The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Atlético Madrid clinches La Liga title

    Atlético Madrid clinches La Liga title

    ATLETICO Madrid pipped city rivals Real Madrid to the La Liga title yesterday after Luis Suarez fired them to a 2-1 comeback win at Real Valladolid.

    Valladolid took a shock lead in the 18th minute when Oscar Plano slotted past Jan Oblak to complete a sweeping counter-attack after Yannick Carrasco had lost control of the ball following an Atletico corner.

    Just as they had done in last week’s comeback win over Osasuna, Atletico missed a series of clear opportunities but they drew level after a moment of magic from Angel Correa, who danced his way through the defence before arrowing into the bottom corner in the 57th minute.

    Suarez then pounced on a giveaway by the Valladolid defence to score in the 67th and put Atletico on their way to a victory that would secure the title no matter what happened in Real Madrid’s game at home to Villarreal.

    Valladolid missed a couple of glaring opportunities down the other end while Geoffrey Kondogbia wasted a chance that would have given Atletico a more relaxing finish when he blasted into the side-netting.

    Real Madrid ended up fighting their way back from a goal down to beat Villarreal 2-1 which meant they would have swiped the title from Atletico’s hands if Valladolid had equalised thanks to a better head-to-head record.

    However, Diego Simeone’s side saw out the victory and wildly celebrated on the pitch.

    “Atletico have had an incredible season despite all the difficulties we’ve had. We’ve been the most consistent team and we are champions,” said Suarez.

    Atletico finished top of the standings on 86 points while Real, who snatched a late 2-1 win over Villarreal, came second on 84. Valladolid finished 19th and were relegated to Spain’s second division.

    Hundreds of fans celebrated in central Madrid after the match, while the police drafted in extra officers and drones to monitor the situation.

  • Police investigate five officers’ over harassment of principal, teachers in Ekiti

    Police investigate five officers’ over harassment of principal, teachers in Ekiti

    By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado-Ekiti

    The Police Command in Ekiti State has launched an investigation into alleged attack by five police personnel on the principal and teachers of Mary Immaculate Girls’ Grammar School in Ado-Ekiti.

    The police officer, Sgt. Agenoise Elijah, allegedly stormed the school with his colleagues on Friday to protest the audacity of the authorities for reprimanding and discipling his daughter for wearing a different hairstyle from the prescribed one.

    The police personnel allegedly harassed the principal, tore the dress of a female tutor and seized the mobile of another.

    The incident reportedly caused confusion in the school as both teachers and students took to their heels.

    Confirming the incident, ASP Sunday Abutu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, said “the command is not unaware of the reported case of indiscipline at Mary Imaculate Girls’ School, Ado-Ekiti.

    “They were said to have harassed the teachers simply because his daughter, who is one of the students, was questioned about the style of her hair-cut which was not inline with the school directive.

    “The command wishes to confirm that the Police sergeant and his colleagues, who went to the School to cause chaos, have been identified and discreet investigation has commenced as ordered by the Commissioner of Police and the officers shall not be spared if found guilty.

    “The command is also working tenaciously with the state Ministry of Education to ensure that no stone is left unturned concerning the case.

    “ The CP in the state is appealing to those who were victims of the officers’ misbehavior to be calm and patient as we shall ensure that the investigation process is not compromised,” the police spokesman said.

  • Ikotun monarch marks 20th anniversary

    Ikotun monarch marks 20th anniversary

    The Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu Asiwaju has made an appeal to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to render financial support towards the early completion of the new king’s palace.

    The monarch made the appeal during the foundation laying ceremony of the palace building in Ikotun, as part of the activities marking his 20th year Coronation Anniversary.

    Oba Gbadabiu stated that the rationale behind the construction of the new palace is to accord the necessary royal status to traditional institution in the state and also make the palace a tourist centre. This is explained will be a source of pride to all the good people of Ikotun and Lagos State in general.

    The Oba, while acknowledging the support rendered by individuals, various groups and organisations in the past five years towards the construction of the palace, added that the journey is still far as regards early completion of the project. He therefore called on prominent indigenes, residents and organisations within and outside Ikotun to contribute to the project.

  • ‘Ibadan to get new AirForce base to serve Southwest’

    ‘Ibadan to get new AirForce base to serve Southwest’

    By Bisi Oladele, Southwest Bureau Chief

    The Nigerian Air Force is set to establish a new, bigger base in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital which will serve Southwest states in addition to that in Lagos.

    The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Air force, Hon. Adigun Abass (aka Agboworin),  revealed this in an interview with reporters at his empowerment programme in Ibadan at the weekend.

    Abass, who is representing Ibadan North East/ South East Federal Constituency, empowered over 1,000 constituents with working capital for traders, 30 motorcycles, 65 grinding machines, 35 hair dryers, 35 sewing machines and two fully equipped ambulances estimated at N90 million.

    Adigun hinted that citing of a new, bigger Air Force base in the capital city was already in the works. He said the state government has already provided the large expanse of land for the base in Ajia village area along Ibadan-Ife Road in Ona-Ara Local Government of the capital city. He explained that the base will be far bigger than the existing one in Akobo area of Ibadan which has been choked by residential buildings.

    His words: “When we talk about the AirForce base, we have one in Ibadan now in Akobo but we are planning a new one.  As you know that the former Chief of Air Staff came here last year and he mentioned  that there would  be another AirForce base in Ibadan. We have a location for the that already. It will be somewhere in Ajia, Ibadan. It’s in process. It will be a very mighty one that will be for the Southwest region.”

    Adigun commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his giant strides in the last two years, adding that he has been providing enabling environment for lawmakers to impact their constituents.

  • Digital hub opens in Iworo, Badagry 

    Digital hub opens in Iworo, Badagry 

    A digital hub, OK Foundation Digital Centre, has been opened in Iworo, Badagry, Lagos, as part of the development taking place in the community.

    Since Oniworo of Iworoland, Oba Oladele Friday Kosoko, ascended the throne, the community has been witnessing a rapid growth. Their road has been renovated, new palace is under construction, a shopping mall has been built and the construction of a model college has begun.

    In order to empower the people of Iworo and Badagry communities, Olu Kosoko Foundation unveiled the digital centre on Thursday.

    Focused on driving development by propagating ‘Education, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Environment,’ the non-profit organisation is founded by the Aremo of Iworo Kingdom, Olu Kosoko.

    Speaking at the launch, the Prince said the digital central was designed to equip youths and young adults with key digital skills which would strengthen  their entrepreneurship capabilities and make them ‘hot cakes’ in the labour market.

    He stated: “The digital centre located at Iworo Shopping Complex will also serve as a shared workspace for professionals and tech researchers as we provide in-house busing consulting for SMEs and start-ups

    “Our goals is to impact the lives of 1000 youths and 500 adults in Badagry within the next 36 months.”

     

  • Rotary Club donates equipment to Isolo General Hospital

    Rotary Club donates equipment to Isolo General Hospital

    By Gboyega Alaka

    The Rotary Club of  Isolo District 9110 has donated Physiotherapy equipment to the Isolo General Hospital.

    The President of the Club, Rotarian David Taiwo, while presenting the items said that it is part of their yearly contribution to the healthcare delivery of the state.

    Rotarian Taiwo said that the club has been making yearly donations to the hospital in the last eight years and pledged the club’s commitment to continue with the gesture.

    The items donated are: Two electrical simulators, two trolleys, two stabilizers and two units of UPS.

    Responding, the Medical Director/CEO of the hospital, Dr Godwin Akhabhoa, expressed gratitude to the club for the donation and pledged that the equipment will be put in proper use.

    Dr Akhabhoa used the occasion to inform the Rotarians of the ongoing renovation of the hospital by the Lagos State government, adding that the donation is timely and in the right direction.

    Also speaking, the District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian Bola Oyebade who was represented by Assistant Governor Jerry Aghiesi said that the club is not tired of rendering medical support to the hospital, adding that the donated equipment will go a long way to positively impact on the health of patients.

    A past District Governor, Asiwaju Michael Olawale-Cole reiterated the commitment of the club to continue to support the hospital. He encouraged the present and future leadership of the club to always have project for the hospital, adding that the government alone cannot provide all that is needed to equip the hospital.

    The Director of Physiotherapy of the hospital, Mr. Nduka Egwuelu who was visibly elated with the donation said that the department now has more capacity to attend to more cases.

  • Osifo mourns late Chief of Army Staff, Attahiru

    Osifo mourns late Chief of Army Staff, Attahiru

    By Daniel Adeleye

    The former presidential aspirant and chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Osifo Stanley has commiserated with the president of Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, on the unfortunate and tragic death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and ten top gallant officers of the Armed Forces on Friday.

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Lagos yesterday, the former presidential hopeful stated that the men gave their best in service for the country particularly in the fight against insecurity and the threats from different terror and criminal elements.

    Osifo described the death of the officers as unfortunate national disaster at a time when their wealth of experience is most needed.

    He prayed for the repose of departed souls and God grant their families and everyone affected by the tragic occurrence the fortitude to bear the loss at this period of grief.

  • Yoruba nation agitators defy Akeredolu, ground Akure

    Yoruba nation agitators defy Akeredolu, ground Akure

    By Osagie Otabor, Akure

    Commercial activities in Akure, the Ondo State capital, were yesterday grounded as hundreds of persons trooped out to join the Ilana Omo Oodua rally.

    Ilana Omo Oodua, a group agitating for a sovereign Yoruba nation stormed Akure in continuation of its support rally in all the Southwest States.

    Vehicular traffic was diverted from the busy Oba Adeshida. Some traders packed up their wares and closed their shops to avoid hoodlums from looting their goods in case the rally turned violent.

    The rally moved from the Isikan Roundabout to the Oba Adeshida road before proceeding to the Deji of Akure’s palace where Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo known as Sunday Igboho, addressed Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi.

    Igboho said there was no going back on the demand for a Yoruba nation and reiterated his stand that there would be no election in the South-West states in 2023.

    He called on all Yoruba people to be united and stopped being slaves to the northerners.

    He said, “We are in Akure to demand for Yoruba Nation and now is the time for the actualization of Yoruba nation of our dream and we are ready to employ all peaceful means to achieve this.

    “We are here to receive your blessing and support and we can assure you that with you on our side, all our dreams will come to reality, we stand for the peaceful dissolution of Nigeria and any violent person during our rallies is a mole planted among us.

    Deji of Akure who was represented y the Edemo of Akure, High Chief Afolabi Fayehun, urged Adeyemo and his followers to be focused and avoid violence.

     

  • Tribute to Pastor Dare Adeboye

    Tribute to Pastor Dare Adeboye

    By Mikky Attah

    I vividly remember my singular meeting with Pastor Dee, as everyone called Pastor Dare Adeboye, in Uyo one Sunday evening in 2020, and as soon as we were introduced, he called on the retreating figures of his wife and daughter to come greet me, and I recall his daughter immediately falling to her knees, as is the custom of the Yorubas.

    That custom is gradually fading away with the times, indeed such greeting is uncommon among “aje- butter” children; but clearly Pastor Dee had brought up his household to cherish the old values of respect for seniors.

    I was with the wife of a big uncle of mine that day, and as we sat in the lounge, she sighted a family quite close to the tarmac exit door, and she said to me:- over there is Pastor Dee, Pastor Adeboye’s son. But, knowing Papa Adeboye refers to all his pastors as “sons”or”daughters” (even as he is universally called Daddy G.O), I quickly whispered the question – his real son, you mean- to which she replied in the affirmative. Just then the Pastor himself saw her and came over to greet us. It was instantly noticeable that his father’s quality of disarming humility was evident in Pastor Dee, who also bore a striking resemblance to his father. Like the saying goes, the apple did not fall far from the tree.

    Then, shortly after introducing us to his departing family and exchanging pleasantries, as well as interacting with  the few other persons that were in the lounge that evening, Pastor Dee took his leave for Eket, his base, where he served as  Assistant Regional Pastor.

    It was then my uncle’s wife opened up and told me that Pastor Dee had facilitated her express, one- on- one visit with Daddy G.O, Papa Adeboye at the height of her 3 year- long strange ailment, which had seen her travel abroad for operations seven whole times, with minimal impact.

    When the strange medical condition lingered, she had met with Papa Adeboye for a prayer session. Pastor Dee arranged it for her. Today, I wonder how many, maybe countless others he had silently assisted, through the years.

    I would say : a combination of prayers, and expert medical attention finally worked, and today my uncle’s wife is fully recovered.

    Thus, the passing on of that vibrant, warm and friendly man was quite a shock to me. Moreover, from the testimonies of him that have continued to be highlighted, it is clear that his life and ministry had great impact on the youths and young adults of Eket region. It is no wonder they embarked on the road trip in their numbers from all over Akwa  Ibom to Ogun, to attend  his funeral.

    The Comforter, the Holy Spirit will surely comfort the family of the Adeboyes; PastorDee’s wife and children, his mother, Pastor Folu (Mummy G.O.) his father, siblings, his congregants and his friends.

    Pastor Dare’s helpfulness, his humility and his warm personality as well as his respectfulness are qualities I will always ascribe to him.

    The entire Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG worldwide, must remain consoled in the fact that Pastor Dee’s final place is heaven.

    For Akwa Ibom , it must not be overlooked that it was a blessing for the son of the renowned General  Overseer to have been sent to serve in that land.

    Finally , for Pastor Dare Adeboye, it is certain; his God and Maker will say to him, Well done, though good and faithful servant, and Pastor Dare will enter into the joy of his Maker. Mathew 25:21.  That is my ultimate target, too.

    • Attah is a broadcaster, columnist and community leader.
  • Organisation wins at YMCA’s business bootcamp

    Organisation wins at YMCA’s business bootcamp

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    A hospitality business, Pipo Global Limited have emerged winners of the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) Business Boot Camp Pitch held recently at the YMCA, Lagos Secretariat, Lagos.

    Pipo Global Limited emerge winner with Sax and Accessories and Salibee Food clinches second and third position respectively.

    They will receive free business name registration, complimentary cards, and free mentorship from corporate experts for six months and access to single digits loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The boot camp featured: design a business model and write a simple business plan, deploy effective digital and social media marketing and customer service skills, understand the rudiments of business Registration and Licensing, impact investment, Access available mentorship and internship opportunities.

    In his response, the Executive Director of Pipo Global Limited Adeyemi Ayo David, who was elated at the award, said that this business boot camp has deepened his knowledge about business plan, budgeting and financing which are key elements for a successful businesses.

    Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of YMCA, Adeniyi Akindayomi said that the programme was set up in respond to the reality of our nation especially with respect to young people.

    ”We saw what hunger during the lock down and the response of young people and the growing spate of insecurity. Ensuring that young people are not only engage but create businesses and economic opportunities for other people is our ultimate goal”.

    He noted that we are not in rivalry with the government but complementing the various socio-economic interventions of the government in address growing spate of unemployment prevalence in Nigeria.