The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Jonathan rewards Eaglets with N2m each

    Jonathan rewards Eaglets with N2m each

    *Head Coach gets N3m, Asst. Coaches – N2.5m

    *Says Nigeria can rule the world at senior levels

    For winning the U17 FIFA World Cup, the Golden Eaglets have been rewarded with  N2m each by the federal government.

    The Head Coach, Manu Garba got N3m while the assistant coaches will get N2.5 million each.

    Other beneficiaries of the presidential awards are the   Doctor, Physiotherapist, and team secretary who  got N500,000 each while the team coordinator, medical officer, chief technical officer and curator are to get N300,000 each.

    Members of the team are also to be given national awards for the victory.

    President Goodluck Jonathan announced the award on Sunday after receiving the trophy and giving the members of the team presidential handshake at the reception held in their honour at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

    He appealed to state governments and businessmen to support the little token given to the team by the Federal government.

    Jonathan noted that the team progressed from being the second best in Africa to the best in the world.

    Noting that the victory is for the whole of Africa, he said that the team won fairly and convincingly.

    He thanked the coaches and handlers for a job well done on the players.

    Jonathan said: “Nigeria is now the only country to win the U-17 world cup four times and new total record of 26 goals.”

    “However amidst our joy and celebration, we must underline that the enduring test of the victory we have achieved will be the progress of this players.”

    “We have been doing very well at the junior level. If we can conquer the world at U-17, there is no reason why we cannot conquer the world at the highest level.”

    “Our celebration today will be short lived if we don’t progress to win U-20, and of course the Senior Eagles that will represent us at subsequent tournaments. You cannot afford to relax on today’s laurels.” He stated

    He stressed that the successes being recorded in sports under his administration was due to the roadmap generated from the Presidential Retreat on Sports and other strategies developed by his government.
    Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi noted that with all the achievements recorded in sports, President Jonathan is the most successful of all his predecessors.

    Stressing that the transformation agenda of the administration is working, he said that the team was discovered through a proper screening process.

    Noting that the team is a work in progress, he said that Nigeria’s place is secured for the next ten years.

    “If properly managed, the future of Nigeria football is secured for the next ten years with this boys.” He stated.

    Among state governors at the reception on Sunday  included Idris Wada (Kogi), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Jonah Jang (Plateau).

    Also at the occasion include were  the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the Senate President, Senator David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bamanga Tukur, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim also graced the occasion.

    Many Ministers and members of the diplomatic corp including the Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria also attended the cocktail reception for the team.

  • How Eaglets triumphed in Dubai

    How Eaglets triumphed in Dubai

    Standing some metres away from the goal, heart pounding, crowd cheering, just about to take a free-kick doesn’t seem an easy task. But for the inspirational captain of Nigeria, such task was easy.

    Capping the 25 goal thriller of the spectacular Nigeria’s U17 side, Musa Muhammed slotted home a free kick in the 81st minute.

    Only the likes of Jay Jay Okocha, Ronaldinho, Messi and maybe Cristiano Ronaldo depict such task as easy. It was just a perfect end to a blistering and eye captivating for the Nigeria side. The goal sent the crowd aghast. Truly Nigerians must be thanking their stars for being lucky on the Asian soil.

    That soil truly has been a hunting ground for the four successive teams of the U17 cadre of Nigeria.  These set of boys set a new record as the most successful country in history for the U17 championship. Before now, only Nigeria and Brazil had won the competition three a piece. However, after the 3-0 win of the boys today (Friday), Nigeria had to its credit four.

    Group Stage

    The Manu Garba led Golden Eaglets started off the campaign in United Arab Emirates on a good note. They thrashed their opponent, Mexico, 6-1 in the group stages. Goals from: The huge victory didn’t come without a price. It was an injury to the No 9 goal poacher, Isaac Success.

    The second game seemed daunting. The Swedes matched them up.  In a six goal thriller, the 2013 champions settled for a draw.

    The final game in the group was against the Iraqis. Convincible, high scoring and a fantastic game it was. The match produced five goals all from the boots of the Nigerian team.

    With two wins and a draw, Nigeria emerged top position from the group stage amassing seven points. They scored fourteen goals and got scored four times. Three from the Swedes and one from the Mexicans who they will later meet at the Semi final and final stages respectively.

    Round of 16

    Qualifying for the round of 16, the eaglets showed class by sending their opponents to the cleaners with a 4-1 win over the Iranians. Goals from: Samuel Okon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Muhammed, Musa Yahaya,and a consolation from Ali Gholizadeh.

    Quarter final

    Just as the end of a battle signifies the start of another, the eaglets basking in high confidence, progressed to the quarter finals. Their next opponent was Uruguay. The previous finalist two years ago.  But confidently, sent the Uruguayans packing with a comfortable 2-0 win over them.

    Semi final

    The victory ensured their passage into the semi final of the competition. It is said that this stage of the competition can be very tasking as teams will jostle for a win. It was sort of a rematch. Their opponents were the Swedes. The boys from Sweden gave the Nigerian team tough times during the group stage. This time around, the two teams went for the broke.

    In the end, the victorious eaglets zoom into the final with a 3-0 convincing result. Goals from:

    Final

    After scaling through the hurdles, a dream final was set to take place between two teams which previously met at the earlier stages of the competition. While revenge was on the minds of the Mexicans, the Nigerians were hoping for a victory. Goals from Kelechi, Musa and an own goal from the Mexican was all that separated both teams.

    Athletic, Dogged, Endearing and high scoring are the few words to describe the Quardeaglets of 2013.

    With this win, Nigeria have achieved yet another feat and done the country proud.  Nigeria has won the cup four times  – (1985, 1993, 2007,2013) and losing three (1987, 2001, 2009).

     

  • Celebrating world science day

    Celebrating world science day

    As the world celebrates this year’s World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD), UNESCO has dedicated the day to underscore the importance of water in all aspects.

    This year’s theme is Science for Water Cooperation: Sharing Data, Knowledge and Innovations.

    In her message to mark the day, Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, said even though there is enough water in the world, the challenge is to share and manage it sustainably and together,  “We believe that sharing data, knowledge and innovation is key to the sustainable management of water. Cooperation brings new ideas, it catalyses innovative solutions and it fosters new ways of working,” she said.

    Speaking further the UNESCO DG said; “Together we will continue to strengthen the link between science and policy, in order to make the most of scientific cooperation as a force for peace and development. Water resources pay no heed to borders – our cooperation must be guided by the spirit of solidarity. Together, we can harness the full power of water to strengthen human dignity and build a better future for all. This is UNESCO’s message today.”

    She added that one of the reasons behind the theme is that, in Africa, drought is one of the leading impediments to development, “The continent is heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture and hence affected by climate variations. Recurring drought conditions in many regions of Africa have had devastating humanitarian impacts and impose significant reductions in gross domestic product for countries whose economies are tied to agriculture,” she explained.

    The WSDPD was established by UNESCO in 2001 and celebrated worldwide on November 10 each year. The celebration offers an opportunity to demonstrate to the wider public why science is relevant in our daily lives, by throwing bridges between science and society, the aim is to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science, while underscoring the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable.

    The purpose of the WSDPD is to renew the national, as well as the international commitment to science for peace and development and to stress the responsible use of science for the benefit of society. The World Science Day for Peace and Development also aims at raising public awareness of the importance of science.

    The WSDPD’s objectives are: to strengthen public awareness on the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies, to promote national and international solidarity for a shared science between countries, to renew national and international commitment for the use of science for the benefit of societies and to draw attention to the challenges faced by science and raise support for the scientific endeavor.

    Every year, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, scientific research institutions, professional associations, universities, municipalities, the media, science teachers, schools and others are encouraged to organize their own celebration of World Science Day.

     

  • Late Economist Omojola for burial Nov 15

    The remains of the renowned Economist and revolutionary activist, Adewole Babarinde Omojola Ajibola, will be buried in Lagos on Friday, November 15.

    The one-week event to be graced by socialists and other human rights activists will commence  on Monday, November 11, and  end  on Saturday, November 16 with an outing service at Indigene Faith of Africa (Ijo Orunmila Ato) Lagos.

    Popularly known by his operational name, Baba Oluwide Omojola, 75 died on Saturday, October 19, 2013 in Akure, Ondo State, a day after he presented copies of the PRONACO People’s Constitution and other documents to the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue led by Dr Femi Okurounmu.

     Climax of the burial programme released by the family, will be the Tributes Galore planned for Thursday, November 14 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos from 10 am – 3.30pm and a Solidarity Night featuring musical rendition, cultural display, poetry, tributes and candle light procession scheduled from 8pm till dawn.

    An Interdenominational Service to be coordinated by Bishop Atilade between 4 – 5.30pm and a Traditional Wake-keep by Indigene Faith of Africa (Ijo Orunmila Ato) from 5.30 – 6.30pm will also hold on Thursday.

    A Public Walk with the remains of Comrade Baba Omojola which will hold from the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja – through Maryland – Ikorodu Road to his residence on 13, Onitana Street, Surulere, Lagos will commence by 7am on Friday, November 15.

     This will be followed by Lying in State in the family house at 13, Onitana Street, Surulere, Lagos and a service by Ijo Orunmila Ato at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos between 10.30 – 11.30 am, on the same day.

    The body will leave for internment at 1.15pm while entertainment of guests will hold between 1.30 – 7.30pm at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

     Other highlights of the burial event include a Road Show from Tai Solarin Square, Yaba to Community Playing Field at Rasaq Balogun Street, near Baba Omojola’s residence in Surulere, which is scheduled for 11am on Tuesday, November 12 and a Cultural Display at the same venue between 2 – 6.30pm on the same day.

     A Colloquium on Agenda for Sovereign National Conference will hold at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium Surulere, Lagos from 11am – 5pm, on Wednesday, November 13.

     

  • 70 percent of Nigerians suffering, Adeboye

    …Seeks divine assistance to crisis

    Wife of the General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye has said about 70 percent of Nigerians are suffering from hardships.

    She  said there was need to seek divine assistance for the nation to witness change from poverty, diseases, violence, blood shedding among other problems.

    But she was optimistic  that the country would soon experience genuine turnaround.

    Mrs. Adeboye spoke at the closing of the 12th Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service held along Abuja – Keffi Expressway, Nasarawa State.

    “Nigeria is shining outside. It is known to be flamboyant but 70 percent of the people in the nation are suffering. All forms of sickness we have never heard before are happening.

    “What an evil is happening in this nation, greed, fornication, shedding of innocent blood, idolatory. Tonight we should be sober.”

    Speaking on the theme of the service, Who can be against us, If the lord be for us, she referred  to 2nd chronicle 15 assuring the congregation of God’s mercy.

    The clergy who congratulated Champions of the U-17 World Cup Football Competition, explained that if the team can be victorious, there is high indication that the country will still overcome its challenges.

    According to her, in Judges 10 vs 10-15, the clergy said when Israelites were in trouble like the nation, they prayed for deliverance and the lord answered them.
    In a special prayer session for the country, she urged the congregation to cry for mercy from sin and for God to cleanse the nation.
    She prayed for the youths and peace to reign in the country.
    Mummy Adeboye as she is fondly called prayed for President Goodluck Jonathan and the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo to have “a good grip” of the country. She emphasised the President must not fail.

    The General Overseer RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye said God was ready to fight the battle bedeviling the nation.
    He led the huge congregation to prayer session and assured them of their breakthrough.

    The clergy in his sermon “If God be for us”, he read the scriptures; Ephesians 4 vs 1, James 4 vs 7, Revelation 12 vs 11, Philipian 2, Mark 1 vs 23 among others.

    Jonathan who was represented by the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe said the proposed national dialogue would be beneficial for the people.

    He restated his commitment to transforming the country.

    Present at the service were
    President Goodluck Jonathan represented by the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, Director General, National Identity Management Commission NIMC, Barrister Chris Onyemenam, Directors of Federal Ministries and other important dignitaries.

  • Sambo assures of free, fair Anambra polls

    Sambo assures of free, fair Anambra polls

    Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Saturday in Awka said the November 16 gubernatorial election in Anambra would be free and fair to all.

    Sambo said this when he formally declared open the campaign of Mr. Tony Nwoye, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    He declared that the election would be a “one man, one vote, one woman one vote, one youth one vote’’ exercise.

    “The Federal Government is committed towards making the November 16 election a free and fair exercise,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the vice-president as saying at the forum.

    Sambo commended PDP’s choice of Nwoye and his running-mate, Dr. Amamchukwu Ezike, for the election.

    He said their (Nwoye and Ezike) administration would enjoy the support of the President Goodluck Jonathan-led federal government when elected.

    The party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, later presented the PDP flag to Nwoye and Ezike as the party’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates respectively.

    In his speech shortly before the presentation, he urged members of the party in the state to join hands to enable the PDP wins the election.

    Tukur said Anambra people had given the state to the PDP at the inception of the current democratic era and urged the people of the state to return the state to the party.

     

     

  • No houses for triumphant Eaglets

    No houses for triumphant Eaglets

    Members of world-conquering Golden Eaglets will get cash and national honours, but no houses after they made history in United Arab Emirates on Friday.

    The country’s U-17 team clinched a record fourth World Cup on Friday to become the most successful team in the world at this level.

    The Eaglets also set a new goals record for a single tournament, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Dele Alampasu were picked as the Most Valuable Player and best goalkeeper of the tournament, respectively.

    A top government source told MTNFootball.com: “They will get cash and national honours, but no houses.

    “A precedence was set when the Eagles also did not get houses when they won the AFCON earlier this year. Instead, they were given plots of land on the outskirts of Abuja.”

    Players and officials received cash, national honours and houses in an estate in Abuja when they won the same competition six years ago.

    President Goodluck Jonathan will host the team on Sunday night in Abuja.

    The Eaglets arrived the country on Saturday.

     

     

  • Typhoon: Thousands feared dead in Philippines

    Around 10,000 people may have died in just one area of the Philippines hit by Typhoon Haiyan, according to officials.

    One of the worst storms on record, it destroyed homes, schools and an airport in the eastern city of Tacloban, BBC reports.

    Neighbouring Samar Island was also badly affected, with reports of 300 people dead and 2,000 missing.

    The Philippine government has so far only confirmed the deaths of 151 people throughout the country, but hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

    The BBC reports that the scene in Tacloban, the capital of Leyte province, is one of utter devastation.

    Houses in Tacloban have been flattened by the massive storm surge that accompanied Typhoon Haiyan.

    There’s no clean water, no electricity and very little food.

    City officials said they were struggling to distribute aid and that looting was widespread.

    The report says hundreds of people are at the airport, itself badly damaged, trying to get on a flight out of Tacloban.

    The typhoon is now bearing down on Vietnam. More than 600,000 people have been evacuated in northern provinces.

    At least four people were reported killed there, apparently while trying to escape the storm.

     

  • This World Cup is for Jonathan – Eaglets coach

    This World Cup is for Jonathan – Eaglets coach

    Coach Manu Garba has dedicated Nigeria’s fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup victory to President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife.

    Away from the battery of cameras and in the hallowed corridors of Al Jazira’s dressing room in Abu Dhabi, Manu said both President Jonathan and his wife more than anybody deserved praise for the feat he achieved with his team.

    He recalled it was only President Jonathan that hosted the boys upon their return from the African U-17 Championship, where they came second.

    “This trophy is for President Goodluck Jonathan, who had a strong belief in us despite the fact that we came second at the African championship,” MTNFootball.com quoted the Eaglets coach as saying after the team’s victory on Friday.

    “We were really fired up when he hosted us after the African Championship and we are looking forward to meeting Mr. President again with the World Cup.”

    Manu described President Jonathan as a very lucky man after the Golden Eaglets followed the footsteps of the Super Eagles for winning a major trophy in 2013.

    The senior national team started the year with glorious outing at the African Nations Cup in South Africa and the Golden Eaglets World Cup win is more than an icing on the cake as 2013 drags to an end.

    He revealed that his wife was the first person he called immediately after the final whistle of the match that saw his young guns dethrone Mexico as champions and entered the pantheon of world football as the first to win a record fourth world title.

    “In fact, for the past four months I was not able to see my wife because of the nature of this job and I’m so happy that all the efforts we put into this work was not in vain,” he said.

    “I want to use this opportunity to thank my wife for taking care of the home front.”

    Manu also heaped praise on both Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Ibrahim Auwalu who rode on the team’s bus in company of Nigeria Football Federation’s President Aminu Maigari for a dinner reception hosted by the Nigeria Embassy in the UAE.

     

  • Sokoto discovers 32 workers with fake certificates

    Sokoto discovers 32 workers with fake certificates

    The Sokoto State Local Government Service Commission said it had discovered 32 local government council workers with fake certificates.

    The commission made the disclosure in a statement issued by its Director of Administration, Alhaji Bature Isa, on Saturday in Sokoto.

    The statement quoted the director as saying that the discovery was made after a verification exercise to ascertain staff who had genuine certificates.

    Bature stated the affected workers were from Dange/Shuni, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Shagari, Wamakko, Tureta and Isa local government councils.

    He added that the state government was considering appropriate sanctions for the offenders, noting that “job seekers must desist from presenting fake certificates, as this is a punishable offence.

    “The law of the land prohibits such nefarious acts and the state government will sanction workers who use fake credentials or certificates to secure jobs,” the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Bature as saying in the statement.