The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Hungary

  • Ronaldo equals goal record as Portugal beat Hungary

    Ronaldo equals goal record as Portugal beat Hungary

    Cristiano Ronaldo equalled a goalscoring record as Portugal edged past Hungary in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

    The striker netted for the 39th time in World Cup qualifying matches, making him the joint-highest ever scorer alongside Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz-and three ahead of Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

    Ronaldo, 40, extended his international record to 141 goals in 223 appearances for Portugal, the most by any male player for the country.

    His goal at the Puskas Arena on Tuesday came from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after Hungary forward Barnabas Varga had a 21st-minute opener cancelled out by Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva 15 minutes later.

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    Varga equalised in the 84th minute and the hosts looked set for a point, but Joao Cancelo fired home just two minutes later to earn a dramatic victory for Roberto Martinez’s side.

    Ronaldo also scored twice in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Armenia on Saturday, leaving them top of Group F with six points from the opening two matches. Hungary are third on one point alongside the Republic of Ireland, who suffered a 2-1 setback in Armenia.

  • Nigerian scholars in Morocco, Hungary, others appeal for payment of stipends

    Nigerian scholars in Morocco, Hungary, others appeal for payment of stipends

    The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) has appealed to the Federal Government on payment of its stipends for students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship. 

    They appealed to Tinubu-led administration to help in the payment of outstanding stipends from September to December 2023, and the full supplementation shortfall from March to August 2023.

    The BEA scholarship is for the purpose of education exchange between Nigeria and the partnering countries.

    The Federal Scholarship Board is supervising the scholarship under the Federal Ministry of Education.

    The scholars are owed for several months with a number of them confirming to our correspondent that they had resorted to taking loans to survive.

    In 2024, the Federal Ministry of Education announced a slash in allowances for foreign scholars, attributing the allowance cut to economic crises.

    In a statement titled: “An Urgent Appeal To The Nigerian Government: BEA Scholars Are Suffering”, they said:  “We are not just students; we are young Nigerians sent abroad as ambassadors of our great nation, with the promise of financial support from the government. Today, that promise has been broken, leaving thousands of us in unbearable conditions. 

    “For years, we have endured the hardship of delayed supposed monthly payments, but the crisis escalated in 2023, when the first major deficit occurred. 

    “Scholars were paid for the period of January to August 2023, but even in that disbursement, there was a shortfall exceeding two months’ worth of stipends due to exchange rate fluctuations. 

    “To date, we have not received the payment for September to December 2023, leaving many struggling to survive. In 2024, the situation worsened. After enduring over a year and two months of financial suffering, scholars finally received another stipend payment in September 2024. 

    “However, rather than receiving full arrears, we were informed, only at the time of payment, that our stipends had been “adjusted” by over 56%, from $500 to $220. 

    “We were told that even top civil servants in Nigeria do not earn that much under the current exchange rate, as though that is our fault. 

    “This ignores the fact that our stipend has always remained the same in foreign countries, which are also experiencing inflation. Some of us are orphans. 

    “Most of us come from struggling families. With the economic realities in Nigeria, our parents—civil servants, teachers, or traders, can no longer support us. 

    “In Morocco, where there is no adequate government-provided accommodation, students depend entirely on stipends to pay rent, even though their accommodation is supposed to have been taken care of. 

    “Many have been evicted from rented apartments, while others went without food for days. Scholars in Russia, Algeria, China, Venezuela, and Hungary face similar conditions. Some have fallen ill due to hunger, but they cannot afford hospital bills. Others battle depression and anxiety, struggling to focus on their education. 

    “The FSB has now informed us that the earliest we can expect any stipend payment is mid-year (around June or July) 2025, with no guarantee that the outstanding stipends from September–December 2023, or even the full entitlements of 2024, will ever be paid. 

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    “We appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all concerned government agencies to recognize the severity of this crisis. We are not asking for luxury; we are pleading for survival. 

    “We humbly request: 1. Immediate payment of all outstanding stipends from September to December 2023, and the full supplementation shortfall from March to August 2023. 

    “2. Timely payment of all stipends for 2025 to prevent further hardship. 

    “3. Restoration of the full $500 stipend, as $220 is grossly inadequate to cover basic living expenses. We call on the media, civil society organizations, and every compassionate Nigerian to amplify this appeal. 

    “We do not wish to protest; we do not wish to beg. We only ask the government to fulfil its obligation before more lives are lost to hunger, sickness, and despair.”

  • EU fines Hungary 200m euros for flouting asylum laws

    EU fines Hungary 200m euros for flouting asylum laws

    European Union’s (EU) top court yesterday fined Hungary 200 million euros ($216 million) and imposed a daily one-million-euro penalty for failing to follow the bloc’s asylum laws and illegally deporting migrants, a decision Budapest slammed as “unacceptable”.

    The fine and penalty were because Hungary “is deliberately evading” compliance with the European Union laws despite a 2020 ruling that it must uphold international procedures for asylum seekers, the European Court of Justice said.

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    “Since this failure to fulfill obligations constitutes an unprecedented and exceptionally serious breach of EU law, the Court orders Hungary to pay a lump sum of 200 million euros and a penalty payment of one million euros per day of delay,” it said in a statement.

    Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is frequently at loggerheads with Brussels, immediately voiced outrage.

    “The ECJ’s decision to fine Hungary with 200M euros plus 1M euros daily(!!!) for defending the borders of the European Union is outrageous and unacceptable,” the nationalist premier wrote on X.

    “It seems that illegal migrants are more important to the Brussels bureaucrats than their own European citizens,” he added.

  • EU court orders Hungary to pay €200M fine over asylum policies

    EU court orders Hungary to pay €200M fine over asylum policies

    Hungary has been ordered by the European Court of Justice to pay a fine of 200 million euros (216 million dollars) and a further one million euros per day for failing to comply with the bloc’s asylum rules.

    The ruling followed a previous court judgement in December 2020 concerning procedures for granting international protection and returning third-country nationals.

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    According to a court statement released on Thursday, the failure to implement that judgement “constitutes an unprecedented and extremely serious infringement of EU law’’.

    The judges ruled that Hungary has not taken the measures necessary to comply with the 2020 judgment as regards access to the international protection procedure.

    “The right of applicants for international protection to remain in Hungary pending a final decision on their appeal against the rejection of their application and the removal of illegally staying third-country nationals.’’ (dpa/NAN) (

  • Nigeria, Hungary to strengthen business relations

    Nigeria, Hungary to strengthen business relations

    • NHCC opens Ikoyi office

    Nigeria and Hungary are working to improve business relations and deepen existing partnerships between the two countries and their private sectors.

    As part of the efforts to boost business relations, the Nigerian-Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (NHCC) has opened its Ikoyi, Lagos office to increase access to valuable resources by business persons and stakeholders from both countries.

    Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Lorand  Endreffy, said the countries would leverage on the very cordial relationship already existing between the countries for the ultimate benefit of business persons and stakeholders.

    He noted that the building now occupying NHCC used to be the Trade Office of the Hungarian Embassy, pointing out that it is very significant that the same building is now being occupied by the Nigerian Hungarian Chamber of Commerce.

    He reiterated his readiness to collaborate with the Chamber to engender and strengthen business relations between business persons in both countries.

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    Endreffy expressed his  gratitude for the honour and privilege  bestowed on him by the Chamber to cut the tape to signal the official commissioning of the building.

    In his welcome address, President, Nigerian Hungarian Chamber of Commerce (NHCC), Mr. Spencer Onosode said the Chamber offers numerous benefits and advantages to its members including promoting and developing business, trade and investments in both public and private sectors of the economy in both countries.

    According to him,  Other benefits included the provision of networking events and  the organization of trade missions and exhibitions geared towards providing members with endless opportunities to expand their business horizon and global outreach.

    Onosode reiterated the Chamber’s resolve to leverage positively on the cordial relationship between the Chamber and the Hungarian Embassy and between both countries in order to increase businesses between the two countries.

    He commended the Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria and all the other guests for making out time out of their busy schedules to witness the commissioning of the Ikoyi office.

  • Hungary shocks Croatia in Budapest

    World Cup finalist Croatia slumped to a 1-2 defeat to Hungary on Sunday, continuing its shaky start to European Championship qualifying. In a group which looks up for grabs with four teams level on points, Wales began its campaign with a 1-0 win over Slovakia.

    Fresh off a narrow 2-1 win over Azerbaijan in Group E, Croatia took the lead early but lacked coordination in defense, allowing Hungary to level before Mate Patkai snatched the win at a corner.

    Ante Rebic gave Croatia the lead in the 13th minute. Noticing a Hungarian player on the ground near the corner flag, Rebic moved in behind the defense while staying onside to score when Luka Modric’s pass took a deflection off Andrej Kramaric.

    Hungary equalized with a slick team move, Balazs Dzsudzsak passing into the path of Adam Szalai, who scored from a tight angle in the 34th.

    When the ball bobbled off a Croatian head at a corner, Patkai was there to stab it into the net for the 76th-minute winner.

    Hungary could have scored another soon after if not for Ivan Rakitic blocking on the goal-line.

    Earlier, Daniel James’ first international goal gave Wales the lead after five minutes against Slovakia before Ryan Giggs’ team held on to win 1-0.

    James dispossessed defender Peter Pekarik and shot from the edge of the penalty area. Gareth Bale missed chances for Wales, while Harry Wilson wasted an excellent opportunity in the 61st when he was unmarked in the box.

    Slovakia dominated the last half-hour but smart defending and some Wayne Hennessey saves helped Wales cling on.

    Croatia, Hungary, Wales and Slovakia are level on three points. Last-placed Azerbaijan has no points.

  • INAC Expo: 27 countries, others showcase culture

    27 countries and states  were  in Abuja to display  their culture,  arts and crafts at the 11th edition of International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo.

    Among the participating countries were China, Hungary, Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, Chad, India, Iran, Burkina Faso, Pakistan, Sudan and many other countries.

    The impressive event was also an opportunity for many unemployed Nigerians to acquire free vocational training in arts and craft. The event  was declared open by the publisher of the Abuja-based Leadership newspapers, Mr. Sam Ndah-Isaiah. Also present at the opening ceremony were the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Aisha Abubakar; the Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji  Lai Mohammed, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Grace Gekpe; and a representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.

    Delivering a paper titled: Networking for Arts and Crafts to the World: Prospects and Challenges, the Chief Executive Officer of Le Look Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa,  called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s art and craft industry as a commercial venture.

    She said African art and craft industry is currently enjoying huge international acceptability and has the prospects of not only alleviating poverty, but also creating jobs. Ezenwa said  at the time she started the production of Afrocentric crafts as beauty items, European designers were the order of the day in Nigeria. But this has changed with the current huge demand for African crafts.

    Her words: “At the time we started, the prospects were not there then, as our products were competing against famous and infamous international labels. Our women    and men were preoccupied in wearing European and Western outfits. Over time, as we approached a new millennium, things began to change. Afrobeat through Fela, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade and other famous musicians started making waves outside the Nigerian shores.

    “We, on our part, invested in research to understand how and what was accepted internationally. We embraced training; we attended fairs locally and internationally. We became visible and could no longer be ignored by our own Nigerians as the Made in Nigeria campaign became the order of the day.

    “Then came the boom-Made in Nigeria, Made in Africa, the ankara revolution that we had already keyed into a long time ago and waited for the opportunity.”

    Ezenwa said Nigeria has never had the opportunity that it is having currently to expand its arts and craft to all parts of the world.

    In his welcome address, the Director- General of the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, said even though the arts of craft expo  was in its 11th edition, he saw the need to drastically improve on the expo by not limiting it to the just Africa.

    He said:“This flagship programme of the NCAC was conceived in 2008 as a platform for craft men and women all over Africa and beyond to make contact, interact, showcase their arts and crafts products , exchange ideas and skills, network for investment partners.

    “I am delighted to note that this exposition has lived up to the expectation of bringing about regional integration, continental unity as well as unveiling the economic opportunities in the arts and crafts sector.”

    Runsewe said the decision to change the expo’s name from African Festival of Arts and Culture (AFAC) Expo to International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo was taken last year in view of the growing popularity and the need to reflect the global relevance and outlook of the programme. He said having consolidated itself as at the regional level, it became imperative to launch into the global arena so that Nigerian craft men could network with the world.

    Speaking on the expo and their participation, the head  of the Bangladesh  from their country’s embassy in  Nigeria, Mr. Yamin Khan, said:  “The main aim of our participation is that we don’t want to stagnate in a certain place. We want to expand our traditional craft. We want to expand our traditional craft to everywhere.”

    Asked if he was satisfied with the organization and level of participation at the expo, he said: “Of course, there are many booths here. We can share with each other. It is through this kind of programme that we can share with each other.  What we are having, they can pick from us and what we are not having, we can pick from them.  This is the way to go. This is the way to show your craft and your products. This way, it will help you to expand your business all over the world.”

    Some of the participating countries took time out to celebrate their day and showcase their culture. Among these countries was the People’s Republic of China which put up a beautiful show to the admiration and satisfaction of visitors and participants.

  • Hungary seeks partnership with Nigeria Table Tennis Federation

    The Hungary Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Sandor Beer, has pledged continued support to the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation through the staging of tournaments like the Table Tennis Challenge Cup and providing technical assistance and exchange programs too.

    The Ambassador who disclosed this to the media at the awards ceremony held at the Fraser Suites Abuja on Tuesday, hailed the partnership between his Embassy and the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation and promised to do more to foster a good relationship between the two partners.

    “You are aware that Hungary is a great table tennis nation and so it’s a tradition. We started this Table Tennis Challenge Cup in 2017, so we are already cooperating with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. They have a lot of good talents and well-motivated players.

    “We would like to create a tradition and this tradition would be in each year before a national day we can organise together a type of table tennis championship such as the Challenge Cup. Maybe later on Hungarian table tennis players would come to Lagos or Abuja to play or Nigerian players would visit Hungary to play with our players too”, Dr Beer disclosed.

    The Ambassador also spoke about the 2018 Table Tennis Challenge Cup tournament. “We have a lot of plans. We would like to have a long-term relationship with the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. This is a second year of the tournament and I believe we can do it again in 2019.

    “This 2018 edition was an official competition. So we invited the best senior male, female and also best youth players for the tournament. We also have the veteran and diplomat competition too. We actually witnessed a very good tournament. The competition is of international standard”, the Ambassador disclosed.

    President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Engr. Ishaku Tikom also showered encomiums to the Ambassador of Hungary for doing everything within his powers to ensure a highly successful tournament.

  • Nigerian envoy to Hungary loses dad

    The Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary with concurrent accreditation to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, has lost her father, Pa Oluwatoyin Owolabi Ajayi.

    Pa Ajayi died on January 21.

    He was 98.

    The deceased was born in 1920 at Iyin-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

    In a statement yesterday, Dr Ajayi said her father lived an exemplary life and taught her children the essence of honesty and service to mankind.

    She said funeral arrangements will be announced later.

    Dr Ajayi said: “Pa Ajayi was a great father, a father in every sense of the word. He taught me self-esteem, self-confidence and selfless giving.

    “He taught me the value of honesty, hard work and having a goal. He taught me commitment to my fellow men and community service. He taught me commitment to my fellow men, irrespective of class and creed. He taught me how to stand up to myself and for others.”

     

  • EU proposes 40% quota of female board members

    EU proposes 40% quota of female board members

    To push for gender equality, the European Union ( EU ) proposed 40 per cent quota of female board members, The Guardian newspaper reported.

    Male members account for more than 60 per cent on company boards, a proposal brought up by the European commission.

    Under the proposal, the EU is required to give priority to female candidates over the same qualifications for a post when women constitute less than 40 per cent of the boards.

    Several European countries such as Germany, Hungary and Sweden have opposed previous attempts to reach the goal in consideration of preserving domestic affairs and ideology.

    Women empowerment at high ranks of companies is in slow progress in Europe.

    Women made up 29 per cent of British boards in 2016, down from 32.1 per cent in 2014 and 31.6 per cent in 2012, according to research by global leadership advisory firm Egon Zehnder.

    Statistics also show that the proportion of women on boards across the EU has more than doubled from 2005 to 2015.

    However, in terms of board chairs and chief executives, women take up less than 10 per cent in the largest listed companies.

    NAN

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