The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Biden pushing for two-state solution for Israel, Palestine

    Biden pushing for two-state solution for Israel, Palestine

    United States President, Joe Biden yesterday said he was working on a “lasting, durable peace” that would include the creation of a Palestinian state.

     “We’ve been working on a deal as we speak. Working around the clock to lead an international effort to get more aid into Gaza, rebuild Gaza,” he said during a speech at a graduation ceremony at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Biden said he was also pushing for a regional peace deal “to get a two-state solution, the only solution”.

    As the President spoke, a student in the audience unfurled a Palestinian flag and held it up.

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    Other members of the graduating class showed support for Palestinians in Gaza by tying keffiyeh scarves around their shoulders on top of their black graduation robes.

    “This is one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world. There’s nothing easy about it,” said Biden.

    Student protests have swept across numerous U.S campuses, presenting political challenges for Biden in an election year where he is poised to face former president Donald Trump in a repeat of the 2020 election.

    “I know it angers and frustrates many of you, including my family, but most of all, I know it breaks your heart. It breaks mine as well.

  • Mele steps on gas pedal

    Mele steps on gas pedal

    Two major developments in the past week passed without due attention. They are the reports about a maritime extension for Nigeria in the ocean. It is what is called the continental shelf. It is five times the size of Lagos. Imagine.

    The second was the launching of three NNPCL initiative for gas, two in Imo State and one in Delta State. These are potential game changers for revenue generation and the power industry. NNPCL has a role in both news items. In the maritime news, the Ministry of Marine and  Blue Economy has a role here.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints InfraCorp to develop Nigeria’s Green Industrial Zone, Evergreen City

    The continental shelf is the richest source of wealth in the waters, especially for marine life and minerals, including oil and gas. While the monetary part is still undergoing tweaking, these two pieces of news show fiscal gifts. It must please finance minister Wale Edun.

    The gas plant in Kwale is a tie-up between NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) and SEEPCO, the one in Owerri is between NGIC and Seplat but the other is by NGIC alone. It is good news also for power. Mele Kyari, the NNPCL boss, is going to help Nigeria step on the gas pedal. The potential of the three gas plants cannot be overwritten.

  • Speaker and a troubled largesse

    Speaker and a troubled largesse

    Some presumed acts of benevolence can be as hazardous as outright malevolence. That was what Niger State House of Assembly Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji belatedly realised about his plan to marry off 100 girls in Mariga council area  of the state. Sarkindaji represents Mariga constituency in the state assembly.

    The speaker had recently announced plans to sponsor a ceremony at which the 100 girls will be given out in a mass wedding. He was reported telling journalists in Minna that the initiative was part of his constituency empowerment project “aimed at alleviating the suffering of the impoverished.” He said the ‘beneficiaries,’ whose age range he didn’t disclose, were carefully selected from among 170 girls whose names were submitted, adding that he would pay bridegrooms’ dowries and had procured materials needed for the girls’ relative comfort in their marital homes in line with custom. The initial narrative was that the 100 girls are orphans, and that Niger State Governor Umar Bago and Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mohammed Barau, would serve as their guardians during the mass wedding scheduled for 24th May.

    Read Also: Two beheaded, seven kidnapped in renewed in fresh attack on Ebonyi community

    Faced with backlash of accusations that he planned to involve the girls in forced marriages, Sarkindaji explained that he was sponsoring the wedding out of concern for the girls’ parents. In a statement through a spokesperson, he said more than 50 of the girls had suitors but their parents had no means to meet their customary marriage expenses, while the other category comprised those who’ve lost their parents to insecurity and had no one to finance their wedding despite attaining marriageable age and with suitors ready to marry them. The speaker further explained that he arrived at the decision to sponsor the mass wedding after he had consulted widely within his constituency, including with immediate parents, relations of those orphaned, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders.

    But Sarkindaji eventually pulled back altogether after he was taken to court by Women Affairs Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye to halt the wedding plan. He announced last week that while he had provided funds to the girls’ relations through community leaders and clerics and would not be recalling the funds, the wedding would not go ahead because of the minister’s affronting challenge.

    One could ask Sarkindaji  whether sponsoring a mass wedding is the best he could do for indigent constituents. Can’t he offer scholarships for schooling; or if they’re beyond schooling age, set them up in viable businesses? Marrying young ones off in a mass wedding is human commoditisation and gross abuse because there’s a long stretch of life after wedding that he isn’t taking into account. There must be better ways of rendering constituency support.

  • 100 golfers for new Owa of Igbajo Royal kitty

    100 golfers for new Owa of Igbajo Royal kitty

    In a grand display of support and admiration for the new, Owa of Igbajo, HRH Oba Dr. ASK Makinde, over 100 golfers from across Nigeria have registered to compete in the Coronation/Royal Kitty at the MicCom Golf Resort in Ada, Osun State on May 25, 2024.

    The historic event, which will be the first of its kind under the new Oba’s reign, will bring together golfers from all walks of life, including professionals and amateur players, who will compete for coveted prizes and honors in a tournament that promises to be a spectacle to behold.

    Read Also: Nigerians must say no to government’s intent to borrow from Pension Fund

    The MicCom Golf Resort, with its sprawling greens, top-notch facilities, and serene ambiance, provides a fitting backdrop for the tournament, which is expected to be a celebration of incredible golfing talent and skills.

    Speaking, the planning committee chairman Mr. Olusegun Adekoya expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response from golfers across the country, noting that “it would be an honor to host such a distinguished gathering of golf enthusiasts.”

  • Swiatek dominates Sabalenka to win Italian Open

    Swiatek dominates Sabalenka to win Italian Open

    World number one Iga Swiatek again got the best of Aryna Sabalenka, winning in straight sets to take the Italian Open title.

    Swiatek won a thriller against the world number two earlier this month in the Madrid Open final.

    On Saturday the 22-year-old dominated Sabalenka, winning 6-2 6-3 to secure her 21st career title.

    “After Madrid I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Swiatek said.

    “I’m really happy that I was able to play consistently during the clay season. The final tournament is in front of us. I always enjoy playing here.”

    Read Also:Agony of 76-yr-old Italian turned Nigerian over late husband’s property

    She added that she would celebrate on Saturday night by eating tiramisu after telling the crowd she was disappointed there was none in the trophy.

    The defending champion now heads to the French Open after a third Italian Open title in four years, and having not dropped a set in the 2024 edition.

    In the final set she had to resist seven break points but was impressive throughout, making just eight unforced errors in the match.

  • Aerthmetal, Nasarawa, others sign MoU to establish Uke Gold Company

    Aerthmetal, Nasarawa, others sign MoU to establish Uke Gold Company

    In a landmark move poised to boost the local economy and Nigeria’s standing in the global mining sector, the Nasarawa State Government, Aerthmetal, and Boxmoor have formally signed a tripartite agreement to establish Uke Gold Company.

    This strategic partnership aims to explore, develop, and produce gold mineral resources in the Uke community, promising substantial economic benefits and sustainable development.

    Read Also: Nigeria will end fuel imports by June – Dangote

    The official signing ceremony, held in Lafia, was attended by key government officials, business leaders including executives from Aerthmetal and Boxmoor, and representatives from the host community.

  • Boniface celebrates Leverkusen’s unbeaten season with Nigerian flag

    Boniface celebrates Leverkusen’s unbeaten season with Nigerian flag

    Boniface scored against Augsburg and celebrated in style as Leverkusen were formally coronated as Bundesliga champions following a historic unbeaten campaign.

    The 23-year-old striker helped Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in their 120-year history, with this phenomenal displays that has already seen him earn the rookie of the 2023/24 season award.

    Read Also: Boniface’s Bayern Leverkusen eye Bundesliga  ‘immortality’

    Xabi Alonso’s men recorded a 2-1 win against Augsburg at the Bay Arena with two first half goals from Boniface and Robert Andrich, before Mert Komur pulled one goal back in the second half.

    Following the full-time whistle at the Bay Arena, jubilations erupted as the new champions were officially handed the Bundesliga trophy to celebrate their historic feat.

  • Chelsea wallop Man United to win fifth straight women’s title

    Chelsea wallop Man United to win fifth straight women’s title

    Chelsea wrapped up a sensational fifth successive Women’s Super League title by thrashing Manchester United at Old Trafford in Emma Hayes’ final game in charge.

    The Blues, who led rivals Manchester City by goal difference at the top of the table heading into the final day, knew a big scoreline was potentially needed to win the title.

    And with so much at stake Chelsea’s players delivered with a ruthlessness that United could never match at Old Trafford.

    Read Also: Boniface’s Bayern Leverkusen eye Bundesliga  ‘immortality’

    British record signing Mayra Ramirez produced an outstanding individual display, scoring twice and assisting the other two as Hayes’ side went in at the break with a 4-0 lead.

    Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Sjoeke Nusken, Melanie Leupolz and Fran Kirby added to Ramirez’s dazzling double as Chelsea romped to victory.

    It was the perfect farewell for Hayes, who was full of emotion on a remarkable afternoon in Manchester, capping off a 12-year career at the Blues in style.

    United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Dave Brailsford, the representative of new minority owners Ineos, were in the directors box watching on as United barely laid a glove on the champions.

  • Ndidi considering Saudi millions after contract expiration

    Ndidi considering Saudi millions after contract expiration

    Score Nigeria can report that Wilfred Ndidi has been bombarded by several offers from Saudi Arabia and it is now left for him to decide whether or not to give himself the biggest pay of his career.

    The Super Eagles midfielder is now a free agent and so will walk out on Leicester City without attracting a transfer fee when his contract runs out next month.

    He has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs, from Bayern Munich to PSG, as he helped ‘The Foxes’ return to the Premier League as champions of the English Championship.

    Last month, one of his representatives told only SCORENigeria that if the player must remain in England, he has to be playing for one of the Top-6 Premier League clubs.

    Read Also: Unveiled ‘tough skin’ Finidi vows to rejig  Super Eagles

    The 27-year-old star, who also now carries a British passport, has an interest in Italy, it was further gathered.

    Despite battling injuries, Ndidi has shone in a more attacking midfield role this season to post his most prolific campaign ever.

    In the Championship, he scored four goals and provided five assists.

    He also netted twice in the cup competitions.

  • Lawmaker receives fellowship award from French Language Village

    Lawmaker receives fellowship award from French Language Village

    By Mujeeb Oyedeji

    The main auditorium of the Nigerian French Language Village was filled to capacity, recently, as Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, member representing Badagry Constituency at the House of Representative, was honoured with the institution’s prestigious Fellowship Award alongside other distinguished Nigerians.

    Prof. Lateef Babatunde Ayeleru, the Director and CEO of the institution, commended Whingan for his steadfast support for the institution’s growth and development, highlighting his significant contributions in the National Assembly and his dedication to continuing projects started by his predecessor, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe.

    He said the award was a token of appreciation for Whingan’s extensive support and encouragement to the institution.

    Read Also: ‘Nigerian leaders

    Hunpe, a fellow awardee, praised his successor in his acceptance speech, and for carrying on the projects he started during his term. He noted that Whingan has demonstrated himself to be a worthy successor deserving of the support of the Badagry people and promised to continue collaborating with him for the constituency’s advancement.

    During his acceptance speech, Whingan expressed gratitude to the management of the Nigerian French Language Village for the honour. He highlighted the development of the institution as a top priority and that he was committed to tirelessly supporting its growth.

    Whingan also extended congratulations to his predecessor, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, and other co-awardees, underscoring his dedication to the collective responsibility of advancing Badagry.

    Prior to his election, Whingan served as the Managing Director of Pogs Luxury and as the Regional Manager and Partner of FAB Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited, where he demonstrated strong business management and strategic planning skills.