The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Record

  • Brume eyes Okagbare’s record

    • As AFN uses Olukoya Champ for selection

    Commonwealth Gold medalist, Ese Brume was the cynosure of all eyes at the 5th D.K Olukoya Youth and Junior Athletics Championships which was concluded on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium,Lagos. Brume, who ran one of the best times in the women’s 100m, 200m races rounded up with a sterling performance in the jumps.

    In a chat with SportingLife on Saturday, Brumeh claimed she was looking forward to perfecting her skills in the women’s  100m race as she wishes to surpass the feat of the fastest woman in Africa and Commonwealth gold medalist, Blessing  Okagbare.

    “I am sure I can fill in her(Okagbare) shoes with time. I came for the Olukoya Youth Championship in order to work on my  time ahead of the Youth World Athletics Championships slated for this year in Mauritus,” she said.

    In the same vein, Divine Oduduru also outclassed his contemporaries in the men’s 100m race. Oduduru, who is presently under Coach Daniel  Etsebiminor told SportingLife he was ready to soar.

    He said: We have had a rigorous training under Coach Daniel. Okagbare has been of tremendous help as she also trains with us anytime she is in Sapele, Delta State. This has encouraged us and I feel I can end the drought in the men’s 100m category with time.”

    Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has put all logistics in place to camp successful athletes that took  part in the fifth edition of the Dr. D. K. Olukoya Youth and Junior Athletics Championships  at the IAAF recognised High performance Training Centre (HPC) at the University of Port-Harcourt.

    According to the Technical Director of AFN, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama: “We are preparing for the African Youth Championships and African Junior Championships. We also have the World Youth Championship, so we are using this particular championship which is very crucial for our trials for the youth and junior athletes at the same time so it is very serious.

    Immediately after this, the athletes selected will go into camp in preparation for the African Youth  Championship (AYC).

    Again, it is significant because most of the youth athletes are also qualified for Juniors. You can see a situation that the same crop of athletes qualify for the junior and youth championship.”

  • Obesere’s son floats record label

    Obesere’s son floats record label

    Son of self-styled Fuji musician, Abass Akande Obesere, has taken a bold step to float a new record label called R-Entertainment, giving reasons he doesn’t want to follow the same genre as his father.

    Lekan, who is based in Dublin, said he desire to have a different identity from the acclaimed Paramount King of Fuji.

    “I don’t want to play Fuji music because my great grand dad was a Fuji musician. My dad too is a Fuji musician. And a lot of people don’t know that two of my father’s brothers are into Fuji music as well,” he said.

    The young lad arrived Nigeria recently with two acts on his label; rap artiste, Abiodun Azeez, aka Beezy and Hip-hop sensation, Akinyemi Akintoye, known as Sajan.

    Speaking of the mission of R-Entertainment in the Nigeria music scene, he said, “I started R-Entertainment two years ago. It is about promoting music in Africa. I have been collaborating with top promoters in Dublin. I was part of the team that brought Wizkid, Davido and others from Nigeria. I just felt it is about time I come back home to add value to what we have now. And by so doing, we are going to be promoting a couple of singles from the two acts on the label. Beezy is a rapper, and already, he has a single titled Pawon, produced by TJ, while Sajan is a hip-hop artist. He too has a single titled Soyoyo. These two singles we shall be releasing officially on Nigerian radio stations from next week,” he revealed.

    On R-Entertainment, his sojourn in Dublin and how he met his two signees, Lekan said: “The label started in 2013 in Dublin after I did my first club show for which I brought an artiste from the UK. I just wanted to test the waters with that show, and it turned out to be a successful show. I continued with the club shows in Dublin, but I didn’t just want to stay glued to that platform.  So I decided to think out of the box; everyone knows my dad is a musician, and I didn’t want to sing. At that point, I decided to sign my first artiste, Beezy. We did a couple of stuffs and I thought that since I have a rapper, it would make sense to get a singer as well. I then decided to bring Sajan on board. Together we’ve done a lot of works in Dublin. So we then decided it is about time to come back to Nigeria where we came from and contribute our quota to the music industry.

  • NUGA facilities ‘ll be ready in record time – Prof. Kucha

    NUGA facilities ‘ll be ready in record time – Prof. Kucha

    The 25th edition of the NUGA billed for the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State come November, 2015 may still be nine months away but Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Emmanuel Iornumbe Kucha  has stated in very strong terms that his institution will not wait till the last minute to get all the facilities needed in place.

    Prof. Kucha, while fielding questions on the state of readiness of the university for the Games noted that there is absolutely no reason for the NUGA Council to have doubts over their readiness as work is already in progress to ensure that construction of the facilities commence by March.

    “We’ll do the Games and very well too. NUGA Council had their meeting here in Makurdi and I must say that the outcome was not bad from what the NUGA president, secretary and the LOC chairman reported to me. The council saw what we have on ground with a promise that work would soon commence on the other facilities. We bided for this NUGA hosting and we’re not joking about it. That’s why as soon as we got it, we started preparing for it.

    “As a government establishment, there are processes that must be followed. As we speak, processes for some of the facilities to come on board are already on and I can assure you that our October target of all the facilities being on ground and ready for use will be achieved.”

    Though, he admits that sourcing of funds has not been an easy one, he believes things are beginning to fall in place as bids for the tender has already advertised for the construction of four additional hostel blocks, a multi-purpose Indoor Sports Hall and the construction of a squash court.

    Prof. Kucha, however noted that the recent devaluation of the naira might pose some little problems but measures have been put in place to take care of such unforeseen development.

    “We’re not unaware of the situation in the country as regards the devaluation of the naira but I can assure you that we won’t let that be a setback to achieving our set targets. Our only area of concern in this regard will be in the areas of facilities that are coming in from abroad but for construction, I think we’re still on course.

    In terms of construction taking off, I can tell you that by mid February to early March when the NUGA council will be in Makurdi, work would be on at various sites. In fact, the council will meet work in progress when they come for their next meeting.”

    He stated that the university is working towards adding more football pitches, two sports hall –one for squash and the other for multi sports likes table tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball and other indoor games. “There will be a new main bowl that would have a football pitch as well as serve athletics events. This will be in addition to the construction of four hostels blocks in addition to the five we already have on ground. There’s also a build, operate and transfer project that would give us another two hostel blocks and I believe all of these will take care of accommodation issues. Let me state here that the main objective of bidding to host the NUGA is to help put lasting structures in place given the fact that we’re located out of town. Having recreational activities on campus makes it a lot easier for our students to recreate from time to time. The idea is to help develop the students in all areas so that they don’t just concentrate on reading all the time.”

  • Klose focused on final after breaking record

    Veteran striker Miroslav Klose refused to dwell on his record-breaking feat after Germany advanced to the FIFA World Cup final.

    Klose became the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history as Germany stormed into the tournament decider courtesy of a stunning 7-1 rout of Brazil in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday – the host nation’s first loss on home soil since 1975.

    Five of Germany’s seven goals came during the opening half-hour and Klose found himself on the scoresheet in that period, converting his own rebound in the 23rd minute to take his tally to 16 goals – surpassing Brazil’s Ronaldo, who had held the previous record of 15 since 2006.

    While the 36-year-old German dedicated the achievement to his family in a post-game interview with Sky Sports Italia, he was quick to turn his attention to Sunday’s final in Rio de Janeiro, with Germany aiming to win a fourth World Cup.

    “To whom I dedicate my goal? For my children, my family,” he said.

    “I’m happy for this record, for having exceeded Ronaldo, but for me it is increasingly important to the team.

    “Now we want to win the final. Holland or Argentina? I have no preference. They’re good.”

  • ‘Equities will record modest return in 2014’

    Nigerian equities will swim in a torrent of potentially impac-tful global and national macroeconomic and political situations, which will moderate share prices and result in modest return by the end of this year.

    Managing director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, yesterday at the 2014 Investors’ Forum of Investment One Financial Services Limited in Lagos, called for cautious optimism outlining several fiscal and monetary as well as political risks that could adversely impact on the investment market this year.

    According to him, though the market may not likely suffer a crash, most variables indicate possibility of price correction.

    He however pointed out that there are several sectors still with significant upside potential including insurance, banking and building materials sectors.

    Other financial and investment experts also expressed similar cautious optimism. Chief executive officer, wealth management, Investment One Financial Services, Mrs Abimbola Afolabi-Ajayi said 2014 would be a year of mixed fortune.

    She advised investors to seek professional advice and invest with a long-term as a way to mitigate possible short-term fluctuations that may occur during the year.

    According to her, good professional advice and investor’s education are two crucial supports that will enable investors to profitably navigate the year.

    Executive director, market operations and technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Ade Bajomo, said the NSE would further implement medium-term strategic initiatives that would enhance corporate governance and market integrity.

    According to him, NSE would champion the development of enabling laws and policies that would lead to improved corporate governance and corporate social responsibility, enhanced government relations, integrated investor education and capital market and economic development programme.

    He assured that the Exchange would continue to strive to operate a fair and orderly market with world-class surveillance programme embedded with risk-based supervision framework.

    Rewane said investors will exercise more caution this year given the quantitative easing and tapering in the United States and the tightening macroeconomic condition in Nigeria.

  • Eagles claim African record with Ethiopia win

    Eagles claim African record with Ethiopia win

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed an African record when they defeated the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia 2-1 in the 2014 World Cup qualifying game played in Addis Ababa on Sunday.

    The victory meant that the Super Eagles have now gone 27 consecutive World Cup qualifying matches without a loss.

    This is an African record, and it is the seventh best run ever in world football.

    The last time the Eagles lost a World Cup qualifier was the 1-0 loss away to Angola in 2004.The Eagles have won 18 and drawn nine since that loss.

  • Africa records $66.3b insurance premium income

    African Insurance Organisation (AIO), the umbrella body for insurance organisations in the continent, has said the insurance market raked in premium income worth about $66.30billion in the 2011.

    President of the association, Mr. Hassan El Sayeed, who made this known while addressing participants at the ongoing 40th AIO Conference and General Assembly in Cairo, said the figure translates to 1.66 per cent of insurance premium raked in by operators in the world in the same year.

    The conference, which brought together insurance practitioners from Africa, Australia, Europe, Middle East and Asia countries, has theme as, “The role of the African insurance industry to support the economic development of African countries”,

    He said the $66.30billion recorded in the year under review was against the N4.03 trillion raked in by the global market the previous year.

    He also said out of the continental insurance premium figure, $21.7billion was on non-life insurance business, which translates to 32.68 per cent of the total premium raked in by the market in the previous year.

    Chairman of the Organising Committee of the conference, Mr Abdel Raouf Kotb, noted that Africa is the continent of the future, adding that the future is looking up to it.

    According to him, Africa is becoming the continent of the future and the world is following and participating in its development and many have identified it as the main source of future growth, opportunities and profitability.

    “The African economic boom is set to go from strength to strength with the continent outpacing the global average Gross Domestic Growth (GDP). The main challenge is to ensure that this growth reflects on the average citizens and that the riches of our countries have the direct effect of alleviating, more Africans out of poverty and tackling inequality,” Kotb said.

    He added that the continent should be optimistic, warning: “Let us not underestimate the challenges before us. Our continent continues to depend on external demand making us susceptible to global economic slowdowns, particularly in China and the Eurozone.”

    He added: “Africa faces many domestic risks, such as youth unemployment, political upheavals, low insurance penetration and severe weather just to mention a few. The insurance and reinsurance industry has a pivotal role to play to ensure that these risks are properly identified and managed in order to ensure the sustainable development of our countries,” he said.

  • Akeredolu objects to judges’ record

    Akeredolu objects to judges’ record

    There was a mild drama yesterday at the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal when the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), raised an objection to the recording by the judges.

    Akeredolu is challenging the declaration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko as the winner of the October 20, last year, poll.

    During the cross-examination of Mimiko’s witnesses, Akeredolu challenged the tribunal for recording what one of the witnesses did not say.

    When the tribunal Chairman, Justice Andovar Kaka’n, read out his record of the witness’ statement, there were side comments from the bar.

    The judge noticed this and said he and other members of the panel recorded the same thing.

    Akeredolu stood up and objected to the judge’s record. He said the witness did not say what was recorded and urged the judges to record the exact words of the witness in the interest of justice.

    Justice Kaka’n said Akeredolu is free to petition the authorities, if he doubts the credibility of the judges.

    Akeredolu said he would not hesitate to do so, if the need arises.

    He said judges should perform their duties effectively and efficiently.

    Earlier, the tribunal rejected an application by the ACN’s counsel, Mr. Lasun Sanusi, to allow ACN and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olusola Oke, to cross-examine Mimiko’s witnesses simultaneously.

    One of the witnesses, Mr. Akinkuolie Gafaru from Ondo West Local Government, said he was accredited and voted at his polling unit.

    During cross-examination by Sanusi, the witness confirmed that the voters register given to him to examine in the witness box contained numbers 13, 26 and 577, which were ticked to have voted but were not thumb printed.

    Form EC8A was also shown to him, in which 285 voters were accredited but 375 were recorded to have voted.

    Mr. Akinmoyo Clement said he voted at Ward Three, Unit Two in Idanre Local Government and was there throughout the election.

    He said PDP and ACN agents were at the unit and they voluntarily signed the result sheet.

    Sanusi showed him the voters’ register of his unit, where numbers 93, 97, 147 and 197 were ticked to have voted without thumbprinting.

    Mr. Adewusi Olayinka, a farmer from Idanre, said he voted at Ward 2, Unit 1 and was duly accredited.

    Olayinka contradicted himself when he could not establish his earlier claims on the ticking of the names of accredited voters.

    During the cross-examination of Mr. Obasuyi Ayorinde, it was shown that numbers 63, 107, 116, 144, 150, 158 and 168 were ticked to have voted without thumbprinting.

    Ayorinde, who said he voted at Unit Six, Ward Seven in Akure South Local Government, identified number 909 in the voters’ register, where only the nose and mouth of a voter was shown without his face, with the name ieeEWQRttyyy.

    Speaking with reporters shortly after the tribunal went on break, Akeredolu expressed confidence in the judiciary, adding that he only drew attention to the fact that the witness did not say what was recorded.

  • Nigeria’s Ihezuo is record breaker

    Nigeria’s Ihezuo is record breaker

    As Flamingoes continue to itch closer to lifting the FIFA U-17 Women World Cup going on in Azerbajan, no nonsense striker Chinwendu Ihezuo has broken the record for number of goals scored in a single match in the competition that made its debut in 2008 in New Zealand.

    The previous record was jointly held by Germany’s Kyra Malinowski and Korea Republic’s Yeo Min Ji , who both scored four goals against South Africa and Nigeria respectively at the 2010 FIFA Under 17s in Trinidad and Tobago.

    Chinwendu Ihezuo has surpassed the earlier record with her five strikes on 5′, 32′, 37′,56″ and 70′ against host nation Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

    Yeo Min Ji of Korea Republic won the golden shoe with eight goals in six games at Trinidad and Tobago 2010. Should Ihezuo score four more goals in Azerbaijan, she would set a new milestone in the competition.