The Nation Newspaper

Tag: represent

  • BEST PLAYERS ‘LL REPRESENT NIGERIA, SAYS AMUNEKE

    BEST PLAYERS ‘LL REPRESENT NIGERIA, SAYS AMUNEKE

    THE Head Coach of the Golden Eagles, Emmanuel Amuneke on Thursday said only the best players would be selected to represent the country at the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted by Chile. The competition will run from Oct. 17 to Nov. 8 in Chile.

    A statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on its website said that exactly a month away, would be the country’s opening Group A match against the U.S.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Eaglets are grouped alongside Chile, Croatia and the U.S., in group A.

    Amuneke said only the best players would feature for the country in the competition.

    “We are still preparing. We are glad that we were part of the Intercontinental competition in Suwon, Korea, because it gave us the opportunity to assess the players individually and collectively,”he said.

    “We are working towards the World Cup in Chile and we are hopeful that we will be able to give a good account of ourselves when we get to Chile. In football, you can say that everything has been done at this stage; it is a continuous process even when we get to the World Cup. We still have to prepare the team in order to face the challenges of the matches to be played.”

    NAN reports that the Eaglets placed third at the just-concluded Suwon International Youth U-17 Tournament staged in Korea Republic.

  • Masquerades represent lawmakers in my community-Mbanefo

    Masquerades represent lawmakers in my community-Mbanefo

    Prolific Nigerian artist, Emmah Mbanefo, no doubt is among the many Nigerian artists who are known for their exceptional works. He has made significant contributions in the field of visual arts in Nigeria and beyond.

    His artistic works revolves specifically around Igbo themes and symbolic mystery which provide a guide for artists. Beyond the Igbo titles of his works, the meaning behind it is equally of interest and it cut across everyone, with fascinating messages which no one can ignore.

    Mbanefo’s use of masquerades and Igbo titles to communicate his thoughts can be attributed to his Onitsha, Anambra origin. He said: “Masquerades represent lawmakers in my community where I come from. They make law and they repel it. Masquerades served as legislative, the judiciary and the executive arm of government in many communities in Nigeria before the coming of the white-man,” he said.

    No wonder this sculptor and painter most time uses masquerade to convey his messages which invokes mixed feelings of fear and peace. He keeps revisiting the ancestral linage of Onitsha people, as well as contemporary issues in Nigeria with his work.

    In May, 2014, he exhibited about 60 works in a solo art exhibition of paintings and sculptors titled: Wood Hood; at the National Museum, Lagos. “What could Wood Hood mean? The clause “out of the wood” means free at last, of trouble and danger. Perhaps, independent and emancipated, Wood Hood is directly the opposite, both “danger and “trouble” are of a foundation (cause) whose superstructure (effects) are far from goodness.

    “Wood Hood is a sequel to my first solo art exhibition “Ambivalence;” that which makes man intrinsically human, not good, not bad but both. Wood Hood searches for the good, the spirit of humanity.”

    Explaining the titles of his works he said: “Itokili: this refers to being caged in the world of the living. The victim is highly vulnerable and humility could be the panacea. Humility is such a frail and dedicated thing that, anyone who dares to think that he has it, proves by that single thought that he has it not.” Other titles you will come across whenever you see his works are: Akpali: An admirable quality, Oche Igele: An achiever’s seat, Oso-Ogoli: Spiritual race, Anasi: First wife, Otanke: Spy, etc.

    He went to the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria and worked briefly as a teacher before he established a workshop; Destiny Art Studio in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Mbanefor later turned the studio to educational context, taking on a number of apprentices, including ceramic artist, Ato Arinze. He is planning to have a solo show towards the end of the year.

    He was influenced according to him “by encounters with artists such as the late sculptor Okpu Eze, Pro Ben Enwonwu and Iraboh Emokpae.  He majored in Art Education and earned certificate of participation in Art Law, Element of Management, and Insurance for Artist, Principles and Practice of Copyrights and Trademarks with certificate in Creative Enterprise.

  • Why I want to represent Kosofe, by ex-commissioner

    Why I want to represent Kosofe, by ex-commissioner

    Former Lagos State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Rotimi Agunsoye has joined the House of Representatives race in Kosofe Constituency.

    He said: “I joined the race to serve and contribute to the legislative cause for good governance. I have the experience and the exposure. I have served as the vice chairman of a local government, special adviser and commissioner at the state level. I am a committed party man and I have served without blemish.”

    Other aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are Commissioner for Works Hon. Olatunbosun Jeje; member of House of Assembly Hon. Bayo Osinnowo; a youth activist, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Balogun; and Hon. Dayo Alebiosun, who was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 2007 and 2011.

    Agunsoye said he is in the race in fulfilment of the wish of his people, who he said, are rooting for his candidature. He noted that he was amazed at the activities of youths, women and leaders who printed posters for him and encouraged him to contest for the seat as a committed stalwart.

    The aspirant said: “This is not the first time I will be vying for the House of Representatives seat. For 12 years, I have been on it. But, party elders asked me to step down. But, I know the party will allow me to run in 2015. My chance is bright.”

    Agunsoye urged members of the party to gird their loins for battle, adding that they should not allow any crack on the wall. He said the party is more important than the ambition of members and so they should remain loyal and steadfast to the progressive bloc.

    However, he dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a wave of the hand, saying that it does not exist in Kosofe Constituency. He said: “The PDP cannot beat the APC in Kosofe and indeed in Lagos State. The achievements of the APC administration will always count on the day of election.”

  • ‘Why I want to represent Ikpoba-Okha/Egor’

    A retired naval officer, Andrew Agbonwanegbe, who is contesting for the House of Representatives in Ikpoba-Okha/Egor Constituency, has promised to uplift rural communities, if elected.

    The All Progressive Congress chieftain appealed to the party leadership to adhere to its promise to provide a level-playing field for aspirants at the  primaries.

    He advised the party to present the best candidate on the basis of his credibility, accessibility and loyalty.

    Agbonwanegbe promised to bring his experience and education to bear on legislative duties and foster as  by-partisan relationship that will lead to the passages of bills that will impact positively on the constituency.

    He promised to initiate bills on  effective health care delivery, electricity, water, and infrastructural development

    The aspirant said: ‘’One thing you must give to  the APC is that it is a fair party. It is only for everybody,s interest for that to happened. I don’t think we are going to look at others and do the same thing.

    “Once you get out of fairness you bring out rancor and that is not good for the contest ahead, we are going to hold the party on its promise to provide level play ground for all’’

    “We have paid our dues. We have helped to built the structures and helped to stabilize the party. I believe the APC will field its best. I come with fresh hands. You have to be accessible, credible and loyal. I have enough education and experience. We will make our party proud. This is contest between brothers and sisters. The people know that we mean well.”

  • ‘Represent Christians in all things’

    The Bishop Theologian of The Anglican Communion and Rector of Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Rev. Dapo Asaju, has charged Christians to continue to beam the light of Jesus in different strata of national life.

    Asaju gave this charge at the 2014 Adult Harvest of The African Church Cathedral Salem Ebute-Metta, Lagos penultimate Sunday.

    Tagged Harvest of Uncommon Lifting, the service attracted government officials, captains of industry and community leaders.

    Exemplary Christians who have contributed to the kingdom also received awards.

    Among the awardees were The Head of Service, Lagos State, Mrs. Josephine Wiilliams; Managing Director, Daddu Construction Company, Surulere, Sir David Dawodu and Vice Chairman Twelve Brethren  Society, Bro Muyiwa Odumose, among others.

    Speaking as the guest preacher, Asaju said the prevalence of confusion, poverty, corruption, injustices and insecurity offer an opportunity for Christians to show the light of God and influence their communities.

    He said: “The whole of God’s creature are waiting for the light of Jesus that drives away darkness. It is only the children of God that can bring solution to the problem of societies.”

    He noted that Christians of all ages have risen up to bring about good education, health care facilities, good roads, portable water and all forms of economic empowerment programmes in modern civilisation.

    Asaju argued that the church cannot remain indifferent to the needs and aspirations of the world, stating: “The time of harvest for God’s children will soon come as we sow in tears for a better and safer world for all of us to live in and our children, we will reap in joy here in this world and in eternity.”

    He stressed that Christians must be faithful and content with the little that the Lord has given to them and avoid the short-cut syndrome that has done more harms than good to the nation.

    The Hon. vice Lay President, Lagos Mainland Diocese of the church, Chief Babatunde Odufuwa, said that the harvest celebration of the church was to appreciate the goodness of God in their homes, family, church and bring their fruits and material gift in recognition of His goodness.

    Odufuwa, who is also the Chancellor of Southwestern University, appealed to government to invest more in developing young minds that would be veritable catalysts for development.

    In her response to the award, the Head of Service, Lagos State, Mrs. Josephine Williams, said that it will propel her to do more for the kingdom.

  • ‘Boko Haram doesn’t represent Islam’

    ‘Boko Haram doesn’t represent Islam’

    The President of the Ansaru-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Lateef Femi Okunnu, has described the  Boko Haram insurgency as evil. He said it does not represent Islam.

    Okunnu spoke at a news conference organised by the Muslims in Lagos State under the aegis of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, at the Lagos Central Mosque.

    He said the claims of the group for fomenting trouble in the North had no basis in Islam.

    “Boko Haram claims it has justification for being violent and embarking on terrorism. Despite their claim of being jihadists, it is clear that they are not propagating  Islam. We wish to affirm that terrorism is alien to Islam. The religion represents peaceful co-existence and tolerance of other faith. Embarking on violence in the name of Islam is a sinful act. They are violating the fundamental principle of Islam, which is a religion of peace,” Okunnu said.

  • 2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES: 127 athletes to represent Nigeria in Glasgow

    2014 COMMONWEALTH GAMES: 127 athletes to represent Nigeria in Glasgow

    A total number of 127 athletes (65 male and 62 female) will represent Nigeria at the 2014 Commonwealth Games scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland from 23rd July – 3rd August 2014.

    Team Nigeria will feature in eight sports (Athletics, Boxing, Shooting, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Table Tennis, Para Athletics and Para Power lifting) at 20th edition of the Games.

    Athletics produce the highest number with 46 athletes (22 male, 24 female) followed by Weightlifting with 16 athletes (8 male, 7 female). Shooting has 15 athletes (9 male and 7 female) while wrestling will be represented by 14 athletes (7male, 7female).

    Further breakdown shows Boxing to be presenting 11 athletes (8 male, 3 female) with Table Tennis having 10 athletes (5 male, 5 female).  Para Athletics has 9 athletes (3 male, 6 female), while Para-Power lifting presented the least with 6 athletes (3 male, 3 female).

    The Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Tunde Popoola, who confirmed the numbers to SportingLife on telephone yesterday, said the last batch of athletes are expected to  travel for the Games by the end of the day.

    “The reason the athletes are leaving in batches is based on the availability of flight and secondly the training programme of different federations, but the end of today (Thursday) all the athletes would have left the country for Glasgow except one or two who are having issues concerning their visas which we have sorted out already. After they collect their passports, they will be on the way and we’ll assume everybody is gone. Some essential officials have already gone with the athletes and others will join them later.”

    Popoola however believes that with hard work and luck the athletes can improve on the 10 gold, 8 silver and 14 bronze medals they won at the last edition in Delhi, India.

    “For me, I believe we can achieve more than what we recorded in 2010 since we are focusing and competing in sports we are  are good in.  The athletes have been working hard and I pray luck is on our side this time around,” Popoola said.