Ahmed Gara-Gombe, former Gombe United chairman, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the appointment of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro for the Nigerian national team, calling it one of the biggest mistakes made by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
Gombe-Gara cited the team’s lack of a clear playing style and struggles in winning games under Peseiro’s tenure.
With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Gara-Gombe emphasized his skepticism about Nigeria’s performance under the current coaching setup.
Peseiro’s contract is set to expire after AFCON, and poor results may lead to his departure.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 is set to kick off in Ivory Coast on January 13, featuring star players such as Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen.
Senegal, the defending champions, aim to retain their title, while Egypt’s Salah looks to secure his first AFCON trophy.
The tournament includes 24 teams and will be hosted by Ivory Coast for the first time since 1984.
Security measures are a priority following past incidents, with 1.5 million fans expected to attend.
Matches will be held in six stadiums across five cities, culminating in the final on February 11.
Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, and Nigeria are among the strong contenders for the prestigious title.
The winning team will receive a record $7 million in prize money.
In a surprising turn of events, Anthony Joshua is set to face UFC legend Francis Ngannou in his next fight.
Promotional teams Matchroom and Queensberry confirmed the bout on Friday night.
Ngannou, known for his success in the UFC, made his professional boxing debut against Tyson Fury last October, losing by points via a split decision.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s show promoter, announced the fight via X, stating, “Tonight we confirm it’s a done deal! @anthonyjoshua v @francis_ngannou collide on a huge night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—press conference Jan 15 in London with full details dropping soon!” The fight is scheduled for March 9, with a press conference set for January 15 in London.
Recent violence in Plateau State, Nigeria, is increasingly being linked to land grabbing, as indigenous communities face forceful occupation and renaming by external groups. The Berom and Irigwe natives, along with other tribes, have been vocal about this issue for several years, urging the Federal Government to address the occupation of their lands by foreign herders.
Communities such as Rotchun, Dankum, Hywa, Fass, Davwak, and others have been attacked and renamed, forcing natives to integrate into safer areas as returning home becomes challenging. The situation has extended to Mangu and Bokkos, with numerous communities affected, leading to displacements and deaths.
Former Governor Jonah Jang and Senator Istifanus Gyang, among others, have consistently called for government intervention. The Beroms provided a list of communities attacked since 2001, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), often accused of involvement in the attacks, denies the allegations of land grabbing. However, indigenous leaders argue that the recurring violence is a deliberate attempt to dispossess them of their heritage.
Calls for a permanent solution, increased security, and a change in grazing policies are growing. The need for a national approach to the Plateau issue and addressing land grabbing is emphasized by leaders who believe that security, rebuilding efforts, and adopting technology in agriculture are crucial for long-term peace.
Certificate racketeering in Nigerian universities has become a growing concern, with study centers and satellite campuses identified as breeding grounds for such malpractices. The emphasis on paper qualifications over skills has fueled a desire for titles, leading to some individuals engaging in certificate racketeering to obtain degrees and titles.
Recent incidents, including the revelation of obtaining a first-degree certificate in six weeks from a university in Benin Republic and a certificate racketeering scandal at Lagos State University (LASU), highlight the pervasive issue. LASU uncovered staff selling certificates for around N3 million, involving the insertion of names of non-attendees into the list of graduates.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has identified 67 illegal universities and study centers in the country, prompting calls for their closure. However, critics argue that these centers provide employment and income for some individuals.
Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, National President of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), attributes the rise in certificate racketeering to a desperation for certifications at the expense of competence. He emphasizes the need to shift focus from certificates to skills and competence.
The NUC, tasked with regulating the university system, is urged to address the issue decisively. However, challenges such as strikes, poor funding, and lack of resources contribute to the decline in the quality of education, fostering an environment where individuals resort to illegal means to acquire certificates.
Despite efforts to tackle the problem, concerns remain about the prevalence of certificate racketeering in the education system, raising questions about the effectiveness of regulatory measures and the need for a paradigm shift in valuing skills over mere certifications.
Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 election, Peter Obi, commends Nollywood actress Funke Akindele for the success of her blockbuster movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah.’ The film achieved a groundbreaking N1 billion box office record within three weeks of its release, making it the first Nollywood movie to reach this milestone.
Obi, via his X profile on Saturday, acknowledges the movie’s accomplishment and praises Akindele for skillfully addressing the challenges faced by many less-privileged families in Nigeria in their struggles for survival. He describes the film as a poignant reflection of the complex issues affecting such families, presented in a comic and entertaining manner.
The former Anambra State Governor emphasizes the significant role Nollywood plays as one of Nigeria’s major exports in the past decade. He applauds Akindele’s dedication, hard work, and passion for the industry, emphasizing her contribution to showcasing the inherent potential of Nigerians.
Obi urges Nollywood to continue telling stories that inspire hard work, integrity, and productivity among Nigerians, believing it will contribute to building a productivity-driven nation.
The movie’s success has not gone unnoticed, with President Bola Tinubu also congratulating Akindele for the remarkable achievement. ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ has surpassed Akindele’s previous films, ‘Battle on Buka Street’ and ‘Omo Ghetto,’ to become the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time, grossing over N133 million in its opening weekend.
Directed by Adeoluwa Owu (Captain Degzy), the film tells the story of a family of boys robbing a mall to raise money for their mother’s hospital bill, encountering armed robbers in the process. The star-studded cast includes Nse Ikpe Etim, Timini Egbuson, Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Genoveva Umeh, and Nosa Rex.
In a somber moment, tears flowed freely as the remains of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, returned to Nigeria from Germany, where he passed away on December 26, 2023.
The poignant scene unfolded as the corpse, draped in the Nigerian flag, was lowered from the plane at approximately 3:39 pm. The late governor’s former Chief Press Secretary, Olabode Olatunde, officially confirmed the arrival of Akeredolu’s remains to Saturday PUNCH.
The deceased’s family, led by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings, notably Prof. Wole Akeredolu, received the corpse at the Murtala International Airport in Lagos. The grieving family was joined by political allies, including Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbi Talabi; and the representative of Osun State Governor, Senator Demola Adeleke.
Also in attendance were the Ondo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ade Adetimehin; a member of the House of Representatives, Gboyega Adefarati, and several members of the Ondo State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.
The remains have been deposited at the morgue, and details regarding the burial arrangements will be communicated by the family in due course. The nation mourns the loss of a distinguished public figure, reflecting on the legacy left behind by Rotimi Akeredolu.
As the Supreme Court prepares to deliver its verdict in January on petitions challenging Court of Appeal rulings in various states’ governorship elections, palpable anxiety grips party stakeholders and supporters.
In Kano State, tension rises as supporters of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) stage protests and rallies, expressing conflicting views on the Appeal Court’s affirmation of the tribunal’s decision to sack Governor Abba Yusuf and declare Dr Nasiru Gawuna of the APC as the winner. The Kano State Police Commissioner has imposed a ban on protests, and both parties signed a peace accord amid sporadic incidents of violence.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, residents anxiously await the Supreme Court’s decision on the appeal of PDP’s Titus Uba challenging the election of APC’s Hyacinth Alia. Civil servants and retirees are reported to be in prayer for their preferred outcome.
Ogun State witnesses confidence from the PDP in overturning Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory, while the APC dismisses this as “boastful desperation” and encourages focus on allegations against the opposition. In Lagos, the PDP anticipates victory based on challenging the qualification of Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC.
Nasarawa State experiences a contested election outcome as the APC expresses confidence in victory at the Supreme Court, while the PDP emphasizes the evidence they possess for justice.
Similarly, in Bauchi State, the APC remains optimistic about overturning the tribunal and Appeal Court judgments that upheld Governor Bala Mohammed of the PDP, calling on supporters to stay hopeful and prayerful.
With the fate of these governorship elections hanging in the balance, the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s decisions, anticipating resolution in the midst of heightened political tensions.
Officials from the Dangote Group have been summoned to Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to submit detailed documents on foreign exchange transactions spanning the last nine years. The move is part of the ongoing investigation into alleged abuse of forex allocations by the former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.
EFCC operatives conducted a search at the Dangote Industries Limited headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday. Sources reveal that documents seized were incomplete, prompting the summons for a comprehensive submission to be made in Abuja on Tuesday.
A senior EFCC official emphasized that the objective is to gather evidence regarding government fund allocations. The Dangote officials requested time to compile the necessary documents, emphasizing cooperation with the investigation.
Despite being in the United States during the raid, Aliko Dangote, the billionaire owner of the conglomerate, is reportedly aware of the situation and plans to return to Nigeria next week to address the matter personally.
An official from the Dangote Group confirmed ongoing efforts to gather documents requested by the EFCC and expressed surprise at the additional search in Lagos after documents were already submitted in Abuja.
The company, refuting allegations of forex malpractices in November 2023, maintains its commitment to legal and legitimate business practices. Dangote Industries asserts that its investments adhere to international standards, supported by Letters of Credit sourced from the interbank market.
The EFCC’s investigation extends to 51 other companies allegedly receiving preferential forex allocations. While some have complied with directives to submit required documents, others have sought additional time.
The probe stems from Special Investigator Jim Obazee’s report, alleging that Emefiele mishandled public funds, lodged money in foreign accounts without approval, manipulated currency exchange rates, and committed fraud in the e-Naira project. Emefiele has denied the accusations, describing the investigation as false and misleading.
The EFCC official revealed that the investigation focuses on foreign exchange allocations made by Emefiele, allegedly in violation of financial regulations and the CBN Act. The commission claims these allocations were not approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari, potentially facilitating money laundering through forex and Bureau De Change operators.
Igbo Ukwu – The Chief Executive Officer of Seggoffs Energy Services, Chief Engr. Barth Nwibe, Thursday in Igbo-Ukwu attended the 2024 Ihuowelle Day/Mass Return celebration.
Engr. Barth Nwibe, the Ugo Igbo-Ukwu also chaired the occasion marked annually to appreciate God’s magnificence and numerous gifts which He bestowed on the good people of Ihuowelle, as well as a day to interact with one another to variously seek ways for the development and improvement of Ihuowelle village in Igbo-Ukwu.
The event which attracted people from far and near underscores the celebration of every aspect of Igbo-Ukwu culture – an ancient civilization that by the 9th Century AD, through artifacts, validated that Igbo-Ukwu people established complex religious system and economy based on agriculture and trade with other people as far as Nile Valley.
In his brief remark as the chairman of the auspicious occasion, Engr Barth Nwibe harped on the essence of peace and love for one another, saying that such is the only prerequisite for development.
“My people; Ihuowelle is our inheritance and pride and must be guarded spiritually, physically and otherwise. Our talents and what have you are highly needed in the protection and preservation of this inheritance of pride of ours.
“The protection and preservation is all about development in the infrastructure and interaction with one another, and can only be; if our God-given gifts are utilised or combined in work for general benefits or interest.
Engr. Bart Nwibe who later received an award and recognition for his outstanding contribution to the development and growth of Ihuowelle made a donation of five million Naira for the construction of Ihuowelle Multi purpose Hall and Civic center.
Highlights of the occasion were the display of various cultural dances, masquerades and keynote speeches on Igbo-Ukwu cultural heritage, as well as presentation of awards to illustrious sons and daughters, friends and well wishers of Ihuowelle village.
Dignitaries from far and wide that graced the event were: His Royal Highness, Igwe Alexander Ejike Azike (Idu 3 of Igbo-Ukwu), Rt. Rev. Monsignor Kyrian Udegboka, Prof. Uchenna Nwosu (Apex Medical Specialist Hospital), Chief Engr Anthony Okafor (CEO, Ano Chemicals), Hon. Okey Ezeibe (Chairman Ihuowelle Progressive Union), representatives of Sen. Uche Ekwunife (D.G South-East Governors Forum), among other eminent personalities of Igbo-Ukwu community.
