Author: The Nation

  • Orisunmibare community begs Makinde on dilapidated schools, deplorable roads

    Orisunmibare community begs Makinde on dilapidated schools, deplorable roads

    Residents of Orisunmibare Community in Oluyole Local Government (ward 10) of Ibadan, Oyo State have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to address decay in school and road infrastructure in the community.

    Orisunmibare Development Forum (ODF) implored immediate action on deplorable roads and dilapidated schools infrastructure in the area 

    Orisunmibare, home to the oldest primary school in the community, Ebenezer Primary School, has seen its educational infrastructure crumbled, with two classroom blocks completely destroyed and the remaining one in dire condition, leaving over 120 pupils in a precarious learning environment.

    The group pointed out another school in the community, Orisunmibare Community Grammar School, located at Pako village, faces challenges, with only one block of six classrooms and no library or laboratory facilities, and low number of teachers raising concerns about the quality of education for its students. 

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    The forum’s Coordinator, Ayo Akinyemi, pointed out that poor condition of the roads in the community further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for both students and teachers to access the schools. 

    In a urgent call to action addressed to Governor Makinde, the group appealed for the prioritisation of Orisunmibare’s critical needs, emphasising the importance of allocating funds to repair and maintain the community’s deteriorating roads and educational facilities. 

    The OCDF emphasised that these issues not only affect the students’ ability to learn but also posed safety risks to residents.

    The Coordinator  said: “I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the dire state of two public schools in the Orisunmibare community; Ebenezer Primary School and Orisunmibare

    Community High School.

    “This historic school, Ebenezer Primary School, established as the first in the community, currently faces critical disrepair. With only one building remaining functional, the educational environment falls short of the standards necessary for proper student development.

    “This condition poses a significant threat to the well-being and learning potential of future generations entrusted to this institution.”

    “Similarly, Orisunmibare Community High School, located at Pako village within the community, despite being established over 25 years ago, remains severely limited in its capacity. The entire student body currently shares a single building.”

    “This lack of adequate space hinders the school’s ability to provide a comprehensive and effective education. The aforementioned conditions

    are unacceptable and demand immediate attention. We, the Orisunmibare community, strongly urge your administration to allocate the necessary resources to address these critical issues,” he pleaded.

    Akinyemi noted that Orisunmibare community has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for the government by hosting the Senator Rashidi Ladoja GRA project, adding: “We firmly believe that quality education serves as the cornerstone of our community’s development and the state as a whole.

    “We implore you to prioritise the education of our children by taking decisive action to address the dire situation of these schools,” he said.

    Akinyemi further noted the dilapidated roads of Orisunbare has been a plight well-known to the community’s residents, which he said, have long been in desperate need of repair and maintenance. 

    He stated that years of neglect have transformed what was once a functional network of transportation into a hazardous patchwork of potholes, erosion and crumbling infrastructure.

    The forum’s Coordinator maintained that as a result, the community’s ability to thrive has been severely hampered, with the sorry state of the roads impacting access to vital services, such as healthcare and education. 

  • Israel promises 30 more innovation centres across Nigeria

    Israel promises 30 more innovation centres across Nigeria

    The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Michael Freeman, has expressed his government’s readiness to collaborate with the Office of the First Lady on various programmes aimed at empowering women, youth, and education.

    This was contained in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Media, Busola Kukoyi. 

    Ambassador Freeman, who disclosed the plan by the Israeli government, on Friday during a courtesy visit to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, also commended his host’s initiatives in women empowerment, agriculture, youth, and education. 

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    He highlighted four key areas where the Israeli government intends to collaborate, including science and technology, where they plan to establish 30 more innovation centers across Nigeria, in addition to the one already operational in Abuja.

    The Ambassador also disclosed plans to set up computer classrooms to train girls who have been rescued from trafficking, as well as a Textile Arts Programme for young Nigerians, which will involve training and skills improvement with Israeli experts.

    Mrs Tinubu expressed appreciation for the proposed collaboration, noting that the key areas mentioned align with her interests. 

    She emphasised that Nigeria will overcome its challenges with the support of foreign friends, saying, “with your cooperation and support, which has been remarkable, we are on our way to greatness.”

    The delegation also included the Deputy Ambassador, Inbar Lipman Garden.

    This development is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel, particularly in the areas of innovation, technology, and women empowerment.

  • TCN restores supply to North East May 27

    TCN restores supply to North East May 27

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has vowed to restore electricity supply to the North East on May 27, 2024.

    This was contained in statement by its Public Affairs, General Manager, Ndidi Mbah in Abuja.

    According to her, the company is working hard to erect four new transmission towers along the Jos-Gombe axis.

    TCN noted that the erection of the towers is to enable the restoration of power supply to states in the North East following an earlier destructive attack on four transmission towers by vandals.

    According to TCN, the tower collapse affected Gombe, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi and Jalingo.

    The statement noted that immediately after the incident however, TCN engineers worked first to redistribute available bulk supply on the Jos – Bauchi – Gombe 132kV line between Jos and Yola Discos while work commenced immediately at reconstructing the four vandalised towers. 

    Continuing , TCN said: “Presently, we are rebuilding the four towers simultaneously. Progress is evident, with one tower nearing 80% completion, another at 60%, a third at 30%, and dismantling work finished on the fourth tower. Additionally, tower members are being fabricated and assembled on-site to expedite construction. We are committed to a quick restoration of bulk power on the line route.”

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    The company also noted that construction work on the Jos – Gombe transmission line, taking supply up to Damaturu and environs will be completed and energised by May 20 while the  Damaturu – Maiduguri axis will be completed on May 27. 

    Expectedly, bulk power transmission would be fully restored on the affected 330kV transmission line by the 27th of May, Yola and Jos DisCos would also be able to offtake and distribute optimally from TCN substations.   

    For now, said TCN, only 38MW is wheeled to both Jos and Yola Distribution companies, with each receiving 19MW each. Efforts to take some of the available power to Jalingo was hampered by very high voltage on the line, which could cause a system disturbance.

    The statement said: “TCN is aware of the inconveniences resulting from the current inadequate power supply through Yola and Jos DisCos to electricity customers in the affected states, and pledges to earnestly expedite work on the towers, to ensure that the towers are completed within the time frame indicated. Pease bear with us.”

  • Firm gets full HMO accreditation from NHIA

    Firm gets full HMO accreditation from NHIA

    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has granted full accreditation to ALLY Healthcare, a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) and subsidiary of the BAS Group.

    The Founder and CEO, BAS Group, Abdulateef Hussein said this in a statement on Thursday.

    Hussein said the accreditation demonstrated the dedication of the organisation providing high-quality healthcare services to its enrollees while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and compliance.

    He said the high – quality healthcare services would start with enrollees from the North Central and expand to the rest of the country.

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    The statement said: “As a subsidiary of the BAS Group, ALLY Healthcare is part of an ecosystem dedicated to supporting individuals and businesses in achieving success in their everyday endeavours. By integrating healthcare solutions into the broader offerings of the BAS Group, we aim to provide comprehensive support to our customers, ensuring their well-being and prosperity.

    “Since our inception at BAS Group, we’ve transitioned from offering general and life insurance products from subsidiaries like BAS Insurance Brokers to aspiring to become renowned healthcare providers with Ally Healthcare known for excellence. Our journey is a true statement to success being possible with laser focus execution and the commitment of a loyal team taking steps to where they envision themselves.

    “Come join us as we mark this significant milestone, mirroring our successes in Insurance, Capital, Microfinance, and beyond. Our ambition for this year? To extend health insurance coverage to 10,000 individuals. If you are a SME employer, you have to prioritise your employees’ health. I mean, the numbers are not smiling from; 195 million Nigerians living and having no form of health insurance down a projected 10 percent annual increase in the cost healthcare.

    “That’s why the BAS Group is focused on developing a range of products that empower people to attain real success. We invest in insurance, financing, technology, cloud computing, and more, all with the goal of cultivating an environment that supports both personal and business advancement.”

    Also, the COO of BAS Group, Adnan Kayode said: “On the other hand you can tell we are intentional with the choices of business we undertake and invest in. We have embodied the mantra in our subconscious that we are building an ecosystem of product and service that brings success to SME and individuals.”

    He added: “Looking ahead, ALLY Healthcare remains committed to innovation and excellence in healthcare delivery. We are dedicated to leveraging technology and data-driven insights to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare for all our members.

    “Our forecast for the future includes continued expansion of our network, introduction of new healthcare solutions, onboard more customers, with further investment in our people and infrastructure to better serve the evolving needs of our members of our community at large.”

  • Super Eagles trio to clash in Europa League final

    Super Eagles trio to clash in Europa League final

    Leverkusen extend unbeaten run to 49

    Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman will clash with his compatriots, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella in the final of the UEFA Europa League following the qualification of  both Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen  for the grand finale.

    Lookman who started the second leg semi-final fixture in Atalanta shot his club into the lead in the 30th  minute before further goals from Matteo Ruggeri and El Bilal Toure in the 52nd  and 95th  minute steered them to a 4-1 win over French side, Marseille.

    Lookman who had a good performance was replaced in the 76th minute by Bilal Toure

    Though Tella and Boniface were unused substitutes yesterday, Bayer Leverkusen were able to dig deep and get a 2-2 draw at home to AS Roma in the return leg of the semi-final clash.

    Read Also: GTI lauds George ‘s appointment for Super Eagles

     The German side were up 2-0 from the first leg played in Italy last week but they went 2-0 behind after Video Assistant Referee intervened to hand Roma scoring opportunities from the penalty spot which Leandro Paredes coolly converted in the 43rd and 66th minutes.

    Xabi Alonso led Leverkusen turned the tide in the second half and were on level terms through Mancini own goal and Substitute Josip Stanisic strikes in the 82nd  and 97th  minute.

    The win extended Bayer Leverkusen unbeaten run to 49 matches and they have broken Benfica’s unbeaten streak which was the most but was equalled in their last weekend’s league tie with Eintracht Frankfurt before their latest feat.

    Both teams will meet on Wednesday May 22nd  in the UEFA Europa League final.

  • Finidi gets Ekong’s boost for World  Cup qualifiers

    Finidi gets Ekong’s boost for World  Cup qualifiers

    Super Eagles defender  William Troost-Ekong has returned to full training at Greek club side PAOK Saloniki, months after undergoing surgery and could be a surprise inclusion for next month’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa  and Republic of Benin.

    The 30-year-old underwent surgery days after his Player of the Tournament performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, where Nigeria finished as runners up to the hosts, Cote d’Ivoire.

    Ekong reportedly played through pain after he ruptured the biceps femoris in his right leg from the second game against Cote d’Ivoire. But he delivered an intensive and gritty performance where he scored three goals as he led Nigeria to the final.

    He was immediately sidelined after the AFCON as he required minor surgery in Finland. The defender took his time to recuperate in London before returning to Thessaloniki.

    Read Also:  FIFA World Cup 26: Finidi gets tips tor tricky upcoming ties

    But he has  told  Soccernet i how he overcame the odds  to emerge  2023 AFCON’s MVP.

     “I was very driven, even more than before,” Ekong said. “I always seem to do best when I’ve got my back against the wall. And I didn’t look back.”

    Ekong is expected to be selected in the match day squads for the three remaining championship play-off matches of the Greek Super League, as PAOK chase AEK for the title.

    PAOK sit second place on 71 points, four behind AEK, as they welcome both Olympiakos on Sunday and Panathinaikos on Wednesday before playing their final game at local rivals Aris in the Thessaloniki derby.

    This should give Ekong enough match fitness ahead of the summer break where he is expected to return to the Super Eagles as they hope to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back in good stead under new national team manager, Finidi George.

     Ekong had high praises for the new manager who he grew up watching at Ajax in our recent interview.

    “He is always very humble, too humble for what he has achieved. Everyone recognizes the work he did for Enyimba last year when he won the league. So, for him to now get the chance to be the interim head coach [now the full-time head coach], I am very happy to see that. He’s a great guy,” he said.

    Nigeria will face South Africa and Benin Republic in two key matches that will determine their chances at reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

    They drew their first two matches 1-1 against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Group C.

  • FIFA World Cup 26: Super Eagles  squad for South Africa, Benin  ready next week

    FIFA World Cup 26: Super Eagles  squad for South Africa, Benin  ready next week

    Newly appointed  Head coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, is expected to release  his  squad for  next month’s FIFA World Cup 26 double header  against South Africa and Republic of Benin  next week.

    Appointed   late last month  as  successor to the departed Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro  after serving briefly as the national team’s interim  coach in two friendly  against Ghana and Mali, George  has been  holding  crucial  meetings  over the last few days  in order to sort out the issue of  his assistants  as well as players  to prosecute  the upcoming  World Cup qualifiers.

    Read Also:  FIFA World Cup 26: Finidi gets tips tor tricky upcoming ties

    Nigeria have secured only  two points  from their opening two matches  following an identical 1-1  draw  at home against Lesotho  and away to Zimbabwe last November. With the Super Eagles trailing in third position behind  Rwanda (four points) and South Africa (three points),  the former Ajax Amsterdam winger is expected  to name a  strong squad  for next round of matches.

    “Barring any last minute  changes, the Super Eagles for  the world Cup qualifiers  should be released next week,”  a reliable source at the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) told NationSports.

    George’s  first set of call up as Super Eagles would certainly  include the usual suspects  including  the likes of  Victor Osimhen,  Lookman Ademola , Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface , Alex Iwobi, Kenneth Omeruo, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali amongst others.

    Already, the 52-year-old George has already proposed a  five-man technical crew  including  three  foreigners as well as  current goalkeeper  trainer Abideen Baruwa  and former international  Daniel Amokachi who is being touted as a second assistant.

  • Ex- Eaglets Ibrahim Babangida dies at 47

    Ex- Eaglets Ibrahim Babangida dies at 47

    Tijani, wife hospitalized

    Former Golden Eaglets star, Ibrahim Babangida reportedly died  in a road accident along Kaduna/Zaria Road yesterday.

    The younger Babangida, who was in the Nigeria Under 17 squad that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan in 1993, reportedly died instantly in the car crash which also had his elder brother, Tijani Babangida, an Olympic Games gold medallist in 1996 and the President, Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), and his wife on board.

    The younger Babangida’s former teammate, Emmanuel Babayaro, who is the General Secretary, PFAN, announced the incident in a statement.

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     “Comrades! Let us be in prayers for our president, Tijani Babangida, who just had a ghastly motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria Road,” Babayaro wrote in a press statement.

    “Ibrahim Babangida, his younger brother, died on the spot from the accident while Mr President (Babangida) and his family were taken to the hospital.

     “May the soul of Ibrahim Babangida Rest In Peace with God, amen,” he added

    The late Ibrahim aged 47 who was a member of the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning Golden Eagles squad in Japan featured for local sides Bank of The North, Stationery Stores and Katsina United on the domestic scene before joining Dutch side Volendam in 1997 until 2002.

    He never made it to the Super Eagles but was in the infamous ‘ wobbling and fumbling’ squad of Fanny Amu Flying Eagles in 1995 African Youth Championship which Nigeria hosted and got a bronze medal.

  • Osimhen to face  Bologna despite injury scare

    Osimhen to face  Bologna despite injury scare

    Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will be available for Napoli’s Serie A cracker against Champions League-bound Bologna on Sunday despite an injury scare to him in the dying moments of their draw at Udinese. 

    Osimhen put on a strong performance for Napoli on Monday, when they played Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium. The Nigeria international scored  his side’s only goal of the game. Unfortunately, a late strike by his compatriot  Isaac Success ensured that it ended 1-1.

    Osimhen played 88 minute before getting hauled off because of a knock. And there were fears that the 25-year-old could be sidelined due to an injury, effectively ruling him out of the game against Bologna next weekend.

    Read Also:GTI lauds George ‘s appointment for Super Eagles

    This would have affected Napoli badly because of the kind of quality that Osimhen adds to the team. More so, Osimhen has scored three goals in his last five games against Bologna.

    However, Napoli have nothing to worry about, as Napoli Magazine reports that Osimhen has recovered and will be available for selection when the Partenopeans welcome Bologna to the Diego Maradona Stadium.

    The game is important for Bologna, as a win for them would seal their qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. On the other hand, if Napoli win, it would give them hope of qualifying for the Europa League, as they sit five points behind Lazio in the final spot.

  • Fleet-footed Abdullahi selected for Bayern Youth tourney

    Fleet-footed Abdullahi selected for Bayern Youth tourney

    Youngster Kamara Abdullahi  has  been selected to  represent Nigeria at the 11th  Bayern Youth World Cup this October in Germany.

    Abdullahi  was spotted  during the recent Cohesion Football Tournament-a grassroots initiative to nurture talents through competition and character-building .

    He was  first discovered at the inaugural tournament in 2019, where he played for Brightstar Football Academy.

    His dedication and passion  has captured the attention of scouts  in and outside Nigeria and his recognition by Bayern Munich’s scouts is a testament to his abilities and potential.

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    Damilare Obagbemi, convener of Cohesion Football Tournament and chair of Cohesion All-Stars, said: “Abdullahi’s selection for the Bayern Youth World Cup is a moment of honour for  us at Cohesion, his journey from our tournament to the world stage shows the essence of our mission. We are developing footballers and shaping leaders. Kamara carries the aspirations of every young Nigerian with big dreams.”

     ‘‘We greet VOE Foundation for its support and commitment to nurturing young talents like Abdullahi.

     ‘‘We support Abdullahi as he embarks on this journey. From Aguda, Surulere, to the grand stadiums of Germany, he represents our hopes and the spirit of Nigerian football.’’