The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • AFCON Semi-Final encounter between the two sides

    AFCON Semi-Final encounter between the two sides

    The Squad is expected to commence preparations from June with daily coverage and updates available via AfroSport and NFF TV provided from inside the camp.

    Alexandre Dujardin, Senior Sales Manager, FIFA, said : “AfroSport will provide great exposure for the revamped format of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualifications in Nigeria, a country of 200 million people, we are delighted to see that the competition continues to grow steadily in Sub- Saharan Africa”.

    Redha Chibani, CEO of MMS, said: “We are delighted to be working together with AfroSport in Nigeria, who were a long-time partner for the UEFA Champions League when I was working for CFI.

     AfroSport will undoubtedly deliver strong exposure in Nigeria through their dedicated

    channel and multiple TV partners in the most populated country in Sub-Saharan Africa, delivering unprecedented audiences”.

    Read Also: AfroSport  throws open broadcast of AFCON 2023   

    Executive Director to AfroSport, Andy Howes stated: “Building on the successful delivery of AFCON, AfroSport and its partners are thankful for the opportunity to connect with Nigeria’s loyal fans, and play its part in presenting the journey of the Super Eagles over the next 18 to 24 months.

    As was seen at AFCON, there are no easy matches in Africa. The FIFA World Cup 2026TM African Qualifiers promise to be exciting and completive to the very end. And we warmly invite the nation to join us in support of our Eagles to ensure qualification for the final tournament in 2026.”

    2026 will mark 30 years since Nigeria’s last tournament outing in the Americas, in which Nigeria were crowned Olympic champions, after triumphing over Argentina and Brazil along the way.

  • Super Eagles fans set for  feast on AfroSport

    Super Eagles fans set for  feast on AfroSport

    African Qualifiers will be broadcast live on AfroSport and NTA networks, in Nigeria.

    MMS / PC Plus Group, FIFA’s exclusive agency for the FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers in 41 Sub-Saharan African countries for a free-to-air broadcast, have awarded AfroSport with the exclusive media rights of the competition to the millions of fans across Nigeria, as the team seeks to continue its excellent form following on from its outing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

     AfroSport has also been appointed as Host Broadcaster and together with National

    Broadcaster, NTA Network shall be responsible for producing the Nigeria National Team matches and presenting to the nation.

    Read Also: AfroSport  throws open broadcast of AFCON 2023   

    With an expanded final tournament taking place in the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026, up to 10 places are up for grabs, with the winners from each of the 9 groups of six qualifying automatically, with another team having a chance through a playoff. With 8 matches remaining

    to be played Nigeria, next Matchweek will offer two matches, at home against South Africa on 7 June at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, and three days later an away fixture against Benin, to be hosted in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

    The match against South Africa will mark the first competitive outing for newly appointed coach, and former Super Eagle, Finidi George, and promises to be a thrilling match following the recent

  • Ladipo recalls wife’s  unforgettable support for Thunder Balogun 

    Ladipo recalls wife’s  unforgettable support for Thunder Balogun 

    President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo,  has yet again applauded late Alhaja Mulikat Balogun for the role  she played in making her late husband Teslimi ‘Thunder’ Balogun greatest of all Nigeria’s soccer greats.

    Ladipo said as much  as the family celebrates today  the 26th  memorial of the demise of their mother, Alhaja  Mulikat in Lagos.

    He noted that, Alhaja Mulikat was directly and indirectly responsible for the contributions and indelible marks her husband made in Nigerian football leading  to  the monumental football development in the last fifty years and more.

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    He added: “Whenever Alhaja Mulikat was at the stadium to watch and support her husband, you are sure of a superlative performance by Teslim ‘Thunder’ Balogun. This made supporters look out for her in the stadium before kick-off. With the hope their team was out to get great results. This was the scenario, until his  retirement from active football. This was the case in both local and international games.”

    He stressed: “It was Alhaja Mulikat, an uncompromising football lover that reminded her husband, Teslim Balogun, his promise to return to Nigeria from England where he was playing professional football in the English League.”

    The late Teslimi ‘Thunder’ Balogun, was at the time a professional soccer star with Queens Park Rangers Football Club of England.

    He revealed that, ‘Thunder’ Balogun’s return to Nigeria was in fulfillment of the promise he made to the late Premier of Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who persuaded him to return to Nigeria to play for Western Rovers in the prestigious Challenge Cup, now called President’s Cup.

     “She didn’t stop there, but also followed up in supporting her husband in his sojourn in the national team of Nigeria.

    “She made it her duty to be physically present at all the venues where national team of Nigeria played their games supporting her husband all through massively.

    “Alhaja Mulikat, was the biggest supporter of ‘Thunder’ Balogun when he played competitive club football games in the city of Lagos.

    “It is believed that Alhaja Mulikat who ever presence in all those historic games he played in club football gave him the motivation to score all those unforgettable historic goals he scored in his entire football career. She was there all the time,” noted Dr. Ladipo.

  • Rangers, Remo Stars, Enyimba in tough duels as NPFL returns

    Rangers, Remo Stars, Enyimba in tough duels as NPFL returns

    Following a month break, the NPFL stages a return this weekend with the top four title rivals and bottom placed teams in difficult games writes TUNDE LIADI

    The 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League Premiership season continues this weekend with MatchDay 33 fixtures following more than a month of recess necessitated by the backlogs of Rivers United’s outstanding games owing to their CAF Confederation Cup participation.

    Rivers United, the last surviving Nigerian club on the continent were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by then reigning champions, USM Alger of Algeria in the quarter final and because of Pride of Rivers’ commendable run in the second tier clubs’ competition, they had accumulated five games at hand which must be played before the remaining MatchDays are decided for sporting fairness.

    The NPFL organisers announced the stop of the topflight games after MatchDay 32 last month to allow Rivers United complete their five outstanding matches. The fixtures have now been played and the remaining of the six MatchDays can now go ahead.

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    Meanwhile, it is a weekend of local derbies in Umuahia and Jos with the ‘Abian derby’ holding at the Umuahia Township Stadium between Abia Warriors and reigning league champions, Enyimba tomorrow  while Plateau United will trade tackles with Niger Tornadoes at the New Jos Stadium in a North Central derby.

    Enyimba edged their neighbours and Oriental brother, 2-1 when this game was played last  December and it is expected to be a closed affair also when the return leg is played in Umuahia tomorrow.

     The People’s Elephant whose coach, Yemi Olanrewaju is away in Scotland for a coaching course, need the three points to stay in the hunt for title defence while Abia Warriors would cherish the points too to further steer clear of the relegation zone.

    Enyimba are third with 53 points having lost two points to the Nigeria Football Federation Disciplinary Committee’s verdict which ruled that their home game with Doma United that hitherto ended 1-0 in their favour was overturned to have finished goalless. Abia Warriors are 11th  with 44 points.

    Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes will face each other in the North Central derby having scores to settle. The fixture ended 3-2 in the Peace Boys’ favour in Kaduna in December but both teams have also just been eliminated from the President Federation Cup on Wednesday.

    Plateau United were beaten on penalties by Sunshine Stars while Tornadoes lost 1-0 to Rivers United. Both were Round of 32 games. It was Tornadoes’ second defeat to the Pride of Rivers in three days having lost 3-2 to them in Port Harcourt in an outstanding NPFL game last Sunday.

    Plateau United with Mbwas Mangut in charge have now slipped to the sixth spot on the log with 50 points and only a win on Sunday will see them back in the top four if other results go in their favour while Tornadoes will be comfortable with a draw at least to keep them outside the drop zone for at least one week. They are 12th  with 42 points and a loss could see them back in the bottom four on goals difference.

    In Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, table topper, Enugu Rangers cannot afford to slip up in the title race with Remo Stars who play against Kwara United in Ilorin on Sunday breathing down their neck with just a point gap in second spot with 56 points. Rangers host Bayelsa United tomorrow.

    The Flying Antelopes need a home win to remain in charge at the top while the visitors cannot afford to lose the tie. Currently out of the relegation zone by goals difference in 16th  spot with 39 points, the Prosperity Boys could be in the bottom four by the time the weekend’s games are completed, if they lose the tie.

    Sunshine Stars that occupy the last relegation spot in 17th  spot with 39 points are at home to Bendel Insurance and buoyed by their victory in the President Federation Cup over Plateau United, a home win over the Benin Arsenals will see them move out of the drop zone if other results go in their advantage. Bendel Insurance pipped Sunshine Stars 1-0 in the first leg played in Benin.

    At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Heartland FC will be singing revenge song when Gombe United come calling tomorrow.

     The Desert Scorpions laid out the Naze Millionaires by two unreplied goals in the first leg played in Gombe. A home win will keep Christian Obi and his wards mathematically still in contention to remain in the topflight but anything other than that could spell doom.

    In Lafia, Lobi Stars will like to put their recent unproductive spells behind them when they trade tackles with 2021 champions, Akwa United who are troubled by relegation this term. The Promise Keepers nicked the tie 1-0 in Uyo in the first leg.

    The Pride of Benue were eliminated by Shooting Stars in the President Federation Cup in the Round of 32 on Wednesday while the season that hitherto looked promising is crash landing with so much impact for Paul Agagbe boys. They are now fifth on the log with 52 points, five points away from the league leaders, Rangers International FC. It will be a dicey tie on Sunday because both teams cannot afford to lose points in the encounter. A draw cannot even assuage both teams with Akwa United in 18th spot with 37 points.

    In Port Harcourt, Rivers United will strive to make it third consecutive win in all competitions when they face Sporting Lagos. They defeated Niger Tornadoes twice in two competitions within the spate of three days and a win against Sporting Lagos will see them climb further the league log than their present ninth spot with 44 points. The Noisy Lagosians edged the Pride of Rivers 1-0 when the first leg was played.

    Shooting Stars’ recent impressive stints will face a big test in Katsina when they slug it out with Katsina United. The Changi Boys have turned the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium to their fortress and have hardly recorded poor results in recent fixtures.

     The Ibrahim Sadauki side are seventh with 48 points and will be knocking on the top five door with a home win. But the Oluyole Warriors who are currently fourth with 52 points could move into the top three with a positive result if Enyimba stumble in the Abian derby. Katsina United held Shooting Stars to a 1-1 draw in Ibadan in the first leg.

    In Kano, Doma United will be eager to complete a sensational double over Kano Pillars whom they beat 1-0 in Gombe in the first round last December.

     The Savannah Tigers are 15th  on the table with 40 points following a turbulent second stanza of the season. They were flying in the first stanza and even went on nine games unbeaten streak before Lobi Stars pinned them 2-1 on December 17th, 2023 to end it.

    Not long thereafter, they went eight games without a win. It was halted briefly with a 1-0 victory in Uyo against Akwa United but they slipped back to the same mood and are yet to win again after three games played thereafter.

    Kano Pillars are almost in similar form as Doma United. They have won just two game from six games and must beat Doma United to quell any thought of relegation talks having just returned from the lower league this season. They are 10th  with 44 points from 32 games.

    NPFL MatchDay 33 Fixtures

    Rangers vs Bayelsa United

    Rivers United vs Sporting Lagos

    Abia Warriors vs Enyimba

    Katsina United vs Shooting Stars

    Sunshine Stars vs Insurance

    Heartland vs Gombe United

    Lobi Stars vs Akwa United

    Kano Pillars vs Doma United

    Kwara United vs Remo Stars

    Plateau United vs Niger Tornadoes

  • BREAKING: LP suspends national chairman Abure for alleged anti-party activities

    BREAKING: LP suspends national chairman Abure for alleged anti-party activities

    The National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has been suspended.

    A letter of suspension dated May 14, 2024 and another on May 15, 2024 were ratified at a meeting of the state executive committee on Friday night in Benin. 

    They stated that the suspension was with immediate effect.

    It advised Abure to stop holding out or parading himself as a member of the party.

    The letter of suspension was signed by the Ward Chairman, Thompson Ehiguese, and Ward Secretary, Stanley Usiomoh.

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    “While the suspension is with immediate effect, you are advised to refrain from holding out or parading yourself as a member of Labour Party, Ward 3, Arue, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State,” the letter said in part.

    The State Executive Committee led by Kelly Ogbaloi endorsed the decisions of the ward and local government committee of the party on Friday.

    Ogbaloi said that the state executive council had no choice but to endorse the suspension which was also ratified by the party’s executive council in Esan North East local government area of the state.

    Also, the state deputy chairman of the party, Mr. Patrick Agbontaen, said the party was fed up with the series of allegations of misdemeanour against the embattled national chairman and was fully in agreement with the decision to suspend him until further notice.

    The ratification letter reads: “Here forwarded to you and for your consideration is the ratification of the suspension of Julius Abure from the membership of Ward 3, Arue, Uromi, Ean North East LGA, Edo State.

    “The LGA Executive met on 15th of May, 2024, about noon, to consider the matters presented on the suspension and accordingly found them weighty and the suspension ratified and upheld.”

  • Timeline of Governor Dauda Lawal’s Efforts in Combating Banditry

    Timeline of Governor Dauda Lawal’s Efforts in Combating Banditry

    By Suleiman Bala Idris

    Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has been blazing the trail in terms of rescuing the Northwestern state from the fangs of underdevelopment, and dilapidating infrastructure, by protecting the lives and property of its citizens since his inauguration as the Chief Executive Officer of the state in the last one year.

    Having met the state as a hub of banditry, where gunmen kidnap helpless citizens for ransom, maiming, and killing them, as well as wanton destruction of sources of livelihood, Governor Dauda Lawal made it his article of faith to reverse that ugly trend, and restore hope to the citizens.

    Governor Dauda Lawal, just like he turned the state, particularly, the state capital into construction sites by rebuilding massive infrastructure, he also didn’t relent in engagement overtures to different stakeholders in the security sector to end the decade-old menace of banditry in the state.

    He made the issue of security a priority just like building road networks, rebuilding and equipping hospitals and schools, providing pipe-borne water, paying workers salaries, upsetting billions of naira arrears to exams bodies, among others. Below is the timeline of Governor Dauda Lawal’s engagements with key actors in the security and defence architecture in the last one year.

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    May 29, 2023
    Governor Dauda Lawal was sworn in as the Executive Governor of Zamfara State.
     
    June 1, 2023
    Governor Lawal received a security briefing from the Security Chiefs in the state, where possible ways to address the continuous aggression by the bandits in some remote areas.
     
    June 1, 2023
    The governor met with the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 10, Bello Sani Dalijan, and Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Bunu in his office, where they discussed the state’s security, among other key issues.
     
    June 12, 2023
    Governor Lawal met with the GOC 8 Division, General GM Mutkut, to discuss key issues concerning insecurity in the state.
     
    June 14, 2023
    He had a closed-door meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
     
    June 21, 2023
    The governor received Group Captain Sekegor in his office, where they discussed improving military surveillance/operations in the state.
     
    July 12, 2023
    Governor Lawal visited the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, where he briefed the new CDS on the security challenges ravaging the state.
     
    July 24, 2023
    Governor Lawal again met with security czars that including the National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu, CDS Chris Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Major General TaoreedLagbaja, in Abuja.
     
    August 14, 2023
    The governor also received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, and high-ranking officers of the Nigerian army from the 8th Division who are on an operational visit to Zamfara state.
     
    August 17, 2023
    Governor Lawal, in the company of his Niger State counterpart, Mohammed Umar Bago, again visited NSA Ribadu in his office in Abuja, as part of efforts to improve synergy between the two states and the office of the Office of the NSA.
     
    August 18, 2023
    Dr Lawal held separate meetings with the Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security, and Civil Defence Corps Ahmed Abubakar Audi, in Abuja.
     
    October 12, 2023
    The governor received the Commander of the Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC), Major General Bello Alhaji Tsoho, in his office in Gusau.
     
    November 9, 2023
    Governor Lawal chaired a State Security Council meeting, where they discussed ways of resolving security challenges facing the state.
     
    November 30, 2023
    Governor Lawal visited the training camp of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards for an on-the-spot assessment.
     
    December 26, 2023
    The governor visited President Bola Tinubu at the State House Abuja, discussing new strategies for ending the bandits menace in the state.
     
    January 18, 2024
    The governor banned traditional rulers from issuing mining licenses as another strategy for de-escalating conflict in the state.
     
    January 28, 2024
    Governor Lawal attended a two-day roundtable on insecurity organised by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
     
    January 31, 2024
    The governor officially launched the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG) as a new measure to tackle banditry in the state.
     
    February 7, 2024
    The governor inaugurated a 21-member Board of Trustees of Zamfara State Security Trust Fund to tackle insecurity.
     
    March 9, 2024
    The governor commissioned an integrated office complex for the state Board of Trustees of the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund.
     
    March 13, 2024
    Governor Lawal signed an Executive Order prohibiting the use of tinted glass, the illegal sale of petroleum, unlabeled as a major way of cutting supplies to bandits.
     
    March 26, 2024
    The governor visited the Chief of Defense Staff, General Chris Musa, at the Defence Headquarters Abuja, urging him to deploy more troops to the state.
     
    April 22, 2024
    Dr Lawal met with the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Mrs Amina Mohammed, where he said he would deploy high-level technology to combat banditry.
     
    May 2, 2024
    Governor Lawal hosted participants of Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17/2024 from the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), there they espoused using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for addressing insecurity in the state.  

  • Fakorede shines again

    Fakorede shines again

    Dr. Seun Fakorede is not a name that suddenly leaped out of nowhere, through sheer hard work, consistency, and determination; he has risen remarkably to the ranks of his career.

    So far, the Obafemi Awolowo University distinguished alumnus has worn many caps and played many roles, but surprisingly, like a skilled performer, he played all his parts so well, so efficiently, as to earn applause. His invaluable role in societal and youth development is worthy of mention.

    Fakorede, a registered Engineer under the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in October 2022 bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Public Administration at the Prowess University, Delaware, USA.

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    His latest appointment as Executive Adviser on Youth and Sports to the Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde is a testament to his outstanding track record. The flurry of congratulations pouring in for Fakorede clearly confirms the saying that “success has many relatives” and that “failure is an orphan”.

    The gentleman of solid pedigree became the youngest commissioner in Nigeria’s history when he was appointed Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State from August 2019 to 2023.

    Fakorede, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, also won The Future Awards Africa Prize for Governance in 2020 and was named a 2022 Politician of the Year by One Young World.

    So far, the achievements of Dr. Fakorede which may come in a small physical frame, are giant steps. For a man from humble beginnings, he has never flustered. His gait and footsteps are advertisement of his self-assurance and confidence.

    As he takes up the latest task, he brings to the fore his expertise and rich experience in expanding the space for youth innovation in governance.

  • Jarigbe bridges hope

    Jarigbe bridges hope

    In the 10th National Assembly, Senator Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North District, is a shining example of effective representation and transparency. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Jarigbe has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents and the growth of the gas industry.

    With a people-oriented approach, Senator Jarigbe has raised the bar for representation, engaging with his constituents and involving them in the decision-making process. His proactive approach has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the people he serves.

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    Transparency is a hallmark of Jarigbe’s tenure in the 10th National Assembly.

    He has consistently stood by the truth, even in the face of adversity, and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the interests of his constituents are protected.

    In the gas industry, Jarigbe’s contributions have been significant. He has played a crucial role in shaping policies that promote the growth and development of the sector, creating opportunities for investment and job creation. His expertise and leadership have helped to address some of the challenges facing the industry, and his commitment to transparency and accountability has earned him the trust of stakeholders.

  • On Oloyejulius’s new dream

    On Oloyejulius’s new dream

    In a move to encourage dialogue and exchange of knowledge, High Chief Obio Olushola Oloyejulius has established the Elders Forum.

    The Elders Forum, according to High Chief Obio, serves as a platform for individuals with extensive experience and knowledge to come together, share insights, and discuss pressing matters facing society.

    The inaugural edition of the Elders Forum witnessed the gathering of esteemed personalities including Femi Branch, Seyi Awolowo, Omotola Ayodeji Slasha, Judith Chiemeke, Dr. Taofik Kolawole, Ambassador Wahala, and Prince White.

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    High Chief Obio remarked that the Elders Forum is not just a gathering but a movement towards positive change and progress by bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise with the aim of facilitating meaningful discussions, fostering collaboration, and driving actionable solutions to the forefront of societal challenges.

    The captivating musical performance by Demola Strings Omo Ologo at the event further enhanced the ambiance of collaboration and camaraderie.

    In addition to his commitment to societal betterment, Obio is leading the charge in revolutionising the entertainment industry with Oloflix. Oloflix, a pioneering pay-per-view entertainment streaming platform, is poised to disrupt the traditional pay TV landscape by offering premium and exclusive content that showcases the richness of African culture to a global audience.

  • Akintayo intensifies philanthropy

    Akintayo intensifies philanthropy

    Dr. Stephen Akintayo is filled with so much joy as you read this and has been dancing like biblical King David for his achievements in life and the current state of his dream, the GText group.

    The reason for Akintayo’s immense joy stems from the gladness of the achievements of the group and team as he celebrates the 16th anniversary of his beloved group, which is fast turning into a conglomerate, GText Group.

    With a scheduled dinner at Eko Hotel and Suites sometime this month for the anniversary, Akintayo has promised to intensify his philanthropic gestures across Africa.

    The chairman, GText Group, has announced a total of N16m to be given out as grants to individuals with small-scale businesses, couples who jointly own businesses, and mentees, who have a working business and meet the criteria for the grant.

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    Akintayo also announced plans to reward his marketers as well as clients during the 16th anniversary of the real estate group.

    While many wonder why Akintayo has decided to keep giving out continuously, some naysayers insist he has political ambition. And just like a voicemail system machine, aides of the graduate of the Olabisi Onabanjo University were quick to note that he has no interest in politics nor has he ever shown interest.

    The aides went further to state that Akintayo is focused on building people, and institutions that would outlive him while making an indelible impact on humanity.

    The dark-skinned orator also hinted that he has a solution to Nigeria’s housing deficit if any state or federal government needs it.