The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lions

  • Lions president installed

    Lions president installed

    A media consultant based in Lagos State Adedeji Olukokun has been installed president of Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club. The event, which held at Ikeja Business Club, was attended by Leos and Lions Club members from the multiple District 404 Nigeria.

    The club became the first Leo-Lion conversion club and the first to be chartered in the District. Since 2005, when the District was first bifurcated, Olukokun made history as the first past Leo District president from District 404B to be installed as a Lions Club president.

    District Governor (DG), Taiwo Adewunmi was happy that the newly formed club had 70 per cent former Leos who became strong members of Lions. Also, it was the first time a Leo Past District President would install and present another Past Leo District President in the history of Lions in Nigeria as the District Governor and the new president serves as the head of the youth arm with the latter serving as the Pioneer District President of Leo District 404B2 Nigeria.

    Olukokun praised the Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club members for picking him. He promised to sustain the legacy of service for the benefit of humanity. He said he would engage in projects revolving around relieving hunger, engaging the youth through various empowerment programmes, sharing the vision by fighting against blindness and protecting the Environment.

    The chairman of the occasion Adediran Olukokun, an engineer, charged the president not to relent in his quest for infusing diverse innovation to the Lions programme and that he must strengthen the pride of service by bringing smiles continuously to the face of the needy.

    An inaugural lecture titled: “Promoting service culture as a panacea for national development” was delivered by Ladi Awotinde. It was preceded by the presentation of the clubs charter certificate, decoration of Olukokun and an official parade around the hall by the DG.

    Other members inducted along with Olukokun were Senbanjo Tolulope; Oluseun Onigbinde; Team Lead of Budgit; Ayoola Sogbesan, Sanyaolu Caleb, Owoyomi Olamide, Adebimpe Balogun.

  • Lions, local govt offer free medicare

    Lions, local govt offer free medicare

    Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State in conjunction with Ikeja (Golden) Lions Club last Monday offered free eye screening and glasses, drugs and medication to residents of the area.
    At the event, which held at the secretariat of the local government (LG), no fewer than 100 people benefited from the gesture.
    The council’s Sole Administrator, Ganiyu Isola Quadri, said the event was a collaboration between the council and the club, adding that the LG contributed the lion’s share of the deal. ‘’We provided the logistics, the drugs, etc.,’’ he said. He praised the club for its assistance. He harped on the dividends of democracy, saying the medication was one of them.
    Lions’ President, Mrs Caroline Adediran said the club provided over 100 eye glasses, costing over N120,000 each to the beneficiaries. She added that the money was raised from the members. She said the event was part of the Lion’s objectives to assist the less privileged in the society. ‘’Lions Club helps the poor. We have been doing that for 100 years,” she added. According to her, Lions had provided medicare at Oregun and Shomolu local governments.
    On why the group chose eye treatment, the club’s Health Committee Chairman, Mrs Olajumoke Adebanjo, said: ‘’We believe eyes are essential to everybody. So, we should not lose them.’’ Earlier, she said, the club held screening for diabetes, dewormed children and took care of the elderly.
    A beneficiary, Mr Samson Ogunjumo said: ‘’We thank Ikeja (Golden) Lions Club. We didn’t expect this. They tried a lot. May God give them more strength.’’

  • Lions, local govt offer free medicare

    Lions, local govt offer free medicare

    Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos in conjunction with Ikeja (Golden) Lions Club on Monday offered free eye screening and glasses, drugs and medication to the people of the area.
    At the event, which held at the secretariat of the LG, no fewer than 100 people benefited from the gesture.
    The council Sole Administrator Hon Ganiyu Isola Quadri said the event was a collaboration between the council and the club, adding that the local government contributed a lion share of the deal. ‘’We provided the logistics, the drugs, etc.,’’ he said. He praised the club for their assistance. He harped on the dividends of democracy, saying that the medication was one of them.
    Lions’ President Mrs Caroline Adediran said the club provided over 100 eye glasses, costing over N120,000 each to the beneficiaries, adding that the money was raised from members. She said the event was part of the Lions objectives to assist the less privileged in the society. ‘’Lions Club help the poor. We have been doing that for 100 years, she added. So far, she said, Lions had provided medicare at Oregun and Shomolu local governments.
    On why the group chose eye treatment, Chairman, Health Committee of the club Mrs Olajumoke Adebanjo said: ‘’We believe eyes are essential to everybody. So, we should not lose them.’’ Earlier, she said, the club held screening for diabetes, dewormed children and take care of the elderly.
    A beneficiary Mr Samson Ogunjumo said: ‘’We thank Ikeja (Golden) Lions Club. We didn’t expect this. They tried a lot.May God give them more strength’’

  • Lions donates to church

    Lions donates to church

    AS part of its centennial celebration, Ikeja Golden Lions Club has donated some food items to St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in Ketu, Lagos. The items included rice, beans and tubbers of yam.
    The club’s President, Mrs Caroline Adediran, explained why the group opted for raw food. She said the event was a worldwide humanitarian service aimed at wiping out hunger, adding that the programme was successful. She said: “It was a successful one. I prefer giving raw food to cooked ones because it lasts longer. Each recipient belongs to a family of no fewer than seven and the food would serve them well.’’
    Lions District Governor (DG) Deacon Taiwo Adewunmi described the club as the largest service group in the world with about 1.5million members in over 200 countries. He said the 100-year-old organisation was founded in 1917. He added that it was part of their centennial celebration theme this year to tackle hunger. He said the club members were buoyed by love to contribute their widow’s mite to buy the items, adding that no help came from outside the club. He urged the recipients to accept them in the spirit of love.
    A representative of the church, Brother Donatius MC, thanked Lions Club for the gesture. ‘’We thank you for kindness. We wish you come again. We have neither silver nor gold to give you except to pray for you that you continue to support us,’’ he said. He canvassed the club’s support for the church’s programmes, especially for its accommodation problem.
    At the event were Mrs Bolanle Apete, Yinka Bello, Brother Peter of the church’s missionary group, Mariam Kareem, Bola Fabusoye, Sidi Balogun, Titilayo Rabiu and Deji Olukokun

  • Beware of Lions

    I have woken up twice this week thinking about the Indomitable Lions. Something keeps telling me that the Lions could hurt us next August in the crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier inside the Nest of Champions. My fear isn’t unfounded because the Cameroonians are shopping for players. They are scouting for players who hurt us in the past. They are also planning to plug the weaknesses in their team.

    Indeed, the Indomitable Lions won’t give their best at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, knowing that the Super Eagles are engrossed with European clubs’ matches. They would be worried that Nigerian manager Gernot Rohr would be taking notes of their matches. And the Cameroonians would feel that they need to re-jig their Africa Cup of Nations squad if they want to shock the Nigerians in Uyo. The Cameroonian coach won’t want to parade boys who played in Gabon.

    When we have a game against the Indomitable Lions or the Black Stars of Ghana, form books are torn to pieces. It is the team that plays better that wins. Records do not matter. Indeed, I dread the Indomitable Lions and the Black Stars. This isn’t the best time to confront the Lions. They are big stage players. They know how to put host teams under pressure. They strive to score first and be defensive, most times adopting the physical approach. They can employ uncouth tactics some of which include kicking our big stars, such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi, out of their wits. Most times they succeed in injuring one or two of their targets. And that automatically destroys the host team’s plans and rhythm.

    Wao! These are big, rugged and tough guys. Every football game is a war. The Cameroonians’ stock in trade is to upset the bookmakers’ predictions. No smiles at all. I fear for the Super Eagles.

    Indeed, the Cameroonians have teased retiree star Eto ‘O Fils to return to the Indomitable Lions. Eto rejected the offer. But I’m sure that Eto will be in Uyo in August, with Cameroon’s President Paul Biya calling him in the interest of the nation. The request for Eto’s return came from the football federation’s chieftains, who he has disdain for. But when the president calls, the reply will be different. And that would be the impetus that the Lions would need to roar loud in Uyo. Let’s pray Eto politely rejects the offer when he speaks with the president. Eto is quite a mouthful when he steps onto the pitch. He maybe ageing but his predatory skills would trouble the Eagles. Many people haven’t forgotten what Roger Milla did when he was recalled from retirement to play for the Lions.

    I hope Rohr doesn’t dismiss Eto’s threat. He could make a surprise appearance in Uyo. Rohr needs to factor Eto’s likely return into his match plans. Many state that the game is eight months away, but the question to ask is, why are the Cameroonians preparing for it? They are going to the Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria isn’t. Yet, the talk in Yaoundé is about the Eagles’ game. It underlines how they rate the Eagles, more so as the game is a World Cup challenge.

    The quest to get Eto back is understandable. Also, the coaches want their foreign-based defender Joel Matip in the team. Matip plays for Liverpool FC of England and the Cameroonians feel that he could cage Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi. It is a wild dream because Matip won’t be able to cope with Iheanacho’s and Iwobi’s speed on and off the ball. Matip is too slow. The Cameroonian manager may wish to ask his Algerian counterpart what both players did to the North Africans in Uyo, despite their plans to stop them. The Eagles are no team of individuals as the Algerians found out late in Uyo. The Algerians didn’t reckon with Victor Moses, and he nailed them. So, the Cameroonians must be prepared for Oghenekaro Etebo. Did you say Etebo who? was jittery against the Algerians in Uyo. He certainly can’t muster enough courage to stop the Cameroonians.

    The Cameroonians have drawn their first two World Cup qualification matches. They know the implications of losing the Nigerian game. It would mean they will end up with 11 points, on the condition that they must win their last three games in the second round of their qualifying phase. The Cameroonians won’t want to risk that kind of adventure, knowing that the Nigerian side will follow them back to Yaoundé within four days, should they lose to Nigeria in Uyo. Beating Nigeria and Algeria in Yaoundé won’t be a piece of cake for the Indomitable Lions. It would also be a herculean task to beat Zambia’s Chipolopolo in Ndola. This scenario leaves the Indomitable Lions with only one option for the Uyo game – beat Nigeria and restore the chances of securing the sole qualification ticket.

    This is where the battle between Nigeria and Cameroon would be very interesting to watch. Fans with any history of medical problems should stay away from the game either on television or live. It would be a game of prestige and national pride. On paper, the Eagles have the players to cage the lions. But they must be properly motivated to give their best. I’ve faith in the fans in Uyo to cheer the Eagles ceaselessly. But our players mustn’t wait for the fans to galvanise them. They must seize the initiative by scoring early goals to unsettle the Cameroonians. They must work for one another, ensuring that there are fewer lapses at the rear.

    Now that the Super Falcons have resorted to protests to force the government to pay their entitlements, I hope that Eagles won’t want to emulate their female counterparts in demanding their entitlements. I have explained what we stand to gain if Nigeria qualifies for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Maybe I should restate it here.

    If the Eagles qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Nigeria would rake in $2million to prepare for the Mundial. At the group stage, each of the World Cup qualifiers will get $10million. If we qualify for the Round of 16, we will get $12 million. If we again progress to the quarter-finals, the Eagles would have fetched the country $18million. And, if consider the Nigerian spirit during challenges, it won’t be out of place to tip the Eagles for the semi-finals. A fourth place finish, which is the worst for any semi-finalist, will fetch Nigeria $25 million. The third place at the 2018 World Cup in Russia will fetch Nigeria $30 million. Runners-up get $40 million. The winner gets $50 million. If we finish third, for instance, Nigeria would have earned $10m, $12million, $18 million and $30million ($70million), not forgetting the initial $2 million to prepare for the Mundial.

    I hope that the Sports ministry and indeed Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) chieftains provided for this campaign in their 2017 budgetary estimates. It won’t also be out of place if the Sport Ministry collaborates with the NFF to organise a fundraising dinner where corporate Nigeria can rub minds with President Muhammadu Buhari. Such a forum will afford President Buhari the chance to tell the big firms’ executives what they will supporting the sporting industry, not just soccer.

    Sport isn’t leisure anymore. It is serious business, a money spinner used by countries which appreciate its power to pull the youth away from social vices, to change people’s perception of their countries, as a recreation platform for its citizens and a veritable means for its populace to improve on their health.

    Sport originates from the people through the communities with the products of such an enterprise emerging as ambassadors for the country in international competitions. All that the government does is to provide the enabling environment for the industry to thrive. Since the ultimate target of the corporate world is the citizenry, it follows therefore that sport gets the needed fillip for growth when the athletes become big stars.

    This seamless setting also ensures that only technocrats are recruited to drive the process, such that it is free of scams and controversies that could chase away the blue chip companies which are ready to provide the financial support for growth.

    Truth is, if the business of soccer thrives, those firms which cannot find the space to identify their goods and/or services with the beautiful game would shift their attention to other sports with the right followership and men who can convince the corporate world not to sulk over its inability to identify with soccer.

    Sports, such as cricket, boxing, basketball, golf and table tennis, have robust marketing initiatives which have been used to activate some of the programmes executed today. It is true that they need more, except that soccer, which ought to be the elixir for other sports, is burdened by the intrigues of failed NFF people and the tantrums of cantankerous sports ministers.

    But can we ever learn to do things right? The Nigerian way is flawed. Change should start with sports, my dear President Buhari.

  • Lions Club gets president

    Lions Club gets president

    For members of Lions Club worldwide, this year is a memorable one. It is 100 years old this year.

    While other members of the ‘service’ organisation are warming up for the centennial anniversary, it would appear those at Ikeja have begun celebrating already. They inducted their ‘centennial’ President, Augustine Obafemi Ladipo, a graduate of Computer Engineering from the Lagos State University (LASU).

    At the ceremony, which held at Quadosh Place on Kudirat Abiola Way (former Oregun Road) in Ikeja, members of the association wore cream-coloured clothe–which the men sewn into a native agbada and traditional pair of trousers in which they appeared resplendent.

    The outgoing President Gbolahan Ayantayo, who beat the Lions’ traditional gong ‘to call the house to order’ or begin the event, at 3:59 p.m., also ironically ended his tenure.

    As 36th president of the club, he said his tenure was a rewarding one which witnessed donation of material items to Khadijat Al-Kubra Widowhood and Orphanage Foundation and students of Dairy Farm Skills Acquisition Programme and providing a member with a barbing salon and a 3.5KVA power generating set, among others.

    It was for these he emerged among the top 10 presidents in District 404B-2 Nigeria. Specifically, he praised Valentine Opone, Second Vice-President, Mark Ebare, a former president and Femi Olaiya, a former secretary, among others. He gave them awards for their excellent performances.

    Olaiya, the Chairman of the Investiture Committee, said the 34-year-old Ikeja Club began from a humble beginning, noting that the event had another objective; which is to raise funds for some projects for which he urged all to donate generously.

    Alhaji AdulGaniyu Adediji, who chaired the event, described the ceremony as historical, noting that the club had produced more district governors (DGs) and presidents than others in the district.

    The world over, triple A, as Adediji is fondly called by his admirers, said the club serves 100 million less-privileged people. He solicited support for the club’s budget of N10 million for the year.

    In his goodwill message, the D-G Samuel Taiwo Adewunmi described the Ikeja Lions Club as the oldest in the district. He also canvassed support for its progammes for the year.

    “A single act of service,’’ the Deacon in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) said, “can change a life but when Lions come together to serve, we change the world.’’

    Adewunmi, who swore in Ladipo, urged him to serve selflessly.

    Ladipo, 48, and 37th President, promised to uphold Adewunmi’s theme for the year that is ‘’Sustaining our Legacy of Service’’ and that of the International President’s motto, New Mountains to Climb. He explained that each mountain represented an opportunity to serve. He gave a breakdown of his budget as follows: free eye screening and donations to public primary schools, youth empowerment scheme to some vocational training centres, planting of over 100 trees, construction and equipping of e-library for two secondary schools.

  • Lions to test 60,000 pupils’ eyes

    As the Lions International Club District 404B1 ushers its 2016-2017 year, it has ushered its core project for the year-sight preservation.

    60,000 pupils in the District catchment area which comprises Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States will stand to benefit from the project.

    This was announced during the first news briefing of the new District Governor, Waheed Kadiri, who said the project will not be limited to only public schools, but privates stand to benefit from the initiative.

    Also, the Club will during the course of the year partner with the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIRO) on youth entrepreneurship to provide them with raw materials.

    He said: not all students are dull. Some are shortsighted without the knowledge of their parents and that is why we will focus on school children between JSS2 and SS1 for this exercise.

     

    “Also, we will act on the environment, by ensuring that each club in the district is encouraged to adopt at least a street, a space or an open play area in more than 100 definable areas of the community where such clubs are found. 10,000 tresses will be planted nurtured and maintained to that effect.”

    On its achievements, he added that as it has hit its centennial age, it has recorded an achievement of beyond 90% of its service by touching 93 million lives across the world.

  • Nigeria 3-0 Cameroon: EAGLES FEAST ON LIONS

    Nigeria 3-0 Cameroon: EAGLES FEAST ON LIONS

    Nigeria defeated Cameroon 3-0 in yesterday’s international friendly played at the Edmond Machtens-Stadion, Belgium.

    After the shambolic showing against  Congo DR in Mons last Thursday, the Super Eagles raised their game against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to cruise to an emphatic win and ease pressure on coach Sunday Oliseh after his major fall out with Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama.

    The Eagles took a well deserved lead in the 39th minute through Efe Ambrose.

    The Celtic defender rose above the Cameroon defence to power home a free kick from the right taken by Mikel Obi.

    Incidentally, it was just minutes after that Ambrose almost put the ball into his own net when his back pass beat an on-rushing goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.

    Outstanding Moses Simon scored his second Eagles goal on the hour when he blasted past the Cameroon goalkeeper after he was released by skipper Ahmed Musa.

    Substitute Odion Ighalo took the game beyond the Indomitable Lions with a third goal two minutes from time when he headed home off a delightful cross by Elderson Echiejile from the left flank.

    Cameroon would also struggle when skipper Stephane Mbia was sent off in the 47th minute after his second booking of the night.

    Before then, Cameroon young goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa had to pull off at least two big saves to deny the Super Eagles.

    In the ninth minute, the Barcelona second team shot stopper had to go down quickly to keep out a menacing ball heading for goal.

    He got a strong hand to a pile driver by Emmanuel Emenike after 31 minutes.

    But after Nigeria’s goal, Cameroon raised their game and ought to have at least drawn level particularly in the 44th minute when Spurs winger Clinton Njie got behind the Eagles defence, but Leonard Kweuku could not get a touch to the final pass from inside the six-yard box.

  • Nigeria beats Cameroon 3-0

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Sunday defeated Cameroon’s the Indomitable Lions 3-0 in an international friendly played in Brussels.

  • ENYEAMA, MIKEL IN EAGLES’ 24- MAN LIST FOR LEOPARDS, LIONS

    ENYEAMA, MIKEL IN EAGLES’ 24- MAN LIST FOR LEOPARDS, LIONS

    Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has listed goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama, midfielder John Mikel Obi and forwards Victor Moses and Odion Ighalo among 24 players for next month’s friendly internationals against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon in Belgium.

    Enyeama is joined by England –based Carl Ikeme, who in his debut kept clean sheets against Tanzania and Niger Rep. in two internationals earlier this month, as well as home –based stars Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Femi Thomas. Former junior international defender Abdullahi Shehu gets his first opportunity at senior level, and Moses Simon, who scored against Niger Republic, is also considered, alongside home boys Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo, Paul Onobi and Prince Aggrey. There is also room for Watford FC of England striker Odion Ighalo.

    The Super Eagles play the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo on October 8 and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days later, in Belgium, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) activates its plan to entrench stronger bond and cohesion among the relatively new group, through several friendly matches. The winner of the preliminary round between Swaziland and Djibouti will host the Super Eagles on November 9 in a 2018 FIFA World Cup first round qualifier, with the Eagles hosting the return leg in Nigeria eight days later.

    All invited players are expected to arrive in Belgium on  October 5.

    THE FULL SQUAD

    GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolves, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine); Femi Thomas (Enyimba FC)

    DEFENDERS: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

    MIDFIELDERS: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

    FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine)