The Nation Newspaper

Tag: switch

  • ‘Why Nigeria must switch from dirty fuels’

    ‘Why Nigeria must switch from dirty fuels’

    Nigerians require cleaner fuel to reduce respiratory infections and other health hazards, the Managing Director, Banner Energy Limited Nuhu Yakubu, has said.

    Speaking during the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) free hand-out of cylinders to Lagos residents in Lagos, he saidcleaner fuels would reduce the negative impact of bad cooking fuels on the  environment and the people.

    According to him, cooking with  cleaner fuels, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), will reduce the chances of inhaling dirty fuels, which will in turn, have a ripple effect on the health, finances, and family.

    He said the use of firewoods and other dirty methods of cooking is not good.

    He said: ‘’Statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that smoke inhalation from the use of dirty fuels is responsible  for more deaths than tuberculosis, Human immuno-deficiency vVrus (HIV) and malaria put together. To combat this, the government  is deepening the use of gas with promotional outreach programmes like this and also giving out cylinders for free.’’

    Yakubu said  the LPG clean cook stove/cylinders free hand-out to Lagos residents is a partnership project sponsored by the Lagos State government in collaboration with the LPG sub-group of the Lagos Chamber Commerce Industry (LCCI).

    “It is aimed at educating the public on the importance of switching from the use of dirty fuels, such as kerosene and firewood, to cleaner fuels like (LPG), for cooking, heating, autogas, power generation, and other industrial purposes, to deepen the use of gas in Nigeria, towards the reduction of energy poverty.

  • June digital switch over unrealistic, says Fed Govt

    June digital switch over unrealistic, says Fed Govt

    • MTN’s N34b spent

    The Federal Government yesterday said the June 2017 digital switch over (DSO) date is no longer feasible. This shift marks the third time the date is shifted since 2015.

    The government also said it would no longer provide set-top-boxes (STBs) for individual households in the country.

    The box is at the centre of any successful transition to DSO.

    Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, who appeared  before House of Representatives  ad hoc committee on the process of DSO said the process was being funded with N34billion realised from the sale of spectrum  to MTN Nigeria in June last year.

    According to Mohammed, of the 13 licences issued for manufacturers of STBs, only four are operational, the initial monetary proposal of N60 billion for the project has been affected by foreign exchange and inflation.

    It was in veiw of this that the Federal Government is planning to collaborate with states and local governments in ensuring that the project is not stalled again.

    He also said efforts aimed at accelerating the harmonisation of the  process has commenced as meetings with the governments of Cameroon, Niger Republic, Chad and Benin Republic are underway.

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by the Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, while declaring open the hearing, said there have been allegations that the DSO process was characterised by procedural irregularities, inconsistencies, and misappropriation of funds.

    He said: “I have heard from different quarters that the DSO will re-position the broadcast landscape architecture in Nigeria.

    “We should use all legislative tools at our disposal to ensure its success; our aim is to ensure that Nigerians benefit maximally from this novel modernisation.

    “We will strive to avoid a situation where the country becomes a dumping ground for all forms of digital equipment.”

    On his part, Committee Chairman Sunday Katung regretted that majority of Nigerians are unaware of the switch over despite the launch of the pilot project in Abuja and Jos.

    “Yet, the success story of most countries that have successfully digitised, is hinged on effective public awareness.

    “The June 2017 deadline seems aggressive and unachievable, caution is required here to avoid being victim of our own exaggerated competence.

    “Having missed the deadlines twice, it is important that the DSO transition in Nigeria should not be a political expediency as it is currently viewed, but should be thoroughly reviewed and implemented, taking into the view our current economic realities,” Katung said.

  • Bashir glad with Nasarawa Utd switch

    Bashir glad with Nasarawa Utd switch

    Former ABS FC striker, Abdulrahman Bashir, has found a new home at Nasarawa United after making the move from Makurdi-based side Lobi Stars.

    Bashir, who was one of the hottest commodities in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) two years ago, has switched to his third club in three years as he seeks to regain his scoring form.

    He was a revelation at ABS alongside Lordson Ichull which saw him earn a dream move to Enyimba.

    That adventure did not pan out well for the striker and he was soon off to Lobi Stars, where despite an initial good start, he failed to hit the limelight again.

    Bashir told supersport.com that he is happy with his move to Nasarawa United and hopes to be back at his best at the Lafia side.

    “Yes, it’s true I have moved to Lafia to team up with Nasarawa United.I believe it’s a good move for me to choose Nasarawa United as my new club,” he said.

    “I have met some fantastic players and I’m enjoying our pre-season camping in Ilorin which you know was my former base. I had loads of fond memories here.

    “Apart from that, the main factor was the fact that I will get to play continental football with the team.

    “Every player’s dream is to play against the best in Africa and I’m no different. It was a big factor towards coming here. Insha Allah we shall do well.

    “I already like what I see here and I’m adapting already so the signs are positive so far.”

    When asked about his reasons for moving to Lafia despite rumoured interest from other NPFL sides, Bashir said the lure of continental football played a huge part in his choice.

    “I had a couple of offers but I’ve always liked Nasarawa United and how they play. They are an attacking side which I think can help get back to my goal scoring ways,” he said.

    Nasarawa United will represent Nigeria in the 2016 CAF Confederation Cup after placing third on the 2014/15 NPFL log with 63 points from 38 matches.

  • Almeria may block Ramon Azeez EPL switch

    Almeria may block Ramon Azeez EPL switch

    There are strong  indications that modest  Spanish side Almeria may block Nigeria star Ramon Azeez from joining Swansea City in the EPL.

    AfricanFootball.com has been specially informed that Swansea have tabled a bid for the 21-year-old Nigeria World Cup midfielder, but Almeria are not in a hurry to sell.

    “Yes, there is a bid from Swansea for Ramon. The player and his club are currently in Thailand for pre-season and that includes the club president, who does not wish to sell Ramon,” a source close to the former Flying Eagles skipper disclosed.

    “Almeria are due back in Spain at the weekend and Ramon has said he has been speaking with his agent on the transfer.

    “We just have to wait and see how things play out but at the moment, Almeria are not willing to let go one of their prized assets.”

    Almeria barely escaped relegation from La Liga last season with Azeez, drafted in from the reserves, popping up with some crucial goals and assists in the process.

    He played a total of 32 matches and scored two goals.

    The Spanish media, including the influential sports paper AS, have reported that Swansea City have lodged a £2.4m offer for the highly-rated youngster, who impressed in his breakthrough year in the Spanish top flight last season.

  • Sunshine switch by Ezeji, Fabiyi may collapse

    Sunshine switch by Ezeji, Fabiyi may collapse

    The transfer of veteran striker Victor Ezeji and Benin Republic goalkeeper Emmanuel Fabiyi to Sunshine Stars may have hit the rocks as has been disputed.

    A source close to Sunshine Stars disclosed that both players have been training with the team with the hope of signing them for the second round, but the different ownership claims over them may scuttle the transfers.

    “Sunshine Stars are at crossroads on Ezeji (Victor) and Fabiyi (Emmanuel),” the source said.

    “Crown are claiming they own Ezeji, that he signed a year’s deal with them, which is still running and which was against the information the team gathered.

    “That is same for Fabiyi – Abia Warriors are claiming Fabiyi belongs to them and the player said something different.

    “Sunshine are looking for alternatives. The deals for both players are not certain at this moment.”

    Experienced campaigner Ezeji, for one, has featured for both Sharks and Dolphins and has posted a stint in Tunisia.

  • Edinson Cavani wants Premier switch

    sky sources are reporting that Edinson Cavani has instructed his agent to investigate a potential move to the Premier League.

    The 27-year-old Uruguay international joined Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli for around £55m last summer and signed a five-year contract, but now appears keen on a move away from the French capital.

    And the news will be of particular interest to Chelsea and Manchester United, who have both been linked with the forward.

    Cavani enjoyed a successful first season with PSG, who retained the Ligue 1 title and also won the Coupe de la Ligue, with Cavani scoring both goals in the final.

    But the Uruguayan is reportedly unhappy about the way he is utilized by the club, who often deploy him in wide positions so the prolific Zlatan Ibrahimovic can play through the middle.

    And, while he was at the World Cup in Brazil, Cavani refused to rule out a transfer to Manchester United.

    Asked whether a move to Old Trafford was in his future, he said: “In football, you never know. Anything can happen.

    “One day you are in one team and, the next day, you can be in another.”

    Cavani has been capped 63 times by Uruguay and featured in all of their matches at the World Cup this summer, where they reached the second round before losing 2-0 to Colombia.

    Having begun his professional career with Danubio in Montevideo, he joined Palermo in Italy in 2010, before beginning a very successful stint with Napoli in 2010.

    He finished the 2012/13 season as the top scorer in Serie A and became the most expensive signing in French football history when he joined PSG.

     

  • Kroos reveals he is set for Real Madrid switch

    Kroos reveals he is set for Real Madrid switch

    Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has revealed he is set to swap Bayern Munich for European champions Real Madrid.

    The subject of Kroos’ future has been a hot topic in Germany for some time, with the 24-year-old – who is out of contract at the end of the upcoming season – refusing to sign a new deal.

    The Bayern man enjoyed an impressive FIFA World Cup for winners Germany, starting all seven of their matches and chipping in with two goals – both scored in their 7-1 semi-final humiliation of hosts Brazil.

    And after his team’s 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the final on Sunday, the in-demand midfielder announced that his future would be in the Spanish capital.

    “We’ve finished the World Cup in the best way possible,” Kroos was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

    “Now I’m going to Madrid, so that’s two dreams achieved.”

    Whether Kroos immediately joins Real – which would involve a transfer fee – is unclear, with the UEFA Champions League winners also able to sign him for free when his Bayern contract expires.

    Kroos made 49 appearances for Bayern in all competitions last term, scoring four goals.

  • Kalu Orji to make January switch to Academica

    Kalu Orji to make January switch to Academica

    Heartland FC of Owerri midfielder, Kalu Orji, whose transfer to  Academica FC collapsed due to both parties’ failure to reach an agreement for his transfer, is tipped for a January return to the Portuguese side.

    According to the Maisfutebol, Orji left a good impression on Coach Paulo Sergio before getting injured in training on Wednesday, and the coach confirmed they would keep tabs on him in view of a transfer in the winter.

    “We couldn’t reach terms with his team in Nigeria, over his transfer after agreeing personal terms with him for a three-year deal, but we will monitor his performances in Nigeria and try for him again in January,” the coach stated.

    “He is a good player as he has shown with us, even if we can’t get him in January I believe other clubs will also bid for him,” he added.

    SL10 gathered that Orji is scheduled to return to Nigeria this weekend after Heartland hiked his transfer fee during negotiations with the Portuguese outfit.

    “We were told the fee he would command by the board of Heartland even before he went to join the team for pre-season. Academica were willing to pay the agreed amount, that was why they agreed terms with him, made him do a medical and announced he had joined them,” a source close to the deal told SL10.

    “But Heartland moved the goal post in the middle of negotiations asking for almost twice what was agreed before he came to Portugal, hence the team pulled out of the deal.”

    Heartland are known to be tough negotiators when it comes to player transfers. Aside Orji’s failed move, Benjamin Francis saw his switch to Ironi Kiryat Shmona collapse after the Israeli team couldn’t agree a fee with the Owerri outfit.

     

     

  • Ameobi set for ‘Boro switch

    Ameobi set for ‘Boro switch

    Newcastle United midfielder Sammy Ameobi could be sent out on loan to help Middlesbrough in their bid for promotion to the EPL.

    Manager Alan Pardew revealed after his side’s 4-2 English Premier League victory over Southampton on Sunday that the two clubs will hold talks over the 20-year-old Nigeria-born England youth international.

    Pardew said: “We are going to talk to Middlesbrough. I would like to help Middlesbrough out if they want him, and hopefully we can conclude that.”

    Ameobi, the younger brother of striker Shola, has made 14 senior appearances, eight of them as a substitute, for the Magpies to date this season.

    His appearances have been limited this term following the influx of several more experienced players from France in the winter transfer window.