The Nation Newspaper

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  • Ohanaeze pledges allegiance, loyalty to Tinubu

    Ohanaeze pledges allegiance, loyalty to Tinubu

    President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has declared the resolution of the Igbo community to extend their unwavering support to President Bola Tinubu. 

    He emphasised that the Igbo are committed to pledging their allegiance and loyalty to President Tinubu, acknowledging him as the president of Nigeria and also their brother.

    Iwuanyanwu spoke on Saturday, December 16, when he visited Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, at the Iga Idugaran Palace. 

    He stressed the need for collaboration and support from President Tinubu in addressing the legitimate concerns of the Igbo community.

    He said: “Let him believe us, this statement is being made by the leader of Igbos. What we want from the leadership is justice, fairness, equity. 

    “We don’t want to take another person’s state, whatever is our right should be given to us. We are will support him and be loyal to him. Anybody who fights him unjustly, we will join him to fight such a a person, but we want him to help us get whatever is our right.”

    Dispelling any misconceptions regarding the relationship between the Yoruba and the Igbo, Chief Iwuanyanwu said there is no rift between the two communities. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    He also stressed the need for peaceful co-existence and respect for the law, and emphasised the importance of upholding the values ingrained by their forefathers in obeying the laws of the land and promoting harmonious relationships.

    Reflecting on the recent political landscape, Chief Iwuanyanwu acknowledged the Igbos’ historical alliance with President Tinubu during his time as Governor of Lagos, applauding the favourable treatment extended to the Igbo community.

    Oba Akiolu noted the belief of Lagosians in the value of forming connections and maintaining peace, emphasising that those who come to Lagos will prosper and contribute to the progress of the city and the nation as a whole.

    The monarch hoped that the current leadership will do right by everyone, saying it is only a matter of time before all efforts come to fruition, particularly with President Tinubu. 

    He also restarted that genuine contributions from individuals towards the success and progress of the country will lead to collective well-being and prosperity for all.

    He said: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Any leader anywhere, if you have the fear of God, you’re disciplined and you’re prayerful and you wish the best for your fellow being, all will be well with you. 

    “I have said it times without number, we have no problem in this country, it is just problem of closeness to God, discipline and love for all. 

    “With the emergence of this our present president, it is just a question of time, all will be worth it. Everybody must have to contribute genuinely to the success and progress of this country and all will be well.”

  • EPL: Newcastle beat 10-man Fulham 3-0

    EPL: Newcastle beat 10-man Fulham 3-0

    Seventeen-year-old Lewis Miley became Newcastle‘s youngest Premier League goalscorer as the Magpies bounced back from Champions League elimination with a win over 10-man Fulham.

    Fulham had striker Raul Jimenez sent off after 22 minutes following a dangerous, jumping challenge into Sean Longstaff, which caught the Newcastle man in the face.

    On-pitch referee Sam Barrott originally showed Jimenez a yellow card before video assistant referee Michael Salisbury told Barrott to review the Mexican’s challenge, which was then upgraded to a red card.

    Anthony Gordon hit the crossbar for the hosts in the first half, before substitute Miley, who joined the club’s academy at the age of seven, fired a low shot past Bernd Leno early in the second half.

    Read Also: Crystal Palace hold Manchester City to 2-2 draw

    Miguel Almiron added a second goal shortly afterwards when the ball broke to him a few yards out after Callum Wilson thought he had been fouled by Antonee Robinson.

    Dan Burn grabbed a third late on, bundling the ball over the line after his header had been parried by Leno.

    The result ended Newcastle’s run of three successive defeats. It came three days after the 2-1 home loss to AC Milan not only led to elimination from the Champions League, but also saw them finish bottom of their group to end their involvement in European competition this season.

    BBCSports

  • Barau lauds Buhari at 81, describes ex- president as promoter of unity

    Barau lauds Buhari at 81, describes ex- president as promoter of unity

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Saturday, December 16, extolled the virtues of former President Muhammadu Buhari on his 81st birthday.

    Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, in Abuja, described former President Buhari as an untiring promoter of peace and unity in the country.

    Born on December 17, 1942, the former President Buhari will clock 81 tomorrow. 

    The Deputy President of the Senate, while extending warm birthday wishes to the former president, said he remains one of Nigeria’s Distinguished leaders.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates ‘peerless’ Buhari at 81

    According to him, from his military to political career, the former president had a clear vision for Nigeria – the unity and progress of the country.

    He noted that throughout his eight-year tenure, former President Buhari intensified efforts and worked towards addressing the security challenges, revival of the economy and promotion of good governance. This he said, endeared him to the masses across the country.

    “As we celebrate the 81st birthday of the 15th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, I pray Allah SWT to grant him enduring health and happiness for us to continue to tap from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom for the benefit of the country,” he said.

  • Tinubu mourns Kuwaiti King’s death

    Tinubu mourns Kuwaiti King’s death

    President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passage of the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who died on Saturday in Kuwait City at the age of 86 years.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu recalled the departed royalty as a man of great compassion, peace, and mercy.

    “President Bola Tinubu sympathizes with the ruling Sabah family, the government, and the people of the State of Kuwait over the passing of the Emir,  Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah. 

    Read Also: Tinubu, govs, Ohanaeze, others mourn Ezeife

    “Applauding the achievements of the late Emir in such a short time, President Tinubu describes the monarch as a man of great compassion, peace, and mercy, who granted amnesty to political prisoners and dissidents, fashioning a progressive and stable state.

    “The President condoles with the ruling House of Sabah, and all those who mourn this painful loss while praying to Almighty Allah to show the Emir mercy and grant him a place in Aljannah Firdaus”, the statement said.

  • Crystal Palace hold Manchester City to 2-2 draw

    Crystal Palace hold Manchester City to 2-2 draw

    Manchester City‘s stuttering title defence suffered another blow as Michael Olise’s 95th-minute penalty rescued a dramatic point for Crystal Palace.

    City had led 2-0 through goals by Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis and appeared to be cruising to victory until Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled a goal back with 14 minutes remaining.

    There was more drama to come in stoppage time, when Phil Foden caught Mateta as he attempted to clear and referee Paul Tierney pointed to the spot.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge

    Michael Olise stepped up to slot past Ederson and spark wild celebration among the away fans who had seen their team pegged back for much of the match.

    The draw, City’s third consecutive at home, leaves the defending champions in fourth place, three points behind leaders Liverpool.

    Palace have still only won one of their past 10 games but after losing out to a stoppage-time goal by Liverpool last week, this must have felt like a victory for Roy Hodgson’s men, and was certainly celebrated like one.

    BBCSports

  • EPL: Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge

    EPL: Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge

    Chelsea returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over a dogged Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.

    The Blues, beaten by Manchester United and Everton in their past two games, broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half when Cole Palmer slotted home after fine work by Raheem Sterling.

    It was 2-0 seven minutes later, Nicolas Jackson converting Palmer’s pass after Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham palmed the ball into the former Manchester City youngster’s path.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Luton match suspended as captain Tom Lockyer collapses on pitch

    Chelsea enjoyed almost 80% possession across the 90 minutes, but Conor Gallagher’s long-range effort was their only shot on target in a forgettable first half for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

    Cameron Archer curled wide for the visitors in the first half and full Chelsea debutant Djordje Petrovic pulled off a fine save from Gustavo Hamer’s low free-kick, but that was the closest the visitors came to a breakthrough.

    Second-half substitute Armando Broja should have increased Chelsea’s lead late in the second half but somehow skewed Palmer’s low delivery off target from point-blank range.

    The Blues move up to tenth place on 22 points, while Sheffield United remain five points from safety at the foot of the table.

    BBCSports

  • I will make Rivers varsity among best in Nigeria, says Fubara 

    I will make Rivers varsity among best in Nigeria, says Fubara 

    Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to strengthen the capacity of the Rivers State University (RSU) and make it one of the best in the country. 

    Fubara spoke at the 35th convocation ceremony of the Rivers State University that took place at the Convocation Arena of the institution in Nkpolu-Orworukwo, Port Harcourt on Saturday.

    The governor said education remained the the cornerstone for a firm, equitable and progressive society.

    He said: “Bear in mind that funding is a problem, not just to this university system but also to governance. But as you all know, education is cornerstone of a firm, equitable and progressive society. 

    “Therefore, we will continue to do our best to finance our own university. Our commitment to make RSU one of the best in this country is a target and a process we have just started today.”

    Fubara acknowledged the result-oriented approach adopted by the leadership of RSU to achieve the success being celebrated including securing full accreditation for all programmes in the institution despite the challenges.  

    He said: “Let me commend the VC for his innovation, result oriented approach to administration of this university. Let me here promise this university community that the grant approved but not released will be released by Monday, 18th Dec., 2023.

    Read Also: Rivers crisis: More commissioners quit Fubara’s government

    “The essence of our commitment to education development is reflected in our 2024 budget where it received the third highest allocation. 

    “Let me, therefore, assure you that we will disburse a fair share of these resources to address the University’s most critical challenges, including support for the full and effective development of the new campuses, the provision of a stable power supply, the building of student hostels, and effective CCTV coverage to enhance safety and security in the campuses.”

    In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Nlerum Okogbule said 6,326 graduands were conferred with first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy. 

    Okgbule said that all 24 programmes in the university had full accreditation and that the admission quota for medicine and surgery programme increased from 100 to 200 students; nursing and midwife from 50 to 100 and all its four satellites campuses in good operation.

     In his remark, the Chancellor of the University, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad 1, who is also the Emir of Lafia Bare-Bari and Chairman of Nassarawa State Council of Chiefs demanded adequate funding of tertiary institutions to strengthen then to undertake researches that address developmental needs of the country.

  • We must not disappoint our constituents, Obasa tells lawmakers

    We must not disappoint our constituents, Obasa tells lawmakers

    Speaker of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has urged lawmakers to get a full understanding of the rudiments and details of the 2024 budget because ‘we must not let our constituents down’. 

    Obasa spoke in Abuja at the ongoing three-day budget retreat themed ‘Sustainability of ongoing reforms in Lagos State: Prospects, opportunities and challenges’, organised for lawmakers.

    According to the speaker, the lawmakers represent millions of residents who expect to see a Lagos State that meets their yearnings.

    He said: “We all represent the 40 constituencies of Lagos State and the people in those constituencies are in their millions. How do we serve them effectively? One of the ways is for us to understand the rudiments and details of budgets.

    “We must, therefore, truly understand the intention of coming together to discuss issues within the budget knowing that this is in the interest of those we serve. 

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu makes surprise appearance at lawmaker’s budget retreat

    “You can only perform effective oversight functions when you have a knowledge of what you are expected to do. I, therefore, urge us to pay attention and be dedicated because I believe the knowledge we will gain here will further sharpen our understanding.

    “The essence of this is to ensure that we prevent waste and identify corruption where necessary. Above all, we should always remember that we have great people, residents of Lagos, who we promised to serve excellently,” he said.

    Clerk of the House Olalekan Onafeko hoped the retreat would be beneficial to the House. 

    He noted that the speaker, during the budget presentation, gave an insight into the roles the House is expected to play in its passage.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu last Wednesday presented the 2024 budget of N2.246 trillion, comprising total revenue of N1.847,951 trillion and deficit financing of N398.283 billion to the House of Assembly.

  • Sanwo-Olu makes surprise appearance at lawmaker’s budget retreat

    Sanwo-Olu makes surprise appearance at lawmaker’s budget retreat

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made a surprise appearance at the ongoing budget retreat for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly holding at Abuja. 

    He described them as the best among their counterparts. 

    The lawmakers are in Abuja on a three-day retreat on the 2024 budget recently presented by the governor.

    Sanwo-Olu, who emphasised the relationship between him and Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, praised the lawmakers for lifting the bar of legislative excellence in Nigeria. 

    The governor thanked the speaker, Assembly commission and staff of the House for always putting Lagos first before other considerations.

    He said: “This is the best and finest and it is worthy of emulation. I want to thank you and say this is indeed how we should always organise ourselves and keep raising the bar.

    “What Lagos is doing shows that we are leading the way for other states to copy. We show the way in legislative, executive and judiciary affairs. This is an avenue for you to bond, interact, appreciate one another and effectively do the job that Lagosians have asked us to do.

    “There is the talk around town that we have a big budget, but I also tell them it is because we are big people. I appreciate the fact that you have huge responsibility and I pray God to give you the ability and courage to do the work dispassionately.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Caverton’s AW 109 Simulator

    “Whatever is the outcome, you can rest assured that the governor will stand by it and work with you. There is no animosity between the Speaker and myself. We are two different sides of the same coin. We are brothers and friends, and God will lead us to a level where we can take Lagos to an irreversible state.”

    Describing the governor as a leader, brother and performer, Obasa noted that Sanwo-Olu had always supported the House to carry out its functions.

    Obasa said: “He has always answered our calls at every point in time. Thank you for coming to check on us and for everything you have been doing. We also thank you for not being like other governors who seal up the Assembly complex or remove roofs of Assembly buildings. That is why Lagos is great and the House of Assembly is above the common standards of excellence.

    “We are working on the 2024 budget, and that is why we are here. I want to assure you that we will do our best to return the approved budget to you as soon as possible. It is going to be a New Year present to you and the people of Lagos.”

  • JUST IN: Luton match suspended as captain Tom Lockyer collapses on pitch

    JUST IN: Luton match suspended as captain Tom Lockyer collapses on pitch

    Luton‘s Premier League match at Bournemouth has been abandoned after their captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch.

    Both sets of players were taken off midway through the second half as Lockyer received medical treatment.

    After several minutes, he was taken off on a stretcher, applauded by all four sides of the ground.

    Reports from the ground later said the 29-year-old defender was “alert and responsive”.

    Read Also: Chelsea unperturbed by Osimhen’s new Napoli contract

    Lockyer collapsed during the play-off final win against Coventry in May before being taken to hospital.

    He subsequently had heart surgery and was given the all-clear to return to playing in June.

    After confirmation the game was abandoned, both the Luton and Bournemouth players came back out on to the pitch to applaud the supporters.

    The Premier League said in a statement: “The match between AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town FC has been abandoned due to a player medical incident.

    “Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all players involved in today’s match.”

    BBCSports