The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspapers

  • NPFL: Plateau rain goals on Sunshine Stars as Akwa conquer Wikki,

    NPFL: Plateau rain goals on Sunshine Stars as Akwa conquer Wikki,

    Akwa United Football Club of Uyo maintained top spot on the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) log with a 4-0 thumping of Wikki Tourists FC on Sunday.

    After the emphatic win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the hosts have now garnered 16 points from seven games, one more than Plateau United FC of Jos.

    The defending champions also enjoyed a comfortable afternoon with their 5-0 trouncing of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure in Jos.‎

    Ubong Friday, Victor Mbaoma, Micheal Ibe and Christian Pygbara were all on target in the 14th, 67th, 82nd and 89th minutes respectively for Akwa United.

    The heavy defeat suffered by Wikki Tourists saw them slipped four steps to 12th position on the NPFL log.

    Plateau United were in devastating form against Sunshine Stars with new arrival Tosin Omoyele grabbing a brace in the 2nd and 80th minutes for the demolition of the Owena Waves.

    The young forward has now scored three goals for the Jos-based club side this season.

    Sunday Ingbede, Emeka Umeh and Mafeng Pam also scored in the 15th, 18th and 89th minutes respectively for the Jos-based side.

    Read Also: NPFL Abia Warriors demolish Rivers United 4-1

    The champions are on the second spot on the log, while Sunshine Stars slipped to 5th position on the log.

    Third-placed Kano Pillars also had a great afternoon edging hard-fighting MFM FC 2-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

    League’s leading scorer Junior Lokosa opened scoring from the penalty kick spot in the 52nd minute, his seventh goal of the season.

    Adamu Hassan made the three points safe with a fine strike in the 90th minute.

    MFM FC dropped two steps further down the NPFL log to seventh position.

    In Owerri, former champions Heartland recorded their first win of the season following a comfortable 2-0 home win against Kwara United.

    Biodun Thompson netted the opener for the “Naze Millionaires’’ in the 10th minute, while Stanley Egbujor added the second 11 minutes from time.

    Heartland climbed to 15th, while Kwara United dropped three steps further down to the bottom of the 20-club log.

    At the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi, Lobi Stars secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against visiting FC IfeanyiUbah with midfielder Esosa Igbinoba getting the decisive goal in the 26th minute.

    FC IfeanyiUbah are now without a win in their last four games as they sit in 16th position, while Lobi Stars moved a step up to fourth on the log.

    Seven-time champions Enyimba held hosts El-Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw in Maiduguri, with Bello Kofar-mata missing a penalty kick for the hosts three minutes before the break.

    Enyimba FC is now in eighth position, while El-Kanemi Warriors slipped one step down to 14th on the log.

    Katsina United defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, with Chinedu Ajanah and Eric Dufegha getting the goals in the 7th and 48th minutes respectively.

    The Oriental derby clash between Abia Warriors and Rangers International ended in a goalless draw, while Rivers United beat Go Round FC 1-0 in the Rivers State derby.

    Oche Salefu’s 81st minute goal from a penalty kick separated both sides.

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  • ‘Come home, help build Nigeria’, Obi, Murray-Bruce task U.S.-based Nigerians

    ‘Come home, help build Nigeria’, Obi, Murray-Bruce task U.S.-based Nigerians

     

    Nigerians in the U.S. have been tasked on the need to change their negative mindset about Nigeria and join hands and resources to help build the Nigeria of everybody’s dream.

    Former Governor of Anambra Peter Obi, Senators Ben Murray-Bruce and Shaaba Lafiaji, and motivational speaker Fela Durotoye, made the call at the Nigerian-American Business Forum at Florida.

    Others who spoke on: ‘Investing in Nigeria from the Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities’, were the Nigerian Stock Exchange Council President Abimbola Ogunbanjo and Nigerian-American entrepreneur Biodun Shobanjo.

    They all challenged the diasporas to invest at home and help to build a better Nigeria of everybody’s dream.

    Murray-Bruce, in his speech, said the diasporas could not sit idly by and watch the country run aground, adding “you must be willing to come home, invest and fight for Nigeria to be better.

    “In the coming election, Nigeria must be better – no more business as usual. Nigerians in Diaspora constitute the largest foreign direct investment to Nigeria – 22 billion dollars – while NNPC contribute 30 billion dollars.

    “So I am sponsoring a bill that you must be given the right to vote. Call your senators to support my bill. If Nigeria must be successful, you must be successful”.

    Read Also:  Nigeria  leads global equities rally with N2.3t gain

    Durotoye, on his part, said it was not too late for Nigeria to get it right, saying Nigeria could still be the most desirable country to live in the next seven years – 2025.

    He challenged the diasporas to be like the Diaspora Jews and Indians who succeeded together and were able to go back to impact same on their respective countries.

    Leadership coach and motivational speaker Fela Durotoye speaking at the Nigerian-American Investment Forum at Florida

    “No nation in the world has been able to realise its potential without the involvement of its diasporas; Awolowo, Nkrumah, Kenyatta – were all diasporas. Don’t be escapist. As long as you want to escape, Nigeria is a ‘hole’ to you.

    “Be an expertise, think of what to bring back home. Invest in each other, start investing in Nigerians who are here.

    “So invest in young Nigerians at home; they are moving forward in spite of government. Search them out and mentor them.

    “Nigeria was born with a wing but just put in a cage in the past 57 years but the cage is about to be broken,” Durotoye said.

    A cross-section of Diaspora Nigerians at the Nigerian-American Investment Forum at Florida on ‘Investing in Nigeria from the Diaspora: Challenges and Opportunities’

    Also speaking, Ogunbanjo said the Nigerian Stock Exchange was the best-ranked stock globally in 2017 according to Bloomberg adding, Nigerian economy is on the verge of outperforming the 2017.

    Lafiaji, in his speech, highlighted the investment opportunities in Kwara and Nigeria and challenged the diasporas to stop lamenting over the country but proffer workable solutions to its challenges.

    Speaking in a similar vein, Shobanjo said there was absolutely no reason why the diasporas should not come and invest at home, saying the opportunities in Nigeria are vast.

    “I’m imploring you, please come home and invest. The more people like you come and invest, the GDP – Gross Domestic Product – will grow and we will make Nigeria a better place,” Shobanjo said.

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  • FG renames Varsity after Ekwueme

    FG renames Varsity after Ekwueme

    The Federal Government has renamed the Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo in Ebonyi state after late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo made the announcement during a funeral service of the deceased at St John the Divine Anglican Church Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra on Friday.

    Osinbajo said that Ekwueme was being immortalised for his selfless service, integrity and contributions to national development.

    He described Ekwueme as a true Nigerian icon and statesman whose life and times were  worthy of celebration.

    He said he wasn’t only being remembered as an accomplished scholar neither for his architectural prowess or for having occupied high public offices but because he practiced eternal principles that set men and women apart from their peers whether they were poor or rich.

    Osinbajo said the deceased showed bravery in the face if terror and set an excellent example of loyalty as a vice president.

    “Ekwueme was a man of principles, of personal sacrifice for others and service to those who cannot offer him reward,” he said.

    In his sermon, Primate Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr Nicholas Okoh, described Ekwueme’s burial ceremony as a crusade rather than a funeral service.

    Okoh said a lot had been said about Ekwueme’s  good Christian upbringing, public service, educational accomplishments and enjoined Nigerians to emulate his virtues.

    Read Also:

    Okoh who tagged his sermon “Get into the Ark” said that the Biblical story Noah’s Ark reminded us of salvation and destruction.

    He noted that if people lived right they will enjoy Divine fellowship when they die and condemnation if they lived badly.

    “Even if you are doing business, in public service or in the Lord’s vineyard and you lack integrity, things will not work fine,” he said.

    The Primate consoled the late Ekwueme’s family and thanked God for having a like as their late patriarch.

    Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion included, Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr Boss Mustapha, former President, Goodluck Jonathan and his Vice, Alhaji Namadi Sambo and 10 serving governors.

    Others were Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Bola Tinubu, National President of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nwodo, National Chairmen of the All Progressive Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Dr John Oyegun and Uche Secondus, respectively, among others.

     

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  • Nigeria has no regrets fighting apartheid in S/Africa – Buhari

    Nigeria has no regrets fighting apartheid in S/Africa – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Friday,  said Nigeria had no regret fighting the scourge of apartheid in South Africa until full democratic system was established in the country.

    The President stated this when he received the outgoing South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Lulu Mnguni, at the State House, Abuja.

    He said Nigeria made lots of sacrifices during the years of apartheid to ensure that full rights were restored to all citizens, irrespective of the colour of their skin.

    According to him, Nigeria will continue to strengthen its historic and fraternal relationship with South Africa.

    Read Also:  Buhari’s  $1bn request to fight Boko Haram divides Reps

    The President, who congratulated Mnguni on the successful completion of his duty tour, said bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa would be improved, especially in trade where both countries have areas of competitive advantage.

    In his remarks, the outgoing envoy expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for all the support he received.

    He said the relationship between both countries had a long history of brotherliness and partnership in promoting the African cause, adding that he would return to South Africa with fond memories of Nigeria.

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  • 2019: Don’t just watch; participate actively, NOA tells Lagos residents

    2019: Don’t just watch; participate actively, NOA tells Lagos residents

    The National Orientation Agency ( NOA ) on Friday urged Lagos residents not to be just watchers, but to take active part in the electoral process.

    The State’s Director of the agency, Mr Waheed Ishola, gave the advice in an interview with our news reporter in Lagos.

    He said it was through participation that they could choose their preferred leaders in the 2019 elections.

    “The participation of Lagosians in the electoral process is very important because this is the only way they can use their democratic power.

    “People need to register to be eligible to vote, because if they don’t do that, they will not be eligible to vote.

    “If you are not eligible to vote, you cannot determine those who will govern over you.

    Read Also: CAPP, NOA lead campaign for peaceful council election

    “So, you cannot sit on the fence and continually complain about bad governance.

    “The starting point for you to partake in the electoral process is to validly register as voter to be able to choose people you believe have the right pedigree as your leaders.

    “So, my advice to all Lagosians of voting age is to come out now, especially as INEC has decided to embark on vigorous Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

    “Residents should avail themselves of this opportunity so that they can exercise their democratic rights on the next elections,’’ he said.

    Ishola also urged residents who registered but had yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from INEC to do so without delay.

    He urged them to get their cards at the appropriate INEC offices so they could exercise their voting rights.

    Ishola described voter apathy as a major challenge in the country’s democratic experience, saying NOA was making efforts to improve the situation in the state.

    “Voter apathy is a bit of a challenge. But we are doing our best to address that towards the next election.

    “Right now, we are on the field in different parts of the state sensitising members of the public on the need to partake in the electoral process; on the need to register as voters and go out to vote in the next election.

    “We are partnering INEC and other major stakeholders to sensitise people on the need to be part of the process.

    “Also, we have been engaging politicians at various fora on the need to sensitise and mobilise people for the next election.

    “We are addressing the issue of voter apathy within our mandate and we hope things would improve in the next elections,’’ he said.

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  • NSCDC apprehends 24 crime suspects in Edo

    NSCDC apprehends 24 crime suspects in Edo

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) in Edo say it has arrested no fewer than 24 crime suspects in the state, in the past two weeks.

    Mr Makinde Ayinla, State Commandant of the Corps, made the disclosure in an interview with our News reporter on Friday in Benin.

    Ayinla said that in view of the recent upsurge of crimes and criminality within the state, the command had intensified its efforts and strategies which had yielded positive results with the arrests.

    He said that out of the figure, nine were suspected herdsmen, arrested by an officer of the command, in collaboration with the local vigilance group, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the suspects were arrested while in possession of three single barrel guns and other dangerous weapons at Oloma and Okpe villages in the locality.

    Read Also: Imo NSCDC denies shooting of security guard

    The commandant, however, said that the suspects had been handed over to the relevant authorities.
    He said that two suspects were also arrested while in possession of suspected illegally-refined product ( DPK ), being conveyed to an unknown destination in 50 25-litre containers.

    He noted that two suspects were arrested in connection with alleged robbery; five for suspected cultism; and six for the vandalism of public power supply cables.

    Ayinla said investigation was ongoing and when completed, the suspects would either be handed to the relevant authorities or be prosecuted.

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  • Akwa Ibom tasks Libyan returnees 

    Akwa Ibom tasks Libyan returnees 

    Akwa Ibom Government on Friday charged the returnees from Libya to put behind their ugly experiences and integrate into the system.

    The Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, gave the charge in Uyo while dispatching the 10 returnees to their different local government areas.

    Ekpo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, Mr Nkopuruk Ekaiko, urged the them to find ways of making meaningful living for themselves and contribute to the development of the state.

    Our news reporter reports that the 10 returnees were among those rescued by the Federal Government last month.

    According to him, the event represents one of the last stages of their full re-integration into society, which began with their reception at Port Harcourt international airport on Jan. 9, and Jan. 16.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom  warns against project disruption

    He told them,  the state had more job prospects and business opportunities for people who were willing to use their creative talents positively.

    “It is morally depressing for young people to embark on misadventure to foreign lands whose economic fortunes are worse than our nation.’’

    The deputy governor urged public-spirited individuals to assist them to settle down by offering them some economic empowerment facilities.

    He said, the returnees had successfully undergone through the process of de-briefing, screening and profiling as well as medical treatment, courtesy of the state government.

    He added, some indigenes of the state had also presented them with relief materials and other essential items.

    Ekpo added, a seamstress among them was presented with a sewing machine, while the sick ones were still receiving still receiving medical attention in the hospital.

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  • Gombe to conduct Pre-retirement workshop for Civil servants

    Gombe to conduct Pre-retirement workshop for Civil servants

    The Gombe State Government is to conduct pre-retirement workshop for civil servants due to retire from public service,Malam Adamu Abubakar, the Head of Civil Service, disclosed this in an interview with our News reporter in Gombe on Friday.

    He said that pre-retirement workshop was a key issue since there were opportunities as well as difficulties in life after retirement.

    “At the workshop various resource persons will equip the participants with relevant skills and exposure on how to manage their lives after retirement,’ he said.

    Abubakar said the workshop would be in batches and would commence as soon as funds were made available.

    Read Also: Power must shift in  Gombe, says Muazu

    “We had planned the workshop since last year, but lack of funds prevented the conduct.
    “Now, there is financial provision for the workshop and we will do it,” he said.

    According to him, in 2017 the workshop was conducted for permanent secretaries at Yankari Game Reserves in Bauchi State.

    “We are planning also to conduct another workshop for directors of administration in the state,’ he said.

    He called on the civil servants in the state to continue to put in their best to reciprocate government’s gestures.

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  • Wenger to take late call on Aubameyang for Everton clash

    Wenger to take late call on Aubameyang for Everton clash

    Arsenal will assess Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s fitness before deciding if the striker can make his debut for the club in Saturday’s premier league clash with Everton, the club’s Manager Arsene Wenger has said.

    The London club bolstered their forward line by signing the Gabon international from Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee on Wednesday, but Aubameyang, 28, did not fully participate in Thursday’s training session due to a fever.“ I have to assess how well he is physically today and how well he feels. He had a fever, so he could not practise a lot.

    Read Also: Party Claims: Wenger  opens Iwobi investigation

    “He started yesterday; he was still not completely well. I have to assess with the medical department how fit he can be,” Wenger told a news conference on Friday.

    The manager said that he would take a late call on midfielder Jack Wilshere, who is also unwell.

    “We hope he is capable of being in the squad; he is better. He will practise with the team today, and we will see how he feels,” Wenger added.

    The manager said that Armenian midfielder, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, another of Arsenal’s recruits in the January transfer window, is in line to start against ninth-placed Everton.

    Wenger, however, kept his cards close to his chest when asked if the attacking quartet of Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette could play together on Saturday.

    “It’s always possible. Will I do it? Maybe; I don’t know, but it is possible; yes.

    “You need at least two top strikers to play in the premier league because if one gets injured, you have a problem,” he said.

    Arsenals are sixth in the table with 42 points from 25 games.

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  • Navy impounds 5.790m litres of crude, arrest 11 suspects

    Navy impounds 5.790m litres of crude, arrest 11 suspects

    The Nigerian Navy said it had seized a large vessel, MT Breakthrough, for allegedly transporting 4,574 metric tons (5.790 million litres) of crude oil.

    Capt. Victor Choji, the Executive Officer of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, Port Harcourt, told newsmen on Friday that the product was suspected to have been stolen from pipelines in Niger Delta.

    Choji said that the 11 sailors were arrested on board the vessel.

    According to him, the vessel has been on the Navy watch list for suspicious activities over time before the seizure.

    “On Jan. 12, MT Breakthrough was arrested by our troops onboard naval patrol gunboats on Dutch Island for suspicious illegal bunkering activities.

    “The vessel which has been under our surveillance for switching off its automatic identification system – to hide its location- was carrying 4,574 metric tons (5,790 million litres) of crude oil.

    “The vessel which was shipping crude oil illegally had 11 all-male crew members of Nigerian nationality onboard the vessel,” he said.

    Choji said the navy had increased its tempo to make it difficult for criminals to steal crude or sabotage the nation’s oil and installations.

    “Investigation would reveal where the vessel was transporting the product to; where it was sourced and who the sponsors are.

    Read Also: Navy  hands over 3 suspects, 759 bags of smuggled rice to Customs

    “It is on this note that we are handing over the crew members and vessel to EFCC to further unravel details of activities of the suspected illegal shipment,” he said.

    The executive officer said that the personnel of NNS Pathfinder would continue to carry out 24-hour patrol of the waterways and creeks, while maintaining presence at flash points.

    A senior officer of the EFCC, Musa Gidado, said the commission would conduct speedy investigation on the matter.

    Gidado said that the suspects would be arraigned if found culpable of the allegations against them.

    In a related development, Choji presented to newsmen 10 suspected fake naval personnel.

    They were alleged to have been terrorising and swindling commercial boat operators in the state.

    He said the suspects used fake naval uniforms, identification and posed as personnel of the Merchant Navy with the intent to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    “On Jan. 31, the NNS Pathfinder naval outpost at Abuloma arrested 11 men armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons; dressed in uniform with badges bearing Naval Police.

    “The suspects were about to board a boat under pretext of going for naval boat control when they were arrested. The activities of these criminal elements and organisations have been proscribed.

    “We have strong reason to believe that criminals, especially cult members could mutate into groups like this to unleash mayhem on Nigerians,” he said.

    He said that the Nigerian Navy was the only naval force authorised by law to carry arms and enforce laws within the nation’s maritime environment.

    The Executive Officer said the suspects breached the nation’s laws by going about presenting themselves to unsuspecting individuals and companies as personnel of both merchants and Nigerian navy.

    “The public should be wary of these criminal elements that hide under the cover of maritime forces to commit atrocities and extort money and properties from unsuspecting citizens.

    “We have conducted our investigation and the suspects would be handed over to the Nigerian Police for further investigations that would reveal their sponsors,” he said.

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