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Tag: Mustapha Abdullahi

  • ECN DG reiterates commitment to enhanced energy access

    ECN DG reiterates commitment to enhanced energy access

    The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has reiterated the Federal government’s commitment to enhanced energy access and improved power supply across the country.

    Abdullahi, who made this known in a statement while extending warm felicitations to Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration, urged them to continue to uphold the values of sacrifice, obedience, and faith.

    He called on Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation.

    According to him, the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is focused on revitalising Nigeria’s energy landscape through sustainable and alternative energy solutions.

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    Dr. Abdullahi emphasised that the ongoing solarisation drive is a key component of the government’s strategy to provide Nigerians with reliable and clean energy sources.

    He noted that no nation can achieve meaningful development without adequate energy supply to drive economic growth and sustainable progress.

    He called on  Nigerians to support the solarisation programme and other energy sector reforms, stressing that collective effort is essential to restoring the nation to the path of advancement.

  • ECN commissions hybrid electric vehicle charging station to advance clean energy

    ECN commissions hybrid electric vehicle charging station to advance clean energy

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), understand the Director-General, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has commissioned a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station at its headquarters in Abuja.

    Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, officiated the commissioning, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

    The newly commissioned five-kilowatt solar-powered facility is designed for sustainability and efficiency, operating on both solar photovoltaic (PV) power and the national grid.

    It features a 20-kilowatt lithium battery and a BVA intelligent inverter, ensuring quick charging and reliability.

    Abdullahi emphasized that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s local content policy, lithium—a key battery component—will soon be sourced locally, boosting Nigeria’s battery production capacity.
    The project aligns with Nigeria’s climate change commitments, clean energy policies, and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets.

    It supports the transition to a low-carbon economy by reducing dependence on fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

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    The fast-charging technology can fully charge a typical EV in 30 minutes and concurrently charge up to four vehicles, making it a game-changer for Nigeria’s EV adoption.

    Abdullahi expressed gratitude to the Minister for support in advancing ECN’s initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He also acknowledged the contributions of ECN’s technical partner, the Electric Motor Vehicle Company, Nigeria’s first EV manufacturer, led by Mr. Audu Mustapha.

    Welcoming the Minister and other dignitaries to the commissioning ceremony, Abdullahi affirmed that this project represents a bold step toward Nigeria’s sustainable energy future.

    He reiterated ECN’s commitment to driving innovative energy solutions that will power the nation’s transition to cleaner and more efficient energy systems.

  • Abdullahi Mustapha: New Babayaro blooming in Bulgaria

    From Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to the Flying Eagles, Mustapha Abdullahi has stepped into higher ground with Bulgarian Professional League side, Lokomotiv Plovdiv. MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN here captures the football odyssey, ambition and intimate moments of the fleet-footed left back.

    Today, he sits on his ancestral stool with panache but the rigour of the office has not drained his solid attachment with football. And one thing stands out: his unforgettable moment with Emmanuel Amuneke, the newly appointed coach of Taifa Stars, the national team of Tanzania.

    Welcome to the soccer world of Alhaji Adegoke Ghazaal Abdurrasheed Adekilutoro 1, Bagii of Saki.

    The paths of Abdurrasheed and Amuneke actually crossed some 27 years ago during his undergraduate days at the Cairo Al-Azhar University when he served as a volunteer during the 5th All-Africa Games (AAG). It was at this AAG that Amuneke was spotted by Egyptian top side Zamalek after his blistering form helped the national U-23 team clinch the Bronze medal.

    The debonair monarch from Saki in Oyo State here recalls with nostalgia the humble beginning of Amuneke, their fond relationship and highlighted some sterner qualities that might stand the 1994 African Footballer of Year in good stead at his new duty post in Dodoma.

    “My first encounter with Amuneke was at the Alexandra Stadium in Cairo during the 1991 All African Games tagged Cairo ’91,” began the Bagii, the de-facto sovereign in the absence of Okere – the King of Saki. “Amuneke was the outstanding player of the tournament from the Nigerian team though it was Tijani Babangida who was (highly) rated before the tournament.

    “Amuneke stole the show but unfortunately, he was red carded in the (semi-final) match against Cameroon just to weaken our team and we eventually lost (1-0). But that was where he caught the attention of Zamalek FC.

    “I was a student at that time in Egypt and served as a volunteer guide during the All African Games. I was contacted on how to get the player and after the football tourney, Zamalek went for him.

    “When he eventually came to Egypt, I was the first Nigerian to visit him in his hotel room and offered him advice on how to go about things in Egypt.

    “This was possible because I was privy to the fact that Zamalek was going for him, so I followed the scenario and when he arrived in Egypt I visited him with my friend, Oba Abdul Qadir Alakuko of blessed memory.

    “From there, our friendship started. When he later moved from the hotel to a permanent accommodation at Said Street El Muhandeseen in Cairo, Amuneke requested that I move with him. I was a 300 level student at Cairo Al- Azhar University and living in a hostel.

    “I moved with him and we lived together for the period he stayed in Egypt. We ate together, slept together and I played a big brother role throughout his stay in Egypt.

    “As someone raised in Ajegunle, Amuneke was quick to adapt to the situation. My first impression about him is what is still holding us together till today,” reiterated the 54-year-old ruler.

    Thereafter, Amuneke ruled the wave with the Egyptian side and his wizardry on the left wing coupled with goals that helped Zamalek in one of their golden moments, including winning the domestic league title and African Cup of Champions (now CAF Champions League) which culminated in his choice as the 1994 African Footballer of the Year.

    The Bagii of Saki blasted on: “Amuneke was a phenomenon when he was with Zamalek, well loved by his playmates. His best friends included Nadir El Sayed who was the goal keeper because on many occasions he covered up for him even as a striker.

    “Also Tamir Abdul Hameed, Hisham Yakan and Gamal AbdulHameed were all his closest friends before Akin Akinseinde joined Zamalek through the recommendation and help of Amuneke.

    “Though Egypt is a Muslim- dominated country, Amuneke was not discriminated against because of his Christian belief. He was not the only Christian in the team then because there was also Ashraf Qaasim, an Egyptian who was also a defensive midfielder for Egypt that time.

    “I was his unofficial manager throughout his stay in Egypt because of my proficiency in the Arabic language. I read his contract or any document before he appended his signature; that is why he never got into any trouble throughout.”

    According to the Bagii of Saki, one of Amuneke’s outstanding qualities is perseverance even in the face of serious maltreatment, recalling how the former Julius Berger winger overcame a turbulent moment of his career to become a legend at Zamalek.

    “In the earlier part of the 1993 football season, Amuneke  was highly criticised by fans and management to the extent that the coach (Dave Mackay/Mahmoud El Gohary) lost interest in him and was retired to the bench even for the greater part of the second half of that season,” he recollected as if the event happened yesterday.

    “But about four matches to the end of the season, Zamalek were trailing Al-Ahly (bitter rivals with Zamalek in the Egyptian League) for the title; and Zamalek needed at least nine points from two home and two away matches to snatch the title from Al-Ahly.

    “As fate would have it, Amuneke scored hat tricks in three of the last four matches (two away and one at home). His nine goals and three wins won the title for Zamalek, and Amuneke was the club’s highest goal scorer and the MVP of that year.

    “Amuneke usually played from the left but he had his first hat trick the first time he was used as a top striker. I think that feast earned him a place in the national team under Coach Clemens Westerhof.

    “The late Coach Paul Hamilton was in Egypt that time to monitor Nigerian players abroad for the Super Eagles then and he watched one of those matches where he scored a hat trick; the rest is history.”

    Yet this crowned head still has in his head and heart in some great memories of those aromatic days with Amuneke in Cairo, describing the former Barcelona winger as a detribalised Nigerian and a gentleman with kind dispositions.

    “Amuneke is a down-to-earth and a kind-hearted person,” he noted. “A detribalised fellow; anytime he was going to play, I would pray for him in the Islamic way and it was okay by him.

    “Though an Igbo guy, most of his close friends are Yoruba and I remember Eric Asomugha who is from the Niger Delta. One more thing about him is that he used to accommodate Nigerian sports men and women, especially journalists who came to Egypt.  He’s a friend of journalists both local and international.

    “Of course, he has his own flaws as a human being. He keeps to himself and becomes moody if he is upset especially any time he has off day in a game.

    “His off-field engagement as far as I can recall is that he loved watching movies and listen to music, especially classic blues and native Igbo Christian music. He’s homely and religious.”

    Incidentally, the Bagii of Saki has religiously kept faith with his chum from his Cairo days and was forthcoming following the appointment of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach as the new manager of Taifa Stars of Tanzania. “I’m so much elated for the opportunity given to him (Amuneke) to coach a foreign national team. I believe Amuneke will perform excellently well because he’s hardworking and versed in the knowledge of the game of football.  He is going to bring his experiences to bear in improving Tanzanian Football.

    “Having known him well from his younger years, I think other qualities that can help him in his present job are his zeal, courage and his never-say-die spirit. He also has passion for the round leather game; he’s intelligent, humble and cool headed and his social life is moderate,” he stated matter-of-factly.

  • Abdullahi eyes continental ticket with Wikki Tourist

    Abdullahi eyes continental ticket with Wikki Tourist

     

    Wikki Tourist new left back, Mustapha Abdullahi has vowed to help the club secure a continental ticket for next season.

    The Bauchi based side were highly rated following their third place finish in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) two seasons ago but they faltered last season, escaping relegation by just three points.

    However, Abdullahi is confident that the club can do well this season and grab a continental spot like they achieved in the 2016/17 season.

    “I believe Wikki tourist has what it takes to play at the continental level” the 21-year-old said.

    “By the special Grace of God, we should be getting a continental ticket at the end of the season just like we’ve achieved before.”

    Abdullahi is regarded as one of the best left backs in Nigeria having played for the U17, 20 and 23 national teams. He was also part of the team that represented Nigeria at the All African Games and helped himself to a goal against Senegal during that tournament.

    Fans of Wikki Tourist will specially look out for the enterprising Abdullahi when they host newly promoted Go Round FC at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium for the kick-off of the 2018 NPFL season.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Youths protest Senators’ donation of rice to Kogi civil servants

    Youths protest Senators’ donation of rice to Kogi civil servants

    Some members of Kogi Youth Movement for Credible Leadership (KYMCL) on Friday staged a protest against the alleged donation of 1,260 bags of rice by some Senators to civil servants in Kogi.

    The protest was carried out along the Abuja-Lokoja highway causing gridlock as the youths trooped into the expressway for about an hour to express their displeasure over the donation.

    Mustapha Abdullahi, the KYMCL President in Lokoja, expressed disappointment over the attitude of some Senators, headed by a Senator Representing Kogi West Senatorial District on the floor of the Senate on Oct. 25.

    He expressed concern that one of the Senators representing the state could lead the action to drag the image of Kogi in the murky mud of politics.

    “This act is unpatriotic and a slap on the good image of our people and a mockery on the plight of Kogi State civil servants and civil servants across the country who are suffering the same fate due to dwindling economic situation nationwide.

    “If this act by the Senators was done in good fate, the donation should have been done for civil servants nationwide.

    “But because it was laced with politics of wickedness and hatred for the common civil servant, a mockery 1,260 bags of rice was conjured to demean the sacred pride of our people,’’ he said.

    Abdullahi called on all civil servants in Kogi to raise their heads above the parody of bags of rice from the Senators. restating their absolute support for the recall of the Senator by his constituents.

    The youths carried banners and placards with various inscriptions like as “Kogi is not IDP camp”, “Bags of rice cannot stop your recall”.

    Other inscriptions read: “Sidon look Senators, leave Kogi alone”, “Labour shine your eyes, avoid monkey pox rice” and “Bye bye to ghost worker syndrome in Kogi”, among others. (NAN)

    ASA/MUYI/TÁ

  • Wife’s battering crashes 5-year-old marriage

    Wife’s battering crashes 5-year-old marriage

    A five-year-old marriage riddled with crisis between Aminat and her husband, Mustapha Abdullahi was on Thursday pronounced dissolved by an Ilorin Area Court.

    The court said the constant battering of the woman by the estranged  husband was a major plank on which the judgment was based.

    The petitioner, a resident of Gambari area of Ilorin, told the court that their marriage which was contracted in 2012, had produced one child.

    She said that her husband always beat her at the slightest provocation, adding “he failed as a father to take care of his child and me.

    “My husband beats me whenever I ask for money for food and I cannot continue with an irresponsible man who did not care for me and the child.

    “My Lord, I want an end to this union because I do not love him again,” Aminat told the court.

    She urged the court to grant her the custody of the child and also compel the ex-husband to be responsible for the school fees and feeding of the child.

    She said her husband borrowed N32,000 from her and asked the court to help her to collect the money.

    It was reported that the husband, who was represented by his counsel, Mr Abdullahi Jimba, said he had his authority to accede to the dissolution of the marriage and also agreed to pay for school fees and feeding of the child.

    He, however, told the court that he was not aware of the issue of debt and asked for another date for hearing on the debt.

    In his judgment, the judge, Mr Abdulkadri Ibrahim, dissolved the union and adjourned the case until Nov. 7 for hearing of the debt claim. (NAN)

  • Court remands two apprentices for misappropriating recharge cards

    Court remands two apprentices for misappropriating recharge cards

    A Sokoto Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded two apprentices for allegedly misappropriating mobile phone recharge cards worth N11.4 million.

    Abdulazeez Yahaya, (33), and Mustapha Abdullahi, (32), residents of new Arkilla and Gawon-Nama areas in the Sokoto metropolis, respectively, were charged with criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and misappropriation of fund.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Naallah Jibo, told the court that the accused persons were recruited by one Abubakar Binji of Rabah road in Sokoto, a recharge card dealer, sometime in 2012, to run his business as apprentices.

    He said Yahaya was entrusted with recharge cards worth N8, 177, 920 while Abdullahi was entrusted with recharge cards valued at N6, 944, 000 respectively.

    Jibo told the court that the complainant reported the incident to the Police after he reconciled his accounts with the accused and they could not account for the sum of N11.4 million from proceeds of the sales.

    Jibo added that the incident occurred sometime in 2012 and the offences contravened Sections 315 and 309 of the Penal Code Law.

    The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them and Chief Magistrate Abubakar Adamu ordered that they should be remanded in prison custody, for further investigations.

    Adamu adjourned the case until July 30, for hearing.

  • ‘My time will come’

    ‘My time will come’

    MUSTAPHA Abdullahi is in the league of a new crop of youngsters that came through under coach Manu Garba when Nigeria won the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013.

    Abdullahi, the gifted left back, eventually missed the World Cup party due to some extraneous factors than lack of talent but has since bounced back and was as constant as the Northern Star when the Flying Eagles won the CAF U-20 Nations Cup in Senegal last year. He was also part of the national Under-23 team that won the bronze medal at the last All Africa Games but yet again missed the team’s final cup for the Under-23 Nations Cup which served as the qualifying tournament for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Soccer tournament in Senegal.

    Yet Abdullahi is not disturbed that many of his colleagues right from his days with the Golden Eaglets have since moved on to greater things by joining the rank of Nigerian players abroad.

    “I’m aware of that (friends joining European clubs), but everyone has his own destiny,” Abdullahi said in his typical philosophical hue. “It’s God who made their own possible and I’m hoping for the right time to come, believe me I can’t give up.”

    The usual straight-talking youngster who has since gained admission into a tertiary institution to study mass communication bared out his mind to MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN on sundry issues. Excerpts….

    Let’s start this way, who are you?

    I’m Mustapha Abdullahi.  I’m a footballer but just a human like every other people, and it’s God that made me to become a football player. I am just a different person from what others may think.

    Tell us how it all started and where you are now

    I started playing football since when I was in secondary school at the Government College Katsina (GCK) in Katsina State. I went to the Golden Eaglets training exercise, the FIFA goal Project in Abuja when I was with The Nath Boys Football Club in Lagos.

    You were one of the key players in the 2013 Golden Eaglets but failed to make it to the World Cup… Was that a setback for your career?

    Yeah!  You are right. But it was not a bad thing for me because I did not play the Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.  I have a strong heart that I know God who already make me to start (a career in football) he  will surely bring something good that could even be better than not  playing the U-17 World Cup In Dubai.

    You came in strongly with the Flying Eagles winning in Senegal but failed in New Zealand, tell us your experience.

    I couldn’t still imagine it that we were out from the event and I still found it strange that we even lost our first game against Brazil. Yet it was a great experience at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand  and everything was based on physical(condition),speed and technicalities. The game that surprised me most was the last game against Germany, they were tactically and technically sound.

    What made the Germans better?

    They were bigger than us and their playing pattern was different from ours.

    Is there anything you think the team should have done differently?

    Yeah, our team could have defended more than attacking, but no matter what I say now, God almighty has decided who to win the match.

    Coach Manu Garba said some of the guys were afraid to play in Christchurch due to earthquake

    It may be true but I cannot read the minds of everyone. But I believe coaches Manu and Ugbade are the coaches who can always make Nigerians proud.

    Why do you say so?

    Because I have worked under them and I have seen it clearly that with time Nigeria will go higher. They are very serious people and are always on point.

    You have also played under coach Siasia. What makes him different from Manu?

    Coach Siasia has coached the senior national team before and he is a great person. He always wants his players to be focussed and I believe with discipline and luck, his team will make history for Nigeria at the Olympic Games in Rio.

    You were with him during the All Africa Games, why did you miss the trip to Senegal?

    Yes, I was in camp before the team left for Senegal.  But when they brought the list of those who were to travel to Gambia, my name was not among. I left the camp back for home and wished the team well

    And you were not disappointed when they won the CAF?

    I’m very happy when they won because I’m a Nigerian too. I sent message to those who I have their contacts to congratulate them even to coach Siasia.  I’m a kind of player who pray for others to make it.

    A lot of your friends have secured professional contract abroad, what is holding you back?

    I’m aware of that, but everyone has his own destiny. It’s God who made their own possible and I’m  hoping for the  right time to come; believe me  I can’t  give up.

    You reportedly travelled to Morocco, what is cooking there?

    I did not travel to Morocco, I don’t know who went and wrote the news. I was actually with my family in Katsina at the time they said I was in Morocco. But there is a deal (coming up) in Morocco.

    So where is your next bus stop?

    My next bus top is where exactly God wants me to stop.

    Where do you like?

    Anywhere, as much as they are playing good football there.

    What would you have done, if not playing football?

    Schooling and even now, I’m In school in Katsina.

    Which school and what course?

    The Nigeria Open University in Katsina and I am studying mass communication.

    What do you like about mass communication?

    Everything… and it could be easier for me to study it since I still want to play my football.

    You seem to like fashion

    Yes, sure.

    Why and what are the things you love to wear?

    I love to wear simple clothes and things that are not too expensive, but I will make sure it’s clean.

    I have seen you on some smart casual wears too

    Yeah, sometimes you have to use them (because they are in vogue).

    What are the things you like about yourself?

    I like my personality; I’m full of passion and courage.

    Are you a difficult person?

    I am not a difficult person, even some people think I’m too simple.

    Why are you a simple guy?

    Because I was trained to be simple by my parents.

    What kind of work do your parents do?

    My mother works at the education board while my father was assistant comptroller of immigration in Katsina.

    How many are you in the family?

    We are 16 now..some are late.

    You mean 16 kids from your mum and dad?

    No. Sixteen kids between my mum and stepmom.

    So what was growing up in Katsina like?

    It was all about education, business and sports.

    Apart from football, what other sport do you like or do?

    Basketball.

    Who were your heroes when you started?

    I have no heroes …I’m just doing it due to the passion I have for the game.

    I mean those who inspired you to be a footballer

    My father and some friends.

    What are the things your father used to tell you?

    He always says I should be honest and trust God in everything I’m doing; also not to lie or cheat anyone  so that I can go far in my career, and I should be telling myself that I can do it and I must do it.

    Has speaking the truth landed you in trouble before?

    Not at all, and I don’t think it will.

    How many play football in your family now?

    Only Mustapha Abdullahi.

    Can you compare the 2013 U-17 team and that of 2015?

    I can’t only say much but they are good too because they have won the cup.

    Say your mind… speak the truth

    Seriously, I like number 2 (Lazarus John); number 9 (Victor Osimhen); Number 7 (Funsho Bamgboye); Halilu Zakari and also the captain (Kelechi Nwakali).Those are the people who worked to death for the team.

    What about the 2013 team?

    I think the 2013 squad is more mature than the 2015 squad.

    Compare Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Osimhen

    I think Iheanacho is better than Osimhen, because Iheanacho can play in more positions and he is very skilful than Osimhen.

    But Osimhen scored more goals than Iheanacho at the World Cup…

    Yes.

    Iheanacho is now playing at Man City, what does that say about his talent?

    In a few years, he is going make a big difference and everyone would see it. He is a good player and always likes to listen and learn more.

    What are the things you saw in Osimhen?

    Victor is a young boy, he has speed. His eyes are always on the net.

    Who are your favourite players?

    Marcelo, Musa Muhammed (2013 Golden Eaglets captain) and Success Isaac (presently with Granada).

    Why the three of them?

    They are the players I just like personally .They are all good.

    What makes Musa and Success special?

    Because they have the same spirit with me and always ready to do the job.

    Tell us a secret about yourself

    I have no secret. I am just a hard working person.

    Who is the girl after your heart?

    Football.

    Finally, what are the things you plan to achieve in the next five years?

    My education and to achieve more in football.

  • Mustapha Abdullahi undergoes trials at Legia

    Polish club, Legia Warsaw began running the rule over Nigeria U-23 international, Mustapha Abdullahi on Saturday.

    The left-back recently tried his luck at 2 Bundesliga side Arminia Bielefeld but was not offered a contract at the end of the exercise.

    Mustapha Abdullahi has been linked with a number of teams in Europe since representing the Flying Eagles at the 2015 U-20 World Cup and was on the verge of penning a deal with Moroccan top – flight club ,Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi before the close of the winter transfer market.

    The 20-year-old will travel with the Legia Warsaw squad for a training camp at Grodzisk Wielkopolski, where the Reserves will play test games against Warta and Lech II.

  • German club rejects Nigerian defender

    German second division club, Arminia Bielefeld, has turned down the chance to sign ex-Flying Eagles defender, Mustapha Abdullahi, after he failed to impress team officials during trial with the club.

    Abdullahi, who has also undergone trial with Portuguese second division club, Portimenense, last year, tried out with Bielefeld at the team warm weather training camp in Antalya, Turkey, africanFootball.com reports.

    Bielefeld lies 12th on the Bundesliga 2 table with 24 points from 19 matches.