The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Qatar

Failure to develop sports at grassroots threatens our growth – Gora

A retired sports administrator, Elias Gora, on Tuesday said the country’s grassroots development programme was not good enough to help build world-beaters and return Nigeria to winning ways.

Gora told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that there should have by now been a replacement for sprinter Blessing Okagbare if the programme was yielding the desired result.

Speaking against the background of recent unimpressive performances by Okagbare, Gora lamented that Nigeria’s athletics administrators had been paying lip service to grassroots development and this was rather unfortunate.

“I said this same thing sometime last year, and up till this moment there is nobody we can pinpoint or point at as a possible replacement for this talented athlete that nature has began to take its course on.

“In Nigerian athletics unfortunately, there is a talk of ‘catch them young’ grassroots development. But I haven’t seen anything in that direction.

“If that was the case and we are quite serious with it, we would have had young and talented athletes replacing Okagbare,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Okagbare, one of Africa’s most successful sprinters, will not be in action when the IAAF Diamond League makes its second of 14 stops this weekend in Shanghai, China.

She finished with an uninspiring 23.15 seconds to place sixth in the opening leg of the money-spinning one day meeting last weekend in Doha, Qatar.

This would be the second straight season the Nigerian 100m record holder at 10.79 seconds will be missing the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Shanghai.

She had made her debut in 2011, coming third in 11.23 seconds in the 100m.

Gora, who was Nigeria’s Chef de Mission at the 2011 New Delhi Commonwealth Games, “By now, there should be a replacement for Okagbare already if the grassroots development programme was yielding the desired result.

“She’s a wonderful woman, well determined and her passion for this country is highly commendable, but by now somebody would have replaced her.

“We should by now not only have one, but very many other new crop of young athletes coming up to do Nigeria proud.

“So, I don’t know what we are really doing in grassroots sports development,’’ he said.

Gora lamented that what the country was having was a situation of having individual athletes attending competitions without training.

“They cannot embark on any serious training because first they don’t have a coach, and that’s the truth, as sad as it is. We can’t take good coaching away from sports,’’ he said.

Gora said the importance of knowledgeable coaching in the life of athletes could not be over-emphasised.

“You cannot have sports without coaches who are up to date with current techniques. Sports keeps evolving and there are procedures.

“I have said it times without number, but nobody is listening,’’ he said.

Gora then urged the incoming President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to ensure that his administration’s focus was mainly on grassroots development.

“It is never too late to make amends. After the election, whoever emerges the new AFN President should give more priority to grassroots development.

“We cannot over-emphasise the need for it, given the decline we have suffered in the recent past,’’ he said.

May 23, 2017
Qatar Builds Air Conditioned Stadium for 2022 World Cup

Qatar’s first stadium completed ahead of World Cup 2022 five years before tournament… and it is air conditioned

The 40,000 Khalifa International Stadium has been open since 1976 but has been extensively renovated for the major competition

QATAR’s first stadium has been completed ahead of the World Cup 2022, five years before the tournament begins – and it is air conditioned.

The 40,000 Khalifa International Stadium has been open since 1976 but has been extensively renovated for the major competition in the middle eastern country.

The Khalifa International Stadium has been renovated to the tune of £70million

One of the key features is the cooling system at the Doha ground, which was the linchpin of the bid from the country to host football’s biggest tournament, as temperatures soar to 50 degrees.

The ground has been totally re-built to the tune of £70million, with the pitch at a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and the stands at 24-28 degrees year-round.

‘The Khalifa International’ is the first completed 2022 World Cup stadium in Qatar

Able to hold 40,000 spectators, the stadium is done five years ahead of schedule

The secretary general of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi, said: “The completion of our first stadium more than five years before the Qatar World Cup begins is an important milestone.

“It reflects our determination to deliver a tournament the entire Arab world is proud to be a part of.

FIFA World Cup

It is an air conditioned stadium with a special cooling mechanism

The stadium will hold the Emir Cup final as soon as this Friday

“As we promised in our bid, our innovative stadiums offer an unrivalled experience to fans and players alike.

“I’m proud we can show these off to the world and welcome fans with the hospitality this World Cup will be remembered for.

The cooling system was at the heart of the Arabian country’s bid for the tournament

May 17, 2017
Sokari, Sfaxien arrive Qatar for winter training

Despite speculation regarding his future with CS Sfaxien of Tunisia,
Kingsley Bobby Sokari has travelled with his team-mates to Doha, Qatar
for a week long winter training sessions in preparation for the
continuation of the Tunisian League.

Sokari is being linked to clubs in France, Turkey and Asian nations
with FC Metz showing serious interest but are being scared away by the
asking price of CS Sfaxien.

The Nigeria international told SportingLife that he travelled to Qatar
with his team and that they are expected to spend a week there getting
in shape for the continuation of the season where they presently hold
a four point advantage over second place Etoile du Sahel.

He said 25 players made the trip besides the coaches and other
officials and that they hope to play few matches there against clubs
in the Qatari league.

The former U20 and U23 player disclosed that he doesn’t know his
whereabouts presently and that it is only when the transfer window
closes that he would be in the best position to comment on that.

January 16, 2017
Qatar National Bank raises stake in Ecobank

Qatar National Bank (QNB) has increased its stake in Ecobank Transna-tional Incorporated (ETI) by more than 60 per cent in the past two years.

The investment has earned Qatar National Bank the largest single shareholder in the pan-African lender.

QNB is listed on the Qatar Exchange, with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) as its major shareholder.

QNB, which acquired 11.1 per cent equity stake in Ecobank in 2014, has grown its equity stake to 18 per cent, trailing Nedbank Group Limited, which controls the largest equity stake of 20.7 per cent, according to the last audit for the period ended December 31, 2015.

In third quarter of 2014, QNB acquired about 1.77 billion ordinary shares of ETI, which gave the Qatari bank 11.1 per cent equity stake in ETI.

At the same time, QNB also acquired about 732.28 million preference shares.

Ecobank late last month announced that QNB has decided to exercise its option to convert its preference shares totaling 732.28 million preference shares to ordinary shares. At the previously agreed conversion rate of one preference share for 0.76923 ordinary share, QNB will receive about 563.26 million ordinary shares.

QNB was the major holder out of the total number of ETI’s preference shareholders who decided to convert their preference shares to ordinary shares by the expiration of the conversion deadline on October 31, this year. Altogether, ETI will issue about 630.33 million ordinary shares in exchange for 819.42 million preference shares.

The issuance of the new ordinary shares will increase QNB’s shareholding from 4.334 billion ordinary shares or 18.0 per cent as at the last audit to about 4.897 billion ordinary shares or 19.8 per cent after the conversion. The new issuance will also increase ETI’s issued share capital from 24.10 billion ordinary shares of 2.5 US cents to 24.73 billion ordinary shares.

ETI, which is also listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange in Accra and the West Africa Stock Exchange (BRVM) in Abidjan, has indicated it was ready and in favour of issuing the new shares. ETI had said the 819.42 million preferences shares will be converted to 630.33 million ordinary shares at an implied conversion price of N21.32 per new ordinary share upon receipt of requisite approvals.

Sources in the know of regulatory affairs at the weekend said Ecobank will receive a “no objection” clearance from the capital market regulators.

Under the terms on conversion of preference shares approved by all parties to the acquisition of Oceanic Bank, which resolution was passed on September 14, 2011, preference shareholders had the right, exercisable at any time between the third anniversary of the issue date and the fifth anniversary of this date, to convert their preference shares into ordinary shares in the company at the rate of one preference share to 0.76923 ordinary share.

Preference shareholders, therefore, had the right to convert their preference shares up to Monday October 31, 2016. Out of outstanding of 1.03 billion preference shares as at the end of December 2015, the holders of 819.42 million preference shares exercised their right to convert their preference shares into ordinary shares in the company within the stipulated timeline.

Group chief executive officer, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc, Ade Ayeyemi said the decision to convert the preference shares to ordinary shares underscored the trust by the preference holders in the Ecobank Group.

“We appreciate the trust and confidence that the preference shareholders, particularly QNB, have in Ecobank. With the support of all our shareholders, we shall continue to provide the best quality banking services to our numerous clients across the largest banking network in Africa,” Ayeyemi said.

He said ETI is taking all necessary steps to get the shares converted, issued and listed on the three stock exchanges where it is listed.

December 19, 2016
2018 World cup: Infantino visit Russia

FIFA’s new President, Gianni Infantino, toured Moscow’s reconstructed Luzhniki Stadium on Tuesday during his first visit to the 2018 World Cup host since he became president two months ago.

According to a statement on FIFA’s website, Luzhniki, one of 12 arenas around Russia that would host World Cup matches, is being remodelled to have 81,000 seats and is set to host the tournament’s opening and final match.

Accompanied by the Mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, Infantino commended the reconstruction work taking place at the stadium and described the venue as the right choice for the world’s most important events in football.

Report says Russia is spending an estimated 10 billion Euros (11 billion dollars) on hosting the World Cup.

Infantino is also set to travel to the 2022 World Cup host, Qatar, on Wednesday.

April 19, 2016
Photos: Buhari at Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar

President Muhammadu Buhari visits the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar

March 1, 2016
Photo: Buhari back from Qatar

President Muhammadu Buhari at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport,Abuja on arrival from Qatar and Saudi Arabia

February 29, 2016
Buhari seeks OPEC members’ cooperation to stabilize oil market

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Doha emphasised the need for member states of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC members to cooperate and find a common ground to stabilize crude oil prices.

Speaking at a bilateral meeting with the Sheikh Tamim Bin Hammad Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, President Buhari described the current market situation in the industry, which has seen oil prices plummet by 70 per cent since mid-2014, as ‘totally unacceptable’.

Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said: “As members of OPEC and Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), our relations in the areas of oil and gas, which our two nations heavily rely on, need to be enhanced and coordinated for the benefit of our people.”

“The current market situation in the oil industry is unsustainable and totally unacceptable.

“We must cooperate both within and outside our respective organisations to find a common ground to stabilize the market, which will be beneficial to our nations,’’ the President said on the second day of his state visit to Qatar. ”

He used the occasion of his address to the Emir to commend the existing cordial bilateral relations between both countries and invited prospective Qatari investors to take advantage of the abundant opportunities in Nigeria and invest in the key areas of energy, agriculture, real estate development, banking and finance.

The President also assured prospective investors of government protection of their persons and investment, noting that in the course of his visit, the delegations from Nigeria and Qatar would formalize at least two bilateral agreements to boost economic cooperation between both countries.

He also weighed-in on the situation in the Middle East, commending the role Qatar is playing in resolving the present Syrian crisis, the Palestinian cause and efforts in reconstructing Gaza.

He said: “The conflicts in Yemen and Syria with their attendant humanitarian crisis need genuine international effort to solve. Nigeria as a peace loving country identifies with the State of Qatar in all her peace efforts in the world to end terrorist activities.

“Nigeria is a victim of terrorism. It is with heavy heart that I stand before you and say activities of Boko Haram have led to loss of many lives and displacement of innocent people in our dear nation.

“We, however, take pride to inform you that since our coming to power, Boko Haram has been systematically decimated and are in no position to cause serious threat to our development programs.

“I wish to reiterate that Nigeria rejects violence and extremism in all their ramifications, and assure your Highness that we are with the State of Qatar in your efforts to fight terrorism and injustice in your region and in the world at large.’’

President Buhari also called for a lasting solution to the Israeli – Palestinian conflict , saying “we in Nigeria, like the State of Qatar, favour a ‘Two State’ solution, with the State of Palestine living side by side with the State of Israel.

“I want to assure you that we will stand side by side with you, until our brothers and sisters in Palestine achieve their desired objectives.

“Our support for various Security Council resolutions restoring and respecting 1967 boundaries with Jerusalem as capital of Palestine is firm and unshaken,’’ he said.

February 28, 2016
Buhari to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar

President Muhammadu Buhari will begin a week-long official visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar from Monday.

Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, will be accompanied by a high-powered Federal Government delegation, including the Minister of State (Petroleum) and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

The President will first fly to Riyadyh for talks on Tuesday with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and senior officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The statement said that ongoing efforts by Nigeria and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to achieve greater stability in the price of crude oil exports are expected to be high on the agenda of discussions between President Buhari and the Saudi Monarch.

Crude oil prices and market stability will also be top when President Buhari goes on to Doha on Saturday for talks on Sunday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The President is also scheduled to meet with leading Saudi and Qatari businessmen in Riyadh and Doha, and invite them to support his administration’s efforts to revamp the Nigerian economy by taking advantage of the great investment opportunities currently available in Nigeria’s mining, agriculture, power supply, infrastructure, transportation, communications and other sectors.

President Buhari’s other engagements in Saudi Arabia include meetings with heads of international financial organisations and multilateral associations.

Before going on to Doha, the President will also visit Medina and Mecca to pray for greater peace, prosperity and progress in Nigeria.

February 21, 2016
Nigerians in Qatar launch ID cards, new website

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Qatar (NIDO-Qatar) launched its redesigned website and membership identity card for Nigerians in Qatar to ease means of identification for its citizens and adequately provide needed information about developmental programme of Nigeria for potential investors.

The redesigned website, ID card and logo of the community were unveiled by Amadi Nwokocha, President of NIDO-Qatar, Enoch Pear Duchi, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Qatar, Miranda Horsfall Flikekema, a distinguished member of the community and officials of the Ethiopian Airlines at an elaborate ceremony at Movenpick Hotel in Doha on Friday.

“The new website and logo creation are to assist both public and private entities in Qatar to source for information and opportunities in doing business in Nigeria. Our website doubles as both an interactive platform for members and communication to our numerous stakeholders.

“It will bolster friends and well-wishers of Nigeria, to embrace the change experienced in the country and to keep a keen eye on the developmental programmes being carried out by President Muhammdu Buhari, Amadi said.

“The identity card is geared to help in the image & reputation concerns of Nigerians in Qatar. Database collection and also to create avenues for discounts on purchases and services, enjoy special discounts from NIDO’s partner vendor,” Amadi added.

EP Duchi, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires says Nigerians should avail themselves the provision of this platform being provided by the organization so that they can be served better.

Commenting on the launch, Duchi said: “The unveiling of the new NIDO-Qatar logo, launch of a new website and membership Identity Card for Nigerians resident in Qatar is most commendable. I hope Nigerians living in the State of Qatar would cooperate and support the
organization in its drive to serve them and give Nigeria a new face.”

Miranda Horsafall Flikkema, the chief launcher of the occasion said: “I personally am very proud to be working with the present officials of NIDO-Qatar who in the short period have made tremendous impact in the community with the assistance of the Embassy of Nigeria in Qatar.

It is noteworthy to point out that at this point we should encourage them in fulfilling the milestone that they have set for the future. I urge Nigerians and friends of our beloved country to encourage them financially and advisory. It will go a long way in moving Nigeria forward here in Qatar. Qatar is home for us and most of us have been here for a long time.”

“We want to encourage everybody here to join us in moving the NIDO forward. We want to make our own silent donation and enjoin every other person will join in,” she added.

Duchi urged Nigerians to cooperate with the embassy and be good ambassadors in the State of Qatar, further advising the group to source for funds from sponsors. Chief Raymond Bob-Ume, the past VP of NIDO, commended the Nigerian group for initiating the ID card project and website as a change agent to launder the image of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Oladayo Olayiwola, a Nigerian resident urged the officials to ensure registrants on the website are verified as members of the community and Nigerians so as to avoid offensive posts on the website. Ade Ajayi, a member of the community enjoined the group to sustain the momentum especially in the dissemination of information.

Recently, NIDO-Qatar signed a MoU with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. The Qatar 2022 World Cup organizing committee says the MoU signing represents their commitment to involve and engage various communities in Qatar in the activities towards the successful hosting of the 2022 Mundial. The partnership with the Supreme Committee is for coordination and cooperation as part of the SC’s upcoming plans and progress updates on the 2022 FIFA World Cup to its grass roots stakeholders.

The new website for the community is www.nidoqatar.org

December 7, 2015