Nigeria’s under-20 women national team on Sunday in Kumasi whipped their Niger Republic counterparts 7-0 in their opening game at the inaugural West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Zone B Championship.
The the match had a lot in stock for spectators at the Baba Yara Stadium when it finally got underway after a one-hour delay.
The Falconets completely dominated the game, getting off to a flying start through goals by Opeyemi Ajakaye, Mercy Kalu, Adoabi Okah, Victoria Alani and Chioma Olise.
Ajakaye opened scoring four minutes into the game, and went on to double the tally nine minutes later.
Kalu scored the third goal in the 30th minute, while Okah made it 4-0 in the 49th minute.
Ajakaye scored her third goal for a hat-trick in the 53rd minute when she created space for herself in the penalty box.
It was the turn of Alani with the sixth goal in the 64th minute, while substitute Olise headed home a minute into added time of the second half for the seventh goal.
The Falconets will face Togo in their second game at 6 p.m on Wednesday, also at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Niger Republic will tackle Burkina Faso at 3 p.m. at that same venue.
The Falconets will end their group stage campaign by clashing with Burkina Faso on Sunday.
The Falconets are drawn in Group B with Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and Togo.
The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, has inaugurated the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) enforcement boats, ferries, clinics, and administrative buildings to boost the maritime domain.
Sambo, during the inauguration in Lagos, said that the projects were part of the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance and institutionalized policies for an economic renaissance.
He added that the projects reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment to achieve and sustain safe, secure shipping and cleaner oceans.
“The projects will also enhance maritime capacity in line with the best global practices towards Nigeria’s economic development,” he said.
Sambo said the inaugurated five state-of-the-art enforcement platforms would ensure strict compliance and adherence with the extant laws governing the operations of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“These platforms will give NIMASA the much-needed tools required to function as a maritime administration in line with the protocols and conventions of the International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation.
“Additionally, we shall be commissioning four staff ferries meant to increase the overall efficiency and productivity of the staff of the agency.
“This is to create a more conducive means of transportation to and from official assignments, thereby bypassing the hassles that are associated with the operational terrain of the ports,” he said.
Other projects inaugurated by the minister include five new patrol/security boats, five refurbished search and rescue/pollution control boats, four staff ferries, a search and rescue clinic, and an administrative building.
Sambo said that as the supervisory ministry, it would continue to give support to NIMASA to ensure the growth of maritime in Nigeria.
Earlier, Dr Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of NIMASA, in his address said the new assets and building showed the Federal Government’s relentless and persistent commitment in the fight against maritime crime aimed at strengthening the Blue Economy.
Jamoh said that the Blue Economy was pivotal to the growth and development of the maritime and the nation in General.
He urged the officers that would be assigned to utilise the boats to bear in mind that they are national assets and to make the best use of them by ensuring proper maintenance.
Gombe State’s ascendancy to preeminence in the national and international political terrain under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is quite remarkable and historic.
The remarkable successes recorded by the Inuwa administration reflect a determination to create a new Gombe with limitless opportunities, thereby remaking the socio-economic and infact political fabric of the people towards a shared journey of good governance, prosperity and possibilities.
At every event or fora these days, Gombe State enjoys a prime of place, especially when the issues of good governance constitute the subject matter.
Just recently, specifically at the farewell dinner organized by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), in honor of outgoing governors, Inuwa was accosted by the media and asked to share his views on governance, policies and development. Of course true to his character he didn’t disappoint. He emphasised the need for leaders to remain focused and not to allow distraction of any sort or form, maintaining that “it is the leaders that guide and control the movement and we should therefore be on the positive side to direct and help the people through our policies and programmes”.
Speaking on his ‘magic wand’ that saw to the incredible transformation of Gombe State in less than 4 years of his stewardship, Governor Inuwa said, ” We thank God we didn’t go in blindfolded. We went with a clear mission and vision, and Ahamdulillah we’ve been able to cultivate the grounds on which we are able to impact positively on the lives of our people through the projects and programmes we’re executing”.
The governor said sheer determination, hardwork and the passion to deliver good services to the people were largely responsible for the giant strides being witnessed in Gombe State under his stewardship.
Gombe has transformed into a beacon of accelerated growth and development, firmly establishing itself as the benchmark for progress. Step by step, it is attaining the position we envisioned for it. This remarkable achievement is a direct outcome of the Governor’s unwavering determination and vision to forge a legacy that propels the state towards becoming one of the top ten strongest economies in the country.
The pervading optimism in Gombe State is now giving the people a shared hope for a brighter tomorrow. The power of leadership and vision have reshaped our collective being, now dwelling more on the big picture of what Gombe State can be if we believe in ourselves and do the right things in a focused manner as we follow resolutely the development trajectory carefully drawn and being executed to fully harness our potentials.
In the true spirit of our renaissance, therefore, I am sure everyone who has followed the enviable turnaround in education, healthcare delivery, infrastructural development, agriculture and human capital development in the state will agree with the realities of a new era of excellence.
Let’s start with the cosmopolitanism posture of Inuwa. Gombe, the state capital, like most of the other towns around the state, has now grown phenomenally big into a modern city with mind-blowing infrastructure and amenities as envisioned. The state is certainly making history.
The educational status of Gombe which was at the base among the 36 states of Nigeria, with secondary school students’ success ratio of 29 percent, is now at 87 percent. Thanks to Inuwa’s intervention through the state of emergency on education. Just this year, the Inuwa-led administration pumped over N4 billion into the sector and declared an end to the state of emergency owing to the successes recorded.
Last year, the Dan Majen Gombe was on the podium at the United Kingdom’s renowned Royal Institute of International Affairs known as Chatham House. The Chatham House is a political turf of World Leaders.
Inuwa was found worthy of being called upon to showcase the good works he has been doing in Gombe State’s health sector. His brilliance in Chatham House is still reverberating in Nigeria’s political circles.
On security matters, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Ahmed Baba, at the first Security Summit organized by Gombe State adjudged the Jewel State as a state to emulate in terms of peace and balanced security status.
From all indications, the next four years will come with so much improvement in the quality of life of the people. This is a major point of considerable effect on why government exists and what should really matter in our evaluation of leadership as a harbinger of change.
From this standpoint, it is clear that the Inuwa Yahaya administration is strategically building a new Gombe State that is innovative, competitive and prosperous.
The Gombe people are witnesses to the massive building of schools, upgrade of boarding schools and equipping them, enhanced investment in constructing many roads through his flagship project, the network 11-100 and economic sense of boosting agriculture, building and equipping various hospitals, revitalization of healthcare centres statewide, providing water for all, solid empowerment to unleash the creative energy of our people in business. A ground breaking idea of establishing the Gombe Industrial Park which ultimately will attract a cluster of multiple industries that will create thousands of good jobs is fantastic.
During Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s initial term, he achieved a remarkable transformation of Gombe state, leaving no critical sector untouched. His dedication ensured the state’s continued prosperity.
As he prepares to begin his second term in a few days, we eagerly anticipate an even more aggressive focus on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other vital areas of growth and development.
Inded the future of Gombe State is very positive and one is inclined to believe convincingly that the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration has done exceedingly well in its first term and the pervading optimism is now giving the people a shared hope for a brighter tomorrow as the Governor sets to be inaugurated for another four year term.
*Misilli is the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe
Premier League defending champions, Manchester City on Sunday lifted their third league title in a row to make it six in total after defeating struggling Chelsea 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Coach Pep Guardiola had rested nine of his regular players, including this season’s league top scorer, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bryune in a game City had nothing to lose following Arsenal’s slip on Saturday at Nottingham Forest.
Despite playing the game with the second team, Guardiola’s men dominated the game and soon Julian Alvarez who stood in for Haaland provided the cutting edge in his absence with a clinical finish to put City ahead after 12 minutes, as their jubilant fans basked in warm sunshine waiting for the trophy presentations and celebrations.
Chelsea had some of the better chances as the game went on, with City’s deputy keeper Stefan Ortega saving from Raheem Sterling when clean through and Conor Gallagher heading against the post.
Kalvin Phillips headed against the woodwork for City as they closed out another win in the relentless run that has brought them the title and the chance of a Treble, with the FA Cup final at Wembley and Champions League final in Istanbul to come.
The hosts played with the pressure off after the title was secured and manager Guardiola was able to give members of his shadow squad game time on an occasion where most fans were simply waiting for the final whistle to hail their heroes.
Guardiola’s selection gave an illustration of the vast resources of talent he has at his disposal with simply a glance at City’s substitutes’ bench.
Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones, Jack Grealish, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and goalkeeper Ederson were able to sit the game.
With a treble now on the cards, Manchester City will now turn their attention to Wembley for the FA Cup final and Istanbul for the UEFA Champions League final.
The Federal Government has removed the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN) Capt. Rabiu Yadudu.
Yadudu was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 and was relieved of his appointment at the weekend along with five other directors of the agency.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed has been appointed as the new managing director for the FAAN and he is expected to resume duty next week.
The new FAAN boss was until his appointment, the Regional General Manager, North Central, Airport Manager Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
He was appointed as the Chairman, Aviation Roadmap Implementation Committee in January 2022 by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, a position he effectively combined with his office as the General Manager, Special Duties at FAAN.
Sources say similar exercise will be carried out in the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other agencies .
Also a gale of resignation of senior personnel has hit the apex civil aviation regulatory: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The mass resignation, industry sources hinted, is predicated on underhand moves by the Ministry of Aviation to alter the rules to enable the controversial national carrier – Nigeria Air take – off before May 29, 2023.
The source hinted that the Ministry of Aviation is putting the NCAA under pressure to waive some aspects of regulation to see the controversial carrier airborne before the administration signs out in less than nine days.
Investigations revealed that key personnel have thrown in the towel over pressure to be influenced to act in an unprofessional manner to issue approvals that will birth the controversial carrier.
The directorate , experts say, is key to issuing the relevant certificates – Air Operators’ Certificate (AOC), that will qualify the controversial
The Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has said the first batch of intending pilgrims from the state will be airlifted to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 26.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdukadri, announced this while speaking during the enlightenment programme for intending pilgrims held at Gerewu in Adewole Area, Ilorin.
He said that the distribution of bags and uniforms would begin on May 24.
The executive scribe added that the pilgrims would be vaccinated on May 23.
Abdulkadri advised the intending pilgrims to be law-abiding and have good intentions of going there to serve God.
He however warned them against engaging in acts capable of tarnishing Nigeria’s image.
“We enjoin you to avoid fighting with anybody, avoid indecent dressing and avoid the use of abusive words in the holy land,” he said.
Dr Abdulkadir Sambaki also advised intending pilgrims to be law-abiding and conscious of Allah in all their undertakings while in Nigeria and the holy land.
“They should abide by the law of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia authorities because there is no room for disobedience for all intending pilgrims,” he said.
He said that 3,740 pilgrims would perform this year’s Hajj from the state.
The Officer in-charge of the state National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the Ilorin airport, Hajia Abibat Babaita, also cautioned them not to go to Saudi Arabia with illicit drugs.
She urged them not to go to Saudi Arabia with contraband drugs like cocaine, lexotan and tramadol, among others.
Babaita said that any intending pilgrim on recommended drugs should come with a doctor’s prescription and not go with a commercial quantity.
In his lecture, the Grand Khadi of Kwara, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, advised all intending pilgrims to return any property kept in their care before going to Saudi Arabia, saying that returning from the journey is in the hands of God.
Kamaldeen also urged them to pay off their debts or put them on record for their families to see before leaving for the holy land in case of any incident so that the family will repay the debt.
The Grand Khadi also enjoined them to settle any misunderstanding they have with anybody before going to perform the Hajj.
The G7 aspirants for the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives and “Greater Majority” blocs have resolved to present a consensus candidate for Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
This was part of the resolutions when the G7 aspirants met with the “Greater Majority” at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja at the weekend.
The G7 reiterated their commitment to work with the minority caucus in a bid to present a common front for the 10th National Assembly Speaker.
The G7 are made up of Rep. Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps, Rep. Aliyu Betara, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Rep Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman, the House Committee on Navy.
Others include: Rep. Sada Soli (APC-Katsina), Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara), Miriam Onuhoa (APC-Imo) and Rep Ado Doguwa.
Speaking at the meeting, Soli commended the caucus and assured it of their unalloyed support.
Responding on behalf of the Greater Majority, Rep. Fred Agbedi, commended the G7 for considering the bloc as worthy partners in the 10the House of Representatives.
He promised that members of the Greater Majority would work with all members-elect of the minority group to ensure that the 10th House had a Speaker that represents all interest.
Meanwhile Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa had earlier backed out of G7 group and endorsed the preferred candidate of the ruling APC, Rep Tajudeen Abbas (APC-Kaduna)
Abbas, alongside Rep. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) was endorsed as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively on May 8, by the National Working Committee of the APC.
Popular Abuja-based Afro Pop Singer, Chidubem Kenechukwu Udeoji, known as ‘Detailmadeit’ has disclosed that he is set to drop the much awaited single ‘Shashe’ hit.
Udeoji made this known at the weekend in Abuja.
The 27-year-old Abia-born Afro Pop singer, said the song was to encourage Nigerians to be hard working, believe in God, and be positive and hopeful for a better future.
The graduate of Business Administration from West Minster University, said he got the inspiration when he, his friends Danny Boy and Okita, were in Galaxy Studio in Abuja to have a session.
“The song Shashe which means work or hustle in Yoruba was mixed and mastered in Germany. My dad heard the song and he recommended that I add a base drum known as Lost Drum that is used in South Africa to make it danceable.
“So, I sent it to David in Germany and another friend in Switzerland and it was added. It is so amazing that a song written in 2020, now has a new sound in 2023 and is set to be released.
“On the video, when I went to Canada to see my brother and rest for a month, a friend from Nigeria encouraged me to do a video and also collaborate with other people there. That was how I met Lexxy, EPX and others.
“The single would be available online, on all streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Audio Mark, Youtube and many others. It will be available for free download,” he said.
Detailmadeit, who also holds a Master’s Degree in Audio Production from University of West Minister in the UK, said he started music professionally in 2014 and had not looked back.
He has collaborated with DJ Neptune, Baby Fresh, and many Abuja-based singers.
“Detailmadeit and ‘Shashe’ is coming with a new style in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry. Odumodu has opened the door and I and others from Abuja here are about to enter through that door.”
The Galaxy Record Limited owner astonished upcoming artistes never to give up in their music struggles, adding that” if you give up, you have lost.
“Sometimes, it is difficult, but try to stick to your dream and a breakthrough will certainly come through. That is what ‘Shashe’ is talking about and will be out on May 26,” he said.
Stan Nze and Osas Ighodaro emerge winners of Best Actor and Actress in a Drama
It was all glitz and glamour as the ninth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was held on Saturday to honour some of the finest in the African film industry.
The event was held at the Eko Hotel Convention Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, with media host presenter Ik Osakioduwa and South Africa’s Zozi Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019, serving as hosts.
The first part of the main event had earlier kicked off in grand style with four red carpet hosts including Toke Makinwa,, Uti Nwachukwu, Sika Osei, and VJ Adams.
At exactly 7pm, the prestigious award began with a cultural presentation that thrilled the audience.
John Ugbe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Multichoice, reiterated the organization’s commitment to appreciating of artistes in the creative industry.
“Rewarding the finest in the continent, inspiring filmmakers for bringing first-class entertainment into the homes of our viewers,” he said.
The movie Anikulapo, by Kunle Afolayan, started the night on a winning note, swooping five awards at this year’s event, emerging as the biggest winner.
Out of the 16 it was nominated for, Anikulapo won in the categories: Best Indigenous Language’ (Yoruba); Best Overall Movie; Best Sound Editor (movie/TV series); Best Writer (Movie/TV series); and Best Sound Track (movie/TV series).
‘Best Picture Editor’ went to the Crime and Justice television series, while ‘Best Art Director’ went to Wale Adeleke for the Yoruba epic movie ‘Ageshinkole’.
Skit maker, Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, known as Kiekie, and Elozonam Ogbolu’s “Back from the future” won the Best Online Content of the year.
The duo jointly won the award in the category.
Crime and Justice won the ‘Best Television Series’ , while Best Movie in West Africa went to Brotherhood, produced by Jadesola Osiberu.
The announcement of Bimbo Ademoye’s first AMVCA win was welcomed with a loud cheer from the audience as she got the Best Actress in Comedy, while Samuel Perry, popularly known as Broda Shaggi, won the men’s category.
Osas Ighodalo won the Best Actress for movie Man of God, Tobi Bakare won the Best Actor for the movie, Brotherhood. Leaked won Best Multichoice Talent Factory.
Mpali won the Best MNET Telenovela while King Buga clinched the Best Mnet Unscripted Originals.
Efe Irele won the Best Supporting Actress for 4-4-44 movie, while Abiseta Ahmed won the Best Supporting Actor.
Nigerian influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, and former BBNaija housemate, Beauty Tukura, won the coveted title of the Best Dressed male and female category.
Patience Ozokwo won the 2023 Industry Merit Award, for her journey and dedication in the movie industry. The award was presented by Femi Odugbemi, the Head of Judges for the award.
Ozokwo, applauded the organisers of AMVCA for the recognition and also thanked her fans for loving her.
A moment was taken to honour the lives of creative minds who have departed—-Sola Onayiga, Ada Ameh, Sammie Okposo, Leonard Chimezie, Osmond Gbadebo, Gbenga Richards, Johnson Davidson and Murphy Afolabi.
Iyanya and Tiwa Savage thrilled the audience with some of their hit songs.
Full List of Winners:
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA -(MOVIE/TV SERIES)- Osas Ighodaro – Man of God
Best Actor in a Drama (Movie/TV Series)
Stan Nze – Rattlesnake
Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series)
Osas Ighodaro – Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series
Rishantes – Dimbo Atiya
Best Actress in a comedy
Funke Akindele – Omo Ghetto (The Saga)
Best Actor in a comedy
Broda Shaggi/Samuel Perry – Dwindle
Best Director (Movie) – Ramsey Nouah for Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
Best Overall Movie – Amina by Izu Ojukwu & Okey Ogunjiofor
Holders Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions for the third successive season after title rivals Arsenal put up a poor performance to lose at Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Saturday evening.
The Gunners, top for the majority of the campaign, are four points behind City now with only one game left to play after being beaten 1-0 on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won the title in five of the past six campaigns.
They also have a chance to claim the Treble, with the FA Cup and Champions League finals to come next month.
Only Manchester United, in 1998/99 have previously achieved that feat – and it is their derby rivals whom City will meet at Wembley on 3 June, before facing Inter Milan a week later in Istanbul, where they will seek their first Champions League triumph.
