The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

BREAKING: FG declares 90 travellers from India, Brazil, Turkey wanted

By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 has mounted a manhunt for 90 travellers, Nigerians and foreigners, whom it described as dangers to public health.

In a statement by the Chairman of the PSC and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, the Committee said the 90 persons, who are currently at large, had violated the guidelines issued for travellers entering Nigeria from India, Turkey and Brazil.

The Federal Government, after identifying the danger posed to global health by new variants of COVID-19, which were predominantly found in the three countries, had introduced a travel advisory, mandating travellers from any of the countries, or who had visited any of them 14 days prior to arrival in Nigeria, to undergo a compulsory arrival quarantine and testing protocols.

However, according to the statement, the 90 offenders, whose names and passport details were also made available in the schedule released by the PSC on Sunday night, sneaked into the country without respecting the advisory.

The Committee accused them of endangering public health regulations, which attract spelt out punishments.

“The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 on 1STMay, 2021 issued a Travel Advisory for Passengers arriving in Nigeria from Brazil, India and Turkey.

“These precautionary measures are a necessary step to mitigate the risk of importation of variants of concern and break the chain of transmission to the population.

“Under the new measures, passengers arriving from/or that have visited any of these three countries within fourteen (14) days prior to the visit to Nigeria, are required to follow mandatory arrival quarantine and testing protocols in designated facilities.

“The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) has however observed that while most of the arriving passengers dutifully observed the guidelines, some (Nigerians and Foreigners) have violated them in contravention of the provisions of the CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) HEALTH REGULATIONS PROTECTION, 2021.

“Accordingly, the underlisted persons who arrived in Nigeria between 8th May 2021 and 15th May 2021 through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and whose names and passport numbers are displayed, have been declared Persons of Interest (POI) on account of posing considerable danger to overall public health and for the violation of Nigeria COVID-19 travel protocol by evading the mandatory 7-day quarantine for persons arriving from restricted countries.

“Members of the public are by this notice advised that these persons of interest constitute an immediate health hazard to the society. They must therefore transport themselves safely, to the nearest state public health departments within 48hrs of this notice for immediate evaluation and call the Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health on 08036134672 or 08032461990 for further directions.

“The PSC shall in addition, take further steps to sanction these violators. These steps include: Disabling their travel passports for a period not less than one year; Cancellation of visas/ permits of foreigners that have abused our hospitality; and Prosecution under the 2021 Health Protection Regulations.

“Additional list of Batch II defaulters shall be published in subsequent announcement by the PSC,” the statement reads.

May 23, 2021
Ogunlana not my legal representative – Baba Ijesha

Embattled Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James (alias Baba Ijesha), has said that Mr Adeshina Ogunlana, a former Chairman of Ikeja Branch of Nigerian Bar Association, is not his counsel.

In a copy of disclaimer made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, James said that he never briefed Ogunlana to be his legal representative.

“I wish to state categorically and emphatically that I have never briefed the lawyer nor instructed him to act on my behalf in any way, or manner howsoever and whatsoever.

“He (Ogunlana) is not my lawyer, and whatever you heard or hear from him concerning my lawyers, the police or court case, does not represent the true position.

“He has been acting without my knowledge or consent,” he said.

The actor is being detained by the police for alleged sexual assault and defilement of the 14-year-old foster daughter of comedienne, Princess.

He was granted bail by a magistrate on Monday in spite of strike by judiciary workers.

“Baba Ijesha” said in the disclaimer that the police never demanded for money from him for the bail, which was granted him by a magistrate on health grounds.

“This is aside the N500, 000 refundable bail bond which formed part of my bail conditions ordered by the court.

“The bail bond is payable to the court registry’s account and not police account,” he said.

Speaking with NAN, Mr Kayode Olabiran, counsel to “Baba Ijesha” noted that the actor was granted bail on May 17, by a team from Lagos State Judiciary, Nigerian Bar Association and the state Ministry of Justice.

The team had visited the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti, Yaba, Lagos, in an efforts to decongest police stations across Lagos State.

Olabiran said that though the actor had fulfilled all the bail conditions, he had yet to be formally released by the judiciary.

“He is not out of police custody, we are hoping that the judiciary, the team from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution will come again to Panti next week.

“It is one thing to be granted bail and another for your release to be ordered upon meeting all the conditions.

“That is the point we are now. We are waiting for them (the judiciary) to come so we will present all the documents and his release will be ordered,” he said. (NAN)

May 23, 2021
EPL monthly awards for 2020/2021 season

By Dayo Mustapha with agency reports

The Premier League 2020/2021 season ended today with top four chase and Europa league qualifications seized.

Here are some interesting facts that bring accolades and honours to players’ performance and many more.

The winner is chosen by a combination of an online public vote, which contributes to 10 per cent of the final tally, a panel of experts, and the captain of each Premier League club.

Players, managers with individual honours

September 2020

Everton forward Dominic Calvert won player of the month after he netted brilliant five goals in three matches, including a first Premier League hat-trick.

Everton manager Carlo Ancelloti bagged manager of the month after a 100 per cent start of the season

Leicester Midfielder James Maddison’s stunning distance strike against recently crowned EPL champion, Manchester City earned him goal of the month. City lost the game 5-2 at home

October 2020

Tottenham Hotspur forward, Son Heung-Min produced a sparkling performance in October, scoring four goals and registering two assists earned him the player of the month award.

Portuguese Nuno Espírito Santo who stepped down as Wolves manager after four years with the club won the manager of the month award for October after his side went unbeaten with three wins.

Manuel Lanzini’s goal of West Ham United was branded goal of the month. The stylish midfielder hit a late long-range screamer as West-Ham fight back against Spurs in a six-goal thriller

November 2020

Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes produced an excellent-scoring spirit with four goals and an assist to claim the player of the month award.

Sacked Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho was awarded manager of the season after an unbeaten run in the month to push Spurs to the top of the table

Fulham and Nigerian right back, Ola Aina powered a left-footed strike against West Brom goalkeeper to earn Fulham vital three points. The goal was branded goal of the month.

December 2020

Manchester United playmaker, Fernandes was on form as he bagged three goals and four assists to become the first to win player of the month award four times in a single calendar.

Aston Villa Manager, Dean Smith grabbed his first PL manager award after leading his team to an unbeaten run

Sebastian Haller of West Ham scored an acrobatic overhead kick against Palace for his team as they leveled the game. This performance earned him goal of the month award.

January 2021

German and Manchester City talisman, Ike Gundogan received his first PL player of the month award after netting five goals in the month.

Champions League Finalist Pep Guardiola won the PL manager of the month after guiding City to six premier league match wins.

Liverpool forward Mo Salah finished off a sensational counter-attacking goal at West Ham in a 3-1 win for Liverpool. After combined votes from pundits, club captain and online, he was awarded the goal of the month.

February 2021

Ike kept his form into the month of February, thanks to his four goals and one assist to earn him another PL player of the month award. He became City’s first player to have the award back-to-back.

Pep Guardiola won the premier league manager for the month after extending City’s winning league run to 14 with six victories

Curling effort for Man Utd against Everton saw Bruno Fernandes goal awarded for the month.

March 2021

Nigeria and Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho popularly called “Senior man Kels” inspiring form earned him the premier league player of the month. He netted five goals in March to become the fourth Nigerian to bag the award.

Champions League Finalist Thomas Tuchel won his first Premier League award after guiding Chelsea to an unbeaten run.

Argentine and Tottenham forward, Erik Lamela scored a “rabona” for Tottenham Hotspur in North London derby at Emirates Stadium. He’s regarded as the master of “Rabona”. The goal against Arsenal earned him goal of the month.

April 2021

On loan, Manchester United midfielder to West Ham United, Jesse Lingard scooped EPL player of the month and goal of the month award in April. He netted four goals with an assist to clinch the award. Meanwhile, the goal of the month came when he finished off a run from his own half against wolves on April 5.

Newcastle United manager, Steve Bruce claimed his first PL award after guiding the club to a four-match unbeaten run.

May 23, 2021
BREAKING: Tinubu, Govs, South West APC leaders kick against secession

By Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

South West All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains have kicked against agitations for secession across the nation.

The stakeholders, in a meeting on Sunday in Lagos, said a united and peaceful Nigeria should remain the pursuit of all well-meaning leaders.

The meeting was attended by National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; South West Governors, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and other stakeholders.

A communiqué at the end of the meeting signed by former Interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, also endorsed the ban on open grazing by Southern Governors in their recent Asaba meeting.

Parts of the communiqué read: “They express their strong opposition to separatist agitations and hate speeches. While urging those indulging in such to desist forthwith, they renew their belief in the unity, stability and sustainability of the country.

‘’We note with significant concern the security situation in the country. Terrorism and violent criminality threaten many areas, adversely affecting the lives and livelihoods of too many innocent and peace-loving Nigerians.

“While mindful of the resource and other constraints facing the nation, we urge the federal government to continue to make the necessary expenditures and allocate sufficient resources to enable the military and security agencies to tackle the difficult security challenges confronting us.

“We urge government at all levels, security agencies, and public leaders across the country to do everything possible to prevent tension so that we sustain the necessary unity to defeat these challenges to our national security.

“All responsible Nigerians must speak and act in a manner that strengthens our common cause against these common threats to our collective peace, justice and development.

“We restate our abhorrence of violence as a means to achieve either political or economic power and influence. We strongly condemn violence of any form in any part of the country, regardless of ethnic or regional identity of the perpetrators of the violence or of the victims. Government must do all it can to protect potential victims and to assist those who have previously been victimized by terrorism or widespread banditry.

“We hold to the view that true federalism where more power and resources are allocated to the states will be an essential part in strengthening society and improving democratic governance so that we beat the present challenges but also engender durable peace and security.

“True federalism and the reallocation of resources and authority that comes with it will empower the states to solve localized issues before they spread and transform into national ones.

“In addition to mitigating political competition for control of the national government, greater federalism will empower grassroots economic development and political reforms that will stand as bulwarks against the terrorism and criminality now experienced in too many parts of the nation. A hallmark of this enhanced federalism will be the establishment of state police forces.”

May 23, 2021
GDP grows by 0.51 per cent in Q1 2021

By John Ofikhenua, Abuja

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.51 per cent in first quarter (Q1) of 2021.

It said in its data titled “Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Report – Q1 202” that it made it the second successive quarter of growth rates recorded in the second and third quarters of 2020.

The NBS noted: “Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.51%(year-on-year) in real terms in the first quarter of 2021, marking two consecutive quarters of growth following the negative growth rates recorded in the second and third quarters of 2020”.

The data added that the Q1 2021 growth rate was slower than the 1.87% growth rate recorded in Q1 2020 but higher than 0.11% recorded in Q4 2020, indicative of a slow but continuous recovery.

NBS noted that nevertheless, quarter on quarter, real GDP grew at -13.93% in Q1 2021 compared to Q4 2020, reflecting a generally slower pace of economic activities at the start of the year.

According to the data, in the quarter under review, aggregate GDP stood at N40,014,482.74 million in nominal terms.

This performance, said NBS, is higher when compared to the first quarter of 2020 which recorded aggregate GDP of N35,647,406.08 million, indicating a year on year nominal growth rate of 12.25%.

The data further explained that the nominal GDP growth rate in Q1 2021 was higher relative to 12.01% growth recorded in the first quarter of 2020 as well as the 10.07% growth recorded in the preceding quarter.

For better clarity, the economy has been classified broadly into the oil and non-oil sectors.

It disclosed that the oil sector recorded real GDP growth rate of –2.21% (year-on-year) in Q1 2021 indicating a decrease of –7.27% points relative to the growth rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2020 (5.06%).

“Compared to Q4 2020 which recorded –19.76% growth rate, growth in Q1 2021 was higher by 17.55% points”, it said.

The document said “Quarter-on-quarter, the oil sector recorded a growth rate of 35.65% in Q1 2021.

“In terms of contribution to aggregate GDP, the Oil sector accounted for 9.25% of aggregate real GDP in Q1 2021, slightly lower than 9.5% recorded in the corresponding period of 2020 but higher than in the preceding quarter, where it contributed 5.87%”.

Continuing, NBS said the “non-oilsectorgrewby 0.79 % in real terms in Q1 2021,which was–0.75% points lower compared to the rate recorded in the same quarter of 2020 and -0.89% points lower than rates recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020.

“Growth in the non-oil sector was driven mainly by the Information and Communication

(Telecommunication) sector while other drivers include Agriculture (Crop Production); Manufacturing (Food, Beverage & Tobacco); Real Estate; Construction and Human Health &Social Services.

“In real terms, the Non-oil sector accounted for 90.75% of aggregate GDP in the first quarter of 2021, higher than its share in the first quarter of 2020 which was 90.50% but lower than 94.13%recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020”.

May 23, 2021
EPL: Heartbreak for Iheanacho, Ndidi as Leicester miss out on UCL

It’s deja vu for Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi as Leicester City missed out on a top-four place again on the last day of the season following a 4-2 loss to Tottenham at the King Power stadium.

Iheanacho and Ndidi both played for the full 90 minutes but could do little to prevent Leicester from a damaging defeat.

The Foxes were also in a similar situation last season but lost to Manchester United to end the season in fifth place.

Brendan Rodgers men had been in the top four all season, but some disappointing results at the business end of the season allowed their rivals to close the gap on them.

They went into Sunday’s clash outside the top four but knew they could still fight their way back should results go their way.

However, Harry Kane equalised four minutes from the break to send Leicester back to fifth. But news came through that Chelsea were behind against Villa, meaning Leicester only needed to win to finish in the top four.

It looked like they got the memo as Vardy put them ahead once again from the penalty spot seven minutes after the break.

It got better for them as Chelsea went two goals behind at Villa Park. But soon after, Leicester capitulated as Spurs scored three times in the last 15 minutes through a Kasper Schmeichel own goal and Gareth Bale brace to send the Foxes out of the top four.

May 23, 2021
EPL: Harry Kane wins Golden boot

Harry Kane scored what could be his last ever Tottenham goal to win the Premier League Golden Boot race on the final day of the 2020/21 season.

Kane and Mohamed Salah led the way with 22 goals apiece going into game week 38, with the Tottenham and Liverpool stars enjoying prolific campaigns on a personal level even with their teams have struggled to challenge for silverware.

Neither could find the net during the penultimate round of games, so it was a case of winner-takes-all on the final day.

Kane – who wants to leave Tottenham this summer – struck in a 3-2 win at Leicester to end the season on 23 goals, while he made another to notch 14 assists for the campaign.

Salah couldn’t find the net as Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 2-0, so he finished second. Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes built on his impressive start to lift at Old Trafford with 18 goals and 12 assists in his first full season with the Red Devils to finish third.

Kane’s team-mate Heung-min Son was not far behind in joint fourth place with Leeds’ Patrick Bamford, while Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended up sixth with 16 goals.

May 23, 2021
You are man of faith, Adeboye tells Bello

By Adeola Ogunlade

The General Overseer, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has described Governor Yahaya Bello as a man of faith whose handling of the Corona Virus pandemic was an inspiring indication of stoic faith. A rare demonstration from a political leader, he said.

Applauding the Governor for his balanced approach to governance especially as it relates to issue of religious plurality, Pastor Adeboye praised the Governor on his tolerance and inclusiveness to the extent that the first-ever Chapel in Kogi State Government house was built by the Governor.

“we have heard and seen your show of faith in God particularly in dealing with the Corona Virus. It takes the man of faith to have acted the way you did and we are very very pleased with you. We have also heard the news of how you’ve been relating to people of every faiths to the extend that you built the first chapel in the government house, Lokoja, we are delighted, Sir. I want to assure you that we will keep on praying for you, we will keep on praying for the people of your state and i believe that the Almighty God will answer our prayers for you. Thank you fro granting us audience” Adeboye said.

He assured the Governor that they would continue to offer prayers for the Governor, the leadership of the state and the people of the state at large

In his response, Governor Bello expressed that the visit of the clergy was a gift and he was delighted to be hosting a father figure who served as a role model to many across the country, himself inclusive.

Governor Bello asserted that It was evil of any leader to continually do wrong without recourse to natural justice., adding that in Kogi State under his leadership, considering the circumstances surrounding how he became governor and his election for a second term, the resolve is to do good by providing credible and impacting governance.

He alluded that his administration’s strive to ensure ethnic, religious balance, fighting criminality and other modest achievements were only natural and mandatory obligations expected of leaders bequeathed with the people’s mandate.

The Governor tasked the revered and venerable clergy to continue to pray for the country, the state, both leadership and followership stating that all faith at this very period should harmonise to seek divine intervention for the nation instead of beating the drum of divisions and war.

May 23, 2021
AIB-N begins investigation into Kaduna military crash

Agency Reporter

The Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB -N) has commenced investigation into the crash which claimed 11 lives including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, on Friday in Kaduna.

The bureau’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Tunji Oketunbi, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday.

Oketunbi said the investigation has commenced as the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Beechcraft 350 aircraft had been recovered.

“Investigators will download and analyse vital information contained in the recorders at the AIB-N’s world class Flight Safety Laboratory, in Abuja.

“The mandate given to AIB-N is based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two agencies on July 1, 2020 covering areas of mutual assistance,” he said.

Oketunbi said the investigation would be carried out diligently and professionally by its trained investigators.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crash, which occurred on landing, had claimed 11 lives including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, his aides, and the flight crew.

The late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Ibrahim Attahiru, and other officers who died in the plane crash on Friday in Kaduna, were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja on Saturday, with full military honours. NAN

May 23, 2021
Oyedepo warns youths against negative use of social media

By Adeola Ogunlade

THE Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has warned Nigeria youths against the negative use of social media as the social media saga has eroded the substance of destiny of most youths in our world today.

Oyedepo said this at the 15th Convocation Ceremony of Covenant University, held yesterday at the University Chapel, Ota, Covenant University, Ogun State.

The convocation tagged: The Release of Eagles 2020, had 1664 students who graduated with First Degrees, 254 graduated in higher degrees, and 51 had first class across the different disciplines in the university. A student from the Bio-Chemistry Department, James-Okoro Paula Peace won the best graduating student with 4.98 Grade Point Average (GPA).

The event brought together parents, vice chancellors of universities, diplomats, government representatives and traditional rulers.

He warned that this generation may lose its heroes to social media disaster. We must wake up from our slumber to deal with this monster.

Oyedepo said that today, some professionals have classified social media addiction along with drug, alcohol and sex. What a silent destroyer many are toying with today,” he asked.

May 23, 2021