Politics

Nigeria’s wealth is for all, not for personal gain – Remi Tinubu

By Web News 1703

The wife of the President-elect, Remi Tinubu, has said the wealth of the country belongs to citizens, saying that her family does not need Nigeria’s money to survive.

She promised that with the help of God and the support of the citizens, the incoming administration would set the nation on the right path.

The wife of the President-elect spoke while representing her husband at the inauguration inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, on Sunday.

Mrs Tinubu said, “Nigeria’s wealth is the commonwealth of all. It belongs to everyone. God has blessed my family. We don’t need the wealth of Nigeria to survive but to do the right thing. And I promise you on this altar, that with your help, with the help of God, we will set this nation on the right path.”

According to Mrs Tinubu,   the events that played out during the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress where her husband emerged winner, showed that God was with the President-elect.

She said, “God has been merciful to us. I can tell you on my own that we never believed this could happen. But thank God for giving us hope, for giving us the resilience to continue in the race of life.

“Asiwaju is 71 and I will be 63. I will be one of the oldest first ladies Nigeria would have. We need the grace of God and we need everyone to do what Nigerians are expecting.

“Today, God has really proved himself as he did on the night of the primaries and put his seal on it. Because, when I saw the votes count to be 1,271, I said God it means you are here.

“I was humbled to my rock bottom.  And to believe that this is the seventh consecutive democratic transition Nigeria will be experiencing shows that this is a time of perfection for Nigeria.

“Perfection in the sense that, in the word of God, I remember for over two years we have been praying in our churches, according to Isaiah 43:18-19, that we should not remember the former things, that God is going to do a new thing. A new thing came and we still kept arguing with God. Who can argue with his maker? No one.

“Today we have heard in Psalm 133:1-3. Except there is unity, lessons cannot flow down. This is the time for Nigerians to come together, for us to be renewed in our hope again.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

President Buhari Makes Farewell Speech to Nigerians

By Web News 530

By Yemisi Owonikoko

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday made farewell speech to Nigerians as he steps out of office for the incoming administration of President-Elect, Bola Tinubu.

His speech, which dwelt on various issues during his terms in office, also highlighted his scorecard.

                                TEXT

FAREWELL SPEECH BY MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 

1. My fellow Nigerian brothers, sisters and friends of Nigeria.

2. I address you today, in my last assignment as a democratically elected President of our great and well-endowed nation, with a deep sense of gratitude to God, a great deal of appreciation to the Nigerian people and a modest sense of fulfilment.

3. Today we mark and celebrate another peaceful transition of power from one elected government to another in our steady march to improve and sustain Nigeria’s democracy.

4. This year we witnessed the most keenly contested Presidential Elections since the first Republic and this demonstrates that our democracy is getting better and more entrenched with each election.

5. We must as a nation improve and sustain gains we make in the electoral process, on an incremental basis for Nigeria to take its rightful place among Nations.

6. Our democracy provides for, allows and encourages seeking redress for perceived injustices, enabling some candidates and political parties that did not agree with the results to go to court.

7. Irrespective of the outcome of the various cases, I urge all parties involved to accept the decision of our courts and join hands to build a better Nigeria.

8. I salute the doggedness and resilience of all the Presidential Candidates and their political parties for believing in our judicial system by taking their grievances with the election results to court.

9. In the course of the campaigns, we had argued and disagreed on how to make Nigeria better but we never disagreed or had any doubts that Nigeria has to be better.

10. As your President, I call on all of us to bring to bear the strength of our individualism, the power of our unity, the convictions of our beliefs to make Nigeria work better and together with one spirit and one purpose.

11. To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past ten years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu -, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world.

12. You have indeed worked for this day and God has crowned your efforts. I have no doubt that your passion for excellence, reliance on competence, fairness in relationships, commitment to equity, loyalty to the country and desire for Nigeria to be globally relevant would come through for you, under God’s guidance, as you lead our country to levels higher that I am leaving.

13. You are the best candidate among all the contestants and Nigerians have chosen well.

14. The last eight years have been an exciting experience in my desire and commitment to see a Nigeria in which public goods and services are available, and accessible within a united, peaceful and secure nation.

15. Fellow Nigerians, on the strength of your overwhelming support for me and my political party, I started this journey with a great deal of promise and expectation from you. I never intended to be just politically correct but to do the correct things that will make meaningful impact on the lives of the common Nigerian.

16. This high expectation was not misplaced because, like the ordinary Nigerian, I had grown tired of watching the country progressively moving away from the path of correctness.

17. To ensure that our democracy remains resilient and our elected representatives remain accountable to the people, I am leaving behind an electoral process which guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent and the influence of money in politics reduced to the barest minimum. And Nigerians can elect leaders of their choice.

18. We are already seeing the outcome of this process as it provided an even playing field where persons without any political God-Father or access to money defeated other well-resourced candidates.

19. The Nigerian economy has become more resilient due to the various strategies put in place to ensure that our economy remained afloat during cases of global economic downturns.

20. You would all recall the supply chain disruptions and economic downturn that the world witnessed between 2020 and 2022 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The deftness of our response to the pandemic still remains a global best practice.

21. Furthermore, we increased the ability of the poor and rural Nigerians to earn a living, provided more food for millions in our villages and gave our women opportunities to earn a living.

22. Young men and women in urban centres were also supported to put their skills into productive use. Our administration also provided an enabling environment for the private sector to engage in businesses for which their return on investments is guaranteed.

23. The private sector proved a strong partner in our drive to build a resilient and sustainable economy as evidenced by the growing number of turn-key projects in various sectors of the economy.

24. In the course of revamping the economy, we made some difficult choices, most of which yielded the desired results. Some of the measures led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologised to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the over-all good of the country.

25. Mindful of the need to ensure adequate infrastructure to drive economic growth, we completed age-long projects and processes notably amongst which are the Petroleum Industry Act, completion of some power projects, completion of the second Niger bridge and various important roads linking cities and states.

26. Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably.

27. To sustain the gains made so far, I call on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and support the security agencies by ensuring that our values defined by being your brothers’ keeper govern our actions.

28. Up-till now, I still grieve for our children still in captivity, mourn with parents, friends and relatives of all those that lost loved ones in the days of the senseless brigandage and carnage. For all those under unlawful captivity our Security Agencies are working round the clock to secure their release unharmed.

29. Fellow Nigerians, you know how dear the desire in my heart is, to rid the country of corrupt practices that had consistently diminished our efforts to be a great country.

30. I did pursue this commitment relentlessly, in spite of the expected push back. I am happy that considerable progress had been made in repatriating huge sums of money back to the country and also taken over properties illegally acquired from our common wealth.

31. To improve service delivery, we began the implementation of a number of reforms aimed at producing an Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-oriented (EPIC) Federal Civil Service and the results are beginning to show.

32. On the international scene, Nigeria’s influence continues to grow as exemplified by notable Nigerians occupying headship and leadership positions in renowned global bodies.

33. Our democracy is built on and continues to thrive on the principles of separation of powers. The leadership and members of the National Assembly deserve my appreciation for their patriotism which did not detract from their roles as a check to the executive arm.

34. I also want to use this opportunity to express my appreciation to a good number of Nigerians who provided their support and encouragement to help me navigate the exciting journey in moving Nigeria forward.

35. I cannot and will not forget the millions who prayed for me during my illness in my first term of office. I am constantly praying for you and for Nigeria to thrive in peace.

36. As I retire home to Daura, Katsina State, I feel fulfilled that we have started the Nigeria Re-Birth by taking the initial critical steps and I am convinced the in-coming administration will quicken the pace of this walk to see a Nigeria that fulfils its destiny to be a great nation.

37. I am confident that I am leaving office with Nigeria better in 2023 than in 2015.

38. I thank you all. And may God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Politics

I Won’t Betray your Trust, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

By Web News 1200

The President-elect Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, in Abuja, said he will not disappoint the trust conferred upon him by the President Muhammadu Buhari (and millions of Nigerians.

He also affirmed that he understands the magnitude of the honour conferred upon him and the corresponding task ahead.

Tinubu made the promise in his acceptance speech after he was conferred with the National Honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

“I understand the magnitude of the honour conferred on me today and the task ahead. Nigerians deserve no less.

“You (Buhari) have charted the course and I shall not disappoint you,” he said.

Thursday’s conferment makes Tinubu the 16th person to hold the GCFR Honour.

Those before him are Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ibrahim Babangida, Ernest Shonekan, Sani Abacha, Moshood Abiola, Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

Others who have been conferred with the title include British Monarch Queen Elizabeth II, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela and former Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi.

Buhari also conferred vice president-elect Kashim Shettima. with the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

Earlier, he handed three key transition documents to the president-elect in line with Executive Order 14 mandating the transition council to issue handover notes containing, amongst other things, proposed policy direction to the incoming administration.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Foreign

UK Places Nigeria on Red List for Health Workers’ Recruitment

By Web News 441

The United Kingdom has placed Nigeria on the red list of countries that should not be actively targeted for recruitment by health and social care employers.

This is coming one month after the World Health Organisation listed 55 countries, including Nigeria facing the most pressing health workforce challenges related to Universal Health Coverage.

The United Kingdom Government said Nigeria and other countries on the red list should not be actively targeted for recruitment by health and social care employers unless there was a government-to-government agreement.

According to the information obtained from the website of the UK government titled ‘Code of Practice for the international recruitment of Health and social care personnel in England,’ it said country identification follows the methodology contained in the 10-year review of relevance and effectiveness of the WHO global code of practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

“Consistent with the WHO Global Code of Practice principles and articles, and as explicitly called for by the WHO Global Code of Practice 10-year review, the listed countries should be prioritised for health personnel development and health system-related support, provided with safeguards that discourage active international recruitment of health personnel.

“Countries on the list should not be actively targeted for recruitment by health and social care employers, recruitment organisations, agencies, collaborations, or contracting bodies unless there is a government-to-government agreement in place to allow managed recruitment undertaken strictly in compliance with the terms of that agreement.

“Countries on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards list are graded red in the code. If a government-to-government agreement is put in place between a partner country, which restricts recruiting organisations to the terms of the agreement, the country is added to the amber list.”

The red and amber country list does not, however, prevent individual health and social care personnel resident in countries on the list from making a direct application to health and social care employers, but rather without being targeted by a third party, such as a recruitment organisation, agency or recruitment collaboration.

The amber countries where international recruitment is only permitted in compliance with the terms of the government-to-government agreement are Kenya and Nepal.

It added that active recruitment is permitted from green-graded countries where there is a government-to-government agreement with the UK in place for international health and care workforce recruitment.

“Green-graded countries without a government-to-government agreement with the UK are not published in the code of practice for England.

“The government-to-government agreement may set parameters, implemented by the country of origin, for how UK employers, contracting bodies, recruitment organisations, agencies, and collaborations recruit. These organisations are encouraged to recruit on the terms of the government-to-government agreement.

“The green country list will be updated as new government-to-government agreements are signed with the UK. It is recommended employers, contracting bodies, recruitment organisations, agencies, and collaborations regularly check the list for updates prior to embarking on any recruitment campaign.

“Green-graded countries with a government-to-government agreement for managing international health and care workforce recruitment are India, Malaysia, Philippines, and Sri Lanka,” it added.

PUNCH/Taiwo Akinola

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Religion

Easter Celebration: Muslim Faithful Felicitate Christians

By Web News 552

Nigerian Muslims, under the leadership of the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, have congratulated Christians on the Easter celebration.

In a statement by NSCIA’s Deputy Secretary General, Salisu Shehu, and addressed to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Daniel Okoh the NSCIA stated that Easter is a religious landmark that serves as a “springboard for spiritual renewal, religious re-awakening and general rebirth.”

“The Nigerian Muslim Ummah wishes you many happy returns of the seasons. We also wish you and ourselves a renewed commitment to holiness and righteousness to the glory of God and the greatness of our beloved country.

The Council also called for collaboration between NSCIA and CAN to unite to “admonish and discourage Pastors and Imams, from desecrating their pulpits with political partisanship and hate speech.”

“As a people of faith united by our father, Abraham, the recent history of our dear nation and faith communities are being threatened by the machinations of politicians.

These digressions can only be attributed to the handiwork of the devil, whose guile is ultimately weak indeed, Qur’an 4:47. Easter serves as another opportunity to redirect our attention to our shared values and ideals of fasting, love, prayer, penance and cooperation.

According to the President-General of the Council, the 2023 general election, specifically the presidential election, has been very divisive along ethnic and religious lines.

PR/Nafiu Busari

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Lifestyle

Sirika Push for Improved Visa Policy between Nigeria, Qatar

By Web News 605

By Adaku Eneh, Adetutu Adetule

Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has appealed for an improvement in the visa policy of Qatar as restrictions by Nigeria and Qatar were creating difficulties for seamless operations for both countries.

Senator Sirika said it was important for Nigeria and Qatar to maintain a sustainable relationship as Nigeria was yearning for investments and also committed to its policy of ease of doing business with investors.

Sirika said: “Qatar is rich in oil and gas with other areas of investments just as Nigeria equally has infrastructures required for a smooth business operation.”

He explained that the rate of returns on investments in Nigeria is put at 34%, ranking highest in the world with a population of over 200 million people.

The Minister in a statement after a courtesy visit by the Charge d’Affaires of Qatar, Ahmed Mohammed Y.E Al-Hor in Abuja says Quatar’s oil resources and Nigeria’s infrastructural needs required a meeting point for profitable engagements.

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Lifestyle

Diya’s Exit, Loss of Patriot – OBJ

By Web News 414

By Wale Oluokun

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the life of the late Lt-General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya as a great success and accomplishment which would be long remembered after him. 

Chief Obasanjo in a statement remarks that with the demise of Lt. General Diya, the ranks of the nation’s leaders have been depleted.

The former president said the death was a loss of a dedicated and resourceful patriot who served the nation in various capacities as an Army Officer, community leader and legal practitioner.

Chief Obasanjo added that his entire family wished the late Lt. General Diya’s family the comfort and solace sorely needed during this bereavement period and great trial. 

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Politics

PDP Suspends Fayose, Shema, Anyim from Party

By Web News 469

By Victorson Agbenson

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP has suspended a former Governor of Ekiti state, Mr Ayo Fayose , a former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema and former Senate President Pius Anyim from the party.


A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba says that also suspended for alleged anti-party activities were Professor Dennis Ityavyar from Benue State and Dr Aslam Aliyu from Zamfara State.


The National Working Committee also referred the Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.


In a related development, the PDP has set up a Caretaker Committee for its Katsina State chapter.


The Members of the Caretaker Committee include Dr Abdulrahman Usman; Chairman, Halima Abdulhamid who is Secretary; while the members are Nura Giwa, Haruna Jamila, Lawal Safana , Sanusi Fari, Nura Kurfi amongst others.

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Politics

Fayose Blames Nigeria’s Woes on Politicians

By Web News 581

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has blamed stakeholders and politicians for a majority of the problems facing the country currently.

He said this on Thursday while speaking on “The Morning Show” of a TV station in Lagos.

Fayose disclosed that there is a lot wrong with Nigeria, adding that nothing had changed in the country since 1979.

 “When you asked (Muhammadu) Buhari in 2015, If you lose the election, would you concede defeat?’ he said ‘I would win’. He never conceived he would lose.

“I told you the senators, House of Reps members are returning to the National Assembly. The system is sick. Nobody is protecting it.

“Rather than blame the Independent National Electoral Commission, we need to draw a red line like the army. Nothing was wrong in the elections,” he said.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Sport

U-20: Gambia Beat South Sudan 5-0, Tunisia also Wins

By Web News 664

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Gambia has thrashed South Sudan in the last quarter final game of the ongoing Under 20 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Egypt.

Gambia scored 5 goals without reply against their opponents to advance to the semi finals of the tournament.

Similarly, Tunisia booked their place in the semi finals after beating Congo 5 – 4 on penalties.

The semi final stage will be played on Monday with Senegal battling Tunisia and Nigeria taking on Gambia.

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Politics

Nigeria Decides: INEC Commences Distribution of Sensitive Materials

By Web News 442

Adenitan Akinola

Ahead of Saturday’s presidential and National Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has commenced the distribution of election-sensitive materials in Osun State.

Earlier, the Commission, led by the Resident Electoral Commission, Dr Mutiu Agboke had collected the materials from the Osogbo branch of the CBN under the watch of security and journalists.

Addressing officials, commercial transporters and representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Osogbo, Dr Agboke said the early deployment of the materials three days before the election was to prevent late arrival to the polling units.

He noted that from INEC offices across the thirty local governments in Osun State, the materials would further be distributed to the registration centres.

The Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner maintained that the early arrival of the materials was enough to assure Nigerians that the election would hold on Saturday.

Dr Agboke said all the required ad-hoc staff for the election had been adequately trained on their duties and responsibilities during the exercise.

In their responses, representatives of some political parties that were present commended the transparent manner the materials were distributed, with a pledge to cooperate with INEC to ensure that the electorate cast their votes without undue influence.

The Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM in Osun State, Mr Simon Adebayo said the early arrival would douse apprehension among Osun residents who were sceptical about the conduct of the election.

Similarly, Prince Bello Adebayo who is the Chairman of the Labour Party in Osun State pleaded with INEC to ensure that nothing technical hinder the free conduct of Saturday’s exercise.

As at the time of filling this report, the sensitive materials were being loaded into the waiting vehicles for onward transfer to the various local governments.

Presently, a total of one million, five hundred and thirty-four thousand, nine hundred and forty-eight voters had collected their Permanent voter cards out of the total one million, nine hundred and fifty-four thousand, eight hundred registered voters in Osun State.

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News

IGP Redeploys Officers

By Web News 484

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman  Baba, has ordered the redeployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, DIGs, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, AIGs, and Commissioners of Police, CPs, to Departments, Commands, and Formations in line with his manpower development policy of placing round pegs in round holes.

In a statement signed in Abuja by the Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement notes that deputy inspector General of Police, DIG Danmallam Mohammed, has been redeployed to the Department of Finance and Administration. 

It states further that some Assistant Inspectors-General of Police has been posted to take up the duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in charge of some Departments of the Force.

Similarly, some Senior Police Officers have been posted to also take up the duties of the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Commands.

They include Sylvester Alabi, AIG Zone 2 Lagos, Akande Kayode, AIG Zone 11 Osogbo, and Abimbola Shokoya as AIG Zone 17 Akure.

The statement says in line with the IGP’s mandate and strategies to strengthen the operational structures of state commands, the Police Boss has equally ordered the provisional posting of the following Commissioners of Police to Commands and they are CP Frank Mba, to Ogun State while CP Idowu Owohunwa was posted to Lagos State.

The IGP has therefore charged the newly posted officers to hit the ground running to ensure the mission, vision, and policy statements of his administration are effectively complied with in the areas of crime-fighting, public cooperation, and safety. 

The police boss who said the posting was with immediate effect also called for support and cooperation from members of the public to enable the newly posted senior officers to perform optimally on their mandate.

PR/Rasheedah Makinde

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Health

Tainted Cough Syrups Kill 300 Children – WHO

By Web News 486

By Oluwaseyi Ajibade/Adetutu Adetule

World Health Organisation, WHO has raised alarm following the death of some 300 children in three countries after consuming contaminated cough syrups.

In a statement, WHO warned all countries to be “on the alert” and prevent the spread of the killer cough syrups into their countries.

According to the statement, the affected children are below the age of five.

“Over the past four months, countries have reported several incidents of over-the-counter cough syrups for children with confirmed or suspected contamination with high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG).

“The cases are from at least seven countries, associated with more than 300 fatalities in three of these countries. Most are young children under the age of five. These contaminants are toxic chemicals used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents that can be fatal even taken in small amounts, and should never be found in medicines,” the WHO statement said.

The outbreak is predominantly in The Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan, it said.

According to the statement, WHO demands that member countries urgently detect and remove the contaminated medicines from circulation in the markets, and increase surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected.

It called for “immediate notification” to WHO “if these substandard products are discovered” in-country; otherwise, inform the public of the dangers and toxic effects of the substandard medicines at issue.

The statement also enjoined key stakeholders engaged in the medical supply chain to take “immediate and coordinated action”.

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Economy

We will tackle unemployment in Nigeria – Ngige

By Web News 496

The federal government has disclosed, it is planning to launch a labour statistics system where unemployed Nigerians at home and abroad could apply for available jobs.


Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige who made this known to journalists in Abuja, said the move was part of efforts to tackle the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria.


According to the minister, the system will be officially launched in the next one or two months, at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.


“In our electronic labour exchange system, both people who are looking for work and recruiters can enter the system where we merge and match them. We do what is called cross-matching and people are gainfully employed”.

Speaking further, Ngige said his ministry has gotten involved in some international projects with foreign partners, which Nigeria has not hitherto been doing, adding that, for the first time, the American Government was putting up a grant for women and children in Nigeria and Liberia.

Net/Taiwo Akinola

Politics

Retrospect: The Bangs on Nigeria’s Political Landscape

By Web News 788

Usually, any year that precedes an election year is characterized by various memorable events.

2022 is no exception as the year can be termed as the election eve in Nigeria.

In this report, Political Correspondent Oluwakayode Banjo x-rays the major thrilling events in the country’s political landscape in 2022.

Being a year preceding the 2023 General Election, it did not take too long before 2022 began to witness controversies, tensions and thrilling activities in the political sphere.

As early as February, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2022 into law.

Section 84, sub-section 12 of the Act barred political appointees from voting or contesting at party primaries, hence, some political appointees, who had ambitions for elective positions were left with no option but to resign from their current offices.

In the following month, precisely on the 26th of March, over 7,000 delegates converged on Eagles Square, Abuja, for the All Progressives Congress, APC National Convention where a Serving Senator, Abdullahi Adamu emerged as the National Chairman of the party.

On the 25th of May, the 2019 Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP and Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi dumped the party, barely three days to its Presidential convention.

5 days later, Mr Obi emerged as the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, a development many tagged as the birth of a “third force” in the Nation’s Presidential race.

On the 28th of same month, PDP held its Presidential convention and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s Presidential Flag bearer, which was greeted with grievances, especially from one of the aspirants and current Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike.

After the PDP Presidential convention, Governor Wike led the call for the resignation of Mr Iyiochia Ayu as the party’s National Chairman with claims that both the Presidential Candidate and the National Chairman should not come from the same zone.

In the midst of this controversial tussle in the PDP fold, the Ruling APC staged its own Presidential convention which was also not devoid of controversies, even before the exercise took place on the 8th of June.

Prior to the convention, on the 2nd of June, the now popular slogan “Emi L’okan” hit the political waves when Former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in an outburst address at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, Ogun state, declared that it was his turn to clinch the ticket.

Asiwaju Tinubu eventually won the ticket, defeating the likes of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Immediate Past Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and many others to emerge as the APC Presidential candidate.

In Oyo state, however, the sitting Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde clinched the party’s ticket to run for a second term, while three-time Senator Teslim Folarin emerged as the Governorship candidate of the APC, a situation which led to the defection of Former Deputy Governor of CBN, Chief Bayo Adelabu and others to the Accord, where he became the Governorship flag bearer.

Also, in the year under review, Governorship elections were conducted in Ekiti and Osun states.

While Mr Biodun Oyebanji emerged as the Governor of Ekiti state, Senator Ademola Adeleke won the Gubernatorial election in Osun state.

On the 31st of July, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC suspended Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, while the collection of the Permanent Voter Cards, PVC, commenced on the 12th of this month.

Still with INEC, at least 8 offices of the commission in some states including Ogun, Osun, Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu were attacked.

Reviewing the year, a Political Scientist at Covenant University, Oya, Ogun state, Dr Moses Duruji said 2022 had truly set the tone for next year’s General elections, stressing that the electorates were optimistic that the elections would produce candidates of their choice.

Similarly, another Political Scientist, Dr Gbade Ojo pinpointed the agitation by the PDP G-5 Governors over the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the party’s Presidential candidate.

Dr Ojo added that the year 2022 was a critical period in the Nation’s political circle.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Religion

Xmas: Osun Speaker Urges Nigerians to Pray for Sustainability

By Web News 554 Post a comment

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Right Honorable Timothy Owoeye wants Nigerians to take advantage of the celebration of the birth of Jesus to pray for peace and the sustainability of Nigeria.

Right Honorable Owoeye in a Christmas message by his Media Aide, Mr. Kunle Alabi stressed the need for Christians to reflect and re-dedicate themselves to the teachings of Christ, which were anchored on sacrifice, love, peace and truth. 

The Speaker enjoined Nigerians to always strive to be role models as Christ who lived and died propagating the message of love, peace and true co-existence among mankind.

He noted that at this point of Nigeria, everyone should seek God’s intervention in alleviating the present economic hardship. 

Mojisola Oladele

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Opinion

A Birth that Redefines the Destiny of Mankind

By Web News 974
By Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

At this season in Bethlehem, a little town of no consequence, something phenomenal took place on a dark, starry and wintry night.

It was a holy night when floods of light swarmed around some shepherds abiding by their sheep by night.

Then came the sonorous voices of the angelic host, heralding the birth of a unique child born of a virgin woman by the name of Mary, and espoused to Joseph from the lineage of David.

The message from the angels was succinct a saviour christened Jesus Christ has been born.

This is the genesis of Christmas.

Nativity Scene

Jesus’ birth, a special gift to men by God, was one that offered hope to humanity hitherto condemned to eternal loss by the grievous fall in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God.

The mood of the heralding angel captured the immeasurable mercy of God offered unto men, even in their sinful state as the angels chorused, glory be to God in the highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to all men.

Undoubtedly, humanity today is in dire need of peace as the world grapples with one turmoil or the other.

In Nigeria for example, citizens currently swim against the tide of insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, ritual killings and terrorism with people living in apprehension day and night and uncertain of tomorrow.

God foreseeing the state of things sent Jesus Christ, known as the Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Counselor, Wonderful and Everlasting father to offer a way out of the turbulence.

The route to this lies in his lifestyle which is an incomparable model for man to follow.

As a shepherd, his leadership example is a beacon to all those in positions of authority today on how to manage and ensure the welfare of people.

Typically, peace is the rallying point of this season and goodwill; hence, Nigerians should do all within their power to promote harmony across religious, political and ethnic divides.

Like Jesus Christ, political leaders should demonstrate goodwill towards the populace by formulating policies that will promote their well-being.

Leaders need to relate with their followers with every sense of humility giving room to criticisms despite their positions, for the birth of Jesus Christ exemplified humility, as he was born in a manger, though King of kings and Lord of lords.

Citizens, on their part, should also complement the efforts of leaders by shunning activities that endanger peace including provocative utterances, the spreading of fake news and all forms of violence.

Religious leaders equally also have a role to play in enthroning peace in society.

There is no denying the fact that they are a leading voice in moulding the opinions and attitudes of their adherents.

As the world celebrates Christmas, it behoves on all and sundry to work together and change the current narrative in the country for the better just as Mahatma Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India, says, “be the change that you wish to see in the world”.

Merry Christmas!

Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

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Politics

ICP Decries Abysmal Status of Women in Nigerian Politics

By Web News 508

Nigeria has the lowest female participation in politics in Africa, with just 4.1 percent representation in parliament.

The Executive Director of the International Press Center, IPC Lagos Dr Lanre Arogundade gave the information in Osogbo, during a two-day workshop for female candidates in the Southwest states and Kwara state, organised by the IPC and the European Union Support for Democratic Governance.


Dr Arogundade, who lamented the poor participation of women in politics, pointed out that much needed to be done to stimulate the female gender’s interest in politics.

He said Journalists remained an indispensable stakeholder in ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy is deepened with emphasis on inclusivity, particularly balanced gender participation, hence incorporating Journalists into the workshop to enlighten female candidates.

“Female candidates have a better understanding of engaging the media and engaging in strategic communication; and Female politicians have better knowledge of using social media platforms for effective campaigns created as well as get increased media visibility through special reports, interviews, and media profiling.”

Resource persons at the event urged female politicians to work on their media relations to get improved visibility which would influence the decisions of the voting populace in their favour.

In her presentation, the Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Oyo State chapter, Mrs Jadesola Ajibola took the participants through the process of relating with the Media, advising them to build their individual capacity and being available at any time they are beckoned for interviews.

The Programme Officer of IPC, Miss Melody Akinjiyan, explained that the centre had embarked on advocacy since 2018 to increase the participation of women in politics.

She said the result of 2018 where ten women emerged victorious in their political careers encouraged them to relaunch the program, hoping that more women would take the opportunity as the 2023 general elections approach.

“We believe that there is room for improvement, which is why we are holding this training. We are not satisfied with the number of women in politics and that is why we are building their capacity to be able to work with the media because we believe that it is the media that can help to push these women into a lifeline to give them possibilities and visibility.

“We want to encourage women to be fully involved in politics that’s why we are holding this training so we can work together with the media because we know media people are stakeholders in politics,” she added.

Some of the participants, including Mrs Bose Oyebode from Osun State, Mrs. Favour Tomomewo from Ondo State and Mrs Fakunle from Ekiti State explained that her participation in the 2018 training boosted their morale and added much value to their electioneering.

Adenitan Akinola

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Politics

Video: Nigeria Go Survive

By Web News 793

Back in the 90s, the name Veno Marioghae was on the lips of every music-loving Nigerian.

Her song, ‘Nigeria Go Survive’ was seen as a rallying call for patriotic Nigerians to rescue what was then perceived as a drowning nation.

Three decades on, hard times still stare Nigerians in the face. Once again one is wont to ask, any possibility of Nigeria coming out of the woods.

Let’s stay optimistic, that Nigeria go survive and move on as the jalopy below.

Culled/Simeon Ugbodovon/Adetutu Adetule

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Communication

NCC Issues Red Alert Over Unauthorized Mobile Applications

By Web News 685

The Nigerian Communications Commission has warned Nigerians to stay away from mobile applications from the ‘Mobile Apps Group’.

According to the commission, the group had been discovered to release apps containing Trojans and adware that were harmful to users and their privacy.

The NCC-CSIRT stated this in an advisory on Tuesday.

It said, “The Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team, ngCERT, has continued to observe and monitor the constant introduction of malicious mobile applications into Google Play Store.

“Mobile apps Group has a history of distributing malware-infected apps through the Google Play store, and the current batch of apps has already been downloaded over a million times.”

It stated that the group’s malicious apps included: Bluetooth Auto Connect; Bluetooth App Sender; Driver: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB; and Mobile transfer: smart switch.

It further disclosed that the malicious activities of these apps were high in probability and potential to do damage.

The NCC-CSIRT disclosed, “The apps will delay the display of ads for up to three days after installation to avoid detection.

“However, once this period has passed, the user is bombarded with advertisements and is directed to malicious phishing websites in the Chrome browser. While the device is idle, the malicious app can open Chrome tabs in the background. Some of the sites it opens may appear to be harmless, but they are pay-per-click pages that generate revenue for the developers when clicked on.”

It explained that the consequences of installing the malicious apps included the user being bombarded with advertisements, theft of sensitive user data, clicking on the ads resulting in the stealth download or installation of additional malware, as well as the user privacy and data being jeopardised.

Punch/Taiwo Akinola

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Sport

Nigeria Wins Bronze in Women’s World Cup

By Web News 733

Flamingoes of Nigeria have won bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup Under-17 in India after beating Germany.

German girls produced one of the best comeback in football history before they eventually lost on penalties.

The Germans came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 against the Flamingos before they lost 3-2 during the shootouts.

The Flamingos started the encounter on an impressive note, but they had to wait until the 20th minute before netting their first goal through Opeyemi Ajakaye.

Aminat Bello scored the second goal for the Flamingos in the 48th minute before Etim got the third goal in the 63rd minute.

However, Germany pulled one back in the 73rd minute through Jella Veit with Paulina adding the second before Loreen Bender restored parity at the death to take the game into penalties.

Coach Olowookere and his team went into this match against Germany as wounded lions having lost their semifinal game against Colombia .

Amos Ogunrinde

Politics

President Buhari’s 62nd Independence Anniversary Speech

By Web News 521

Fellow Nigerians, I address you today, with a deep sense of gratitude to God and a high level of appreciation to all Nigerians whose tremendous goodwill gave me the opportunity to provide leadership for our great country at one of the trying times in her history.

Conscious that today’s address would be my last on Independence Day as your President; I speak to the millions of Nigerians, who believed in me, propelled and stood by me in my quest to bequeath a country where all citizens have equal opportunities to achieve their lives desires in a peaceful atmosphere.

I am honoured to say that my story in the annals of Nigeria’s history is no household secret. My various attempts, failures and eventual success in being elected as a Democratic President in 2015 were made possible by the majority of Nigerians.

When you elected me, I readily acknowledged that the tasks before me were daunting but surmountable because of the growing national consensus that our chosen route to national development was democracy.

This democracy was to be anchored on a clear understanding, application and the principles of separation of powers supported by a reformed public service that is more effective.

I then pledged to Improve the Economy, Tackle Corruption and Fight Insecurity and this was further strengthened by my commitment to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years as the central plank of my second term in 2019.

To the Glory of God and His Grace as well as the commitment and passion displayed by many Nigerian supporters, we have made appreciable progress in these areas but are not yet at our destination.

Mindful of the task before us, we took some time in settling down and we re-positioned the economy by providing strategic interventions in core areas at both the federal and sub-national levels.

Fight Against Corruption

One of the areas where we have made significant progress is in the eradication of deeply entrenched corruption that permeates all facets of our national development.

We strengthened the institutions for tackling corruption and also cultivated international support, which aided the repatriation of huge sums of money illegally kept outside the country.

The increasing number of prosecutions and convictions, with associated refunds of large sums of money, is still ongoing. Furthermore, we would continue to block opportunities that encourage corrupt practices.

Security

In order to address insecurity, we worked methodically in reducing Insurgency in the North East, Militancy in the Niger Delta, Ethnic and Religious Tensions in some sections of Nigeria along with other problems threatening our country.

Economy

Our efforts in re-setting the economy manifested in Nigeria exiting two economic recessions by the very practical and realistic monetary and fiscal measures to ensure effective public financial management. In addition, the effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account and cutting down on the cost of governance also facilitated early exits from recessions.

Oil and Gas

Fellow Nigerians, this administration removed several decades of uncertainty for potential investors in the Oil & Gas sector with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. This landmark legislation created opportunities for foreign investments in addition to improving transparency in the management of the sector.

Agriculture

Our administration has given the desired priority to the Agricultural Sector through a series of incentives to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises that resulted in creating millions of jobs. Leading this initiative, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention in a number of areas as well as the Anchor Borrowers Programme had created the required leverages for Nigerians towards self-sufficiency in food and the necessary attraction for farming as a business.

The growing contribution of non-oil exports, especially in agriculture, information and communication technology as well as the performing arts to our national economy will enhance our foreign exchange earning capacity.

We are confronting current economic challenges such as debt burden, growing inflation, living standards and increasing unemployment accentuated by our growing youthful population. These problems are globally induced and we would continue to ensure that their negative effects are addressed in our policies.

This administration will continue to ensure that our fiscal policies are supported by a robust and contemporary monetary policy that recognises our peculiarities in the midst of the growing global economic difficulties.

This is evidenced by the recent Monetary Policy Committee’s decision to maintain all parameters, especially interest rates and marginally increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 14 per cent to 15.5 per cent and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 27.5 per cent to 32.5 per cent. It is projected that this would further insulate our economy from overexposure to uncertainties in the international market by restraining growth in core inflation.

As we continue to de-escalate the security challenges that confronted us at the inception of this administration, newer forms alien to our country began to manifest especially in the areas of kidnappings, molestations/killings of innocent citizens and banditry, all of which are being addressed by our security forces.

I share the pains Nigerians are going through and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition as well as strengthen the security agencies to enable them to deal with all forms of security challenges.

At the inception of this administration in 2015, I provided the funding requirements of the security agencies which was also improved in my second tenure in 2019 to enable them to surmount security challenges. We will continue on this path until our efforts yield the desired results.

Education

As we put in place all measures to ensure that Nigeria takes her place in the Comity of Nations, we recognise the importance of a well-educated populace as a panacea to most of the challenges we face.

We have, therefore, pursued policies and implemented programmes designed to create a literate and proficient society that ensures that citizens are availed of opportunities for lifelong achievements.

I must confess that I am very pained by the recurring disruption to our tertiary education system and I am using this Independence Day celebration to reiterate my call for the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to the classroom while assuring them to deal with their contending issues within the limits of the scarce resources available. This administration has made appreciable progress in redressing these issues that have been lingering for over eleven years.

The Federal Government will continue to mobilise resources both internationally and nationally towards funding education to ensure that our citizens are well educated and skilled in various vocations in view of the fact that education is a leading determinant of economic growth and employment generation.

Health

Fellow Nigerians, we have also improved our health facilities, especially during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted commendation from the global community.

As you are aware, Nigeria was one of the countries that defied global predictions of the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic because of our resilience, commitment and passion with which we individually and collectively managed the pandemic.

infrastructural Development

This administration embarked on addressing critical environmental challenges across the country in order to mitigate the impact of Climate Change manifesting in the form of flood, soil erosion, desertification and air pollution, amongst others

We will continue to ensure that our infrastructure drive remains the key to Nigeria’s economic growth and for which every Nigerian will feel the impact.

The Federal Government is already expanding port operations to ensure that they provide opportunities for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

We have also continued to accelerate our infrastructure development through serviceable and transparent borrowing, improved capital inflow & increased revenue generation by expanding the tax bases and prudent management of investment proceeds in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

To further open up our communities to economic activities, we have continued to boost our railway infrastructure with the completion of a good number of critical railways and at the same time rehabilitating as well as upgrading obsolete equipment.

I am pleased to inform my fellow citizens that besides our emphasis on infrastructural development with its attendant opportunities for job creation, employment generation and subsequent poverty reduction, our focused intervention directly to Nigerians through the National Social Investment Programme, is also yielding benefits.

There is hardly any ward, village or local government in Nigeria today that has not benefited from one of the following: N-Power, Trader-Moni, Market-Moni, subsidized loans, business grants or Conditional Cash Transfers.

All the aforementioned programmes along with various interventions by the National Social Investment Programme, direct support to victims of flooding and other forms of disasters have provided succour to the affected Nigerians.

2023 General Elections

Fellow Nigerians, no matter what gains we make, without a good governance system anchored on electing credible leaders on the basis of free, fair, credible and transparent elections, our efforts would not be enough.

It is for this reason that I have resolved to bequeath a sustainable democratic culture, which will remain lasting. The signing of the Electoral Act 2021 as amended with landmark provisions further assures us of a more transparent and inclusive Electoral Process.

Having witnessed at close quarters, the pains, anguish and disappointment of being a victim of an unfair electoral process, the pursuit of an electoral system and processes that guarantee the election of leaders by citizens remain the guiding light as I prepare to wind down our administration.

You would all agree that the recent elections in the past two years in some states (notably Anambra, Ekiti and Osun) and a few federal constituencies have shown a high degree of credibility, transparency and freedom of choice with the people’s votes actually counting. This I promise would be improved upon as we move towards the 2023 General Elections.

As we begin the transition process to another democratically elected government, I want to implore all aspirants to conduct issues-based campaigns devoid of hate speeches as well as other negative and divisive tendencies.I also want to express my wish that we see more female and youth participation in the forthcoming electoral cycle. I am sure that our teeming and energetic youths now realise that violence generally mars elections and so should desist from being used by politicians for this purpose.

Reforms in the public sector are already yielding results, especially in the delivery of services. On this note, I urge the general public to demand citizen-centred services from the relevant authorities.

On the international front, we have continued to take advantage of our bilateral and multilateral platforms to explore cooperation with friendly countries and partners whenever these areas of cooperation are to the advantage of Nigeria.

Fellow Nigerians, in the past few years we have witnessed and overcome a good number of challenges that would ordinarily have destroyed our Nation. However, the indefatigable spirit of the Nigerian people has ensured that we overcome our challenges.

It is in this spirit that I call on all of us to individually and collectively bring to the fore in dealing with all our development issues.

I was called to serve along with my team, I saw an opportunity to create a better Nigeria which we have done with the support of Nigerians. Almighty God and the good people of Nigeria supported us in laying a solid foundation for the Nigeria of our dreams.

I thank you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

FRCN Abuja/Daniel Adejo/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Health

Monkey Pox: NCDC Reports 21 Cases in Seven Days

By Web News 506

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control , NCDC, has reported 21 more cases of monkeypox in the country within the past seven days.

The NCDC via its official website announced on Sunday that the disease could be spread by close contact and exposure to an infected person’s respiratory droplets, skin lesions or bodily fluids.

The agency also reported that Nigeria recorded six monkey pox-related deaths between January and August and that six states in the country had recorded one death each from the disease.

It listed the six states where monkeypox deaths occurred as Delta, Lagos, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Taraba and Kogi.

According to the NCDC, monkeypox symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever and a rash that may initially be mistaken for chickenpox or a sexually transmitted disease, if in the genital or anal region.

“Between Aug. 15 and Aug. 21, Taraba and Kogi States recorded two deaths,” the agency added.

It said that the total number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in the country had also risen to 241, with 21 new cases reported in one week between Aug. 15 and Aug. 21.

The NCDC said that the 21 confirmed cases were reported from 12 states.

It listed the states as Lagos – seven, Adamawa – two, Ebonyi – two, Imo -two, Akwa Ibom – one, Anambra – one, Edo – one, FCT – one, Katsina State – one, Kaduna State – one, Kogi – one and Ondo  State – one.

“Of the 241 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the country, Lagos State has the highest burden of the disease, with 42 confirmed cases since the beginning of the year.

“This translates to 17.4 per cent of the total burden of the disease in the country.

“Overall, since the re-emergence of monkeypox in September 2017 to August this year, a total of 1,116 suspected cases have been reported from 35 states.

“Of the 1,116 suspected cases, there have been 467 (41.8 per cent) confirmed (309 male, 158 female) from 32 states.

“In addition, from September 2017 to August 2022, a total of 14 deaths have been recorded, with a case fatality rate of three per cent, in 10 states.

“The states include: Lagos – three, Edo – two, Imo – one, Cross River – one, FCT – one, Rivers – one, Ondo State – one, Delta – one, Akwa Ibom – one, Taraba – one and Kogi – one.”

According to report, monkeypox is an infection, caused by a virus similar to the now-eradicated smallpox virus.

It has been common in some African countries but outbreaks have occurred in other parts of the world from time to time.

In 2022, the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency after the spread of monkey pox to many countries through social interactions and intimate contacts.

Monkeypox may be most severe in young children, especially if they have poor nutritional status.

In previous years, fatal cases have occurred primarily among children in Africa.

Vaccines can prevent monkeypox, but vaccines are currently in short supply worldwide.

When widely available, the vaccine may also be used to protect at-risk populations, including men having sex with men, bisexual people, commercial sex workers and others who engage in behaviours that put them at risk.

The infection continues to spread but because transmission requires close personal contact, the rate is much slower than that of SARS-CoV-2 virus the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .

VANGUARD/Taiwo Akinola

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Sport

Nigeria Defeat S’Korea in U-20 Women’s World Cup

By Web News 559

 

Nigeria beat South Korea 1-0 on Sunday in the Group C football match at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Esther Onyenezide’s late strike gave the Falconets victory in their second match of the tournament.

The Falconets will face Canada in their final group match on Wednesday.

The match which was scheduled for 9 pm was shifted to 10.15 pm due to heavy rain.

According to report, the Falconets made their first attempt to score a goal in the third minute through Bashirat Amoo, who tried a long-range effort from a free kick but was calmly saved by South Korea keeper Kim Kyeong-Hee.

In the 22nd minute, the Koreans went on the attack again with Lee Soo-In hitting a long-range strike but the ball hit woodwork.

With four minutes left in the first half, Amoo made a long-range strike which went off target.

Five minutes into the second half, Onyenezide tried a long cross into the area on the back of a pouring attack but South Korea’s keeper rose high to claim the ball.

In the 82nd minute, the goal finally came thanks to a brilliant long-range strike from Onyenezide which flew past the Korean keeper into the back of the net.

Punch/Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Culture

Horniman Museum to Return 72 Artefacts to Nigeria

By Web News 694

A London museum says it has agreed to return to Nigeria artefacts looted in the 19th Century from the Kingdom of Benin.

The Horniman Museum said ownership of 72 objects would be transferred to the Nigerian government.

Report says, items include 12 brass plaques, known as Benin Bronzes, a brass cockerel and a key to the king’s palace.

It follows a request by Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, in January.

The museum, in south-east London, says it has consulted with community members, visitors, schoolchildren, academics, heritage professionals and artists based in Nigeria and the UK.


All of their views on the future of the Benin objects were considered, alongside the provenance of the objects,” the museum explained.

The museum’s chair said it was “moral and appropriate” to return them.

In recent years, there had been increased political pressure on European governments and museums to hand back looted artefacts.

These include ivory carvings and metal sculptures known as the Benin Bronzes.

Eve Salomon, chair of the museum, said: “The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria.

“The Horniman is pleased to be able to take this step and we look forward to working with the NCMM to secure longer-term care for these precious artefacts.”

BBC /Taiwo Akinola