The Nation Newspaper

Tag: SEGUN ODUNAYO

  • #BBNaija: Warri residents organize prayer session for Efe

    #BBNaija: Warri residents organize prayer session for Efe

    As the race to Sunday’s Big Brother Naija grand finale gets more interesting, residents of Warri have organized prayer sessions for one of the housemates, Efe at “God’s command church”. The sessions which held this morning saw men and women dressed in branded shirts of Efe praying for him to emerge victorious. In a video that was released on twitter earlier, a congregation of about twenty gathered to pray having the 24 year old’s picture placed in a Bible.

    Tboss, Marvis, Debbie-Rise and Efe are finalists in the ongoing entertainment show and the person with the highest number of votes wins an SUV and twenty five million naira.

     

    In recent days, fans of the housemates have intensified  campaigns  for their favorite housemates on various social media and many celebrities are already publicly supporting their favorites.

  • Expectations For The Week

    Expectations For The Week

    As we enter into another week, one wonders if the 2017 budget will be worked on by the Senate. Last week, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki said on the floor of the Senate that various committees are yet to submit their reports. With eight months left in the year, there is a high possibility that the budget will not be properly implemented – this is risky for the economic health of the country .

    The battle for supremacy between the Senate and the Presidency seems like a never-ending saga, however, a peace committee has been set up which is to be headed by Vice – President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The committee which has current ministers who were ex-senators as members will seek to settle the sudden “supremacy battle” currently hindering the smooth running of governance between the executive and legislative arms of the country.

    Recently, the Senate decided not to screen the 27 nominees for Resident Electoral Commission (REC) sent by the President until their recommendation of replacing Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu is adhered to. Magu, was rejected by the Senate for the second time despite re-nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari. Will the President’s proposed closed-door meeting with Saraki end the macabre dance in the senate?

    Also, the current suspension of Senator Ali Ndume for six months by the senate is said to be generating heat as some “stakeholders” are trying to settle the current case between the Borno Senator and the “super powers” in the red chamber. Ndume was suspended  for bringing the name of the Senate into disrepute after calling for the investigation of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye. Melaye was investigated after a certain online publication said he didn’t graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, a claim the Vice Chancellor of the institution has refuted. Saraki’s issue had to do with the importation of an SUV without paying customs duties; however, the ex-Governor has said the Senate (and not himself) was responsible for the importation.

    The current health crisis ravaging the country in recent times needs to be STOPPED. Meningitis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord causes several neausating and incommodious effects on it victim – skin rashes, seizures, vomiting, fever, bodily temperature, increased sensitivity to light, confusion, tightness in the neck muscles etc. It has claimed over three hundred lives and there seems not to be a solution to it. The minister of health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Health under his purview would nip the outbreak of meningitis ravaging some states in the bud. He said his ministry is “in constant discussion with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, E- health Africa and other international health agencies of supplies  of vaccines and injections”. With so many deaths already, the minister has to know that the time to act is NOW.

    As the Big Brother Naija enters into the final week, the excitement across the country from fans of the entertaining show is gradually getting to the peak. Just yesterday, Bally got evicted after getting nominated for eviction alongside Tboss, DebbieRise and Marvis. As it stands, Efe remains the only male standing in the house with four women (Tboss, DebbieRise, Bisola and Marvis) to contend with…A VERY LUCKY MAN! With over 11 million votes announced by show host Ebuka Uchendu for just yesterday’s eviction, the show organizers will be smiling to the bank after it ends at the weekend. After another week of performing various tasks, the housemate with the highest number of votes gotten by the viewers WINS in six days’ time.

    The excitement in the Nigerian Professional Football League has continued to draw more attention after the unpredictable nature of the league continued yesterday. Before round 18 games, MFM fc was sitting atop the log but after a 4-0 drubbing at Lafia and victories for both El-Knemi and Plateau United, the former climbs to second while the latter now lead the league and Mfm are presently third.  Without doubt, El-Kanemi’s next weekend encounter with Mfm fc at the Agege Stadium will be the match to watch; both teams have the same points (30 points) and are only separated by goal difference.

    Segun Odunayo tweets from @Segun_Odunayo

  • Premier league sack: Who is next?

    Premier league sack: Who is next?

    The English premier league is referred to as the most difficult league in the world by pundits majorly because of the media attention, criticism and view from many across countries of the world.

    With millions of dollars spent on various clubs every season by owners, the twenty clubs that partake in the league try to perform according to the targets set by the board of directors.

    These targets put lots of pressure on the footballers but most especially on the club managers.

    Many managers in the premier league get negative/positive reactions from football fans for the playing patterns of their teams, although, the result remains the ultimate goal. Managers get contract extensions, new deals with many companies and even sack letters depending on the success or failure of their teams during their reign.barclayspremierleagueteams copy

    The English premier league is so dynamic that no manager, no matter how popular you are or your past achievement for the club is beyond getting sacked after a poor run lasting a period of time.

    [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#ddaa5d” bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]This season alone, six managers have been booted out of their positions for inability to perform up to the expectation of the club owners. With barely two months into the new season, Francisco Guidolin of Swansea became the first manager to get the sack.[/quote]

    Two months after, Swansea city sacked their second manager of the season, Bob Bradley alongside Alan Pardew of Crystal palace were sacked for inability to get enough point for their various clubs. Just three days into the New Year, Mike Phelan (Hull city) got his own sack letter.

    However the most shocking sack came in February when the Best Manager in the league, Claudio Raineri was shown the exit after less than twelve months of surprising the football world by winning the English Premier League with underrated Leicester City.

    A month after,  Aitor Karanka of Middlesbrough was sacked for his team’s poor run of form. Taking a closer look at these teams that have sacked coaches this season; they are all within the range of fifteen to nineteen on the league table. With two months before the season closes, one wonders if we have seen the very last sack or if there will be more.  If there will be, who is next???

  • NPFL week 16 result: MFM back on top

    NPFL week 16 result: MFM back on top

    The week 16 round of matches in the Nigerian Professional Football League saw Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Football Club (MFMFC) move back to the top of the league.

    MFMFC defeated Abia Warriors after goals from wonder boy, Sikiru Olatunbosun and star striker Stephen Odey gave them a 2-1 victory at Agege on Wednesday. 

    Odey scored in the 4th minute for the “Olukoya boys” while Olatunbosun doubled the lead in the 31 minute.

    84 minutes into the match, Sunday Adetunji returned a goal for the visitors, but it was too late.NPFL result

    Similarly, Plateau United got a draw away against Rivers United to maintain present strength this season while Rangers United’s poor performance continued with a draw at home to Remo Stars.

    Wikki Tourists, Shooting Stars, Ifeanyi Ubah and Sunshine Stars all got home victories. Lobi Stars tackles Akwa United FC tomorrow in Makurdi.

    MFMFC’s striker, Odey remains the current highest goal scorer in the league with 13 goals.

  • Expectations for the week

    Expectations for the week

    In Nigeria, no day or week passes without its uniqueness, controversy and news. Last week, many happenings around the various segments will still unfold this week majorly because there is continuous unending drama surrounding them.

    One of such happening is the great revelation by an online media that Kogi west representative at the Senate, Mr. Dino Melaye did not graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    The bold, tall and huge senator fired back warning his ‘enemies’ to back off and that he has seven degrees including a degree from the renowned Harvard University.

    Soon after his statement, Harvard University replied saying the Kogi born politician did not attend the institution. The senator even went on to post a picture of him observing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1999 although his statement of result from Ahmadu Bello University shows he graduated in 2000.

    Sen. Melaye said he has sued the online publication alongside the publisher to court but obviously the public will want a clearer explanation on the actual situation of things.

    With the Vice-chancellor of the institution declaring on the floor of the Senate today that Melaye actually graduated with a third class in 2000, the last may not have been heard concerning this yet, and more revelations may burst up this week.

    The Senate has been in the news in more recent weeks and the claim by Senator Shehu Sani last week that the Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachir David Lawal awarded contracts to ‘ghost firms’ has put the red chamber more on the headlines. Last Friday, a statement from the SGF urged the general public not to be misled into the belief that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has the authority or power to award contracts.

    With Lawal to appear before the Senate soon, many Nigerians are hopeful to get a clearer understanding of the situation. To strengthen the Nigerian democracy, the opposition party must be a good watch-dog to the government.

    However, the recent crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party has led to name-calling in the media. The two factions have been at each other’s neck and with a case already at the Supreme Court; one wonders how the dispute will be settled. This week may witness new twists and turns as per their crisis.

    At the weekend, the number one in the Nigerian Professional Football League spot got a new face although it was not an unfamiliar face. Last week, star striker of MFM FC and current highest goal scorer in the league, Stephen Odey added two goals which lifted his club to the zenith but with a loss for the Olukoya boys away at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe and a win for Plateau United yesterday brought the former league leaders back to the pinnacle with 28 points. Last season’s champions, Rangers International is languishing at the bottom of the table with 12 points.

    After Bassey’s eviction from the Big Brother Naija house yesterday, one wonders who will be next to leave this week. With just six housemates left, and Bisola being the new head of house, the show is gradually winding down and the fans are savoring all the excitement. Some housemates will be put up for eviction and the person with the least number of votes gets evicted on Sunday.

     

  • Expectations for the week

    [dropcap]A[/dropcap]s we begin a new week, several actions, decisions and activities will be taken in various walks of life across the country.

    From politics, sports, fashion and entertainment, this column will give you a quick peep into expectations for the week. Today, the debut of juicy news to expect hits your tabs, laptops and phones.

    First, let’s start with the melodrama by some of our incredibly talented thespians in the Senate. The seemingly unending saga involving the Customs boss Col. Hameed Ali, about his UNIFORM and the refusal of the senate to lay down its ego for an insubordinate retired colonel leaves much to be imagined.

    [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#e5c834″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]Trending:

    Reliable sources have it that the Customs boss rather than appear on the stated date, met the Senate President, Bukola Saraki a day before in a closed-door meeting. Still unsatisfied with the meeting, the senators demanded he appeared before them last Friday.

    The iconoclast, Col. Ali, shocked everyone when he appeared in flowing white robes matched with a white cap…interesting! When asked why he didn’t wear his uniform, he said his letter of invitation did not specifically inform him of what to wear. He was “sent” back home to dress properly, and was told to appear this Wednesday in his uniform.

    Will Col. Ali appear in his uniform as stipulated by the Senate? This will be answered in the next forty-eight hours.

    Secondly, Nigerians will be eager to know what will become of the acting EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu. Twice, he has been rejected by the Senate; the latest, on the grounds of failing the highly revered “integrity test” by some “men of integrity” in the senate. Their decision they say is predicated on the report by the DSS. Will the President resend his name to the Senate or nominate another individual? It is only a question of time!

    On the entertainment scene, the Big Brother Naija housemates may be reduced by one later in the week. Just yesterday, Thin Tall Tony (TTT) got evicted after getting the least number of votes. TTT, DebbieRise, T-boss and Efe were put up for eviction last week. As the show enters it’s closing stages, many viewers are expectant of more scintillating drama that has followed the show from the beginning.

    After Don Jazzy’s surprise visit to the housemates today, the viewers will love to know which celebrity will be next to visit the housemates.

    In sports, after defeating the league leaders at home yesterday to go second on the table, MFM FC have another home fixture on Wednesday which will make them go top of the league if they win. Star striker, Stephen Odey will have to be in his usual top form if the “Olukoya boys” are to continue their good home run. Will the Agege based club win and go top of the Nigerian football league? Time will tell…

    [news_box style=”2″ display=”category” link_target=”_blank” category=”128″ count=”8″ show_more=”on”]

  • Akeredolu: Between expectations and reality

    Akeredolu: Between expectations and reality

    When thousands of Ondo State citizens lined up in the sun on November 26, 2016 to vote a new leadership for the state, they wanted something different from what Dr. Olusegun Mimiko was offering them. The people had three major candidates namely – Rotimi Akeredolu, Eyitayo Jegede and Olushola Oke – as options to choose from.

    Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) eventually won the election.

    The ex-president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was sworn in at the Akure township stadium before thousands of Ondo State citizens and guests from all walks of life.

    Sitting and standing in that stadium were weary faces whose parents hadn’t received salaries for months, young unemployed graduates, old men and women looking forward to policies that will actually move the state towards a NEW direction (as promised during the electioneering process).

    The crowd cheered loudly as Aketi as he’s fondly called promised to lead the state to “redemption.”

    Two weeks have gone by without any commissioner named, no public statements about government owned parastatals, no clear focus or blueprint unveiled and announcement of any major policy.

    Rather, there had been some unnecessary political statements and one begins to wonder if the governor has not forgotten his campaign promises so early.

    At the gala dinner organized for the new government, the governor was said to have lambasted a Senator for not supporting him during the election period but went ahead to publish in the newspaper  an advert  congratulating him upon inauguration.

    One wonders if the rumoured internal wrangling within the ruling party won’t affect Akeredolu’s performance in office.

    The southern part of the state hasn’t had electricity for many years now, also, the Akoko areas in the north haven’t had light in about a year. Equally, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko needs proper funding to make the institution better than it is presently, this must also be done without putting financial burden on the parents/guardians through increment in fees.

     

  • #BBN is immoral show of eroticism, idleness – The Nation poll

    #BBN is immoral show of eroticism, idleness – The Nation poll

    The ongoing television reality show, Big Brother Naija, has been described as exhibition of immoral activities by large number of The Nation online readers.

    Although the respondents were unable to disclose what informed their opinion, such thinking may not be too different from that of generality of Nigerians who viewed the show as celebration of obscenity, eroticism and idleness.

    The show had witnessed several controversial incidents ranging from Kemen’s touching of Tboss in a sexual manner, kissing among inmates, TTT’s squeezing of Bisola’s breasts, Soma’s dipping of fingers into Gifty’s womanhood and several “under the bed” acts.

    The #BBN is the re-modified edition of what used to be known as Big Brother Nigeria whose only edition was in 2006.

    It has 12 contestants known as “housemates” and will get each housemate evicted every Sunday.

    The eviction will come from voting made available by the general public. The housemate who does not get evicted and remains the last person standing will go home with a cash prize of N25 million and a brand new car.

    The show, which started on January 22, ends April 9.

    According to Multichoice Nigeria, the organizers of the show, the objective of #BBN is to showcase the unique qualities of ordinary Nigerians brought from “different backgrounds” and also for the sake of “entertainment.”

    In all, 2,033 readers responded to a topic – “Is Big Brother Nigeria #BBN immoral?,” posted on our website – www.staging.thenationonlineng.net

    The readers were required to pick from three options namely (a) YES, (b) NO and, (c) I don’t know.

    While 1, 684 readers or 83 per cent of the total respondents picked “Yes” meaning they believed that the #BBN is immoral, 284 or 12 per cent of the respondents felt otherwise.

    The remaining 101 readers or five per cent of the total respondents said “I don’t know.”

     

     

     

  • ‘We want to rid campus of crime’

    ‘We want to rid campus of crime’

    Joseph Adetan, a 400-Level Philosophy student of the Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State is the commanding officer of the Cadet Corps. He told SEGUN ODUNAYO (100-Level Political Science) on the operation of the organisation under his watch.

    There is a feeling among students that members of your organisation are cultists, how true is this?

    I can tell you that I am shocked by this statement. How can a duly registered organisation give room for cultists? Even though we encourage brawny people to join us in curbing crime, we never extended invitation to cultists. The fact that we have tough members does not mean they are cultists. In this organisation, we don’t take nonsense at all. We don’t have cultists among us and if we discover that any of our members is a cultist, we will not hesitate to expose him.

    There is also a belief that your members use charm. Is that true?

    I am a Christian and I attend church regularly. The only thing I have is the anointing oil my pastor gave me and that is all. We have religious people in the organisation and we don’t engage in fetish things. Just as we have Christians, we also have Muslim members and they are good people. We all live in the same place and we can easily identify those who use charm.

    But there are instances when your members go about, harassing students?

    Maybe this happened in the past, but under my watch, nothing of such has happened. We follow the right procedure and protocols and we report erring students to the management for punishment. We believe in equality before the law and we don’t go about preaching what we don’t practise. We want to get rid of crime from our campus, so we cannot afford to be criminals. We are friends of students and there is no need for harassing them. When a student commits crime, we ensure that such person is dealt with.

    What has been the challenge facing the organisation?

    Our challenge has been the community in which we operate. Many of the indigenes have been recruited by cult members to carry out their nefarious acts. Many of these cult guys, who are students, now operate from the background. They use the indigenes, which is making it very hard for us to identify them. Another problem is finance. Although, the management gives us some funds, but the organisation needs to be funded adequately to combat crime on the campus and its environs.

    What has the organisation achieved so far?

    We have exposed some cult members, who harassed students unnecessarily. In fact, we caught three students from the University of Benin, who came down here to commit crime. We also arrested a student of Ekiti State University for robbery. On the matriculation day, we were able to maintain peace on the campus. We provide security for events organised in school, and we ensured that nobody was hurt while attending such events. Students being disturbed by cultist run to us for help and we try our best to keep them safe. We sensitise students on how to be security-conscious and we can assure the university community that we are up to the task in securing the campus.