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Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Igbo group backs Ambode for second term

    Ahead of the 2019 gubernatorial election, the Badagry division Women Development Forum,  threw its heaviness overdue the re-election bid of Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Hon. Seyi Bamigbade, Coordinator General of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard said at Endorsement of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode Continuity and Inauguration of the Women Forum in the Division, he described as its unprecedented all-inclusive governance that had scaled up infrastructure development to ensure the Lagos Mega city statues.

    Bamigbade said the New Tax Policy is for the development all Lagosians and urge them to continue their cooperation with the Lagos State Government and not to allow enemies of progress to set back the progress because of polities of Do or Die. He said.

    Princess Sewede Pot- Balogun, Coordinator of the Women Forum, said that Ambode was adopted as its sole candidate because of his achievements in the past three years.

    she said that the governor’s total dedication to duty coupled with the enormous developmental projects and his desire to make the state a better place to live, had automatically earned him a second term in office.

    ”In this division, we profited in the programmes and plans of Gov. Ambode led-administration. This is why we are announcing out support for his re-election so that he can continue to make our division and Lagos an enviable state,” she said.

    High Chief Dr. Innocent N. Nwankwo, Igbo Spokesman, in Lagos state who led members of the Igbo community to the event said his people supported the move to endorse the governor for the second tenure ticket because of his hardwork and love for all Lagosians irrespective of their tribes or religions, noting that the governor has proved himself to be a detribalized Nigerian and highly focused leader who is commited to the growth of his society.

    ”I am calling on all non- indigenes to enroll en masse and be in a position to vote in credible candidates such as Gov. Ambode. It is our collective civic responsibility, ” . we must return all how votes for him comes 2019 to ensure 5 Million Votes of the tireless Governor. He said.

    He urged residents to be part of the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission( INEC)., adding that their voter’s card remains their weapon with which they can use to  support continuity of good government

    Speaking on behalf of the Badagrians, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment said that Ambode’s performance in office had made the state a reference point in the comity of States in Nigeria.

    Hon. Hunpe urged his colleagues to mobilise support for the governor’s re-election in 2019.

    ”Talk about commerce and industry, good health care delivery, good roads across the state, quality education and prompt payment of workers’ salaries and arrears.

    ”In our division too we can see the records, the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Badagry Deep Sea port and other road projects. These are some of the things that placed the governor ahead of his contemporaries nationwide, ” he said.

    Receiving the endorsement letter on behalf of Ambode, the Commissioner 1, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Alagbe said that Badagry  was an important and most  populated division in the state.

    ”Population is what drives election and Badagry division has the population, therefore, this endorsement means a lot to the governor.

    ”The endorsement will motivate him to continue to priorities the growth and development of the state as well as continue making the needs of the residents top issue, ” he said.

  • Ambode urges graduates to adjust to ‘ever-changing world’

    Ambode urges graduates to adjust to ‘ever-changing world’

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday called on graduates of tertiary institutions to adjust to ever-changing world by generating wealth and employment opportunities.

    Ambode gave the advice at the 26th convocation ceremony of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos.

    The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, said that they should create employment opportunities where none existed.

    The governor pledged that he would continue to invest substantial amount of resources in the education sector to enrich the pool of human resources from the state institutions.

    According to him, no society can ever develop without good investment in the education of its citizens, or provide enabling environment for ideas to thrive.

    “You should take advantage of the training and skills acquired to become employers of labour.

    ”The economic climate of the nation requires young vibrant entrepreneurs who are determined to create wealth and employment opportunities.

    ”You are to create employment opportunities where none exists and to constantly adjust to the dynamics of the market to drive investment and economic empowerment for many others.

    ”You should make the best use of your time to improve yourself constantly in this ever-changing world, ” Ambode said.

    He pledged to move education from mere certificate to the level of technology and skills acquisition, mentorship for entrepreneurial and economic empowerment.

    In his remarks, Mr Samuel Sogunro, the Polytechnic Rector, appreciated the governor for his attention to the needs of the institution.

    Sogunro urged the graduates to utilise the theoretical, practical and entrepreneurial skills acquired from the polytechnic to be job creators, and not to be white-collar job seekers.

    ”By becoming job creators, you would be playing your part in stemming down the level of hopelessness which is prevalent among young graduates who seek the non-readily available white-collar jobs, ” he said.

    Read Also: PSP operators to Ambode: bring waste managers together

    Sogunro announced Omotoyosi Fatogun as the overall best graduating student with Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate ( CGPA ) of 3.81 in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Department of Science Laboratory Technology.

    Also, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, the Chairman, Governing Council of the Polytechnic, commended Ambode for dedicating 12.7 per cent of the 2018 state budget to education.

    Gbadamosi pledged to partner with the government in addressing many of the challenges that affected the development of the state and the country at large.

    Commenting, Fatogun said that her success was not by accident, but by dint of hard work, divine grace and ultimate blessings of the Almighty.

    On behalf of the graduates, she promised that they would be good ambassadors of the polytechnic and the state.

    Our reporter,  reports that 6, 355 students graduated from the polytechnic, out of which 211 earned distinctions, while 1,368 made Upper Credit, 3,505 students made lower credit and 1,271 obtained Pass.

    NAN

  • Review Nigeria’s tax laws, Oshiomhole tells FG

    Review Nigeria’s tax laws, Oshiomhole tells FG

    Former Edo Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole has called for a review of the Nigeria’s tax laws for an effective tax administration.

    Oshiomole, also a former President, Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ), made the call at the 26th Convocation Lecture of the Lagos State Polytechnic ( LASPOTECH ), Ikorodu.

    The lecture was entitled, “Crisis of Governance, Governance of Crisis: The Role of Education in Nibbling Governance Crisis in Nigeria.”

    He said the Federal Government must put necessary machinery in place to ensure that those who are expected to pay tax do so as and when due for improved infrastructural development of the country.

    Oshiomhole regretted that the only group of people who pay tax regularly are salary earners whose taxes were deducted at source.

    The former governor expressed disappointment that millions of taxable adults had devised means of evading tax.

    “How do we justify tax payment because most people say why do we pay tax when they will steal the money, what are they doing with it? Look at the roads they are bad, ” he said.

    According to him, such statement were mere excuses as the first step to be taken is to pay the tax to get moral and legal right to demand the judicious use of the money by the government.

    Oshiomhole urged the federal government to take a cue from the effective tax system of the Lagos State Government which had devised a means of identifying those who are expected to pay tax and ensure that they comply.

    “The developmental strides and successes recorded in Lagos State is a result of proper tax collection and judicious use of the fund.

    “Government must ensure that those who are at advantage pay their taxes and the fund generated should be used to deliver infrastructure for those who are at disadvantaged and everyone.

    “You can’t expect good roads, water and other social amenities  if you don’t pay tax;  once you pay then you can begin to probe the authorities and demand accountability for your money, ” he said.

    On the rights of the citizens, Oshiomhole noted that the logic of democracy enables citizens to have not only the weapon to vote once in four years, but to “police and interrogate” those they voted for in between the elections.

    He decried the poor state of the nation’s economy which he blamed on mismanagement of the country’s resources by the previous administration.

    “The manifestation of crisis in Nigeria include but not limited to corruption, failing public schools, security challenges , growing population , among others.

    “While it cannot be established that everybody is involved in corruption, its existence must be recognised by all and fought out of our system.”

    Oshiomhole noted that corruption had affected almost all the sectors of the country, adding that graft was was not limited to only those in government.

    According to him, the poor state of infrastructure and absence of basic facilities such as stable power supply, potable water, good roads and functional refineries are caused by corruption.

    On petrol subsidy, the ex-governor he said rather than subsidising petroleum products the government should handover the refineries to competent private investors who would make manage and run them.

    “Rather than to lament and agonize, what we need do is to organize and tackle those things that have brought us down as a nation.

    “As Nigerians we must recognise the problems confronting the country so as to diagnose and prescribe solutions to fix them.

    “The responsibility of leaders is so fix the country rather than join the citizens to lament.

    “When one notices that an environment is oppressive, what is expected of the victim is not to sit down to lament but to devise a way out of the problem,” he said.

    He, however, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari on the war against corruption, saying it recorded remarkable results.

    “The era of impunity of do it and nothing will happen is almost over in Nigeria; this is an era bringing every offender to book no matter their status.”

    Oshiomhole urged Nigerian students to be interested in governance, saying you are the future leaders.

    “You must interrogate power, organise yourself decently and ensure that your leaders are accountable just like the NANS during the military era who demand answers for every action.

    “Unlike the NANS of today who go mute on burning societal issues and are giving awards and giving plaques to government officials and other influential people, ” he said.

    In his remarks, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State lauded the former governor for honouring the invitation of the state polytechnic and expresses optimism that he would do justice to the lecture.

    Ambode, represented by Dr Abdullateef Abdulakeem, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, described him as a ‘protagonist and an antagonist’.

    He said the role played by Oshiomhole in crisis management as a labour leader and governor negotiating potential issues with government and in government could not be over emphazised.

    The Rector of the institution, Mr Samuel Sogunro, noted that government was all about service delivery and once it fails at any level, the entire society would be affected, stressing the need for  transparency in governance.

    Sogunro said education in governance was key and if ignored could lead to crisis in governance because “education is the nation’s bulwark.”

    NAN

  • Bayode sets new Guinness World Record in reading

    Bayode sets new Guinness World Record in reading

    A 40-year-old Nigerian, Bayode Treasure Olawunmi, who few days ago set himself on a reading spree to break the World Guinness Book of Records mark for the “Longest Marathon Reading Aloud” Category has finally done it.

    The book enthusiast and proud father of three children, logged 120 hours at 3:30 pm today at the YouRead Library Yaba in Lagos, Nigeria.

    His amazing record outpaced that of his predecessor – Deepak Sharma Bajagain from Nepal, who had 113 hours 15 minutes in 2008.

    Bajagain’s book reading began on September 19 and ended on September 24, 2008. In accomplishing this, he recited 17 different books from 13 authors during his record attempt.

    However, the latest world champion, Bayode, started his reading at 1:30 pm on Monday, February 26, 2018 and ended 3:30 pm on Saturday. This made it five days and two hours of marathon reading.

    To show his excitement at his world record, Bayode took to his Facebook page to announce his feat. This is what he had to say:

    “Hello everybody, something just happened right now! My name is Bayode Treasures Olubunmi (Olawunmi) – I have just finished reading aloud for 120 hours non-stop!

    I did it for the CULTURE!”.

    The Osun State Polytechnic alumni whose persistence and determination to follow through on his dream to was palpable was obvious and palpable  before and during the reading foray

    In a Twitter post he said: “I have always loved to read good materials right from when I was in secondary school. I am doing this for the youths.”

    Special Adviser to the Lagos state governor on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh expressed his joy at Bayode’s accomplishment, and said that he has been taken to a location where he will recuperate before meeting with His Excellency, the executive governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Bayode is definite a great beacon light of hope and inspiration to this generation. Nigeria, Africa and the world needs more readers and thinkers to move the wheels of innovations and development.

  • Lagos to phase out plastic bottles in 5 years

    Lagos to phase out plastic bottles in 5 years

    The Lagos State Government said on Friday that it would phase out the use of plastic bottles in the state by 2023.

    Mr Adebola Shabi, the Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI), made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos.

    Shabi said that plastic bottles, also known as pet bottles, needed to be phased out because they could hardly degrade in the environment.

    He said that it could take over 500 years for the bottles to degrade, thereby causing environmental (plastic) pollution.

    ”In the world now, it is called plastic pollution because they end up in the ocean and affect aquatic lives; they also affect water transportation,” he said.

    “The official said that one of the aspects of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative was recycling.

    ”In the past, 97 per cent of our waste were buried in the landfill; only three per cent were recycled; but we want a different ball game.

    “”We want to encourage our youth, investors, to go into recycling because some of what we called waste are not really waste, there are things/products we still get from them.

    “”we want to encourage less waste to the landfills; that is why we are calling for recycling of pet bottles, papers, used phones and a lot of things.

    “We are working seriously on a project to see if we can come up with core starch and polymers to see how those ones can degrade in the environment easily,” he said.

    Shabi called on local investors to come up with proposals, adding that the government would encourage them on the technology to use.

    “We mean technology that will work with the  environment,” he said.

    He said that there were plans to ensure that by  2020, only 30 per cent of waste in the state would end up in the landfills, while 70 per cent would be recycled.

    According to him, by year 2025, Lagos wants three per cent of its waste to go to the landfills and 97 per cent be recycled and reused.

    “That is why we have been working to educate people on how they can make money through waste-to-wealth.

    “In the past, we were exporting the recyclable materials to China; it got to a stage by mid last year, China stopped the import of the recyclable materials, but we can also recycle them here.

    “Pet bottles, when recycled, can be added to asphalt to solidify road construction; it can also be used in making textiles.”

    “The official told our reporters that pet bottles could  also be recycled to make diesel, while cardboard papers could be used and recycled to make tissue paper.

    “”Look at the issue of electrical/electronic waste that have lived out their lifespans; when we are not using them any longer, they end up in the garbage.

    “When you recycle some of these telephone sets, you will get precious metals like gold, palladium, copper and silver; so, why do we call them waste, when they can be recycled?” he asked.

    The governor’s aide said that the wood waste, also known as sawdust, could turn to energy after going through synthesation and gasification.

    He said that the benefit of biogas was to reduce dependence on the fossil fuel.

    Shabi said that the government also desired to recycle waste from animals and poultry, noting that more than 6,000 animals and 100,000 poultry were slaughtered in the state daily.

    According to him, the government has thrown it open to intetested members of the public to come up with ideas on recycling.

    “”We have been encouraging the youth to come out. We have a lot of used tyres around the streets.

    “When you have these tyres, the metals from them are taken out and can be used for fencing, and the rubber will be shredded and be added to asphalt or bitumen for road construction.

    “It solidifies road construction.

    “We have been bringing all these things to Lagosians; so, they should be looking at a way of partnering with the government, and government is providing the enabling environment for everyone who wants to come into the business,” he said.

    NAN

  • ‘Education sector critical to Lagos State development’

    ‘Education sector critical to Lagos State development’

    Dean School of Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, Mrs Eniola Adigun has launched a book entitled History of Educational Development in Nigeria: A Concise Approach.

    It was a three-in-one event on Thursday for Mrs Eniola Adigun, Dean School of Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos. The event was meant to celebrate her 55th birthday, three successful decades of being trainer of teachers and presentation of a book entitled History of Educational Development in Nigeria: A Concise Approach.

    The event was held at Christopher Popoola Hall in the premises of the college.

    The Special Guest of Honour and Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, praised the author for her efforts in writing the book which he  said would be beneficial to stakeholders in the education sector. Represented at the event by his Permanent Secretary, Office of the Special Adviser on Education, Dr Shamsideen Allison, Ambode said the book would help in developing the state’s road map on education.

    “We appreciate the sacrifice of the author. The state government has a road map on education and the book would help us in developing our road map. We know where we are coming from, where we are and where we are heading to,” he said.

    Ambode further said the growth of the education sector is critical to the development of the state, noting that the educational sector is inclusive in the state’s development agenda.

    “We are making great efforts this year to develop the educational sector. We are fast-tracking development in primary and secondary schools as well as the tertiary institutions.

    “We are committed to the development of quality education and we focus a lot on the professionalism of our teachers. So much significance is placed on programmes as it will further help us in our efforts to develop the road map towards achieving the growth of the sector,” he said.

    Mrs Adigun said the book is a simple one on the history of Nigeria’s educational development.

    “I decided to do write this book because at a point in time, my students started seeing History as a voluminous subject and wanted to lose interest. I had to put in some efforts to simplify it, so that they can find it easy to read and understand.

    “If a book is not simple and easy to understand, students would not want to read it. The book would be useful for all students of History in tertiary institutions,” she said.

    She stressed the need for society to appreciate and corporate with teachers, noting that this would make the education system better, as teachers would put in their best.

    “Teachers and parents are meant to work hand-in-hand. When we have a situation where parents are too busy making money and want the teachers to play the roles of parents and teachers, there would be a mix up.

    “Another problem confronting the education sector is that some people become teachers because they could not make it in the other sectors. If we do not produce good teachers, the future of our children is at stake. This is why the government and everybody must give teachers the best.

    “Teachers also must realise that the profession is noble. There is no profession that teachers do not teach. Teachers should see themselves as professionals and know they have a role to play in the society.

    “This is a three-in-one event in which I am marking my 55th birthday, 30 years of teaching and the book launch. I feel fulfilled, happy and I thank God for His grace. I was 55 on February 3,” she said.

    Head of Department, Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Prof. Cecilia Oladapo, said the book launch is one of the greatest things that would happen in the education sector.

    According to her, the author worked hard to contribute to knowledge, education and to leave a legacy for the young ones to let them know the joy of putting knowledge down for others to read and learn from.

    “It is a welcome development and I would urge all teachers to emulate her.”

    She noted that the major challenge with the education sector is that many teachers embraced the profession out of pity.

    “Many embraced the teaching profession because they were unable to meet up with the cut-off points for other courses. Many parents do not want their children to be teachers and many of the students also do not want to be teachers. Because of this, education students are not committed throughout their years in school.

    “Many of them continued to write JAMB during their first to third years in a bid to move to other courses. It is in their fourth year that many of them settle down. This is why we are not producing quality teachers. Many teachers are not passionate about the profession. Teaching is not meant for lazy people. As a teacher, you must be up and doing, current and ready to read; you cannot rely on past glory.

    “Another issue is that teachers are not encouraged; most often they do not receive salaries as at when due. As a result, they may not be able to meet their financial obligations; this makes them look for a way to augment their salaries by going into trades at the expense of reading and preparing lesson notes.

    Until government is ready to place premium on the education sectors, we may not be able to have committed or zealous teachers.

    “The way forward is for government to improve the standard of education and let it be at par with other sectors. Raise the standard of teachers and give them the same salary level as others,” she said.

  • Inclusive Lagos Team unveils SAIL 2019

    Inclusive Lagos Team unveils SAIL 2019

    A social group known as Inclusive Lagos Team has unveiled the Support Ambode for Inclusive Lagos, SAIL 2019, to seek re-election of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in 2019 to complete the numerous projects which he has started.

    Speaking at a press conference which was held in Lagos, the Convener, Inclusive Lagos and a Board member, Lagos State office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, Dr. Adebukola Adebayo pointed out that the dynamic administration of Governor Ambode has brought about extraordinary progress to all and sundry, adding that six cardinal policies on security, health, social development, infrastructure, wealth creation, governance, among others stands tall.

    The mission of the team according to Adebayo, is to strongly advocate, commit resources, promote and support all policies and programmes of the Lagos state government to be inclusive of the needs, interests and aspirations of vulnerable and typically excluded populations including children, youths, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly. Inclusive Lagos he revealed came into existence to complement what state government is doing, “an inclusive smart Lagos city that leaves no one behind within governance system”, said Adebayo.

    His words,”our strategic approach is to partner with public/private organization, civil societies, policy makers, institutions to effect: partnership building; Partnership building; public awareness; resource mobilization and capacity strengthening”.

    Speaking about the success stories of the team since it was established, the Co-convener, Inclusive Lagos, Razak Adekoya said last year, it has empowered over 2000 people with disability, among others.

    For SAIL to be a success at the grassroots, Adekoya said the team is currently working with 20 local government areas through its coordinators, ‘ our mission is to keep on supporting what the state government is doing thereby ensuring that things move forward”, he said.

    Inclusive Lagos is a focused social group of state and non state actors in Lagos state, who have voluntarily come together to encourage and support the gender and social inclusion policies and programmes of the state government targeted at vulnerable and marginalized populations, among others.

  • CAF Champions League: MFM FC beat AS Bamako to reach 2nd round

    CAF Champions League: MFM FC beat AS Bamako to reach 2nd round

    MFM FC of Lagos on Wednesday booked their way to the second round of the CAF Champions League with a 1-0 win over AS Bamako of Mali in Lagos.

    The Olukoya boys got the needed point after securing the win and going through with a 2-1 aggregate.

    The Fidelis Ilechukwu-tutored team had played 1-1 away at Bamako giving them the needed edge for the second leg at the newly refurbished Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    A flick header by Akuneto Chijioke after a sublime pass from the new wnderkid, 16-year-old Lawal Abayomi settled the score in the second half after a resolute defensive tactics of the Scorpions from Mali.

    Speaking after the match, Ilechukwu commended his young side, adding that he missed the services of four of his regulars who were unavailable for the match due to registration hitches.

    The regulars who were not available are Sikiru Olatunbosun, Akila Jesse, Shola Brossa and Waheed Akanni.

    Ilechukwu said that he would continue to push harder to make the team formidable for the opposition in the next round of the tournament.

    “The boys have proved themselves beyond reasonable doubt that they are up to the task. I am happy for the team playing at their capacity.

    “The team can only get better and by God’s grace we will not let our fans down and the loving government of Lagos State led by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “I am also impressed with the leader of the team’s attitude and good command of the game, he always speaks my mind as a player.

    “The introduction of Abayomi is key to the team because he approached me with confidence and promised to give a good account of himself and he did not disappoint,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Ambode okays N30,000 monthly for 1,000 interns

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has approved the payment of N30,000 in monthly stipends to 2017 ReadySetWork (RSW) interns who have been placed in various organisations for  six-month paid internships.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, who revealed this in a statement, added that the Governor had also approved N8 million as seed funding for the top five winners of the RSW Business Pitch Competition, whose businesses will be placed in incubation.

    The 1,000 beneficiaries will commence their internships and incubation on March 1, 2018.  They represent 50 per cent of the 2,000 final year students from six tertiary institutions in Lagos State who took part in the 13-week intensive work-readiness and entrepreneurship training programme.

    In 2016, when the RSW programme piloted, only 76 of the 500 final year students from three Lagos State-owned tertiary institutions got internship placement.

    The number of participants was scaled up last year for the second edition to include 12,000 Students from six institutions (Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos State College of Health Technology, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education).

    Bank-Olemoh said the number of internship placement increased astronomically because of the Governor and private sector support.

    He said: “In 2016, we placed 76 students in internships with partner organisations like PwC, SystemSpecs, Total, GTBank, FCMB and Access Bank, to mention a few, who provided six-month paid internship opportunities for RSW graduates. His Excellency, the Governor, further expanded the scheme by approving funds to place an additional 100 RSW graduates in internship positions with SMEs across Lagos State, with monthly stipends provided by the government.

    “In 2017, we were able to scale up and secure internship slots in about 180 organisations across the State for 1,000 top performing RSW graduates. The placement process involved a series of Internship Fairs at which companies had the opportunity to interview and select their interns from a pool of qualified candidates.”

    Meanwhile, Bank-Olemoh said preparations have started for RSW 2018 – with plans to train up to 25,000 students.

    “This year, we are further expanding the programme to train 25,000 students. Five thousand final year students will participate in the 13-week face-to-face classes, while 20,000 students in their penultimate year will take part in the RSW Online Academy,” he said.

    The programme is also increasing the number of participating schools to include the Yaba College of Technology, Federal College of Education (Technical) and a private institution, Caleb University.

     

     

  • Football is more than a religion in Nigeria – FIFA president

    Football is more than a religion in Nigeria – FIFA president

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described Nigeria as a country with unquantifiable passion and love for football, and where football is more than a religion.

    “I was told that in Nigeria football is passion, but it is a lie because it is more than that. In Nigeria I was told that football is love, but it is a lie it is more than that.

    “In Nigeria, I was told that football is a religion, but it is a lie. It is more than that. In Nigeria, football is life,” he said in Lagos on Monday.

    Infantino spoke at the maiden edition of the AITEO-NFF Awards, which was organised by the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) and bankrolled by oil giants AITEO Group.

    The event held at the Eko Hotels and Suites saw Chelsea FC winger Victor Moses winning the “Player of the Year” award.

    Speaking also at the event, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, pledged his administration’s continued support to football and sports in general.

    “We will continue to give our unrelenting support to football and sports in general, I want to assure the President of FIFA that whenever he is coming back, Lagos will be considered to host a FIFA tournament,’’ he said.

    In his address, the Deputy Managing Director of AITEO Group, Francis Peters, said the oil conglomerate was happy to be part of football history in Nigeria in good times.

    NFF president Amaju Pinnick, on his part, said the awards night was to celebrate Nigerian legends for their contributions to the development of football in the country.

    He also said football administration was a journey and not a destination, adding “therefore, there must be a conscious effort to minimise errors for fear of losing the opportunity.

    “In Nigeria, football is a way of life and everybody is a coach. So, we need to be very careful. Football teaches us ethics and how to live a normal life,” Pinnick said.

    NAN reports that Moses got the award and recognition for his stellar performances for the national team, the Super Eagles, en route their qualification for Russia 2018.

    He was an integral part of the side during the historic qualification matches where he played in four of the six matches scoring three goals in the process.

    Moses also helped his Chelsea side reclaim the English Premier League title in the 2016/2017 season where he featured in 40 games.

    The 27-year old also got CAF’s recognition by being among the nominees for CAF’s Player of the Year award eventually won by Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.

    To win the AITEO-NFF award, he beat competition from Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Lobi Stars’ Anthony Okpotu.

    NAN reports that other winners at the awards include Rasheedat Ajibade who claimed the “Player of the Year (Women)’’ award and Ikouwon Udoh who emerged “Young Player of the Year (Women)’’.

    Ann Chiejine won the “Coach of the Year (Women)’’ award, while MFM FC’s midfielder Sikiru Olatunbosun took the “Goal of the Year’’ award.

    Remo Stars FC won the Fair Play award, while the “Coach of the Year (Men)’’ award went to Kennedy Boboye, coach of 2017/2018 NPFL champions Plateau United FC of Jos.

    Channels Television won the “Developmental Award”.

    The “All-Time Legendary Awards” went to Chiejine, Christian Chukwu, Uche Okechukwu, Austin Eguavoen, Felix Owolabi, Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Segun Odegbami, Adokie Amaesimaka, Mercy Udoh and Thompson Usiyen.

    The Platinum Award went to Infantino.

    NAN