The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Territorial gain on Tinubu’s call

    Territorial gain on Tinubu’s call

    What happened in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on May 14 went largely unnoticed because its significance was lost on a section of the media. Elsewhere, such ceremonies are celebrated with pomp and panoply, with the media in the front row, covering the event. As a result of the media freeze, the citizens have been kept in the dark about it. Up till now, it has not been a hot topic for discussion on television channels that take delight in tearing the President apart. Let them tear this issue apart now and not the person of the President.  

    Make no mistakes about it; it was an historic event. An event that happens not quite often but once in a while because of the rigorous process involved for any nation desirous of getting additional maritime boundaries.

    At the State House in Abuja that bright and sunny Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who clocks one in office in six days time, walked tall as he received the report on the extension of the country’s maritime boundary by the United Nations from the Ambassador Hassan Tukur-led High Powered Presidential Committee (HPPC) on Nigeria’s Extended Continental Shelf Project. Marine and Blue Economy Minister Gboyega Oyetola was there.

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    No nation wishes to lose any part of its territory. They want to gain more whether in wartime or peacetime. Nigeria knows how painful it is to lose part of its territory. Till today, it has yet to recover from the loss of the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroun. Fate has decided to compensate Nigeria for that loss, with the extension of its maritime boundaries in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

    The territorial gain could not have come at a better time than now that the Tinubu administration is planning to celebrate its first year in office. There is no anniversary gift better than the extension of Nigeria’s maritime boundaries by 200 nautical miles. The extension is the outcome of a five-year project. In 2019, Nigeria applied to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) to extend its continental shelf.

    During the presentation of the committee’s report to Tinubu, a member  and marine scientist, Prof Larry Awosika, said the UN has approved Nigeria’s submission and granted it sovereignty over additional square kilometres of maritime territory. “As it stands now, the area approved for Nigeria is about 16,300 square kilometres, which is about five times the size of Lagos State”, Aliyu Omar, a surveyor and secretary of the HPPC, said.

    The granting of a country’s request for an extension of its continental shelf is not a given. It must be backed by hard facts and geographical data. Without such a strong proof, the requesting country will only be fishing in troubled maritime waters. All nations guard jealously their territories and the abutting body of waters, which in most cases is full of natural and maritime resources. The aquatic life underneath the waters hold a lot of economic benefits for a nation’s development and growth.

    All that is required is to explore these enormous resources for the betterment of the country. Many African countries, however, fail in this regard because of the lack of capacity to explore and use these resources for their turnaround, thereby leaving the highly lucrative cabotage and maritime industry to foreigners. This is a subject for another day.

    For now, the extension of Nigeria’s continental shelf at a time like this raises hope of a brighter future. It is portentous that it came amid preparations for the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the return to democary and the first year in office of the President.

    There is a reason, time and season for everything. Why the extension was granted in the life of this administration will be made manifest in a matter of time. A gain in territory for Nigeria  in this shark-infested world  is therefore not a small deal. Nations fight for additional territory in their bid for expansion because of the human and economic potential. In the course of the fight, millions are killed, maimed or rendered homeless and become unwanted settlers in faraway land.

    The President put it better when he received the HPPC members: “Nigeria is grateful for the efforts that you put into gaining additional territory for the country without going to war. Some nations went to war, lost people and economic opportunities. We lost nothing but have gained great benefits for the country”. The challenge is in making these benefits go round. As the President often says, the people come first in whatever he does. Surely, under him, the people will reap the benefits of this territorial gain, which the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Director-General Adamu Adaji describes as “a significant achievement” for the present administration.

    Congratulations, Nigeria.

  • Death of President Raisi and seven others

    Death of President Raisi and seven others

    On Sunday, May 19, the helicopter carrying the president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, his foreign secretary, Hossein Amirabdollahian and a state governor and six other security men and officials of the Iranian government died on the hills of Azerbaijan province neighbouring the Republic of Azerbaijan when the Bells helicopter carrying them made a hard landing following a technical fault. There were two other helicopters in the president’s entourage. Those two landed safely after the crash. President Raisi was going to commission a hydroelectric dam that was to share power with the neighbouring republic of Azerbaijan.

    The cause of the accident which is still being investigated was said to be due to inclement weather. From what the news media showed the world, the fog in the environment of the fatal accident was so thick that one could barely see.

    The questions that have agitated sensible minds are why was the helicopter flying into the foggy weather in a hilly area where visibility was terribly low? What was the meteorological institution in Iran doing that it could not tell the pilot of the helicopter that it was unsafe to fly? Or was he told and he ignored the warning? The president’s security chief must have seen how bad the weather was and yet he allowed the pilot to fly the president of a major nation into a weather storm. The helicopter used appears to be a Bell helicopter purchased by the dethroned Shah of Iran Muhammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979 or earlier. Why was the president of the country using such an old helicopter? If this helicopter was refurbished, where did the parts come from because of the western sanctions on Iran would have made genuine parts difficult to purchase. Was the president of Iran so inconsequential that he would have been using an old helicopter? These are questions that the board of enquiry probing the cause of the crash must look into.

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    The message of condolence by the Italian prime minister, Ms Georgia Meloni is very significant. She praised the Iranian regime for not spreading any rumours about possible foreign involvement in the accident and the US Secretary of Defence,   General Lloyd Austin in a press conference, publicly stated that the outcome of the enquiry into the cause of the accident is being eagerly awaited. That is the way it should be because of the importance of Iran in the politics of the Middle East and what any irresponsible statement could have led to.

    The Iranian regime has demonstrated political stability expected of the country that is a proud inheritor of Ancient Persian civilization that predated its western competitors. Iran is of course not a democracy in the mould of western democracy.  President Raisi may not have been popular with the intelligentsia or the women of Iran. Nobody knows what the majority of its people want. But it is clear that all Iranians want to live in dignity unmolested and unharassed by the western powers especially the United States and Europe and their protégé Israel.

    Iran takes its Islamic religion seriously especially the Shiite brand of it and it is prepared to defend it against foreign influence. This was the reason for the Islamic revolution against the Shah in 1979 because, whether rightly or wrongly, the supporters of Ayatollah Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini felt the Americans were calling the shots. It was not just the Islamic fundamentalists alone who were against western influence, even western educated Iranians embraced the fervour of nationalism and were also prepared to support the Khomeini revolution. They may of course be disappointed by the theocratic state that emerged out of the revolution but they are not prepared, it seems, to embrace a western driven anti-Islamic and anti-nationalist revolution.

    The death of President Raisi is a national setback for the country. Outsiders accuse him of rigidity in his enforcement of conservative dressing and wearing the chador and covering the head by women and generally not permitting liberal democratic rights in the society and for not tolerating ethnic minorities like the Kurds in the Northwest. These are not necessarily Raisi’s policies but collective policies of the revolution and those around the Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who appears to wield absolute power.

    Immediately the news of Raisi’s death broke, Ali Khamenei issued a statement that Raisi may be dead but the Iranian state remains and its government remained solid. He announced that the first vice president, Mohammad Mokhber becomes acting president. He also declared five days of mourning nationwide and that as the constitution of the republic requires a new election would hold on June 28 to elect a new president.  Because of the age of the Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei himself – 85, people have started wondering what would happen if he were to die because he has no deputy leader apparently because the leader did not want one even though he himself was the great Mohammad Khomeini’s deputy. There is no doubt that when the time comes the Islamic republic would rise to the occasion. President Raisi was thought destined to be the leader but apparently this was not meant to be. In the Islamic world succession to power has not always been difficult.  Immediate deputy or sons of the leaders have most of the time succeeded their fathers.

    As an observer of the international scene, I had watched and read the messages of sympathy by world leaders to the people and government of Iran. Up till the time of my writing this, I have not seen any message from the United States president. If it is true, this is unfortunate. This can be because the two countries embassies in each other’s capitals have been closed since 1979. Even though the Swiss embassy represents American interest in Tehran, that section should have been mandated to issue an official statement of condolences on behalf of President Joe Biden and the American people.  These things are done whether nations are friendly or not and this would have been an opportunity to reset relations between the two countries. States sometimes behave organically and Iran would have remembered American sympathy in future when America may need the support of Iran. One never knows? There are no permanent enemies or friends in politics among nations but permanent interests.

    The statements of condolences from Russia was very warm and sincere, Iran supplies most of Russia’s drones in its fight in Ukraine  and Putin’s statement made allusion to how President Raisi has facilitated warm and fraternal relations between Russia and Iran. Prime Minister Modi of India that gets substantial supply of India’s petroleum from Iran was no less effusive in expressing sorrow at the sad departure of President Raisi. President Xi Jinping of China who played significant role in reconciling Saudi Arabia and Iran expressed his sorrow as a genuine friend. Rishi Sunak of Britain and Ursula von Leyden the president of the European Union issued formal statements of regret at the death of Raisi.

    Maduro of Venezuela praised Raisi to high heavens. As to be expected Saudi Arabia, Turkey which helped in locating the wreckage of the helicopter and all major Islamic nations like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia Indonesia and Iranian neighbours in the Gulf either out of fear or as a result of genuine love, sympathised with Iran for the loss of their president. Those countries and entities like Syria, Yemen, Iraq and the Palestinians were open in crying over their loss. Expression of sympathy by Israel would not have been seen as genuine but I would not be surprised if Israel were to offer sympathy to Iran because the religion of Judaism demands we mourn with mourners and rejoice with those rejoicing.

    I am sure Nigeria has offered its condolences and if possible we should be represented at the final obsequies on Thursday, June 24.

    A final note on the Iranian tragedy. It was reported that our presidential plane broke down during an official visit of our president to the Netherlands. This to me is a national humiliation and should not be allowed to repeat itself. If we must show the flag we must do it properly. The presidential plane is not personal to any president and if the one we have is not airworthy we must buy another one.

  • Subsidy on religious pilgrimage?

    Subsidy on religious pilgrimage?

    Sir: Recently, Vice President Kashim Shettima confirmed that the President Tinubu led government has approved a staggering N90 billion as subsidy for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. At a time when Nigerians are still grappling with the economic ripple effects of the removal of fuel subsidy?  This move is bunkers and there is no rationale whatsoever behind such a decision!

    For a country facing numerous challenges, allocating N90 billion to subsidize a religious pilgrimage is inexcusable. This money earmarked for the subsidy could be better utilized to address other pressing issues that abound at this time! For crying out loud, we have been going back and forth on salary increase for workers to no end, but at the speed of light, we blow N90 billion on some religious tourism? And to add insult to injury, funds are still going to be allocated for Christian pilgrimage and maybe for traditionalists! It’s outrageous!

    Read Also: Day Kashim Shettima shocked his boss

    The discussion about the government completely disengaging from funding religious pilgrimages is not new.  Subsidizing pilgrimages provides no tangible benefits whatsoever to the economy or the country’s well-being. Religion is a deeply personal matter and should be financed privately by those who choose to undertake such voyages. The government’s involvement in subsidizing religious activities amounts to misallocating scarce resources and stands condemned.

    Again, at this time, the need for a more judicious allocation of resources cannot be overstated. With N90 billion, the government could make significant strides in several critical areas. It’s insane that we boost other countries’ economies with religious tourism at the expense of ours!

    It’s time to stop putting unnecessary financial burden on the economy.

    Just as the subsidies on fuel and electricity were deemed unsustainable and detrimental to our long-term economic growth, the same rationale should apply to subsidies on religious pilgrimages. Governments at all levels, both state and federal, must prioritize fiscal responsibility at this time more than ever, by phasing out subsidies for religious pilgrimages.

    •Chiechefulam Ikebuiro

    chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com

  • Fish them out

    Fish them out

    •Government must apprehend all culprits of Kogi varsity abductions

     At the last count, 21 kidnapped students of the Confluence State University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Lokoja, Kogi State, had been rescued after the multiple abduction that recently occurred at the institution. Gun-wielding terrorists had on May 9 stormed the Osara campus of the institution and abducted students who were said to be in the lecture halls at late hour, studying in preparation for their first semester examination.

    Kogi State Police Command late last week said seven more students were rescued to make a total of 21 students pried loose from the kidnappers’ hold. These were in addition to 14 students rescued penultimate weekend. Command spokesperson Williams Ovye-Aya, a Superintendent of Police, said the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun had deployed an helicopter and aerial surveillance operatives to bolster rescue operations led by the state commissioner of police Bethrand Onuoha. He had earlier said the students were rescued following gun duels with the kidnappers.

    Ovye-Ara spoke against the backdrop of reports by Kogi State Government that four more students were being sought going by its records. Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement, said all rescued students had been reunited with their families. He stated that local vigilance operatives and regular security personnel engaged the kidnappers in a shootout to effect the rescue of the abductees, adding that the kidnappers “succumbed to superior firepower and escaped with gunshot wounds, leaving the kidnapped students who ran in different directions to avoid being caught up in the fire exchange.” According to him, a local hunter and a Department of State Services (DSS) operative sustained injuries in the shootout and were receiving medical attention.

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    When the terrorists struck on the night of May 9, they reportedly accessed the institution through the surrounding bush, went into three lecture halls where students were studying for their upcoming examinations and began shooting in the air to scare them, following which an uncertain number of students were herded off into captivity. In a statement on the heels of that incident, the Kogi State government pledged safe return of the abducted students, adding that it had “activated the security architecture to track the kidnappers and ensure the abducted students are rescued and the abductors apprehended.” The uncertainty of the toll of abductees was underlined by the government’s claim that nine students were affected.

    Upon his visit to the institution soon after the incident, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo alleged sabotage. He said the institution was equipped with close circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all the classrooms and a campus perimeter fence, but those cameras were turned off at the time the terrorists struck. “We are prepared to protect the students, and that is why we allowed them to stay on the campus. We installed CCTV cameras in all the classrooms and the entire perimeter of the university campus. Yet, on the day of the attack, our investigation so far revealed that all the cameras were switched off. This can only be attributed to sabotage by internal collaborators,” the governor said as he was taken round the campus by CUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdulrahman Asipita. “Our security agencies are on their heels and investigation is ongoing. All our students shall return safely and the perpetrators shall be brought to book,” he added.

    Well, the Kogi State government and the police have their job clearly cut out and they can’t afford not to deliver. Students yet remaining in captivity must all be rescued alive, and as much as possible without hurt. But the kidnappers and their collaborators must as well be unfailingly tackled down and brought to justice. Whoever it was that turned the CCTV cameras off in CUSTECH is / are integral to the university’s security system and shouldn’t be too difficult to track down. It isn’t as if the whole university needs to be turned inside out to ferret out such persons. It is also instructive that the internal collaborators were in active contact with the terrorists outside, such that they knew when the terrorists were coming and prepared the way for their evil exploit. If such internal collaborators are identified, it could be just a short stop from unmasking much of the terrorist network operating in Kogi State and adjoining areas.

     Also, the government, in conjunction with the police must not fail to apprehend the terrorists themselves and bring them to justice as vowed.

    A major way of terminating the menace of insecurity is deterrence as entailed in apprehending culprits. That is a duty government owes law-abiding citizens.

  • Cybersecurity levy

    Cybersecurity levy

    •Its suspension would enable government clear suspicions, confusion

    It took a circular from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directing all money deposit banks to ensure deduction of a levy of 0.5 per cent from all electronic transfers to a dedicated account for the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to combat cyber crime. The fund is said to have been necessitated by the growing incidents of cybercrimes in the country.

    The Nigerian cyber space has been bedevilled by so many attacks that have the tendency to erode interest and confidence in banking and the financial system generally.  The May 6 CBN circular that mandated banks to effect deductions from May 20 was seen by many as one tax too many.

    However, following intervention by federal lawmakers, around which protests galvanised, the President instructed a suspension of the levy’s payment.

    This is the way to go in a democracy where public opinion is respected by elected officials.

    The CBN has argued that its action is in line with the Cybercrimes Prevention Act of 2015, amended in February, 2024.

    However, the confusion and outcry came from the attempt by the apex bank to push the payment to all bank customers, save some specified exemptions, whereas the act expects only some corporate bodies to pay.

    Read Also: NBS: Nigeria had 250,227 policemen in 2022

    As government banker that also has supervisory authority over all the banks, we expect the CBN to have thoroughly studied the act, taking advice from its legal department. The flip flop is unnecessary and avoidable at a time when most people are impacted by the state of the economy.

    Already, bank customers are unhappy with their banks because of the myriad of inexplicable charges on their accounts. To add any other, however meager, could only have provoked the kind of outcry witnessed in the past week.

    For the apex bank to be robed in dignity, it must be seen to be independent, indeed. A direct instruction by the President for withdrawal or suspension of the circular is not neat, and should be avoided in days ahead. The bank’s governor who is its symbol should ensure professionalism and thoroughness in all its actions, be it in relation to the banks it supervises or the general public.

    It’s good that the National Assembly has stepped in by inviting the bank’s managers to come and explain what happened. This is within the lawmakers’ powers and we expect that an improved circular in line with the law will emanate from the authorities. Cybercimes are source of concern all over the world and truly deserve special attention by the security, but does the ONSA have the capacity to handle the assignment, especially the trillions expected to be generated? This should be examined by both the legislators and the executive.

    One other lesson to learn from the hoopla is that people should not wait until a law or policy is given effect before they examine and react to it. Those who have taken the government to court would have saved the country so much trouble if they had actively participated in the lawmaking process. The public hearing by relevant committees of the legislature is incorporated into the process to allow citizens participate. 

  • Zelensky, Klitschko brothers salute Usyk on heavyweight glory 

    Zelensky, Klitschko brothers salute Usyk on heavyweight glory 

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky led the tributes to Oleksandr Usyk whose victory over British fighter Tyson Fury in Riyadh made him the first undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion in a quarter of a century.

    The 37-year-old, who briefly served as a soldier in the Ukrainian army after the Russian invasion of February 2022, spoke of a “great moment” “for me, for my family, for my country” after his points victory over Fury in Riyadh the early hours of Sunday morning

    “The Ukrainians hit hard! And in the end, all our opponents will be defeated,” Zelensky said on Telegram soon after the fight was over.

    Usyk’s success in becoming the first heavyweight ever to hold four belts simultaneously shows that “Ukrainian endurance and strength give birth to Ukrainian victory”, added the head of state of the war-torn country.

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    The mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko, a former world heavyweight champion boxer, stressed that Usyk “showed the world that Ukrainians are capable of defeating a strong opponent in a difficult fight”.

     “This victory is very important victory for Ukraine today,” said Klitschko, who held the WBO and WBC titles albeit not simultaneously

    His younger brother Wladimir Klitschko – another ex-heavyweight world champion – was ringside in Saudi Arabia but echoed his sibling’s words.

     “Can you imagine how much pressure this man had these past weeks and here in this ring? Losing was not an option,” he told Sky Sports. “It doesn’t matter how big, how tall, how heavy, what his reach is and how mobile Tyson Fury was, Oleksandr Usyk showed he is the best fighter in modern history.

    “I’m very proud of Oleksandr Usyk and I’m very proud to be Ukrainian.”

    Born in the Crimean town of Simferopol, Usyk was accused by many Ukrainians back in 2014 of sitting on the fence over Russia’s annexation of the peninsular. He was also castigated for saying that Russians and Ukrainians were the same people.

    Since Russia’s 2022 invasion however the tune has changed and the armed forces showed their full support for Usyk following his victory.

    “Ukraine is once again showing that it is a strong nation capable of fighting for its identity, its language, its culture and its traditions,” said Mikola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force.

    A fighting unit posted an enthusiastic message: “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to those who defend it and to those who glorify it!”

    For television presenter and actor Sergiy Prytula Usyk’s win was a boost for the entire nation.

    “He won today. And with him, Ukraine has won. And when Ukraine wins, he and all of us will win with her!” he posted.

    Jamala, the Ukrainian winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song contest limited herself to a simple: “Thanks to you! We are proud.”

    By adding the WBC title of his opponent of the day to his WBA, WBO and IBF trophies, Oleksandr Usyk is the first boxer to become undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis beat Evander Holyfield in 1999.

  • Marvellous Man City claim historic fourth straight EPL  title

    Marvellous Man City claim historic fourth straight EPL  title

    Manchester City created English football history yesterday, beating West Ham 3-1 to win their fourth straight Premier League title and break Arsenal’s hearts as Jurgen Klopp made an emotional Liverpool exit.

    Phil Foden scored two early goals at an expectant Etihad to lay the foundations for the victory.

    West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus pulled one back with a spectacular overhead kick to give Arsenal renewed hope but Rodri struck just before the hour to effectively wrap up the title.

    Arsenal started the day two points behind their rivals and praying for a miracle to deny City their coronation, knowing that a win against Everton would not be enough if the champions prevailed on home turf.

    The Gunners, without a Premier League title since 2004, came from a goal down to beat Everton 2-1 but had to content themselves with second in the table for a second straight season.

    City, who have now won six titles in seven years, stand alone as the only English team to have won four straight top-flight titles, eclipsing the achievements of the great Liverpool and Manchester United teams of the past.

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     “When I moved here, if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say you’re insane – no way,” said City manager Pep Guardiola. “All these players for Manchester United and Liverpool and Chelsea, all these teams. Now is our period. We are part of that.”

    Elsewhere on the final day of the Premier League season, Luton’s relegation was confirmed with a 4-2 loss at home to Fulham. They will join Burnley and Sheffield United in the Championship next season.

    Tottenham beat Sheffield United 3-0 to seal fifth spot and a place in next season’s Europa League while Chelsea guaranteed a sixth-place finish and European football with a 2-1 win against Bournemouth.

    Newcastle’s 4-2 win at Brentford condemned Manchester United to an eighth-place finish – their lowest since 1990.

    Erik ten Hag’s men, who beat Brighton 2-0 in Roberto De Zerbi’s last game in charge of the south coast club, have a chance to salvage something from a disastrous season in next week’s FA Cup final against City but if they lose that they will miss out on European football.

    Foden, 23, has enjoyed his most impressive season yet for City, taking his tally to 27 goals in all competitions, together with 11 assists.

    The England man opened the scoring on Sunday after just 79 seconds with a vicious left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, settling nerves among the home fans. He then stroked the ball into the net in the 18th minute after an assist from Jeremy Doku.

    City appeared to have one hand on the trophy and news then filtered through that Everton had taken the lead at Arsenal, leaving Mikel Arteta’s men needing an unlikely sequence of events to come out on top.

    But the title race came alive again within the space of a few minutes when Takehiro Tomiyasu side-footed home to level at the Emirates before Kudus pulled one back for West Ham.

    The atmosphere became more subdued at the Etihad but the visitors rarely threatened again in David Moyes’ final game in charge and Rodri’s goal in the 59th minute ultimately made the game safe.

    Kai Havertz scored a late winner for Arsenal to take them to 89 points, two behind City after 38 games.

    Arteta gave a rousing speech to the fans in the immediate aftermath of the match, urging them to crave more.

     “All this is happening because you started believing, you started to be patient and started to understand what we tried to do,” he said.

     “All the credit has to go to the players and the staff. Don’t be satisfied. We want much more than that and we’re going to get it.”

    Klopp ended his Liverpool reign with a 2-0 win against Wolves but the match was merely a sideshow as the fans paid a warm tribute to a manager who has transformed the club since arriving in 2015.

    “It doesn’t feel like an end,” the German told the crowd. “It just feels like a start. Today I saw a football team play full of talent, youth, creativity, desire, greed. That’s one part of development, that’s what you need, obviously.”

    He added: “We have this wonderful stadium, training centre and you – the superpower of world football. Wow.”

    LEAGUE WINNERS IN NUMBERS 

    20 -Manchester United

    19 – Liverpool

    13 – Arsenal

    10 – Manchester City

    9 – Everton

    7 – Aston Villa

    6 – Chelsea, Sunderland

    4 – Sheffield Wednesday, Newcastle United

    3 – Huddersfield Town, Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers

    2 – Portsmouth, Preston North End, Burnley, Tottenham

    Hotspur, Derby County

    1 – Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town, Leicester City

  • US-bound Epe retains eTranzact  golf title 

    US-bound Epe retains eTranzact  golf title 

    Lagos-based Francis Epe, defended the eTranzact title he won last year over the weekend in Abuja. Epe says his focus is set on professional golf tours in the United States.

    Speaking at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja on Friday after shooting three under 213 (71, 71, 71) in the 54-hole event, he said his present form will give him a place on tours outside Nigeria.

     “I am very happy for the wins I have at home. I am making plans to push my career further by exploring some tours in the United States, plans are already in place, and I am looking forward to it.”

    Oche Odoh shot 215 (75, 69, 71), to finish in second position, while Ibrahim Ocheje placed third with 220 (74, 71, 75) in 54 holes.

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    Niyi Toluwalope, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of eTranzact, said that Francis Epe epitomizes diligence and the resilience expected of a champion.

     “It takes sheer hard work to win a title and come back one year after and defend it. We are very proud of him and other players who have made the eTranzact Classic their performance test across West Africa. He has shown that he is diligent and resilient. 

     “We are encouraged by the impact we are making in helping hone golfing talent. Just like our role in the tech space, where we lend support through the deployment of our infrastructures for the ease of financial transactions, and mentorship to budding startups, golf has afforded us to replicate our values through this event.”

    This year’s event sets a new record in entry on the Professional Golf Developmental (PDG) Tour, with a total of 126 professionals and category one players featuring at the three-day event.

    Femi Olagbenro, PGD Tour Commissioner, said the tour has lived up to its objectives since it  has helped grow the tournament calendar for professional golf in Nigeria.

    “We are just in our second season, and we have been able to bring on a new level of interest to professional golf in Nigeria. We achieved this by creating more value for those willing to partner with us on this developmental journey. We are very pleased to see most of the corporates that opened last season with us coming back with bigger prize purses, this season, including eTranzact.”

    Olagbenro said the total prize purse paid so far to players is already double what was paid out in the first season.

  • Rivers to celebrate Fubara with  International Marathon

    Rivers to celebrate Fubara with  International Marathon

    Former Nigeria international goalkeeper Peterside Idah said  next month’s Rivers International Marathon will be used to celebrate the one year anniversary of His Excellency,  Siminalayi Fubara as the Executive Governor of Rivers state.           

    Idah, who is the race’s head of media and communications said  the event could not have been better timed and organizers have keyed it into the one year celebration of Governor  Fubara’s tenure.       

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     “We want to use this race to celebrate the one year anniversary of our Governor, Siminalayi Fubara who is the main reason Rivers state has been officially termed as the sports hub of the nation by John Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development,” Ida said.          Continuing, Idah revealed  that the  Rivers International Marathon has received massive backing from Governor Fubara as well as corporate Nigeria.                     

    “Governor Fubara is the biggest supporter of the race and we are determined to organize a race befitting the status of Rivers state as the new destination of sort for sports in Nigeria,” Idah stated, adding two financial institutions  have thrown their weight behind the race.                          

     “Globus and Zenith bank are backing us as partners and this shows that corporate Nigeria is appreciating the giant strides we have taken in terms of sports development and the many benefits that come with organizing a road race.             

     “Aside showcasing how beautiful our state is, especially the capital, Port Harcourt, we are also going to showcase our culture, boost commerce, as well as encourage residents in Rivers state to take to running and jogging as a way of keeping healthy.” The Rivers International Marathon will hold on Saturday, June 1, in Port Harcourt. The 42.195km race will start at the Civic Centre and end at the Yakubu Gowon stadium.

  • Dominican Republic 2024: Liberia stun Senegal to set up date with Flamingos

    Dominican Republic 2024: Liberia stun Senegal to set up date with Flamingos

    Senegal got a stunning sucker punch and were thrown out of the race for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals after hosts Liberia stormed powerfully to a 2-0 win in Monrovia on Sunday to overturn a 1-3 first leg deficit.

    The Young Maidens of Teranga were the favourites going into the second leg in the Liberia capital, but Louise Brown got the hosts in front in added time of the first half, and Dalphine Glao made it two nine minutes into the second half to throw the camp of the visitors into apprehension.

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    here were to be no further goals but the Liberian girls scraped through to the final round of the qualifiers on the away-goal rule, and will host Nigeria in the first leg on Saturday, 8th  June. The return leg comes up a week later at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    African Final Qualifying Round Fixtures 

    Liberia Vs Nigeria

    Burundi Vs Kenya

    Zambia Vs Morocco