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  • Aluko pulls out of awards role after Wright criticism

    Aluko pulls out of awards role after Wright criticism

    Former England striker Eni Aluko has pulled out of a presenting role at this week’s Women’s Football Awards following her criticism of fellow pundit Ian Wright.

    The 38-year-old criticised Wright last week, saying he should be aware there were “only a finite amount of opportunities” for female pundits working in women’s football.

    Former Chelsea striker Aluko has since apologised for her comments, but Wright said he “cannot accept” the apology and was “very disappointed” by what was said.

    The Arsenal icon and former England forward has been a long-term advocate of the women’s game, working regularly as a pundit with a focus on Lionesses matches, and received widespread support following the criticism.

    Against this backdrop, Aluko will not co-present the awards, alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher, to not “deflect” attention away from the nominees in London on 1 May.

    “I’ve decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting line-up this year,” she said.

    “I don’t want to deflect from the joy, recognition, and celebration that this event is all about. This event belongs to the players, coaches, fans and everyone who has worked tirelessly to elevate the women’s game.”

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    Wright’s Instagram post in response to Aluko’s comments has been liked more than 137,000 times, including by England women’s players Mary Earps, Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood.

    The 61-year-old said he will “always” try to give back to the game of football after a 15-year professional career that started at Crystal Palace in 1985.

    “Because of the past, where men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, the game has serious systemic challenges and it is going to take everyone to help fix it,” added Wright, who has worked alongside Aluko.

    “We are the country that invented modern football so we have a responsibility to lead the way in women’s football.

    “For me, I will always give back to the game. It has given me so much.”

  • Aluko excited over coaching role at Ipswich Town

    Aluko excited over coaching role at Ipswich Town

    Former Super Eagles attacker Sone Aluko has expressed his excitement at beginning his coaching career with newly promoted English Premier League  side, Ipswich Town.

    Ipswich Town recently announced that the former Super Eagles striker has taken up a coaching role at the club and Aluko stressed that he considered it a rare privilege to be given the honour to start his coaching career at the club.

     “It is a real privilege to start the next phase of my career by joining the first-team coaching staff here at the club,” Aluko said.

    The 35-year-old hung up his boots at the end of last season having scored four goals in 62 appearances for the Blues at the end of a playing career that included stints at the likes of Rangers, Hull, Fulham, and Reading.

    He was one of 10 Town players to start the UEFA B coaching course provided by the PFA last year and spent a lot of last season helping the analysis team.

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    Speaking at the end-of-season awards which celebrated promotion to the Premier League, Blues boss Kieran McKenna said of Aluko: “He’s one of the best people I’ve met in football. His emotional intelligence, his empathy, and his selflessness as a fantastic football player are absolutely off the scale. The way that he’s helped me, the staff, Samy (Morsy), and the other leaders to manage the group, the way he’s supported his team-mates, the way he’s put the group before himself on so many occasions, has been massive for us.”

     “Learning from the manager and all the coaching staff here is a fantastic opportunity for me. It is a great time to be at Ipswich, and I’m looking forward to helping the squad continue to learn and take on the challenge of the Premier League.”

    McKenna said: “We’re delighted to add Sone to our coaching team. His work ethic and values have been important for the club over the last few years, and we know he will continue to bring those qualities to his new role. Sone has strong relationships with players and staff at the club and he will be a big addition for us.”

    Meanwhile, Town have announced that David Martin has joined the club as an assistant to goalkeeper coach Rene Gilmartin.

  • Remi Aluko advocates adaptation to digital era in Fuji music

    Remi Aluko advocates adaptation to digital era in Fuji music

    Popular Fuji musician Remi Aluko has emphasised the importance of digital marketing for Fuji musicians in today’s music industry.

    Aluko, known for his versatility in Fuji music, stressed that in an era dominated by social media and streaming platforms, artists must adapt to new marketing strategies to stay relevant and reach wider audiences.

    “We are fighting the wrong fight. There are lots of music streaming platforms now that we should be looking to promote our songs on. We should get promoters who can market our music on such platforms the way it is done with other genres of music now,” said Aluko.

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    “We (Fuji artistes) are not adapting. I am trying, but the power is not enough. I still need more people who know about the business to come in and support. Music has changed from what it used to be. We, as artists, have one problem, we get carried away by a little fame.”

    The Igwe of Fuji music noted that personal responsibilities often hold musicians back from investing in their craft, hence the need for music investors.

    “I   spend money on any publicity because of family issues. I have to take care of myself, my family first, and other responsibilities. But the promoters won’t look into that because they are investing and want to make more money.”

    Aluko said that Fuji musicians need to work with music business-oriented personalities for the growth of the industry.

  • Aluko & Oyebode rebrands as ALN Nigeria

    Aluko & Oyebode rebrands as ALN Nigeria

    Aluko & Oyebode, a leading full-service commercial law firm, has rebranded itself as ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode.

    The firm said it marks a significant milestone on its journey of offering top-tier legal services, pan-African expansion and global prominence.

    “ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode’s rebranding marks a significant milestone in the firm’s 30-year journey and reinforces its renewed commitment to ensuring clients success as they navigate Africa’s emerging order.

    “Across Africa, economic dynamics present a mix of opportunities and growth factors, including rapid urbanisation and a growing youthful population.

    “These demographic trends, coupled with the continent’s vast resources and increasing economic integration, create significant potential for investment,” the firm said.

    It added that in response to the dynamic business landscape in Africa, ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode has evolved into a contemporary, approachable and knowledgeable firm of trusted advisors, fully attuned to the demands of the digital age.

    The firm said: “Joining ALN, an alliance of leading corporate law firms across Africa, strategically positions ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode to collaboratively offer integrated cross-border capabilities, leveraging local knowledge combined with international expertise.  

    “It also positions the firm to support clients in evaluating opportunities, navigating complex deals across Africa and addressing challenges around policies, exchange rate regimes as well as ease of doing business, while capitalising on Africa’s market demands including those arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

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    “With access to on-the-ground expertise across 14 African jurisdictions through the alliance; the firm now supports clients in analysing nuanced risks and opportunities across key regional markets.

    “Through ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode’s membership in ALN, clients will benefit from seamless collaboration with affiliated best-friend firms worldwide.

    “This global reach enables ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode and the alliance to provide integrated, cross-border solutions tailored to clients’ needs, enabling them to capitalise on Africa’s growth.”

    The firm said the rebrand signifies a strategic move for Aluko & Oyebode within the ALN alliance, strengthening its position as a thought leader and opinion shaper across Africa.

    It noted that becoming a member of the alliance is a key milestone towards collating global expertise, continental reach and deep local know-how to help clients achieve their business and investment goals in Nigeria and across Africa.

    Olujoke Aliu, co-managing partner of ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode, expressed her excitement at the change, saying: “Our new brand identity echoes our commitment to delivering top-notch legal services and underscores our aspirations for pan-African expansion. 

    “This rebrand empowers us to better serve our clients, aiding them in achieving their goals across regions.”

    Of Counsel and Co-Founder Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, emphasised the strategic timing of the firm’s rebranding.

    He said building on the momentum of its 30th anniversary, this refreshed identity positions Aluko & Oyebode for continued success in the years to come.

    “Africa offers boundless opportunities, and we are dedicated to supporting our clients in this dynamic market. 

    “Our rebrand is a crucial part of our strategy to expand our pan-African services, and we are confident that it will propel us towards achieving our objectives,” he said.

    Karim Anjarwalla, ALN Board Director, is thrilled at the latest addition to the alliance.

    “ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode’s transformation is a testament to our commitment to evolving with the ever-changing dynamics of the African business landscape.

    “As we unify under the ALN banner, our collective strength enhances our ability to deliver innovative solutions and navigate the complexities of a globalised world,” he said.

    The firm believes the rebrand signals the firm’s commitment to leveraging global resources while retaining on-the-ground know-how, which empowers it to provide tailored legal solutions as clients pursue growth on the continent.

    The firm added: “The firm now stands proudly under the unifying banner of ALN, understanding that beyond a name change, ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode represents a powerful synergy:

    “One Region: Recognising Africa’s interconnectedness and shared economic future. One Vision: Committed to driving success for clients across the continent and the globe. One ALN: United by a shared vision, ethos, and expertise, delivering seamless legal solutions.

    “For ALN, this transformation reinforces its commitment to providing outstanding solutions for clients across the continent, solidifying its pan-African mindset, pragmatism, responsiveness, innovation and relentless determination.”

    Caption:

    From left: ALN Board Director Mr. Karim Anjarwalla; Co-Managing Partner, ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode, Mrs. Olujoke Aliu; Of Counsel and Co-Founder of the firm, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode; Chairman of the Management Board, Mrs. Kofo Dosekun and Co-Managing Partner Mr. Reginald Udom.

  • Aluko to sue Joey Barton  over Social media abuse:

    Aluko to sue Joey Barton  over Social media abuse:

    Former England striker Eni Aluko revealed she is taking legal action against Joey Barton

    Eni Aluko  has said the abuse she suffered as a result of Joey Barton’s social media posts left her fearing for her safety and frightened to leave home.

    The football pundit and former England striker revealed she is taking legal action against Barton, warned against the dangers of online abuse and worries the issue could lead to a female broadcaster taking their own life.

    “Now, I’m open and honest and I’m human and I’m more than happy to admit that I’ve been scared this week,” she said in a 15-minute video posted on Instagram. “I’ve genuinely been scared this week. I didn’t leave my house until Friday and I’m now abroad.

    “It’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life.

    “I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me. And I don’t say that for anyone to feel sorry for me – I say that for people to understand the reality and the impact that hate speech has, the impact that racism has, the impact that sexism has, the impact that misogyny has on all of us females in the game, in sports broadcasting.

    “That’s the real impact – and it’s not an isolated incident, this is now showing up as a culture in the game, from certain fan bases and certain people.

    “They’re creating a culture where people don’t want to go to work, people don’t want to leave their house, people feel under threat. Obviously there’s a big impact on mental health as well.”

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    While Aluko did not mention once-capped England midfielder Barton by name, she accused “the former Man City player” of being sexist, racist and misogynistic and of having a “violent history”.

    The 36-year-old also referenced the late television presenter Caroline Flack, who died by suicide in 2020, when outlining her concerns.

    “If you come out and are racist, or sexist or misogynistic and threaten people online, there are laws for that, that govern that behaviour, so it’s not free (speech),” she said.

    “There are consequences for that. And over the past week, I’ve taken advice from lawyers and a course of action has now been decided upon.”

    She added: “My fear, actually, is that the next time this happens, if we don’t really put a stop to this, is that that girl or that woman kills herself.

    “I’m not being hyperbolic about that when I say that it’s happened. Caroline Flack, God rest her soul, killed herself, largely because of the online abuse that she was getting.

    “At what point are we going to understand that this needs to stop? Sexism, racism, misogyny is not an opinion. It’s not freedom of speech. It’s against the law. It’s as simple as that.”

  • Aluko charges Oyo gov-elect to run people-oriented govt

    An Ibadan based business mogul Chief Akani Aluko yesterday charged the Oyo state Governor-Elect , Mr Seyi Makinde to run a people-oriented government by making the people the focal point of his administration.

    Chief Aluko particularly expressed delight at the peaceful manner the last Saturday’s governorship/ state House of Assembly election was conducted, saying that the outcome of the poll truly reflected the wishes of the people.

    But he advised the governor-elect to beware of sycophants.

    Aluko,in a statement also asked Makinde to govern with the fear of God.

    Read also: Southern Sun Ikoyi forges ahead

    He said:”We cannot but give God all the glory and also rejoiced with the governor-elect, Mr.Seyi Makinde for the well-deserved victory. A humble and amiable person, no doubt he will succeed in taking the state to greater heights.

    “ He must not let the people who have placed much confidence and trust in him down. The election showed that the people truly love him and wanted him because of his sterling qualities they saw in him. Therefore, he ensure that the people’s welfare comes first on his priority list by making the people focal point of his administration.”

  • Governor’s candidate loses to Aluko in PDP’s council delegates’ poll

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has suffered another electoral defeat in his Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) voted yesterday to choose delegates from the 16 local government areas to its national convention in Abuja.

    The governor’s candidate and former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde Omotoba, was defeated in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area by former PDP State Secretary, Dr. Tope Aluko.

    In the election conducted at the party’s secretariat in Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area, Dr. Aluko polled 80 votes to defeat Omotoba, who polled four votes.

    Fayose lost the local government area to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election.

    According to the Returning Officer, who is also the PDP Vice Chairman in Ekiti Central, Chief Tunji Kayode, 84 delegates were accredited to vote.

    Kayode returned Dr. Aluko as elected, having polled the hugest number of votes cast.

    The election was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS) and reporters.

    Loyalists of Fayose did not show up at the poll and voting was delayed for about two hours.

    Before voting started at 11.45 a.m, PDP members described the congress as an opportunity to liberate the party from Fayose’s alleged stranglehold.

    Delegates who voted at the congress included the House of Assembly member representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency I, Mr. Posi Omodara, ward executives, including nine of the 11 ward chairmen and local government executives.

    A former PDP chairman in the local government, Mr. Jinadu Isiaka Olaoluwa, said alleged imposition of candidates by Fayose caused the party’s defeat in the July 14 local government election.

    Olaoluwa said the election of Aluko as the local government delegate to the national convention signalled an end to impunity, dictatorial tendency and personalisation of the party by an individual.

    Dr. Aluko said 80 delegates formed the quorum.

    He said: “I have been elected as the representative of this local government at the national convention in Abuja and I will give them responsive and responsible representation.

    “If some people decided not to show up, they are not up to 20 per cent. All the wards are represented here and I owe my victory to genuine party members.”

  • I possess required qualities to govern Ekiti- Aluko

    Chief Abiodun Aluko is a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State. He is the governorship candidate of Accord Party. He told our correspondent that he has developed a blueprint that will turn around the fortunes of the state.

    WHY are you gunning for the seat of the Governor of Ekiti State?

    I have offered myself to serve as the Governor of Ekiti State from 16th October, 2018, on the platform of Accord Party, with the conviction and firm belief that I possess the qualities required to perform excellently well and effectively in the position. For anybody to make a meaningful impact in governance he must have the requisite competence and skills in education, cognate experience in similar position, exposure, adequate planning and preparation, verifiable character and integrity, administrative capacity as well as the mental capability and leadership traits to take Ekiti out of the present decadence and take it to higher grounds.

    What is your agenda to develop the state when you are elected governor?

    To succeed as a governor, one must be visionary with clearly spelt out vision and mission statement on how to transform the state infrastructurally, manage efficiently and grow the economy and improve the standard of living of the citizens. I have developed a comprehensive blueprint which lays emphasis on the people’s welfare and standard of living in the areas of human capacity development, poverty eradication, job creation and expansion of the state’s economic base through heavy investment in agriculture.

    Mining, entrepreneurship, tourism, micro, small and medium enterprises development, commercialization, industrialization, revival of cooperative societies movement and private public partnership process will also receive attention. We will also focus on social well reform, civil service motivation, social and physical infrastructural upbringing  in areas of water, education, health, housing, modern markets, industrial parks, roads and transportation facilities, electricity etc.

    Poverty and unemployment is a major problem in Ekiti State, how do you hope to tackle it?

    We will banish unemployment from Ekiti State, particularly among youths and women by encouraging the highly literate youths to embrace our poverty eradication scheme which encourages self employment through technological skill acquisition, agricultural resuscitation programme, direct youth and women empowerment scheme. We will encourage, motivate, training, equip and empower them to establish micro, small and medium scale enterprises and industries.

    We plan a program that will see the state government going into partnership with commercial banks and development banks like Bank of Industry, Agricultural Bank, Infrastructural Development Bank, African Development Bank, DFID, EU, World Bank etc to provide funds, adequate training and logistics for optimum performance and success of all our empowerment programs.

    What are the avenues you are considering to reduce dependence on the Federal Government for allocation?

    Ekiti State is endowed with minerals but little is being done to tap them for the benefit of the state. Ekiti is endowed with minerals like clay, kaolin, bauxite, clay, feldspar, tourmaline, coal, limestone, marble mica, muscovite, tale, tin, beryl etc. Even diamond, the most expensive mineral in the world market today is assumed to be in Ekiti State with the preliminary geological exploration so far carried out.

    If detailed geotechnical exploration is carried out and foreign partners are engaged, for the exploitation and development of these minerals, Ekiti State will say bye bye to poverty and will no longer depend on monthly allocation from Abuja. Ekiti will be in the league of states, like Lagos, that can survive on its IGR without having to go cap in hand begging for loans from the Federal Government.

  • I remain Accord candidate, says Aluko

    Former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Abiodun Aluko, has declared that he remains the candidate of Accord Party for the July 14 governorship election.

    Aluko said the party structures are still intact despite the exit of some of its members who have entered into an alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    The Accord flag bearer said the action of the party leaders and members who have pledged to work for Olusola’s victory was borne out of greed.

    Addressing a news conference in Ado-Ekiti, Aluko said a former governorship aspirant in the party, Akogun Banji Ojo and the State Chairman, Chief Matthew Odeoba who are behind the alliance with the PDP do not enjoy the support of majority party members.

    Aluko said they have gone to dupe Governor Ayo Fayose because they have found a willing buyer who was ready to pay for their services.

    He said: “I have a strong belief that these people only took the action to dupe Governor Fayose. They got a willing buyer in Fayose and they believe they have got somebody they can suck,” he said.

    Backing his argument with documentary evidence, Aluko said the crisis was sparked by Ojo’s demand for N65 million he (Ojo) had allegedly spent as expenses on the party before Aluko’s arrival.

    Aluko said he rejected the request based on conviction that it was meant to extort him, since the party has no verifiable structure in the state to buttress Ojo’s claim.

     

     

     

  • Aluko is Accord candidate

    Former Ekiti State Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko has emerged as the governorship candidate of ACCORD for the July 14 election.

    The party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Nalado, led the national officer’s to welcome Aluko to the party.

    They give maximum support to him during the poll.

    According to a statement by the ACCORD Publicity Secretary in Ekiti State,  Deacon Joseph Anifowose, the flag presentation followed Aluko’s victory at the primary.

    Nalado  extolled the integrity of Aluko, saying that he is a man of honour.

    Other Speakers also gave kudos to the leader of the party,  Akogun Banji Ojo, for standing solidly behind the party in her trying period.

    The State Executive Committee headed by Chief Samuel Oba was also commended for the peaceful conduct of the primary

    Nalado presented the party’s flag to the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Mr.  Babarinde, who handed it over to Oba.

    Oba  handed over the flag to Aluko as the official flag bearer.