The Nation Newspaper

Tag: hold

  • El-Kanemi hold Kaduna Utd

    El-Kanemi hold Kaduna Utd

    El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri forced cash strapped Kaduna United to a goalless draw in the week 32 Glo Premier League at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Sunday.

    Super Eagles invitee, David Obiazor was the match hero yesterday when he saved a 90th minute penalty played by Musa Yau.

    Reports reaching SportingLife from Kaduna State, revealed that the match officials; match Commissioner, Ekele Sunday, center referee Awosakin 0.0 from Ondo State, AR1 Peter Edibi from Cross Rivers, AR11 Emanuel Udoh from Akwa Ibom State, reserve referee Barnabas Shamang from Kaduna State were held hostage by the home supporters for several hours.

    El Kanemi media officer, Obaseki Anthony claimed that he and club’s camera man were attacked by the home fans.

    “Kaduna fans attacked my video cameraman annd I,” Obaseki said through a text message.

    Meanwhile, on the eve of their encounter in Kaduna, the founding father of EL-Kanemi Warriors and one time Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chairman, Col. Abdulmumini Aminu  (Rtd) motivated players and officials of the club with a moving speech and a gift of N100,000.

    Speaking to the team at his residence in Kaduna Abdulmumini said: “You must work hard as professionals to excel and sell your talents to the world. When you work hard, God will certainly reward you abundantly and the sky will be your limit.”

    He expressed happiness with the team’s performance in the league.

    “I am still part of the team, I monitored your performances and you have been doing well with some away draws and home wins to your records. You should be good Ambassadors of Borno State, while I assure you that I will personally intimate Governor Kashim Shettima with the problems on ground.”

    Responding to the speech on behalf of the team, the leader of delegation, Mallam Ba, aji Hassan thanked Aminu for the fatherly advice and the motivation accorded the players and officials of the team.

    He assured that they will heed to his advice and play to a glorious end.

  • Nembe hold FC Taraba

    Nembe hold FC Taraba

    Taraba  FC were surprisingly held to  a 1-1 draw by visiting 20th place NPFL side Nembe City at their home ground in Jalingo.

    The bottom team in the NPFL, Nembe City, stunned the  crowd at the Jolly Nyame  Stadium when former under-20 captain and league veteran Blessing Okardi opened scoring.

    In form striker Fidelis Saviour leveled from the spot 10 minutes after the restart following an infringement in the eighteen yard box of Nembe City.

    Saviour almost gifted his side all three points but his header from point blank range skimmed off the bar and kept the scoreline at 1-1.

    Nembe City, playing like a team that had nothing to lose, denied the host space to cause havoc and against all odds came out with a point from the Jolly Nyame Stadium.

    Nembe City FC have commiserated with the family of former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chairman, Sani Lulu Abdullahi over the demise of is elder brother Ibrahim  S Abdullahi.

    Late Ibrahim gave up the ghost last weekend after a brief illness at the age of 58.

    The Club Proprietor, Chief Rumson Victor Baribote represented by the club’s spokesman, Gbenga Adeleye at the 8-day fidau prayer for late Ibrahim at their residence in Idah, Kogi State, prayed that God should grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Hold fast to your faith, Muslims told

    Director of Zaitun-Dawah Institute, Seatle in United States, Sheikh Mohammed Awwal has urged Muslims to hold tight to their faith in Allah, saying that is the only place their true salvation lies.

    Sheikh Awwal said Islamic religion is not miraculous in nature unlike Christianity, the religion requires total submission to the will of Allah and adherents are expected to have faith in Allah always.

    He spoke at this month lecture of the Islamic Platform Society held at the Skye Pavillon, Ikeja, Lagos.

    He enjoined Muslims to hold on to the Quran which will guide their way of life to excel in all endeavors.

    Founder, Purpose of Life Foundation, US, Shaykh Khalid Yasin, urged Muslim youths to have a life plan.

    He described a life plan as the combination of education, career and Islamic life to achieve desired objectives.

    “If you fail to plan, you will plan to fail. Muslim youths are found wanting when asked of what their life plan is. You have to be optimistic and consistent in your life plan.

    “Allah cherishes education and this is vividly shown in Quran chapter 96. Therefore, Muslim youths are meant to develop themselves, imbibe in excellence and be disciplined so that they will win the race of life through a proper life plan,” he said.

  • Nigeria hold Mexico again

    Nigeria hold Mexico again

    Nigeria drew for the third time with Mexico on Thursday as both World Cup-bound teams played out a 0-0 draw in the USA.

    Nigeria and Mexico have drawn their last two meetings. Both teams used this match to prepare for the World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil on June 12.

    The two teams had chances to get on the scoreboard, with Mexico the more threatening in the second half, while Eagles goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide did well to ensure a clean sheet.

    There were debuts for Michael Uchebo, Ramon Azeez, Imoh Ezekiel and Leon Balogun, the last-minute replacement for injured skipper Joseph Yobo.

    The first half was open and played at a very high tempo as both teams created chances.

    The first big chance of the encounter fell to Emenike in the 11th minute when he was released by Ahmed Musa only to be denied by the Mexico goalkeeper

    Moments later, Uchebo put Ahmed Musa through on goal but impressive Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was brave to save off the feet of the CSKA Moscow star.

    Mexico were slow to come into the game, but when they finally got their bearing, they almost registered the opening goal.

    A header by Rafa Marquez from inside the box on 27 minutes was brilliantly saved by Enyeama in the Eagles goal.

    Minutes later, Peralta fired at goal when he went clear of the Eagles central defence, before Enyeama was forced to turn away a goal-bound effort for a corner as El Tri piled on the pressure.

    The Lille shot stopper will then keep out another dangerous ball.

    In first half stoppage time, Ahmed Musa combined well with Mikel but his final effort was blocked for a corner.

    Early in the second half, two chances fell to Ahmed Musa.

    First in the 50th minute, the CSKA Moscow ace fired at the Mexico goal after a neat control from inside the box.

    And six minutes later, he again came close when he streaked through, but again he could not put away this big chance as the goalkeeper’s feet came to the rescue.

    In the 57th minute, substitute goalkeeper Austin Ejide pushed away a low drive for a corner.

    Ramon Azeez fluffed a big chance in the 68th minute when he found his way inside the Mexico box.

    A minute later, Ejide pulled off a double save as Mexico again threatened.

    Mexico again came close three minutes, but a header from inside the box missed its target to the relief of the Nigeria defence.

  • Aviation agencies hold national prayer for air safety

    Aviation agencies hold national prayer for air safety

    Leaders of aviation agencies yesterday organised “National Aviation Prayers“ in Lagos to seek divine intervention on safety and other issues in the Aviation sector.

    The national prayers was held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja.

    It was the first time agencies in sector gathered to seek divine solutions to the myriad of challenges facing the sector.

    Muslim and Christian personnel in the sector attended the prayers to seek God help to turn around the fortunes of the sector.

    It was organised by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

    Setting the tone for the prayer session, NAMA’s Managing Director Nnamdi Udoh said the agencies deemed it necessary to seek divine help in the affairs of the sector to get better results.

    Udoh said the national prayers would transform affairs of the sector this year.

    NCAA’s Director-General Captain Fola Akinkuotu took the Bible reading from Psalms 103: 1- 22.

    In his message, titled: When God’s People Pray, the guest pastor, Rev. Kalu Ukpai of The Presbyterian Church, Ojodu, said the aviation industry would experience great changes, if the players in the sector sought God’s help through prayers.

    Ukpai urged the players in the sector to pray throughout the season to enable God turn things around.

    He said Nigeria’s problem was traceable to the failure of leadership, as encapsulated by the pamphlet written by the late literary icon, Prof Chinua Achebe.

    He said: ”When God’s people pray, errors in the system will be corrected. If Nigerians pray, heaven will cancel all evil plans.

    “Fervent prayers will change the future of Nigeria.”

  • FITC, IoD hold governance workshop

    The Financial Institution Training Centre (FITC) and Institute of Directors (IoD) will be organizing a one-day governance workshop in Lagos.

    The workshop’s theme is “Effective Governance: Taking the Public Service to the Next Level.”

    In a statement, FITC said participants expected at the workshop include Permanent secretaries, directors-general, directors and other senior officials of the public service in Nigeria. It holds November 14

    It said there have been dearth of governance trainings for the public sector organisations, institutions, and parastatals adding that the programme would enable public sector participants examine governance arrangements, and likely outcomes that effective governance practices could have on the potential quality of public service delivery in Nigeria.

    “At the end of the programme, participants are expected to have an enhanced understanding of governance principles in public service, an appreciation of the characteristics of good governance and applicable leadership principles. They are also to experience enhanced insights into the concept of ‘Public Trust’ and ‘Public Value’, as well as their application within a governance framework,” the statement said.

  • Ondo ACN members hold reconciliation meeting

    Chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State at the weekend converged on Owo for a reconciliation meeting initiated by the party’s governorship candidate in last October’s election, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

    Akeredolu urged members to forget “the shortcomings of the election” and unite to ensure positive changes in the state.

    Those present include Mr. Sunday Abegunde; Akeredolu’s running mate, Dr. Paul Akintelure; Mrs. Adegbonmire; Mr. Bola Ilori; Prince Olu Adegboro; Mr. Gboyega Adefarati; Mr. Olayato Aribo; Mr. Wale Omojuwa; Mr. Tayo Alasoadura; Mr. Wale Akinterinwa; Mrs. Ronke Ojo and Erelu Modupe Johnson.

    Others are Prince Sola Amodeni; Mr. Wale Akintimehin; Mr. Adegboyega Adedipe; Mrs. Grace Animola, Mr. Ade Adetimehin; Dr. K. S. Shaba; Prof. Sola Ebisemiju and Mr. Rotimi Agbede.

    Akeredolu informed them that the Appeal Court will on July 1 deliver its judgment in the party’s petition challenging the declaration of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as governor.

    The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President said he had petitioned the President of the Court of Appeal on his dissatisfaction with the conduct of the judges that heard his appeal after the Election Petition Tribunal struck out some paragraphs of the petition.

    He said even though the Appeal panel restored some paragraphs of the petition, he passed a ‘vote-of-no-confidence’ in the panel and called for the constitution of a fresh panel.

    Urging his supporters to remain steadfast, Akeredolu said: “ I urge my supporters to be steadfast as better days are ahead. We have a long way to go in this legal battle. The Appeal Court will give its judgment latest by July 1. I know they will want to appeal again and take it to the Supreme Court. The law is open.Whether they go to the Supreme Court or not, I know we will emerge victorious. We will get judgment latest by September at the Supreme Court.

    “I have begged those who had complaints about the last election. We are wiser now. If another election comes up, we will do better and will not make the mistake of the past.

    “There is no need to create factions in the party. There is no Borrofice’s or Akeredolu’s group. All of us are one.”

    The party’s former chairperson, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose (nee Ajasin), could not attend the meeting because she was indisposed.

    Akeredolu said Senator Ajayi Borrofice was away on vacation. A chieftain of the party, Mr. Jamiu Ekungba, sent a representative and apologised for his absence.

    Akeredolu said the party remains ACN, adding that the national leadership has directed all chapters to go on a membership drive for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ilori, who is the Special Adviser to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Environment and Sanitation, suggested that the party sets up an 11-man committee to be led by Akeredolu to drive membership for the APC. The suggestion was applauded by the gathering and the committee was established.

    Members are Akeredolu; Akintelure; Borrofice; Abegunde; Ilori; Mr. Sola Iji; Erelu Johnson; Shaba; Mr. Enas Mohammed; Mr. Ade Adetimehin and Mr. Adegboyega Adedipe, the secretary.

  • El Kanemi hold Lobi at Katsina Ala

    El Kanemi hold Lobi at Katsina Ala

    Lobi Stars could only salvage a 1-1 draw at home to visiting El Kanemi Warriors at the Emmanuel Atongo Stadium, Katsina Ala on Sunday.

    It was goalless in the first half but Lobi opened the scoreline in the 57th minute through John Kollies but Jacob Ngbam got the equaliser for El Kanemi Warriors in the 84th minute.

    Both sides fluffed begging chances in the first half and some part of the second.

    Speaking with SportingLife after the encounter, Lobi’s Technical Director, Dominic Iorfa summed up their home draw this way:” we were unlucky. It was mother-luck that was against us but we shall regroup for the game against Kano Pillars on Wednesday with the mindset of halting Pillars winning home streak.”

    While El Kanemi is head coach, Zachary Baraje praised the doggedness of his boys and confessed they aimed at getting an away victory but that they were content with the previous point got at Katsina Ala.

    Lobi and El Kanemi are on 22 points from 17 games but the latter is above the Makurdi side on superior goals difference.

  • Next Rated to hold March 23

    Next Rated to hold March 23

    YOUNG up-coming artistes can now heave a sigh of relief as Campaign Hype Entertainment announces the date for its Next Rated…The Search concert. This event billed to hold at the MUSON Centre on Saturday March 23, 2013 is the brainchild of Mr. Von Styke.

    Speaking to a group of journalists recently, Mr. Styke said his passion for showing young talents the way to attaining the dream of making it big in entertainment necessitated the organisation of the Next Rated concert. According to him, Next Rated is the first ever talent hunts that gives young talents a platform to showcase their talents in front of record labels.

    “Over 150 companies are billed for the event, including record labels, music studios, music schools, movie and music producers, directors and music publishers who will initiate/sign new deals with artistes. Also excepted at the event are the nation’s leading radio and T.V presenters, DJs and VJs whose presence will add to creating the ambience of a well rounded music festival. The over 3000 guests and spectators expected at the event will also watch live performances and guest appearances by the nation’s top music artistes,” he said.

    Registration for Next Rated began on January 9 and ended on February 22. However, organisers say that the barrage of pleas from up-and-coming acts to extend the dates for registration is the reason for the next timeline of registration which will open March 8 and close immediately. Expected are 250 entries, but after the auditions 100 participants which will also go through an eviction process will emerge. Eventually, only 25 participants will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the day of the grand finale come March 23.

    Organisers have said that the winner of 2013 Next Rated…The Search, will go home with a recording deal and one million naira. The first runner up shall get a recording deal and N500,000 while the second runner up will get a record deal and N300,000.

    Meanwhile, it has been revealed that for every up-coming artiste who registers for Next Rated, he or she stands the chance to win fantastic consolation prizes. They include like I-Pads, smart phones, laptops and other entertainment savvy devices.

  • PDP crisis: Tukur, Amaechi hold peace talk

    PDP crisis: Tukur, Amaechi hold peace talk

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman Bamanga Tukur has held a fence-mending session with Governor Rotimi Amaechi on the way forward for the party, sources said yesterday.

    The two leaders locked up themselves in a room for “frank talks” for about 30 minutes on Friday, it was learnt.

    Also, the outcome of the session may assist in smoothening the relationship between the governor and the Presidency.

    There is celebration in Amaechi’s camp because Tukur’s visit foreclosed moves by some stalwarts of PDP in the state to set up a different faction to confront the governor in 2015.

    The state Chairman of PDP, G. U. Ake, was with Tukur throughout the visit.

    Tukur and Amaechi met for about 30 minutes behind closed doors to discuss the crisis rocking the party, reconciliation and how to put the PDP on a strong footing towards 2015.

    Also, Tukur sought the support of PDP governors to execute his agenda for the party.

    Tukur and PDP governors have disagreed over what is seen as the chairman’s plans to whittle down the governors’ control of party structure.

    The cold war was fuelled by the crisis in Adamawa over ward, local government and state congresses.

    The issues with the governors accounted for the delay in holding the National Executive Committee.

    The last session of NEC was held in July 2012. Tukur has been cautious in convening a NEC meeting because of alleged plot by PDP governors to pass a vote of no confidence in him.

    There were insinuations that Amaechi was central to the crisis and Tukur decided to meet with him. Amaechi is the chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum.

    Tukur opened up to Amaechion why the party must move forward, a source said.

    The source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The PDP National chairman’s trip to Rivers State was actually beyond the institute named after him. A covert side of the visit was a fence-mending session with Amaechi. The governor’s nominee, Dr. Sam Jaja, who is also the Deputy National Chairman of PDP, led the revolt of the National Working Committee against Tukur in January.

    “So, the two leaders locked up themselves for about 30 minutes without any official aide. They met to resolve issues causing tension in the party and how the governors could reduce the tension and buy into the Tukur’s agenda.

    “The National Chairman of PDP took time off to explain why he is embarking on a reconciliation programme, which is meant to put the party on a sound footing for 2015 poll. He sought the governors’s cooperation with President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “Amaechi is expected to meet with his colleagues and relay Tukur’s plea to them.

    “Although Jaja was not part of Tukur’s delegation, there were signs that Amaechi will reconcile the two leaders later.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “I think Tukur will facilitate a fresh understanding between the President and Amaechi. That was one assignment or task he has brought forward.”

    The source however spoke on the gains derived from the visit by Amaechi, the source said: “Tukur identified with the state PDP Executive Committee, contrary to attempts by some stakeholders to set up a factional State Executive Committee(SEC).

    “Throughout the trip, the state Chairman of PDP, G. U. Ake was with Tukur contrary to the expectations of some stakeholders in Abuja. It shows that Tukur is a fair-minded leader.

    “With this development, Amaechi can embrace Tukur’s olive branch and work towards a genuine reconciliation in PDP.”