FIFPRO also warned players not to sign blank contracts and to retain one signed version of the contract, while also ensuring the correct currency was stipulated on it.

    The EFA, which oversees the country’s professional clubs, has however firmly rejected FIFPRO’s allegations.

    “EFA is extremely frustrated with the statement issued by FIFPRO, which contains several erroneous pieces of information.

    “We can confirm that even if some incidents occurred, they represent individual cases that do not apply to all Egyptian clubs.

    “We have 268 foreign players in different tiers and over the past four years, we have only received two complaints regarding passport withholding.

    “Both matters were immediately resolved after our intervention,” it said in a statement late on Wednesday.

    Clubs like Zamalek, Egyptian Premier League champions for the last two seasons, Al-Ismaily and Pharco have in the last few years been handed hefty fines and transfer bans.

    This was due to non-payment of salaries and breaches of contracts.

    (Reuters/NAN)

  • LP to vote en bloc in electing Speaker of 10th NASS- Official

    LP to vote en bloc in electing Speaker of 10th NASS- Official

    The Labour Party (LP) says it plans to vote en bloc in the election of the Speaker of the 10th assembly of the House of Representatives.

    Rep. Victor Ogene, the LP leader in the House said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

    Ogene said the LP had yet to decide on a particular aspirant, saying however, that once a decision was made on that, it would be a bloc vote.

    “The LP has yet to decide on a particular candidate, but I can assure you that we are going to vote en bloc, the consultation is on. I do not know those we will vote for yet, but I know those we will not vote for, “he said.

    Read Also: LP Rep – elect backs committee chair, Onuoha for deputy speaker

    Ogene said that at the end of the day, one candidate would emerge and it was going to be from the ruling APC.

    ‘’I just want to tell you that we will not be railroad in choosing anybody; it will be a conscious decision,’’ he said.

    He said the LP members would be opposed to any undue interference or influence in choosing the speaker, adding that they would go for a speaker that would be accountable to all members of 10th national assembly.

    “A speaker is first and foremost a member, so the LP will do all within its power to ensure it unite behind a candidate who would not kowtow to the whims and caprices of the executive.

    “If someone is imposed from outside it does not go well, he has lost his legitimacy from member, so he will always rush back to where he got his endorsement.”

    He said if members were allowed to choose freely, there would be a free atmosphere to operate, adding that such a speaker would be accountable to members who elected him and the citizenry.

    Asked what the LP would do if the main opposition party, the PDP decided to go with the ruling party, Ogene said the LP would stick to its position of not letting Nigerians down and unite behind a candidate.

    “People who got elected on the platform of LP did not just get elected, they got elected on a waive and a movement of the Nigerian people and they cannot afford to let the people down.

    “Nigerians are watching, yes it is election of presiding officers of the House of Representatives where we belong to, but it also concerns everybody.

    “So for LP, if the other parties are cool jumping in bed with the governing party, I can assure you that the LP will not do that even if it means standing alone, we will be ready to make that statement.”

    (NAN)

  • You’re true definition of a real man, Nkechi Blessing hails lover

    You’re true definition of a real man, Nkechi Blessing hails lover

    Popular movie star Nkechi Blessing-Sunday has heaped accolades on her lover, crowning him the true definition of a real man.

    Showering encomium on her younger lover simply identified as Xxssive, Nkechi highlighted the mentality of some individuals who perceive maturity as a factor of age or financial standing.

    Read Also: Some of you are dating rubbish in name of privacy – Nkechi Blessing 

    The controversial actress wished men who considered themselves as grown could actually shun their ego and avail themselves to learn from her younger yet ‘overly matured’ beau.

    She wrote: “They think maturity is by age or how much money you have.

    “Shout out to a man who came into my life and changed the whole of me into a grown ass woman.

    “How I wish these so called grown men can learn from you. You are the true definition of a real MAN. Love you pieces mine.”

  • Mental illness triggered deep hatred for my mother – Chacha Eke

    Mental illness triggered deep hatred for my mother – Chacha Eke

    Actress Chacha Eke-Faani has opened up on how mental illness ruined the once sweet relationship with her mother.

    The actress, who claimed she was diagnosed with bipolar in 2020, stated the mental health condition made her develop intense hatred for her mother.

    The mother of four also accused many men of God for furthering incitement against her mom.

    Being her mother’s birthday, Chacha shared a video with her recounting how she used to love her mom as a young child until things changed.

    “This is a video of me and my biological Mom. I loved her intensely when I was younger. She was, and still is my best friend. 

    Read Also: ‘Economic crisis can aggravate mental illness’ 

    “However, as I got older, I began to dislike and develop deep hatred for her. I had nightmares and hallucinations that supported my euphoria. 

    “Sadly, many men of God told me after several manic episodes that she was after my life. 

    “And so went about wishing her death and spewing despicable things about her.”

    Replaying past events when she was still struggling with her mental health, she continued: “Looking back now at my mental health challenges and journey, it’s laughable to know that those dysfunctional thoughts patterns and beliefs of mine were a disorder; a chemical reaction in the brain waves that switches your “most favourite” to “your least favourite.”

    Admonishing her audience about love ones that may also be going through similar situation, she noted: “Dear reader, many people have been emotionally torn apart from their loved ones due to underlying mental conditions. 

    “They’d come up with all sorts of negative stories to back up their disillusioned claims. Thankfully, there are pills for those weird inexplicable feelings. Did you know?”

    Finally, marking her mother’s birth anniversary, the movie star expressed joy that she was able to overcome mental health challenge and made emds with her mom while alive.

    She added: “Today is my mother’s birthday and I’m grateful to have realised it was all a sickness in my head while she’s still alive. 

    “I love you deeply Mommy. You’re a blessed Woman. 9 Grandchildren and still counting.

    “Mental illness or not, Momma raised a Queen.”

  • Akume assumes duty as SGF, pledges to coordinate implementation of govt policies, programmes

    Akume assumes duty as SGF, pledges to coordinate implementation of govt policies, programmes

    The newly appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, assumed duties on Wednesday with a pledge to coordinate and monitor of the implementation of government policies and programmes.

    Before his appointment as SGF, Akume was two-term Governor of Benue from 1999 to 2003 and 2003 to 2007.

    He was also appointed as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, in  former President Muhammadu Buhari’s led government.

    Appreciating the former SGF Mr Boss Mustapha for the smooth transition Programmes handled by him, Akume said though work in the SGF’s office was sensitive,  he would do his best from where the former SGF stopped.

    “We will do our best in the interest of the country, I have an open-door policy and we will continue to do our best, starting from  where you stopped.

    Read Also: VIDEO: President Tinubu swears in Akume as SGF

    Akume also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for giving him such a great opportunity to serve his fatherland.

    Earlier, Mustapha said it was his pleasure to be present to formally hand-over the affairs of the office of the SGF to Akume.

    He used the occasion to highlight some of the important responsibilities and the functions of the office to Akume.

    Mustapha briefed Akume on pending issues such as report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee to consider pending Bilateral Agreements between the Federal  Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Others are the report of the Presidential Committee on the Review of Number and Strategy for Resourcing Nigeria’s Diplomatic Missions World-Wide, approval of the recommendations of the reviewed white paper on the Presidential Committee on the restructuring/rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies and Commissions.

    Others, he said, are the Ama Pepple Report on the new Agencies created after the Oronsaye Report, which WhitePaper was produced by the Ebele Okeke-led Committee, report on the Presidential Implementation Committee of the White Paper on the Commission of Inquiry into the Alienation of Federal Government Landed Property.

    He also briefed the new SGF on the Report of the Presidential Steering Committee [formerly Presidential Task Force (PTF)] on COVID-19;

    implementation committee on Special Detainees Linked to Boko Haram Insurgency and report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the investigation of Mr Ibrahim Magu, the former Acting Chairman of the EFCC, among others were also presented.

    (NAN)

  • VIDEO: President Tinubu meets with Oil marketers on fuel subsidy removal

    VIDEO: President Tinubu meets with Oil marketers on fuel subsidy removal

    President Tinubu meets with Oil marketers on fuel subsidy removal

    Read Also: VIDEO: President Tinubu swears in Akume as SGF

  • Saudi Club should give me a deal, Zlatan begs

    Saudi Club should give me a deal, Zlatan begs

    Rapper Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael aka Zlatan Ibile has pleaded for a deal by any of the Saudi Arabia football clubs.

    Zlatan decided to pursue a career in music after graduating from secondary school. He emerged winner of the 2014 edition of the “One Mic campus tour” music competition in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital at 19.

    He gained recognition in the music industry after releasing the Olamide-assisted track “My Body” in 2017.

    However, the Afrobeats artiste in 2020 revealed his dream wasn’t to become a musician but a footballer just like Zlatan Ibrahimović. But since it didn’t turn out that way, he decided to adopt the first name of the Swedish player as his stage name.

    Read Also: Zlatan, Mayorkun, Skiibii play at Barcelona’s training facility

    A few days ago, he was spotted with colleagues, Mayorkun and Skiibii with a couple of other guys honing their football skills on the pitch of Barcelona’s training facility.

    The video captured the music stars extremely exhausted as they ran off to the side of the field to catch their breath after only playing for ten minutes.

    Reiterating his love for football, coupled with the mega deals being struck by footballers like Portugal’sCristiano Ronaldo who joined Al Nassr, and just recently, N’Golo Kanté who got signed to Al-Ittihad, the ‘Zanku’ crooner begged to also be given a deal.

    “Make one Saudi club give me deal na,” he wrote.

  • PHOTOS: President Tinubu meets with Nigerian Governors Forum

    PHOTOS: President Tinubu meets with Nigerian Governors Forum

    President Tinubu meets with Nigerian Governors Forum

    Read Also: Tinubu seeks EU collaboration on security, economic development

  • StartNow makes case for technological innovations, hosts enthusiasts

    StartNow makes case for technological innovations, hosts enthusiasts

    The importance of technology to the advancement of human and societal development has been emphasised at a discussion facilitated by an Akure-based tech company StartNow. 

    Tagged: “Internet infrastructure and connectivity in Africa: A drive towards technical advancement,” the meeting attracted young tech enthusiasts and undergraduates from within and outside the city of Akure. 

    Some of the clubs and organisations in attendance include: Enactus FUTA, Google Student Club, Microsoft Students Partners and AISE among others.

    Founder of StartNow John Adebola Olorunfemi, founder of the tech company StartNow urged governments in Africa to improve tech innovations and internet infrastructure. 

    Read Also: How technology is killing marriages, by Apostle Suleman

    He said technology has the capacity to make life much better for Africans, stating “Access to the internet is crucial for a lot of activities in the world we live in today; corporate governance, private sectors, individuals, homes and institutions all need the Internet. 

    ”Africa as a whole has made significant strides in technology and internet connectivity.  Many jobs have been created in different sectors and new innovations and startups are a key thing we have everywhere.”

    Groups at the event were given opportunities to pitch their ideas to the audience with prizes awarded to the top three groups.

    Editor of Campus Community Network, Kehinde Abiola, said: “This programme is an eye opener as to what tech innovations and the internet is all about. We need more actors like StartNow to bring events like this to Akure.”

    A staff of FUTA Radio 93.1 FM Toyin Omolola said: “The city of Akure has always been known as a tech hub for innovations and brilliant minds. A tech program like this one we have where enthusiasts come to share their ideas  and compete is what we’ve always been known for and that has distinguished us from other cities.

    “We can’t do without technology, we can only improve. Young minds coming out with great ideas, specifically in this event — is the can-do spirit we need in Africa, without waiting for the rest of the world to take the lead on technological innovations.”

  • 16 detained after West Ham fans attacked in Prague

    16 detained after West Ham fans attacked in Prague

    Czech police have detained several people after West Ham fans were attacked by Fiorentina supporters before the Europa Conference League final in Prague.

    Three people were injured in a bar in Rytirska Street, with police confirming an officer had also been attacked during the incident.

    In a tweet, Czech police said they had “restricted the personal freedom of 16 people”.

    The final starts at 20:00 BST.

    Read Also: Conference League Final : Capello tips Fiorentina to carpet West Ham

    One West Ham fan, who did not want to be named, said “a large group” of Italian fans attacked the Tek-ila Tek-ila bar in the city centre on Wednesday.

    He added: “About eight Italians walked past, swinging bands and chains. Five minutes later, there was a big group that come down the road and attacked us.”

    The fan said that one of his friends was “quite badly” hurt with a “massive cut” on his head.

    A 17-year-old witness said West Ham fans had “done nothing wrong” and Fiorentina supporters “were throwing flares and firecrackers.”

    BBC