The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Nasarawa Govt. urges coaches, athletes to discourage intake of banned substances

    Nasarawa Govt. urges coaches, athletes to discourage intake of banned substances

    The Nasarawa State Government, has advised coaches and athletes against intake of banned substances and performance enhancing drugs.
    Amb. Lucky Isaac, the State Commissioner for Youths and and Sports Development gave the advice on Friday
    at a one day anti-doping seminar for Coaches and Athletes in Lafia.
    Isaac said the programme was both deliberate and imperative, considering the negative effects of doping on the life of an athlete and the impact in the society.
    According to him, government was taking proactive measures to prevent doping among athletes and would not tolerate any athlete or coach that encouraged the intake of banned substances.
    “The penalties will be very severe from us before the necessary agencies take up their own sanctions.”

    “This programme is the brainchild of the ministry, and the aim is to create awareness and sensitize our coaches and athletes to the danger of taking performance enhancing drugs

    “You are all aware of how many great athletes have been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, (WADA) because such athletes took substances that aided their performances.
    “Such ugly development brought shame and embarrassment to the athletes, families, federation, and their country as a whole.

    “The world is seriously against the intake of steroids for podium appearance. Not only that, illicit intake of drugs can be detrimental to the life of an athlete, and this could in turn, affect how the society operates.

    “Using your natural abilities is the best way to celebrate success.
    Isaac urged the participants to pay adequate attention to Resource persons and what would be taught at the seminar.

    Read Also:Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium ready for use in September – Contractor

    He thanked the state government under the leadership of Gov. Abdullahi Sule, for approving funds for the programme.

    The commissioner restated the ministry’s commitment to give adequate attention to sporting activities in the state.
    “As a ministry, we will continue to create level-playing ground for our sports men and women to thrive and excel, ” he said.

    Proponent of the initiative and Director, Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry, Mr Ubah Musa, disclosed that the need to compete clean and protect the state’s athletes and coaches during competitions informed the motive of the seminar.

    He stressed that more of such programmes would be hosted in the future to place the state in the comity of states with disciplined and clean athletes and coaches.
    Responding, Bashir Bassey, who spoke on behalf of the coaches, thanked the ministry for the initiative.
    He pledged to do all within their powers to ensure strict adherence and clean participation in sporting events.
    Some of the athletes who participated, Esther Obile and Godiya Dogara said the programme taught them a lot and made them to understand precautionary steps to take to avoid falling victims of doping.
    They said they would continue to work hard under favourable conditions to dominate podium appearances. (NAN)

  • Online media practitioners ready to expose quacks in industry

    Online media practitioners ready to expose quacks in industry

    Online media practitioners in Edo, said they were poised to eliminate quackery in their fold, having resolved to form a formidable union .

    The practitioners said this in a statement jointly issued by their protem Chairman and Secretary, Otunba Mike Aladenika, and Mr. Sam Dada-Ayokhai, on Friday in Benin.

    The body said it was determined to “cleanse” the profession of quacks “who see the profession as an all-comers game”, promising to strictly regulate its practice in line with accepted norms and ethics.

    According to the duo, the online version is not in any way different from the traditional media practice in news gathering, processing and presentation to the readers and viewers.

    They said “only the trained and qualified journalists conversant with the ethics and laws of the profession can adequately cope with the rigours of the job”.

    “We lament the “invasion” of the online media profession by quacks who think the only qualification they require to be called an “online journalist” is the possession of an android phone, saying the umbrella body will set standards for practice.

    Read Also:Twitter: FG seeks powers to license, regulate internet broadcast, online media

    “The umbrella body will endeavour to liaise with relevant authorities and similar bodies in sanitising the profession and promoting the welfare of practitioners.

    “The umbrella body will also strive to ensure its members display a high sense of professionalism to earn the trust and patronage of the public.”( NAN)(

  • IPMAN threatens to shutdown depots over alleged police harassment

    IPMAN threatens to shutdown depots over alleged police harassment

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (IPMAN), South East Zone, has threatened to shut down depots in Calabar, Port Harcourt and Enugu over incessant police harassment of its leaders.

    Mr Robert Obi, Cross River Chairman, IPMAN, made the threat on Friday in Calabar in an interview with newsmen.

    Obi said the association decided to close all the depots and stations after a series of meetings with some stakeholders over police harassment of its leaders.

    He alleged that there were moves by the Police Legal Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja to arrest its executives across the zone and possibly install a factional leadership.

    He said that if the police arrest its leaders in the zone it would create more crisis in the association in spite of various court pronouncements laying the matter to rest.

    Obi said the Attorney-General of the Federation, in a letter which was copied to Mr Chinedu Okoronkwo and his faction who lost out at the Supreme Court, had acknowledged Alhaji Sanusi Fari as the authentic National President of IPMAN and his depots and units chairmen.

    Obi frowned at the alleged illegal moves by the police authorities and some he described as “disgruntled elements” to either misinterpret the Supreme Court ruling or subvert the will of the people.

    He said their aim was to impose their cronies on the association even when the facts of the matter were very clear.

    Read Also:Petrol importation: We can’t compete with NNPC, says IPMAN

    “Despite the legal advice, the police are putting all arsenals to arrest the current executives of IPMAN in Nigeria, particularly in Calabar NNPC depot and allegedly hand the leadership of the association to the people of their choice.

    “IPMAN warns that further step shouldn’t be taken by the police to interfere with the current leadership of the association.

    “We will shut down the distribution channels of petroleum and allied products in Nigeria pending when the police do the right thing.

    “IPMAN leadership has resolved to continue with their rights in the constitution and abide by the extant laws and subsisting judgments of the courts in its favour,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN reports that the zone has been embroiled in leadership crisis which led to various court cases.

    The South East Zone of IPMAN, comprises Enugu, Aba, Rivers, Cross River and Benue with more than 40 depots and 1,000 petrol stations with about 2,000 members.

    The zone has been having a running battle with officers of the Nigeria Police over alleged attempt by the police to force a factional leadership on the association.

    Meanwhile, Force Headquarters spokesman, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said he was not aware of the matter.

    Earlier, the Cross River Command of the Nigeria Police has said it is not in position to react to the allegation. (NAN)

  • Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium ready for use in September – Contractor

    Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium ready for use in September – Contractor

    Mike Adamu, the Chief Executive Office (CEO) of the construction firm handling the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, has said that the facility will be ready for use for the forthcoming Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) competition.

    Adamu made this known to newsmen in Enugu on Friday, saying that the project would be completed before the new season to ensure that Rangers FC Supporters watched their darling club at the facility.

    He said the construction workers were back in town and promised that Rangers International would prosecute their home games in the stadium.

    Adamu told newsmen that the renovation and reconstruction works at the stadium was 80 per cent complete, with just the laying of the grass left.

    While explaining the reason behind the delay, Adamu said the construction firm encountered several challenges at the sea port.

    Read Also:Moshood Abiola National Stadium gets two training pitches

    He thanked the government and people of Enugu State, soccer lovers and sports enthusiasts for their patience and understanding.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is being rehabilitated by Reforms Sports West Africa Limited which specialises in the construction of sports facilities.

    The Anambra Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Manfred Nzekwe, reaffirmed that the renovation work at the stadium remained the top priority of the government.

    (NAN)

  • Police arrest six, recover 76 laptops in Abuja

    Police arrest six, recover 76 laptops in Abuja

    Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command attached to the Central Police Station (CPS) have arrested six suspect and recovered one tablet as well as 75 laptops of various brands and grades.

    The arrests, police said, followed a public outcry and the high rate of theft of items and in parked cars in public spaces around the Central Area of FCT.

    The Police Command said the ongoing operation, which has lasted five days, is targeted at identifying distinctive styles of the perpetration of these dastardly acts, arrest of notorious thieves and receivers of stolen properties, and the recovery of same.

    A statement on Saturday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh, explained: ” So far, the male trio of Akintunde Balogun a 48-year-old resident of Gwagwalada, Mohammed Usuf a 27-year-old resident of Kaduna road, and Shetima Abubakar, a 27 years old male resident of Yangoji areas of the FCT were arrested for theft.

    “While Kabir Usman a 37-year-Old male resident of new yanyan, Nassarawa,
    State, Linus Imo a 35 years Old resident of Airport road, and Praise Chinonso a 40 years old male resident of Bwari area of the FCT were arrested for receiving the Stolen properties.

    “The suspects in a voluntary statement, the police said confessed their involvement in the criminal venture.”

    Read Also:Benue police nab two suspected kidnappers

    Adeh said they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

    The Command urged the general public who have at a time or the other recorded a missing Laptop or Tablet in the Central Area and the Territory as a whole to approach the Central Police Station at the Federal Secretariat Central Area, Abuja with Tangible proof of ownership to be reunited with their recovered personal effects.

    The FCT Commissioner of Police, Babaji Sunday while urging members of the public to be conscious of their environment, especially in Public spaces reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to riding the Territory of unscrupulous elements.

    He also charged members of the public to always report stolen or lost items to enable the Police keep tracks of criminal trends for appropriate counteractions

    Members of the public, Adeh said, are enjoined to be vigilant and make prompt rendition of complaint.

  • First-ever BBNaija documentary premieres Aug.13

    First-ever BBNaija documentary premieres Aug.13

    The first-ever documentary on the television reality show, Big Brother Naija, is set to premiere Saturday, Aug 13, 2022.
    Femi Falodun, Chief Executive Officer of ID Africa, media consultant to the reality TV show, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

    Falodun said that the mini-documentary titled “BBNaija: the Fame, the Fans, the Frenzy”, produced by ID Africa’s The Bang Studio would premiere on Africa Magic Showcase.

    ”‘BBNaija: The Fame, the Fans, the Frenzy’ will take viewers behind the scenes of the biggest reality TV show in Africa and reveal some truths about the show’s production.

    ” It features some of the show’s most popular housemates, including Mercy Eke, Laycon, Nengi, Prince, Alex Asogwa, Bisola Aiyeola, Elozonam, and Ozo.

    ” BBN: The Fame, the Fans, the Frenzy” tells the untold story of the show and examines its impact through the eyes of relevant stakeholders, with appearances from the host, crew and organisers of the show.

    ”This has grown to become the biggest Big Brother franchise in the world,” he said.

    Falodun explained that the show was an African pop-culture phenomenon, so it was necessary to tell its story.

    ” At ID Africa, we love to tell untold stories, and what better story to tell than that of the biggest Big Brother instalment in the franchise’s history?

    Read Also:#BBNaija: Kess loses unborn child

    ” In the recently-concluded season alone, the show recorded over a billion votes from millions of viewers.

    ” It was also watched in over 30 countries across the globe, I am thrilled that we get to share the backstory of how this show is made and how much it changes the participants’ lives,” he said.

    Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice, also shared her excitement about the premiere of the documentary.

    She said: “We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for years to make Big Brother Naija a success, so, it is quite exciting to see the story of how the show comes together each year being told so brilliantly.

    ” The documentary will give fans an insight into how much work it takes to deliver the show each year.

    “BBN: The Fame, the Fans, the Frenzy” will premiere on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 2 pm on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Ch. 151)”.

    The documentary will have a repeat broadcast on the channel at 12 pm on Monday, August 15 and 3:30 pm on Thursday, August 25.

    It will also air on Africa Magic Urban on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at 12:30 pm and 3:10 pm, Thursday, August 18 at 12 pm.

    There will also be repeat broadcasts on Sunday, August 21 at 3:30 pm and Thursday, August 25 at 5:30 pm.

    DStv subscribers will also be able to watch the documentary on the go through the DStv app on multiple devices at no additional cost.

    The app is available for download from the Apple and Google Play stores. (NAN)

  • Old Grammarians celebrate Akintola Williams at 103

    Old Grammarians celebrate Akintola Williams at 103

    The Old Grammarians’ Society (OGS) of the CMS Grammar School, Lagos has joined millions of people all over the world to celebrate Doyen of Accountancy in Nigeria, Pa Akintola Williams on his 103rd birthday.

    Williams, who was born on August 9, 1919, attended the prestigious CMS Grammar School for his secondary education.

    Describing the celebrant as a ‘treasure’ of the OGS, the Publicity Secretary of the Society, Otunba ‘Dare Odufowokan, said members of the OGS all over the world regularly celebrate the worthy and exemplary life of Pa Akintola Williams.

    Read Also:Buhari, Obi celebrate foremost Accountant Akintola Williams at 103

    “He is the oldest Grammarian around today and we are proud of him. Not only had he lived long, he had also lived well with a lot of exemplary feats to his name. The Society and all it’s members celebrate him today and always,” he said.

    Pa Akintola Williams, the foremost Chartered Accountant in Nigeria, is also the first Chartered Accountant to qualify from Africa.

    He is the first president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

    In recognition of the numerous giant strides he has made in his chosen profession and towards the growth of the country, he is the recipient of several honours and awards from within and outside the country

  • Mr Ibu tells barber: I want to look fresh, not young

    Mr Ibu tells barber: I want to look fresh, not young

    Popular actor and comedian John Ikechukwu Okafor aka Mr Ibu has told his barber he has no desire to look young but fresh.

    While having a haircut at the salon, the barber, rounding up with the task complimented the actor’s look.

    In the viral video which captured the scene, the barber with the man making the video hailed Mr Ibu for looking young and fresh after having been given a new haircut.

    The barber said: “You con young o! You con look younger like 50 years. See the camera… you no see as you come look young? Looking fresh na.”

    Read Also:Mr Ibu’s colleague arrested for alleged Instagram hack

    Countering their compliments, Mr Ibu replied: “‘Young no, Fresh good.”

    Taken aback by his response, they asked again: “You no wan look young?”

    Stressing his earlier response, the thespian retorted: “I dey craze? I no wan look young…”

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  • How my headmaster molested me – Uche Maduagwu

    How my headmaster molested me – Uche Maduagwu

    Controversial actor Uche Maduagwu has recounted how his headmaster molested him at 8.

    He revealed the life-changing incident happened twice in the man’s office but he never shared it with his mother.

    Maduagwu noted the incident was the reason he doesn’t mark his birthday till date because the first happened on the said day.

    The Instagram celebrity further urged parents to endeavor to be their kids best friends so that they would always feel comfortable to share any information with them.

    Read Also:Swear by the gods, Maduagwu dares actresses on Apostle Suleman’s alleged s3x list

    “My Headmaster molested me twice in his office when I was 8. I never told my mum.

    “Back then because I was scared of her reaction at me. This is why I do not celebrate my birthdays till date because it first happened on my birthday then at school.

    “Dear Parents, please try to be your kids BEST friend so they will always tell you anything and be open to you and not hide things from you,” he claimed.

  • Ondo loses N164m to fire in eight months

    Ondo loses N164m to fire in eight months

    Residents of Ondo state have lost property worth N164.2m to fire incidents that occurred between January and August this year.

    This was disclosed by the South West Zone Commander and Assistant Comptroller of Federal Fire Service, James Olatunji.

    Olatunji spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Akure.

    He said the five lives were saved while one person died in the fire incidents.

    Read Also:Petroleum body fires Ondo task force chair

    Olatunji stated that property such as houses, shops, market, event centres, fuel tankers, trucks and others worth N3.139bn were saved.

    He said he led a crew of firemen to Sijuwade area of the state to save properties worth N50m.

    The Zonal Fire Service boss commendd Governor Akeredolu for supporting he Service in the state with logistics and other important needs to boost their activities.

    Governor Akeredolu said properties worth several billions of naira would have been lost to various fire incidents in different parts of the state but for the interventions of the service.