The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Jonathan undermining anti-corruption fight, says Balarabe Musa

    Former Kaduna state governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of undermining the nation’s anti-corruption crusade by protecting the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah accused of  involvement in the N255 million bullet proof car purchase.

    Musa who spoke at a brief ceremony marking his 77th birthday at his Kaduna residence said that Jonathan’s trip to the Israel in company of the minister and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) was a clear indication that the President was not interested in unraveling the mystery behind the vehicles, even though he has set up a committee to investigate the matter.
    Visibly disappointed, the former governor said that despite the allegations against the minister, the President took her to Israel in company of the National Security Adviser who was asked to be part of those to investigate the involvement of the minister in the armoured vehicle purchase.
    He said “we believe that this was done to pave way for negotiations to take place so that she can be left off the hook. Why should the President travel with her and the NSA. Could he not have gone with another person? Tafawa Balewa and other past leaders would not have done that.
    “Why should the President of a country fighting corruption behave in such a way to suggest a cover-up in this case involving Stella Oduah? Whoever appears to cover up a corrupt person is himself corruptible. This is suggestive of the fact that the government has practically insinuated that the fight against corruption is a hoarse”.
    The second republic governor however said that for the nation to get out of its present predicament, leaders must learn to pursue public interest rather than personal interest that has become the order of public service in the country.
    He said that rather than the system and leaders being based on public interest, it is currently based on self-interest.
    According to him,  in today’s Nigeria ” we are led by thieves, except for a few who are still honest”.
    He noted that anybody who is a councillor or legislator, governor or President ends up serving self and becoming the richest person in the constituency that elected him.
    “What I am saying is that the current President has the potentials of becoming the richest person in Nigeria when he leaves office even if he is the son of a grasscutter hunter.”

     

  • Photo: Partial eclipse of the Sun in Lagos

    Photo: Partial eclipse of the Sun in Lagos

    Partial eclipse of the Sun was witnessed in parts of the country on Sunday.

    Picture shows the eclipse  in Oshodi, Lagos.

    By Seun Akinoye

     

     

  • Los Angeles suspect on murder charge

    The man suspected of carrying out Friday’s gun attack at Los Angeles Airport has been charged with murder.

    Prosecutors said the death penalty could be sought if 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia is convicted. He is in hospital after being shot by police.

    A federal United States security agent was killed and others wounded in the attack. Police officials are attempting to establish a motive for the assault.

    BBC reports that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has now reopened fully.

    About 1,550 flights with 167,000 passengers were affected, airport spokeswoman Nancy Castles said.

    U.S Attorney Andre Birotte said Mr. Ciancia was also charged with commission of violence at an international airport.

    Mr. Birotte said the gunman had pulled a “223-calibre M&P-15 assault rifle out of his bag and fired multiple rounds at point-blank range” at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer Gerardo Hernandez, 39.

    The attorney said the shots did not kill the officer, but the gunman returned to “shoot the wounded officer again.”

    Mr. Hernandez’s widow, Ana, said he was “a joyful person, always smiling and took pride in his duty to the American public.”

    The FBI has also given more details of a note found on the suspect.

     

  • Sweden will fall now – Eaglets coach

    Sweden will fall now – Eaglets coach

    Golden Eaglets coach, Manu Garba, has said he hopes to go past group rivals Sweden in Tuesday’s U-17 World Cup semi-final.

    The Nigerians had to draw on their rich experience to draw 3-3 with Sweden in a Group F match in Al Ain penultimate week, but Manu said it would be a different ball game when the two teams meet again in the semi-final at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai.

    With a total of 20 goals in five matches, the Eaglets remain the best attacking team at the 2013 U-17 World Cup and Manu said his team will be ready to see off the Swedes.

    “I want to congratulate the boys for a job well done against Uruguay and Sweden should be ready for our fireworks in the semi-final on Tuesday,” he said.

    “We have learned so much playing against Sweden the last time, but we shall be ready for them this time around,” MTNFootball.com quoted the Eaglets coach as saying at a post-match conference on Saturday.

    With African champions Cote d’Ivoire bundled out by Argentina 2-1 in an earlier quarterfinal played at the same Stadium, Manu noted the onus is now on the Golden Eaglets to carry the banner of the continent.

    “It is unfortunate that our African brothers Cote d’Ivoire are out of the tournament, but we are going to fly the flag of the continent since so much would be expected of us now,” he noted.

     

  • ‘Photography is my life’

    ‘Photography is my life’

    Cameron Barnes is  an American photographer who has traveled to many parts of the world doing what he knows best.  He spoke to BLESSING OLISA  during a recent visit to Nigeria on his perception about his work   and other salient issues.
    Who is Cameron Barnes?
    I graduated school for photography in May and in the last six years or so, I’ve been trying to travel as much as I can and to get my photography to be the best that it can be. I have been to Indonesia, Israel and Palestine for three months, then Egypt for the revolution. I couldn’t travel covering some stories in New York. Now I’m in Nigeria which is great. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do conflict and war photography and continue to make that as a living.
    Why the interest in conflict and war photography?
     
    I really got into it when I first took history classes while growing up in high school. I learnt about Vietnam War and all these wars that people know these iconic photographs through. You know the Eddie Adams’ photograph where the guy holds the gun against the Vietnam soldier being executed. Immediately I saw that photograph, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. Just from that picture. A little bit stand-out images that everyone knows redefined the entire way that people perceived it. When those pictures were published back in New York Times, heavy movement was happening. It made people get out into the streets and get angry about it. It made a difference. I’ll like to kind of continue in that tradition
    Did your childhood experience influence your choice of profession?
    Absolutely! Yeah. From seeing those works, I knew immediately that was something I wanted to do. I hate reading through the rest of history books and seeing these wars and conflicts and patterns repeating themselves over and over again. I hate the idea that we are just repeating ourselves and all of us as a whole. I mean, America has got a huge part of it. But I hate the idea of not learning from history and we just keep doing the same thing.
    Do you think photography will help enhance unity among people?
    I will say yes, especially if you want to get a shot, a decisive moment and something that really expresses something in a nutshell, especially now that people are becoming more visual creatures and reading a lot less which is not a good thing at all. But if a photograph can be that powerful to where it can be like as if everyone was reading, I think that can be really effective.
    You’ve been to Indonesia, Egypt, Israel and you’re now in Nigeria. Why the tour?
    I’m doing it for my portfolio. For me, it’s just like honing through the mind’s eye. Like what I’m seeing and practicing through the view finder and through the edge of the frame, getting it framed up and getting better at it. I like to say that I’m a very straight photographer. I really feel like if I don’t get the photograph right the first time (I’ve never cropped a picture in my entire life, I refuse to) then I don’t deserve it because it takes away from the entire art of me doing it.
    Having traveled to many countries, what are your experiences so far? What thrilled you about these nations?
    I’m not a very religious person so I didn’t have any ideas what to expect from going to Jerusalem. I was based there for like six months or so. I’ve never really been a big fan of religion. When I got there, it kind of made me even see what devastating effects it can bring, I mean seeing two groups of people who are so segregated and so put against each other. I don’t even know now if it’s a religious thing as much as it is a political thing. But everyone will say it’s a religious thing. They don’t want to talk about that. They had two separate bus systems. There are the Palestinian buses and the Jewish buses. No one merges. If you are a Palestinian, you don’t go on the Jewish buses and vice versa. Well, I had the opportunity to go on both, but I mostly went with the Palestinian because they were cheaper.
    What in your view are responsible for the differences between the groups?
    I think it is mostly political and I don’t think there will ever be peace in that part of the world as long as it remains the holiest city. Everyone always wants a piece of it. That’s the only place I have witnessed stuff like that. When I was in Egypt for the revolution that was what I was hoping for. I was hoping to see some extreme conflict and violence and protest and I got what I anticipated.
    Were you not scared?
    According to James Nachtwey “Fear is not what’s important; it is how you deal with it. That’s like asking a marathon runner if they feel pain. It’s not a matter of if you feel it but how you manage it. It could happen to any of us at any time.” So it could just be the same thing as stepping out of my house, walking the streets of New York and getting hit by a vehicle or something.
    You have about ten tattoos on your right arm alone. Why tattoos?
    Tattoos are daily reminders of the achievements and the life experiences I’m proud of. As compared to photographs which only are seen once in awhile. I get to shower, eat and breathe with my memories. Every one of them was gotten at different times and in different places. They are more like a signature from every country I visited.
    Now that you are in Nigeria, what image of the country would you engrave on your skin?
     
    On the new currency bills (polymer notes) there is the clear /see through part on the right side. What is that symbol?
    You mean the Nigerian coat of Arms?
    Nah that’s not the one I’m thinking of actually. A festac mask will do. I’m not sure actually, may be when I hear some suggestions.
    How would you describe your stay in Nigeria?
    It’s been fun. I love Nigeria and everything here. I have some really nice Nigerian meals including jollof rice and pounded yam. I also had this type of grilled fish which was really spicy and I had to practically wipe my nose through the meal. But I enjoyed it. I would really love to stay back and be a Nigerian albino.
  • Film on Nigerians’ American dream

    Film on Nigerians’ American dream

    Rhoda Wilson, British producer, and well known television personality of the Rhoda Wilson show, is set to produce Atlanta based documentary on the Nigerian Diaspora in the United States.
    This inspirational documentary will be about Nigerians living the American dream and she has chosen Atlanta as her preferred location.
    She will on November 7-10 introduce her plans for the documentary during the 2013 BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta, a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, dedicated to bringing national and worldwide attention to Atlanta as a centre for film and film production for people from ethnic minority backgrounds across the USA.
    Speaking about the reason for her choice of location, she said: “Atlanta has long been recognized as America’s premier city for African-Americans in pursuit of a dream whether it is entertainment, business or some other pursuit”
    “We know that the Atlanta region is one of the major US centre points for the Nigerian population in the US, so we can’t think of a better market for illuminating the success of Nigerian-born citizens of the United States.”
    This documentary will offer a new perspective for this community and will prove to be a fascinating insight into this growing population.
    Wilson has always been passionate about telling the story of the Diaspora on her show and through her award-winning work. In 2012 Rhoda won the award for ‘Media Personality of The Year’ at the Nigerian Entertainment & Lifestyle Awards and in the same year Rhoda was also shortlisted in the Wise Women Awards and the Women for Africa Awards for her services to Media in the UK.

  • Open memo to Dialogue Committee

    PresidentGoodluck Jonathan has inaugurated a 13-member Advisory Committee headed by Professor Femi Okurounmu to establish modalities for the National Conference which the President had promised Nigerians during his nationwide broadcast that marked our country’s 53rd Independence Anniversary on 1st October2013. The Committee has since commenced its preliminary consultations and other activities within its mandate.

    Nigerians have already started discussing the merits and demerits of this offering by President Jonathan. The Deputy Senate President and Chairman, Senate Committee on the review of 1999 Constitution, Ike Ekweremadu, has been quoted to state that he believes a National Conference must have a legal framework for it to deserve the appellation of a ‘Sovereign’ National Conference. He may be right. Mr. Ameh Comrade Godwin quotes the Deputy Senate President as insinuating that a call for a sovereign national conference that is not backed by a suitable legal framework might lead to anarchy. He may be right too.

    The All Progressives Congress APC has announced it will boycott the conference. The party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohamed, was also reported to have described the conference as diversionary. He may be right too.

    Some Nigerians have welcomed the President’s offer as long overdue. To such groups, Nigerians need to come together and discuss the way forward for Nigeria. They may be right too.

    The country’s Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, is taking great pains to explain to Nigerians and others that the President meant well. He may be right too.

    Every Nigerian has an opinion on this national confab, whatever it may end up being called, sovereign or not. However, one reality continues to stare us all in the face in all the discourse and pronouncements concerning our affairs as Nigerians. We need a confab like this one. It is indeed long overdue. Without prejudice to the integrity of all those who have ever ruled this country, I believe that we could have fared better as a nation and as individuals given our huge human and material resources. We should have done better socially and economically. A GDP at $400b is not where we ought to be in 2013.The current 4,500 megawatt electricity capacity is definitely not where this great country should be at. Dysfunctional systems and myopic choices in public administration of schools, hospitals, infrastructure and utilities do not speak well of our country in 2013. Insecurity at all levels, kidnappings, assassinations, bomb blasts, unbridled vituperations and viperous altercations by champions of ethnic self-determinationhave not helped the matter in any way. In the meantime, well-meaning Nigerians and other friends of our nation are befuddled by the parallax positioning of our country’s great potential and the crass mediocrity in public governance. It defies all sane imaginations, to say the least. What have we done wrong as a nation?

    It is true that we are 371 identifiable tribes in Nigeria. This actually came as a surprise to me. For those who may not know and for the purpose of my treatise, I will mention us all here state by state: Igbo (Abia, Anambra, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers); Bachama, Banso, Batta, Baya, Bilei, Bille, Botlere, Bura, Bwatiye, Bwazza, Daba, Daka, Palli, Ga’anda, Gira, Gizigz, Gombi, Gude, Gudu, Gwa, Gwamba, Holma, Hona, Ichen, Jibu, Jirai, Kaka, Kambu, Kilba, Kurdul, Lakka, Lala, Ubbo, Mambilla, Matakarn, Mbol, Mbula, Muchaila, Mundang, Njayi, Pire, Sukur, Teme, Tigon, Tur, Vemgo, Verre, Wagga, Wula, Wurbo, Yungur (Adamawa); Longuda (Adamawa, Bauchi); Margi (Adamawa, Borno); Babur (Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Yobe); Kanakuru (Adamawa, Borno); Ngweshe (Adamawa, Borno); Shuwa (Adamawa, Borno); Eket, Anang, Ibeno, Ibibio, Okobo, Oron (Akwa Ibom); Andoni (Akwa Ibom, Rivers).

    Zul, Bambora, Banka, Bara, Barke, Bele, Boma, Bomboro, Buli, Burak, Buta, Chama, Chamo, Dadiya, Daza, Deno, Ouguri, Duma, Galambi, Geji, Gera, Geruma, Gingwak, Gubi, Gururntum, Gyem, Jaku, Jara, Jimbin, Kamo, Kariya, Kirfi, Kubi, Kudachano, Kushi, Kwami, Miya, Ningi, Pa’a, Pero, Polchi Habe, Rebina, Sanga, Saya, Segidi, Siri, Tangale, Tula, Waja, Warji, Zaranda, and Zayam (Bauchi).

    Jukun (Bauchi, Benue, Taraba, Plateau); Tera (Bauchi, Borno); Pulani (Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, etc.); Hausa (Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, etc.); Angas (Bauchi, Jigawa, Plateau); Jere (Bauchi, Plateau); Kwanka (Bauchi, Plateau); Limono (Bauchi, Plateau); Bole (Bauchi, Yobe); Karekare (Bauchi, Yobe); Ngamo (Bauchi, Yobe).

    Izondjo (Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, Rivers); Akweya-Yachi, Egede, Etolu, Ufia, Utokong, Yalla (Benue); Tiv (Benue, Plateau, Taraba); Idoma (Benue, Taraba); Dghwede, Gamergu-Mulgwa, Gwoza, Kanembu; Mobber, Mandara, Chinine, Gavako (Borno); Higi (Borno, Adamawa); Buduma (Borno, Niger); Abayon, Adim, Adun, Agbo, Akaju-Ndem, Anyima, Bachere, Bahumono, Bekwarra, Bette, Boki, Efik, Ejagham, Ekajuk, Ekoi, Etung, Ikom, Iyala, Mbube, Nkim, Nkum, Ododop, Olulumo, Qua, Ukelle, Uyanga, Yache, Yakurr (Cross River); Mbembe (Cross River, Enugu).

    Isoko, Isekiri, Ukwani, Urhobo (Delta); Bini, Esan, Etsako, Etuno, Okpamheri, Owan, Uneme (Edo); Ebu (Edo, Kogi); Ebirra (Edo, Kogi, Ondo); Auyoka, Warja (Jigawa); Kurama (Jigawa, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau); Attakar, Ayu, Bina, Gure, Jaba, Kafanchan, Kagoro, Kaje, Kajuru, Kanikon, Katab, Kiballo, Manchok, Moruwa, Rishuwa, Rumada, Rumaya, Srubu (Kaduna); Kanufi (Kaduna, Adamawa, Borno, Kano, Niger, Jigawa, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe); Kamaku (Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger); Uncinda (Kaduna, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto); Bassa (Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Plateau).

    Koro (Kaduna, Niger); Gwandara (Kaduna, Niger, Plateau); Gwari (Kaduna, Niger, Plateau); Mada, Ninzam, Nunku (Kaduna, Plateau); Shira, Teshena (Kano); Achipa, Danda, Duka, Zarma (Kebbi); Kambari, Reshe (Kebbi, Niger); Bunu, Gbedde,Igalla, Ijumu (Kogi); Ogori, Owe, Oworo, Yagba (Kwara); Yoruba (Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kogi); Awori, Egun (Lagos, Ogun); Baruba, Bauchi, Boko, Gade, Gurmana, Laaru, Lopa, Nupe, Pongo, Rubu, Ura, Yumu, Zabara (Niger).

    Dakarkari (Niger, Kebbi); Alago, Ron, Afizere, Afo, Amo, Anaguta, Ankwei, Bada, Bashiri, Birom, Bkkos, Buji, Burma, Bwali, Challa, Chip, Chokobo, Doemak, Eggon, Fyam, Fyer, Qanawuri, Geruma, Goernai, Gusu, Irigwe, Jidda-Abu, Kantana, Kenem, Kulere, Kwalla, Kwaro, Kwato, Mabo, Mama, Memyang, Miango, Miligili, Montol, Munga, Mushere, Mwahavul, Nakere, Pai, Pyapun, Rindire, Rukuba, Shangawa, Shan-Shan, Sikdi, Sura, Yergan, Yuom (Plateau); Tarok (Plateau, Taraba).

    Abua, Degema, Ebana, Egbema, Engenni, Epie, Etche, Gokana (Rivers); Kyenga, Shanga (Sokoto); Bakulung, Bali, Bambuko, Banda, Betso, Bobua, Chamba, Chukkol, Dangsa, Diba, Gengle, Gornun, Gonia, Gwom, Jahuna, Jero, Jonjo, Kaba, Kadara, Karimjo, Kenton, Koma, Kona, Kugama, Kunini, Kuteb, Kutin, Kwanchi, Lama, Lamja, Lau, Mbum, Mumuye, Ndoro, Nyandang, Panyam, Pkanzom, Poll, Potopo, Sakbe, Sate, Shomo, Tikar, Vommi, Waka, Wurkun, Yandang, Yott (Taraba). Finally, Affade, Bade, Buru, Chibok, Manga and Ngizim (Yobe).

    These are the exciting 371 tribes that make up Nigeria. Let me thank you for reading thus far. The geographical location of these tribes in and across state boundaries is very instructive in my humble estimation. This historical and geographical fact cannot be lost to our political attempts to set up administrative convenience or glorify champions of self-determination.We fought a bitter civil war based on self-determination. I also daresay that we created 774 local government areas based on self-determination. In spite of all these attempts at miniaturizing Nigeria, the cry for a sovereign national conference has not abated. We have now received an offer from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of an opportunity to discuss openly the way forward for Nigeria. We cannot afford to refuse this golden scepter extended to us as a free people.

    So, what should we talk about in this national confab? Let me start by positing what must not be discussed. The break-up of Nigeria should not be broached because it is negative, divisive and destructive. The confab must be about addressing the wrongs in our national life and creating a sense of belonging in every Nigerian irrespective of language, tribe, culture, religion, social status, age, gender or physical condition. We should discuss the rights, privileges and responsibilities of every Nigerian at all levels of governance and social interaction whether at federal, state or local government levels. These are unifying, edifying and positive.

    The 1979 and 1999 constitutions of this great country spoke great things about the fundamental rights of every Nigerian in all spheres of our corporate and individual existence. Every right and responsibility was well articulated. The 34-year old 1979 constitutional promises of free mobility, secure full residence rights, feeling of belonging, eradication of corrupt practices and abuse of power, efficient functioning of government services, national prosperity, self-reliant economy, equitable and judicious harnessing and distribution of the country’s resources for the common good of Nigerians, suitable and adequate shelter, food, water supply, reasonable national minimum living wage, old age care, unemployment and sick benefits, welfare for the disabled, and equal rights, obligations and opportunities have all gone up in smoke despite their reinforcement in the 14-year old 1999 constitution. Is 34 years too short a time to offer, implement and enforce these rights for all Nigerians? Other failed constitutional promises include the sanctity of the human person, zero discrimination of any kind, adequate medical and health care facilities for all Nigerians.

    Do Nigerians deserve any less? Why enshrine constitutional rights when we have no will to uphold them? Rather than speak about these real issues, we are distracted by fools who are seeking to enthrone self-determination over fundamental rights. In my humble opinion, enemies of the people of Nigeria are already touting self-determination as the panacea for the troubles of our beloved country. They posit that political minimization of Nigeria into clannish, tribal and religion-based balkanization would create better economic, political and social emancipation for the people they purport to represent. What a fallacy! The three regions of Nigeria were first divided into 12 states, then 19, then 22 (plus Abuja), then 30 and now 36 states. Some politicians are still crying and calling for more states. Have we fared better? Has the leadership culture changed to substantiate the gains of our multiplication?

    Leadership that does not recognize, hallow, respect and painstakingly seek to respect the fundamental rights of every Nigerian no matter where they may reside cannot claim to represent the democratic yearnings and aspirations of the people for a better and improving life. This is the real issue that we must come to terms with. It must be a contract between the rulers and the ruled; the leader and the led; and the governors and the governed. If this is not so, even states as small as 5 persons cannot satisfy its constituents.

    A free national forum, by whatever name it may be called, is the light in our very dark tunnel. Let us take this road and dispassionately discuss the rights, privileges and responsibilities of any person who qualifies as a Nigerian and fashion out credible ways and means to hold each Nigerian accountable for each single breach of our national contract.

     

    Robert Okechukwu OBIKUDU wrote from African Development Bank, Tunis

  • 25 killed at Adoration ground in Anambra

    Tragedy struck on Saturday  in Anambra sate community, Uke in Idemmili North local government area when 25 persons were killed during a stampe at an Adoration ground.
    At the various hospitals visited by our Correspondent Crown Hospital Nkpor, St Charles Borromeo Specialist Hospital Nkpor and Immaculate Hospital Nkpor , hundreds of sympathizers were seen rushing to find out those who survived and those who lost their lives.
    Governor Peter Obi  and the  ten people he came with to the Adoration ground including the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) , the APGA candidate Willie Obiano and others could have been victims but for leaving earlier  from the Adoration ground.
    Meanwhile, Governor said that a Panel of Enquiry would be set up immediately to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
    Obi who said he was heart-broken by the event, disclosed that he went home after the crusade satisfied on the rewarding spiritual encounter only to get the shocking news of human-induced stampede.
    He consoled all those affected one way or the other and said that those responsible would be punished if found or that God will punish them if not found.
     He said he was duly invited to the crusade and that was not the first he attended as he has attended more than 30 of such crusades, lamenting the lost for the families and the state.
    The weekly adoration crusade is usually organized by Rev. Fr Emmanuel Obinma (Ebubemonso) of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, for prayers, healing and spiritual retreat.
    Obi and his team left by 3:30 am while the adoration crusade ended by 5: 30 am according to eye witnesses.
    There were conflicting reports on how the incident started as an eye witness and Chairman of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Anambra state, Comrade Aloysius Attah  said trouble started shortly after the event, when fire sparked off from the tray pan of a woman frying plantain along the road and people shouted fire , fire , fire causing a stampede.
    He claimed about 70 persons were rescued from the scene either injured or unconscious. He could not say how many died.

     

  • U17: Nigeria beat Uruguay 2- 0

    Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets on Saturday beat their Uruguay counterparts 2-0 to qualify for the semi- finals in the FIFA- Under – 17 tournament in the UAE.

  • Babatunde injured in Volyn victory

    Babatunde injured in Volyn victory

    Michael Babatunde will be out for at least seven days after he injured his shoulder while in action for Ukrainian club Volyn on Friday.

    Volyn defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0 and is now placed 12th on the league table with 16 points from 15 games.

    Nigeria international winger Babatunde fell badly while in action in the 37th minute and injured his shoulder and was replaced by Zaderetskyi.

    The Eagles forward told MTNFootball.com that he is happy to have contributed his quota to his club’s famous victory.

    “Despite being injured, I am happy to have made a big impact in such a massive game. Before the match, I had big confidence that we can beat Shakhtar, some people didn’t give us a chance. It looked like a tall order but I am glad to be part of the big mission accomplished, though the injury didn’t allow me play much role,” Babatunde told MTNFootball.com.