The Nation Newspaper

Tag: praises

  • Ajimobi praises Airtel

    Ajimobi praises Airtel

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has praised Airtel Nigeria, for enriching the people of the state through its investments, innovative value offerings and robust Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.

    Ajimobi, who spoke when some top Airtel executives visited him, lauded Airtel for its positive contributions towards uplifting the indigenes  and for creating employment opportunities through its Business Process Outsourcing programme.

    He pledged further partnership with Airtel on more initiatives within the state, just as he unfolded to the Airtel team, his vision for the state, indicating development plans, projects and key achievements.

    He said: “I want to thank Airtel for its partnership with Oyo State Government and for its investment in human capital development and employment creation through its BPO programme.

    “As a responsible and proactive government, we shall continue to create an enabling environment for corporate organisations to thrive,” he added.

    Airtel’s Managing Director, Segun Ogunsanya, expressed appreciation to the state government for being a great host to the company in all communities it has offices in the state.

  • Baraje praises Heartland, Enyimba

    Baraje praises Heartland, Enyimba

    Enyimba’s Manager, Zachary Baraje has described his side’s encounter with Heartland FC in Owerri as living up to its pre-match hype and declared that the Naze Millionaires deserved the three points they snatched in a last minute effort.

    Togolese import, Saibou Badarou made hay for Heartland with just about a minute left to play to send their fans jubilating for their first win in three seasons against the former champions.

    Baraje told lmc-ng.org after the encounter that he was impressed by the offering from both sides and said the fans had value for their time and money.

    “It was a good game and I am sure the fans enjoyed how the two teams went about the game today”, Baraje said.

    Enyimba have slumped a notch down on the log, placing ninth from eight games and eleven points. Baraje didn’t go hard on his players for the late goal that meant they made the short trip back to Aba empty handed and Baraje would not blame his players for the loss but chose rather to dwell on the healthy rivalry between the two sides.

    “We know Heartland and they also know us, so it is normal to expect a close game as we have had in this fixture. I cannot blame the players for the loss although I think we deserved something from this game. But then that is football for you. It is never over until the referee blows off the game. I congratulate Heartland for this win and for us, it shows we still have a lot to do”, remarked Baraje who last season led El-Kanemi Warriors to a surprise fourth place finish.

    Enyimba will play Crown FC at Aba in a Match Day 10 fixture though they still have an outstanding game on the road against Bayelsa United.

  • Obasanjo praises Sultan for promoting unity

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday praised the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, for his “tireless efforts” at promoting unity in the country.

    Obasanjo spoke when he visited Sultan in Sokoto.

    He said the country was in dire need of peace for government to put in place sound policies and programmes enhance the well-being of Nigerians.

    Obasanjo said he was in the state to inaugurate some programmes initiated by Governor Aliyu Wamakko’s administration.

    He explained that the Asari water project would be inaugurated to enhance the well being of the people.

    He hailed the administration for making it reality for people to have good access roads both in urban and rural areas.

    Sultan Abubakar also praised the former president for his efforts to keep Nigeria one.

    He said: “ The country is blessed with abundant mineral resources needed to ensure its rapid political growth.

    “The time has come for Nigerians, irrespective of tribal, religious and political differences, to work together towards moving the country forward.

    “It is only by so doing that the dream of the country to have things fixed in proper shape will become reality.”

    Sultan Abubakar also praised the government for providing people-oriented policies and programmes.

     

  • Sunshine Stars’ Team Manager praises Olorundare’s brilliance

    Rasheed Balogun, Team Manager, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, on Thursday praised the team’s striker, Dele Olorundare’s performance in the first half of the 2012/2013 Globacom Premier League season.

    Rasheed, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure said the striker had so far been impressive in the current season. He added that nobody could predict what Olorundare might do with the ball when on his feet.

    Olorundare has scored five goals in the last two games and now tops the scorers chat with 11 goals. Sunshine is now sixth on the Glo League table with 27 points from 18 matches

    “If you watch the way he has been scoring goals in the past, not even this season, he has been scoring fantastic goals, even from the middle of the pitch. You can’t predict what he can do with the ball. I am happy for him and may God continue to bless him,” he said.

    Balogun also praised the team for living up to the expectation of the club’s fans. He added that the team was still in progress and would want the fans to always remain calm, especially when the goals did not come early.

    “We are not there yet, we are still learning and in a couple of weeks, by God’s grace, we will find our rhythm.I thank the fans, supporters club, technical crew, journalists and the players for living up to the expectation of the management,” Balogun said.

  • Akunyili praises Dickson for safeguarding health system

    Former Director-General of the National Agency for Food Drug and Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof Dora Akunyili has praised Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson for his achievement in the health sector.

    The former NAFDAC DG urged other governors to emulate Dickson, whom she described as a village boy who cares for his people.

    She said: ‘‘I have nursed the idea of a drug mart from my days at NAFDAC. My inability to bring it to fruition remains one of my greatest regrets.

    “Today, I feel fulfilled that Governor Dickson is partnering my foundation to establish a drug mart or drug distribution centre. ‘’

    Mrs. Akunyili, who was also Minister of Information and Communications, spoke yesterday in Yenagoa at the foundation laying of the first National Drugs Distribution Centre in Yenagoa.

    The mart is being built in collaboration with the Dora Akunyili Foundation for Safe Medicines.

    Mrs. Akunyili saidprevious attempts by the government to close fake drug markets did not yield the desired result because of the non-availability of an alternative.

    She thanked the Bayelsa government for setting up the Drug Distribution Centre, which she said will be leased to drug companies to enhance their distribution system within the Southsouth.

    Dickson lamented the increasing rate of fake drugs in the market and expressed confidence that the project will eliminate fake drugs in the nation.

    He said his government is collaborating with Mrs. Akunyili on the drug mart because without safe drugs, the health insurance policy and other populist programmes would not achieve the desired result.

    “We need to be sure of the quality of drugs in supply, not only through public institutions, but also through all private retail outlets.

    “This project, when completed, will curb the menace of fake and adulterated drugs, which has been the bane of the Nigerian drug market.

    “In addition, it will address goals 4 and 5 of the Millennium Development Goals.”

  • Senate praises project

    Senate praises project

    Members of the Senate Committee on Education have praised the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), led by Prof Bartho Okolo, for using its resources to upgrade infrastructure and enhance academics.

    Led by its chairman, Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, the committee visited the university at the weekend as part of its oversight function on educational institutions in the country.

    Speaking after inspecting some of the projects of the institution on Enugu and Nsukka campuses, Chukwumerije noted that the massive infrastructure upgrade in the university was a reflection of quality, focused and visionary leadership in the institution.

    He said: “My impression about the oversight visit here is one of a very massive transformation going on here. And it confirms the general impression I share with the people that leadership is pivotal in any social phenomena. Whatever you talk about the flow of history, whatever you talk about changes in larger environment, the catalyst is always the quality of leadership.

    “Coming back to Nsukka after years I delivered lecture, I could not believe this is the same place I had visited five years ago. There is a massive change in facilities, in landscape and in general environment. For the first time, I feel the university is, at last, coming back to its former glory as one of the first generation universities in the country.”

    Responding to questions raised by the senators, Prof Okolo lamented that paucity of fund remained the challenge in running the university in Nigeria. According to him, the institution received about N19 million for overhead cost whereas it spent over N27 million on electricity bill alone.

    The VC cited the civil war as a major drawback to the development of the university, but said his administration had been making efforts to address infrastructure through support from the government, private sector and public-spirited individuals.

    On measures taken to expand the revenue base of the university, Prof Okolo said one of the major things his administration did was to enhance the revenue generation potentials of the institution through international grants and direct investment in property. He added that the institution had taken measures to mobilise its alumni across the world to support its development.

  • Unuanel praises Nigerian league fans

    Unuanel praises Nigerian league fans

    Kwara United’s Technical Adviser, Samson Unuanel has hailed the new orientation and spirit exhibited by the home fans and supporters which has reduced hostilities to away teams in this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL).

    After seven games this season, a total of five away wins have been recorded at Owerri( Heartland Vs Nembe) , Yenagoa (Nembe Vs Rangers), Port Harcourt (Sharks Vs Kwara United and twice at Ilorin (ABS Vs Pillars and Kwara United Vs Nasarawa United with no crowd violence witnessed at the end of the encounters.

    Speaking on the state of the league this season on Wednesday afternoon from Ilorin, coach Unuanel stressed that the latest development where clubs could go to anywhere in the land to pick valuable points without fear of being molested would only make the premier league more competitive and to attract good patronage.

    He praised the clubs supporters and fans for agreeing to play by the rules governing the game and not to take laws into their hands whenever home teams suffer defeat.

    “I must admit that I’m awed by the attitude of the home fans and supporters since the league season started this term. They have been re-orientated and have all agreed to come and support their teams no matter what,” Unuanel enthused.

    “I have not witnessed any ugly scene this season and I hope and pray this will continue for the interest of football in the country.

    “I was in Port Harcourt with my team the other day and after our away win over Sharks, I decided to trek from the Sharks Stadium to our hotel which is just a stone’s throw, I walked freely on the road without anybody molesting me. It was rare and risky in the past for you to walk without guard away from home after you have secured a win.

    “I used to think Kano Pillars’ team has the best fans in terms of their support but the one showed by Port Harcourt fans and that of Ilorin fans has made me to have a rethink.

    “After our home loss to Nasarawa United in Week 6 the chairman of the Kwara State Supporters Club and some of his officials came to my house to console me on the defeat. It was my first home loss of my career and I was impressed by the solidarity exhibited by the Ilorin fans and supporters. Nobody touched anybody and everyone went home peacefully without any problem. It should be encouraged.”

  • Team praises Rivers model school

    The National Good Governance (NGGT) Team has described the new model primary and secondary schools built by the Rivers State government as “wonderful infrastructure that would guarantee good education of the children at the foundation level.”

    Leader of the team and Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, made the remarks while inspecting the Ambassador Nne Kurubo Secondary School, Ebubu in Eleme Local Government Area of the state.

    Maku who praised Governor Chibuike Amaechi for the infrastructures, noted that the foundation level of education is very crucial in the educational growth of the child. The minister however advised the governor to also take the issue of teachers’ motivation seriously because of the negative impact poor remuneration could have on the morale of teachers in the school.

    The advice was given based on the observation made by one of the participants that wages of teachers in the Model Schools managed by Educomp Solutions Nigeria Limited, a foreign outfit, is lower than what their counterparts in the government- run public schools receive.

    He further advised the governor to take steps to ensure that infrastructure in other public schools in the state were also upgraded to avoid creating class differences.

    Said Maku: “While you keep model schools going, it is important that you fix the other schools to also motivate the teachers and pupils in them.”

    He advised the governor to encourage competition in the management of the model schools by involving not only foreigners but Nigerians, stressing that the spirit of competitiveness results in improvement.

    Speaking earlier, Amaechi said the Ambassador Nne Kurubo Secondary School was a model and replica of Achimota Secondary School in Ghana with all hostel, laboratory, recreational facilities, and class facilities for teachers and students built in the school. The school which he said is first of the 24 that would be built in the state has international standard.

  • Jonathan praises Super Eagles for winning Nations Cup

    Jonathan praises Super Eagles for winning Nations Cup

    President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Super Eagles for their “stunning victory.“

    In a message posted on Facebook, Jonathan said: “ I am overjoyed at the stunning victory of the Super Eagles which has seen Nigeria emerge as the champions of the Africa Cup of Nations 2013.

    “Well done patriots, you have done Nigeria proud. 2013 is obviously the year of Nigeria.

    “We have emerged as the beacon of hope on the African continent by proving to Africa and the world that a strong Nigerian team put together and trained by a Nigerian coach can stand the test of time and successfully rise to the challenge of the most formidable opponent.

    “The Nigerian spirit stands strong and steady as we march to the destination of greatness.

    “I doff my Fedora hat to this great squad that has brought laughter and happiness to our homes.

    ‘‘Nigerians are great. We thank God, we thank you,’’ Jonathan said.

    A statement by Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati, Dr. Jonathan said: “President Goodluck Jonathan congratulates the Super Eagles and all Nigerians on the country’s inspiring victory in the AFCON 2013 finals this evening in Johannesburg.

    “President Jonathan thanks Coach Stephen Keshi and all members of the team who have worked very hard and played with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of setbacks in the competition.

    “The President also commends the Minister of Sports, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, the Chairman and members of the Nigerian Football Federation and all others who have contributed to the astonishing transformation of the Super Eagles from underdogs to gallant winners and glorious soccer champions of the African continent.

    “President Jonathan believes that the team’s amazing transformation from rank outsiders to champions is a clear manifestation of the even greater successes the country can achieve in all other fields of human endeavour if all Nigerians come together and devote their immense collective energies and resources to supporting the implementation of his Administration’s Agenda for National Transformation.

    “Therefore, as the entire nation celebrates Nigeria’s remarkable triumph in South Africa, President Jonathan urges all Nigerians to imbibe the positive lessons of the Super Eagles’ success because the fulfilment of the country’s immense potentials for greatness will be more speedily attained if more Nigerians resolve to emulate the team’s exemplary unity of purpose, dedication, commitment and devotion to service of the nation.

    “The President also believes that having conquered Africa, the new Super Eagles can go on to achieve even greater glory at the World Cup in Brazil next year. He assures the team that it will receive every necessary support and encouragement from the Federal Government for that next national assignment.

    President Jonathan thanks the Government of South Africa and the Confederation of African Football for a well-organised tournament and looks forward to receiving the victorious Super Eagles in Abuja on Tuesday.”

  • Minister praises varsity on projects

    Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has praised the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) for the infrastructural development in the university. The minister, who visited the institution as part of his good governance tour of Enugu State, was conducted round the Nsukka campus by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof Isaac Asuzu, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bartho Okolo.

    After inspecting some of the completed projects, Maku noted that the university’s stride in development was commendable. “Let me commend the University of Nigeria, Nsukka for this achievement. I was here in 1988 and I know this is a different place compared to how it was. Then, most of these buildings were collapsing with some left unpainted,” Maku said.

    He continued: “But today, I can see that almost every building on this campus has been touched; hostels, faculty buildings and new structures, are all looking different. That is the kind of thing we should appreciate.”

    Maku criticised past military regimes for the collapse of the university system, saying it was during the military era that brilliant scholars migrated from Nigeria to the West in search of greener pasture.

    However, he noted that there was a gradual and steady recovery process being pursued by the Federal Government, which if not interrupted, would restore the lost glory of the education sector.

    On the problem of funding, the minister acknowledged that the universities needed funds for optimal performance, but said the National Economic Council (NEC) was working on the scheme to generate funds for public institutions from private and public sectors. Maku passed vote of confidence on Nigerian universities, saying their graduates still held their feet in global competitions.