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Tag: Kaita

  • Tinubu appoints Kaita as chairman of Bayero University’s Governing Council

    Tinubu appoints Kaita as chairman of Bayero University’s Governing Council

    • Replaces Gawuna to focus on FHA role

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of retired Air Vice Marshal Saddiq Ismaila Kaita as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano.

     AVM Kaita takes over from Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who also holds the position of Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

     According to a statement released yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the change was effected to allow Dr. Gawuna concentrate fully on his leadership responsibilities at the FHA.

    Read Also: Group alleges plot to undermine oil sector reforms, urges Tinubu to protect NNPCL leadership

     AVM Kaita, a seasoned military officer, served in several key positions before his retirement from the Nigerian Air Force, including as Director of Strategy at the Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Transformation and Innovation.

     He is widely respected for his work in enhancing training standards and institutional reforms within the Air Force.

     AVM Kaita is expected to bring his expertise in strategic planning and institutional development to bear in his new role at Bayero University, one of Nigeria’s foremost tertiary institutions.

  • Katsina trains 479 women in skill acquisition in 5 years

    Katsina trains 479 women in skill acquisition in 5 years

    Katsina State Government says it has trained 479 women in skill acquisition and trades from 2011 to 2017 to enable them to be self-reliant.

    Dr Badiyya Hassan, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, spoke at the graduation for the participants on Tuesday in Katsina.

    Hassan said: “The state government trained the women in tailoring, shoe and bag-making, knitting, soap and pomade making and perfume production.

    “The state government will give equipment to 21 women that excelled during their training in different trades.

    “It will also give each of the 479 women N5, 000 to start business.

    “The women multi-purpose training centre in Katsina will also issue certificates to all the 479 women that participated in the training,” she said.

    Read also: Katsina Govt to immunise 2.5m expectant mothers, children

    Hassan said that the state government was committed to empowering women and ensures the realisation of stable families in the state.

    She said that the state government had commenced the renovation of three skill acquisition training centres in each of the three senatorial districts in the state.

    The commissioner urged women to form cooperative societies to enable them to benefit from the loan facility granted by the state government to fight poverty.

    Earlier, Hajiya Fatimah Mohammed, the Principal, Women Multipurpose Centre, urged the state government to provide more training equipment in the centre.

    “The women multipurpose needed more training equipment to train more women in skill acquisition.

    “Many women want to be trained in the area of handcrafts, but we lack the facilities to cover all of them,” the commissioner said.

    The acting Sole Administrator, Kaita Local Government Area, Hajiya Ummah Abdullahi, advised the beneficiaries to make proper use of the equipment given to them.

    NAN

  • Katsina Govt to immunise 2.5m expectant mothers, children

    Katsina Govt to immunise 2.5m expectant mothers, children

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State says 2.5 million expectant mothers and children would be immunised during the ongoing Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week.

    Masari made this known on Tuesday at the flag off of immunisation of expectant mothers, newborns and children at Kaita in Kaita Local Government Area.

    The governor said that all children under the age of five and expectant mothers would be immunised free of charge at various points in the state.

    Masari said that the State Primary Health Care Development Agency Law of 2007 would be amended for effective co-ordination and healthcare system.

    He said that plans were on for the establishment of a Drug Management Agency to ensure steady supply of quality drugs to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Mariayata Usman, said that the Health Week was set aside to improve on maternal and child health in the state.

    Read also: Aisha Buhari arrives Katsina to inaugurate maternity clinic

    “We have established 1,800 immunisation posts for registration of births, maternal and child immunisation.

    “We have also made special arrangement for the immunisation of expectant mothers and their registration during the one week exercise.

    “In each ward, there will be three posts manned by five health personnel for the conduct of the immunisation,’’ she said.

    The commissioner appealed to husbands to allow their wives to take their children to the immunisation posts.

    In his remarks, the District Head of Kaita, Alhaji Abdulkareem Kabir, urged men to allow their pregnant wives and children to go for the immunisation.

    NAN

  • KAITA: I can still do business for Super Eagles

    KAITA: I can still do business for Super Eagles

    Some six years after he saw red against Greece at the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010, Sani Kaita has offered to play for his beloved Super Eagles again. “Oh! I’m not too old to still play for the Super Eagles,” Kaita now plying his trade in Finland told MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN days after the national team’s heart-warming 3-1 win against Algeria in the 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo last month.

    A hardworking combative midfielder, Kaita was a member of the Flying Eagles – complete with current Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi – that nearly won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands in 2005 and played like a Trojan for the Super Eagles in the run up to the first FIFA World Cup on the continent in 2010 but best remembered for the acrimonious manner he was sent off against Greece following a needless tackle on Vasilis Torosidis.

    “Playing at the World Cup (in South Africa) was my best moment playing football though the drama spoilt the fun,” noted Kaita who is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most-travelled players after playing for 14 clubs in nine different countries under 12 years. “I’m always proud playing for Nigeria, and if I can have the chance, why not? I had done a lot of good job before, so why not?

    “I’m so happy about the Super Eagles’ performance against Algeria. It was a fantastic game; the guys did all Nigerians proud. I congratulate them for the amazing job. The guys can do wonders and I really congratulate every Nigerian for the great victory (against Algeria).

    “I agree with you that the coach (Gernot Rohr) is good and what makes a good coach is having an understanding the game itself and giving the players confidence.

    “The Super Eagles is such a tough job because the team needs to play good football and getting results at the same time. I think the coaching crew are doing an amazing work too. They should just focus on the Cameroon game now and I’m sure they are getting details about Cameroon team now,” he added.

    Kaita, who had his 30th anniversary in May, believes he’s still smart enough to fit into the scheme of things under Super Eagles’ Franco-German Gernot Rohr, saying he’s still very much in shape to contribute meaningfully to the Super Eagles.

    “I have always been like this,” he purred over his sharp-looking physique. “In fact, I’m fit and let me tell you an interesting story.

    “When I was with Enyimba (in 2014), we went to Port Harcourt to play against Sharks FC and some of the fans who wanted to have a closer look at me came in front of our dressing room but one of them eventually recognised me and they started shouting ‘he’s a young guy and he’s not old.’

    “I just burst into laughter and was telling myself ‘so these guys actually think I’m old?’  I actually started playing football very early in my life and I’m happy about who I am. I’m just a hard-working guy and it (hard work) will always pay up.

    “Of course, I know my qualities very well and I don’t need to mention them now, but every football fans should know it,” he reasoned.

    Kaita has indeed had a storied career from his days with native Nigeria Premier Football League side, Kano Pillars, from where he was snapped up by Dutch side, Sparta Rotterdam, where he featured between 2005 and 2008. He had a brief stint with French top side, AS Monaco, on his way to the Eastern European countries where he played on loan for FC Kuban Krasnodar and Lokomotiv Moscow through 2009. Ukrainian Premier League side, Alania Vladikavkaz, signed the midfielder on loan in 2010 and he equally featured for FC Metalist Kharkiv between 2010 and 2011. On the last day of the 2011 winter transfer window, Kaita moved to Greek Super league side, Iraklis, on a six-month loan. In April 2014, Kaita was back in Nigeria training with Enyimba FC. He made his debut against Sharks F.C. on May 7 and spent a three-month loan with the Aba side. The loan was part of the League Management Company’s elite initiative for foreign based professionals. He signed for Ifeanyi Ubah in the Nigeria premier league for the season 2015 but played only a few matches for the team. In 2016, he joined a Finnish club, JS Hercules, which is coached by his former national team coach Daniel Amokachi.

    “I don’t know now (how long I will keep on playing) but I just want to keep enjoying my playing career,” he admitted. “Yes, I have much experience playing in several countries but it is at Russian club, Kuban Krasnodar, that I have enjoyed most

    “My first season in Finland was also a good experience and I’m now looking forward to the next season with my new team Rops (Rovaniemen Palloseura) FC which is a bigger club in Finland.

    “Finland’s weather is similar to that of Russia, so I don’t have problem with the weather,” remarked Kaita who revealed his other passion aside playing football is table tennis.

    That Kaita has passion for the Super Eagles was even there to see in an earlier interview with The Nation, where he postulated that the national team can go all the way if both the administrators and players do the needful in the race to seal a ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    “There are no easy games these days in Africa,” Kaita said of the Super Eagles’ World Cup group that includes Cameroun, Zambia and Algeria.  “I think it is a tough group but we can cope with the talents we have in the team and as long as they work as a team (it would be okay).

    “We should build a team that can challenge not only in Africa but the world. But we cannot do that with changing coaches and player; let us just be focussed on qualifying but not talking about the coaches. What’s important is reaching the World Cup and we should pray and support the team.

    “Of course, playing on the continent is a lot of challenge because every country wants to beat Nigeria. We have Zambia, Cameron and Algeria to battle and none of them is an easy opponent, but we can cope with the challenges to qualify for the World Cup,” he maintained.

  • Kaita hoping to return to form

    Kaita hoping to return to form

    Former Enyimba midfielder  Sani Kaita has stated that a switch to FC Saxan, Moldova is not a step backwards in his career, having turned out for teams in Holland, France and Russia in the past.

    Earlier this month, the Nigeria international appended his signature to a one – year contract with Saxan Ceadîr Lunga , who occupy the Divizia Nationala table after five rounds of matches.

    “Of course, the championship of France or Russia far exceeds Moldovan. However, as I have already said – football is the same.

    “At the same time I think that I should go back to the previous level, and for this it is necessary to work hard,” the 28 – year – old told the official website.

    The ex Sparta Rotterdam defensive midfielder made his league debut last weekend against Zimbru, lasting 68 minutes on the pitch before he was replaced by Nicologlo.

  • Kaita mocks Sharks’ title credentials

    Kaita mocks Sharks’ title credentials

    Former Nigeria international midfielder, Sani Kaita marked his debut for six-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba FC on match day 11 in the 1-1 draw against Sharks in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    The 28-year-old started against the Blue Angels but was later substituted and he has now taken the time to reflect on his first game in the NPFL since 2005.

    “I thank God. I am really happy to be back. I am happy with my debut,” he told supersport.com.

    Enyimba battled from a goal down to claim a point against the leaders but Kaita insists he was gunning for maximum points with the People’s Elephant.

    “It was a good result considering that Sharks are currently at the top of the table and the game was played in Port Harcourt.

    “My teammates worked hard (for the point). The team played well. I thank the coaches for the confidence they showed in me.

    “I wanted us to win the match but to get a point against a difficult side like Sharks was important,” he said.

    Sharks currently lead the standings of the NPFL with 19 points from 11 matches but Kaita predicts they will not last long at the summit.

    “I think Sharks have a good team but I don’t think they are strong enough to win the title. For one, I believe Enyimba is better than the Sharks team we played against in Port Hracourt,” he said.

    Kaita earned 24 caps for Nigeria between 2005 and 2010.

  • Kaita set for Enyimba debut

    Kaita set for Enyimba debut

    Former AS Monaco midfielder, Sani Kaita, may make his debut for six-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba next week.

    Kaita joined the People’s Elephant in April but could not play competitively as the club had yet to secure official clearance for his services.

    The 27-year-old says he’s looking forward to his debut, against Sharks next Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

    “I got a call last night (29 April) and was told that my clearance has finally sailed through. I will be getting my licence on Wednesday and I am very excited,” Kaita told Supersport.com.

    Kaita’s debut could not have come any tougher as the People’s Elephant visit the cauldron of hate and noise – the Sharks FC Stadium – to face the leaders, Sharks on match day 11.

    Sharks have been in sparkling form this season and have only dropped one point at home all season but Kaita says Enyimba will be looking to stun the Blue Angels in front of their supporters.

    “We are Enyimba and that means we are obligated to win wherever we play. Sharks have been doing well this season but they know they will face a stiff challenge against us,” he said.

    The former Super Eagles midfielder then took the time to praise the Enyimba coaching staff for the “wonderful work they have been doing this season.”

    “I have been here (Aba) for the past two weeks and I must say I have been very impressed with the coaches for the wonderful work they have been doing this season.

    “I have been particularly impressed with (assistant coach), Imama Amapakabo who seems to be a very intelligent trainer.

    “The players have all welcomed me warmly and the fans too. I can only predict a great season for Enyimba this year,” he said.

    Kaita, who has also played professionally in countries like the Netherlands, France, Russia, Ukraine and Greece, earned 24 caps for Nigeria at senior level between 2005 and 2010.

  • Ex-Eagle Kaita joins Enyimba

    Ex-Eagle Kaita joins Enyimba

    Former Super Eagles midfielder Sani Kaita has joined Enyimba on a three-month loan deal. Club sources confirmed to KickOffNigeria.com that the midfielder has been training with the team already.

    “It is a good thing for our league that a player like Kaita, who has played at every international level for Nigeria, is joining Enyimba. He brings a wealth of experience from Europe and from his time playing for the Super Eagles that will benefit the club and the younger players in our club,” the source said.

    Kaita started his top-flight career at Kano Pillars in 2004 before moving on to Sparta Rotterdam where he spent the majority of his European career.

    He moved to French club Monaco in 2008, but found his opportunities limited and was regularly loaned out to the likes of Rubin Kazan and Lokomotiv Moscow among others before joining Tavriya Simferopol in 2011. His last move was a loan to Olympiakos Nicosia in Cyprus.

    Despite his club troubles, Kaita enjoyed a steady run with Nigeria, starting at international level where he helped the Under-20 team to a silver-place finish in 2005, then Olympic silver at the 2008 games. He also won two African Nations Cup bronze medals in 2006 and 2010.

    Kaita last played for Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup when he was sent off for an impetuous retaliatory lunge at Vasilis Torosidis as Nigeria lost in the group stages to Greece.