The Nation Newspaper

Tag: hails

  • Fayose hails Adeyeye’s commitment to PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, has hailed former governorship aspirant of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, for his commitment to PDP’s success in the June 21 election.

    He said Adeyeye’s attitude was that of a statesman.”

    Fayose, who was addressing a mammoth crowd of PDP supporters at Ise-Ekiti at the weekend, promised to make sure Adeyeye gets the ministerial slot for Ekiti State.

    The governorship candidate, who also visited the Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti in his palace, promised to be fair to all and build on his achievements in Ise-Ekiti when he was governor.

    Also, in a show of appreciation to the people of Ajegunle community, Ise/Orun Local Government, Fayose promised to construct the 6km Ajegunle – Ise junction road within the first one year of his administration, if elected.

    He urged eligible voters that were yet to collect their Permanent Voters Cards to go to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to collect the cards, saying: “That is the only way you can all realise your dream of PDP winning the June 21 election.”

    Also speaking at the rally, which took place in all the wards in Ise/Orun Local Government, Adeyeye said he decided to drop his personal ambition and support Fayose because of his love and commitment for the PDP.

    He said: “Our detractors thought our party will disintegrate after the primary, but we have been able to prove them wrong. We have shamed them and you can all see Fayose and Adeyeye working together to ensure victory for our party.

    “From what we are seeing here today, the present occupiers of the Ekiti State Government House must have seen that the game is up. Ise/Orun Local Government is totally for PDP and Fayose and the crowd here is a pointer to that.”

    Adeyeye, who also thanked PDP supporters for coming out in large numbers to welcome Fayose, added: “The interest of our party and Ekiti people is paramount and we must not allow anything to divide us.”

    The rally rounded off at about 8am at Kajola village, with thousands of PDP supporters carrying local lamps to receive the campaign trail.

  • NSC hails Chukwumerije for winning gold medal

    NSC hails Chukwumerije for winning gold medal

    Gbenga Elegbeleye, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), on Wednesday commended, Uche Chukwumerije, for winning gold medal at the Belgium Open International Taekwondo Championship.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Taye Akinyemi, Chief Press Secretary to the Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The statement said Elegbeleye made the commendation when the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), led by the President, George Ashiru, presented the medal to the Director-General.

    It stated that Elegbeleye expressed hope that the gold medal would likely place the athlete among the top 30 in the next International Taekwondo rankings.

    “’To have our athletes among the top in the world ranking is laudable and brilliant, and I urge the federation to win more laurels to encourage Nigerians to celebrate you. I want to commend the government and people of Korea for their support in encouraging sports development in Nigeria, particularly Taekwondo,’’ the statement said.

    It quoted the NTF president, Ashiru, as saying “since the assumption of office by the director-general, the federation has developed a strong youth team.

    “And we are attributing the success of the federation to the encouragement by the director-general as this is the first time we are attending a major event in five months. Now, this achievement will further pave way for Nigeria to be in the next Olympics,’’ Ashiru said.

  • NSC hails Chukwumerije for winning gold medal

    NSC hails Chukwumerije for winning gold medal

    Gbenga Elegbeleye, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), on Wednesday commended, Uche Chukwumerije, for winning gold medal at the Belgium Open International Taekwondo Championship.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Taye Akinyemi, Chief Press Secretary to the Sports Minister, Tammy Danagogo, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The statement said Elegbeleye made the commendation when the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), led by the President, George Ashiru, presented the medal to the Director-General.

    It stated that Elegbeleye expressed hope that the gold medal would likely place the athlete among the top 30 in the next International Taekwondo rankings.

    “’To have our athletes among the top in the world ranking is laudable and brilliant, and I urge the federation to win more laurels to encourage Nigerians to celebrate you. I want to commend the government and people of Korea for their support in encouraging sports development in Nigeria, particularly Taekwondo,’’ the statement said.

    It quoted the NTF president, Ashiru, as saying “since the assumption of office by the director-general, the federation has developed a strong youth team.

    “And we are attributing the success of the federation to the encouragement by the director-general as this is the first time we are attending a major event in five months. Now, this achievement will further pave way for Nigeria to be in the next Olympics,’’ Ashiru said.

  • Group hails quality policy steering committee

    The Champions of Development Nigeria (CDN) has expressed delight with the inauguration of the National Quality Policy (NQP) Steering Committee by the Federal Government. In a statement signed by its president, Mr. Jonas Yomi, the group described the committee’s inauguration as a timely step towards enthroning the quality culture in Nigeria.

    CDN decried the lack of an integrated approach to quality management in Nigeria, saying that the harmonization of regulatory agencies and existing quality policies was overdue if Nigeria was determined to establish national quality infrastructure, which is an important tool for implementing NQP.

    The group also lamented the non-existence or insignificant number of accredited laboratories in Nigeria, noting that accredited laboratories are the backbone of consistently valid testing results without which products or services cannot be said to be certified or conforming to requirements.

    “These unacceptable deficiencies of the present approach to standardisation highly recommend NQP. Without NQP Nigeria’s standardisation efforts will continue to look uncoordinated and unclear. NQP’s objective is to make quality the way of life in Nigeria. It will define the apex standardisation institution in the country; clarify the boundaries for each of the regulatory agencies; minimize conflict between them; enhance cooperation between them; and identify existing as well as needed infrastructure, and chart its own implementation,” the statement said.

    The group urged the Steering Committee to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along in the process of the policy drafting and evaluation since only an all-inclusive policy will gain the needed broad-based support. “There is need to reach out across the whole spectrum of stakeholders. This can be done through road shows as well as sustained mass media campaign. Within the framework of national interest, the diversity of views should be considered,” the group stated.

    CDN also urged the Committee to see ahead and make only recommendations that will stand the test of time. “Imagine how it will be if the nation has to start drafting a new NQP in the next couple of years due to some unforeseen factor,” Mr. Yomi noted.

    With the Minister of Trade & Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga as chairman and the Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu as secretary, the NQP steering committee is mandated to review and harmonize existing quality policies in Nigeria, identify Nigeria’s national quality infrastructure needs, identify the best model for national economic growth and develop the roadmap for National Quality Policy implementation.

     

  • Ndubuisi hails El-Kanemi Warriors

    Ndubuisi hails El-Kanemi Warriors

    FC Taraba head coach, Nduka Ndubuisi has described El-Kanemi Warriors as the toughest team they have come up against in the three-week old Glo Premier League.

    The newly-promoted side pipped the Maiduguri-based side 1-0 in a match day 3 clash on Saturday at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo.

    Striker, Luther Iyorhe scored the match winner in the 76th minute of the hotly-contested encounter.

    Ndubuisi said he is relieved to have survived with the three points following the incessant raid on his side by the visitors.

    “Honestly speaking El-Kanemi Warriors played very well in both halves and actually created panic moments for us. Today’s (Saturday) game ranked the toughest among the matches we’ve played so far in the season.

    “I think the tactical changes we made in the second half helped us immensely to score the lone goal. I’m happy we survived the scourge as well as pocketing the three points, making it two straight wins on home ground. I strongly believe we’re on the right path and will continue to improve as the league progresses.

    “We didn’t play sufficient grade A matches during the pre-season to truly put the side on solid footing for the league campaign. Now we’re using the league proper to test our strengths. However, I think we’ve not performed badly and will surely continue to get better,” the former Heartland coach told supersport.com.

    FC Taraba have six points in their kitty from a possible nine in the three-week old Nigeria top flight.

    The Jalingo-based side are expected to be the guests of Nembe City in a match day 4 tie at the weekend, hoping the League Management Company (LMC) will grant the hitherto disqualified side a reprieve.

  • Journalists’ forum hails Okpekpe Race

    Journalists’ forum hails Okpekpe Race

    Sports in Edo State is set to witness a revolution following the resolution of the nascent Edo Sports Media Practitioners Forum in Lagos on Thursday.

    The body which includes eminent sports journalists such as Frank Ilaboya, Ben Alaiya, Mike Maiyaki, Henry Okoduwa, Cecilia Omorogbe, Osaretin Emuzie, Patrick Omorodion and others from Edo State, said it has resolved to partner the state government in the drive to reposition sports in Edo State.

    In a communiqué signed by the body’s pro tem chairman, Osaretin Emuzie and Secretary, Smarts Ebodaghe, the body hailed the initiative of the second edition of the Okpekpe Road Race scheduled for May 3 in Etsako area of Edo State.

    “We must praise the initiators of the Okpekpe Road Race, especially Mr Mike Itemuagbor and corporate Nigeria, which has been very supportive. We must also praise Governor Adams Oshiomhole for being supportive of this race which assumed international status from the very beginning and we believe it’s the sign of greater things to happen to Edo sports,” the communiqué began.

    While admitting the genuine desire of the Edo State Government to revive foremost football club, Bendel Insurance FC, the forum said there was need for concerted effort from all and sundry to revive the darling club of the state. “We recognise the efforts of the government but our position is that more needs to be done to get the club back and running especially in the area of welfare for players and officials,” it said.

    The forum then renewed its call for a formal meeting with Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, where some of the programmes on its agenda can be formally presented to the governor for articulation. “We acknowledge the efforts of the governor and his team but as indigenes of the state and stakeholders, we want to partner with the government to take sports in Edo State to another level, especially regarding personalities who manage sports in the state and we trust that the governor will oblige us,” the communiqué declared.

  • Bayelsa Utd’s coach hails players’ resilience

    Bayelsa Utd’s coach hails players’ resilience

    • Restoration Boys hit Sapele Wednesday

    Bayelsa United coach Richard Bubagha believes his players’ ability to play in accordance with his game tactics enhanced their goalless away draw against AZ Kondzo in the CAF Confederation Cup tie on Friday in Congo Brazzaville.

    Bubagha, who took charge of the team a few days to the clash following the team’s technical adviser Ladan Bosso’s exit to join Abia Warriors, told SportingLife that the players played to instruction during the game.

    Bubagha admitted that both teams missed scoring opportunities that could have decided the game, stressing that his boys were not intimidated by the hosts.

    “I give credit for the result of the game to my players. They worked very hard to achieve what we achieved in Congo Brazzaville. The players kept to my instructions which eventually assisted us in all ramifications.

    “The standard of the game was superb. It was a nice game with lots of scoring opportunities. Both clubs played well. They missed their chances and we missed ours too,” Bubagha told SportingLife.

    He said the players won’t allow the Congo Brazzaville results to get to their heads, insisting that the job is not yet done. He also praised the reception accorded them in Congo.

    “We all understand that we still have more to do to win the second leg. We know the importance of the next game and we will work very hard to win it. The reception in Brazzaville was okay and we were treated very well. “

    SportingLife reports that players and officials of the team arrived in Yenagoa on Sunday afternoon to a heroic welcome from the club’s supporters. Bayelsa United will move to Sapele – their newly adopted home ground – on Wednesday, for the second leg tie due for this weekend.

     

  • Imoh Ezekiel hails Keshi

    Imoh Ezekiel hails Keshi

    • Vows to make team

    • Player now worth 10m euros

    Standard Liege striker Imoh Ezekiel has hailed Super Eagles Chief Coach Stephen Keshi for inviting him to play for Nigeria despite being unknown in the Nigerian domestic league.

    The player was recently named in the 23-man list that would confront Mexico in the March 5 International friendly in the Unites States of America. He was excited to be a surprise inclusion in the team.

    The player’s guardian and mentor, Alhaji Gafar Liameed, who is also the President of 36 Lion Football Club of Lagos, Ezekiel’s former club before joining Standard Liege told SportingLife yesterday that the player was elated to be noticed and get a call up to the senior national team and has vowed to make the best use of the opportunity.

    “Firstly I want to say that Ezekiel is ready to storm the United States of America for the friendly match against Mexico. He is so excited about the call up and has vowed to put in his very best performance in appreciation to Stephen Keshi who gave him the surprise invitation. So expect the best from the player in the US. He has told me that he is working very hard in his club to be in super shape for the match against Mexico. He is also full of appreciation (to Keshi) for the call up”, the 36 Lion FC boss disclosed.

    The player also reacted on the call up. “Never in my life would I have thought of such a call to the Super Eagles at such a time, with great players and the achievements of the present national team I never saw myself in the team anytime soon”. He also said he will play every minute in the national team as if his life depends on it, knowing that this invitation is a privilege not a right.

    The ratings of the player have continued to soar since he put up an impressive performance last season in the Belgian League. He has scored nine goals this season. He scored 16 goals in the league last season. He is presently worth 10 million euros and the transfer fee will increase to 15m euros or more if he is able to make the World Cup party to Brazil with the Super Eagles, according to SportingLife’s investigations.

  • Minister hails Eagles, redeems N34m pledge

    Minister hails Eagles, redeems N34m pledge

    • Maigari doles out $10,000, promises better Brazil 2014

    • Team back in Cape Town for Warriors

    Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi on Thursday morning hailed the resilience of the Super Eagles at the ongoing African Nations Championship, CHAN in South Africa, declaring that Nigerians from President Goodluck Jonathan to the man in the street appreciate the team.

    Speaking when he addressed the team at their President Hotel and Conference Centre in Bloemfontein, Abdulahi said despite the Eagles losing via penalty shootout to Ghana in the semi-final he was totally satisfied with their performance and would continue to support them to achieve more.

    The minister, who was in company of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Aminu Maigari, Technical Committee Chairman, Chris Green, and the Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Adamu Gumba, praised the leadership of the NFF and the technical crew for raising a team that has made Nigerians proud at the CHAN tourney. He thereafter redeemed his pledge of $100,000 (N17m) to the team for defeating Morocco in the quarter final and another $100,000 (N17m) for its sterling performance against Ghana despite losing on penalties.

    He also urged the team to go ahead and win the third place match against Zimbabwe on Saturday, assuring that they would get the reward of the government if they did that.

    NFF boss Maigari, who personally doled out $10,000 to the team before the Ghana game on Wednesday, assured the minister that the team would get better as it prepares for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. He said earnest preparations are already in place for an outstanding outing by the team at the championship.

    Team Coach, Stephen Keshi and Captain Chigozie Agbim, assured that the team would not disappoint in the third place game to be played on Saturday in Cape Town. Keshi thanked the youthful minister for his support for the team and assured that the team would get better with every opportunity on offer.

  • BATN hails tobacco law

    BATN hails tobacco law

    The passage into law of the Lagos State Public Place Smoking Bill has attracted the commendation of the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) which described it as a balanced piece of legislation.

    BATN praised the new law for accommodating the views of all stakeholders while also maintaining its responsibility to protect the citizens of Lagos State from the effects of second hand smoking.

    The Bill has been sent to the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola for his assent.

    Speaking on the new law, Head of Regulatory Affairs of BATN, Mr. Sola Dosunmu, welcomed the new law which he said expressly seeks to protect the non-smoking public from tobacco smoke and also guarantees adult cigarette smokers’ right to continue to enjoy the smoking of a legal product in private places, open places and in other designated smoking areas in hotels, bars, nightclubs and tertiary institutions.

    “We have studied the law and we particularly like the fact that it is not excessive or discriminatory. It is balanced and respects choices.”

    He also praised the Lagos State House of Assembly for taking on board the views of the owners of hotels, bar, lounges and café who advocated for the inclusion of designated smoking areas in the law.