The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ardova H’ball Premier League: Abdulwahab’s agility saves Pillars against Niger United

    Ardova H’ball Premier League: Abdulwahab’s agility saves Pillars against Niger United

    Niger United coach Yekini Adebayo has blamed his team’s draw against Kano Pillars to missed chances, noting that his team had better chances to win yesterday’s encounter at the Ardova Handball Premier League in Benin.

    The heroics of the goalkeeper Ismaila Abdulwahab, who saved a penalty four second to the game was all Pillars needed to tie the game 25-25.

    Adebayo said that a win would have been a huge compensation for his team as they were the better side throughout the game. He, however, said that his players has to improve on their scoring if the hope to do well in the league.

    “We had the chance to win the game but our poor finishing let us down. We had a penalty at the end of the game but we lost it. We will have to improve if we hope to win. We need to score more goals as it might come down to goal difference to win the league.

    Read Also: Nigeria Handball Premier League gets new sponsor Ardova

    “There are many games to play and hopefully we can do better than today. I also believe we were destined to draw the game because we had every opportunity to win,” he added.

    At the end of the game, Pillars celebrated the draw as a loss would have dented their chance of retaining the title.

    In some other games in the men’s category, Confluence Stars beat Bendel Dynamos 22-15, Police Machine defeated Lagos Seasiders 23-22. In the women’s category, Benue Quuens lost to Rima Queens 43-23, while Plateau Peacock beat Delta Queens 28-27.

    Technical Director of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Bala Mohammed said that competition between the team have been close and it is too early to predict how the league would pan out.

  • Pension complaints and solutions

    Pension complaints and solutions

    MELVILLE: My name is Melville. I retired from the Nigerian Immigration Service in February 2022. My PFA is Access (formerly First Guarantee).

      My PFA said my name was omitted and they have sent you a reminder to PenCom. Kindly expedite payment.

    PENCOM: Payment has been made. Please visit your Pension Fund Administrator for confirmation.

    TASIU: Good day, I am ComradeTasiu. I write on behalf of Osowale. His PFA is Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited. He was captured and registered in October 2021. He was given a retirement benefit enrolment slip. He worked at the Ministry of Defence and retired on August 13, 2021 at the Air Force Comprehensive School, Ibadan of the Ministry of Defence.

    PENCOM: Payment has been made, Please visit your Pension Fund Administrator for confirmation.

    TANIMU: Good day, my name is Tanimu. I signed the consent form on June 14, 2023 and sent it to Trustfund Pension via email to pay my voluntary contribution amount. I followed up with Trustfund and I was told that they have sent my request to PenCom for approval and payment. However, up till now, I haven’t received any payment. I will like to know what is delaying the payment.

    NOJIMU: Dear Sir, my name is Nojimu. I am a RSA holder with OAK Pension.

    I applied for my 25 per cent benefits. I filled the forms and sent them to OAK Pension for approval since June 9, 2023.

    But up til date, it has not been approved. I will like to know if PenCom has approved my request as I was told by OAK that the process was ongoing.

    But I will like to hear from PenCom.

    OPEYEMI: Good day, my name is Opeyemi. My pension manager is Access Pension. I have been trying to have access to my pension for over two months now. But the excuse I get from them is that I did a change of name twice.

    All documents were forwarded to them for action but they claimed that PenCom had refused to update my information. As a result, payments could not be made.

    CHIBOGU: Dear PenCom, my name is Chibogu. My complaint is that I requested for my 25 per cent benefits from Leadway Pensure since  June 3, but up till now, I haven’t got the money in my account.

    Whenever I called Leadway Pensure Customer Service, the reply I got was that PenCom hadn’t approved my request.

    I want to know what’s going on.

    ISRAEL: Greetings Omobola. My name is Israel. I lost my wife in active service in 2021. She left behind two children for me to carter for.

    A year after she was laid to rest, I started processing her death benefit at Premium Pension where every document, including a letter of administration requested by the PFA was submitted since August 30, 2022.

    But up till now nothing has been done. My children have stopped schooling due to lack of fund. How long does it take for them to respond? Kindly help me.

    ANNONYMOUS:  Dear Omobola, with the rising cost of living standard in Nigeria: what plans does PenCom have for pensioners to ameliorate the effects of the inflation?

    BASIL: I work at the Federal Road safety Commission (FRSC). I have up to 40 months’unremitted pension. I have written but I have not get any response from PenCom.

    Kindly attend to my request as I want my contributions credited to my Retirement Savings Account. My PFA as at the time I had the unremitted contributions was Stanbic IBTC Pensions. My New PFA is FCMB Pensions.

    The Nation will intervene. Therefore, Taminu, Nojimu, Opeyemi, Chibogu, Israel, Annonymous, and Okeke should look out for the newspaper next week for responses from PenCom.

  • 38,382 youths join CPS in three months

    38,382 youths join CPS in three months

    • 35,202 contributors change PFAs

    A fewer than 38,382 youths who are below  30 were enlisted into the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)  between January and March, this year, The Nation has learnt.

    The analysis of the new registration into the CPS by age and gender within the quarter, in a report on Gender and Age Distribution by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), showed that out of a total of 83,653 registrations, about 84 per cent (or 70,407) of them were below 40.

    Of this number, 38,382, representing 46 per cent, were below 30.

    The report stated that these point to the sustainability of the CPS, as the younger generation are being enlisted into the scheme.

    On the gender distribution, 50,158, representing about 60 per cent of those that registered during the quarter were males, thus sustaining dominance over the female gender in terms of registration into the Scheme.

    Meanwhile, many Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders changed their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) through PenCom Transfer System (RSA) window, moving a total  N131.78 billion around different PFAs.

    Read Also: S’east APC youths demand ministerial slots, board membership for party faithful

    A breakdown show that a total of 34,283 RSAs were transferred to their new PFAs along with their pension assets in January.

    The commission explained that this covered RSA transfer requests submitted by PFAs from last September 1 to November 30, and were eligible for transfer in the fourth quarter of last year.

    The report read: “The total value of the pension assets in respect of the 34,283 RSAs transferred was N131.78 billion.

    From January 1 to March 31, 2023, a total of 35,202 RSA transfer requests were submitted by PFAs on behalf of RSA holders. Furthermore, a total of 24,984 RSA transfer requests initiated by RSA holders will be processed in the first week of April 2023.

    “This covers RSA transfer requests submitted by PFAs between December 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023 and are therefore, eligible for transfer in the first quarter 2023. Successfully processed RSAs will be transferred to their new PFAS, along with their associated pension assets. The total value of the pension assets of transferred RSAs will be determined at the conclusion of the quarter activities”, it stated.

  • A good comedian knows when to leave, Olu-Omopeteru

    A good comedian knows when to leave, Olu-Omopeteru

    COMEDIAN and On-Air-Personality Omopeteru Oluwacomedy came to prominence playing the chracter of Jesus Christ at comedy shows.  However, his witty abilities and comical skills has endeared him to many with his fan base steadily growing.

    Speaking about what makes a good comedian, Olu-Omopeteru stated that, “a good comedian must possess the ability to read the crowd and carry his audience along, and should also know when to leave the stage when the ovation is at his loudest.”

    Born Avoseh Peter Friday at Iwuku-Iseje in Ipokia Local Government in Ogun State, the rising comedian stated that he joined the comedy industry due to his love of making people laugh and be happy.

    Read Also: Firm sues comedian over breach of contract

    For his primary education, he attended Iwuku Baptist Days Primary School and had his secondary education at Samnik College, Sango Ota, Ogun State. He is a graduate of Marketing from the Polytechnic, Ibadan.

    His sojourn into comedy started from the church and has seen him performing with big names in the industry.

    “It wasn’t an easy ride when I was starting because there was no one to back me up especially financially except God and my church people who believed in me and my talent. My resilience made me keep on pushing on and I’ve been opportune to perform at the Celestial Church most recognized programme in the world, which is Imeko Yearly Convocation and also at the FRESH FM Children’s Day programme which had in attendance several top Nigerian musicians and comedians.”

  • Nigeria Gospel Music Awards rebrands after 9yrs hiatus

    Nigeria Gospel Music Awards rebrands after 9yrs hiatus

    The Nigeria Gospel Music Awards has returned to the scene after a nine year hiatus – the last edition was held in 2014.

      The return of the unique gospel music awards comes with more purpose and a rebranding.

      According to Kingsley Omoefe, the visioner behind the awards ceremony, the awards ceremony will now be known as Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards, NIGMA.

     “We are delighted to announce the rebranding of the Nigeria Gospel Awards as the Nigeria International Gospel Awards,” Omoefe began. “This transformation aligns with our vision to celebrate and promote the exceptional talents of Nigerian gospel music artists on a global scale. The new logo embodies our commitment to excellence, unity, and the profound impact of Nigerian gospel music worldwide.”

    Read Also: Fireboy, Wizkid, others nominated for American Music Awards

    In the same vein, the project coordinator, Victor Igbinigie stressed that the awards ceremony will continue its tradition of honouring outstanding achievements in the gospel music industry. “The revamped awards ceremony will showcase remarkable talents across various categories, recognising artists, songwriters, producers, and other contributors, who have made significant contributions to the genre’s growth and influence.

     In conclusion, Omoefe noted that along with the rebranding of the awards ceremony comes a new identity. A new and captivating logo was unveiled ahead of the fifth edition of the awards ceremony scheduled for November 2023.

  • NNL Super 8 Playoff: Last group matches to hold simultaneously

    NNL Super 8 Playoff: Last group matches to hold simultaneously

    In a bid to ensure fair play and to give all teams equal chance and avoiding any dishonesty in the last set of matches ,the Nigeria National League has ruled that the last set of matches in both conferences will be played same time and in different venues.

    In a special meeting with representative of the eight clubs in Asaba at the Stephen Keshi Stadium,

    the venues were democratically picked in a ballot format.

    The last set of games on match day 3 hold today with the Katsina United vs Kano Pillars to be played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium at 1Pm. While the tie between DMD and EFCC will hold at the Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium, Ogashi-Ukwu at the same time .

    Read Also: NNL Super 8 Playoff: Sporting Lagos secure historic NPFL ticket

    In the Southern Conference, Heartland FC of Owerri versus Sporting Lagos is scheduled for the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba, at 3Pm, while Stormers SC of Abeokuta and FC ONE Rocket will be in Ogwashi-Ukwu,at the same time.

    Head of Operations, Nigeria National League, Emmanuel Adesanya said the decision became imperative to really encourage equal opportunities to the clubs.

    According to him ,it is only a game but games are pointless unless played fairly.

  • Locals recover truck that plunged into Ovia river, search for occupants

    Locals recover truck that plunged into Ovia river, search for occupants

    Local divers have recovered a Nissan Frontier pick-up truck that plunged into the Ovia River on the Benin-Ore Expressway, Monday.

    This is just as the search for occupants of the truck by the divers who were engaged by Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, continued yesterday evening.

    The deputy governor had paid the locals N1.5m when he visited the portion of the Ovia River notorious for accidents. Shaibu was accompanied for the bridge’s inspection by the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere as well as other senior government officials.

    Speaking at the scene, the deputy governor said the state government had engaged Levante Construction Company to immediately commence palliative works in the area.

  • Navy seizes N29b worth cannabis

    Navy seizes N29b worth cannabis

    The Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday said its operatives seized 200 bags of Canabbis Sativa valued at about N29 billion.

    It said the seizure was executed by operatives attached to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Lagos, with the help of FALCON EYE, a maritime surveillance technology donated a few years ago by the United States of America (US).

    Addressing reporters yesterday, Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawale Oguntuga, said the illegal substance was intercepted at the early hours of July 3, around the Lekki corridor.

    Read Also: Cannabis In the UK Vs. Nigeria

    He said the surveillance gadget detected suspected criminals transferring bags from a boat to shore, which raised suspicion on the contents of the bags.

    “As soon as we realised it, patrol teams both on water and land swiftly swung into action to ensure that the criminals did not escape. On sighting our men, they fled and we were able to confiscate the consignment and we recovered over 200 bags.

    “Each bag weighs about 50kg so we are talking of about 10,000 kg of these substance. We are going to make sure due process is done by handing over the illegal substance to the appropriate agency. We will also ensure that it is handled appropriately with the standard procedure,” he said.

  • Couple, another arrested for kidnapping Ondo Imam

    Couple, another arrested for kidnapping Ondo Imam

    A woman, Aisha Bello, 20, and her husband, Isah, 40, have been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly masterminding the kidnap of the Chief Imam, Uso community in Ose local government area, Alhaji Alli Ibrahim Bodunde.

    A third accomplice, Muinah Mohammed, 19, was also arrested.

    The 67-year-old islamic cleric was working inside his farm at Asolo camp when he was abducted. His family members and the community raised N2m ransom for his release.

    Ondo Police Spokesman, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, who spoke while parading the suspects yesterday, said it was the victim’s wife, Bodunde, that reported that her husband was not yet back from the farm.

    Read Also: Unease in Enugu as killings, kidnappings set communities on edge

    “When they got to the farm, they met his car and his mobile phone but they could not see him. Immediately the case was reported, the police swung into action and at the end of the day, the man was released.

    “But in the cause of the investigation, we realised that the man in question is the Chief Imam of Uso community and through our intelligence team we were able to arrest the suspects. At the end of the investigations, the suspects will be charge to court.”

    Reliving his ordeal, the Chief Imam said the kidnappers tied him to a tree for 48 hours after he trekked for six hours inside the forest.

  • Police confirm killing of six persons in Zamfara

    Police confirm killing of six persons in Zamfara

    The Police Command in Zamfara has confirmed the killing of six persons in an attack by local vigilantes, Yan Sakai.

    The attack occurred at Kadamutsawa community of Bungudu Local Government Area.

    A statement yesterday by the command’s spokesman, ASP Yazid Abubakar, said the attack, took place on June 28.

    Read Also: Gunmen burn police van, disperse market women

    He said four four people sustained injuries, adding that one of them died while.receibijf treatment at the hospital.

    “The injured victims have been taken to Kwatarkoshi hospital where one of them died while receiving treatment,” he said.