Author: tdpel

The Nigeria Football Supporters Club has appealed to all Super Eagles’ fans to close ranks and give maximum backing to the senior national team ahead of their crucial Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Black Stars of Ghana in Cape Coast and Abuja.

Nigeria is billed to meet Ghana in Cape Coast on March 25 before coming home to host the Black Stars at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on March 29.

The winner of the tie over two legs will qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Chairman of the foremost fans club in the country, Rev. Samuel Ikpea, believes such united support from sports loving Nigerians would guarantee Super Eagles qualification for the World Cup.

According to regulatory data, the number of passengers passing through Nigerian airports has decreased by 3.38 million in the last three years.

According to data received by Reporters from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the number of passengers processed for travel at the country’s airports in 2021 is 14.2 million, up from 10,447,321 the previous year.

However, according to NCAA data, over 17,580,023 people flew through Nigerian airports in 2019.

Investigations have shown that the significant dip in passenger load factor in the period under review could be attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and its debilitating effects on air travel at domestic, regional and intercontinental levels.

The France star has long been linked with a move to Madrid, who reportedly tabled an unsuccessful offer worth up to 180 million euros ($200 million) for Mbappe in August.

Despite the feted arrival of seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, Mbappe has underlined his status as the key to PSG’s pursuit of European success.

His 24 goals this season easily outnumber those of the team’s second-leading scorer, Messi, on seven.

The 23-year-old equalled Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s tally of 156 goals in PSG colours in last weekend’s win over Saint-Etienne. Only Edinson Cavani has scored more goals for the club (200).

“As long as there’s no signature, we’re going to try everything.

We’re going to do everything to keep him,” Leonardo told French sports daily L’Equipe.

The Brazilian denied claims from both Spanish and French media the club had offered Mbappe an annual salary of 50 million euros on top of a 100 million-euro “loyalty bonus”.

“It’s not true, we haven’t made a specific offer,” said Leonardo, who believes the financial aspect of any new deal is “secondary” in the eyes of Mbappe.

“The last thing we’ll put on the contract will be the amount.”

Mbappe said last month he had yet to make a decision over his future, and that he would not talk to Madrid while the two teams were facing each other in Europe.

His injury-time goal at the Parc des Princes gave PSG a 1-0 lead going into the return leg in Spain next Wednesday.

He will be well rested for the trip to the Bernabeu as he is ruled out of Saturday’s game at third-placed Nice through suspension.

Not only is that a boost to Nice’s push for Champions League football, but it could further highlight the void PSG would have to fill if Mbappe leaves once his contract expires in July.

The stuttering recent form of Marseille and Nice has allowed Rennes, Strasbourg and Lens to expand the race for a top-three finish.

After taking just a point from games against lowly Clermont and Troyes, Marseille on Sunday host a Monaco side wounded by their penalty shootout loss to Nantes in the French Cup semi-finals.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas also believes his club can still challenge for a Champions League spot despite sitting eight points adrift in 10th. He voiced his support for coach Peter Bosz.

What we see in training and in games gives us the idea that he is the man for the situation,” Aulas told L’Equipe.

Lyon go to Lorient on Friday desperate to bounce back from a controversial loss to Lille, after which the league’s head of refereeing admitted a disallowed late equaliser from Lucas Paqueta should have stood.

Trailing Real Madrid by 15 points in La Liga after going out of the Champions League in the group stage and the cup in the last 16 would usually amount to a full-blown crisis at Barca, regardless of whether they go on to win the Europa League in May.

Yet two-and-a-half years of relative mediocrity have vaporised once-high expectations while a stream of big-name departures, including Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain, have hammered home the stark reality of the club’s financial crisis.

Xavi Hernandez certainly benefited from those reduced expectations during the first few weeks of his tenure, when glimpses of progress were crowded out by a trudge of uninspiring performances, the like of which would not have looked out of place under his predecessor Ronald Koeman.

“It’s proving harder than we thought,” Xavi said in December.

Like Koeman, though, Xavi enjoyed a wave of goodwill early on and still does, with support and optimism offered to him more readily by fans because so many hope he can be the ideological successor to Pep Guardiola.

But in recent weeks there has been good reason for a sudden surge of excitement at Barca, who sit fourth in La Liga ahead of Sunday’s game at 13th-placed Elche.

When Xavi took charge in November, Barcelona were ninth, a leaky defence made all the more costly by a stuttering attack.

With 13 games left, they will be third if they win their game in hand over Real Betis and it is still not inconceivable they finish second by overhauling Sevilla, who are nine points ahead, having played a game more.

Fighting for Ukraine, the Klitschko brothers are “ready to die.”
Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, two boxing legends, have stated that they are “ready to die” in the fight against Russian forces entering Ukraine.

As a 40-mile military convoy approaches Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, where Vitali is the mayor, the two former heavyweight world champions are currently in Kyiv.

Vitali said he is “glad to see how patriotic people are” as the brothers reaffirmed their pledge to fight for their homeland.

“We’re not interested in how strong the Russian army is, we’re ready to fight,” he told CNN. “And we’re ready to die for our home country and for our families, because it’s our home.

It’s our future and somebody wants to come to our home and steal our future from us.”

He added there was a “huge patriotic movement” to defend the country and that Ukrainians of all working backgrounds are ready to take up arms.

He said: “We stayed in front of one of the strongest armies in the world.

The will to be independent is the main priority for us. And we’re defending our families, our city, our country and our future.

“There is a huge patriotic movement right now. Old people, can you imagine? Doctors, actors, actors from the theatre, many professions that never had any expectation to fight, to keep weapons.

Over 450 Nigerians are set to arrive in the country after they were caught in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of its eastern neighbour.

In a video shared by the Chairman, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on her Instagram page, some passengers were seen going through a check-in process at an airport.

Dabiri-Erewa wrote that they were the first set of Nigerians who were returning to the country from Ukraine after they found refuge in Bucharest.

“Finally. First set of Nigerians (over 450 passengers) stranded in Ukraine on their way to Abuja, Nigeria from Bucharest, Romania. Wishing them journey mercies,” she wrote.

At the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine, Nigerians were initially told to be responsible for their own safety and security, according to a statement by the Nigerian Embassy in Ukraine.

However, following outrage from Nigerians, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM stepped in to begin preparations to provide safety to Nigerians who could find their way to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Romania.

Coordinating with the embassies in those countries, Nigerians escaping the war were allowed safe passage after facing initial difficulty from border control.

The National Assembly also called for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians stranded in Ukraine, prompting the Federal Government to partner with private airlines to begin evacuating them.

On Wednesday, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), approved over $8.5m for the evacuation of over 5,000 Nigerians stranded in Ukraine.

Despite the government’s efforts, many Nigerians, especially students are still stuck in the conflict especially those in the Sumy province which has been reportedly overrun by Russian forces who have cut the power supply after blowing up a major power plant.

These students can not also leave because access roads and bridges leading in and out of the province are either being manned by Russian forces or have been blown up.

The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Prof Umar Danbatta has informed the commission is on the verge of deploying the Fifth Generation (5G) network in Nigeria.

He affirmed Spectrum licenses for the companies that will roll out services have have been issued.

He spoke during the NCC day at the Ongoing 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair.

By Olajide Idowu

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Norwegian Government has trained and empowered 200 youths and women (victims of violence) in Osun on different vocational skills and equipping them with business starter packs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UNDP, during the graduation and presentation of equipment to the trained persons, Tuesday, also inaugurated the Crisis Early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS) for Osun.

Speaking at the programme, UNDP Deputy Representative in Abuja, Mr Lealem Dinku, said the inauguration of the UNDP/Norway assisted interventions, the CEWERS/Situation Room launch and graduation ceremony, is phenomenon to the peace, stability and development of the state.

Dinku, represented by Mr Mathew Alao, said the CEWERS would provide early warning signals that can be acted upon by government to strengthen the state’s peace and security.

He said the empowerment of the 200 beneficiaries would also help build community resilience to violence and promote peaceful coexistence.

He said the 200 beneficiaries from Osun is the third in a row that UNDP and Government of Norway have organised training and equipped in three states within three weeks.

‘Few days ago, we were at Ekiti to celebrate with the state and the 200 beneficiaries for the feat achieved in the programme.

“The selection of these beneficiaries was carried out by UNDP in collaboration with the state government devoid of political interference.

“The process met the standard principle of SDGS and 2030 Agenda of leaving no one behind” as the neediest of over 1,000 candidates that applied were selected for the scheme.” he said

Mr Hans Peter Christopherson, the Norwegian government Representative and the Trade Councillor, Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, said it was a privilege and honour for him to be in Osun for the programme because of the important impact of the programme to so many vulnerable people.

Christopherson said idleness and unemployment was the root of all evil, saying the vocational training would attend to the problem of unemployment from all angles.

Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, in his address said the CEWERS Situation Room and training and empowerment of the 200 youths and women is funded by the Norwegian Government and implemented by United Nations Development Programme.

Oyetola who was represented by his deputy Benedict Alabi, said the state government appreciated the support given to victims of violence in the state, being a good foundation to strengthen beneficiaries’ capacities, empowerment for self-reliance and lifting out of poverty.

“On the other hand, the Early Warning and Early Response project was designed to collaborate and strengthen the security framework in and around the state and further facilitate attainment of sustainable peace and stability in the state.

“On behalf of the good people of Osun, I say a big thank you to our partners for these worthwhile interventions.” he said

He said the CEWERS and Situation Room was a welcome addition to the state Emergency 293 Short-Code Call System through which citizens report emergency cases.

“This call system has helped, in no small measure, in keeping at bay, potential crises situations and ultimately helped us in coordinating and responding to diverse emergency needs.” he said

In his opening remarks, Prof. Olalekan Yinusa, Osun Commissioner for Economic Planing Budget and Development, said those selected for the training were picked from the World Bank Certified Social Register of the State.

Yinusa said 635 names were submitted to UNDP for the training before 200 were selected, adding that the graduands today had undergone six months training, with first phase of their training focusing on helping them overcome the trauma of violence.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr Oladoyin Bamisayemi , Osun Commissioner for Education, said the vocational training done by UNDP for the victims of violence was done in collaboration with Osun Government through the Osun State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (OSBTVE).

Bamisayemi said their training was done between February and August, 2021 and that it started with a two weeks orientation programme where participants were given lectures on the required ethical behaviour in the process of skill acquisition, general acceptable behaviour in business as well as interaction within the larger society.

He said the graduands had been trained on vocations of tailoring, electrical installation, bricklaying, fabrication and welding, carpentry/wood work and roofing, plumbing, shoe making and leather works, hair dressing, computer science, catering and decoration, soap making and mobile phones repair.

“It is also significant to state that all the participants have gone through the rudiments of training in entrepreneurship.

“The various knowhow acquired by the grandaunts are good enough for them to become self-reliant. They will create/establish business and become employers of labour.” he said

Speaking one of the beneficiaries, Adepoju Abiodun described the programme as laudable one.

“We appreciate the effort of our amiable Governor,  Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola in ensuring that problem of unemployment is reduced to the bearing minimum in the state.

“We give kudos to UNDP and we thank God for His guidance throughout the training. There had been no loss. It is indeed a fulfilment of dreams. We do not take this gesture for granted. We are like Oliver Twist who ask for more.

I will like to advise my co-graduands not to misuse this opportunity.” He said.

Also, Mr Adepoju Adeoye, another beneficiary,  thanked the UNDP, state government and Norwegian government for the opportunity given to him to be trained.

Adeoye said said he intended to start a business of his own, after the empowerment, adding that he would make judicious use of the equipment given to him to better his life and add to economic development of the state

(NAN) (www.nannewa.ng)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) says the new Electoral Act provides new opportunity for free and fair elections in Nigeria.

AANI President, retired Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, said this at a news conference to announce the association’s 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Abubakar called on politicians to uphold global best practices and focus on the security, welfare, and economic prosperity of Nigerians above their personal ambitions and pecuniary interests as 2023 drew near.

The former I-G called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to activate all the provisions of the law towards the conduct of free and fair general elections in 2023.

He also urged broadminded and selfless individuals with capacity and courage to participate actively in the political process as part of efforts to rescue Nigeria.

“We must de-emphasise money politics and come together to sponsor candidates that can pursue an agenda for the common good.

“In this regard, AANI intends to convene a stakeholder meeting ahead of the 2023 election, to sensitise both politicians and electorates on the need to focus on issues that affects the lives of the people and the candidates with the capacity and pedigree to address them rather than selfish interests and material inducements.

“Our association is always available to partner with government and all stakeholders to tackle challenges through promoting a comprehensive strategy that would stabilize the polity and promote a proactive agenda for the overall development of the country,’’ he said.

Abubakar called on all to rededicate themselves to the Nigerian project and provide solutions to the prevailing situation in the country.

He said the association was deeply concerned about the noticeable divisive tendencies among the components of the society.

The ANNI president said armed violence, economic difficulties, and heated political space had created social tension, loss of lives and widespread fear over the future of the country.

According to him, efforts by governments at various levels to tackle these challenges achieved only a marginal success because the challenges are deep rooted and require comprehensive, participatory, and proactive solutions.

“In response to this AANI as a Think Tank is going to hold a national dialogue on national unity.

“Therefore, it has been the tradition of our great association to meet once in a while to discuss issues that bordered on members’ welfare and critical national issues.

“The AGM is a yearly gathering of all members to discuss critical national issues and the welfare of members and how to reposition the association further to contribute more to national development.

“It is in line with this and the critical role of our association in national development, the theme for this year’s AGM is `Repositioning AANI for greater effectiveness,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Managing Director, Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), retired Rear. Adm. Azeez Afolayan has called on retired military personnel to properly enroll in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Afolayan made the call at a meeting with military veterans with the theme, “Strengthening Health Insurance Cover for the Military Veterans” on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the welfare and comfort of military veterans was a thing of concern, adding that military veterans were accorded the status of special citizens and respected and treated as such in many advanced counties.

Afolayan, a surgeon, said military veterans generally were unaware of the contents of the benefits package in DHML programme, saying the interactive meeting was intended to bring the veterans closer to the organisation.

He added that the meeting was also convened to enable them to interact with veterans in such a way as to fully benefit from the various provisions made for their health insurance cover with DHML.

According to him, the health insurance benefits package for the retired personnel is the same as that for the serving personnel.

“The idea that as retirees, some items in the benefits package have been removed is not true.
“In fact, as a result of advancing age and the predisposition to several chronic illnesses, more funds are expended on retirees than on serving personnel.

“Likewise, more time and attention are required in proffering solutions to the many health challenges of retirees compared to serving personnel.

“The benefits package for military veterans is very comprehensive and covers virtually all commonly encountered medical scenarios, including your dental and ophthalmic needs,” he said.

The managing director revealed that many military veterans did not understand the need for them to register as enrollees after separation from active service.

He explained that as serving personnel, enrolment was automatic, with the service identification card usually sufficient and doubling as an enrollee card.

According to him, the automatic enrolment of serving personnel is actually an unusual privilege accorded the serving personnel.

“This is on account of the difficulties that are encountered in registering those deployed on combat duties, outside the country and on classified deployment in many places.

“Notwithstanding, even serving personnel are now being required to register at the military HCP in their AOR latest by April 1 this year.

“Registration as enrollees for health insurance clearly identifies to the HMO who their eligible dependents are.

“This is important for the success of health insurance utilising the HMO system. Additionally, an updated register of enrollees is a veritable planning tool for any health insurance system,” he added.

Afolayan lamented that while DHML had been making efforts to satisfy the veterans, some of them were trying to sabotage the programme by enrolling grandchildren as their children.

He added that also they also enroll extra wives and partners as their wives and nieces and nephews as their children.

He, however, appealed to them to avoid practices that could joepardise the programme.

He said the organisation had offices in 24 states and FCT where retired personnel who had relocated to their villages could go and enroll.

Director, Joint Services, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Olu Mustapha, represented by the Deputy Director, Veteran Affairs Division, Dr Jude Alozie, said there had been low awareness on the activities of the agency among retirees.

Mustapha urged participants to be opened and make their honest contributions.

She assured them that the government would continue to care for them especially in the area of health.

The Secretary General, Nigerian Legion, retired Group Capt. Kayode Abe, said the meeting was long overdue because a lot of retirees and ex-servicemen were not truly aware of what the organisation had been doing.

Abe said that while many people retired and go to their villages, they had not been able to enroll into the programme to enable them benefit.

He said that one of the challenges encountered by those under the scheme was disparity in treatments in terms of quality of drugs.

According to him, the interactive session will be an avenue to expose all the shortcomings in the system.

“A lot of facts are coming up as to why we may not be able to have complete medical coverage under this arrangement.’’

He called on the services to provide more support for DHML to be able to provide better services to the veterans.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)