The Nation Newspaper

Tag: relishes

  • Abia community relishes peace

    Abia community relishes peace

    The people of Umudike community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia state have given kudos to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for restoring peace in their community.

    The community and a neighbouring one, Umuelele, were on the verge of shedding blood when  the governor intervened.

    They said that they were obliged to thank the governor for arresting an impending war which, if it was allowed to start, would have led to bloodshed. They said the government allowed reason to prevail, seeing that they are one.

    Speaking with The Nation at Umudike, a leader of the community, Chief Patrick Nwadinobi. said that Umudike community is made up of three brothers, Umuofo, Umuelele and Okwuta and that they are the landlords of both Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and National Roots Crops Research Institute.

    Nwadinobi said that there are numerous visitors living among them especially at the two national institutions, adding that any violence  among them would affect the entire community including their visitors which will not augur well for the image of their community.

    He said that in 2002 that the then government of Orji Uzor Kalu created the Umudike autonomous community with the late Eze Godwin Enyinnaya as their traditional ruler from Umuofo, “Now that he is late the stool rotates to Okwuta as we agreed earlier”.

    The community leader said that when they agreed that the stool should be rotational, “But our brothers from Umuelele who after fighting to produce the traditional ruler and failed decided to fight for their own autonomous community”.

    Nwadinobi said that the disposition of the people of Umuelele led to squabbles that nearly tour the Umudike community apart but for the grace of God, “They Umuelele people have been fighting to take over Amokwe village square which belongs to all of us”.

    He explained that the problem led to a verification group from the state house of assembly after receiving our protest letter, “After their visit they told us to wait for their decision as we were on the verge of killing ourselves”.

    The community leader said that the three kindreds live among each other as there was no definite boundary separating them from each other, stressing that they share everything in common including Catholic and Methodist Churches, markets, stream and schools.

    He recalled that The Nation had earlier in 2013 reported on the problem by the people of Umuelele which led to the entire community missing out from government projects, as government never wanted to site any project in a problem prone area.

    Nwadinobi said that despite the fact that the people of Umuelele were granted their Umudike Ukwu autonomous community, “their name was not gazetted by the state government even when they had already elected their own traditional ruler in the person of Eze Ben Oriaku.

    He noted that the problem created by the people of Umuelele would have led to a full blown war among them, “If not for the fact that we have been withholding our youths, we would have had a serious bloodbath on our hands which would have affected our guests.”

    The Umudike community leader later produced a letter from the state ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs dated 18, 2017 and addressed to the council chairman titled, ‘De-listing of Umudike Ukwu autonomous community, Ikwuano local government area’.

    The letter reads in part, “May I refer to the above subject and inform you that the former Umudike Ukwu autonomous community in Ikwuano local government area has been de-listed as autonomous community”.

    “This action is predicated on the Abia state of Nigeria Traditional Rulers and Autonomous communities (Amendment No.1) law, 2015 which came into force  on the 29th Day of May 2015”.

    “By this letter, Umudike Ukwu autonomous community should as a matter of urgency collapse to its present autonomous community, with immediate effect. You are therefore requested to facilitate the retrieval of staff of office of the former Eze Ben Oriaku while all allowances and entitlements accruable to him should cease from henceforth”.

    The people carried placards with some of them reading, Umudike express gratitude to the governor for making peace among them, We thank the ABHA for their justice after verification, among others.

  • RACHAEL ONIGA RELISHES CHOICE AS BRAND AMBASSADOR

    RACHAEL ONIGA RELISHES CHOICE AS BRAND AMBASSADOR

    NOLLYWOOD actress, Rachael Oniga, has relished her choice as the brand ambassador of Revolution Plus, a property development company.

    The light skinned actress was unveiled by the company at its corporate headquarters based in Ikeja, Lagos and vouched for the business.

    “I accepted to be the brand ambassador because I carefully studied them after talking with other organisations and found out that they are credible,” said Oniga.

    “I am happy with where God has brought me so far.  I am very particular about sincerity and I have seen that they are serious minded.

    “I can attest o their honesty and truthfulness in the business.  Anybody that is dealing with them  or planning to do so is in the right place. If they fail to live up to the standard they are telling the public, people should feel free to call me and I will be the first to denounce them. But from every indication, this is a company that is trustworthy. It will never tell the people one thing and do another.”

    The Managing Director cum Chief Executive Officer, Mr BamideleOnalaja, explained why the company chose the soft spoken Nollywood actress.

    “We chose her for three major reasons,” said Onalaja.

    “The first is that she has been scandal free all along. She is an artiste of repute and thirdly, she is multi lingua. With her, we are taking the brand from being young to being bold. We develop estates all over the country and have never toyed with our integrity over the years. This is to tell the world about our projects.”

    Also speaking, the Executive Director, Mrs ToluOlusanya said: “We believe in excellence and our estates speak excellence. Integrity is our watchword and our guiding principle. We are out to deliver affordable housing for all.

  • Ahmed Musa relishes Rio Olympics action

    Ahmed Musa relishes Rio Olympics action

    Super Eagles skipper, Ahmed Musa has said he is excited with the prospect of playing at the Rio 2016 Olympics football event.

    The Dream Team VI coach Samson Siasia has hinted at inviting the CSKA Moscow striker and Odion Ighalo as the overage players for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

    “I am delighted and happy to hear this news (Siasia considering him for Rio Olympics). I will be glad to play in the Olympics,” said Ahmed Musa, who will be a few months above the eligible age of 23 when the football event at Rio 2016 gets underway in August.

    “It’s a big event and I am always ready to play for my country, Nigeria whenever I am called upon. I am already looking forward to being part of it.”

    Ahmed Musa has featured at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

  • Onuachu relishes Man Utd challenge

    Onuachu relishes Man Utd challenge

    FC Midtjylland striker, Paul Ebere Onuachu has said he is excited about playing Manchester United in the Europa League as the prospect of playing at Old Trafford looms.

    The Danish side have been paired with the English giants in the second round of the Europa League after the draws were made last week.

    Onuachu and his team came second behind Napoli in Group D of the competition ahead of Club Brugge and Polish side Legia Warsaw to qualify for the round of 32.

    The 21-year-old played six times in the Europa League scoring one goal in the process and said he will relish the experience of playing against Manchester United.

    “It will be a fantastic experience not just for me but the entire Midtjylland team when we meet United,” he told supersport.com.

    “Of course it’s every kid’s dream to play in a glamorous competition like this and to play United is a dream come true.

    “It will be an opportunity to play against more experienced players than me and I can only learn from that.”

    Onuachu also expressed delight at the Under-23 squad winning the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

    “I’m very happy the team won the trophy and all the hard work put in has been rewarded,” he said.

    “It’s unfortunate some of us who were invited at the initial stage couldn’t make it to the tournament but I’m happy we won and qualified for the Olympics.

    “I must congratulate the players and the coaching staff for this wonderful feat. I’m really happy for them. They’ve done really well.”

  • Ighalo relishes eighth goal of the season

    Ighalo relishes eighth goal of the season

    Super Eagles’ striker, Odion Jude Ighalo has asserted that Watford’s 3-2 away win at Villa Park was very important and crucial in their own bold desire to stay up in the elite division beyond this season.

    Ighalo struck first for Watford in the 17th minute before his team-mate Troy Deeney in the 85th minute to restore Watford’s two goal cushion. Alan Hutton had in the 69th minute netted an own goal for the Vicarage Road side’s second goal.

    The Eagles’ forward told SportingLife that he is elated to have added another goal to his tally and that getting a win was the priority.

    “It was a good win for us and I want to say that the victory against one of our rivals in the battle for relegation was a morale booster and that getting among the goals was very special.”

    Ighalo also spoke about his wife, Sonia, who is the mother of his

    three children and how their union of six years has made him a better person. Ighalo has eight goals in his first season in the EPL with Watford.

  • Akwa Utd captain relishes Africa debut

    Akwa Utd captain relishes Africa debut

    After playing a part in helping Akwa United win their first-ever domestic title, the Federation Cup, last Sunday, the captain of the Uyo club, Otobong Effiong, has told npfl.ng that he is savouring the chance of playing in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.

    It is the first time that the Promise Keepers played in the Federation Cup final after almost two decades of their existence – 19 years to be precise. Effiong feels there is no better time to win a first domestic title as it coincides with their move to a new home – the Akwa Ibom Stadium also known as the Nest of Champions.

    Effiong is of the view that they have not only lived up to their nickname, the Promise Keepers but have also showed that they are true champions with their home ground known as the Nest of Champions.

    “This is the happiest moment in my career,” Effiong told npfl.ng as he clutched to the Federation Cup getting set to go on the set of SuperSport TV for a sports magazine programme in Lagos on Tuesday. “You can only experience this kind of situation once because it is the first time we are winning something big.

    “All of this is happening so fast. The good part is that we have one of the best stadia in the country and we are so happy that we have been able to win something and our fans will now have a reason to celebrate.”

    The Akwa United defender also recalled that the club had a wretched season and escaped the drop by the whiskers on the last day. He believes that winning the Federation Cup has made up for their poor performance in the Glo Premier League.

    “Whenever I look back to the season, I am happy that we were able to stay in the (Glo) Premier League despite our struggles,” said Effiong to npfl.ng. “I remember we started the season with a 0-0 draw against Enyimba in Aba but lost to FC Taraba at home.”

    Yes, Akwa United’s season was off-colour. Just three away points to show for their troubles. They also started poorly by managing just a win in their opening five matches including a 0-4 loss to Giwa FC in Jos.

    Effiong believes that the decisive change in their season came when they moved into the splendid new home, the Nest of Champions, in June. He said: “The new stadium is a blessing in disguise for us. Since we moved to the stadium we have not lost at home and we have enjoyed playing there and the pitch is good.”

    But Effiong said there is the negative side – playing away from the Nest of Champions on pitches that are poor in quality compared to their new home ground. “Some of the pitches in the league are not in same standard as that of our stadium, so that to some extent affected us. But it’s not an excuse as we thank God that we were able to escape relegation at the end and then win the Federation Cup,” he said.

    “It is a big achievement for us, the players, coaches, fans and the club, that we will play on the continent next year. This is a dream come true for me, and my teammates. But we must get down to work because playing on the continent is quite different and we need to make an impact and show that we are good enough to be there,” remarked Effiong.

  • FIBA AFRICA ZONE THREE CHAMPIONSHIP: Ahmedu relishes first title with First Bank BC

    FIBA AFRICA ZONE THREE CHAMPIONSHIP: Ahmedu relishes first title with First Bank BC

    The camp of First Bank Basketball Club was thrown into wild jubilation after the team won the FIBA Africa Zone Three Championship by beating Dolphins 79-58 on Wednesday at Palaise De Sport, Cotonou, Benin Republic.

    First Bank needed to win with at least 13 points in the reverse fixture after losing the first game 71-83, but the Elephant Girls won the deciding game with a difference of 21 points to emerge winner. It was also a morale-boosting win, which will put the team in good stead for the FIBA Africa Women Champions Cup, which comes up in Luanda, Angola from November 27 to December 6.

    Ahmedu described the win over Dolphins as a good omen for the team, assuring that the technical crew would not rest on its oars to put in place a solid team that would do Nigeria proud in the finals in Angola.

    “We will only take one or two days off and get back to business as the task ahead is bigger than the zone-3 qualifier. The technical crew have noticed some lapses and will work harder with the players to make necessary correction and adjustment.”

    On whether there would be injection of new players into the team before the Angola, the coach who led ASPAC Basketball club of Benin Republic to a fifth place finish in the men version of the championship in 2009, said the off days period would afford the coaching crew the opportunity to make informed decisions on whether or not new players would be brought into the team.

    “We cannot categorically say we will invite more players for trials or not, the technical crew will let the team teeming supporters know the direction we are going after the off days. All I can says is that I am proud of the players for winning the zone-3 trophy going into the final round.”

    First Bank raced to a 20-09 points win in the first quarter of the game and extended it to 15 points at half-time with a 41-26 points lead. Though Dolphins tried to fight back in the third quarter, but such effort could only yield a one point deduction as it managed a 17-16 points’ win with the Elephant Girls taking a 14 points advantage going into the last quarter with a 57-43 points lead.

    Chioma Udeaja was at her very best of the evening as she led First Bank to a 22-15 points fourth quarter win for a final score-line of 79-58 points.

    Udeaja helped herself to 28 points and 7 rebounds, guard Chidimma Nwakamma scored 16 points with tournament most valuable player, Nkechi Akashili contributing 15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals for their win. The team will stay back in Cotonou to continue its preparation for the African championship.

  • Tenger relishes draw at Heartland

    Tenger relishes draw at Heartland

    Lobi Stars head coach, Justin Tenger is a happy man after his side pulled a heartwarming goalless draw at Heartland.

    The Pride of Benue were held to a goalless draw by the Naze Millionaires in Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 30 clash at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

    Tenger said he is satisfied with the point at Heartland though his wards missed great chances to take the whole three points.

    “Of course, I’m beaming with smiles  for us to have come here to pick a point at Heartland.

    “The barren draw is worth celebrating as it did not come so cheap, it was a hard fought game for both sides.

    “I give kudos to Almighty God and the players for being at their very best performance in the encounter.

    “It was a massive game no doubt about it though we created more chances at goal than the hosts, Heartland.

    “We could have wrapped up the match with a stunning victory in the first half if not the missed chances in most cases one on one.

    “I think the goal scoring scare is still hurting us, we will continue to work on the shortcoming until we perfect it. However, we are returning to Makurdi 100% satisfied with the vital point we claimed at Heartland,” said the former Akwa United coach to supersport.com.

    The point at Heartland takes Lobi Stars total earning to 36 from possible 90 in the 30-week old Nigerian top flight.

  • Akor relishes competition in goal

    Akor relishes competition in goal

    Enugu Rangers goalkeeper, Itodo Akor, believes the competition amongst the four goalkeepers is good for the team’s success.

    The quartet of under-23 goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, Akor, former under-17 and under 20 goalkeeper Uche Okafor and Nigerian international, Chigozie Agbim make up the goalkeepers in the team.

    “It’s a healthy competition that has brought out the best in the quartet. However, the choice for any particular match is the decision of the coaches.

    “I’m enjoying my career with Rangers and working hard to be at my best. My dream is to return to the national camp,” he told supersport.com.

    Supersport.com learnt that Akor rejected offers from champions, Kano Pillars and newly-promoted Wikki Tourists to remain with Enugu.

    Akor and Okafor were used by head coach, Imama Amapakabo, when Rangers hammered an Onitsha-based grassroots side, 4-0, in a friendly on Tuesday.

    Rangers had Akor in between the sticks for the first six matches, while Agbim got his turn on match days seven and eight.

    Agbim lost his place after the heavy defeat at Wikki Tourists, while Daniel got his turn on match days nine and ten.

    Akor joined Rangers from El-Kanemi Warriors.

  • Itodo relishes Ogunbote reunion

    Itodo relishes Ogunbote reunion

    Experienced campaigner, Cletus Itodo is delighted with the opportunity of reuniting with his former coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, at Shooting Stars Sports Club.

    Itodo, who resumed training with Shooting Stars, on Monday, played under Ogunbote, when he was the manager at Sunshine Stars.

    “I’m excited to work with Ogunbote again. We have a good player-manager relationship at Sunshine Stars which will benefit 3SC,” Itodo told supersport.com.

    The former Caf Champions League campaigner played for Abia Warriors before making a return to Sunshine last term.

    However, he moved to Kano Pillars this term, but left without playing an official match for the Nigerian champions.

    “I wasn’t registered at Pillars for obvious reasons. I hope issues concerning my registration will be finalized so I can return to duty with 3SC. I’m pleased to join the club,” he said to supersport.com.

    Itodo also played for Enyimba and had a stint at Dolphins.