Author: The Nation

  • Barcelona Females claim second Champions League crown

    Barcelona Females claim second Champions League crown

    Barcelona won a second Women’s Champions League title after coming from behind in stunning fashion to beat German giants Wolfsburg.

    The Spanish champions trailed 2-0 at half-time before Patri Guijarro’s two-minute brace pulled them level.

    Spurred on by their instant response in the second half, Barcelona piled on the pressure and were eventually rewarded.

    Read Also: Rema pulls up at Barcelona’s training facility to see ‘brothers’

    Fridolina Rolfo got the winner, thumping it into the roof of the net from close range with 20 minutes left.

    After losing their crown to Lyon in last year’s final, Barcelona travelled to Eindhoven as favourites against a very strong Wolfsburg side, who were seeking a third European trophy in 10 years.

    Wolfsburg got off to the perfect start when competition top scorer Ewa Pajor robbed the ball off England defender Lucy Bronze, returning after knee surgery in April, to drive in the opener.

    Germany international Alexandra Popp was then set-up by Pajor with a teasing cross – the striker making no mistake as she headed in Wolfsburg’s second.

    Barcelona had lacked fluency and patience in the first half but it was no surprise they bounced back, displaying the quality of football that helped them reach a fourth final in five seasons.

    Among Barcelona’s winners was England midfielder Keira Walsh, who picked up her first European title, while Bronze became the first English woman to win the trophy with two different clubs after winning it on three consecutive occasions with former club Lyon between 2018 and 2020.

  • I’m still young to quit politics – Ekwunife

    I’m still young to quit politics – Ekwunife

    Senator Uche Ekwunife (Anambra central) on Saturday said it was not yet time to quit active politics, stressing she was rather young and active to retire.

    She described politics as a game she enjoyed playing, saying she remained a happy and fulfilled politician with nothing to regret. 

    Speaking to reporters in Awka, shortly after rendering account of her four years stewardship at the National Assembly, Ekwunife who lost out to Sen. Victor Umeh in the February 25 Senatorial poll, however said she would temporarily return to her accounting profession as she awaited for God’s direction.

    She said: “I have no regrets at all, I’m a fulfilled politician and I’m very happy. Some people are asking whether I’m going to retire, I can’t retire. If people like Obasanjo and others that started before me haven’t retired, why should I?

    Read Also: Ekwunife concedes defeat, congratulates Umeh

    “I’m so young and active in politics. That I’m not holding any public office presently doesn’t mean I’ll retire, I’m a politician, I enjoy politics and would continue to play politics.”

    Asked why she did not challenge the outcome of the elections, the outgoing lawmaker said it was unnecesary, especially for one who refused to view politics as do-or-die affair.

    “I decided not to contest, let me go and rest. Politics is not do or die. Once your objectives is to serve the people, why are you fighting to serve them? You mustn’t win all the time. Politics is like market, as you’re coming back, others are going.

    “If I’m there because of my personal benefits, maybe I might have been crying by now. That’s why I called this meeting because I’m not ashamed but proud of what I’ve done for my people and they too are happy. 

    “On the next step to take, it’s what God wants me to do, I’ll wait for God’s direction. But for now, I’ll return to my private practice as a chartered accountant where I consult,” she hinted.

    While reeling out her numerous achievements within her four years’ tenure, the lawmaker said she had nothing to miss in the red chambers having redefined constituency representation through sponsorship of 30 bills and 18 motions.

    “I don’t think I missed anything. For the past four years, I aggressively and passionately served my people in all ramifications, especially in terms of bills and motions, attracting projects, empowerments. 

    “The only thing I can say I’ll probably miss is the voice of the floor and opportunities of continuing on those good things. In all, I’m grateful to God and the people of the state. I’m particularly grateful to my husband for standing by me all through,” she said.

    On the fuel subsidy removal, Ekwunife throwing her weight behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on the decision, but called for urgent upward review of workers’ minimum wage to enable public servants meet up with the challenges the subsidy removal would throw up.

    “Incidentally, all the Presidential Candidates said they’ll remove the fuel subsidy immediately. So I support the removal. 

    “But the President must look into the minimum wage. It must be enhanced as a matter of urgency for public servants to meet up with the challenges the subsidy removal will throw up. 

    “I also hope the money that would be saved would be used to provide basic infrastructures,” she added.

  • BREAKING: Man City beat Man Utd to win FA Cup

    BREAKING: Man City beat Man Utd to win FA Cup

    A brace by Ilkay Gundogan on Saturday helped Man City to win the 2022/2023 FA Cup. 

    The EPL champions defeated city rivals Manchester United 2-1 in the hotly contested final game at the iconic Wembley Stadium.

    Read Also: Man City opens talk with Chelsea’s Kovacic 

    Manchester United’s captain Fernandes scored a penalty in the first half to equalise before Gundogan got a screamer from a corner kick to get the winning goal. 

    It’s the second title by the tremble-chasing Manchester City team coached by Pep Guardiola. 

  • Legislative experiences great advantage for Tinubu,  Shettima – Smart Adeyemi

    Legislative experiences great advantage for Tinubu, Shettima – Smart Adeyemi

    The Senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Smart Adeyemi, says legislative experiences of President Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shettima, will help them perform excellently.

    Adeyemi, who was also an All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in Kogi governorship election, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

    According to the senator, once somebody has been in the senate, that person cannot afford to fail.

    “This is the first time we are having field politicians controlling the executive arm of government.

    “President Bola Tinubu, a former senator; Vice-President Kashim Shettima, a former senator, and even the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu is a senator.

    Read Also: 10th NASS: Tinubu meets opposition lawmakers Monday

    “If you look at the states that are governed by former senators you will see outstanding performance; like Hope Uzodubma of Imo State.

    “In the Senate, you are exposed to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians, ” he said.

    Adeyemi said that Tinubu’s government would resurrect so many moribund economic and productive endeavours in the country and create opportunities for real economic development.

    “Some of us who are fanatical about Tinubu, it is because we are sure of his track record.

    “He will not approach you based on your ethnicity or religion, he considers the quality of your thought, and how your mind works.

    “Look at Lagos today, he gave them the master plan of socio-economic development. We are not in doubt that there is going to be a turnaround under this government,” he said.

    He said that the president was capable of initiating economic policies that would increase productivity and strengthen the Naira.

    “We are confident that he is going to strengthen the Naira; he is going to strengthen productivity that will enhance the strength of the currency.

    “He is going to create wealth, he will create job opportunities; you know the number of agencies he created as governor of Lagos?

    “These are the things making Lagos to excel today.

    He said that the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima,  had similar track record through  his  performance as governor  of Borno.

    “Shettima is a former banker; and Agric/Economist by training.  He is the person who revamped agriculture in Borno.

    “We need to look inwards for productivity and one of the gifts of God to Nigeria is that we have arable land.

    “Under the leadership of Tinubu and Shettima, there will be accelerated development of Nigeria, there will be a new Nigeria.

    “There will be a resurrection of all those things that are dead or half-dead in Nigeria.

    He urged the Federal Government to take advantage of abundant solid mineral deposits across the country to accelerate economic and infrastructural development.

    He said the country had 32 solid minerals in commercial quantity, which, if harnessed, could turn the economy around for good.

    He described Kogi as the solid mineral hub of the country, and urged the government to prioritise the state in its solid mineral agenda.

    “During the campaigns , the president promised to make Kogi the headquarters of solid minerals.

    “This is because, out of the 32 solid minerals in Nigeria, there are 27 in Kogi,” he said.

    Adeyemi urged Tinubu to source for competent Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides, that will help actualise his development plans for the country.

    He expressed confidence that the president had the proven capacity to appoint the right people in the right positions.

    “There are people who are not cut out for leadership. Tinubu does not have sentiments in his DNA, he considers what people are capable of doing, ” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Kogi: Gunmen attack Yahaya Bello’s convoy, injure security aides

    Kogi: Gunmen attack Yahaya Bello’s convoy, injure security aides

    The Kogi Government on Saturday said the  convoy of Gov. Yahaya Bello  was attacked on Saturday  by  gunmen,  along the  Abuja-Lokoja highway.

    it said the attack took place near a Naval Base,  few kilometers away from Lokoja, the state capital.

    The Kogi Commissioner for Information,  Mr Kingsley Fanwo,  made the disclosure in a statement in Lokoja.

    Fanwo alleged  that the gunmen were  political thugs of an opposition political party in the state, the  Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    The commissioner said  the incident which occured at about 12.30 p.m.,  left several people including security aides injured and taken to the  hospital for medical attention.

    Read Also: Alleged N3bn fraud: Kogi governor’s nephew’s case adjourned till July 17

    “The gunmen suspected to be political thugs of the SDP, having sighted the convoy of  Bello approaching,  blocked the road and started shooting at the convoy.

    “A Tundra branded with the logo and flags of the party also blocked the governor’s vehicle and the occupants were armed with rifles and short guns. .

    “But thank God our governor left the scene unscathed and there is no cause for panic.

    “Some security aides and other aides attached to the governor sustained some degrees of injuries and have been rushed to medical facilities for attention.

    “We urge the people of Kogi to remain calm as security agents are in full control to ensure the arrest of the hoodlums behind the attack, ” he said.

    Fanwo  said  the state government would not allow any breakdown of law and order  but would do all it could to  bring the attackers to justice.

    According to him, the governor has warned that no APC member should get involved  in any reprisal attack as insecurity from any quarter will be met with stiff penalties.

    Responding, Mr Kunle Afolayo, Media Aide to the  SDP Governorship Candidate, Mr Yakubu Ajaka, denied the allegations saying:  “it was the other way round because it was his political thugs that attacked us.”

     “Is it possible for an opposition political party to attack a governor just like that?

    “We were on our way to the Palace of Maigari in Lokoja from Koton Karfe this afternoon, when the governor’s convoy, heading to Lokoja from Abuja, met us on the way and launched an attack on us just like that.

    “God knows the truth. It’s unfortunate that APC administration in Kogi is using government might against us and to lie against us for a crime they committed against us, ” the media aide said.

    (NAN)

  • Sanusi hails Gbajabiamila over appointment as Tinubu’s CoS

    Sanusi hails Gbajabiamila over appointment as Tinubu’s CoS

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Reps candidate in the last general elections for Amuwo-Odofin federal constituency, Prince Lanre Sanusi, has congratulated Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila over ‘his appointment as Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Sanusii, in a statement at the weekend, described the appointments as “deserving and well-thought-out”.

    According to him, Gbajabiamila’s resilience and commitment are second to none, assuring the lawmaker will do an excellent job in his new role as Chief of Staff.

    “This remarkable achievement is a testament to your exceptional leadership skills, unwavering dedication, and the trust that the nation has placed in you. Your Appointment as the Chief of staff to the President of the federal republic of Nigeria is a significant milestone in your already illustrious political career.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints Akume SGF, Gbajabiamila Chief of Staff

    “Your commitment to public service and your relentless pursuit of progress and prosperity for the Nigerian people have earned you this esteemed position. It is clear that the nation recognizes your remarkable qualities as a leader through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” he said. 

    Sanusi said Gbajabiamia’s experience and expertise as a lawmaker will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role.

    “As the Chief of Staff, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the executive’s role, promoting dialogue and cooperation among the members of the federal executive council, and ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and respected. Your leadership will be instrumental in advancing the renewed hope agenda of the president and all progressive congress, contributing to the overall development and progress of Nigeria.

    “We are confident that under your stewardship as the chief of staff to the office of federal republic of Nigeria president will thrive. Your commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability will inspire the nation, generation next, motivate them to work together towards the betterment of the nation.

     “As you embark on this new chapter, please know that you have the support and well wishes of the Nigerian people. We are confident that you will lead with integrity, wisdom, and a deep sense of responsibility. Your dedication to the welfare of the citizens of Nigeria is admirable, and we are excited to see the positive impact you will make as the chief of staff to the president of the federal republic of Nigeria,” he added.

  • Gunmen attack Ebonyi community, burn cars, injure one person

    Gunmen attack Ebonyi community, burn cars, injure one person

    Gunmen at the weekend attacked two Ebonyi communities burning three cars and shooting one person.

    The attacks occurred at Uburu and Okposi communities in Ohaozara local government area.

    The incident occurred around 10pm, sources from the community said.

    A source said two of the cars were destroyed at Rev.J Odii’s compound at Okposi Okwu in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi state.

    Read Also: Ebonyi guber: PDP, Odii to call 60 witnesses against Nwifuru’s victory

    Police spokesperson in Ebonyi state, Onome Onovewakpoyeya confirmed the incident.

    She said the police have commenced investigation to unravel those behind the attacks.

    She noted that the gunmen who launched the attack in Uburu and Okposi communities destroyed three cars while a passer-by sustained injury at the shoulder.

    “Yes, the command is aware of the attack and investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing  suspects.

    “A Sienna car and two other vehicles were burnt. A passer-by was shot at the shoulder and is receiving treatment at the hospital,” she said. Ends

  • 10th NASS: Tinubu meets opposition lawmakers Monday

    10th NASS: Tinubu meets opposition lawmakers Monday

    Ahead of the proclamation of the 10th National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu will meet opposition Senators and House of Representatives members on Monday.

    Although the agenda for discussion cannot be officially ascertained yet, it is believed it would be centered around the the quest to firm up a harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislature as well as fine-tuning the process of electing leadership of of the National Assembly.

    An invitation to the opposition senators and members-elect said President Tinubu would be meeting with senators by 3pm and the members of the House of Representatives by 5pm.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s emergence, will of God – APC Chieftain

    The invitation, signed by Tijanni Umar, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, on behalf of the President’s Chief of Staff, urged the lawmakers to attend and submit their list for security clearance.

    The National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has anointed Godswill Akpabio (South-South) and Barau Jibrin (Northwest) as Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively.

    The party also endorsed Tajudeen Abbas (Northwest) and Ben Kalu (Southeast) as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

    However, some lawmakers of the ruling party had expressed opposition to the proposed zoning formula and vowed to contest the various positions for which the party had already made choices.

  • Fed Govt bans underage from common entrance exams

    Fed Govt bans underage from common entrance exams

    The Federal Government has banned underage students from the National Common Entrance Examination conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO) for admission into unity colleges across the country. 

    The government directed NECO to put strict measures in place to prevent underage from registering for the examination, including making birth certificates compulsory as registration requirement. 

    It noted that to get into secondary school, a candidate should be at least 12 years, adding that one could be eleven plus during the examination and by September, such a person would have attained the age of 12 years.

    Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, David Adejo, gave the directive on Saturday in Abuja while monitoring the conduct of the 2023 Common Entrance Examination into the 116 Federal Government Colleges across the Federation. 

    Read Also: NECO reschedules common entrance 

    A total of 72,821 candidates sat for the examination on Saturday nationwide. 

    The Permanent Secretary, after monitoring the exercise at the Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, and Government Day Secondary School, Bwari, said he was unhappy to see many underage person taking the examination. 

    He insisted that less than eleven years was unacceptable, disclosing that Air Force School, among others, does not accept candidates less than twelve years for admission into their schools. 

    Adejo said: “This year, I have advised for parents and I beg you, take this advice to any single home you know. We are killing our children by allowing underage children to write the Common Entrance Examination. 

    “I saw children that I know that are not up to 10, and three of them accepted that they are nine years old. We are doing many things; one, we are teaching the children the wrong values. Education is not about passing exams. Education is teaching, learning and character formation 

    “I beg the parents, let these children do the exams when they should. We don’t get value by pushing your child too far. Most of the times if a child starts too early, he or she will have problems later in life. 

    “Education is designed in such a way that at any particular stage in life, there are messages your brain can take and understand and be able to use. We are moving from education that is reliant on reading textbooks and passing exams. 

    “We are getting to a stage where education is what can you use your knowledge to do for the society. You put a small child to go through all the rigours, by the time he finishes secondary, getting to University becomes a problem. I had that experience with a friend. Till date that friend did not get into a University, simply because he was put into school earlier than age that he was supposed to be put into school.

    “Let our children get to appropriate age before writing this exam and we are going to make sure NECO put in place appropriate checks. We didn’t want to get to where we will say bring birth certificate but that is the stage we are going to now. In registering also upload the child’s birth certificate, so that at our own end, we are able to cut some of these things.”

    The permanent secretary also noted that the efforts of the Federal Government and other stakeholders in encouraging girls education is yielding fruit, saying the number of girls that registered for the Common Entrance Examination this year is 38,000 far above the previous years. 

  • Valedictory: Lawmaker-elect Yishawu hails Obasa for honouring members

    Valedictory: Lawmaker-elect Yishawu hails Obasa for honouring members

    As the 9th session of the Lagos Assembly officially ended on June 2, 2023, a returning lawmaker-elect, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, has expressed gratitude to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, for honouring members who worked tirelessly for the success of the 9th Assembly. 

    Obasa, in his valedictory speech, commended the 9th Assembly lawmakers for their support which led to the passing of 46 bills, over 120 resolutions and a couple of regulations. He also presented certificates of meritorious service to the members.

    Read Also: 39 lawmakers-elect backing Obasa for speaker, says Temitope

    Yishawu, who represented Eti-Osa Constituency 02 in the 9th Assembly, commended Speaker Obasa for appreciating the effort of members, saying this would spur them to further commit themselves to serving their constituents and give Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa the necessary support in the 10th Assembly. 

    “As one of the lawmakers who received certificates of meritorious service from my Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, I say thank you to him and also my constituents for the opportunity to serve. This is a further call to service in the 10th Assembly and support for Rt.Hon. Obasa in the discharge of our legislative duties to our constituents and Lagos State at large, through passage of robust laws, resolutions and meticulous oversight.” 

    “Mr Speaker said in his speech that the House in the 9th Assembly passed 46 bills, and over 120 resolutions which, in turn, affected the lives of Lagosians positively. We need to commend his effort. I pray God grant him the wisdom to lead the House in the 10th Assembly,” Engr. Yishawu said. 

    The returning lawmaker commended Obasa for his experience, capacity, capability and exceptional leadership qualities with which he has managed the affairs of the House over the years, saying that Mr. Speaker is the man for the job in the 10th Assembly.

    “I have always maintained that as long as Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa is interested in the Speakership office in the 10th Assembly, he will have my unalloyed support. The position of Speaker like that of other Legislators has no term limit as of now. Moreso, the more experienced a Speaker is, the better he is at the job, the more productive the house is and the more the interest of the State is served.”

    On speculations making the round about jostling among members-elect for the position of Speaker in the 10th Assembly, Yishawu said that speculations are not unusual in the democratic space. 

    But he said that what is of  paramount interest for him is the welfare of the residents of Eti-Osa Constituency 02, and by extension the people of Lagos. 

    He said: “Political aspiration must be pursued with tact and wisdom in the interest of all, especially where the position in consideration is one that is first among equals. For boldness to achieve results, it must be exercised with wisdom and not founded on wrong presumptions. Wisdom is about understanding that loyalty is a virtue that must not be traded away for momentary gains. Boldness, for me, is about being courageous in the discharge of legislative responsibilities with the objective of improving the quality of lives of the people.”

    He added: “The interest of my people and the Assembly is better served by the return of Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa as Speaker of the 10th Assembly. I will give him the necessary support in the next Assembly and I pray that Almighty Allah will bestow on him the wisdom he needs to continue to direct and lead us.”

    Yishawu also prayed for the departed colleagues in the 9th Assembly. “Those who lost their lives in the course of serving the people will be forever remembered”, he add