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Tag: Benin Republic

  • Benin Republic summons Nigerien envoy over terrorism allegations

    Benin Republic summons Nigerien envoy over terrorism allegations

    Benin Republic has summoned a Nigerien diplomat following accusations by Abdourahamane Tchiani, Niger Republic’s military leader, that neighbouring countries are supporting terrorism in West Africa.

    In a televised address, Tchiani alleged that Benin serves as a “rear base for terrorists seeking to destabilise Niger Republic”.

    Benin’s foreign ministry dismissed the claims as baseless and announced the summoning of Niger’s chargé d’affaires in a statement on X.

    “Due to the unfounded accusations made against our country, the chargee d’affaires of Niger has been summoned,” the statement reads.

    “Benin remains committed to dialogue and fraternal collaboration between the two nations.”

    An official letter has been sent to the diplomat by Olushegun Bakari, Beninese foreign minister.

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    The development follows a similar response from Nigeria, which has also refuted allegations made by Niger’s junta.

    Tchiani accused France of negotiating with terrorist groups in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, to destabilise Niger Republic. He also alleged that France made a “substantial payment” to President Bola Tinubu to establish a military base in Nigeria.

    “They (France) meet and negotiated with Boko Haram/Bakurawa (a possible variation of the pronunciation of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria),” Tchiani said.

    Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, issued a statement refuting the allegations.

  • 22,500 Nigerians parading fake certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

    22,500 Nigerians parading fake certificates from Benin Republic, Togo

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has disclosed that more than 22,500 Nigerians are parading fake certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo between 2019 and 2023.

    He said that more than 21,600 obtained the certificates from unaccredited universities in Benin Republic within the time frame, while about 1,105 also obtained theirs at some unaccredited universities in Togo.

    The federal government also authorised the termination of employees in both the public and private sectors who possess counterfeit degree certificates.

    Recall that the activities of degree mills once again came to the centre of discussions in Nigeria, following an investigative report by a reporter, Umar Audu, with the Daily Nigerian newspaper on the activities of degree mills in Benin Republic and Togo.

    The reporter revealed how he obtained a degree within six weeks and even proceeded to embark on mandatory youth service under the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

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    Audu, who reached out to the syndicate that specialises in selling degree certificates in December 2022, graduated in February 2023 and was issued a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication certificate from the Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, Cotonou, Benin Republic.

    He said: “One of the things we did in the course of the year was — remember when information broke out about some of our students going to neighbouring countries —some not even going at all — to obtain certificates.

    “The ministry set up a committee to look into that; the committee came up with a detailed review; that review was sent to the federal executive council about a month ago, which approved some of the recommendations from the ministry.

    “Now the recommendations will be implemented along with other ministries and agencies affected, including NYSC, Immigration.

    “Because we have to take some major decisions here, some staff who are affected faced disciplinary measures, and that the whole unit went through some kind of review.

    “But by and large, we can’t have in our midst people who procure fake certificates and to compete with our students who graduated from our universities and polytechnics through their sweat, some spent four, five, six, or more years, going out to compete with people who procure certificates right here without going anywhere.

    “So what the FEC now approves is that, through the data that NYSC has, about 21,684 students that are parading fake certificates from Benin Republic, obtained between 2019 to 2023.

    “Togo is about 1,105. How did that happen? They simply attend schools which are not recognised in those countries.

    “Remember, this point is extremely important. The non-recognition itself is in those countries. They are not institutions recognised to offer degree programmes in those countries.

    “Instead, some of our parents take their wards to these institutions, and, of course, there is no way we would recognise qualifications which are not recognised in those countries.

    “In the case of Togo, we have three universities that are officially approved and licensed to offer degrees, and in Benin, there are about five of them.

    “So anyone who didn’t attend these universities is parading a fake certificate.

    “And from 2017, anybody who attended a university solely run in English is wasting his time, because it is not an approved university. That is their policy.

    “But a lot of our countrymen went there—some didn’t go anyway. Remember, these numbers are just what we have. A lot of them didn’t even bother to go to NYSC.

    “The number may be more…Some who attempted to but couldn’t succeed in the screening process disappeared into thin air.

    “So in the final analysis, what the federal government approved is that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, will issue a circular to all employers, whether public or private, to fish out anybody with a certificate from these institutions—that circular probably would have been out by now.

    “And the Head of Service has also been mandated to fish out from the public service anybody who is parading certificate from these institutions.

    “So this is the decision of the federal government on this matter.”

  • Naval Dockyard to refurbish six Benin Republic Navy warships

    Naval Dockyard to refurbish six Benin Republic Navy warships

    Plans have been concluded for the Nigerian Navy (NN) to refurbish six warships belonging to the Benin Republic Navy (BRN) for improved security in the Gulf of Guinea.

    The agreement for the repairs which would be done at the Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL) in Victoria Island, Lagos, was signed on Thursday afternoon at the Naval Headquarters of BRN in Cotonou.

    Speaking after the historic event, the Admiral Superintendent, NDL, Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, said it was thanks to the visionary leadership and dynamic ingenuity of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, that the NN was able to seal the deal.

    He said the warships- BNS PENDJARI, BNS OUEME, BNS ALIBORI, BNS ZOU, BNS MATELOT BRICE KPOMASSE and BNS COUFFFO, departed Cotonou at the weekend for Lagos, adding that the repairs period would be 10 months.

    The NDL boss said the Yard was a strategic national asset and a force multiplier that caters to the defence and maritime needs in the construction, maintenance and repair of naval platforms.

    According to him, the historic partnership with Benin Republic Navy would not only lead to the strengthening of that country’s navy but also enhance security of the Gulf of Guinea waters.

    The Admiral Superintendent said he was hopeful that more ventures would be explored where the parties can operate to deliver groundbreaking innovations to improve maritime security in the region and promote further growth of their respective and collective economies. 

    He said talks about the repairs had been ongoing and Nigeria’s CNS, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla granted approval for the NDL to engage the Benin Republic Navy.

    “Based on that, we have had series of visits, surveys, assessments and  have done all sorts of analysis on these vessels with the view to working out modalities for carrying out the repairs. 

    “Today is a historic day in the history of the Nigerian Navy and Benin Republic Navy. It is a very important occasion because this is indicative of talks about regional cooperation among Navies of the region. It talks about enhancing operational efficiencies among the Navies of the region and it also talks about enhancing friendships and cooperation among the Navies of the region.

    “The Naval Dockyard will be playing a key role in the execution of this contract, all arrangements have been put in place for the project. 

    Some of the ships will go to Nigeria on their own steam, as in, they will sail to Nigeria and some will have to be brought to Nigeria by some other means and then all the repairs will take place at the Naval Dockyard. 

    “It is worthy of note that the Naval Dockyard stands proudly as a strategic national asset of Nigeria and a force multiplier to cater for the defence and maritime needs in the construction, maintenance and repair of naval platforms. 

    “The yard also extends these services to the larger maritime/merchant community to promote and sustain Nigeria’s maritime sector towards enhancing national security. 

    “The NDL’s activities and achievements have stimulated indigenous shipbuilding and maintenance and facilitated local content development for self reliance and national development. 

    “To this end, the yard provides comprehensive engineering services to numerous clientele that cut across the military, government agencies and the private sector, standing out as an institution propelling Nigeria’s maritime sector to greater heights while significantly contributing to cordial international relations and diplomacy. 

    “The Naval Dockyard Limited has demonstrated capacity and willingness to dock six Republic of Benin Navy patrol boats namely, BNS PENDJARI, BNS OUEME, BNS ALIBORI, BNS ZOU, BNS MATELOT BRICE KPOMASSE and BNS COUFFFO, for repairs. 

    “As a capable and responsible corporate citizen, this bold step is aimed at positioning the Naval Dockyard Limited as a strategic player in shipbuilding and repairs as well as offshore construction and maritime support service provider within Nigeria, the West African region and the African continent as a whole.

    “It is further noteworthy that docking and repairing the vessels in the yard represents a significant milestone in improving our collective regional capacity in maritime security and military cooperation between both navies and nations. 

    Read Also: 10 entertainers who bagged degrees from Togo, Benin Republic varsities

    “It is on this basis that I would like to state that the Yard is committed and more than ready to execute the docking and repair of the vessels to restore them to optimum levels in line with the scope of work specified in the contract. 

    “I am therefore grateful to the Almighty God and pleased to sign the contract with the Republic of Benin Navy, on behalf of Naval Dockyard, as approved by our visionary and dynamic Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admira EI Ogalla, Admiralty Medal. 

    “I am indeed confident that the contract between the Naval Dockyard Limited and the Republic of Benin Navy would strengthen international relations as well as mutual trust between the Nigerian Navy and Benin Navy, with several prospects for promoting bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. 

    “This project is also expected to engender patronage from other navies within and outside the region as well as establish the yard as a regional hub for ship construction and maintenance, paving the way for greater achievements.”

    The Nation reports that with such moves, the Nigerian Navy, through the NDL might soon become a major hub of maintenance for Naval Forces within the West and Central African region.

    In his remarks, the Beninois Chief of Naval Staff, Captain Jean Le’on Olatoundji, expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Navy to refurbish their vessels, adding that he initiated the discussions when he was invited to the 66th anniversary of the navy in Lagos.

    He said he saw how the vessels at the NDL were maintained and asked Nigeria s Chief of the Naval Staff how they were able to do it? 

    Captain Olatoundji said he was pleased with the responses he got and so, he immediately asked the Nigerian CNS about the possibility of the NDL refurbishing his country’s warships and also training his personnel, which was granted.

    He noted that the Nigerian Navy was presently, the major provider of assets and resources for the patrol of the MCC Zone E Block of the Gulf of Guinea, adding that once his ships were repaired, they would also be deployed to keep maritime criminals in check.

    “The refurbishing will really impact Benin Navy. Benin Navy will be very operational and that will help us with the personnel  especially for everyone  concerned about the maritime domain. 

    “I have said earlier that it (the partnership) was one of its kind. This project, if conducted rightfully to the end, will also impact the blue economy, maritime economy of the region,” he said.

    Also, at the agreement signing was the Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, Saidu Tiggi and members of his entourage, the Defence Attachee and the Deputy Defence Attachee.

  • 10 entertainers who bagged degrees from Togo, Benin Republic varsities

    10 entertainers who bagged degrees from Togo, Benin Republic varsities

    Following an exposé by undercover journalist, Umar Audu, revealing his detailed acquisition of a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and subsequent undetected deployment to Cross Rivers State for the NYSC programme, there has been a strong reaction among Nigerians.

    The report, which has since gained prominence, led the federal government to promptly suspend the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.

    The government also announced intentions to extend this sanction to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Niger Republic.

    The spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a statement on Tuesday, January 2, that the report lent credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree.

    He said: “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”

    Reacting to the decision of the federal government, Zubby Micheal applauded the development while commenting on an Instagram post, saying that many “mugus” have been parading doctorate titles.

    On Channels Television’s “Politics Today”, the Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, who appeared as a guest on Wednesday, January 3, vowed to go after citizens utilising fake certificates obtained from foreign countries to secure employment in Nigeria.

    Describing such individuals as “criminals” involved in a criminal chain, Mamman insisted they ought to be arrested and not empathised with.

    He said: “They are criminals and you know there is no timeframe to criminality. We will trace them. As long as we can lay our hands on their institutions and they are right here with us, certainly, the security agencies will go after them because they are criminals.”

    “We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo. We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, and even Niger here where such institutions have been set up.

    “We will not stop at the suspension of certificates from Togo and Benin Republic alone. We are going to extend the suspension to other countries where such institutions operate.”

    The development comes just after many entertainers got awarded degrees, including honourary doctorates from various universities in the Benin Republic.

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    Below is a list of entertainers including singers and actors who bagged degrees from the universities in the aforementioned countries.

    Ayra Starr

    Mavin star girl, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe aka Ayra Start attended Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic and received a BA degree in International Relations and Political Science at age 18.

    “I made sure I got into school early because my goal was to be a teenage pop star. So, I got into school early. So I got into the university. I schooled in Benin Republic. My course was three years old. I graduated at 18.

    “I have a degree in International Relations and Political science. Though, I’m thinking of getting another one,” said the “Rush” crooner in an interview with “Nairobi News”, in Kenya.

    Besides Ayra Starr, the others listed were awarded honorary doctorate degrees. They include:

    Kafayat Shafau

    2020 saw sensational dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, also referred to as Kaffy, receive an Honourary Doctorate Degree for her remarkable role in the African dance industry from Escae Benin University in the Benin Republic.

    Taking to Instagram to share the good news, the mother of two wrote: “I’m humbled to be decorated this afternoon by Escae Benin University with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition as a “pioneer in the business of dance in Africa”. This award is not just for me but for an institution. That institution is the dance industry.”

    Mike Ezuruonye

    In June 2021, popular actor and filmmaker, Michael Ezuruonye, also received an Honourary Doctorate of Arts and Literature from ESTAM University, Seme Campus, located in the Republic of Benin.

    He shared the news on his Instagram page, expressing excitement and gratitude to his fans while identifying himself as Dr. Michael Ezuruonye.

    “It’s cause of you my fans, supporters and good people this happened. Dr Michael Ezuruonye loves you all.”

    Martins Okey Justice

    Along with Mike, singer J. Martins bagged an honourary doctorate from the same institution.

    Posing with the actor, Jay Martins in a post via his Instagram page wrote: “Ladies and Gentlemen say hello to the new Doctorates in town my humble self & my brother @mikeezu from Estam University Benin Republic

    A very big Thank you to all my supportive fans it’s because of you that I have come this far and I do not take you guys for granted so when next you see me remember to add Dr Martins Okey Justice aka J.Martins

    Have a beautiful weekend everyone”.

    Alexx Ekubo

    In August of the same year, Alexx Ekubo received an honorary doctorate in Arts and Culture from Benin Republic’s Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston University.

    The Nollywood act took to Instagram to share a picture in a ceremonial graduation gown with the caption: “Introducing, Dr Alexx Ekubo. Thanks to the governing council of the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston (ISCG UNIVERSITY) for conferring on me a Doctorate (Honorary) Degree in Arts & Culture”.

    Peter Okoye

    In June 2022, Peter Okoye aka Mr P, one-half of the well-known singing duo Psquare, received an honorary doctorate from the Escae-Benin University in the Benin Republic.

    He was conferred Doctor of Arts by the school which he described as a “distinguished educational institution.”

    Via his Instagram page, he shared the news, stating: “Dear Team P! It’s a great honor to be decorated by a distinguished educational institution, Who have recognised my contribution to Dance and Music as well as my support for the youth in the entertainment industry.”

    IK Ogbonna

    Popular Nigerian actor, Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna aka IK, received an honorary degree in June 2022.

    A Doctorate (Honorary) Degree of Arts in Leadership and Development was granted to IK by the Institut Superieur De Technologies Et De Management, Togo.

    Ireti Doyle

    Ireti Doyle, who starred in Wedding Party, was included in the 2022 academic honour roll.

    The Benin Republic’s Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University awarded the seasoned actress an honorary doctorate in August.

    The actress acknowledged that although she did have a “healthy expectation of receiving accolades,” an academic honour was not what she had in mind.

    Bob Manuel Udokwu

    Another famous Nigerian actor, Bob Manuel, received an honorary doctorate from the same Cotonou-based University.

    The Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University awarded the former Guinness Ultimate Search games master a Doctorate Degree in Arts and Culture.

    Ireti Doyle disclosed the news as she shared photos from the ceremony on her Instagram page.

    Pete Edochie

    Veteran actor and seasoned movie star, Pete Edochie received a double honourary doctorate from the International School of Technology and Management (ISTM) University, Togo in September 2023.

    The 76-year-old movie stalwart bagged a Doctorate in Literature, a Doctorate in Arts, and a lifetime achievement at the Togo-based varsity.

  • Benin Republic calls for reversal of Nigeria’s border closure

    Benin Republic calls for reversal of Nigeria’s border closure

    Rising from a two-day engagement in Abuja yesterday, the Republic of Benin Customs Service appealed to Nigeria Customs Service to reverse its policy on border closure.

    According to the communique, the meeting the need to take decision on the request for the “reversal of Nigeria policy on the closure of Nigeria border.”

    The reopening of the border is the prerogative of the President and once it is done the two countries can activate the plans they had from the two-day engagement.

    Among other things, their plans include the mutual utilization of the countries’ ports.

    Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Mr. Olukayode Gbenga, said the closure of the border was like a war declared on the two countries owing its impacts.

    He noted that for the reopening to be mentioned in the communique means a step forward in the bilateral relationship.

    He recalled that when the President visited him in Benin Republic two months ago, he indicated there will be improvement on relationship with Benin Republic.

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    He described the engagement between the two Customs organization as a horizontal approach instead of waiting for the vertical approach in which Presidents of countries deal with themselves.

     Responding to questions from reporters, the NCS Acting Comptroller General, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the two Customs Organizations had in the last two days built confidence in the systems that the Republic of Benin has offered.

    According to him, Nigeria’s importers are now using the Republic of Benin’s ports and they too could utilize Nigeria’s ports if they chose.

    He added that Nigerians can clear their goods from the Republic of Benin ports.

    Adeniyi added that “by the virtue of this agreement, what it means is that Nigerian importers going to use the ports in Cotonou and have their goods cleared in those ports because there will be opportunity for them to pay duty on those that are liable for payment of duties.

    “We can account for the duty on those goods  in the Port of arrival. So they will now be free to enter into Nigeria.”

    In his remarks at the engagement, he noted that on the promotion of ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme, the relevant department within the NCS has been entrusted with the task of reviewing the current impediments to the ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme to chart practical ways forward.

    He added that “Our objective remains steadfast: to stimulate economic growth, foster regional integration, and nurture prosperity among our nations.”

    The Customs boss also revealed that in collaboration with the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, the service has undertaken substantial measures to reduce barriers along the country’s trade corridors.

    He said initiatives have been launched to harmonize the list of products prohibited in Nigeria.

    According to him, this step not only promotes consistency but also facilitates smoother trade relations with our partners.

    Adeniyi said, “On Nigeria’s Integration into SIGMAT. We are swiftly progressing toward Nigeria’s integration into the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT), joining hands with other West African nations.

    “This interconnected system promises to further streamline our transit operations and improve regional trade dynamics.”

    Adeniyi said NCS commitment  to combatting cross-border crime is unwavering.

    He noted that “We are actively engaging in cooperation, intelligence sharing, and resource pooling with our regional partners to ensure the security and safety of our shared borders.”

    The NCS boss revealed that the organization has been engaging the border communities.

    He added that “Nigeria Customs Service is currently developing plans to incorporate border communities as priority in its Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy.”

  • Talon Benin?

    JUST as well Benin Republic’s new president is Patrice Talon.  No disrespect, but that name appears a fitting pun, on how Nigeria’s closest western neighbour has sunk its talon, like a predatory animal, into the Nigerian economy.

    Benin has been worse than an economic predator.  It is more like a reckless but foolish parasite, burying its snout inside its host.  In its close-eyed bliss, it forgets if the host dies, the parasite too goes kaput!

    Such has been tiny Benin’s economic hostility towards Nigeria, in large-scale smuggling fuelled by some unpatriotic and greedy Nigerian citizens, aided by Benin’s policy of economic terrorism.

    Pray, how do you erect your economic survival on brazen smuggling that you know slowly kills your neighbour?

    The Buhari government’s agricultural policy is hinged on grow what you eat and eat what you grow.  Audu Ogbeh, former Agriculture minister, pushed that policy with such patriotic venom, with the CBN backing him with specific supportive monetary policies and incentives.

    The fiscal authorities also imposed concurrent policies, chief of which was the limit of rice imports to sea ports, not land borders.  But pronto, as local farmers took the gauntlet, encouraged by the new policy template, rice cultivation soared and sea import of rice dipped, tiny Benin suddenly roared: West Africa’s new monster consumer of imported parboiled rice!

    The Benin authorities knew the brisk business in Benin ports was a direct sabotage of Nigeria’s attempt to achieve food security.  Yet, they played dumb because of the coins their country grossed.

    Petrol smuggling was — and still is — an open sore!  Nigerian fuel is retailed, in Cotonou and Porto Novo, in ubiquitous, monstrous bottles, with hardly any fuel station opening again.

    Now, see what has happened, with the ongoing partial closure of the border.  Mele Kyari, NNPC’s managing director, in a tweet monitored by ThisDay, says fuel lifted from depots to service stations had dropped significantly; adding that there is credible proof to suggest a good chunk of the nearly 60 million metres of petrol Nigerians are said to daily consume, actually get smuggled to Benin Republic and other thieving neighbbouring countries — hardly news.

    Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivates Company Ltd, a Lagos finance consultancy firm, in a monthly report to Lagos Business School, came to a similar conclusion: the partial border closure is somewhat stemming the smuggling of Nigeria’s petrol.

    That explains why President Talon went begging President Muhammadu Buhari in Japan for a lift, just as the late President Mathieu Kerekou came begging former President Obasanjo, at the Badagry border town, during an earlier face-off.

    Benin presidential names have had different impacts on Nigerians.  Nicephore Soglo sounded especially heroic, particularly among the sovereign national conference (SNC) crowd, for the late Soglo rose and fell by the Benin SNC.

    Thomas Boni Yayi sparked immense racial cross-border  pride, being an ethnic Yoruba; and ex-Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) don in its UNIFE days. Kerekou, of course, also fell and rose by the Benin SNC, signalling the arrival of Benin democracy.

    But Talon is the name on which Nigeria must rivet, until Benin is purged of its economic terrorism against Nigeria.  Nigeria must keep those borders shut until Benin comes to its senses.

    An economic talon is no friend.  It is rather a merciless fiend.

     

  • UPDATED: AFCON 2019: Benin Republic stun Morocco, reach Quarter-Finals

    Benin Republic produced a major surprise to beat Morocco 4-1 on penalties and book a quarter-final spot at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

    Mama Seibou hit the winning penalty to send 10-man Benin through after Khaled Adenon had been sent off in extra time.

    In an incident-packed tie in Cairo, Moise Adilehou put Benin ahead before Youssef En-Nesyri equalized.

    Morocco had a chance to win it with the last kick of normal time but Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech’s penalty struck a post.

    Benin scored all their penalties in the shootout through Olivier Verdon, David Djigla and Tidjani Anaane before Seibou’s effort sparked wild celebrations on and off the pitch inside the Al Salam Stadium.

    In what is only their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, Benin will face the winners of Friday’s late last-16 tie between Uganda and Senegal in the quarter-finals on 10 July.

    Morocco had progressed from the group stage with three wins and without conceding a goal.

    Read Also: AFCON 2019: Nigeria lock horns with Cameroon in Round of 16

    Despite peppering Benin’s goal with 22 shots during the 120 minutes, they lacked cutting edge and are now on their way home from a tournament they were expected to do well in.

    Benin, who advanced to the last-16 as one of the best four third-placed teams in the group stage, played the final 23 minutes of extra time with 10 men when Adenon was sent off for a second bookable offence.

    En-Nesyri and Ziyech both forced saves from keeper Saturnin Allagbe before Benin took the lead through Adilehou’s close-range volley following a corner.

    Morocco were gifted their equaliser, an horrendous mistake by Jordan Adeoti allowing Mbark Boussoufa to set up En-Nesyri to fire under Allagbe.

     

    BBCSports

     

  • Navy arrests boats carrying 170 ‘smuggled’ turkeys

    Operatives of the Nigerian Navy (NN) on Wednesday arrested five wooden boats allegedly carrying 170 cartons of suspected smuggled turkey.

    The arrests followed a raid of creeks between Gbaji and Badagry by operatives attached to the Forward Operations Base (FOB) in Badagry, Lagos State.

    It was gathered that the frozen turkeys, which were carefully concealed in the boats, were being smuggled into Nigeria from Benin Republic

    Handing over the intercepted boats and products to officials from Western Marine, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the FOB Commander Captain Tamuno Senibo said they were seized on the Badagry waterways around 1 a.m while naval men were on patrol.

    Senibo said on sighting the naval men, the criminals jumped into the water and swam away.

    “The action of my men goes to show that the fracas, which originally existed between the military and paramilitary, is now a thing of the past. The Harmonised Standard Operating Procedure (HSOP) recently launched by the President is working.

    “It is based on that we went after the smugglers, seized their items and now we are handing over the seized items to the Customs, in line with our roles to assist other government agencies at peace time.

    “Similarly, on March 20, last year, we handed over 6,000 kilogrammes of weeds suspected to be cannabis, allegedly being smuggled into Nigeria. The seized items were also handed over to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

    “We also handed over 300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol, to operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Read Also: Navy gets standard jetty 15 years after

    “My advice to criminals is for them to stay away from the country’s waterways as there will no longer be any hiding place for them. They should turn a new leaf in their own interest.”

    Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Augustine Ajero, who led a team of officers to take over the seized products, urged the naval men not to relent.

    He appealed to them to go after the criminals because smugglers now know patrol boats belonging to NCS Marine and usually disappeared whenever they sighted them.

     

  • Buhari sends special envoy to Guinea Bissau, Benin Republic

    President Muhammadu Buhari, in response to a request for assistance by the Government of Guinea Bissau, has approved financial and logistics support for the country’s electoral process.

    This is as the President also directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, to undertake “an urgent mission as his Special Envoy to Guinea Bissau, in the company of ECOWAS Commission President, Jean-Claude Brou.”

    The special envoy is to ensure that legislative elections held in Guinea Bissau.

    This, according to the Presidency, is to help stabilise the country.

    The support, according to a statement issued by presidential aide Garba Shehu yesterday, includes 350 units of electoral kits, 10 motorcycles, five Hilux vans, two light trucks and $500,000.

    The statement further added that in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, Buhari’s assistance (to Guinea Bissau) would ensure that legislative elections hold in Guinea Bissau and help in stabilising the country.

    “Nigeria’s Foreign Minister will also undertake a mission to Cotonou, Benin, to deliver a personal message to President Patrice Talon from President Buhari,” the statement added.

  • 2019 Davis Cup: Nigeria battles Tunisia, six others for promotion

    Nigeria will be making another attempt at gaining promotion to the elite division of the Davis Cup as the West African side will battle host – Kenya, Tunisia, Benin Republic, Namibia, Algeria, Mozambique and Madagascar.

    The Africa Group III event will also take place in Nairobi, Kenya from September 11 to 14 on the clay courts of the Nairobi Club.

    After finishing fifth at the 2018 edition, Nigeria will be on the umpteenth time be heading out of the country for a place in the top division. Nigeria’s best outing in the Davis Cup was in 1988 and 1989 editions when the team reached the Group I semifinals.

    According to International Tennis Federation (ITTF), Kenya has been named as the host of the Africa Group III event after the East African nation edged out Tunisia to secure hosting right for the tournament in September.

    Being the second time in a row that Kenya will be hosting the tournament having hosted the 2018 edition in which Kenya, Tunisia and Namibia secured promotion to the Africa Group II. But the trio were denied the participation in the elite cadre after a new sponsor came on board and opted to use a new ranking system which knocked the three promoted countries back to Africa Group III.

    The new ranking system came to effect after a new sponsor, Kosmos Group, an investment firm owned by FC Barcelona and Spain defender, Gerard Pique, signed a deal valued at $3b covering 25 years.

    For Africa Group IV, Brazzaville will play host the qualifiers from June 26 to 29, with the host – Congo Brazzaville facing Cameroun, Rwanda, Botswana, Ghana, Uganda, and Cote D’Ivoire on the hard courts of the Complexe Sportif Concorde de Kintele