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Tag: George Weah

  • Weah to Buhari: Support Super Eagles to win World Cup

    Weah to Buhari: Support Super Eagles to win World Cup

    Liberian President, George Weah, on Monday urged President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians in general to give the Super Eagles all the necessary supports in other to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

    He made the remark after closed doors meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said: “I think Nigerian team is a model, we all followed them. I have played with great Nigerian players, I played against them. Now you have a new generation, the fact that they qualified for the World Cup is a good thing for Nigeria.

    “But I hope that they will prepare very early because they are going to represent Africa and we will be there to watch them, for them to bring the trophy for the first time if it is possible. But I think the seriousness to go to World Cup is not to pay players to go, I want every African government to know, if you win the World Cup, it is a pride to Africa is not just to Nigeria. So we must do everything to ensure that the players are not stressed, make sure they concentrate and make sure their incentives are given to them to motivate them.

    “Some of the things you see at the World Cup, you will see an entire team go to represent a whole country and you will hear that one minister took the money, they did not pay these players and the players are causing problem. When players are going to camp is to relax and focus. And for them to be in camp they must have everything there for them not to worry.

    “Remember I played in the European setting, when we go to camp we have nothing to do. The only thing we have to do is to take a shower and prepare for the game, everything is laid down here and so you have no excuse.

    “So let the players not have excuse, support them and let them go and bring back that cup.”

    Noting that every government in Africa complains when it comes to sports, he thanked President Buhari for supporting the Super Eagles to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.

     

  • Buhari, Weah meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Weah meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with the Liberian President, George Weah, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting started at 12:36 p.m. after Weah’s arrival at the State House.

    It was the ex-soccer star’s first visit to the State House since he took oath of office as Liberian President in January.

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

     

  • Taraba Killings: Buhari to visit Mambilla Plateau

    Taraba Killings: Buhari to visit Mambilla Plateau

    President Muhammadu Buhari will visit the troubled Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba before leaving for Accra, Ghana, later today.

    The President will also receive the visiting Liberian President George Weah at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, before the Taraba visit.

    Already the President’s advanced team of personnel had left Abuja for Taraba to prepare for his arrival.

    We reliably gathered that while in Taraba, President Buhari will visit the troubled areas and address traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state on need to shun all forms of violence and embrace peace.

    The latest communal clash on the Mambilla Plateau was reported to have claimed the lives of about 20 persons while 300 cows were either killed or stolen.

    The Mambilla Plateau has been witnessing outbreaks of ethnic violence with hundreds of people reported dead in recent times.

    President Buhari will proceed to Accra, Ghana after the official engagement in Taraba.

    NAN

  • Omosede Igninedion, friends honour George Weah

    Omosede Igninedion, friends honour George Weah

    Even though their family backgrounds and territorial issues proved the cog that ruined the wheels of their “happily ever after,” daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Omosede Igbinedion, and the new President of Liberia, George Weah, still share the singular flame that ignited their hearts in sparks of love many moons ago.

    Although they could not stay together, they have maintained a close friendship ever since. Little wonder Omosede was in her elements as she celebrated her former flame and best friend’s ascension to the seat of Liberian president. Although she did her people’s bidding and married Benin prince Akenzua, producing a boy in the process, it was obvious that her heart was not in the marriage. Little wonder the union crumbled like a pack of cards barely two years later.

    One thing that remained constant was her devotion to George as the two remained in touch even after the latter appeared to have moved on with his own life and ventured into politics. Having finally achieved his dream of ruling Liberia, there was no way Omosede, his first love, was going to miss his inauguration.

    The beautiful daughter of Sir Gabriel Igbinedion and her friends were out in full force to show solidarity with George as they were all dressed in expensive royal blue lace as aso ebi (ceremonial uniform).

  • George Weah sworn in as 24th Liberian President

    George Weah sworn in as 24th Liberian President

     

    Former World footballer of the year George Weah was on Monday sworn in as the 24th President of Liberia.

    The event which took place at the Samuel K. Doe Stadium in Monrovia attracted creme dela creme of the society cutting across politics social and the sports circles.

    The 51 year old former PSG and Monaco striker took over from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who became Africa’s first female head of state 12 years ago and has served two terms of six years each. Monday’s inauguration marked the first time the country will be having peaceful transition since 1944.

    Weah who remained consistent in his quest to occupy the number one seat in his country finally pulled through after winning 61.5 percent of the votes in the run-off elections against former vice President Joseph Boakai.

    The new President extended hands of fellowship to all his country men and women, noting that they all have to work together  to give the country a new position of prestige in the community of nations.  Taking to his twitter handle

    @GeorgeWeahOff, the former Arsenal player who was a serving senator before emerging President said

    “In the future months, together, we will need to work harder than ever for Liberia to grow stronger. This is our opportunity to reveal to the world the true potential of our country”

    The new president in his speech hinted of possible increase in worker’s salary, expressed hope that the move will help checkmate corruption but warned that those who soil their hands after such measures have been taken will be made to smell the rod.

    “We must pay civil servants a living wage so that corruption is not an excuse because you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

    “I promise to do everything in my power to be the agent of positive change. But I cannot do it alone. I call on the legislature to work with me to pass laws that will complete the foundation of our nation,” he submitted

  • Obasanjo, Saraki, Okorocha arrive Monrovia for Weah’s inauguration

    Obasanjo, Saraki, Okorocha arrive Monrovia for Weah’s inauguration

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki,  arrived Monrovia on Monday morning for the swearing in of Liberia’s President-elect, George Weah.

    Obasanjo’s plane touched down at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) at 8:01 a.m. (9 a.m. Nigerian time)  while Saraki arrived at 9:02 a.m.

    Obasanjo

    On hand to receive them were the Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia, Mr James Dimka; Force Commander for the United Nations Mission in Liberia, Maj.-Gen. Salihu Uba,  among other officials.

    Speaking to newsmen, Obasanjo said he was a proud  to witness a peaceful democratic transfer of power in Liberia  considering the huge sacrifices made by Nigeria for peace and stability in the country.

    “I am very happy over what is happening in Liberia today and I congratulate my brothers and sisters in this great country,” he said.

    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in Monrovia covering the inauguration reports that Saraki was accompanied by Senators Philip Aduda  and Osita Izunaso.

    Saraki

    Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo arrived minutes before the senate’s  helmsman.

    The airport is witnessing an influx of special guests from Africa and around the world, including current and former heads of states.

    Former Super Eagles midfielder, Austin Okocha, was  among the international soccer stars already in the country.

    Okocha arrived at 9.54 a.m. into the warm embrace of soccer fans and government officials from other countries that fell over themselves to take photographs with the football legend.

    NAN

  • Wenger predicts hit for Weah’s life in film script

    Wenger predicts hit for Weah’s life in film script

     

    Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger says the life of Liberia President elect George Weah is worthy being an instant hit if captured in film script.

    Wenger, who recently recorded his 700th victory as Arsenal boss, also confirmed that he has been invited to Liberia for Weah’s inauguration on January 22. The 68 year old is however not likely to make the trip to Liberia considering that the inauguration date is sandwiched between Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on January 20 and the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final with Chelsea on January 24. He nonetheless jokingly said he could attend if the Football Association hand him a touchline ban following his recent comments about referees.

    But the Arsenal manager highly praised his former player: ‘When you look at his life, the life of this guy is a film. It is unbelievable. It is a fantastic film.

    ‘I saw him in Monaco, looking lost, not knowing anybody, not being rated as a footballer, yet he became in 1995 the best player in the world and now he is president of his country. It is unbelievable.

    ‘He was always strong mentally, convinced he has a mission. When he played at Monaco, it was during the time of war in Liberia and I saw how much he suffered with his country.

    ‘The love for his country and his people, and the care he had for his people. Today when I look back, I have seen him crying when the war was on.

    ‘But this is a happy story and I wish him a happy presidency. He is an example to all footballers”‘

    Weah, who played under Wenger at Monaco between 1988 and 1992, was announced his country’s next president after winning 61.5 per cent of the vote in last month’s election.

    Monaco was Weah’s first club in Europe and the striker scored 66 goals for them over four seasons before moving on to Paris Saint-Germain.

    When at Milan in 1995, Weah became the first non-European footballer to win the Ballon d’Or and he won two Serie A titles during his five years at the San Siro.

  • Liberia’s NEC presents certificate of return to Weah

    Liberia’s NEC presents certificate of return to Weah

    Liberia ’s National Elections Commission ( NEC ) has presented certificate of return to the President-elect, George Weah; Vice President-elect, Jewel Howard-Taylor, and the newly elected members of the House of Representatives.

    Chairman of NEC, Mr Jerome Korkoya, performed the ceremony at the commission’s headquarters in Monrovia on Thursday evening.

    According to local media, 66 out of the 73 elected lawmakers were certificated, leaving out seven who are facing legal challenges over their election in the October 10 general polls.

    The new leaders will be sworn in on January 22, which is the third working Monday of January as stipulated in the Liberian Constitution.

    Speaking at the occasion, the NEC boss reminded the newly elected public officers of the huge responsibility that comes with the mantle of leadership entrusted to them.

    “The certificate we are presenting to you represents conferral of legitimacy to pronounce you to the world as the duly elected officials.

    “”It is also an embodiment of the power, trust and aspiration reposed in you by your various constituents and the people of Liberia as a whole.

    “Expectations are high to change the people’s living conditions through the laws, policies and programmes of the incoming government.

    He acknowledged the contributions of international partners including ECOWAS, AU, USAID, EU and UNDP, which led to the successful conduct of the elections.

    Korkoya expressed appreciation to all contestants in the elections for respecting the rule of law by exploring judicial means to seek redress after the elections.

    The president-elect, George Weah, described his election as a unifying factor in the country.

    Weah pledged to fulfil his campaign promised of improving the lives of Liberians, calling on members of the legislature to put aside politics and work in the interest of the country.

    “I went to Boakai (outgoing Vice President) not to make news but because campaign is over and it is time to do the Liberian people’s work.

    “Our quest is for all Liberians to work together to move our country forward; in the interest of the people let’s work,” he said.

    The president-elect reiterated his assurance of greater freedoms, saying he would not interfere with the tenants of democracy, especially political dissent.

    “I am your friend but my interest is the Liberian people.

    “Any attempt to promote clampdown on the political rights of fewer Liberians has the propensity of disuniting the country,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the elected lawmakers, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hans Barchue, promised to work with the CDC-led government.

    Also Read: ‘Change is on,’ says George Weah

    In separate remarks, members of the international community present at the occasion restated their commitment to support the incoming administration.

    The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Farid Zarif, lauded Liberians for their peaceful participation in the electoral process.

    Zarif called on the new administration to build on the gains made under the leadership of outgoing President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

    He urged the new government to properly manage the country’s abundant natural resources to improve the lives of Liberians.

    “Let me quote you Mr. President-elect that it doesn’t make sense that Liberia is so rich, yet its people are so poor.

    “That is the beginning of another vision. Let’s bring the two things together,” he said.

    NAN

  • PDP congratulates Liberian President-elect, Weah

    PDP congratulates Liberian President-elect, Weah

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday congratulated the Liberian President-elect, George Weah on his victory in what it described as “keenly contested Presidential election.’’

    A statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja, also congratulated all Liberians for a peaceful and successful transition.

    The peaceful transition according to the party is a testimony that democracy has taken firm roots not only in Liberia but also on the African continent.

    “Equally commendable is the commitment of the Liberian National Electoral Commission for its internal reforms that paved the way for a credible election in consonant with the wishes and aspirations of the people.’’

    Ologbondiyan said that Nigeria as a leader in the West African Sub-region, especially during the PDP rule, played key role in ensuring the political stability in Liberia.

    He said that Nigeria must continue to show direction by ensuring the consolidation of democratic practices and culture both at home and in other countries in the sub-region.

    The PDP urged the Chairman of the Independent National
    Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to ensure credible elections in 2019, by insulating the commission from external interference.

    Ologbondiyan also urged the commission to ensure that it “weeds out all
    compromised officials’’, who could be used by undemocratic forces to try to subvert the will of the people.

    “Finally, we urge Nigerians to join in strengthening our democratic practice through active participation in political education and mobilisation to ensure an enduring electoral process’.

    Also read : Buhari congratulates George Weah

  • CR7 or 007:  Ronaldo to hit film industry after football

    CR7 or 007:  Ronaldo to hit film industry after football

     

    Less than 24 hours after former Liberia international and World footballer of the year George Weah emerged President elect of the country, multiple award winning Cristiano Ronaldo has giving a hint he is not thinking about politics but film industry after football.

    At 32 and still in peak physical condition, the Real Madrid and Portugal star has no immediate desire to hang up his boots, but already has plans in place for when the time comes.

    The likes of Vinnie Jones, Eric Cantona and David Beckham have all made the transition from the pitch to the silver screen and Ronaldo has designs on trying his hand at acting once he has finished terrorising opposition defences.

    “Now I’m focused on the field, I know the time will come when I’ll have to leave it, but until then I want to enjoy the moment,” Ronaldo told Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero in an interview for Sky Italia.

    “Which is good, it’s very good. I know that when I retire I will have a good life.

    “I do not say that because I have a lot of money, I say it because I will try new things.

    “For example, I want to try making movies. Then I have my companies: my hotels, my gyms, and my line with Nike. I want to learn to be a businessman; I started planning my future at 27 or 28 years, a long time ago.

    “I have a very good team, many people who work in my company and help me to build interesting projects. When I play football everything depends on me, it also depends on these people, who work for me.”

    The five -time Ballon d’Or winner who has a lot of business outfits is reported to be worth over $400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth as at July 2017. Ronaldo who is said to have soft spot for world class hotel with all amenities in place, one of them being a stylish, football-themed hotel in Portugal’s Madeira, where guests can lounge by a rooftop infinity pool, exercise in an open-air gym, and take a bath in a room designed to look like a football field.