The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Umahi suspends teachers’ postings in Ebonyi

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State  on Wednesday suspended teachers’ postings in the state especially at the Local Government level.

    Umahi made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abakaliki while swearing-in the newly constituted board of the state Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB).

    The governor said that the move was inevitable as councils in the state were presently autonomous which made the government to devise ways of handling the present situation.

    “Posting of teachers from one local government to another will mean additional funding by such council,” he said.

    He also announced that a comprehensive re-auditing of all workers in the state would be effected before Aug. 6.

    “This exercise will be carried out in one day as the state Head of Service and relevant permanent secretaries will distribute forms to be filled by the various office heads.

    Read Also: Breaking: Umahi swears in new Acting Chief Judge

    “These heads will attest that should any information they provide be wrong, they will be sacked without benefits.

    “I don’t know why since 2015, salaries and pensions are increasing while more teachers cannot be employed.

    “We will after the exercise, allow each LGA to employ teachers based on the allocation given to them as I don’t know why salaries and pensions should increase at the same time,” he said.

    Umahi charged the new board to improve on the repositioned basic education in the state as he was not satisfied with the performance of the previous board.

    “It seemed the members did not understand their job schedule and if I see children loitering or teachers absent from schools, the UBEB member from the affected area will be sacked,” he said.

    Mr Cletus Ofoke, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state said that the board members were seasoned educationists and administrators who could be trusted to reposition basic education in the state.

    “The members’ appointment is in pursuant to section 4 sub section 1 of the UBEB law 2019 and they have been dully screened and cleared by the Ebonyi House of Assembly.

    Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, re-appointed Chairman of the Board thanked the governor for appointing them into the board and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them.

    NAN

  • Court sentences 25-year-old man to death for killing friend over N20 loan

    A Kano High Court on Wednesday sentenced a 25-year-old man, Umar Yakubu, to death by hanging for stabbing his friend,  Ibrahim Adamu, 22, to death  during an argument over N20 loan.

    Yakubu, who lives at Sabuwar Gandu Quarters in Kano, was convicted on one-count charge of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code Law.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Dije Aboki, held that the Prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubts.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Supreme Court sacks Adamawa House of Reps member

    Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Lamido Soron-Dinki, told the court that on June 13, 2018 at about 11 a.m in Sabiwar Gandu Quarters, Kano, the convict asked the deceased to give him a loan him of N20.

    Soron-Dinki said the convict the stabbed the deceased in the chest with a scissors during an argument over the N20 loan.

    Soron-Dinki presented six witnesses before the court while the convict defended himself.

    NAN

  • London Mayor backs bid to host 2023 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley

    London Mayor Sadiq Khan has backed a Football Association (FA) bid for Wembley Stadium to host the 2023 UEFA Champions League final to mark the centenary of the original ground’s opening.

    The new Wembley, which was finished in 2007 and has a capacity of 90,000, previously hosted the final of Europe’s premier club competition in 2011 and 2013.

    The 2013 event had coincided with the 150th anniversary of the FA’s foundation.

    “London is the sports capital of the world and the Mayor wants to bring the biggest and the best events to the city,” a spokesperson for the Mayor of London told Reuters.

    “He is proud to support the FA’s bid for Wembley to host the final of the 2023 UEFA Champions League.

    “In 2023, it will be 10 years since London last hosted the Champions League final and the centenary of the opening of the original Wembley Stadium.

    Read Also: Facts about the UEFA Champions League Final

    “Wembley will host the final of the men’s UEFA Euro 2020 and Women’s Euro 2021, and so bringing the biggest club game in world football back to London would make this a great period for sports in the
    capital.”

    The deadline for the submission of bids for the 2023 final was July 1 and European football’s governing body UEFA said it would announce the bidders in due course.

    “The decision will be taken at the Executive Committee Meeting on Sept. 24,” a UEFA representative told Reuters.

    The FA declined to comment on whether it had submitted a bid to host the final.

    This season’s UEFA Champions League showpiece will be held in Istanbul’s 76,761-capacity Olympic Stadium on May 30, 2020.

    The stadium last hosted the final in 2005 when Liverpool, the current European champions after a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid last season, famously beat AC Milan.

    That was in a penalty kicks shootout, having been 3-0 down at half-time.

    NAN

  • How Ndukwe emerged MTN board chair

    Telecoms technocrat, Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, over the weekend, emerged board Chairman of telecoms giant, MTN Communications Nigeria Plc.

    A former Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) Ndukwe is fondly called Mr. Telecoms for his vast experience and rich contributions to the growth of the industry over the years.

    A highly respected professional, his  career has gone full circle. Starting from the private sector as the Managing Director of a notable telecoms firm, he moved into government service at the helm of the industry regulatory agency as EVC of NCC and back to the private sector and now Chair, MTN.

    President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Olusol Teniola, said the appointment is healthy for the industry.

    Teniola said: “Mr Telecom has provided us with his wisdom and unbiased opinion as to the direction of the industry at large. MTN has acquired a statesman and a knowledgable practitioner to man their ship. We look forward to working with him and his board to continue to grow this industry to its fullest potential.”

    A cerebral  manager, Ndukwe was an adjunct faculty at the Pan Atlantic University/Lagos Business School and also a Director of the School’s Infrastructure Centre. His passion for human capacity development in the industry led to the birth of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), an international centre for telecommunications and information technology studies, during his tour of duty as EVC of NCC. He would always state that the greatest legacy of his tenure in government is the liberalisation of access to telecoms and making the benefits and impact of ICT available to the masses especially the poor and the traditionally disenfranchised groups.

    A recipient of the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR, Ndukwe is a past Chairman of Administrative Council of African Telecommunications Union, ATU, and a past Chairman of the West African Telecommunications Regulators Assembly, WATRA, which he helped pioneer. He was also a Vice Chairman of Telecom Development Advisory Group (TDAG) of the ITU representing Nigeria.

    In April 2014, he was decorated with an ITU Gold Medal Award “in recognition of his important contribution to global Information and communication technologies and to the work of ITU”.

    Ndukwe has represented Nigeria at various international events and is a regular resource person at international conferences including ITU.

  • Olubadan, high chiefs end 26 months’ rift

    Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji has, after 26  months, welcomed his estranged high chiefs and members of the Olubadan-in-Council back into his palace following a reconciliation move to end their rift.

    The traditional ruler’s condition that if the high chiefs would return to the palace, they must not come with their crowns,  was obeyed.

    In a statement issued and signed by the Olubadan Personal Assistant/Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Adeola Oloko, Oba Adetunji said there was abundant evidence that the returning high chiefs were being  trapped  from where they went.

    The last time the Olubadan-in-Council meeting was held was in May 2017.

    Members of the reconciliation team – Otun Olubadan Lekan Balogun, Osi Olubadan Rasidi Ladoja and Ekarun Olubadan Amidu Ajibade – arrived at the palace at about 12.15p.m. in separate vehicles.

    About 20 minutes later, the Olubadan, who was dressed in blue ofi and white crown and half shoe to match, received them with open arms amid songs, drum beat and trumpet sound. He danced and sat on the throne and the high chiefs paid homage.

    They later went into a closed door meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes after which reporters and camera men were called in.

    It was believed that a plea for another all-inclusive meeting involving other chiefs, who were  absent was made before the royal father.

    Olubadan  was said to have agreed to convene the meeting on Monday, August 19, 2019, after the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    Although, the details of the meeting remained sketchy, the Otun Olubadan, who allegedly spoke at the meeting, called on the paramount ruler to summon the meeting of Olubadan-in-Council to resolve the crisis within.

    The first class monarch, who thanked the returning high chiefs for coming, noted that his support for reconciliation was premised on the need for unity, progress and solidarity in Ibadan.

    He told the returning high chiefs that he was all out to protect their interest all along, adding there was abundant evidence that they were being trapped where they went. He, however, added that time would tell.

    Trouble started between the Olubadan and his high chiefs when the state government under Governor Abiola Ajimobi upgraded and approved the high chiefs as beaded crowns and coronets wearing obas alongside  38 others  across the state.

    It followed government’s review of the 1957  state chieftaincy laws.

    The government said the approval was in line with the exercise of powers conferred on the governor by Section 28(1) of the Chiefs Law Cap 28, Vol. 1 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria.

    According to the government,  26 Obas would wear beaded crowns based on the approval and the remaining 22 would wear coronets.

    Though , the government claimed  its  decision was taken after due consultation with members of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs, both the Olubadan and High Chief Ladoja distanced themselves from the decision.

    They described it as illegal and unlawful and challenged the action in the court.

  • Nigerian actress Kemi Afolabi hospitalised in Saudi Arabia

    Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi has been rushed to a hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    The incident occurred last Thursday.

    The actress, who came to perform hajj, fell ill due to the stress associated with the hajj exercise.

    The Nation reporter in Saudi Arabia had observed that Afolabi has been showing symptoms of illness while in Madinah. She was seen sleeping in the bus during Ziyara (visitation to historical sites). While Afolabi joined the other pilgrims to some of the sites, at other sites, she sat in the bus.

    It was learnt that the eight hour drive from Madinah to Makkah last Tuesday took a toll on her.

    Afolabi told The Nation that she slept in the Makkan Holy Mosque (Masjid Haram) after the Umrah exercise to engage in some other acts of worship.

     According to a medical practitioner attached to the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB), Dr Abideen Aro, Afolabi had symptoms such as fever, headache, loss of appetite and weakness.

    Dr Aro, who is working Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre,  said: “We have warned the pilgrims before leaving Nigeria to use anti-malarial drugs as prophylaxis. But unfortunately, in her case, she didn’t use the drug due to oversight.

    “After noticing those symptoms, I alerted the Head of Lagos State Medical Team, Dr Muhammad Isa, who made an arrangement for an ambulance. I and Nurse Zaynab Sarumi from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital(LASUTH) accompanied her in an ambulance to the Nigeria Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Clinic where an assessment of malaria fever was made and she was placed on Intra-Muscular Injections for three days on an out-patient basis.”

    Amirul Hajj Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef went to visit her with some clerics. Dr AbdulLateef assured Afolabi of adequate care and offered a prayer for her.

    “Before we left Lagos, the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to us is to ensure the proper welfare of the pilgrims,” Dr AbdulLateef told The Nation.

    “It is normal for someone coming for hajj exercise for the first time to experience this kind of thing due to the rigours of the exercise. Part of our orientation before leaving Lagos was too sensitive the pilgrims on things to expect in Saudi Arabia. I have directed the Head of the Medical Team to see her and other pilgrims down with an illness. I pray to Allah to grant them quick recovery before the main hajj rites commence.”

  • Everton considering sale of Onyekuru

    Everton is reportedly considering selling Nigerian talent Henry Onyekuru this summer as he once again, failed to receive a work permit.

    It was reported last week that the forward had been denied a work permit for the third summer in a row.

    Now, Turkish reports suggests Everton may be considering selling the player. Fotomac reports that Everton has decided to sell the player. The Nigerian spent last season on loan at Galatasaray and the Turkish side is open to bringing him in, either on loan or permanently.

    Onyekuru, who got married over the weekend, was signed by Everton in 2017. He joined from KAS Eupen in a deal reported by the BBC to be in the region of £7 million. However, he was immediately farmed out to Anderlecht as he did not yet have a work permit.

    After injury ruled him out of last summer’s World Cup, Everton again struggled to get clearance for the player and loaned him to Turkey.

    Onyekuru had a great season in Istanbul. He scored 16 goals for the club, including the goal that won them the league.

    However, he failed to make an impact with Nigeria at this summer’s African Cup of Nations, leaving Everton short in their hopes of another work permit application.

    It will be a shame if Everton never gets the chance to field Onyekuru in a competitive fixture. But it is starting to look as if their gamble on his international clearance may not pay off.

  • 12 teams for African Club Championships

    BEING part of the table tennis fiesta igniting Lagos, 12 teams have already been confirmed for the African Club Championships which begin on Thursday, August 1 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

    Defending champion – Ahly Club of Egypt has been listed as the number one seed in the women event while ENPPI of Egypt will be heading the men event at the two-day championship.

    According to the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), the host country – Nigeria will be represented by SOJ TT Club of Lagos and Remo Stars TT Club of Ogun in the men event while G20 of Abuja and Cannan Queen of Calabar will hoist Nigeria’s flag in the women event.

    The Ahly team will be led by African women champion – Dina Meshref while the best two players in the continent – Aruna Quadri of Nigeria and Egypt’s Omar Assar will dorn the colours of ENPPI of Egypt. Congo DRC, Togo, Ethiopia, Benin Republic, Senegal, and Rwanda will also be represented in the continental club championship.

    For the President of ATTF, Khaled El-Salhy, the tournament would help the players to tune-up for the ITTF Africa Cup.

    “The African Clubs has a different taste in our events with teams representing clubs and some of them are with different nationality, and we have a special case this year that our top two players in men (Aruna Quadri & Omar Assar) in Africa are registered in one club which is ENPPI of Egypt,” he said.

    For the ATTF boss, the tournament would also add glamour the table tennis fiesta holding in Lagos being the first time any African nation would stag three prestigious tournaments at a stretch.

  • 2019 ITTF Challenge Plus Nigeria Open: Austria’s Gardos ready to rumble in Lagos

    Former European champion – Austria’s Robert Gardos has acknowledged the quality of players heading to the 2019 ITTF Challenge Plus Nigeria Open but the France-based star is ready to rock the boat with the top stars.

    Being the second time the Austrian star will be heading to Africa but this time, he wants to make an impact when the tournament serves off on August 7 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

    The Hungaria-born Austrian star admitted the timing of the tournament fits into his calendar in readiness for the new season. However, the former European Youth Champion is not going for vacation this time in the West African nation but hopes to make a statement in the tournament.

    “I think the tournament fits into my calendar for the new season preparation and I will try to make a good result for my ranking to qualify for the next Olympic Games in Japan.

    Despite not knowing much about the tournament, Robert Gardos believes he was convinced by some of the top players to be part of Africa’s elite competition.

    “I did not know much and I have never been to Nigeria before. I am aware it is a Challenge Plus tournament which has always been well organised in an exciting atmosphere,” he said.

    With a modest ambition heading to Lagos, Robert Gardos said: “I hope to play a good level of my game and hope to make it to the last eight and be among the top four in the men’s singles.”

    Recalling his maiden visit to Africa, the Austrian star said: I was in Egypt for a tournament a long time ago, where I also had a vacation. I have not visited many countries in Africa before and I hope to enjoy every moment in Lagos.”

  • Hajj pilgrims protest in Ilorin over flight delay

    No fewer than 500 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Oyo  states on Monday disrupted activities at Ilorin Airport.

    The pilgrims protested against delay flight.

    The protesters were said to have started their protest at about 3a.m. and blocked Ilorin/Ogbomoso/Ibadan express road with old tyres.

    They also shut the gate leading to the airport.

    The protesters did not allow airport workers to resume duty as they prevented vehicles from coming in or going out of the airport.

    The intending pilgrims alleged that they had been in Ilorin Hajj camp for the past 15 days without provision of an aircraft to convey them to Saudi Arabia for the Holy Pilgrimage while they were subjected to poor and unhygienic condition at the camp.

    One of the protesters who identified himself as Ayobami Muftau said: “We have been in camp for 15 days, sleeping on the bare floor and buying food at an exorbitant price from our purse. We were moved to the airport on Saturday based on the promise that an aircraft would arrive to convey us to Jeddah at 11p.m. on Saturday. Up till now, we have not seen the aircraft and there was no explanation from the concerned authority. “

    Ayobami appealed to the Federal Government to come to their aid by providing aircraft that would transport them to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj rites.

    Another pilgrim from Ekiti State, Usman Isa, who said that they left Aiyede-Ekiti 10 days ago, alleged that the pilgrims were exposed to harsh weather conditions as “all of us, both male and female were made to sleep in the open hall at the hajj camp and airport”.

    However, the acting Manager of Ilorin Airport, Mr. Deji Eniola, said the problem facing the pilgrims emanated from Med-View Airline delegated to convey them to Saudi Arabia.

    He explained that the Med-View Airline was being expected in Ilorin since Saturday but did not come, adding that “there is no explanation from the management of the airline on why it has not come to airlift the pilgrims”.

    Reacting to the development, Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said: “We wish to clarify that every intending pilgrim registered with the Kwara State Government has since been airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2019 Hajj.

    “There are a total 2,026 pilgrims from the state, the last batch of whom took off on July 24, 2019, according to figures from the state pilgrims’ board.

    “To that extent, the protest this morning at the Ilorin International Airport was by some intending pilgrims from neighbouring states.

    “This has no connection whatsoever with the Kwara State Government or officials of Kwara  State Muslim Pilgrims Board as is being claimed by some persons.”