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Tag: Mustapha

  • CHAN Eagles’ Mustapha seals Albanian move

    CHAN Eagles’ Mustapha seals Albanian move

    Super Eagles B team attacker Ibrahim Mustapha Yuga has completed his medical routine at FK Bylis FC of Albania and signed a contract with the club.

    Yuga, a native of Borno  formerly played for Enyimba International, Kano Pillars, Plateau United, and El-Kanemi Warriors in the Nigerian League.

    Read Also: Saudi  Arabia cancel  alcohol at  2034 World Cup

    He also had stints with Dibba Al Hisn in the UAE and Al Hilal Al Sudani.

    The Nigerian is expected to bring his wealth of experience to help the Albanian side.

  • BREAKING: Buhari’s signature forged to withdraw $6.2m from CBN, says ex-SGF Mustapha

    BREAKING: Buhari’s signature forged to withdraw $6.2m from CBN, says ex-SGF Mustapha

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha has said the signature of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari was forged by those who withdrew $6,230,000 from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on February 8, 2023.

    Mustapha, who was testifying on Tuesday, February 13, in the trial of former governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, said his signature was also forged, adding that he knew nothing about the money reported to have been withdrawn for the payment of foreign election observers.

    Read Also: Emefiele: Why we paid out $6.2m, by CBN director

    The ex-SGF said it was not the business of the federal government or the office of the SGF to request funds from the CBN for the payment of foreign election observers, saying it was solely the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deal with issues relating to election observers.

    An official of the CBN, Michael Onyeka Ogbu had told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama on Monday that the amount was given out in cash to an official from the office of the SGF, named Jibril Abubakar following approvals by President Buhari and CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele following a request by the SGF.

    Emefiele is accused by the prosecution of being behind the withdrawal.

    Details shortly…

  • Labour hails Oyetola, Kyari, Mustapha

    The Joint Labour Unions in Osun State have congratulated Governor Gboyega Oyetola on his victory at the Supreme Court over last year’s gubernatorial election in the state.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), its Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in a joint statement in Osogbo, the state capital, felicitated with the governor.

    The statement, jointly signed by the state Chairman of NLC, Comrade Adekomi Jacob Tunde; his counterpart in the TUC, Comrade Adekola Adebowale and the JNC Chairman, Comrade Bayo Adejumo said: “We heartily congratulate the Executive Governor of the state, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola on his deserved victory at the Supreme Court.

    “It is our belief that this victory will spur you to be more focused and undistracted on the assignment of taking the state to greater heights.

    “The unions felicitate with you and pray that God Almighty will help you as you prepare to make life more bearable and pleasant for the teeming workers in the state. Once again, we congratulate you.”

    In a related event, the NLC, on behalf of its National Executive Council (NEC), commended President Muhammadu Buhari for reappointing Mr. Boss Mustapha and Malam Abba Kyari as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chief of Staff to the President respectively.

    NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the union had over the past four years enjoyed very good working relationships with Alhaji Kyari and Mr. Mustapha, which have contributed immensely to fast-tracking resolutions of critical labour issues in the country.

    He said: “We have no doubt that the country has benefited and will benefit more from their commitment to the success of the present government and the progress of the entire country.”

    Wabba added that the union enjoyed a robust relationship with Mr. Kyari’s at critical moments during the negotiations of the new National Minimum Wage, “which dispelled various misinformation sent to the President by some individuals involved in the negotiations”.

    The NLC further urged  President Buhari to maintain the trust and patriotic purpose of Alhaji Kyari’s and Boss Mustapha’s presence in his administration.

  • Amosun’s ex – campaign director, Mustapha, alleges threat to life

    •Petitions Police, DSS •Abiodun to Gov: Imbibe spirit of sportsmanship

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Ogun State, Chief Olabode Mustapha, has dispatched a petition to the police and the Directorate of State Security (DSS), alleging threat to his life by unknown persons for supporting the party’s Governorship candidate for 2019 general elections, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    Mustapha, former Director General (DG), Sen. Ibikunle Amosun Campaign Organisation (SIACO) for a second term, said in separate petitions to the state director of DSS and the Commissioner of Police, that the alleged threats to his life followed his recent remarks in which he called for the liberation of the state from tyranny, and support for the emergence of the Abiodun as the next governor of the state.

    He spoke as the media team of Abiodun Campaign Organisation (ACO)  urged Amosun to allow the supremacy of the party to prevail on the nomination of  Dapo Abiodun as the APC governorship candidate.

    Mustapha in his October 19, 2018 petition said the threats came via “phone calls and visits to my private home and office” by unknown people.

    He pleaded with the police to urgently fish out the brains behind the threats and save him from elimination before it is too late.

    He said:”Trouble started shortly on Sunday, 14th October 2018 after I made the short remarks where I expressed my support for Prince Abiodun and representatives of invited media organizations [electronics and print] that were in attendance carried the report in their publications the following day on Monday, 15th October 2018.

    “It is evident in my speech in Iperu that I am one of the main backers/supporters of Prince Dapo Abiodun who the APC National Working Committee has confirmed as party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State.

    “As a law abiding citizen of Nigeria and a staunch member of the APC in Ogun State, I am entitled to express my freedom of association and expression as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

    “I have come under scathing attacks by unknown persons who have been doing the bid of their paymasters and have resorted to threatening my life hurling verbal abuses at my humble self.

    “I am therefore calling on your good office to quickly wade into the matter and unearth the perpetrators of these dastardly act and also ensure the safety of my life and that of my household members.”

    ACO to Amosun : Imbibe spirit of sportsmanship, embrace Abiodun

    Abiodun’s  media team also advised Amosun to face the reality that his preferred man, Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade, has  lost the party’s ticket, and join hands with Abiodun to serve the larger interest of the party and the people of the  state.

    It said: “We have again received the news credited to the Governor of Ogun State, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun where he vows that he has not accepted Prince Dapo Abiodun as the winner of the APC gubernatorial primary.

    “It is no more news to the good people of Ogun State that Abiodun is the APC gubernatorial candidate in the State having polled the highest number of votes in a freely and fairly contested direct primary election as announced by the Electoral Panel sent in by the National Working Committee of the party.

    “The committee was led by Mr Muhammed Indabawa, a retired Commissioner of Police with a distinguished record of service.

    “With the general elections fast approaching, the governor has failed to unite the party in preparation for the huge task ahead.

    “This is because his preferred successor lost the party’s ticket. The spirit of sportsmanship and party politics demands that losers accept their losses and join hands with the winner to serve the larger interest of the party and the society.

    “There have been efforts on the part of state and national leaders of the party to forge a common front in preparation for the victory of the party at the general elections but the governor has consistently made attempts to frustrate the reconciliatory efforts of the party leaders because he wants to install his successor by all means.

    “It is on record that national leaders of the party including President Muhammadu Buhari, have convened series of meetings to appease the governor to move on and accept the rightful winner of the party’s ticket.

    “The governor in his own volition and wishes refuses to yield to the party’s directives to accept the decision of the NWC in line with the constitution of the party, APC.

    “We cannot turn down the people’s will having elected Dapo Abiodun as their flag bearer and it is time we move on in preaching the gospel of Abiodun to the good people of Ogun State who have all been yearning to see him in the exalted seat.

    “Abiodun as an entrepreneur who has provided over 10,000 direct and 250,000 indirect jobs to the people has become the toast of many residents of Ogun State and they can’t wait to have him as their next governor.”

     

  • Ex-Abacha’s aide Mustapha wins PPN presidential ticket

    Former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, has clinched the presidential ticket of the People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN).
    According to the Chairman, PPN Presidential Primary Elections Committee,  Mr. Dare Adekolu, Al-Mustapha won with 3,564,262 votes to beat Dr. Imuetinyan Igbinnosa, who garnered 2,183,856 votes and Chief Isiaka Olorunnimbe who polled 1,400,755 votes.
    Adekolu who collated election results from the 36 states and the FCT at the PPN Presidential Primaries/2018 National Convention which held in Ado Ekiti, declared Al-Mustapha as the party’s presidential candidate.
    Adekolu, who is Ekiti State PPN Chairman, urged party members and other Nigerians to support and vote for the party’s flagbearer for the 2019 presidential election.
    He said: “PPN has come to redeem Nigeria. PPN has come to save Nigeria from poverty, lack, unemployment and underdevelopment, hence the need for support”.
    In his acceptance speech, Al-Mustapha, who was represented on the occasion by Mr. Zakaria Husseini, promised Nigerians good leadership and promised to salvage the country and put it back on the path of growth and prosperity.
    Husseini, who described the PPN flagbearer as a detribalised, patriotic Nigerian and experienced administrator, assured that Al-Mustapha would “provide the missing link in governance in Nigeria and ensure better lives
    for the citizenry in all spheres of the economy”.
    In his address, PPN National Chairman, Hon Razak Eyiowuawi, who expressed confidence that with the party’s flagbearer, the road was clear for PPN to win the 2019 presidential election, described the party as the country’s
    life-wire with its emphasis as agriculture development.
    Eyiowuawi said “the popularity, wealth of experience and Major Al-Mustaphaand his appeal to a wide spectrum will help the party to victory. PPN is a force to reckon with. We are going into this election which we believe we can win with positive mind”.
    The PPN chairman, who dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the 2019 presidential election would be straight fight between APC and PDP, said his party was the party to beat, saying: “Major Al-Mustapha will take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
    “Remember PPN is part of coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP). Apart from the fact that our party can win the election on its own, our candidate is expected to emerge as the CUPP candidate for the presidential election and will defeat Buhari.
    “I know that PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will work with Major Al-Mustapha when our candidate emerges as CUPP presidential candidate. Nigerians can be rest-assured of value of lives, welfare of workers, education development and repositioning of the economy among others under Al-Mustapha’s government,” the PPN National Chairman said.

  • Mustapha: ‘I will take Kwara to promised land’

    Mashood Mustapha is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State. In this interview with SINA FADARE, Mustapha argues that the time is ripe to bring the people of Kwara State out of the woods.

    At what point did you decide to contest for Kwara State governorship?

    Yes, l have seen it all as somebody from the private sector, a legislator, a former commissioner and a Senior Special Assistant on Legislative Matters and Inter-government to the Senate President. I have gone through the phases of governance. With the experience garnered as a successful entrepreneur, one is better placed to serve as governor. The intention is to lift my people from poverty and see how we can actually change the narratives. The only way to do this is the combination of what you have just said. One thing that cannot be bought with money is experience. You can use it for the betterment of the people. I am contesting because l am strategically placed to do this for our people.

    Kwara State has been left behind in terms of development, compared to other states created at the same time. What are you bringing to change this narrative?

    I would run an inclusive government. If you notice, the people are showing that they are really tired and yearning for a change in whole system. Kwara used to be in the conservative side, which has led us to where we are now, but what is important is a determination to have a change. However the change will not come until the time is right. To me and my colleagues, the time is ripe for that change and that was why the responses from the people are very overwhelming. To those of us who are very close to the grassroots, l can see the cry of agony, neglect and frustration written all over our people; they are all yearning for the time the suffering will be over. That is why l took up the challenge, as somebody who has seen it at all. I want to be an agent for the needed change. When l saw that the powers that be want the oppression to continue, l resigned my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Senate President last January, realising that the only way we can return confident to the people is to remove that barrier. The barrier has created a dichotomy between the government and the people. There shouldn’t be any line of demarcation between the government and the people. Anything that accrues to the government belongs to the people. It is a common patrimony. The era has gone where the government will just decide to do whatever it likes for the people; it should be what the community desires to have that should be provided by the government. By so doing, they will have a sense of belonging. A community may need portable water, but if you fix their roads, it may not be valued at that particular time.

    A particular dynasty has been in control of the affairs of Kwara for some time. How would you break this syndrome?

    There is nothing that lasts forever. In the recent past, there was a paradigm shift in the system, where the late Dr Abukakar Olusola Saraki, a philanthropist per excellence, did a yeoman’s job in the political space of Kwara and he was appreciated. But, the situation changed since 2011, when the father and his son, Dr Bukola Saraki, took separate paths. Now, the situation has changed; we cannot extend to the son what we did to his father, because time has changed. An individual cannot continue to dictate the political space of Kwara. No way! Nobody will tell the people of Kwara to eat when they are not hungry or to sit down when they want to stand up, or to keep quiet when they are being oppressed. That is why we have gone to this level. We are bringing freedom not only to the polity of Kwara, but quality and a sense of belonging to all, where everybody who is aspiring will be free to exercise his or her fundamental rights without intimidation or threat.

    What are you going to offer the people?

    I am an advocate of direct primary. If you have gone round the state, they will tell you that l believe in the people and their participation to elect their leaders. I left the other camp, because they are not thinking about how to empower the people but how to enslave them. No, l will not be a party to that; in all my interaction and daily operation, service to humanity has been my watch word. That is what dragged me into politics. I am always happy when l wipe tears from the eyes of the people, by providing a succour for them. I am not desperate to be governor, so I will by the wishes of the people. Anybody that wins in the primary, let others support him. Let everybody know that there will always be another time. This is our state; all hands must be on deck to make it a place where all will be proud to live. The people have seen it all and know the person that can take them to the promise land.

    What will be your priority, if you become governor?

    We want to introduce what is call practical governance. The governor will not seat down in the office, expecting monthly allocation from Abuja. We are going to use our contacts, both within and outside the country, to create job opportunities for our teaming youths who are presently roaming the streets. We will try to leverage on the support of the Federal Government, to attract needed projects for the state. l was Commissioner for Agriculture. I know the potentials that agriculture can bring in the area of empowerment and job generation to the people of Kwara State. l will go all out to do this, so that within a short time we will get to the promise land. Instead of sitting down in the office, enjoying the paraphernalia of office, l will go out to see how much investment l can attract to the state. We do not have any other place to go; that is why I have invested heavily in this state.

    Are you not scared by the level of decadence in the state?

    Yes, l am. Recently, l travelled to the nooks and crannies of Kwara South senatorial district, the level of infrastructural decay is scary. The poverty on the faces of our people is even scarier. So, if l tell you l am not scared, it is an understatement. But, l believe that with God and the experience l have l will take Kwara away from the woods.

    How did you transform from being a conservative to progressive politician?

    It is possible because in life nothing is static. Life is very feasible on its own, even religion that is sacred people still change from one to another. If you believe in one ideology and you feel such ideology is not working for the common purpose of the generality of the people, you can seek a new platform to effect a change. The bottom line is the result; the ability to render service to the people, so that their lives will be positively transformed.  The problem with most leaders is that they do not look back to ask the question, why a particular action was taken and to realize that there is a limit to every human endeavor. No matter what you do, there is always a life limitation that you cannot cross, no matter how powerful you are. The moment you know this, you must set your target and priority right and put things together with all zeal, so that politics is separated from governance. Kwara was created in 1976. Some states that are created 20 years, after Kwara was created, are better than Kwara today, in terms of infrastructural development. This is so, because everything was politicised at the expense of the interests of the people at the grassroots.  A governor should go out of his way to look for technocrats who can build a virile and dependable system that will be like an umbrella for all to take cover. We should not be too scared about the situation on ground, but the hope for a better tomorrow which we would all build together. I know the time we introduced commercial agriculture which was a laudable initiative, but along the line we derailed and that landed us to where we are today. We are not coming to rubbish anybody, but to take Kwara to the next level. I am saying enough of dancing on a spot without movement; the time is ripe to take Kwara State to the promise land.

     

  • Mustapha: ‘I will take Kwara to promised land’

    Mashood Mustapha is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State. In this interview with SINA FADARE, Mustapha argues that the time is ripe to bring the people of Kwara State out of the woods.

    At what point did you decide to contest for Kwara State governorship?

    Yes, l have seen it all as somebody from the private sector, a legislator, a former commissioner and a Senior Special Assistant on Legislative Matters and Inter-government to the Senate President. I have gone through the phases of governance. With the experience garnered as a successful entrepreneur, one is better placed to serve as governor. The intention is to lift my people from poverty and see how we can actually change the narratives. The only way to do this is the combination of what you have just said. One thing that cannot be bought with money is experience. You can use it for the betterment of the people. I am contesting because l am strategically placed to do this for our people.

    Kwara State has been left behind in terms of development, compared to other states created at the same time. What are you bringing to change this narrative?

    I would run an inclusive government. If you notice, the people are showing that they are really tired and yearning for a change in whole system. Kwara used to be in the conservative side, which has led us to where we are now, but what is important is a determination to have a change. However the change will not come until the time is right. To me and my colleagues, the time is ripe for that change and that was why the responses from the people are very overwhelming. To those of us who are very close to the grassroots, l can see the cry of agony, neglect and frustration written all over our people; they are all yearning for the time the suffering will be over. That is why l took up the challenge, as somebody who has seen it at all. I want to be an agent for the needed change. When l saw that the powers that be want the oppression to continue, l resigned my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Senate President last January, realising that the only way we can return confident to the people is to remove that barrier. The barrier has created a dichotomy between the government and the people. There shouldn’t be any line of demarcation between the government and the people. Anything that accrues to the government belongs to the people. It is a common patrimony. The era has gone where the government will just decide to do whatever it likes for the people; it should be what the community desires to have that should be provided by the government. By so doing, they will have a sense of belonging. A community may need portable water, but if you fix their roads, it may not be valued at that particular time.

    A particular dynasty has been in control of the affairs of Kwara for some time. How would you break this syndrome?

    There is nothing that lasts forever. In the recent past, there was a paradigm shift in the system, where the late Dr Abukakar Olusola Saraki, a philanthropist per excellence, did a yeoman’s job in the political space of Kwara and he was appreciated. But, the situation changed since 2011, when the father and his son, Dr Bukola Saraki, took separate paths. Now, the situation has changed; we cannot extend to the son what we did to his father, because time has changed. An individual cannot continue to dictate the political space of Kwara. No way! Nobody will tell the people of Kwara to eat when they are not hungry or to sit down when they want to stand up, or to keep quiet when they are being oppressed. That is why we have gone to this level. We are bringing freedom not only to the polity of Kwara, but quality and a sense of belonging to all, where everybody who is aspiring will be free to exercise his or her fundamental rights without intimidation or threat.

    What are you going to offer the people?

    I am an advocate of direct primary. If you have gone round the state, they will tell you that l believe in the people and their participation to elect their leaders. I left the other camp, because they are not thinking about how to empower the people but how to enslave them. No, l will not be a party to that; in all my interaction and daily operation, service to humanity has been my watch word. That is what dragged me into politics. I am always happy when l wipe tears from the eyes of the people, by providing a succour for them. I am not desperate to be governor, so I will by the wishes of the people. Anybody that wins in the primary, let others support him. Let everybody know that there will always be another time. This is our state; all hands must be on deck to make it a place where all will be proud to live. The people have seen it all and know the person that can take them to the promise land.

    What will be your priority, if you become governor?

    We want to introduce what is call practical governance. The governor will not seat down in the office, expecting monthly allocation from Abuja. We are going to use our contacts, both within and outside the country, to create job opportunities for our teaming youths who are presently roaming the streets. We will try to leverage on the support of the Federal Government, to attract needed projects for the state. l was Commissioner for Agriculture. I know the potentials that agriculture can bring in the area of empowerment and job generation to the people of Kwara State. l will go all out to do this, so that within a short time we will get to the promise land. Instead of sitting down in the office, enjoying the paraphernalia of office, l will go out to see how much investment l can attract to the state. We do not have any other place to go; that is why I have invested heavily in this state.

    Are you not scared by the level of decadence in the state?

    Yes, l am. Recently, l travelled to the nooks and crannies of Kwara South senatorial district, the level of infrastructural decay is scary. The poverty on the faces of our people is even scarier. So, if l tell you l am not scared, it is an understatement. But, l believe that with God and the experience l have l will take Kwara away from the woods.

    How did you transform from being a conservative to progressive politician?

    It is possible because in life nothing is static. Life is very feasible on its own, even religion that is sacred people still change from one to another. If you believe in one ideology and you feel such ideology is not working for the common purpose of the generality of the people, you can seek a new platform to effect a change. The bottom line is the result; the ability to render service to the people, so that their lives will be positively transformed.  The problem with most leaders is that they do not look back to ask the question, why a particular action was taken and to realize that there is a limit to every human endeavor. No matter what you do, there is always a life limitation that you cannot cross, no matter how powerful you are. The moment you know this, you must set your target and priority right and put things together with all zeal, so that politics is separated from governance. Kwara was created in 1976.

  • Mustapha finds favour with Lokomotiv Plovdiv

    Older Nigerian football followers would easily remember Celestine Babayaro, the elegant left back that shone like the neon light in the dark for the Super Eagles in the 1990s.

    Babayaro was so good in his defensive position combined with attacking proclivity at his first European club, Anderlecht, that he was twice rewarded with the 1995 and 1996 Belgian Young Professional of the Year as well as the 1996 Ebony Shoe Award (an award given annually to the best African or a player of African origin in the Belgian Pro League).He later played with great élan in the English Premier League with both Chelsea and Newcastle before retirement in 2008.

    Ten years on, the good news is the emergence of a new fashion of Celestine Babayaro in the mould of fleet-footed Mustapha Abdullahi, the Nigerian youth international currently attached to Bulgarian Professional League side, Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

    “I love being happy; and playing football makes me happy,” stated Mustapha, a keen admirer of Brazil and Real Madrid left-back, Marcelo, in a lively interview with The Nation.

    Mustapha plays football wearing his toothpaste smile and was an integral part of the national Under-17 team, the Golden Eaglets that won the FIFA World Cup in 2013 though he only featured in the African qualifiers and pre-Mundial tournament in Morocco. He equally wrought gold three years ago with the Flying Eagles in the U-20 African Nations Cup in Senegal and featured in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

    “I’m happy whether I’m playing or for instance watching Marcelo because he inspires me,” offered the 22-year-old. “I want to be an example as a left back in Nigerian national team. Some of my team mates here call me with (Celestine) Babayaro but I want to do more than him for Nigeria.

    “My strong points as a left back? I love to join the attack at every given opportunity because I’m strong on the ball and my coach sometimes uses me on the left wing because I’m can be so fast.”

    At every opportunity, Mustapha conjures the image of his Brazilian idol (Marcelo) with his electrifying running with the ball glued to his sweet left leg so much so a recent video of a goal he orchestrated in an attacking blitz for Lokomotiv Plovdiv against Cherno More of Varna in a Bulgarian domestic game elicited almost 300 likes and 100 comments on a social network platform.

    “I enjoy the way I play especially when I get the opportunity to join the attack and assist in my team scoring goals. I was so excited with the assist I had against Cherno More of Varna,” he said with a cheerful purr.

    “My club is doing well (in the Bulgarian Pro League) despite the fact that we didn’t make the Europa qualification from the last season. We are focusing more on the league.

    “It is amazing playing in Europe and I’m getting new experience day-by-day and learning from trainings and matches.

    “Yes, it’s true that the wish of every young player is to be with big clubs in France, England or Spain but I’m happy here in Bulgaria because Lokomotiv Plovdiv was the club that had the interest in me and I’m happy being here.”

    Already, he has a contact with Lokomotiv Plovdiv till June 2021 after he was signed from Wikki Tourists on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

    Yet, Musty, as he’s fondly called by friends, is not oblivious about the challenges ahead of him, adding that Lokomotiv Plovdiv would in the meantime be a stepping stone to greater things for obvious reasons.

    He continued: “My ultimate target is to move forward (from Lokomotiv Plovdiv). We have issues to play games because only three foreigners can be in the team in any official game but I’m happy because it’s a step to go to somewhere else in the future.

    “I have two years contract with my club; and I have other Africans in the team. Yes, I have Steven Eze and also Musa Muhammed, my national team captain in the U17 and U20, who came here on loan. Musa is like a family member to me because we have been together for many years.

    “But I’m with Eze every time on and off the pitch; he’s a very good person. It was sad he did not make the Russia 2018 World Cup squad with the Super Eagles but he still has the chance to play for the senior national team in future.”

    Mustapha equally admitted his international future holds so much promise with many of his contemporaries including Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Francis Uzoho already blooded for the Super Eagles.

    He explained: “It wasn’t my fault for not making it (the national U17  squad for the 2013 World Cup); but I kept motivating myself with hard work and positively inside until I found myself with the U20 squad that won the African championship in Senegal and also went to the U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

    “They (former teammates with Super Eagles) deserve to play for the Super Eagles because they have been playing in Europe for some years. But trust me, I’ll never give up and would also join them soon when given a chance.”

     

     

    STRAIGHT TALK WITH MUSTAPHA

    When is Musty settling down with a wife?

    Hahaha. Settling down with a wife is something planned from the Almighty God, so when it’s time it’s surely going to happen any day, anytime as much as we are all alive.

    Have you met a girl of your dreams?

    Hopefully.

    What will you be looking out for in a woman?

    A woman who can be there for me in very hard times and good times. A woman who can stand by my side; woman who we can build a strong empire together.

    What’s your choice, a Nigerian or foreigner?

    For me, a woman is woman; all what I want is a woman with a good heart.

    What can make you cry?

    It’s very hard for me to cry. I can only be silent even if I’m troubled or angry.

    Apart from football, what other things make you happy?

    When I see myself doing more than others, it makes me happy.

    Tell us about your immediate family and how have they supported your career

    My family love me and they always wish me good, especially my mother.

    You smile a lot, what’s the secret?

    Yes, I always like to smile because naturally that’s how I was born and I was told by my mother when I asked her about it.

    What are the things you love?

    I love to see myself in a good dress always but it’s not to impress anyone or get unnecessaryattention.

    What are the things you hate?

    I hate to see someone suffering. I hate to see someone who could help but refuses to help. I hate to lose game even in training.

    What other things would you like to share with our readers?

    I would like to say let’s join hands to support each other and live in peace. To stop all the violence and crimes in the global world and especially in Nigeria.

    Will you consider politics after your football career?

    No, not at all. I have no interest in politics.

  • Buhari names Keyamo, Mustapha, others NDIC board members

    •One REC also

    President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Senate to confirm Chief Olabode Akeem Mustapha (Ogun) and Mr. Festus E. Keyamo (SAN) (Delta) as chairman and member of the board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) respectively.

    Other members of the board also listed by President Buhari for confirmation included Alhaji Garba Buba (Bauchi), Bello Garba (Sokoto), Brig-Gen. Josef O.J. Okoloagu (Enugu), Mustapha Adewale Mudashiru(Kwara) and Mr. Adewale W. Adeleke (Ondo).

    This is contained a request for confirmation of appointment of chairman and members of the governing board of the NDIC sent to Senate by President Buhari.

    The letter dated  27 March 2018 was received in the office of the Senate President on 10 the April and read yesterday by Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday.

    The president said that the request for the confirmation of the nominees was in compliance with Section 5(4) of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation Act 2006.

    President Buhari said that it is his pleasure to to forward to the Distinguished Senate, the underlisted nominees for confirmation as the chairman and members of the Board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation.

    In the same vain, President Buhari nominated Attahiru Garba Madami for confirmation as a replacement for Resident Electoral Commissioner representing Niger State.

    The president recalled that the Senate had rejected the initial nominee on the ground that he hailed from the same local government area and senatorial district with a serving National Commissioner.

    President Buhari requested for early consideration and approval of the nominees.

     

  • Osinbajo, Mustapha urge youths to support Buhari

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha have called on the youths to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to reposition the country.

    Osinbajo who was represented by Administrator, Aso Villa Chapel, Rev. Peter Ambi, at a Summit organised by the Youths For Peace and Good Leadership Initiative in Abuja yesterday, said the government was not happy with the spate of killings in some parts of the country.

    He assured the gathering of youths that the government was doing a lot to bring the killings to an end, adding that younger generation of Nigerians should also contribute to efforts at finding solution to the problem.

    Osinbajo said: “We at the Presidency are not happy with the killings. This is because peace is key to any development that will take place in this nation.

    “The government is doing a lot to bring this issue of killings to an end.  And we must also support the government to put an end to the killings.  We have issues in this nation that are actually dividing us.

    “The issue of religion, the issue of ethnicity and political differences are dividing us.

    “But as young people, we must come together, discuss and suggest ways through which the government can solve some of these problems.

    “We must also tell the perpetrators that we will not agree to be used for crime”.

    The SGF, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Gideon Sammani, urged the youths to believe in the capacity of the Buhari administration to better their lot.

    He urged the youths to key into the various empowerment programmes put in place by the government, adding that the administration would continue to make opportunities available to the youth population.

    According to him: “The government has directed the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and we believe and trust in God that the perpetrators will be arrested.

    “So the traditional rulers and the religious leaders must be committed towards making our country great again”.

    The President of the Youth for Peace and Good Leadership Initiative, Dr. Simon Dolly, urged the government and policy makers to evolve more policies and initiatives with the youth population as primary focus.

    The youth leader called on the government to provide the enabling environment to the youth to thrive and develop their potentials.

    According to him, any country that neglects its youths can never make progress.