The factional Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Ekundayo Elvis, has stepped down and joined forces with the Lucky Emonefe-led NANS.
Elvis said he decided to join forces with the Emonefe group in the interest of peace and unity of Nigerian students.
At a press conference yesterday, Elvis announced the stepping down of the defunct group to work with the Lucky Emonefe faction.
In December last year, the NANS election produced two factional presidents led by Comrade Pedro Chibuzor Obi and Emonefe.
Elvis said his reason for stepping down was for the purposeful leadership demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu who kept to his campaign promises to youth and students.
He added that these promises culminated in the signing of the students’ loan for indigent students and would not want any students to be deprived as a result of rift in the association.
Elvis maintained that henceforth, Nigerian students would be under one umbrella body both at home and in the Diaspora.
He said: “Let me also state that it is on record that we are not pressured by anybody or any individual in making this decision but rather, the interest of our constituents.”
NANS President, Emonefe said the stepping down of the defunct faction marked a new beginning of good things to happen in the association.
Emonefe called for the support of all members of the association to help the national leadership perform with national goal and interest of peace and progress of the people in focus.
He said: “From now henceforth, NANS is one, we will speak in one voice and we will carry the Nigerian students along.
The NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, pledged that moving forward, the association would work towards ensuring lasting peace in its processes.
President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerians to task Governors to take their responsibilities seriously by making the people the target of their development plans.
Tinubu also called for a more effective local government system that fosters community development and delivers the essentials of governance within a strengthened federal structure.
Speaking when he received a delegation of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the State House on Friday, President Tinubu emphasised that governance must be transformative and must address the critical needs of citizens.
The President however called for the deepening of governance and the reinforcement of leadership across all levels of government and institutions, adding his administration is committed to encouraging fiscal federalism and strengthening the system to enhance inclusion and equity for all Nigerians.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Nagelale, the President said “healthcare upgradation is ongoing. Road rehabilitation and construction is ongoing. Education development is ongoing. I am charging you to look at what is going on in the states. Pay attention to your state governors.
“Tell them to take their responsibilities seriously and make the people the focus of their development plans. Once there is synergy, then I can assure you that Nigeria will be one of the best nations that you will see anywhere on earth.
“Local government administration is being suffocated. People are looking at the opportunity to ensure that they survive and become more purposeful through community development programmes. What I will not support is any effort to make the local government a unitary system by handing all core responsibilities to the federal government. That is criminal when there is a federal system.
“We have a federal system. There is state and federal administration. We have two components. States must do whatever is in the best interest of their own process of administration. There is no one-size-fits-all. That is what we should do by looking at the revenue formula, and we must be consistent with federalism; fiscal federalism. Those are the things you should expect from me, not the knee-jerk reactions ahead of elections.
“Our population is growing. It is getting larger. The geographical requirement is getting bigger, so we still want more space for housing. The population is growing. So that is the basis for flexibility at the local government level. We must grow and expand,” the President said.
He said the past 12 months have been fulfilling for his administration despite the presence of some challenges that are being addressed frontally.
“It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we have stopped the bleeding. I can say categorically now that Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not bleed to death, but rather will now move to prosperity. That is the promise that I made to you all, and it is also the charge that you gave to me.
“We are managing to swim through the pond. The current is not a good one. We will turn the tide. We are turning the bend. This I assure you. I am being very careful. The worst is over for Nigeria. We will prevail.
“I thank the team who have been working really hard. All I can promise is that we will do whatever it takes. We are determined, and we will work so that all Nigerians can feel the impact of good governance,” the President said.
The President assured Nigerians that his administration will ensure they get value for every kobo spent, and that his government will leave a lasting legacy of prosperity to future generations, while removing the yoke of poor governance and expanding access to qualitative public goods.
“We will get value for our money, and it is not for ourselves, but for our children. Our children will not inherit the burden of bad governance. Yet, they will enjoy the prosperity of Nigeria as a blessed nation from our very hands; from our sweat. We will bequeath to them a nation full of pride and prosperity,” President Tinubu said.
While thanking the delegation of eminent Nigerians, President Tinubu urged continuous support for and faith in Nigeria, assuring them that his government would live up to expectations.
A total of 550 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and their family members have surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State.
The number comprised 47 males, 180 females and 323 children, according to Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
The defence spokesperson said the terrorists and members of their families surrendered during an operation conducted in Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Kukawa and Mobbar Local Government Areas of the state, from May 15 to 21.
He said troops recovered 19 AK47 rifles, five fabricated guns, 13 magazines, 691 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 241 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, four magazines, 11 motorcycles, 15 bicycles and five mobile phones among other items.
Boko Haram/ISWAP/JAS fighters in separate offensive operation, as well as ambush and fighting patrol in May 13 and 21 in Gwoza, Bama, Madagali, Konduga, Damboa and Kaga local government areas of Borno State. He said the troops, during the operation, recovered 60 AK47 rifles, 19 fabricated rifles, 35 dane guns, two double barrel guns, one single barrel gun, one GPMG, 779 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 484 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 76 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 98 live cartridges, four improved explosive device (IEDs), two vehicles, one MRAP, 17 motorcycles, among other items.
The spokesperson said troops rescued 60 kidnap victims in the nine days operation.
He said: “In May 14 and 15, following reports, troops arrested seven suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators and informant in Geidam and Gujba Local Government Areas of Yobe State as well as Mobbar and Kaga LGAs of Borno State.
“Between May 15 and 18, troops with hybrid forces in separate sting operations arrested 18 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants in Kukawa, Biu, Gamboru – Ngala, Konduga and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State.
“On 20 May 2024, a total of 350 victims comprising 6 adult males, 135 adult females and 209 children rescued from ISWAP/JAS enclaves during offensive operations in Sambisa Forest were handed over to Borno State Government commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Aisha Zuyera Gana.”
The Imo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja has upheld the election of Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Imo Governor for the second term.
In two unanimous judgments on Friday, the three-member tribunal dismissed the petition by the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their candidates in the election held on November 11, 2023.
The LP had as its candidate, Athan Achonu, while the candidate of the PDP was Samuel Anyanwu in the election.
Both parties had, in their petitions, raised allegations of non-compliance with relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and malpractices.
There was also the challenge of Uzodimma’s qualification, based on claim that his General Certificate of Education (GCE) results were forged.
They prayed the court to void Uzodimma’s election on the grounds that he did not score the majority of lawful votes cast in the election.
In the lead judgment in the petition by the LP, read by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, the tribunal held that Uzodimma’s election as Imo State governor complied substantially with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The tribunal equally held that the petitioner failed to prove their allegations of over-voting and non-compliance to the Electoral Act as required.
In the judgment in the petition by the PDP and its candidate , the tribunal equally found that the petitioners failed to discharge the burden of proof imposed in them by the law.
The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove that Uzodinma submitted forged certificate, and that the election violated the Electoral Act.
The tribunal proceeded to dismiss both petitions for lacking in merit.
This was contained in its document titled: “National Gross Domestic Product Q1 2024.”
The document also said the growth rate is higher than the 2.31% recorded in the first quarter of 2023 and lower than the fourth quarter of 2023 growth of 3.46%.
NBS said: “Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 2.98% (year-on-year) in real terms in the first quarter of 2024.
“This growth rate is higher than the 2.31% recorded in the first quarter of 2023 and lower than the fourth quarter of 2023 growth of 3.46%.”
The report said the performance of the GDP in the first quarter of 2024 was driven mainly by the Services sector, which recorded a growth of 4.32% and contributed 58.04% to the aggregate GDP.
It said the agriculture sector grew by 0.18%, from the growth of -0.90% recorded in the first quarter of 2023.
The growth of the industry sector, said NBS, was 2.19%, an improvement from 0.31% recorded in the first quarter of 2023.
The Bureau said, in terms of share of the GDP, the services sector contributed more to the aggregate GDP in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023.
The House of Representatives has begun review of the 305 memoranda and 112 bills on constitutional amendment, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu has said.
Speaking at a two day retreat of the Committee on Constitution Review, the Deputy Speaker who heads the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment, said his committee has received 305 proposals from Nigerians and 112 bills from members on various national issues.
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted him as saying that the memoranda and bills have been classified and referred to the various technical experts for review.
The Deputy Speaker further explained the amendment of the Constitution is imperative to conform to the wishes of Nigerians and to also meet up with the present economic realities.
He said: “In keeping faith with the timeline it set for itself to achieve the first set of amendment by December 2025, the Committee has undertaken the following activities: pre-inaugural meeting; sub-committees on workplan development; inauguration of the Committee; call for memoranda appointment and inauguration of Consultants; retreat of the Secretariat and Consultants of the House joint Committee Secretariat and Consultants of both the Senate and the House
“Today, the Committee will now be presented with the outcome of the review of the bills and memos received.
“Furthermore, the Constitutional amendments are instrumental in achieving better economic outcome by modernizing legal frameworks, enhancing institutional capacity, better enhancing Nigeria economic potentials, addressing emerging economic challenges and facilitating inclusive development.
“Constitutional amendment have become imperative for a couple of reasons including the need to adapt to changing economic realities; to strengthen property rights and the rule of law; to promote economic freedom and fear competition; to foster fiscal responsibilities and budgetary discipline; to enhance governance and accountability; to empower subnational government and; to facilitate for structural reforms.
“In line with our policy of full consultation with all segments of the people and the Nigerian Society, the Committee will immediately begin meeting with identified sectors and work with the following thematic areas: Local government matters, Prof. Nuhu M. Jamo; Judiciary, Barr. Mike M. Osuman (SAN); Electoral Matters, Hon. (Dr.) Samson Osagie; State Policing, Dr. Usman Ibrahim; Gender issues, Prof. Anthonia T. Simbine; other special matters, Prof. Yusuf M. Yusuf; and Human rights, Chris Uche (SAN).
“Our consultations will extend to the Judiciary, election stakeholders, women groups, traditional rulers and civil society organizations among others, and presently we have received 305 proposals from Nigerians and 112 bills sponsored by Members are at various stages of consideration in the House. These memos have been analysed by the Committee Consultants and a report will be presented to the Members during the course of this deliberations.
“We will also engage the citizens from across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones and will cap our consultations with a National Public hearing in Abuja before the end of 2024”.
The Senate President urged the federal lawmakers to be thorough in the ongoing review of the constitution, stressing that every bill and proposal must receive the needed consideration.
While applauding the work of the House committee so far, Senator Akpabio said that time has come for Nigerians to take their destiny into their hands.
He said: “I believe that at the end of the day, the senate and the House of Representatives will create a blueprint that guides us towards a more united and prosperous Nigeria. This journey has just begun in this retreat.
“So, ladies and gentlemen, the challenges before us are significant, but so are the opportunities. This opportunity is to ensure that the bills, all bills we consider and comprehend are fair, reflective of the aspiration of the Nigerian people.
“We must take into account the diverse perspectives and experiences that make up our great nation. By doing so, we lay a solid foundation for a constitution that truly represents the hope and dreams of every single Nigerian alive.
“Now is the time for us to take our destiny in our hands. Change will not occur if we passively wait for someone else or for another institution or for a different time to undertake this venture with all the power to bring about a change ourselves and change the purpose, trajectory of our new country. We are the ones our country had been waiting for. We are the embodiment of the change our country needs.
“Let us rise up to this duty and answer our country’s call, particularly at a time when we have a vice president as a legislator and a president as a legislator and even the wife of the president as a legislator. This is the right time for us to shape the future of our country through legislation”.
The Kano State Executive Council, chaired by Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, in March 2020 deposed Muhammed Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano.
He was deposed for alleged insubordination and lack of respect for the laws and traditions of Kano State.
However, Sanusi is not the first high profile monarch to have been deposed in Nigeria – over the years, a handful of other revered traditional rulers have been kicked out of office for one reason or the other.
Coincidentally, the grandfather of the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Muhammadu Sanusi I, was also deposed in 1963 for the same reason.
Below is the list of five Northern monarchs that have been deposed in Nigeria:
1. Muhammadu Sanusi I- Sanusi I took over as the 11th emir of Kano after Abdullahi Bayero passed away on December 23, 1953. Prior to becoming emir, Sanusi was a senior councilor in the emirate council, where he held significant influence over its administration for over ten years.
Reports from the palace suggest that the late emir had a good relationship with the emerging western-educated elite, helping them integrate into the native authority’s services. His appointment as emir brought about major changes in the state’s elite circles. However, disagreements arose when some senior NPC members in Kaduna became concerned about his influence.
This led to the formation of a commission to investigate the finances of the Kano native authority during Sanusi’s tenure. Chaired by D. J. M. Muffet, the commission heard testimonies from authority members and ultimately recommended that the emir resign.
Following this recommendation, the regional government asked for Sanusi I’s resignation, which he promptly submitted to Kashim Ibrahim, the governor of the northern region, on March 28, 1963.
2. Mustapha Jokolo- In June 2005, Mustapha Jokolo, the 19th emir of Gwandu a town and emirate in Kebbi State, was removed from his position by the State government.
This was due to allegations that he had made statements considered reckless and potentially harmful to national security. There were also reports of strained relationships between Jokolo and other traditional rulers in the state, as well as claims that he had neglected his duties and moved to Kaduna with his family.
Mohammed Ambursa, who was the commissioner of information in Kebbi at the time, announced that Adamu Aliero, the governor of the state, used his authority under the chiefs (appointment and deposition) law to depose the emir. Shortly after Jokolo was removed, a new emir was appointed by the state.
However, almost nine years later, in 2014, a Kebbi state high court ordered for Jokolo to be reinstated, overturning his previous removal.
3. Ibrahim Dasuki- On April 20, 1996, Ibrahim Dasuki was removed from his position as the sultan of Sokoto after an eight-year reign. He was said to have been dethroned on the orders of Sani Abacha.
Dasuki was called to Yakubu Muazu’s office, the military administrator of Sokoto at the time, and was informed of his dethronement.
He was then taken to Yola and later to Jalingo in Taraba state, where he was put into exile. Muazu mentioned that Dasuki’s removal was due to actions that allegedly caused tension among the people and within the royal family, as well as a perceived disregard for government directives.
4. Umaru Tukur- The Emir of Muri faced a similar fate as other traditional rulers in the North when he was deposed due to perceived defiance towards the state governor.
Umaru Tukur assumed the position as the 11th emir of Muri in 1966. However, after two decades into his reign, tensions arose between him and Yohana Madaki, the governor of Gongola state at the time. Their ongoing conflicts ultimately led to Tukur’s removal from his position. On August 12, 1986, Governor Madaki issued an official decree stripping Tukur of his title as emir and chairman of the Muri emirate council. Allegations of misconduct within the palace were leveled against the deposed emir by Madaki.
Subsequently, in September 1986, another order was issued by Madaki, banishing Tukur to Mubi in what is now part of Adamawa State.
Following the division of Gongola State in 1991, the territories were split into Adamawa and Taraba States.
5. Muhammed Sanusi II- He was deposed for showing “insubordination” to the authorities in the northern state of Kano.
Sanusi II, an ex-central bank chief, has had frosty relations with Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje since 2017.
Since the emir and governor fell out, Mr Sanusi has not attended state functions and official meetings, which the government said amounted to “total insubordination”.
The emir’s refusal to appear before a panel investigating allegations of corruption against him also did not go down well with the government.
However, the present Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, officially reinstated HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano State, on May 24, 2024
Five family head (Mogajis) of Soun of Ogbomoso ruling houses have knocked embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Imam Teliat Olushina Ayilara for allegedly insulting the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye consistently.
The ruling houses are Aburumaku, Gbagun, Laoye, Bolanta and Odunaro.
Representatives of these ruling houses include: Prince Lamidi Itabiyi (Mogaji Aburumaku Ruling House); Prince Sikiru Oyelami (Mogaji Gbagun Ruling House); Prince Olawole Olaoye (Mogaji Laoye Ruling House); Prince Oyebamiji Oyedeji (Rep Bolanta Ruling House) and Prince Ilufoye Olayode (Mogaji Odunaro Ruling House).
The Ayilara’s family had disowned him over alleged attacks on the Soun, describing him as an impostor, using social media to allegedly blackmail the Soun of Ogbomoso.
Ruling houses in Ogbomoso at a briefing lamented the consistent attack on Soun by the Chief Imam has polarised Muslim community and the whole of Ogbomosoland.
They warned the Chief Imam to desist from further abuse on Soun, saying by abusing the monarch, the Chief Imam was desecrating exalted throne of Soun and by extension people of Ogbomoso.
According to them: “Ayilara’s insults against the Kabiyesi are infuriating. We condemn and denounce his impudence and actions. He is warned to stop talking about the Soun; he should sort out his problem with his family as it has nothing to do with our revered Kabiyesi.
“He should never mention Soun’s name in the imbroglio again because his utterances are distracting and creating disaffection. Moreover, all the recent appointments he made are null and void, because he never obtained the approval of the Soun in accordance with custom and tradition.
“For him to have taken Soun to court is sacrilegious! How can you sue someone who installed you? Soun stool has nothing to do with whether you are a Christian or Muslim; it is an institution that transcends such absurdity.
“We reaffirm the Ogbomoso Central Mosque is the property of Soun, it belongs to the King. We reiterate the Soun ruling houses express disapproval to the impudent acts of the Chief Imam, which is a defilement of the sanctity of the throne of our forefathers.
“However, we are constricted by the court cases and we await their verdicts. In the interim, we refuse to be distracted or be drawn into the shenanigans of the Imam and his cohorts, we restate we will not take such from him again.
“What is the genesis of the problem? The Imam Ayilara family alleged he is not a bonafide member of the family and the Kabiyesi set up different panels to look into it. The recommendation of the different panels is that he steps aside while he sorts out the matter with the family.
“The Kabiyesi refuses to implement the recommendation after some eminent personalities including Senator Ayo Adeseun and Dr. Saka Balogun, appealed on his behalf that they should be given seven days (which took effect from October 23rd,2023) to make amends. But up till date they never returned.
“However, instead of the matter to fade away, it is being exacerbated by the Chief Imam himself, as he refuses to toe the path of peace. Rather, he is promoting lies and more dastardly, he is abusing the Kabiyesi. Not only that, he instituted court cases against the Soun and the Soun-in-Council. This has never happened in the history of Ogbomoso that a Chief Imam will sue Soun to court.
“Initially, we took it with a pinch of salt that it will fizzle out naturally on the basis that it is a religious matter expected to have the fear of God. We are bewildered and alarmed by the lies being peddled by the Chief Imam on the matter and more importantly, his dragging the Soun, Alayeluwa Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, into the matter and abusing the Kabiyesi. This, we take exception to.”
Edo State Government and the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) have disagreed vehemently over the custody of ancient artifacts looted from the Palace of the Oba of Benin during the Benin Massacre of 1897.
The conflict, laden with historical significance, reached unprecedented levels, sparking fervent debates surrounding cultural preservation and sovereignty.
The Council issued a strongly worded statement via its solicitors, Professors Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, and Edoba Omoregie, SAN exposing the complexities of the disputes between the entities on ownership of the looted artifacts.
The Council said the Federal Government resolution favoured the palace as the rightful owner to take custody of the artifacts.
The State Government’s proposal to establish new traditional councils in Edo South became contentious, a proposal vehemently opposed by the council, citing concerns about the potential fragmentation of the Benin Kingdom’s unity and the exclusive authority of the Oba of Benin, in traditional matters.
The statement reads: “The conflicts between the BTC and the Edo State Government appears to have begun with the bitter dispute over ownership of the ancient artifacts looted from the Palace of the Oba of Benin by the British Colonial forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897. The federal government has since settled the issue of rightful ownership in favour of the Palace by the gazetting of the ownership and custody of the artifacts in the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.
“When the idea of creating new traditional councils in Edo South was subsequently mooted by some Enigie in a letter to the State Government of November 2022, the BTC through the lyase of Benin and other chiefs of the Oba Palace made formal and informal efforts to dissuade the government from acceding to the request of the applicant Enigie.
“The BTC had emphasized that the government’s plan would amount to balkanizing the Benin Kingdom as there is no other traditional ruler in Edo South to preside over the proposed traditional councils than His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin.
“Despite the conciliatory effort of the BTC, the State Government proceeded to announce the creation of new traditional councils in the seven local government areas of Edo South to co-exist with the BTC. The State Government also seized the statutory financial entitlement of the BTC. The decision of the government to create the new traditional councils is currently being challenged by the BTC before the State High Court.
“Upon the creation of the new traditional councils, the State Governor publicly received some Enigie who had mooted the idea, including those suspended for sundry violations of traditional norms. Following the petition of the BTC of impersonation against two Enigie, the police brought a criminal charge against one of them and were on the verge of arraigning the other when the State Government intervened by nullifying the first charge.
“The State Government also wrote to the National Assembly to affirm that the creation of the new traditional councils in Edo South is a fait accompli. The two Enigie have since filed a joint suit in the State High Court to challenge their suspension.
“In the midst of these conflicts, the State Government has, without due process, written to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II on 19th April 2024 to revoke the concession of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, a concession which has been frustrated since November 2016 by the decision of the State Government to convert the Centre to a motor park,”
The Council outlined specific conditions for genuine resolution.
The Council demanded the abolition of the newly established seven traditional councils in Edo South by the State Government and sought the complete restoration of their statutory financial entitlements to the pre-establishment level and the refund of withheld balances since the councils’ creation.
It insisted on a clear commitment from the Edo State Government to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Institution, as outlined by the Benin Customary Law which included respecting established disciplinary processes under the authority of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, among others.
Ademola Lookman scored a stunning hat-trick as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final last night to win just the second major trophy in their 117-year history and end the German champions’ remarkable unbeaten streak.
Lookman, who struggled to establish himself in the English Premier League with Everton, Fulham and Leicester City before reviving his career in Italy under Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, struck twice inside the first 26 minutes before sealing the win 15 minutes from fulltime.
The victory ended Gasperini’s own two-decade long pursuit of major silverware as his side totally outplayed Xabi Alonso’s formidable Leverkusen side – or ‘Neverlusen’ as they had been dubbed after going an incredible 51 games unbeaten.
But just as they did against Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and three-times finalists Olympique de Marseille in the previous two rounds, Atalanta didn’t give their opponents a sniff to mark their first European final with a famous victory.
Leverkusen started the game looking decidedly unsure of themselves and some uncharacteristically sloppy play handed the first chance of the game to Gianluca Scamacca, who didn’t get enough on his header from a fine Matteo Ruggeri cross.
It was an early warning shot and the purposeful Italians struck within minutes when Davide Zappacosta was allowed far too much space down the right before Lookman beat a flatfooted Exequiel Palacios to the cut back to stroke home the opener.
Lookman was mobbed by his team mates and substitutes who were in dreamland 14 minutes later.
Another Leverkusen error gifted possession to the Nigeria forward, who skipped past one defender and curled a beautiful right-footed shot into the bottom-right corner from just outside the box.
The stunned Germans showed brief flashes of how quickly they can turn it on in attack but little came of it and it was Charles De Ketelaere who came closest on the break as Atalanta did not show a shred of debut final nerves nor any effects from the absence of injured captain Marten de Roon.
Leverkusen swapped defender Josip Stanisic for top scorer Victor Boniface at halftime but it changed little as both sets of travelling fans continued to create the kind of Aviva Stadium noise matched only by some of the Irish rugby teams’ famous wins or memorable international soccer nights of years gone by.
Leverkusen had only failed to score once during the run that featured 42 wins in all competitions and 17 goals scored in or after the 90th minute, but the chances of another comeback faded away against the resolute Atalanta backline.
Lookman completely extinguished them on the counterattack with another stunning strike into the top corner, this time with his left foot to complete his hat-trick, the sixth in a major European final and first since Jupp Heynckes’ for Borussia Moenchengladbach in the 1975 UEFA Cup.
He was flung into the air by his team mates 15 minutes later when the final whistle blew and the Bergamo club ended the 61-year wait since their 1963 Italian Cup triumph.
