Politics

Nigeria’s unity, security my priorities beyond 2023 – Buhari

By Web News 436 2

President Muhammadu Buhari says the unity, security, and prosperity of Nigeria would matter most to him, beyond his days in office as President.

He stated this in Abuja while receiving APC stakeholders that paid him a visit.

The President expressed delight that the party was propelling rightly on towards that eventuality.

He thanked the delegation, led by the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, for the kind words on his role in the processes leading to the emergence of the party’s candidate, and his running mate, for the Presidential election in February, next year.

The President expressed confidence that Shettima would not disappoint the party, and Nigerians at large.

He also commended the party for resolving to further mobilise more Nigerians, particularly the youth, to register, and get their Permanent Voters Cards.

The National Chairman of the party, the Chairman, the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and Senator Shettima, in separate remarks, expressed gratitude to the President for his exemplary leadership, which has strengthened the party in the aftermath of the convention and primaries.

‘‘Under pressure to dictate or suggest, you were determined that the democratic process should be given the opportunity to work and what we have seen is that democratic processes can produce very excellent results.

‘‘We have a Presidential Candidate and a running mate, whom we are all proud of.’’

The Kebbi Governor attributed the gradual return of normalcy to the North Eastern part of the country to the spirited interventions approved by the President, acknowledging the rise in agricultural activities and food production in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

The Vice Presidential candidate reiterated the willingness of the APC Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and himself to serve Nigeria with justice, equity and fairness.

‘‘We want to solicit the support of the President once INEC lifts the ban on open-air campaigns and we want to latch on to your achievements and brand name to victory and consolidate the leadership of the party,’’ he said.

Abdullah Bello/ Abdullahi Lamino

Sport

WAFCON 2022: Nigeria Out of Race

By Web News 505

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been nocked out of the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations.

The team on Monday lost 5-4 on penalty to the host Nation, Morocco in the second semifinals match of the day.

The regular 90minutes and extra 30minutes had ended 1-1.

Morocco will now face South Africa in the final of the competition while Nigeria will engage Zambia in the third place match.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana defeated their Zambian counterparts by two goals to one in the first semifinals game earlier in the day.

Michael Ogundare

Religion

Clerics Seek Allah’s Face For Nigeria at Arafah

By Web News 415

Some Islamic scholars under the umbrella of National Ulamah Committee have organised the annual National prayer for Nigeria at Arafah ground during the ongoing Hajj exercise.

The Chairman of the National Ulamah Committee,  Professor Gbadamosi Yusuf who thanked Allah for the resumption of the Hajj exercise after COVID-19 pandemic lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,  NAHCON for sustaining the national prayers during the annual pilgrimage.

National Missioner, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria,  Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad who led the prayer in English centred his supplications on continuous God’s guidance for President Muhammadu Buhari and peaceful conduct of next year’s election.

The prayers were also led by members of the Ulamah Committee in different Nigerian languages which included Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Edo, Fulfulde and Nupe.

Earlier in a remark,  the Chairman,  NAHCON,  Barrister Zikrullah Hassan said the prayer was necessary in order to seek Allah’s favour to make  next year’s election which will lead to handing over from one administration to another a success.

He said the security challenges facing the country also needed interventions from Allah to restore peace to Nigeria.

” The security situation in the country is alarming.  Just before the Hajj,  intending pilgrims from Sokoto State were attacked on their way. Alhamdulillah,  there was no case of death”.

The NAHCON Chairman who   regretted the inability of the commission to mobilize some pilgrims to the holy land said the last minutes effort to get a rescue flight was not successful.

‘In the case of those who didn’t come,  we tried all we could. We actually had an understanding of a rescue but immediately the gate was formally closed by Saudi authorities,  the flights’ operators  said there was nothing they could do. By the time we got a waiver,  the flights claimed they have dispatched their crews who were from different countries and there was no way they could recall them within that short period. We really regret the development. “

He appealed to the pilgrims participating in the ongoing Hajj exercise to remain calm as the commission was doing all it could to address the lapses.
” You should remember that I said it at the pre-hajj preparations that this year’s exercise is emergency Hajj, therefore,  the pilgrims should bear with us as we are working hard to address noticeable lapses” he said.

Ridwan Fasasi

Politics

Nigeria, Portugal Sign Mou in Key Sectors

By Web News 373

Nigeria and Portugal have signed several Memoranda of Understanding for cooperation in different sectors.

The signing ceremony was done by cabinet-level officials from the two countries and witnessed by President Buhari and the Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa.

The MoUs signed include Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training, Research and the Exchange of Information and Documentation; Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, Women and Girls Development, Empowerment and Gender Affairs, Youth, and Sports.

President Buhari described the progress in signing the agreements as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.

Also, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed appreciation to the Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, and City Council Members, for accommodating Nigerians, as well as those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The President said he was optimistic that the shared features between Lisbon and Lagos, whose etymology is Portuguese, could be harnessed to promote increased trade and people-to-people contact for the benefit of Nigeria and Portugal.

President Buhari stressed that Nigeria had made great strides in diversifying her economy beyond oil and gas, recording successes in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development, and invited prospective investors to Nigeria as the next top investment destination.

The Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, extolled Nigeria’s greatness, especially in her ability to turn diversity into greatness.

He explained that Portugal would want to work with Nigeria and her innovators, stressing that Portugal needed Nigeria and the African Continent.

Similarly, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and stakeholders in the maritime industry, on the successful berthing of the first ship at Lekki Deep Seaport.
 
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, explains that the vessel, ZHEN HUA 28, delivered three Ship to Shores, STS, and 10 Rubber Tyre Gantries, RTG, cranes to be used in the evacuation of cargoes from vessels to shore.
 
President Buhari recognizes that the nation’s maritime and aquatic resources are critical to the livelihoods of Nigerians and that Government will spare no effort in successfully harnessing the potential of the sector.

Abdullah Bello/Omotola Oguneye

Health

Monkeypox: NCDC Confirms 66 Suspected Cases, One Death

By Web News 1218

The monkeypox situation report released on Sunday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control revealed that no fewer than 66 suspected cases of monkeypox disease have been reported in Nigeria.

The agency also noted that while 21 had been confirmed, only a single death had been reported.

Report says, monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.

The disease, according to the World Health Organization, is endemic to West and Central African countries.

However, it has surfaced in other parts of the world such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy among others.

“A total of 66 suspected cases have been reported between January 1st to May 29th, 2022. Of the suspected cases, 21 were confirmed from nine (9) states – Adamawa (5), Lagos (4), Cross River (2), FCT (2), Kano (2), Delta (2), Bayelsa (2), River (1) and Imo (1) – with 1 death recorded. This was in a 40yrs old man with renal co-morbidity and on immune-suppressive drugs.

“The twenty (20) new suspected cases in May 2022 were reported from 11 states – Lagos (5), Bayelsa (2), Adamawa (2), Rivers (2), Niger (2), FCT (2), Delta (1), Oyo (1), Kaduna (1), Edo (1) and Gombe (1).

“This is a 100% increase in case reporting as compared with April 2022, when 10 new cases were reported, and is likely due to ongoing efforts to increase awareness and improve surveillance.

“The six (6) new confirmed positive cases (out of the 20 suspected cases) in May 2022 were confirmed from four (4) states – Bayelsa (2), Adamawa (2), Lagos (1), and Rivers (1),” the agency stated.

According to report, from September 2017 to May 29th, 2022, a total of 578 suspected cases have been reported from 32 states in the country.

The NCDC noted that it had activated the National Multisectoral Emergency Operations Centre at level 2.

“This EOC will continue to coordinate ongoing response activities in the country while contributing to the global response.”


Punch/Taiwo Akinola

Crime

EFCC arrests Ahmed Idris, Accountant General of the Federation for N80 billion fraud

By Web News 667

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 16, 2022 arrested serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Ahmed Idris in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80 billion, Eighty Billion Naira, only.

The Commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.

The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.

Mr Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.

EFCC Facebook page

Transportation

Airline Operators Announce Flight Cancellation

By Web News 471

Airline Operators of Nigeria have announced plans to disrupt scheduled flight operations over the scarcity of aviation fuel.

The announcement was contained in a statement titled, ‘Public notice: Disruptions in flight operations this week monday.

In the statement signed by AON’s spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Spokesman, the operators lamented that aviation fuel scarcity would lead to flight rescheduling and cancellations.

The notice read, “The Airline Operators of Nigeria wish to alert the public of impending disruptions to scheduled flight operations of members of the association.

This development is being forced on members by the growing scarcity of aviation fuel popular as Jet-Al.

“The scarcity is impacting negatively on the seamless conduct of air transport operations and would lead to flight rescheduling, and, or, cancellations.

Over 2,000 flights cancelled worldwide as Omicron hits holiday travel.

“However, the association and its members are working very hard, and in alliance with product marketers, government and relevant stakeholders, to ensure availability and proper pricing of aviation fuel in the country.

“While pleading the understanding of the flying public in the face of this reality, we also promise to do all that is necessary, and within our powers, to restore normal flight schedules as soon as possible.”

Punch/Opeyemi Olugbenga

News

UN Secretary-General begins two-day mission to Nigeria, 3rd May

By Web News 1201

The United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres will on Tuesday 3 May, begin a two-day mission to Nigeria.

This will be the first mission of the ninth United Nations Secretary General to Nigeria.

A statement by the UN information centre indicates that, during the mission, Mr Guterres will have an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari; the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Religious Leaders; Women and Youth Leaders; the Private Sector and the Diplomatic community.

It says, the Secretary-General will visit the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, in Maiduguri, on Tuesday, 3 May and thereafter proceed on a field mission to meet families deeply affected by violence and instability in the North-East, including people internally displaced and refugees.

Those accompanying the UN Secretary General includes the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and other top officials of the UN.

He will also perform Wreath laying ceremony at UN House in honour of victims of the bomb blast at the UN House in 2011, on Wednesday 4th.

This is part of the Secretary-General’s annual Ramadan solidarity visits, and he will go to Nigeria, Niger and Senegal, during which he will also highlight the impact of the Ukraine war on the African continent.

The Secretary-General began annual Ramadan solidarity visits when he was High Commissioner for Refugees, but the tradition was interrupted by the pandemic.

This year, he will also use the visit to express his solidarity with victims of terrorism in the region.

Hamza Alkali

Religion

Eid-El-Fitril is on Monday- Saudi Arabia, Saad Abubakar

By Web News 1023


The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that the moon of Shawwal which will mark the end of Ramadan 1443 has not been sighted.

Subsequently, the month of Ramadan will continue and end tomorrow which is the 30th day of the month.

“The Crescent for the month of Shawwal 1443 was NOT SEEN today, subsequently: Monday, 2nd May 2022 will be the day of Eid Al Fitr,” the Saudi Arabia announcement read. 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have asked Muslims to look out for the new moon.

According to the Islamic rulings, the sighting of the new moon on the 29th of Ramadan will mark the end of the month. However if it is not sighted, the month will proceed to complete 30 days.

According the Saudi Arabia astronomers, the moon of Shawwal was not sighted today the 29th of Ramadan and the 1443 AH (2022) Ramadan will complete 30 days and Eid-il-Fitr will hold on Monday May 2, 2022

In the same vein, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Saad Abubakar has declared Monday the second of May 2022 as the first day of Shawwal 1443 after Hijira.

In a statement signed by the chairman Advisory Committee on religious affairs Sultanate council Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee says the declaration followed a report from the various Moon Sighting Committee across the country confirming the non Sighting of the crescent of Shawwal 1443 after Hijira on Saturday the twenty ninth of Ramadan equivalent to the thirtieth of April 2022

The statement says tomorrow would be the thirtieth of Ramadan and Monday would be the first day of Shawwal.

Intel Region/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Sport

2022 AWFCON: Nigeria Draws South Africa

By Web News 1368

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have South Africa as their Group C rivals in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as well as Botswana and Burundi.

They were drawn in the same group at the official draw ceremony held at the Complex Mohamed VI in Rabat, Morocco on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Group A of the women football competition billed for July in Morocco has the hosts, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Uganda.

Group B has Cameroon, Zambia, Tunisia and Togo.

NAN reports that it is the first time 12 teams will be participating in the tournament with Togo, Burundi, Burkina Faso and Botswana as debutants.

The tourney kicks off in Rabat on July 2 with the final match to be played on July 23.

NAN/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Lifestyle

“He has made a sacrificial exit for Nigeria” – Peller mourns Alaafin

By Web News 580

A lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly and the Ayedero of Yorubaland, Honourable Shina Peller, has described the passing of a revered Yoruba traditional ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, as a sacrificial exit for the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.

Honourable Peller stated this in his tribute to the late Alaafin of Oyo, where he described him as a father, motivator and youth-driven monarch who would always encourage the youth to rise up to the challenge of taking the lead in the rebuilding process of Nigeria.

The federal lawmaker, who expressed his heartfelt condolences to the entire people of Yorubaland and Nigeria at large, recalled his relationship with the late monarch stating that he grew up knowing the Alaafin as his father and a close ally of his biological father, the late Professor Moshoood Abiola Peller.

In the same vein, the Ayedero of Yorubaland revealed that it was the late monarch that advised him in 2018 to join politics and vie for an elective position even when he had no intention. He added that the late Oba Lamidi challenged him again in 2020 to take up the task of promoting peace and prosperity in the land, hence the conferment of chieftaincy title of Ayedero of Yorubaland on him by the Alaafin of Oyo.

“It was with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of our revered monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo. His exit is so painful. However, it is God’s promise that every soul must have a taste of death, and we take solace in the fact that our royal father lived a fulfilled life.

“I was very close to the Alaafin, and my relationship with him could be described in different ways. He was like a father to me because I grew up knowing him as one. He was a very close ally of my late father, Professor Peller; they were very good friends.

“Also, the late Oba Lamidi, a youth-driven monarch, was a great motivator to me. He would always tell me about the need for the youth to rise up to the challenge of rebuilding Nigeria. It was on this note that he advised that I joined the political race in 2018, even when I had no intention. I remember vividly how he prayed for me that my people would vote for me as their representative at the lower chamber. And behold, it happened.

“Moreover, sometimes in 2020, the royal father called to inform me of his decision to confer on me the traditional chieftaincy title of Ayedero of Yorubaland, the promoter of peace and prosperity in the land. He explained that our society was witnessing a very critical and challenging period citing the COVID-19 pandemic and insecurity as instances. He added that there was need for me to take up the challenge of promoting peace in the land, adding that my youthfulness, influence, experience and exposure informed his decision.

“So, Alaafin’s exit remains a great loss not just to the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria, but to me personally as his son. He believed so much in me, and I will miss him. I pray that God overlooks his shortcomings, and may his soul find peace with God both in the grave and on the day of Judgement. I also pray that God consoles his immediate family, loved ones, close relatives and associates that he has left behind. My father, the Alaafin, has made a sacrificial exit for us all, and may peace reign in our land even after his demise. Amen.”

PR/Adewumi Faniran

News

Insurgency not about Religion, Ethnicity – President Buhari

By Web News 508

President Muhammadu Buhari , Wednesday in Abuja, said the Boko Haram insurgency has neither religious nor ethnic underpinning, and with adequate education, majority of Nigerians now know the truth.

The President spoke when he received the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karin Khan, at State House, Abuja, saying that with concerted public enlightenment, it had become clear to the people that Boko Haram was a perversion of religion, rather than Islamic ideology.

According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Buhari said, “To say Western education is unacceptable (Haram) is very fraudulent. That is why we are fighting them, and educating the people. Education is fundamental. Religion and ethnicity are out of it. Some people have just made it a lifestyle to cause confusion, destruction, and death.”

The statement is titled ‘With adequate education, people now know that Boko Haram is neither about religion nor ethnicity, President Buhari tells ICC prosecutor’

“God is justice. You can’t kill innocent people, and shout; Allah Akbar, God is great. It’s either you don’t know that God at all, or you are simply being stupid.

“To say Western education is unacceptable (Haram) is very fraudulent. That is why we are fighting them, and educating the people. And we are succeeding a lot. We came to office when things were very bad, but we are educating the people.

Punch/Taiwo Akinola

Politics

Nigeria will be productive If I’m voted for – Obi

By Web News 559

A presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi, has told party stakeholders in Enugu State that he will rescue Nigeria from its present economic challenges, if given an opportunity to lead the country.

Obi, who stated this during meeting with state Executive members of the party, at the party secretariat in Enugu, lamented the dwindling economic fortunes of Nigeria.

Speaking with the newsmen after the meeting, the former governor of Anambra state decried the country’s debt burden.

“We even borrow to service debts. What we are sharing is finished. We need wealth creators. We need to move Nigeria to become a productive nation.

“The cumulative effect of the failure of our leadership in the past decades is what we are suffering from now. So we just have to do things right. Countries don’t fail overnight.”

The PDP presidential aspirant asserted that the best way to save Nigeria from its present economic challenges was to shoot up the production sector by ensuring that all borrowings are channeled into the productive sector.

Others, he said, were to reduce the cost of running governance, create job opportunities for the teeming population of Nigerian youths and enhance food security for every citizen.

Speaking on the incessant killings across the country, Obi said if given the opportunity to lead he would curtail it to pave way for the production sector to thrive, noting that, food security would be one of the top priorities of his administration.

“Natural security is when human beings know where their next meal will come from. 98 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line. The poverty rate in Nigeria with a population of about 200 million people is far higher than that of China and India with populations of over 2.8 billion people combined.

“Unemployment rate in Nigeria is the highest. More than fifty percent of our young people who are of productive age are doing nothing. We want to move Nigeria from consumption to production “.

Culled/Taiwo Akinola

Lifestyle

Easter: Gov. Abiodun Enjoins Christians to Pray for Nigeria

By Web News 537

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Christians in the state to pray for Ogun state and Nigeria during this Easter celebration. 
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun  said Jesus had made greatest sacrifice and his resurrection should serve as an assurance that the country would surmount its present challenges.
While calling on Christians to see the Easter period as not only for celebration of triumph of Christ over death, but a period of sober reflection, particularly, at this moment the nation was facing insecurity and economic downturn, the Governor urged them to celebrate moderately.
Governor Abiodun pointed out that the greater love had been demonstrated to mankind by Jesus who  died to give life to the world, nothing that Easter celebration renews hope in mankind.
He also urged Christians to be their brothers’ keepers,  saying that the essence of the celebration was to show love and be good neighbours.
Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Pray for Nigeria during Ramadan – Shina Peller

By Web News 1143

A member of the House of Representatives representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Shina Peller has called on the Muslim faithful to leverage the holy month of Ramadan to pray for Nigeria.

Peller made the call via his social media platforms whilst he was congratulating Muslims on the commencement of Ramadan. 

He also observed that the Ramadan period was an opportunity for Muslims to purify their mind, body and soul.

Similarly, the federal legislator argued that most of the challenges that Nigeria was confronted with are attributed to system failure.

He added that in addressing this, it was the duty of every patriotic Nigerian to take part in the rebuilding process of Nigeria, which he said required creating a new functional system that would make the existing one obsolete. 

He wrote: “I wish every one of us a blessed Ramadan as fasting begins. Importantly, we must remember that Ramadan presents to us an opportunity to purify our mind, body and soul as well as an opportunity to pray for our dear country, Nigeria.” 

“Our country is suffering from system failure but God didn’t create Nigeria to fail, our country is blessed with so many natural and human capital resources, so we have no reason to fail. What is required for us at this Holy Month of Ramadan is to pray to God to guide us aright especially in electing the right leaders as the 2023 general election beckons.” 

“As a patriotic citizen, I can’t pretend that all is well with our country presently, truly within the last 3 decades Nigeria has been confronted with so many challenges which are all attributed to symptoms of a system failure, and this is what we all have to address. Our founding fathers didn’t build Nigeria for Nigerians alone, but Nigeria for the whole of Africa! With all the resources that God has blessed us with, what genuine excuse do we have not to make Nigeria work? What excuse do we have not to function as a giant of Africa that we are meant to be?”

“Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not trying to blame anyone in particular for the system failure. In fact, this is not the time for blame game, it is the time to come together as Nigerians and pray purposefully for our country; it is the time to do the needful by participating in the rebuilding process of our dear country. In doing so, we need to create a new functional system that will make the existing one obsolete, and this is a task that we all must be willing to carry out. Once again, let’s seize the opportunity of the Holy Month to pray for Nigeria. Ramadan Mubarak!”.

Adewumi Faniran

Religion

Ramadan Begins in Nigeria – Sultan

By Web News 634

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has announced that 1443AH Ramadan will start in the country on Saturday, April 2.

The NSCIA President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, announced this on Friday in a broadcast.

He said the new moon of Ramadan was sighted in different parts of the country and that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country.

“After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee and states committees’ confirmation, as well as routine scrutiny, I hereby announce the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan signifies the end of Sha’aban 1443 AH.

”In accordance with Islamic law, Muslim ummah is to commence fasting on Saturday accordingly,” he said.

The Sultan enjoined Muslim faithful to devote themselves fully to the worship of Allah throughout the holy month, urging them to use the period to pray for the progress, peace and prosperity of the nation.

He called for sustained prayers for leaders to enable them to lead the country to prosperity.

“We further call on Nigerians to continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal difference,” he added.

Abubakar further urged wealthy individuals to assist the poor and stressed the need for increased religious tolerance and brotherhood in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan also starts on Saturday in Saudi Arabia and some Arab countries.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

Eguavoen Steps Down as Super Eagles Head Coach

By Web News 631

Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, Austin Eguavoen has stepped down following the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

A statement from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF says, the Federation has in the meantime withdrawn the two-and-half years contract offered the coaches and terminated the appointment of the entire technical crew of the team with immediate effect.

It notes that a new crew will be announced after a proper review to lead the new charge of reinvigorating the Super Eagles to face future challenges appropriately.

According to NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, “We thank the coaches and team officials for their service to the nation and wish them success in their future endeavours,”

Olaolu Fawole

Exceptional Africans News

Uncommon Surgical Feat By A Nigerian Doctor

By Web News 1958

In recent years, a number of Nigerians have projected the country in the limelight of the medical profession.

These outstanding individuals have through hard work and dedication to duty, projected themselves and earned the respect of their contemporaries in countries of across the globe.

These Nigerians have left indelible prints in the sands of time in countries including; America, Canada, Australia and Europe.

One of such people is Dr Oluyinka Olutoye.

Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye is a renowned fetal and pediatric Nigeria born surgeon based in Texas, USA.

In 2016, he successfully operated on a baby-in-utero. 

The mother, at the 23rd week of pregnancy had gone for a routine ultra-sound and it was discovered that her baby had a rare birth defect known as sacrococcygeal teratoma, a large tumor located on the fetus’ tailbone. 

“This is a very opportune time to be joining the organization as we build upon the already impressive success of our surgical services to help children around the country and increasingly around the world,” he said.” 

Dr Oluyinka Olutoye

“I look forward to the privilege of leading and collaborating with this team in the next phase of our journey.”

Olutoye led a team of 21 doctors to remove the tumor. The five-hour surgery involved removing the baby from the uterus for 20 minutes so as to remove the tumor and then placing the baby back into the womb for the remainder of the gestation period, after which she was safely delivered.

For this groundbreaking feat, Olutoye was appointed surgeon-in-chief at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the US. 

He now leads one of the largest children’s hospital surgery departments in the world.

Olutoye received his medical degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. In 1996, he went on to earn his PhD in anatomy from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

He completed his residency in general surgery at the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, Virginia Commonwealth University, and his fellowships in pediatric and fetal surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr Olutoye is certified in surgery and pediatric surgery by the American Board of Surgery. 

He is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the West African College of Surgeons. Olutoye is a member of the American Surgical Association, the American Pediatric Surgical Association and past president of the International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society.

In 2019, Olutoye was appointed Professor and the E. Thomas Boles Chairman of the pediatric surgery at the Ohio State University College of Medicine.

He has not ceased blazing the trail in this chosen career of his.

Olaitan Oye-Adeitan

Sport

Super Eagles Vs Black Stars: FG Declares Half Working Day For Civil Servants

By Web News 788

The Federal government has directed all offices to close by 1pm, on Tuesday, March 29.

A circular issued by Permanent Secretary (Service Welfare Office) Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, for Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, says this is to mobilise Nigerians for the 2nd leg World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

The circular notes that there is need to ensure massive support for the Nigerian Team and consequently all offices will be closed by 1 O clock in the afternoon on Tuesday.

The Circular

It calls on Permanent Secretaries to give the circular wide publicity to achieve the desired result.

Olaolu Fawole

Lifestyle

IWD: Scholar Calls for Improved Celebration in 2023

By Web News 552

Coordinator of Education, Gender, Youth and Family Network says this year’s International Women Day Celebration has contributed to the self realisation, progress, and development of women in Nigeria.

Professor Helen Bodunde in a Statement made available in Abeokuta noted that the day as celebrated in Ogun state by Men and Women was signifying that Nigerians are getting enlightened on issues relating to the female gender.

The coordinator of the Non-governmental body, EDUGUF-N stressed that women have for long proved to be a tool for progress, and development of the society having operated as mother, wife and daughter in the family settings while women have also proved to be successful as workers business partners, and political office holders.

Professor Bodunde hinted biases for women in governance, schools and the workplaces are expected to reduce due to the enlightenment and publicity given to the issue of bias against womenfolk.

The professor of English as second language noted that EDUGUF-N was determined on improving issues affecting women and commended the 2022 year’s International Women’s Day calling for an improved celebration in 2023.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Nigeria Receives COVID-19 Vaccines, Solar Refrigerators From Japan

By Web News 578

Japanese government has donated over 859,600 doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine and 175 Solar Direct Drive Refrigerators to the Federal government.

The country made the donation to the National Primary Healthcare Development, NPHCDA in Abuja

It’s been One year since the 1st arrival of covid19 vaccine to Nigeria, which was met with a lot of uncertainty and misconceptions.

However with the solidarity around the world, vaccines are now readily available as the nation has received a lot of donations from other countries and development partners.

Donating over 800k doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine and 175 Solar Direct Drive Refrigerators, Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Matsunaga kazuyoshi said this was the third Japanese vaccine to African region.

The ambassador explained that the peculiarity of power supply in Nigeria which could affect the storage of vaccines engineered the supply of refrigerators to help the proper storage system of vaccine

The Executive Director NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib who received the item Said it would boost the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Japan.

He thanked the government ofJapan for the support, stating that the refrigerators would help Keep the vaccines potent for childhood immunization.

The world health organization, country representative, Dr Kazadi Mulombo Congratulated Nigeria for the scale up of vaccination to 200k doses daily aimed at reaching the 70% target of its population by June.

NANCY ANIKAEZIE

Politics

“I’m Out To Become President Of Nigeria, No intimidation, No Blackmail Can Stop Me- Tinubu

By Web News 598

Former Lagos State Governor and chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Bola Tinubu says he is determined to become the president of Nigeria as no intimidation or blackmail can stop him from pursuing his ambition.

He stated this when he led his Presidential Campaign team to to pay homage to the new Olubadan at his Alarere residence.

Senator Tinubu said irrespective of the blackmails and allegations, he was ready to ensure that he becomes APC Presidential candidate.

“I’m out to become President of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me. I have read about a Greek philosopher that if you want to fight a pig, you must be ready to be smeared and I’m ready to be dirty”.

He described this period as an historical moment and a reminder of history, recalling that each time a Yoruba wants to be President, issues are raised, questions are asked and all sorts of hang-up are encountered.

The APC Presidential aspirant said he was honoured to be in Ibadan and said the purpose was to beg the monarch and Ibadan people to pray for him in his quest to become the country’s president.

“I come here to request for your prayer for me and the Yoruba race. We are at a crossroad, people are volunteering to confront me when they were asked that who would confront the lion of Bourdilon”? Tinubu stated.

Senator Tinubu congratulated the new Olubadan for the grace to ascend the throne which he said would give the ancient city a new outlook considering the robust background of Oba Lekan Balogun as an educationist, politician of progressive leaning and a humanist with a prayer for a long life and sound health.

The leader of the campaign group, Prince Tajudeen Olusi in his opening remark traced the historical linkage between Ibadan and Lagos and requested that if a Lagosian is seeking the support of Ibadan people as they had come to do, it was not out of place.

“We both own Ibadan, we have been working together before. We bring Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to you and Ibadan. It would be a great thing for Ibadan and the Yoruba race if we can produce the country’s president in 2023”, he added.

Responding, the new Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun lamented the unsavoury state of the nation’s unity just as he called for a leader that would pull back the country from the brink come 2023.

The monarch who spoke through his brother and Senator representing Oyo South , Dr. Kola Balogun, said the country is badly divided.

“Nigeria is badly divided today and we are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will unite the country, come 2023. We need a leader that has a national focus and acceptability, the road may be rough, but, by God’s grace, you will triumph”, the monarch prayed.

He described Senator Tinubu as a long time progressive politician as well as the governor that laid the foundation of the present Lagos.

“Yorubas are the leading light of Nigeria, our people contributed a lot to make Nigeria what it is and without the Yorubas, Nigeria cannot be where it is today.’

In attendance to receive Senator Tinubu and his entourage were Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Hamidu Ajibade, former Minister of Industries, Chief Onikepo Akande and former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mutiat Ladoja.

Ridwan Fasasi

Sport

Nigerian Sprinter, Okagbare banned for 10 years

By Web News 685

The disciplinary tribunal of the World Anti-doping agency has handed Nigeria’s track star, Blessing Okagbare, a 10- year ban for violating the doping rules.

The AIU in the press release said the Nigerian 100/200m record holder has been provisionally suspended in 2022 after a sample collected from the 32 year old tested positive for human Growth Hormone.

Growth Hormone is a non-specified substance on the 2021 World Anti-Doping Agency, WADA, Prohibited List and a provisional suspension is mandatory following an adverse analytical finding for such substance under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules.

The AIU says it collected the sample from Okagbare during an out-of-competition test on 19 July and revealed the WADA-accredited laboratory that analysed the sample notified the AIU of the adverse analytical finding.

The U.S.-based sprinter was thrown out of the Tokyo Olympics Games on the eve of the semifinals of the women’s 100m.

The anti-doping agency on Friday released a statement confirming the 10-year of the Nigeria international.

Kayode Banjo

Security

Woman Disguised as Teacher Abducts Five Children in Rivers

By Web News 525

Five children were abducted by a woman from their homes after she disguised as a teacher in the Rukpakulus axis of Eliozu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Three children aged between 18-months and four years old were said to have been kidnapped from one family and two others snatched from another family.

The mother of the first three abducted children, Rose Monday, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the woman took her children when they went over to their neighbours to play.

Monday said the woman had disguised as a home lesson teacher looking to rent a makeshift structure in the area.

The devastated woman further said her children were last seen after the woman took them to buy notebooks, saying they never knew that she had a hidden agenda.

She explained, “I was at home when one of my children who was playing with her siblings came back alone. I asked her the whereabouts of her brothers’. She said one aunty (woman) said she will bring them home.

“I asked where the woman had taken them to and she replied that the woman took her to Oil Mill (a popular market in Port Harcourt) to start taking them on lessons and she and the other children followed her.

“They (children) were seven including one of my neighbour’s children. She said the woman told her to go that she has given her money for transport, that she will bring her brothers to the house.”

Mrs. Monday’s 14-year old daughter who was initially abducted by the mystery woman narrated how she (woman) let her and their neighbour’s son off around the Oil Mill market axis, but went away with the other five children.

The teenager said, “I told the aunty that the small one (child) don’t know how to write by herself and the woman can go and buy the books.

“The woman said no, that she likes little children. As I followed her, she started watching me. When I returned the looks, she smiled.

“She now stopped a vehicle and all of us entered. When we got to Oil Mill, the woman kept me there and sat down.

“The woman now told me she wants to take the children to go pick up something. So, I sat there for a long time.

“I then asked a girl operating PoS if she knew where the woman took the children to and the girl replied that she didn’t know the woman.”

The mother of the other two children, Blessing Emmanuel, said the mystery woman had hired her husband to buy materials to construct a makeshift structure before she kidnapped her children.

“So this woman told the children that she organises lessons (home classes) and that if she sees a way, she will begin lessons for them. So the grown-up child said, ‘Aunty let’s go and buy books’.

“Since I know the girl and her brothers’ who usually come to my house to play with my children because she was a former neighbour, I allowed my children to follow them,” she explained.

When contacted, the acting spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, describing the parents of the abducted children as careless.

She said, “Those people (parents) were they not careless? Somebody came to you that she is a teacher, went to their house and told them she wants to take the children and buy books for them.

“They allowed her to take the children. Is it supposed to be like that? So, you can see that it is the carelessness of parents and they will now fall back on the police.

“We (police) have commenced investigation to ensure that the children are rescued, as well as arrest the woman and make her face the law.”

She, however, advised parents to be vigilant and report suspicious characters coming around their children in whatever disguise to the police or raise the alarm where necessary.

PUNCH

News

Senate Approves Bill To Ease Retirees’ Access To Pension Funds

By Web News 1023

The Senate has passed for second reading, the Pension Reform Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which seeks to make funds in the Retirement Savings Account under the Contributory Pension Scheme more easily accessible to retirees.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Aliyu Wamakko, APC/Sokoto-North.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Wamakko said the proposed amendments to the Pension Reform Act 2014 were to provide for a definite and reasonable percentage a retiree can withdraw from their retirement savings accounts.

According to him, the proposals of the bill seek to also provide succour to retirees in the delay and other difficulties they stumble upon in withdrawing their savings from their RSA.

The lawmaker, a former governor of Sokoto State, decried the inability of pensioners to access their benefits after service, which he said had resulted in their suffering and, in most cases, led to eventual and untimely deaths.

He said, “None of us can claim ignorance of the long-drawn-out anguish of retirees from the civil service, Nigerian Prison Service, universities and parastatals, among other federal agencies in this country.

“These retirees, rather than enjoy retirement after selflessly serving their fatherland, have continued to live in misery and pain, leading to diseases and even death, as they cannot easily access their benefits.”

The lawmaker explained that the Pension Reform Act 2004, amended as Pension Reform Act 2014, provides for a departure from the old pension scheme of ‘Defined Benefits’ to the new Contributory Pension Scheme that established the National Pension Commission.

Wamakko also noted that despite the amendments to the Pension Act, the legislation had failed to achieve its objective of solving the intractable pension crisis in the country.

The lawmaker added, “Suffice to say that the issue of pension Nigeria has more or less turned into a monster that has defied all efforts by successive governments to contain it.

“In view of the retirees’ protracted sufferings and pains, who are equally Nigerians, continued search for a lasting panacea is a duty-bound upon us and all others concerned.”

Wamakko explained that the Act in Section 7(1)(a) was amended in the bill to allow retirees to withdraw 75 per cent of their benefits.

He bemoaned the situation where pension administrators in the country benefit at the expense of Nigerian pensioners who continue to suffer neglect.

The lawmaker said, “These Nigerians who have retired from service after several years serving the nation are finding it extremely difficult to be the owners of their pension savings in this new arrangement.

“So, unless that law is made categorically clear that they can withdraw the 75 per cent, which we are proposing in this amendment, then they can definitely have some relief as retirees.”

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, referred the bill to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters after scaling the second reading.

The committee was given four weeks to report back to the Senate.

Adewumi Faniran /Punch