The Nation Newspaper

Tag: excited

  • Excited youths mob Buhari

    Excited youths mob Buhari

    •President says: ‘My life in God’s hands’ 

    Security operatives struggled for several minutes  yesterday  to control  hundreds of  worshipers trying to touch or  shake  hands with President  Muhammadu Buhari  at the end of the Eid-el-Fitri prayers  in Abuja.

    Buhari admitted  later that the surging crowd almost overwhelmed  the security men  and that “the incident   is a clear indication that  the ultimate security of  leaders  can only be guaranteed by God”.

    Recounting his  experience  when he received  a delegation of the  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents  at the Presidential Villa, Buhari  said  he “had to hold tight to my gown to get to my car” as the youths surrounded him and his convoy.

    His words: “Today, during and immediately after the prayers, I think I was bombarded by the youths who almost overwhelmed the security, and I had to hold tight to my gown to get to my car.

    “I was advised to enter the car from the ADC side, and I refused. I went across trying to hold my hand to the wild youths who wanted to see me.

    “On an occasion like this, it shows that after what happened to President Ronald Reagan of the USA, it is only God Almighty that protects leaders because in a mob like this, anybody with a sharp knife can get access and do a lot of damage.

    “So, all the policemen and soldiers  that were deployed  since six o’ clock in the morning before I came out two hours later in the rain, cannot protect you.Only God protects. I hope God will continue to protect us.”

    He thanked the delegation  “most sincerely for fulfilling the tradition of greetings for whoever occupies this place “ during   Sallah .

    He also congratulated them  ” for the privilege which  only you residents of the FCT have to shake hands and take pictures with me.

    “Other Nigerians are envious of you, if you don’t know it.”

    Also speaking,Vice President Yemi Osinbajo   said that the homage was a demonstration of the expectations for all religious faiths to  live together in unity and peace.

    He urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government as it strives to put things right.

    The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Obinna Chukwu, who led the delegation, said  the delegation was at the Villa to  “congratulate both you and the Vice President as  the  FCT is the centre of excellence and we promote unity.That is why you have here Muslim and Christian faithful .”

    Also on the delegation were  the  Chief Imam of the  National Mosque, Abuja,  Christian clerics, Head of the  Civil  Service of the Federation, Chief Justice of the Federation, the  Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police.

  • Adah excited with NPFL Week One fixtures

    Adah excited with NPFL Week One fixtures

    FC Taraba midfielder, Stephen Adah has expressed excitement at the Week one fixtures of the 2014/2015 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) released at a draw held by the League Management Company (LMC) on Wednesday night in Abuja.

    The former Enugu Rangers player, Adah told SL10.ng after his teams training at the training pitch of the Jalingo City stadium, that the week one fixtures has shown that a tough task lies ahead.

    “The moment I saw the fixtures, I knew the task ahead won’t be an easy one at all. On the very first day, we shall host Enugu Rangers, a team I rate as one of the biggest clubs in the league. I respect the Flying Antelopes but I’m not afraid to face them,”Adah stated.

    Stephen Adah joined Enugu Rangers from FC Taraba in 2008/2009 season, played at Akwa United on loan then move back to Enugu, before he recently completed a move back to FC Taraba.

    The midfielder believes that the future of the Jalingo based team looks bright considering that the bulk of the team is made up of young players who are ready to go.

    “The future here is very bright. Based on what I’m seeing in training, there are a couple of young players who are hungry for success and are ready to devour any team that comes their way,”Adah said confidently.

    FC Taraba played top flight league football in Nigeria for the first time last season and the Jalingo based team will hope to make a statement when the 2014/2015 season starts.

  • Obuh excited with Rangers away point

    Obuh excited with Rangers away point

    Coach John Obuh of Rangers FC of Enugu has said he is delighted with an away point his team picked against host, Dolphins of Port Harcourt in a Globacom Premier League match.

    Obuh,former Flying Eagles coach, told reporters in Port Harcourt after the game on Saturday that his team’s goalless draw with Dolphins was satisfactory.

    “We are delighted with the outcome of this match; not minding the little errors, the officiating was good.

    “My players gave a good account of themselves,’’ he said.

    Obuh also said that he was not under pressure by the management of Rangers to win some matches or be sanctioned.

    “Nobody gave me any ultimatum, it’s all lies, I am just doing my job,’’ he said.

    Dolphins Manager, Stanley Eguma, said though the game ended in a draw, his team played well.

    “It’s one of those things that happen in a game. But, we will strive to do well in other matches,’’ he said.

  • Tope Tedela excited over AMVCA nomination

    Tope Tedela excited over AMVCA nomination

    For Tope Tedela, a fast-rising actor in the Nigerian movie industry, the New Year has certainly begun on an interesting note, having been nominated for an AMVCA (Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards) in the Best Actor in a Drama category for his role in A Mile From Home.

    What is even more interesting is that the young actor, a 2009 graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Akoka, is the only Nigerian in that category, which has thus pitched him against Ghana’s Majid Michel (who has been nominated for his role in House of Gold) and South Africa’s Hlomla Dandlaha (who has been nominated for his role in Contract).

    In an exclusive chat with The Nation, the Ekiti State-born actor and star of Torn, Awakening and Apostates, said, ” When you get nominated for anything, you have different feelings: you are surprised; you are glad; you are challenged; you are grateful and you are hopeful. I could go on, but it is a pot-pourri of different thoughts and emotions. I think it’s a great thing to have your work appreciated and recognised. Awards are great, but I don’t think any actor goes into filming, thinking about getting an award. We just want to tell stories, whilst being believable…”

    A Mile From Home, which was premiered in 2013, was written, produced and directed by Eric Aghimien. It explores themes like survival, violence, love, cultist activities and so on.

    Tedela, who is currently working on a feature film by Jimi Odumosu, played Lala, a university undergraduate who, in his quest to get revenge for the wrong done him, got involved in the claws of violence and cultism.

    Tall and handsome Tedela, who started professional acting in 2006 when he played Julian in Edge of Paradise, a popular television series, later took a break to involve in some other projects. He, however, returned to acting after a five-year hiatus in 2011.

    When asked what it means to be the only Nigerian in that category, he simply waxed philosophical, saying, “I’m weak myself, but I’m grateful, win or lose.”