The Nation Newspaper

Tag: hails

  • Yoruba Forum hails Southwest governors

    A Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), yesterday hailed Southwest governors for their performance and for maintaining peace in the zone.

    In a statement at the end of its meeting at the Ikenne home of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the forum said the Southwest has witnessed “peace and stability” in the last two years and the governors should be applauded.

    The meeting, chaired by Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo, noted that the region was spared “the crisis and kidnapping” experienced in other zones.

    YUF Publicity Secretary Dr. Kunle Olajide said: “The peace and stability in the Southwest is evidence and a measure of the governor’s performance. The Southwest is the most peaceful zone in Nigeria today. There is crisis and kidnapping in the country, but the Southwest has been spared. It is necessary that we commend Southwest governors. We are not politicians or a political party.”

    Mrs. Awolowo urged politicians not to allow their personal interest override the collective interest of the Yoruba.

    She urged the Yoruba to unite, irrespective of religious and political affiliation to ensure continued progress.

    Also at the meeting were Bishop Bola Gbonigi (rtd), Gen. Oladipo Diya, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, Mrs. Ayo Oyediran, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Senator Anthony Adefuye and Mrs. Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, among others.

  • AFTERMATH OF MANDELA CHALLENGE WIN: Dolphins coach hails Keshi, Eagles

    AFTERMATH OF MANDELA CHALLENGE WIN: Dolphins coach hails Keshi, Eagles

    DOLPHINS FC Chief Coach, Hassan Abubakar, has commended Stephen Keshi and his team for making the country proud as the Eagles defeated South Africa’s Bafana-Bafana 2-0 in the Mandela Challenge on Wednesday night in Durban.

    The game staged in honour of world icon, Nelson Mandela, saw second half substitute, Uche Nwofor, stealing the show after scoring a brace against Bafana Bafana.

    The former Golden Eaglets boss said: “The Super Eagles proved on Wednesday that they are African champions by defeating South Africa on home soil.

    “Mind you, this is one big game where we have played against a well organised African opposition since we won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February, so, Keshi and his lads deserve all the commendation as this is the third trophy he has won for the country since he became coach of the national male team.

    “If you recall, he led Nigeria to winning a trophy against Catalonia, AFCON and now the Mandela Challenge, so its a feat for him.”

    The Super Eagles dominated Wednesday’s game from the first blast of the whistle. At a point in the game it was South Africa 28-72 Nigeria in terms of ball possession.

    Abubakar said: “Keshi displayed his competence when he chose not to start Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa; that alone disorganised the South African team who had hoped to mark them out.

    “The Chelsea man, despite coming in in the second half, lived up to the billing as he rattled the Bafana defence on a few occassions.

    “The Eagles defence too was fair as Godfrey Oboabona showed why he’s no longer a Nigerian League stuff, but Europe-bound.

    “However, Despite the defence keeping the South Africans at bay, work still needs to be done in that area.”

  • Festus hails Johnson, other new signings

    Festus hails Johnson, other new signings

    Dolphins’ Austin Festus has praised the impact of new signing, Omo Johnson.

    Johnson who joined from Warri Wolves netted his first goal for Dolphins in the club’s 2-0 win over ABS. In a brief chat with SportingLife, Festus explained that Johnson and the other acquisitions handled by the club during the mid season transfer have all worked seamlessly into the game plan of the Port Harcourt based side to form a unit that has become difficult to beat.

    The former U-23 invitee also reckons that the payment of last season’s sign-on-fees of players and officials’ has also brought a renewed zeal to the club. He said the one-time league champions would return to their number one position in the country.

    “We made good signings during the last transfer window and they have made significant impact to our rise. They fitted in perfectly into our strategy and it is now working well for us in the league.

    “I will also thank the State Government for releasing our sign-on fees for last season. Although it was late in coming but it has revitalised our zeal to be among the best in the league,” Festus disclosed.

    Dolphins are currently fourth on the log with 36 points from 23 matches and they visit Sunshine Stars at Akure this weekend.

  • Muslim group hails Fed Govt on terror fight

    A foremost Islamic Organisation, Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and Overseas, has praised the Federal Government for its committed fight against insurgency.

    It said the government has taken “bold steps so far to end the ungodly and inhuman activities of the Boko Haram sect.”

    A statement by its President Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, the group urged the government to pay more attention to the security of lives and property.

    “We call on the government not to relent until the sect is stamped out from the land.

    “The sect has done incalculable damage to the image of Islam and as such all Muslims should support the Federal Government in eliminating all traces of the faceless organisation,” Oladejo said.

    Nawair-Ud-Deen rejoiced with Muslims worldwide on the occasion of Eld-il-Fitr, urging them to uphold the tenets of Islam and remain steadfast in their belief in the oneness of Allah.

    “The gains and closeness of Allah which was obtained in Ramadan should be maintained year round. Muslims should continue to love one another and be at peace with their neighbours regardless of religious affiliation.

    “We use the opportunity of the Sallah to commend the National Assembly for making gay marriage a criminal offence in Nigeria,” the group said.

  • Anyansi hails Enyimba’s performance

    Anyansi hails Enyimba’s performance

    Enyimba boss Felix Anyansi Agwu has hailed his team after their recent run of strong performances in the league and Federation Cup.

    The club have racked up seven wins in all competitions in their last eight games, scoring 14 goals and conceding just 4.

    Victories over Heartland in Owerri and Rangers in Aba set the tone for a magnificent run that has seen them advance to the semi-final of the Federation Cup after knocking out 3SC and Nasarawa United with relative ease.

    Club Chairman Felix Anyansi Agwu who has always called for patience and support for the team in the face of lacklustre first round performances believes that support is finally paying off.

    He said: “I’ve always pleaded for our fans not to write us off,” he says. “We were experiencing some challenges early on in the season but such struggles are a part of any football club during a campaign. There are always lows and highs and we were experiencing our lows then but now, we are on a high.”

    The man widely considered Nigeria’s most successful football administrator attributed the change in form to the support of the Government of Abia State and the millions of Enyimba fans around the world.

    “Our victories in our last matches are a representation of what we have always aspired to achieve and I thank God we are doing so at the perfect time. I must commend the players and coaches for working so hard to the success that we have now because we have beaten some strong teams along the way and that is no easy feat,” he told EnyimbaFC.net.

    “The support of the Governor of Abia State, Chief T. A. Orji has been very strong since the start of the season and it is what has kept the team going. Our fans in Nigeria, around Africa and the rest of the world have showed us remarkable love and faith and all these have played a significant role in the improved performances of the team.

    “With our renewed energy and optimism, I believe we are going to shine this season. We have prepared very well, at the beginning of the season and during the mid-season and everything we have worked hard to achieve is finally paying off, but credit must always go to the players and the coaches who have stepped up their game, playing spectacular football and earning good results,” he said.

  • Underage marriage: Lawmaker hails ACN senators

    The lawmaker representing Lagelu Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Temitope Olatoye, at the weekend hailed the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) senators in the National Assembly for choosing the path of honour on the controversial underage marriage.

    He spoke with reporters after he distributed food items worth over N1 million to Muslims in his constituency. The faithful are observing the Ramadan fast.

    Mr. Olatoye said unlike the Labour Party (LP) senator from Ondo State, the ACN lawmakers have demonstrated that they are the people’s representatives and have conscience.

    Muslims from Lagelu Local Government went home with items, such as rice, beans, yam flour and milk.

    Olatoye blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators for the proposed underage marriage, adding that ACN would ensure that it was not allowed.

    He said the Senate should focus on the laws that would have positive impact on the lives of Nigerians and bring development to the country.

    The ACN legislator urged Nigerians to vote PDP out of power at the national level in the 2015 general elections, saying the country has had enough of its misrule.

    He supported a statement credited to Governor Abiola Ajimobi that the progressives would rule Oyo State for 50 years.

    Said he: “The indigenes can now differentiate between those whose mission in government was to loot public treasury and those who have the vision and mission to serve them.

    “I agree with Governor Ajimobi that the progressives will rule the state for 50 years. Of the 50 years, Governor Ajimobi will spend eight years. After him, another progressive will be elected as the governor. So, the people whose mission in government is to loot the public treasury should forget about ruling Oyo State again.

    “The people are seeing the wonders the Ajimobi government is performing. The incumbent administration has touched their lives positively, and I believe that the indigenes will vote for no other party in future than the ACN.”

  • Oshiomhole hails National Assembly’s stance on Rivers crisis

    Oshiomhole hails National Assembly’s stance on Rivers crisis

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has commended the National Assembly for its position on the crisis rocking the River State House of Assembly.

    Oshiomhole urged religious leaders to speak out on issues affecting the nation.

    He spoke at the funeral service for former Deputy Senate President Albert Legogie who died on June 17 in Benin City.

    Legogie was buried at the Ekperi community cemetery after a funeral service at the Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Ugbekpe-Ekperi in Estako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

    In his homily, Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Dunia urged the congregation to live their lives to the glory of God.

    Rev. Dunia said pure heart would determine where one goes after life.

    Senate President, David Mark, who was represented by Minority Leader George Akume, described late Legogie as a courageous and patriotic Nigerian who served at a difficult time in the country.

    Deputy Senate President, Emeka Ihedioha described late Legogie as one of those who had courage to face the military.

    Oshiomhole recalled how the late Legogie attempted to stop him from organising a strike against fuel price during the military era.

    He said Legogie advised that the strike was not neccessary at that time because of the situation in the country.

    Oshiomhole said the former Deputy Senate President supported his aspiration to become governor.

    “I told him I wanted him to coordinate my campaign. He believed I was not crazy. He accepted to coordinate my campaigns. He took me to meet political actors one by one. Where others saw danger, he saw opportunity that can be overcome. He was the only Afenmai man that agreed to identify to a project that is hopeless. Our people were told that it was not our turn but others were wrong then and he was right. He was not a traitor. He stood by me where others were afraid.”

    Oshiomhole, who queried why it was difficult for the Justice Development and Peace Commission to monitor elections but refused to testify at the elections tribunal, urged men of God to join the people in speaking the truth.

    “At the beginning, there was argument whether 16 is greater than 19. While we were looking for Chike Obi to give us the answer, then we heard that five is more than 27. If men of God don’t shout then, they will tell us that one is more than 99. At that point, it is the end of the beginning. My lord, help us carry the load to our head.” He said.

  • ACN chieftain hails foundation

    Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire has commended Fatima Charity Foundation for implementing wonderful projects.

    Both Banire and the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area Comrade Ayodele Adewale described the impact of the foundation as positive.

    The foundation was a brainchild of Hajia Fatimat Bintu Tinubu, wife of the late police Chief Kafaru Tinubu.

    The duo spoke at a Ramadan lecture, entitled: Zakaat: A Comprehensive Approach organised by the foundation in collaboration with Amuwo-Odofin.

    The ACN chieftain emphasized the importance of Zakat and said nobody can claim to be successful until he or she impacts on others positively.

    He enjoined wealthy Muslims to see Zakaat as an obligation.

    Adewale affirmed that Zakaat is a unique instrument for poverty alleviation, as wealth is transferred from the rich to the poor.

    “The Zakaat payment to the less-privileged will automatically lessen the burden of the government and indirectly reduce the rate of crime in our community,” he said.

    The council boss gave scholarship to a four-year old, Master Abdul Rahmon Aremu, for his brilliance in the recitation of the Holy Quran off heart.

    The guest speaker, Imam Abdullah Shuaib, Executive Director of Zakaat and Sadaqat Foundation said Nigeria is facing a lot of problems because people have failed to see the relevance of Zakaat in contemporary society.

    Imam Shuaib stressed that Zakat would eradicate the ills in the society, if properly executed.

    President of the Foundation Hajia Tinubu hailed Comrade Adewale for ensuring religious harmony in the council.

    “He is not a Muslim but he treats everyone equally,” she noted.

    She urged Muslims to hold on strongly to the tenets of Islam and pray for peace in the country.

  • UCL: Lennon hails Ambrose, others

    UCL: Lennon hails Ambrose, others

    Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, has hailed defender, Efe Ambrose and his team-mates for the 3-0 victory over Cliftonville in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifier.

    Mikael Lustig and Georgios Samaras found the net in the first-half for the Hoops before James Forrest added a third after the break to secure a commanding lead ahead of the home tie at Celtic Park.

    Celtic had suffered some disappointing results in pre-season and Lennon felt his players produced a professional performance when it mattered.

    “I’m delighted. We played well and scored three goals and created a lot of chances, he said on Sky Sports.

    “Hopefully we have a clean bill of health. It was a sticky game for us and we dealt with it very well.

    “A lot of the talk has been about our pre-season and the results but we just wanted to try to get right for these games.

    “Some are (getting sharper) and some are still quite rusty, which is totally understandable.

    “But there were a lot of good performances. I’m delighted with the performance and the attitude of the team.

    Lennon admitted it was an important night for him as he took Celtic back to his native Northern Ireland.

    Ambrose’s holiday was cut short following injury of key players.

  • Adepoju hails Eagles impact

    Adepoju hails Eagles impact

    For former Super Eagles attacking midfielder Mutiu Adepoju, a.k.a Headmaster, Said Nigeria’s outing in Brazil is a laudable achievement and part of the building process.

    The former Real Sociedad of Spain, star believes there are lots of positives to derive from the Super Eagles outing rather than castigating the team for not reaching the semi-finals.

    “The team didn’t perform badly because we saw a team that can create chances. They even impressed with good football. Though we lost some scoring chances, the good thing is that we were able to discover that we have boys that can hold their own in the absence of the big boys and create scoring chances,” Adepoju told Goal.

    “The Confederations Cup is a good one for the team and I hope that Stephen Keshi and his technical crew would have done their home work before we face Malawi in the last qualifying games [in September].

    “Having in mind the caliber of players we missed in the team, I mean [Emmanuel] Emenike and Victor Moses, those that were picked proved themselves and I think it was a good experience for them,” he concluded.