The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Between Laycon’s brother and Lilo’s sister

    Between Laycon’s brother and Lilo’s sister

    By Gbenga Bada

    The 2020 BBNaija reality show-themed The Lockdown edition had 20 housemates including Lilo, the second housemate to be evicted, and Laycon, the winner of the show.

    It’s been over six months since the show came to an end and not many of the show’s fans know what has occurred behind the scene.

    While Laycon won the show and has gone ahead to pursue his music career, Lilo had gone ahead to establish and run a cafe, 23 Cafe.

    However, that is not where the gist ends. A seeming connection had been created between the older siblings of the two ex-housemates of BBNaija. Abayomi, Laycon’s elder brother, and Alicia, Lilo’s elder sister, struck an alliance while their younger siblings were in the house.

    Following Lilo’s exit from the house, Alicia had joined forces with Abayomi to dedicate their votes to Laycon. The alliance paid off as Laycon emerged winner of the BBNaija season 5.

    The two – Abayomi and Alicia – have become so close as good friends. They both insisted they are mere friends in a platonic relationship.

    Speaking of his relationship with Alice Aderogba, Abayomi says, “We met during Big Brother. At some point during the Big Brother show, alliances had to be formed. When a contestant gets evicted and they have a fave (favourite) in the house, your teams align. So during the alliance, Alicia was the one in charge of her sister’s campaign while I was in charge of Laycon’s. Our conversations went well and we became friends.”

    Continuing, Abayomi says, “After the show, we hung out and got to know each other better. But there’s nothing there; we’re just friends. My name isn’t saved as Yomi on her phone, it’s saved as Best Friend and that’s how she refers to me anytime we see each other. I love the friendship we have. It has been a very productive relationship on both sides. That’s why when the opportunity to design Laycon’s house came up, I had to plug in my friend because I know she’s good at what she does. It’s also the same way she hits me up when she has projects she knows I can handle.”

    After the show, Laycon had tried hanging out with Lilo but fans are unsure of the result of their hangout.

  • Qatar 2022 to be best ever, says Eto’o

    Qatar 2022 to be best ever, says Eto’o

    By Morakinyo Abodunrin

    Africa legend  and four-time African Footballer of the Year, Samuel  Eto’o , believes the first FIFA World Cup  in the  Middle East , Qatar 2022 , would be the best ever.

    Speaking  during  a virtual media roundtable organised by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Eto’o noted that the oil-rich country  is hosting  the Mundial  as a ‘gift’ to the rest of the world, adding the stadia and infrastructures  being put in place for the event  are outstanding and spectacular.

    “ Personally, I think Qatar is hosting the 2022 World Cup  as a gift to the world and  I don’t want to look at the  financial  implication of hosting the  tournament because  it’s like giving  a gift to your wife, you don’t look at the cost,“ explained the  Cameroonian who  now resides in Qatar.“ I have visited all the stadiums that have been built as well as the ones that are yet to be completed and all what I see are  spectacles  and the whole world would be amazed with what  Qatar is going to present in 2022.”

    Yesterday marked 600 days exactly to the kick-off of the 22nd edition of the quadrennial event, and Eto’o enthused that Qatar’s preparations towards hosting the best tournament ever should inspire  African countries  to dream big.

    “Qatar 2022 should be an inspiration to Africa because they have visionary leaders  who dream  and what to do to be the very best; and I think Africa can emulate  this,” noted the former Barcelona striker.

    “Thanks to CAF, a lot of African countries can now boast of good infrastructures and take Cameroon  as an example,  they can bid to host major tournaments  with the kind of infrastructure on ground for  the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations next year.

    “ Hosting  the World Cup  would not only give a country visibility but it provides a business mechanism that  will be of benefit to the country  and  her citizens.”

  • Iwobi, Aribo ready to rumble against Squirrels

    Iwobi, Aribo ready to rumble against Squirrels

    By Olalekan Okusan

    Everton of England midfielder Alex Iwobi cannot wait to be thrown into the game against Benin Republic in this weekend’s AFCON 2021 Qualifiers in Port Novo.

    The former Arsenal striker said  in Lagos yesterday that he was  ready to play in any position assigned to him by coach Gernot Rohr.

    “Anywhere I am told to play I am going to play,” he said.

    He is optimistic that the Eagles can record victory away against the visitors while also looking forward to playing in Lagos when the Eagles welcome Lesotho to Lagos on March 30.

    “We feel like we are ready to compete; we are excited especially playing in Lagos where we will have a few of the fans with us hopefully we can qualify that is the aim and we are confident we can do so,” he said.

    “Of course,  I am looking forward to the game in Lagos because I know the fans is going to bring the energy we need, so everyone is looking forward to the game.”

    Meanwhile,  Joe Aribo believes the team is poised to pick the ticket to AFCON from the two games.

    “We are making efforts to qualify and that is why we are going to be prepared for the matches because we know how important they are , we want to win both games by giving our whole and doing what we can in order to get the two wins,” Aribo said.

    The Glasgow  Rangers striker quipped  about  playing   in front of the Lagos fans when the Eagles welcome Lesotho on March 30 to Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    “I have not experienced what it means to play in Lagos but I know it’s going to be an amazing one because football in Lagos is like we are back home,” he said.“It is just going to be a nice feeling to play out there ; I can’t wait to be out there honestly.”

  • Musa: Eagles won’t repeat S’Leone mistakes

    Musa: Eagles won’t repeat S’Leone mistakes

    By Olalekan Okusan

    Not ready to dwell on Super Eagles shambolic display against Sierra Leone in Benin City,  Super  Eagles’  ‘non-playing’ captain Ahmed Musa has said that the team  won’t  put up a laisser-faire  attitude away to  Benin Republic in  the AFCON 2021 qualifiers in Port Novo.

    Musa  who was included in the squad  as a rallying motivator  to his teammates  according to coach Gernot Rohr,  told journalists yesterday in Lagos that the team is poised to pick the ticket  to the  delayed 2021  AFCON  to be hosted by Cameroon.

    “A draw in Port Novo is going to qualify us for AFCON but that is not what we are going for; we need to win but you know football anything can happen,”  stated Musa.“We only make mistakes in life once, so we made a mistake against Sierra Leone in Benin City and we are not going to repeat that mistake.

    “ I am sure that all the boys know the hard work they are going to put into that game against Benin Republic.”

    On the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF)  plan to ferry the Super Eagles  contingent to  Port Novo via waterways , Musa said: “There is nothing we can do about how we get to Benin  and for us,  I just want them to provide what is going to take us safely down there and then make the players feel comfortable and when we get there we are all ready for the game.”

     

  • Eagles get full squad for Squirrels, Crocodiles

    Eagles get full squad for Squirrels, Crocodiles

    Apart from Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Nigeria’s senior men team’s camp is teeming with her superstars as countdown begins for the final round of qualification matches for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Benin Republic and Lesotho respectively.

    Iheanacho is still being expected at yesterday as 23 players had arrived at the Eko Hotel s where the three-time African champions are ensconced ahead of the big duels.

    Nigeria top their group with eight points, one better than the Squirrels of Benin Republic, against whom they trade tackle at the Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto Novo on Saturday in the penultimate round of the qualifying campaign. Three days later, the Eagles confront the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos in what will be their first encounter in Nigeria’s commercial and economic capital in 10 years.

    Players in camp: Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, John Noble; Defenders: William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Adekunle Adeleke, Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, Tyronne Ebuehi, Jamilu Collins, Zaidu Sanusi; Midfielders: Semi Ajayi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Abdullahi Shehu, Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, Wilfred Ndidi; Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Henry Onyekuru, Anayo Iwuala, Alex Iwobi, Paul Onuachu, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen.

    The Super Eagles will travel by waterways to Porto Novo on Friday morning, and will stay the night in the Beninese capital, Cotonou before moving to Porto Novo on Saturday for the game. The contingent will return to Cotonou after the game and travel back to Lagos on Sunday morning.

  • Edo to camp Team Nigeria for Olympics

    Edo to camp Team Nigeria for Olympics

    The National Camp for the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics Games will be set in Edo State to allow contingents for the games to take advantage of the world-class Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin City and other facilities built by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, for their preparations.

    Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, disclosed this to journalists during a visit to Edo State ahead of the National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in the state between April 2 and 14.

    Dare who expressed satisfaction with the quality and standard of sporting facilities in the state, noted that the revamp of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other facilities has raised the bar for sports development for other states in Nigeria.

    He stated that Edo was the best place to host contingents for the Olympic Games, adding: “There is no better place to host Nigerian athletes for the Tokyo Olympic Games than Edo State. The state already has the facilities and the national camp will be set up in Edo State.”

    On his part, Governor Obaseki noted: “From what we have seen here, it is clear that this is a world-class facility that is ready to host a world class event. Every sport listed in the festival has world-class facilities to cater for it. The facilities match whatever you have across the globe. We are ready. Accommodation is ready.”

  • UFC champs to challenge Joshua

    UFC champs to challenge Joshua

    UFC heavyweight world champion Stipe Miocic is eyeing a move into boxing to take on either Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury.

    Miocic, 38, will defend his title in a rematch with KO machine Francis Nano at UFC 260 this weekend.

    But he would then consider switching from the cage to the ring to take on either of the Brits who are due to meet in an undisputed clash this summer.

    Asked on ESPN why he wanted to fight Joshua or Fury, Miocic said: “It’s a different combat, boxing is all about technique.

    “It’s more of a fair fight (than if they fought in MMA); we both fight standing but we can kick and take down, and they’re not used to that.”

    Miocic was first crowned heavyweight champion in 2016 when he knocked out Fabrizio Werder in the first round.

    He made three successful defences against Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos and Ngannou before he was dethroned by Daniel Cormier.

    Miocic exacted revenge on Cormier before winning their trilogy fight last August.

  • NESG launches debt roundtable

    NESG launches debt roundtable

    By Chinyere Okoroafor

    The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) have launched the Debt Management Roundtable to help Nigeria and West African Countries provide a pathway to fiscal sustainability.

    Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of the NESG, Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola said Nigeria’s debt to GDP ratio has increased over the years but the relationship between both keeps rising.

    He stated that Nigeria’s ability to service its debt is concerning, especially given that about 83 per cent of the country’s revenue is spent on debt servicing.

    He said the roundtable will provide alternatives and recommendations that the government can apply to ensure that Nigeria’s debt is properly managed.

    Chairman of the NESG-OSIWA Debt Management Roundtable, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said debt burden was not about the present but the future.

     

  • ‘360 housing units in Lagos ready’

    ‘360 housing units in Lagos ready’

    By Muyiwa Lucas

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will commission Housing Scheme located at Igbogbo in Ikorodu today

    Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai said the scheme has 360 units comprising 120 units of one bedroom, 12O units of two bedrooms and 120 units of three bedrooms on an expanse of 6.24 hectares of land in Igbogbo, Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA.

    Akinderu-Fatai said the homes, built in line with global standards, were designed for low and middle income earners.

    Other projects to be commissioned include Igbogbo Baiyeku LCDA Secretariat,  2.2km Igbe-Igbogbo  Road and Community Radio Station at Ipakodo, among others.

    The state yesterday inaugurated the Epe Lagoon and Lekki Coastal Resettlement Committees. The committees are saddled with the task of planning, designing, monitoring and evaluating the resettlement of individuals and families that may be affected by the Lekki Free Zone Project.

    Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. Lola Akande, at the swearing-in held in Alausa, said the role and function of the Resettlement Committee is to set out the ‘’Content and Process’’ for resettling and compensating affected individuals and families within the Host Community.

    The composition of the Executive Committee of Epe Lagoon is made up of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives as the Chairman, Honourable Segun Agbaje as the Vice Chairman and Director of Industry as Secretary, while the Executive Committee of Lekki Coastal is made up of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives as the Chairman, Prince Olu Falade as the Vice Chairman and Director of Commerce as the Secretary.

  • N1b intervention fund: Lagos to announce beneficiaries Thursday

    N1b intervention fund: Lagos to announce beneficiaries Thursday

    By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

    Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) Coordinator, Lagos State Chapter, Mr  Gbenga Sunmonu, has said that Lagos state government will on Thursday present cheques to some stakeholders in the tourism, art and culture sector who have been selected as beneficiaries of its N1 billion intervention fund.

    The state government approved the seed capital for investment in tourism, arts and culture last August. It is part of the intervention fund to cushion the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic.

    Sunmonu, who spoke at a briefing with tourism writers, at the weekend in Lagos, said the presentation would douse the doubts among some stakeholders about the sincerity of the state to cushion the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the sector.

    He stated that the presentation of cheques will be done at the opening of the maiden edition of Lagos State Tourism Hospitality, Art and Culture Economic Summit (LATHACE 2021) at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos. “It will be a transformative channel to clear the trust deficit between private and public sectors and be a good base to develop plans that will assist the development of industry players,” he assured.  According to Sunmonu the two-in-one intensive programme would attract stakeholders from both public and private sectors to discuss issues that touch on tourism, arts and culture industry, adding that it is the first of its kind with an objective to solve specific industry needs. “It is a platform for private-public sector interaction, whereby Lagos State ministries that relate directly with tourism, hospitality, arts, and culture will have their desks set up for interaction and information dissemination. This is to resolve issues and set up the agenda for the way forward post COVID-19,” he stated.

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu, will be Special Guest of Honour while Managing Partner of Verraki Partners Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf is guest speaker. Sunmonu noted that the panelists will include Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Chief Sam Alabi, Lagos State Commissioner for Finance Dr, Rabiu Olowo and Chairman LIRS Mr. Ayodele Subair.

    The programme will be a hybrid summit, that is, physical and virtual and will be an inclusive programme as about 23 agencies of government related to all segments of the industry will be there and will have the opportunity of interacting with key stakeholders.

    To Sunmonu, the summit will be a fresh pedestal to create new vista for development of Lagos tourism.  the Summit will create opportunities to solve any lingering issues with any agency of the Lagos State government and open a new vista of relationship in moving forward.

    He urged all concerned stakeholders to endeavour to attend the summit to brainstorm on ways forward for the industry.

    Vice President, FTAN South-West zone, Otunba Ayo Olumoko said that whatever happens in Lagos forms the templates other states are waiting for. He said that the summit was being organised at the right time and prayed that after the summit, the industry will not be relegated to the background.

    “The economic summit will be a practical aspect of what we need to do which government of the day of Lagos State will be expected to make some policy statements,” he said.

    He noted that the hospitality, tourism and the entertainment industry have been most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Olumoko said that other State Chapters of the association will emulate this summit and would enable the various stakeholders fashion a direction on the way forward for the industry.