The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mohammed

  • Mohammed, Jimoh win Fusion Tennis Tournament in Lagos

    Mohammed, Jimoh win Fusion Tennis Tournament in Lagos

    The fourth edition of Fusion Sports Foundation Tennis Clinic and Tournament climaxed in Lagos over the weekend with Khadijat Mohammed and Joseph Jimoh emerging winners at the one-day tournament.

    The weeklong tournament held at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, saw Mohammed and Jimoh claiming the girls and boys titles respectively.

    Read Also: Bayern should‘ve signed Osimhen not Kane, says Rohr

    To emerged champion, Mohammed defeated Sofia Agabiaka in straight set 6-0, 6-1 while the keenly contested boys’ final went into the decider after Jimoh came back from a set down to beat Daniel Adeleye 0-6, 6-3, 10-8.

    Over 200 kids took part in the initiative aimed to aid talent discovery and enhance tennis development especially at the grassroots level. The clinic/tournament featured participants from ages 4 to 16, serving as a platform for talented but less privileged kids to showcase their skills and exposure.

    Speaking at the end of the event, former National Junior Champion and Chief Executive Officer, Fusion Sports Foundation, Fuad Quadre expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and performance of the players.

     “I’m very happy with the turn out and we saw some interesting matches and we were able to select some players that we will sponsor through the year. I want to commend the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club for supporting by letting us use the facility and thanks to the kids for showing up in numbers.”

    Quadre explained that the next edition of the  tournament will be UTR rated for the players to get ranking points while seeking stakeholders support to enhance the event.

     “We are very open to partnership, sponsorship and assistance from corporate organizations and well-meaning individuals because we cannot do it all alone. We required all the support we can get because we must continue to provide the platform for the players to compete and playing regular tournaments will help to develop and I believe we can provide more scholarships for them to the United State”

    Vice President, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Ladi Olatunde, lauded the impact of the Fusion Tennis Clinic and Tournament while pledging further support from the club to the developmental initiative. He called other international players to emulate Quadre by giving back to the sport.

  • Kogi deserves better governor, says Mohammed

    A veteran journalist and former Pro-chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, has said that Kogi State deserves a better governor.

    He obtained the Nomination and Expression of Interest Form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the governorship primary at the weekend.

    Mohammed, who spoke with reporters after obtaining his form, lamented that Kogi State was gradually becoming the capital of poverty and thuggery in the country.

    He said: “We aspired for a state of excellence but what we have today is far from what we dreamed about.”

    The veteran journalist, however, said, Governor Yahaya Bello should not be blamed for the lack of performance, saying he could not have performed above his capacity.

    Mohammed, who is from Kogi East contested the 2015 primary ialongside Bello, James Ocholi, and the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

  • Buhari will intensify fight against corruption – Mohammed

    The fight against corruption will be intensified under President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term, Information, Culture & Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed has assured the international community.

    Mohammed, who gave the assurance in an interview with the Voice of America (VOA) in Washington  said the President would not compromise his anti-corruption programmes and policies.

    The minister is in Washington to engage international media and think tank, promote and reiterate the successes of the President Buhari’s administration.

    In the interview anchored in English by Aliyu Mustapha of the VOA Hausa service, the minister said the anti-corruption fight would be frontal in the agenda of the government “because corruption is one of the major causes of poverty and underdevelopment in the country.”

    He recalled a saying by President Buhari that ‘if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill us’ and reiterated the government’s commitment to the fight.

    Mohammed said: “The President is committed to the fight against corruption and the administration will continue with it.

    “For example, the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has instituted accountability in government‘s earnings and spendings and the whistle blower policy has led to the recovery of billions of naira.

    “It takes more than four years to clean a country endemic in corruption. However, it is on record that this administration has driven corruption under the carpet in four years.

    Read also: Buhari rallies APC Reps for Assembly leadership battle

    “In the next four years, therefore, the government will consolidate on the achievements recorded particularly in the fight against corruption.”

    On insecurity, the minister said the administration would apply multi-dimensional approach besides the deployment of forces.

    He said the government was not unaware of other remote causes of the crises in the affected areas, including economic and social reasons, non-inclusiveness, lack of infrastructure and job opportunities.

    Mohammed noted that the administration had performed well in addressing insecurity and the country is safer than it was in 2015.

    He said the government had successfully secured the entire territory of the country from the Boko Haram while the farmers/herdsmen clash in Benue had been curtailed.

    The minister said the fight against banditry, killings and banditry in Zamfara and Kaduna has “been put under control” in the last two weeks because of the synergy among the security forces.

    He assured that the government will continue to strengthen partnership on the regional and international levels in addressing the challenges.

    The minister also said the administration has made progress in economic recovery with deliberate programmers of diversifying the economy through agriculture and other sectors, as well as developing infrastructure.

    On Buhari’s victory at the February 23 presidential election, the minister said President Buhari’s victory was well deserved and represented “the triumph of the ordinary Nigerians over the elite.”

    He said having delivered on his electoral promises, the people voted for Buhari and he won the elections fairly and squarely, with about four million votes.

    Mohammed said with the wide margin of winning, the government did not envisage “any attempt to delegitimise the will of the people”.

    Former vice president and Buhari’s main challenger at the poll, Atiku Abubakar and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have approached the tribunal to upturn the President’s victory.

  • Mohammed: we need to recreate our culture

    The Minister of Information and Cultural, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said there is the need to recreate Nigeria’s culture.

    This, he said, would serve as a viable alternative to oil as the mainstay of our economy, which is invaluable to diversification.

    The Minister added that the relationship between culture and economic development could not be over emphasised as studies have shown that culture is a major pillar of sustainable economic development.

    He stated this in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, at the two-day workshop on repositioning Nigerian cultural workers for improved productivity, organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

    His words: “lt is worthy to note that the sector has been identified as one of the key drivers for economic growth in tandem with global trends hence the urgent need to recreate culture to serve as a viable alternative to oil as the mainstay of our economy.

    “The relationship between culture and economic development cannot be over emphasised as studies have shown that culture is a major pillar of sustainable economic development.

    “The economic impact of the contribution of arts and culture to the global economy is so enormous that countries that continue to neglect culture as the driver and enabler of the socio-economlc growth do so at their own detriment.

    “In this regard, it is of critical importance that cultural officers are adequately trained and equipped to come to terms with the professional demands and challenges of a modern economy with culture as the fulcrum of our economic diversification policy.”

    NICO Acting Executive Secretary, Mr Louis Eriomala stated that the vices, such as kidnapping and armed robbery i the country were caused by loss of cultural values.

    He said: “We told the workers that in doing their job, they should also bring cultural values to the front, honesty, respect for elders should be put in doing their jobs.

    “The things that drive any nation are the values, belief system and attitude. If they are wrong, you cannot do anything meaningful.

    ‘’You can see the vices today, the get- rich-quick syndrome. It was not like this in our time. People took time to make their money but today’s generation are in a hurry. There is nothing you tell them that they want to listen to. You can imagine the vices going on – ritual killings, armed robbery, kidnapping. Because there is this upsurge that I want to make it by all means.

    ‘’We have lost our values of dignity of labour, honesty, respect for the rule of law, which is why you find people doing things that were not done in the past. Our problem is the values. If our values are wrong, then everything else will be wrong.”

     

  • Mohammed, emir, others attend Fidau for Kwara monarch

    Kwara State Deputy Governor Peter Kisira, Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed and Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and other top dignitaries yesterday attended the Fidau prayer for the repose of the soul of the late Etsu Patigi, Ibrahim Chatta Umar.

    Etsu Umar died last Tuesday in Abuja and was buried the following day at Patigi in Patigi Local Government Area.

    Speaking at the event, Kisira urged Nigerians to contribute their quota to the growth of their community, which, he said, would in turn lead to progress.

    Kisira implored them to use their positions and wealth to serve and give their best to the growth of their communities to make life meaningful for the downtrodden.

    The deputy governor added that government alone could not meet the need of the people, hence the support of the people in achieving the needed growth.

    On the late Etsu Patigi, Kisira described him as a hardworking man who had passion for the progress of his community, the state and the nation.

    He advised the people of the community to emulate the late monarch’s sterling qualities to ensure peaceful co-existence and growth.

    He noted that the late Etsu contributed immensely to the giant stride and progress recorded in the community and the state, calling on resident not to allow his lofty dreams to die.

  • Emir of Patigi’s death a great loss, says Lai Mohammed

    The death of the Emir of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar is a huge shock and a monumental loss, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said.

    The minister in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, and signed by his media aide, Mr. Segun Adeyemi, condoled with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the government and people of Kwara and, in particular, the people of Patigi over the loss.

    He described the late Emir, who was the Vice Chairman of the State’s Traditional Council, as a man of peace, a great custodian of his people’s culture and a father to all, saying his wise counsel and leadership will be greatly missed, especially at this critical time in the history of Kwara State.

    Alhaji Mohammed said his last meeting with the Emir, during the burial of the father of Olofa of Offa, left him with a good memory of the departed monarch.

    He prayed that God will grant the late Emir Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort the people he left behind.

  • Buhari greets Anyaoku at 86

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who turns 86 on Jan. 18.
    The president’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Thursday.
    The message read, “Buhari joins family, friends and professional colleagues of the career diplomat in celebrating the many years of lofty achievements and contributions to the development of Nigeria, Africa and Commonwealth of nations.”
    The president particularly lauded Anyaoku’s personal interventions in promoting good governance, democracy and peace in many nations of the world.

    Read Also:Group rallies support for Buhari in Delta, South-South

    He also saluted the historical role Anyaoku played in the fight for the emancipation of South Africa from apartheid regime.
    Buhari further cited Anyaoku’s exemplary role in the “political, diplomatic and developmental issues that had shaped the Africa continent,” including the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity, now called the African Union.
    He described Anyaoku as a visionary elder statesman and applauded “his uncompromising position on the unity of Nigeria, which he has  relentlessly pursued, without compromise’’.
    The president prayed that God should grant the octogenarian longer life, good health and more strength to continue to render selfless service to his fatherland.

  • FG challenges PDP to prove allegation of campaigning with state funds

    The Federal Government on Friday challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to prove its allegation that the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led government was using state resources for electioneering campaign.

    Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed in a statement in Ilorin said that the allegation was made by a media aide to the PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    According to Mohammed, Abubakar’s media aide’s allegation was provoked by the ministry’s widely circulated testimony series showcasing the achievements of President Buhari’s administration.

    He dismissed the allegation as “acute paranoia’’, stressing that those who made the comment should prove it.

    “It is up to those who made the accusation on the use of state resources for electioneering campaign to prove it, in line with the maxim that he who alleges must prove,’’ the minister said.

    He said that the Buhari administration’s massive achievements had rattled the PDP and its candidate, and their actions amounted to an acknowledgement of the administration’s impressive accomplishments.

    “In publicising the activities and achievements of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture is only carrying out its statutory role.

    “Long before the elections, the ministry has used various platforms, including town hall meetings, to showcase the activities and achievements of the administration.

    Read Also: Participate in 2019 elections, MASSOB directs members

    “We understand that the PDP and the Atiku Campaign Organisation have been rattled by these successes as well as the effectiveness of the campaign to showcase them.

    “We are sorry we can’t help them,’’ the minister said.

    He expressed surprise that the PDP that had said earlier that the Buhari administration had not achieved anything had now changed its tune.

    Mohammed said the PDP had turned around to admit that the media was awash with video testimonies from Nigerians on the Buhari administration’s achievements.

  • 2019 budget proposals the best FG can offer, says Mohammed

    Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed said yesterday that the 2019 budget proposal submitted to the National Assembly on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari is the best the federal government can offer.

    Mohammed told State House correspondents in Abuja that it is now up to the National Assembly to consider the proposal.

    Asked by reporters to respond to comments by Senate President Bukola Saraki that the budget proposal holds no hope for Nigerians, the minister said: “It is not the practice of the executive to be exchanging words with the legislative arm of government.

    “They are independent, we are independent. But to the best of our knowledge, we presented a budget given the circumstances of our resources this year.

    “We feel that is the best we can. It is left for the National Assembly to consider it.”

    Read also: EFCC intercepts $2.8m cash at airport

    The minister also noted that the Buhari administration has delivered on its promises to Nigerians.

    “We are happy that we have been able to meet all our promises, all our obligations to Nigerians.

    “And as the year rolls out, we are more determined to even deliver more to Nigerians.”

    The minister, who briefed Buhari on the activities of his ministry, said he made a portrait of the President in five major Nigerian attires, “one is in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Efik and one in suit.

    “It is reminiscent of the portrait we use during this campaign.”

  • Mohammed: improved security, upgraded facilities ‘ll boost tourism

    MINISTER of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed has said the present administration’s efforts at improving security and upgrading infrastructure is a deliberate policy to promote tourism.

    He stated this yesterday when he received the D-8 Secretary-General, Mr. Dato’ Ku Jafafar Ku Shaari, when he visited his office in Abuja.

    Mohammed noted that without the provision of security and critical infrastructure, tourism growth will remain a mirage.

    He said: “Without peace and security, the best tourist attractions will be inaccessible to anybody. As a matter of fact, without peace and security and stability, travel advisories will actually discourage or even prohibit tourists from coming into those areas and the people don’t invest really in the areas where there is instability or insecurity. That is why the government has made it a cardinal principle to address the issue of insecurity in the country,” he said.

    Mohammed, according to a statement by his Senior Adviser, Segun Adeyemi, said in spite of the recent setbacks in the fight against insurgency in the country, the government has succeeded in banishing Boko Haram to the fringes of Lake Chad, from where they carry out cowardly attacks.

    He said before the advent of the Buhari Administration, a large chunk of Nigeria’s territory, including 20 out of the 27 Local Government Areas in Borno State, was under the effective control of Boko Haram.

    The minister also said before the President Muhammadu Buhari administration assumed office, Boko Haram could stroll into the Federal Capital Territory to carry out deadly attacks, but that the reverse is the case now.

    “Today after three years, we have had no single incident of any insurgency in Abuja or its environs,” he said.

    Mohammed said Buhari has succeeded in mobilising regional support to ensure the comprehensive defeat of Boko Haram in the Sahel Region.

    On the provision of infrastructure, he said the administration has invested N2.7 trillion in infrastructure within two years.

    “Your Excellency, you cannot have tourism without infrastructure. There must be roads, airports and power. Without these things, you can’t even access the tourist attractions and it’s on record that this government has in the last two years – 2016-2017 – invested massively in infrastructure,” he said.

    The minister assured that Nigeria is poised to take advantage of its membership of the D-8 to advance its tourism sector.

    The D-8 Secretary-General said he and his team were in the ministry to secure the input of the government towards the development of a strategic vision on how member countries can share experiences and knowledge on tourism.

    “The purpose of our visit today to the ministry is to learn from the government and the ministry in all the activities in respect of culture and tourism and where we can connect as an organisation,” he said.

    He hailed the Nigerian government for its efforts towards tourism’s growth, especially the provision of security and critical infrastructure as well as the introduction of visa on arrival for tourists.