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Tag: celebrate

  • Heartland celebrate Sunshine tie draw

    Heartland celebrate Sunshine tie draw

    Heartland have described their 2-2 draw away to Sunshine Stars in a rearranged Week 12 clash at the Akure Township Stadium as another step forward towards  avoiding the dreaded relegation zone.

    The Naze Millionaires stunned the Akure fans with the opening goal in the 27th minute through Happy Okuoka but the Akure Gunners replied with two goals through Muyiwa Lawal in the 45th and 48th minutes.

    Before the home fans could start celebrating, Okuoka struck again in the 62nd minute and the game ended that way.

    Speaking with SportingLife shortly after the match, the Media officer of the Owerri side, Cajetan Nkwopara said the Naze Millionaires were happy to break the jinx of always losing to Sunshine in recent times and that the draw has further put them in the right stead towards finishing the first stanza in a comfortable position on the log.

    Meanwhile, Heartland’s goal hero against the Akure Gunners, Happy Okuoka has dedicated the two goals he netted against Sunshine Stars to his team mate and goalkeeper, Philip Achor whose wife gave birth  a few days before the encounter.

    He also praised his team mates for the team work which culminated in their renewed spirits to end the first stanza with a flourish.

    He also praised the hard work of the new General Manager, Prince Okechukwu Ibe who was  at Akure to watch the game just like he has always been following them to their away games too.

    Heartland moved to 24 points on the log from 18 matches and will host Lobi Stars on Sunday in the finale of the first stanza.

    It was also double joy for other South Eastern teams in the league after Enugu Rangers and the two Abia representatives – Abia Warriors and Enyimba also won their respective ties at home.

    At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, the Flying Antelopes thrashed Lobi Stars 3-1 with CHAN Eagles’ star, Christian Obiozor on the scoresheet twice in the 55th and 65th minutes. Emeka Eze scored the other goal in the 44th minute.

    It was Obiozor’s first game after he was pardoned alongside five of his team mates who were suspended by the club management at the behest of the Flying Antelopes‘ head coach, John Obuh recently for anti-club activities.

    The victory lifted Rangers to 24 points from 18 matches and the Enugu side must secure a positive result in Kano against El Kanemi Warriors if they are to end the first stanza above the relegation zone.

    Enyimba and Abia Warriors also improved their league positions on the log after they beat Gombe United and Akwa United respectively.

    Goals from Andrew Abalogu in the 25th minute and a penalty converted by Mfon Udoh in the 60th minute settled the tie in favour of the People’s Elephant.

    Enyimba have jumped to third on the log with 28 points from 18 matches. They are ahead of Nasarawa United on goals difference after the Solid Miners could only negotiate  a draw at Omoku against Nembe City.

    Abia Warriors went goal berserk against the Promise Keepers whom they peppered 4-1 at Umuahia. Chikara Chisom’s brace, Peter Onyekachi and Chima Uluocha’s goals lifted them above embattled Akwa United. The Promise Keepers, however, reduced the arrears through Namso Edo who netted his sixth goal of the season from the penalty spot.

    The emphatic win allayed Abia Warriors’ relegation worries as they are now on 27 points from 18 games.

  • Nigeria at 53: Nothing to celebrate

    SIR: It’s always a thing of joy to have one’s desire realized, especially if one had worked hard to realise such desire. While the joy of Nigerians may have known no bounds at our attainment of independence on October 1, 1960, the question is: to what extent can we really say that we have achieved the visions that propelled that desire and quest 53 years on?

    Nigeria has had a chequered political history from military interregnums to democratic distortions with the result that Nigeria has not fared well politically.

    Up till now, Nigerians cannot beat their chest about a stable political milieu where institutions and structures of government are performing optimally and satisfactorily. More than a decade of uninterrupted democratic dispensation, there is virtually nothing to prove that we are on the verge of being politically vibrant.

    Socially, Nigeria is eclipsed in ethnic and tribal bigotry, favouritism, nepotism, and religious intolerance. Our educational system is everything but functional. Coincidentally, our country is celebrating this year’s independence anniversary in the midst of a dysfunctional university system –grounded for three months now as a result of strike by university teachers.

    What about our health system? I hear a typical Nigerian scream: “no go area”! And that is exactly what it is! If not, our ruling and affluent class would not be travelling en mass to other countries for medical attention.

    No matter how one views it, all has not been well with our economy ever since we transited from being agro-based and productive nation (in the pre-independence, independence and early post independence period) to an oil-based consumer nation (starting from the 1970s period of oil boom to date). If not, how can one account for the all-time high levels of abject poverty, unemployment and astronomic costs of living prevalent in the land?

    How can anyone deem our 53rd Independence Anniversary commemoration worthwhile amidst the shades of corruption, insecurity, anarchy, leadership ineffectiveness and inefficiency, the widening gulf between the rich and the poor, socio-economic cum political somersaults, and what have you that is preponderant in the country?

    Today, available indicators have shown that the foundations upon which Nigeria is built is everything but firm. There is no doubt about the urgent need to re-visit and re-assess these foundations to ascertain their viability or otherwise.

    Rather than engage in habitual flamboyant and frivolous way of commemorating the anniversary, we should take time-out to reflect on the state of affairs in the country and come up with the best ways to tackle the myriad of socio-economic, political and leadership challenges confronting us.

    Our leaders at all levels and indeed, Nigerians in general, have got to wake up to stem the tide of corruption, nepotism, individualism, immorality, avarice, wickedness, and lack of patriotism that have been hampering our development. We need to work hard to realise the Nigeria of our dreams where peace, love, unity, tranquillity and progress truly pervades.

     

    • Daniel Ndukwe Ekea

    Umuahia, Abia State

     

  • Old boys celebrate excellence

    OLD boys of St Theresa’s Catholic Minor Seminary, Oke-Ado in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, under the banner of Oke-Aro Seminary Old Boys Association of Nigeria (OSOBAN), will next month honour their members.

    Some of those who have excelled in various areas of endeavour will be recognised during a three-day Annual General Meeting in Ibadan.

    OSOBAN President Ladi Taiwo and General Secretary Segun Ogunade spoke on the plan yesterday during a visit to The Nation head office in Lagos.

    They said the seminary has produced high flyers in priesthood and the laity, as well as distinguished diplomats, monarchs and civil servants, among others.

    The recognition ceremony is billed for October 4.

    The association will also raise funds for the school.

     

  • Olu, Itsekiri celebrate return of peace

    The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, yesterday led thousands of Itsekiri people in a thanksgiving service marking the return of peace in the kingdom, days after protesters demanded the monarch’s abdication over a controversial edict.

    The people rose against the monarch eight days ago because of his controversial edict ”New Order in Iwere Kingdom”.

    The uprising lasted till last Tuesday when the monarch bowed to the people and withdrew the edict, which proscribed the Ogiame title because of its perceived fetish connotation and allegiance to Umalokun (god of the sea).

    The edict also banned the Itsekiri national anthem (Ara olorire) because it worshipped the monarch.

    It irked members of the ruling houses, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Itsekiri Legacy Rebirth, traditional council of chiefs and thousands of youths, who launched a massive protest and laid a siege to the palace.

    However, the atmosphere at the palace (Aghofen) yesterday contrasted sharply with the unruly crowd who defied the edict from September 7 -10.

    There was a rapport between the monarch and his people, who trooped out at a reception to pay him the customary homage, amid chant of ‘Ogiame Suooooo’.

    Thousands of gaily dressed Itsekiri indigenes, who attended the ceremony, said they were happy that the protest was peaceful and violence-free.

    They said it was a sign of the maturity and respect the people have for their monarch.

    Prominent Itsekiri leaders, members of the Warri Council of Chiefs and politicians, who spoke at the ceremony, also praised the monarch for listening to the voice of his people.

    Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who attended the service with his wife, Roli, described the four-day protest as a test of the traditional throne, as well as the political leadership at the state and federal levels.

    The governor also slammed Christian leaders for not practising the faith they profess.

    He decried the role played by “some (religious leaders), who claimed to quote the Bible and instead to use that Bible quotation to bring about peace were busy using it as an instrument of disunity.

    “If not for the love of God on our side, what will the people of Iwere Kingdom say today?”

    The governor also lamented the role of some Itsekiri leaders during the crisis, advising that community leaders must ensure peace and unity in their communities.

    He said: “Leaders should work for peace rather than inciting youths to go to war.”

    Uduaghan praised the wisdom of the Olu, chiefs in the kingdom, community and religious leaders in ensuring that the protest did not escalate into violence.

    He urged his Itsekiri kinsmen and Deltans to use their position to foster peace and unity rather than as a weapon of personal aggrandisement.

    Speaking in the same vein, Ayirimi Emami, the Uwa Oyibo Yami of Warri Kingdom, praised prominent Itsekiri leaders, who waded into the face-off and ensured that it did not snowball into a major crisis.

    “The Itsekiri people remain one united nation under one monarch and one God. We are grateful for the wisdom of the king and how he has led the people of Iwere Kingdom all these years.

    “Peace has returned and for this we are grateful to God for using our king, Ogiame Atuwatse II, to achieve this peace. All Itsekiri people remain committed and supportive of our monarch at all time. May God continue to guide and guard him for us,” Emami stated.

    Prince Omolubi Newuwumi, an Itsekiri youth leader, who led the protesters for the four days, said yesterday’s ceremony was to show the world that the Itsekiri nation remains indivisible, adding: “We (Itsekiri) are always loyal to our monarch.”

    The District Pastor of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Sam Aboyemi, in his opening prayer, thanked God on behalf of Olu for his wisdom and leadership attributes.

    He said: “Let God be magnified and established in Iwere Kingdom. The land shall not be sold but shall be redeemed by the blood.”

    Delivering a sermon titled: ‘Mystery of the Womb and Mystery of the Tomb, Bishop Mike Laju reminded the people that their history is different from their destiny, stressing: “Your history is yesterday but your tomorrow is your destiny.”

    The cleric, who took his sermon from Isaiah 7:14, assured the congregation that “what we have not seen in Iwere Kingdom, God is going to bring it to pass”.

    The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Amos Utuama (SAN), Speaker of the House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, Hon. Irene Imilar , Commissioners Joseph Otumara (Health), Paulinus Akpeki (Housing) and Misan Kubeyinje (Agric).

    Others are Ighoyota Amori, Thomas Ereyitomi, Paul Odili, Communications Manager to the governor and almost all the members of the Warri Council of Chiefs.

  • Why I’ll not celebrate my 50th birthday, by Obi

    Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who is 50 today, has said he will not throw a party.

    Obi spoke to reporters yesterday after the executive council meeting. The governor said the issue was not discussed during the meeting as the commissioners knew his stand.

    He said: “The business of governing a state is a serious one; to start discussing birthday celebration when serious state business is being discussed is not right.

    “I would celebrate it but by attending lectures, where issues of governance and state’s welfare will be discussed but not where people will eat and drink and probably forget themselves.

    “With the way Nigeria is today, we do not need to celebrate because that will be insensitive. Rather, what the mood calls for is to think of how to tackle the issue of minimum wage and reduce the tension in the land. It is about time we told ourselves the truth,” he said.

    When pressed to reveal any significant thing he did to mark the day, Obi said: “If you insist, I reached out to some clerics with request for more prayers for peace and progress in our country and for God to touch the hearts of our leaders, including myself, to take decisions that will benefit the people.”

    The governor concluded that his birthday gift was the fulfillment of his promises to the people.

  • Osoba: How to celebrate a beacon

    Mount Rushmore is the home of a frozen history of the United States of America. It parades giant busts of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, four men whose administrations straddled the first 150 years of US history.

    Nestling in Rapid City, South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is a testimony to achievement, history and statesmanship. It tells the story of the giant strides of US democracy trapped in the statues of the figures who drove noble and patriotic visions of nation building in difficult times.

    It is said to have attracted thousands of people from within and without the US with visitors describing Mount Rushmore as the Shrine of Democracy. The project was begun by Gutzon Borglum on August 10, 1927 and completed 14 years later in October 1941, at the cost of $900,000, a princely sum then. It is a stately structure carved out of a solid granite cliff reaching high to 5,725 feet that is visible miles away. Each head of the four presidents is 60 feet high, suggesting that during their tenures they posted larger-than-life performance!

    Those who troop to the site return remarking that they are challenged to offer selfless service to society so that history would also note their contribution and record it to inspire upcoming generations. The Rushmore Four have exerted such sweeping influence that it is claimed that in moments of national distress, US presidents often head there for inspiration.

    Now, if sculpted history of men of acclaim can move people to aspire to do better for mankind and society, it follows that more of such persons should both be celebrated and held up for mention in every generation. If Nigeria is today buffeted by failed values and falling (fallen?) standards guiding our national and private lives, does it indicate that we have no great masters to lead us or to teach us? Or is it a case of refusal to heed them?

    Either way, the point appears to be that a Mount Rushmore can be beneficial to aid the process of reshaping or reforming society, its people and the organs enabling their existence.

    Nigeria needs its own Mount Rushmore as much as my own professional constituency, journalism, does to galvanise us to higher levels of probity, accountability and selflessness in service to man and God. We have all missed the mark on this score. We need some pep talk from past and living history figures.

    Marking the birthday of Aremo Segun Osoba today has drawn me to this discussion on the need to identify heroes of the nation and of its institutions. Today we mourn the absence (or is it loss?) of men and women who constitute examples of the staying power of principle, of those who in the face of personal peril, can stand up for what is right.

    I declare with solemnity that Osoba is one such person. He has evinced this both in his days as a practising journalist and as a politician. Let me cite a couple of events that support this position. In 1984, when we all stood in awe of Decree Four that sent Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor to jail, Osoba was the Managing Director of Daily Times, owned by the military government under Muhammadu Buhari. Osoba took a mortal risk to enter the dock as a defence witness during the trial of the two journalists who were said to have breached the decree. Of course he was aware of what could befall him: dismissal and possible arrest by the ruthless military rulers. But he put principled professionalism first before personal considerations, even if it hurt! In the event, no harm came his way.

    Another occasion was when he was in charge at The Sketch in Ibadan. After the 1983 ballot, the government owned paper fell into the hands of the NPN administration of Governor Omololu Olunloyo. There was a tight-rope walk here: the two other owner-states Ogun and Ondo were UPN-controlled. Again Osoba sought refuge in the unfailing time-honored rock: the principle of balance. He broke the paper into parts, giving to NPN its due (propaganda) and to UPN its share of stories. He didn’t accede to NPN’s demands for exclusive coverage of party stories. Nor did he blackout UPN.

    He says of this leveler policy: “We became very innovative in the designing of the pages and in balancing the stories that came our way. That is the only way you could be sure of survival. You must be professional, innovative and think ahead. It was not necessarily under the military alone. Even civilian governments are intolerant of criticisms. One must also be objective. When we carried stories that were offensive to the government, we balanced it with their reaction.”

    Respecting the ethic principle was constantly at work even when Osoba was Ogun State Governor on sabbatical from journalism during his second coming.

    Between 1999 and 2001, he championed a non-party-based campaign over the payment of Excess Crude Oil revenue due to the states. A hefty N198b windfall had accrued following the sharp rise in petroleum products in the world market from the second quarter of 1999. The price exceeded the $18 per barrel projected in the budget. Then the Federal Government, acting on the advice of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ‘sat’ on the money and refused to share it out to the states as was the practice. The state governments kicked against this sudden change in the rules of the game and threatened that unless their share was paid, they would as well reject their monthly allocations and trigger unprecedented social, political and economic paralysis nationwide.

    Osoba, an Alliance for Democracy governor, waded in on the side of the PDP governors notably those in the Niger Delta who were vociferous in the agitation for the release of the excess funds. While his party was berating the ruling PDP for alleged maladministration, Osoba refused to join the blame game. He was reported to have finally broken the logjam by marshalling a strategy of lobby that required deft negotiations rather than open confrontation or politicking.

    I do believe that these are enduring virtues and values the nation needs to see reflect in its citizens for the regeneration of society. We want to see them in politics, in our homes, in schools, in interpersonal relationships, in workplaces and in a word, in our spirit, soul and body.

    If journalists do finally have their own Mount Rushmore (which we need) Segun Osoba should have his effigy there. Yet he told a reporter that the honour is due rather to others. He said: “I am not the best reporter. There are greater journalists alive. Sam Amuka is a man who has founded two major national newspapers and both are still alive today- The Punch and The Vanguard. Alhaji Lateef Jakande is the oldest living journalist for now. Alhaji Alade Odunewu is over 80. At the age of 77, Sam Amuka is still practising. He is the oldest practising journalist in Nigeria. There are greater journalists than I who still need to be celebrated… That would spur me to insist on us celebrating greater journalists who are still alive and greater than I.”

    What modesty! What self-effacement!

    Happy Birthday Aremo Segun Osoba!

    • Ojewale writes from Ota, Ogun State.

  • Eagles celebrate Imoke at 52

    Eagles celebrate Imoke at 52

    Super Eagles boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has on behalf of the entire team sent a passionate birthday message to Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Senator Liyel Imoke, who clocked 52 on Wednesday.

    Keshi, who said he is congratulating the governor for his special love for him, the NFF and the Super Eagles, said he wished the governor many happy returns on behalf of the passionate football public.

    “As my in-law, mentor, true lover of the national team and benefactor of football in Nigeria that contributed in no small measure to the Super Eagles winning the AFCON 2013 Nations Cup, I want to thank God for preserving your life and wishing you many happy returns of the day. May the goodness that you radiate to Nigerian football and the Super Eagles be given back to you by the Almighty in a million fold.”

    The Super Eagles have been playing all their Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers in Calabar, the Cross River State capital and in all the games the governor has been present physically to the delight of the leadership of the NFF headed by Aminu Maigari.

    Already the final leg World Cup qualifier against Malawi, scheduled for September 6, has already been tentatively fixed for Calabar, which has hosted all national team qualifiers with outstanding victories.

  • Eagles, Elephants celebrate Kaduna gov

    Eagles, Elephants celebrate Kaduna gov

    Super Eagles players and officials as well as their Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire counterparts were treated to a surprise, sumptuous Gala Night, Saturday by governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State.

    The event which featured traditional dances from the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria, Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa, the amazing Takahankali Kagarko dance troupe and the Kaduna State dance group known as Bazobe, kept all present, especially the Ivorians on the edge of their seats.

    Governor Yero, who was represented by his Sports Commissioner, said the event was meant to further cement the brotherly love existing between Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire and also inform all that the CHAN qualifier was beyond a mere football event.

    Among dignitaries at the event were the Ivorian Ambassador to Nigeria, NFF Scribe, Barrister Musa Amadu, Diretor of Competitions, Dr Sanusi Mohammed, Director Technical Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme among others.

    Speaking at the end of the event, Elephants coach, Saraka Kango Nobert, said he was shocked at the massive reception and promised to take the message home for a possible pay back in the return leg. He described Nigerian Coach Stephen Keshi as an Ivorian, having played in that country before and vowed that sooner than later his country will come for their adopted son to help them win the Nations Cup, to which all laughed off.

    Keshi thanked that NFF leadership and governor Yero for the huge hospitality accorded his team and their opponents and noted that he would be delighted any time he is asked by the NFF to come and play games in the city.

    All the players and officials of both teams were later presented with a gift by the governor for their excellent spirit of sportsmanship.

  • Command School, Jos alumni celebrates three generals

    As the Alumni of Command Secondary School Jos celebrates three of their own-two Navy Commodores and a Major-General of the Nigerian Army, the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro has called for more support towards the education sector.Moro said there is need for individuals, groups and corporate bodies to complement governments effort in addressing infrastructural decay in the sector.

    The Minister spoke at the Night of the red necks organised by the alumni for commodores Tariworio Dick, Christian Ezekobe and Brigadier-General Imomotimi Birigeni in Abuja.

    Moro said: “When I was a teacher and a union official, I still had that feeling of utopia in me that with government, everything can be done. But as my metamorphosis continued, I am gradually coming to terms with reality that there are limitations in what government can do.

    “And for our society today, the greatest challenge we face is decay of critical infrastructure in our land and I think its part of the problem my commandant is grappling with in the school.”

    The Minister who described the gathering as an electrifying bond added that the group has played a significant role in the society. He added that the event was meant to celebrate greatness and honour those that deserve it while alive.

    In his remarks, Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa urged the alumni to give back to the school.

    Maikasuwa said: “Little act of love can make monumental impacts in the school. Command Jos will have its own share of infrastructure deficit after this year to the rest, the school may need your assistance.”

    While praising the celebrants, he urged members of the alumni to setup an endowment fund for their alma mater. Maikasuwa, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Olumuyiwa Adejoko, praised the school for its academic excellence and disciplinary antecedents.

    Teachers rewarded include; Dr, A. F Awodeji (Mathematics), Mr Chukwudi Ukwuegwu (English), Elder George Igboanugo (English and History Teacher) and the present Comptroller of Prisons, Ebonyi State, Mr Columbus Omenuko.

     

  • Nigerians celebrate Awolowo 26 years after

    Twenty-six years after the death of the former Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, eminent Nigerians gathered yesterday in Ikenne, Ogun State, to mark his posthumous birthday.

    They were received by Awolowo’s widow, Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID); his eldest daughter, Rev. Tola Oyediran; his son, Segun; grand children and great grand children.

    The event was attended by former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande and his wife; former Minister of Transport Chief Ebenezer Babatope; Senator Anthony Adefuye; Senator Femi Okunrounmu and Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Jide Adeniyi.

    Others are Mr. Kayode Anibaba; Mr. Omosanya Solaja; former Ikenne Local Government Caretaker Chairman Femi Adeniyi; Mrs. Mercy Owolana; among others.

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, was represented by traditional rulers from Osun State.

    The guests described the late Awolowo as “a purposeful and visionary leader”, who would be remembered by generations unborn.

    The late Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909. He died on May 9, 1987.

    Since his demise, his memory has remained cherished and his legacy in the region unsurpassed.

    Jakande described Awolowo as a focused leader, whose contribution to the development of the Southwest and the country cannot be glossed over.

    He said Awolowo’s legacy would endure in the consciousness of Nigerians.

    Mama Awolowo described him as a nice, kind-hearted and loving man. She said their moments together remain evergreen in her mind.

    She said: “My late husband was a nice, kind-hearted and loving man. I remember him as if he is still alive. I will never forget him until I join him.”

    Urging politicians and leaders to emulate the virtues of her late husband, Mama Awolowo said: “If only politicians can follow his legacy, Nigeria will be better off.”

    Babatope said the late Awolowo always had the interests of Nigerians at heart.

    He said the late Awolowo engaged people in intellectual discussion and would continue to live in the minds of Nigerians

    Babatope said: “He was a great and visionary leader, who always busy finding solutions to the country’s problems. There was never a dull moment with him.”

    In his sermon, the Vicar of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne Remo, Ven. Foluso Babatunji, urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of the late Awolowo, which he listed as “faith in others, respect for people, quest for the right knowledge and hardwork”.

    Ven. Babatunji said some of the virtues and ideals of the late Awolowo are documented in a book, entitled: Awo on the trail of a titan”, written by Mr. Banji Akintoye.

    He said the nation would improve, if citizens embrace those ideals and practise them daily.

    The cleric said: “How must we remember Baba? What is the Lord saying to us as we gather yearly, in fact we meet twice a year – on his birthday and May 9, when God called him – to remember Baba? Is it just to gather together to sing hymns and talk to one another then go? I think God is expecting more from us.

    “Let successive generations know the ideals Baba stood for. I read the book, Awo on the trail of a titan, and many of his ideals are written there. I picked only four of them and if we are able to put these four into practice, by the time we come here next year to remember his birthday again, maybe there would be stable power supply, good roads and our children will no longer be armed robbers.”