News / politics

We are facing most challenging times in our country — Obi

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has reiterated the need for the church to remain in prayers, saying the nation was facing the most challenging times in its history.

Obi spoke at the inauguration of Most Reverend Daniel Okoh as the new President, Christian Association of Nigeria.

At the event in Abuja, who received a rousing welcome with loud ovations of “OBIdients”, stated that unless Christians prayed and worked hard towards electing good leaders for the nation, the situation may continue to deteriorate.

He said: “Fellow Nigerians, please continue to remember our country in prayers.

“We are facing very difficult challenges in our nation at the moment.

“With the prayers of the church and our hard work as a people, we will come out victorious.

“Above all, remember all of us, the public office holders, in your prayers that we will use public money for public good.”

Obi praised the leadership of CAN for the smooth and peaceful transition of power, noting that it was worth emulating.

He said: “I think we have to come and learn from you so we can have a seamless transition as we go along.”

The inauguration of the new leadership of CAN had in attendance many dignitaries, political and spiritual.

The Governors of Delta and Benue States, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Benue Samuel Ortom; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were among those in attendance.

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Business / News

Nigerian government most difficult client, says AfDB official

A Senior Special Adviser to the President of the African Development Bank, Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, on Tuesday, described the Federal Government as the bank’s most difficult client.

He said this while delivering a keynote address at 2022, 3rd Biennial African Scientific Integration Network Conference hosted by the Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state.

The AfDB boss delivered a paper virtually on the topic, ‘Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development.’

While responding to questions on what the bank was doing to assist the growth of industries in Nigeria, he made specific reference to a loan facility that the Board of the bank approved for Nigeria and how the Federal Government delayed its approval. He said, “I can tell you we have many projects in Nigeria and I am leading one of them. For the Special Arrangement Industrial Processing Loan, we raised $540m for each zone in Nigeria.

“We raised it, and the board of the AfDB approved it on December 13 but the Ministry of Finance did not sign until June 1. We were begging them to sign. By the way, this loan has less than a one per cent interest rate for 25 years and an eight-year moratorium.  It is like someone is giving you money for free.

“Other countries have just one zone and they have been calling to thank us, thank the president, thank everyone for what you have done for us, but in Nigeria, you will be asked why you are pushing too much. We were supposed to launch the project by March 1. The Nigerian government is the most difficult client.”

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor, OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, said the prevalent global environment was creating challenges for poor, small, landlocked, as well as resource-dependent economies. He then charged the conference to seek to identify these challenges and attempt to proffer solutions to them.…

Athletics / Sports

Tobi Amusan wins historic World Athletics Championship gold for Nigeria

World 100m hurdles record holder, Tobi Amusan, in the early hours of Monday (Sunday in Oregon), won the women’s 100m hurdles gold at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

And she did it by going faster than the 12.12s world record time she ran in the semi-finals, but her 12.06s in the final wasn’t recognized as a world record owing to the over 2m/s wind speed.

Amusan had blitzed to a world record 12.12s in the semi-finals but obliterated that mark with a superb 12.06s to become the first Nigerian to win gold in the history of the World Athletics Championships.

Nigeria had won a total of nine medals, comprising four silver and five bronze before Amusan destroyed a strong field in the final.

Three years ago, Amusan had finished fourth in Doha, Qatar.

She had earlier taken eight hundredths of a second off American Keni Harrison‘s world record from 2016. Amusan’s previous personal best before the semi-final was 12.40, set in the first round on Saturday in Oregon.…

Athletics / Sports

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan breaks 100m hurdles world record with time of 12.12 seconds

Tobi Amusan broke the 100m hurdles world record with a stunning semi-final time of 12.12 seconds – before taking gold at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

The Nigerian, 25, ran even faster in the final – but her 12.06 was ruled ineligible by an illegal tailwind.

The previous record of 12.20 was set in 2016 by American Kendra Harrison.

Jamaica’s Britany Anderson took silver and Puerto Rico’s Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn got bronze.

Amusan, who had already run a new African record of 12.40 seconds in Saturday’s heats, said: “I believe in my abilities but I was not expecting a world record at these championships.

“I wanted to get out and go. I did what I had to do.”

Great Britain’s Cindy Sember finished fourth in the semi-final won by Amusan, but qualified for the final with a British record of 12.50, beating sister Tiffany Porter’s 2014 mark by one hundredth of a second.

It was one of four national records, excluding Amusan’s, run in the semi-finals, with another seven athletes equalling or breaking their personal bests.

“That was a crazy race. I actually thought I was running slow. Tobi was amazing, I can’t deny,” said Sember, who went on to finish fifth in the final.…

Lifestyle / Music / News

‘Music is the only thing moving Nigeria forward’ Paul of P-Square says

Imagine the only thing that is moving forward in Nigeria is something that the government are not in control of #music,” He said in a tweet on Wednesday 4th July 2022.

Paul Okoye’s thoughts are coming at the back of P-Square’s appearance at Afronation Portugal 2022 where they were a very special guest.

Considering the steady ascension the Nigerian music industry and the entertainment sectors have enjoyed, it can be agreed that Nigeria’s creative industry is the most promising aspect of the Nigerian economy.

Many factors both political, economical, and social accounts for why the success recorded in the Nigerian music industry has not been replicated in other key sectors of the society, and Nigerian youths will be hoping to change this at the 2023 Presidential polls.

Paul Okoye and his twin brother Peter have both been vocal about their support for one of the candidates in the coming elections and their choices might have been inspired by a desire for other aspects of the society to experience the success recorded by the entertainment industry.

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Foreign / International / News

US Mission Nigeria announces Mandela Washington Fellows + Full list

The United States Mission Nigeria has selected 56 recipients for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for 2022.

It has also selected 16 alumni from the MWF cohort from 2021 to participate in this year’s Alumni Enrichment Institute.

Launched in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship exchange program of the US Government-sponsored Young African Leaders Initiative created to further the United States’ commitment to investing in the future of Africa.

Each year, US Missions across Sub-Saharan Africa select accomplished leaders, who have established records of promoting innovation and positive impact in their countries. This summer, the Fellows will travel to the United States to participate in six-week Leadership Institutes studying Business, Civic Engagement, or Public Management at US colleges and universities.

At the conclusion of the Leadership Institutes, the Fellows will attend the annual Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit, where Fellows, US Government officials and representatives from businesses and organizations with interest in Africa engage in high-level sessions and workshops.

After completing the Leadership Institutes and Summit, Fellows are eligible to participate in several MWF alumni opportunities such as the Alumni Enrichment Institute that build the on skills and connections developed during their summer exchange program.

Since 2014, over 5,000 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the MWF with 456 Fellows hailing from Nigeria.

Thus far, Nigeria remains the largest contributor of Fellows each year.

Commenting on the significance of the MWF, Ambassador Mary Leonard, stated: “The United States is dedicated to investing in the next generation of young Nigerian leaders reinforcing the strong partnership between both nations.

“The vision, courage, and drive to innovate of Mandela Washington Fellows will help shape the future of Nigeria for many generations to come.”

US Mission Nigeria congratulates the following recipients of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and participants of the Alumni Enrichment Institute for 2022.

 

First Name

Last Name

Track

Abidemi

Ojo

Leadership in Business

Abubakar

Idris

Leadership in Public Management

Ahmad

Abdulsamad

Leadership in Public Management

Aisha

Yahaya

Leadership in Civic Engagement

Akintunde

Babatunde

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Football / News / Sports

Nigeria vs Ghana: Confusion as CAF doctor collapses, dies after fans invaded MKO Abiola Stadium

Confusion has surrounded the death of Confederation of Africa Football’s doping doctor, Dr. Joseph Kabungo.

Kabungo, a Zambian medical practitioner, was said to have died shortly after Ghana stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday.

There are reports that Kabungo died as a result of the stampede that occurred at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja before the commencement of the match.

However, another account blamed fans’ invasion of the pitch after the match for the doctor’s death. It was also reported that the doctor suffered a cardiac arrest.

Neither officials of the Nigeria Football Federation nor CAF have confirmed the doctor’s death.

This is as efforts to reach the officials proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.

British-Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, tweeted that the doctor’s death was confirmed after he was rushed to the hospital.

It was learnt that Kabungo’s family, the Zambia FA and the Government of Zambia had been informed.

Osasu tweeted, “Sad news: I understand that an official for the @NGSuperEagles vs @GhanaBlackstars
match (not a referee or assistant referee) died in #Abuja today.

“His name is Dr Joseph Kabungo from Zambia. He was on duty as Doping officer. He collapsed suddenly and died. Cause of death not confirmed yet. His family, the Zambia FA and the government of Zambia have been duly informed.

“If the death of #Zambian doctor Dr Joseph Kabungo at the #Abuja stadium was caused by being attacked by the #Nigerian fans who invaded the pitch, after the @NGSuperEagles lost the @FIFAWorldCup ticket to @GhanaBlackstars, @thenff would be in terrible trouble with @FIFAcom.”

A Ghanaian sports journalist, Collins Poku, who was also at the venue of the match, alleged that the doctor was beaten to death.

While replying Osasu’s tweet, he posted, “They beat him, he fell and they throded on him. He lost consciousness was rushed to an ambulance closer to the Ghana dressing for CPR. The entire Ghanaian contingent watched on as resuscitation attempts were made with oxygen mask. He was taken …

News / politics

Obasanjo: How Nigeria can move from being a country to a Nation

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday said that the country must strive to enthrone justice, equity and fair play in order to build a strong, united nation.

Obasanjo, who is on a tour of the South East, said this when he made a brief stop at the Vision Africa Radio, Umuahia.

He was the Special Guest of Honour at the prize/award presentation to the winners of the 2021 Schools’ Debate, organized by the station, in conjunction with the Abia State Ministry of Education.

He said: “One of the things I believe we need in this country is nation building.  “We have not built a nation.

“We have a country but we need to weave, integrate that country into a nation.

“And you will not get that unless you have justice, fairness, equality and everybody having a stake in that project called Nigeria.

“If that is the situation that we need at the national and continental levels, it means you have to have it at other levels down to the family level.

“Any family where there is no justice, fair play and equity will not be stable.

“This applies to any country, community and state.

“If Nigeria needs these attributes, then any state in Nigeria needs it as much as Nigeria.”

Obasanjo said that this was one of the gospels he had been preaching since he celebrated his 85th birthday last week.

He congratulated the three schools that emerged winners at the debate and admonished them to learn to be good communicators, if they hope to become great achievers in future.

According to him, it takes a good communicator to marshal out his points convincingly, saying that bad communicators end up as poor achievers because of their inability to put their ideas across convincingly, notwithstanding how beautiful they might be.

He also commended the President of the station, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, for organizing the program designed to groom young ones and support the growth of education.

The topic of the debate was: “The development of a nation’s sound education system ensures …

Football / Sports

Nigeria Top Group after win against Guinea Bissau

After making eight changes to the side that beat Sudan to seal their last-16 place, Nigeria took time to warm up.

Umar Sadiq opened the scoring shortly after the break following a cross from striker partner Kelechi Iheanacho.

Captain William Troost-Ekong sealed the win after tapping into an empty net after fine work by Moses Simon.

Three-time champions Nigeria had already topped Group D and knew their round of 16 clash on Sunday would be in Garoua, where they have played all their games so far.

They will have to wait until Thursday night to find out which of the best third-placed sides they face from either Group B, E or F.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, have now gone over seven Nations Cup games without a goal, last scoring in their second match of the 2017 finals when they made their tournament bow.

Super Eagles soar in Garoua

Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen – who has made light of replacing Germany’s Gernot Rohr a month before the tournament – had the luxury of being able to rest players after his side’s fine start to the tournament, retaining only Iheanacho, Troost-Ekong and Wilfred Ndidi.

Defender Semi Ajayi was among those coming into the side and he almost opened the scoring when heading a free-kick over from close range, with Eguavoen holding his head in his hands at the wasted chance.

After Guinea-Bissau’s Maurice Gomis almost spilled an off-target Iheanacho shot into his own net, the Super Eagles finally took the lead when the Leicester City forward laid it on a plate for Almeria forward Sadiq to tap in at the far post.

Guinea-Bissau rallied shortly after when an on-target free-kick from Fali Cande was deflected behind by Troost-Ekong’s arm, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) overlooking the incident.

But the VAR referee was heavily involved just moments later when Troost-Ekong side-footed into an empty net after Simon’s blistering strike, after a jinking run past three players, crashed back off the underside of the bar to the Watford man.

Kenyan referee Peter Waweru pointed for …

Football / Sports

Egypt vs. Nigeria result: Super Eagles win 1-0 Against Egypt

The second true heavyweight match of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations saw Nigeria take firm control of Group D with a 1-0 victory over Mohamed Salah and Egypt.

After Monday’s game between Morocco and Ghana saw the Atlas Lions come away with a 1-0 victory, we were treated to another matchup of expected title contenders, and the result showed one side is far more prepared to push for the crown than the other.

Liverpool superstar Salah was entirely locked down, with little to show for his 90-minute effort as Nigeria smothered the Egyptian playmaker. Kelechi Iheanacho’s early goal proved the difference as Nigeria fended off a late Pharoahs push to claim all three points. Both teams are expected to progress from Group D despite today’s result, but Nigeria’s victory sets the Super Eagles up nicely for a better Round of 16 matchup and a deep run deep in the tournament, while Egypt will feel added pressure in its other group stage matches against Guinea-Bissau and Sudan.

See Highlights of the Game Below ;

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Business / News / politics

Nigeria owes China $3b, says World Bank

The total amount of money owed to the Chinese government by the Federal Government as at March last year rose to $3.121 billion (N1,126.68 trillion at USD/N361).

The amount represents only 3.94 per cent of Nigeria’s total public debt of $79.21 billion as at September 2021.

Similarly, in terms of external sources of funds, loans from China accounted for 11.28 per cent  of the External Debt Stock of USD27.67 billion as at the same date.

According to document from World Bank, the  total borrowing from China of USD3.121 billion as at March 31, 2020, are concessional loans with interest rates of 2.50 per cent per annum with a  tenor of 20 years and grace period (moratorium) of seven years.

“These terms are compliant with the provisions of Section 41 (1a) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. In addition, the low interest rate reduces the interest cost to government while the long tenor enables the repayment of the principal sum of the loans over many years. These two benefits, make the provisions for debt service in the annual budget lower than they would otherwise have been if the loans were on commercial terms,” the document said.

The $3.121 billion loans, the document explained, are project-tied loans.

The projects, (11 in number as at March 31, 2020), include: Nigerian Railway Modernisation Project (Idu-Kaduna section), Abuja Light Rail Project, Nigerian Four Airport Terminals Expansion Project (Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt), Nigerian Railway Modernisation Project (Lagos-Ibadan section) and Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi Road Project.

The document added: “The impact of these loans is not only evident but visible. For instance, the Idu-Kaduna Rail Line has become a major source of transportation between Abuja and Kaduna. Also, the new International Airport in Abuja, has improved air transportation for the populace, while the Lagos-Ibadan Rail line when completed, will ease traffic on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

“The projects also have the added benefits of job creation, not only by themselves but through direct and indirect service providers, a number of which are Small and …

Entertainment / Music / News

CKay, Omah Lay, P.Priime and Telz to represent Nigeria in #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022

YouTube today announced a roster of 54 artists, songwriters and producers selected to join the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022. Among the acts from Australia, Brazil, Canada, USA and the UK are eight African artists based in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya.

Supported by the #YouTube Black Voices Fund, the #YouTubeBlack Voices Music Class of 2022 is a development program designed to directly support and mentor Black artists, songwriters & producers worldwide. The addition of songwriters and producers to the 2022 class demonstrates the continuation and expansion of Youtube’s efforts to support Black artists on the platform.

With the aim of equipping up-and-coming Black artists, songwriters & producers with the resources to succeed on YouTube, the class will be grouped into two program streams: one for artists and one for songwriters and producers.

Class participants will each receive dedicated partner support, seed funding to invest in the development of their channels, and opportunities to participate in training and networking programs focused on production, fan engagement and wellbeing.

Over the next 6 months, they will also get opportunities to develop their catalogues and collaborate with other global artists, songwriters, and producers who have also been selected to take part in the program.

Commenting on the significance of the program, YouTube’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan, Addy Awofisayo says “African music is taking the entire world by storm and the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund is an opportunity to both celebrate and nurture African artistry and help songwriters, producers and artists share their craft with global audiences.”

“Black culture is expansive and ever-changing and YouTube Music is committed to celebrating that experience through music,” she adds.

Nigeria’s Omah Lay whose music is heavily influenced by his background, strong culture and environment, has an undeniable connection to his audience and high hopes for his journey with YouTube Black Voices: “My music speaks to the people that love me, the people I love and the people that have been through what I have been through. I see the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund having an impact on my

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Football / Sports

NFF backs Super Eagles to revitalise World Cup campaign

The Nigeria Football Federation believes the much-adored Nigerian Spirit will come to the fore and ginger the Super Eagles to solidify their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign when they take on the Les Fauves of Central African Republic in Douala on Sunday.

The President of the NFF and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, said this on Thursday night.

Pinnick said the Eagles have the character to bounce back from the shock home defeat by the Central Africans and still fly very high above other contenders in Group C of the African race by taking the maximum points in Douala on Sunday.

He said: “This result has been a huge shock, especially after the NFF provided everything necessary to make the team comfortable and focused on the task at hand, even going the extra mile in a number of areas. The Federation wishes to appreciate the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government and our partners and sponsors for their support to enable us provide the necessary comfort and conducive environment for the team to succeed.

This is a setback, which can be quickly reversed, and the Nigerian Spirit is what we will take to Cameroon.

“The NFF is backing the team to retain a strong hold on the group and qualify to the knockout phase.

“At the halfway mark of this phase, our Super Eagles still top the group.

“I am in touch with even the players that are injured like Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Alex Iwobi.

“They are all very sad with the result.

“The players who featured in today’s match are all very sober and sad.

“They know what is important now is their reaction to the situation when they take to the pitch in Douala on Sunday.

“We believe they will deliver against the same team.”

Pinnick said the NFF was taking responsibility for the defeat and urged Nigerians from far and near to get behind the team at this period.

He said: “Everyone is stunned, but we do not have to be emotional …

Entertainment / Foreign / Music / News

The Fugees are set to visit Nigeria

On September 21, 2021, Grammy-winning Hip-Hop/R&B supergroup, The Fugees announced an international reunion tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their landmark 1996 album The Score.

This will bring the group, consisting of Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel together for the first time in 15 years. Despite only releasing two albums together, their legacy is filled with classic records, which have become a staple for sampling in Hip-Hop.

Their tour, which will be produced by Live Nation will visit 12 locations, including Lagos, Nigeria – on an unannounced date – and Ghana, on December 18, 2021.

As part of the tour, then will make stops in New York, California, Georgia, London, Paris and more.

After the group went on their first hiatus, Ms. Lauryn Hill went on an incredible early solo run, which produced the classic album, Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which won five Grammy awards in one 1999 night.

Wyclef Jean has also become a cultural staple, with several platinum records, and strong affiliations to Nigeria.

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News / politics

Rivers State not treated as part of Nigeria, says Gov. Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike has accused the Federal Government of treating Rivers State as if it was not part of Nigeria.

Wike said this on Monday when he received a delegation from The Sun, which visited to present to him a letter notifying him of his emergence as winner of the Man of the Year 2020 award in Port Harcourt.

He said it was an injustice to exclude the state from those to benefit from the proposed World Bank loan.

He described it as hatred against a major state servicing the national economy. He said: “Look at the hatred: that you collect money from World Bank and Rivers State is excluded.

“If fiscal federalism does not start today, it will start tomorrow.

“That is essence of governance.

“Give me what belongs to my state to develop my state.”

Wike said he was baffled by the way things are done in Nigeria, condemning politicisation of government’s good policies.

On the controversial collection of Valued Added Tax by states, Governor Wike said he had no objection being a “brother’s keeper” so long as things were done legally.

He said: “Let me say clearly: it is unfortunate what we have in this country today.

“Ordinarily, I shouldn’t have said this.

“Bu, what I don’t understand is how everything is being politicised to ethnicity and religion.

“I have not seen a country that will never come out to say this is the right thing we are doing and this is the wrong thing we are doing, we need to correct it.

“When you raise an issue everybody knows is wrong, instead of people to see it from that perspective that this is wrong, we see it from the perspective of ethnicity.

“We see it from the perspective of religion.

“I have never seen a country like this in my life where something that is black and white, we begin to look at it well…are you sure it does not look like dark, blue?

“You don’t even need to be a lawyer to know that VAT …

Business / News

Naira falls at parallel market against Dollar, Pound, Euro

The Naira on Thursday dipped further at the parallel market in Lagos against the dollar.

The Central Bank of Nigeria had a few months ago stopped the sale of FOREX to Bureau De Change operators.

It cited regulatory infractions by some of the members of the currency traders.

However, the impact of the ban is far from strengthening the naira against the dollar.

It lost N6 from N562 traded on Wednesday to exchange at N568 to the dollar, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N774 and N660 respectively.

Trading at the official Investors and Exporters window saw the Naira closing at N410 to the dollar as at Wednesday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N567.67 and N485.53 respectively.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria also showed the Naira exchanged at 0.739 Kobo  to the CFA.

NAN reports that while the CBN is working hard to reduce inflation, experts believe a lot needs to be done in the management of the exchange rate.…

Entertainment / Football / Music / Sports

Burna Boy attends Man United’s game at Old Trafford, brings out Paul Pogba at his set at Parklife festival

Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy had a busy day on Saturday, September 11, attending a Manchester United game and performing at a festival.

Burna Boy was at Old Trafford to watch Manchester United beat Newcastle United 4-1 in a Premier League game.

The music star got the treatment as he sat in Paul Pogba’s box and was gifted Manchester United’s home and away jerseys with his name on them.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CTsEq6UIqIe/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=829d9b10-0c62-413e-9a9a-02a01bfb78f2

He had his visit on video, which he shared on social media; “Couldn’t come to Manchester without supporting my brother @paulpogba,” he wrote.

The 30-year-old is seen in the video celebrating one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals at the stadium and meeting a host of Pogba’s family.

He also met UK rapper Stormzy at the game.

After the game, he headed straight to the Parklife festival, where he performed.

He made his set even more memorable by bringing on his friend Pogba on stage.

 

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Foreign / News / Security

ECOWAS, Nigeria condemns Guinea coup d’état

The Economic Community of West African States and the Nigerian Government have strongly condemned the coup d’état that took place in the Republic of Guinea Conakry on Sunday.

President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, condemned the action in separate statements.

They described the action as a clear violation of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, demanding for the immediate return to constitutional order.

Akufo-Addo, who is also the Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, said ECOWAS demanded the immediate and unconditional release of President Alpha Condé as well as others arrested. He said: “ECOWAS notes with great concern the recent political developments which occurred in Conakry, Republic of Guinea. She condemns with the greatest firmness this coup attempt on Sunday, September 5, 2021.

“ECOWAS demands respect for the physical integrity of the President of the Republic, the Professor Alpha Condé, and his immediate and unconditional release as well as that of all the personalities arrested

“ECOWAS reaffirms its disapproval of any unconstitutional political change. She asks the defense and security forces to remain in a posture Republican and expresses its solidarity with the Guinean people and Government.”

Onyeama stated: “The Government of Nigeria strongly condemns and rejects any unconstitutional change of government.

“And therefore calls on those behind this coup to restore constitutional order without delay and protect all lives and property.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that on Sunday evening, heavy gunfire exchange was reported near the Presidential Palace in Conakry, the country’s capital.

Following the gun battles, soldiers, who call themselves the National Committee for Reconciliation and Development, appeared on TV, claiming to have dissolved the Conde-led government, taking over power.

Conde’s third term Presidency had earlier sparked violent and mass protest in the country after a disputed election in October 2020 and a new constitution in March 2020, which allowed him to sidestep the country’s two-term limit.…

News

FG set to sanction Nigerians refusing COVID-19 vaccination

Amid reactions to the declaration by Edo and Ondo states regarding restricted access to public places for unvaccinated residents, the Federal Government may sanction eligible Nigerians who refuse COVID-19 vaccination.

The hint was dropped yesterday by the Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, at a briefing in Abuja.

Shuaib said the government may “apply the basic rule of law” against such people because they will be endangering the lives of other people.

He said: “The Presidential Steering Committee and the Federal Ministry of Health is exploring ways of making vaccines more available to all Nigerians including federal civil servants and corporate entities. Once these vaccines are made equitably available to all Nigerians, we would need to have a frank discussion about justice, fairness and liberty that exist around vaccine hesitancy.

“If some individuals refuse to take the vaccine, hence endangering those who have or those who could not due to medical exemptions, then we have to apply the basic rule of law, which stipulates that your human right stops where mine begins. So, you have a right to refuse vaccines, but you do not have the right to endanger the health of others.”

This is coming as a federal high court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, granted an order restraining Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the state government from restricting unvaccinated persons from attending mass gatherings as from mid September.

Governor Obaseki had last week mandated people of the state to take the vaccine, warning that, as from September 15, anyone who has not been vaccinated will not be allowed into public places such as banks and worship centers. ”

From the second week of September, people may not be allowed to worship in churches and mosques without showing proof of their vaccination cards at the gates. Similarly, people will not be allowed to event centers, receptions or parties without showing proof of their vaccination cards,” the government had warned.

However, one Charles Osaretin filed a suit marked FHC/PH/FHR/266/2021 to counter the governor …

News / politics

Nigerians are unbreakable people, do not hate each other – Osinbajo

Despite the activities of those with divisive agenda, Nigeria will prevail over her tribulations due to the resilience, faith, hope and strength of its people, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday at the National Social Cohesion Dialogue organized by the Africa Polling Institute, which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

Describing Nigerians as “an unbreakable people”, the VP emphasized the shared interests of Nigerians across different facets of life, noting that Nigeria’s diversity can be used to drive further economic growth.

He explained, “And in the face of the challenges confronting us, we must remind ourselves of certain truths. The first is that our present challenges are neither unique nor exceptional. Various nations at various points in their histories underwent similar tribulations. It is within our power to address these issues and emerge from them even stronger as a people. “Despite the divisive rhetoric of demagogues and the utterances of those who profit from disharmony, Nigerians do not hate each other. Every day, millions of Nigerians of different ethnicities and creeds comingle, make common cause and forge friendships across our fabled fault lines. While we have our share of such acrimony, the situation does not support the narrative that we are a nation of fragments condemned to be perpetually at each other’s throats.

“What matters is how committed we are to the constructive management of diversity and the peaceful resolution of such conflict. This is where we can and should certainly work much harder.”

Advocating for unity despite sundry differences, the VP warned against “polarising identity politics”.

He said, “the truth is that Nigeria has evolved beyond the sort of easy balkanization that is proposed by some separatists. Politicians who continue to traffic in division and discord are behind the times and have failed to take note of how much more integrated our society has become.”

Noting that the fair, swift and equitable dispensation of justice to address both everyday grievances and long-suffered wrongs is essential for fostering social cohesion, the …