News Agency of Nigeria
Minister tasks federations to fast-track sports development
Sports

Minister tasks federations to fast-track sports development

By Muhyideen Jimoh
Sen. John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports Development has called on the leadership of the sports federations in the country, to show more commitment to improving their respective federations.
The minister stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting with sports federations’ presidents and secretaries.
He said the ministry will continue to play it’s supervisory roles to push the over 33 sports federations to success,  and constantly put Nigeria on the sporting map.
“We as a ministry need to show more commitment, focus and passion to succeed.
“We do not want federation presidents who are not committed or are only there to protect their interests, we need the commitment of the leadership of all the federations.
“This meeting  will be periodical henceforth. Its essence is to evaluate what progress we are making as a country in the sports sector both locally and internationally,” he said.
Enoh said  there was a need for the ministry and the federations to work more closely  while setting achievable targets.
“It is a new beginning in the sports sector,  therefore, we must as a sector, set achievable targets for ourselves.
“We will be having periodic review meetings to get feedback from the federations in terms of funds needed to prosecute competitions.
“We need to reposition this sector to achieve what we want to achieve, we are ready to collaborate with the federations to succeed,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federation presidents at the meeting, pledged more commitment to repositioning their respective sport while calling for more funding.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
Super Eagles will take Sao Tome match seriously—NFF president
Sports

Super Eagles will take Sao Tome match seriously—NFF president

By Muhyideen Jimoh

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will take the match against Sao Tome and Principe seriously, in spite already securing 2024 AFCON qualification.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles will on Sunday lock horns with Sao Tome and Principe in a dead rubber 2024 AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Gusau gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), National President, Isaiah Benjamin led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.

The NFF boss told newsmen after the visit that that the Federation will leave no stone unturned to ensure victory for the team.

“I want to assure you by the grace of God, in spite of the fact that we have already qualified for the AFCON, we still have the integrity to protect of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“I know the players also have that at the back of their minds and by the grace of God we are going to come out victorious on Sunday, Insha Allah,” he said.

Gusau said  the match will also serve as preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled to commence in November.

“As you are aware the coach has invited the best players for the match, which a lot of people were even looking at it that it doesn’t warrant that.

“But don’t forget we still have a very big task ahead of us, which is the World Cup qualifiers, which starts in November.

“After this match we don’t have any time to bring the Super Eagles players together again.

“So it’s imperative for the coach to have the best team at his disposal, so that he can make sure he has a team that can face the next challenge,” he said.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles will commence their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on Nov. 13.

Earlier, SWAN president, Isaiah Benjamin said the visit was meant to strengthen the synergy between the NFF and SWAN.

“Based on your track records in the football circle even before becoming NFF President, we have no doubt that you will deliver. It will be my joy that we work and achieve success together.

He reiterated SWAN’s commitment to professional and balanced reportage of NFF’s activities, while stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to take football to the next height in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Board postpones NPFL 2023/2024 season kick-off
Sports

Board postpones NPFL 2023/2024 season kick-off

By Aderonke Ojediran

The Board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday announced the postponement of the kickoff of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

It said the kickoff of the league scheduled for Sept. 9, was postponed to allow board members focus on the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Andrew Ekejiuba, media officer of GTI /NFF, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The initial kick-off was scheduled for Sept. 9, and no new date had been set at the time of filing this report.

Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, League Management Company explained that the League body yielded to representations from various stakeholders in reaching the decision.

“We have everything set for the kickoff in Ibadan on Saturday but following representations from multiple stakeholders and more cogent is the complex logistics involved in having our Chairman and Clubs leadership travel from Ibadan to Uyo.

“Note, therefore, that there will be no flag-off game as originally planned,” he said.

He said a new kickoff date would be communicated in a few days, and that the postponement had been communicated to the clubs so they could stand down travel plans already made. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Obinna Unaeze/Salif Atojoko

Reps c’ttee to unveil identity of crude oil thieves
General News , Economy/Business

Reps c’ttee to unveil identity of crude oil thieves

By Femi Ogunshola

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue from gas has vowed to unveil identities of those behind oil theft in the country.

Rep. Kabiru Rurum, chairman of the committee said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of its investigative hearing slated for Sept. 7.

He said the oil sector remained the major source of revenue for the country, adding that it was determined that the investigation would not be like the previous ones.

According to him, oil and gas are the major areas where the country gets its resources but the problem of oil theft has continued to go from bad to worse on a daily basis.

“The purpose of the committee is to reveal who and who are the architect of what is going on in the area of crude oil theft.”

He said apportioning blame to security agencies would not suffice, adding that stakeholders in the oil sectors should be held responsible including Chevron, Shell, communities among others

“We need to identify the culprists, this is the purpose of the investigation, everybody including critical stakeholders should come and tell us their side of the story.

He said the modalities and ways to stop or minimise theft in the oil sector should be suggested by all stakeholders which was the main purpose of the committee.

He said the committee had invited the Nigerian Navy as the custodian of the nation’s water, Airforce, Civil Defence, Police Intelligence Agency among others.

According to him, the challenges confronting the oil sector and the probable solution will be discussed

He said the Norwagean Embassy which had earlier promised Nigeria to assist in three areas to curtail oil theft had been invited to proffer solution.

He said its recommendation would be firm because the government knew that there were serious challenges in the sector, adding that it would work in synergy with the National Security Adviser.

it would be recalled that Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) had earlier moved a motion on the need to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue accrued from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria

The house, however, constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the issues and ensured that everyone complicit in the theft was brought to book.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

NGO canvasses fitness exercise to curb cardiovascular diseases
Health

NGO canvasses fitness exercise to curb cardiovascular diseases

By Muhyideen Jimoh

President, Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN), Soye Elekima has called on Nigerians to engage more in physical fitness training  to   prevent cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases.

Elekima stated this on Monday in Abuja at a news conference to unveil the 2023 `Shape Up Nigeria30x30 Fitness Challenge’ (NFC) project.

He explained that the project was meant to sensitise Nigerians to undertake 30 minutes of continuous exercise per day for 30 days in October, to  boost a healthy lifestyle.

Elekima said that there is  a need for Nigerians to embrace physical activity  as a way of life in order to stay healthy and prevent so many illnesses.

“Many studies have proven beyond doubt that lack of physical activity/exercise is one of the main risk factors for major diseases responsible for high levels of morbidity.

“Physical fitness training and appropriate healthy diet could make significant difference,  to prevent the burden of cardiovascular, diabetes and other diseases,’’ he said.

The ABBFN president said the `fitness challenge’ project is designed to sensitise and educate Nigerians on the benefits of staying fit and imbibing exercise as a way of life.

“The Nigeria Fitness Challenge (NFC) will be a month-long initiative designed to transform Nigeria into having some of the cities becoming more active in the world.

“It is all about motivating and involving residents of Nigeria to undertake 30 minutes of continuous exercise per day for 30 days to boost a healthy lifestyle.

“The NFC which starts on October  1 to 30 begins with an Independence Day patriotic exercise, workout session to experience the freedom and flexibility that determines our strength.

“It will include over 1,000 fitness classes, 250 fitness hubs and 36 fitness villages all over Nigeria,’’ he said.

Elekima is also the representative of the International Federation of Fitness and BodyBuilding (IFBB) in Nigeria.

He said that plans have been concluded for President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa,  to kick off the `Independence Day Exercise Patriotic Workout Session’ on Oct. 1.

He said   that Diri will soon be unveiled as the face of NFC following his contributions to sponsor the Fitness Day bill during the 9th Assembly as a House of Representative member and Senator.

He is presently with an executive bill to make fitness a law in Bayelsa.

Elekima urged Nigerians, State governments, institutions and organisations to register and participate in the project as a way of developing a healthier nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Arewa Economic Forum tasks Tinubu on fairness, inclusiveness in appointments
General News

Arewa Economic Forum tasks Tinubu on fairness, inclusiveness in appointments

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A socio-economic pressure group, Arewa Economic Forum, has urged President Bola Tinubu, to be fair and equitable in the appointment of competent Nigerians into government positions.

The Chairman of the Forum, Ibrahim Dandakata, who said this in a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja, specifically cited appointments into the finance ministry as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Dandakata said that the appointments of Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance, Folashodun Shonubi, Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), occupied by people from a particular section of the country, could send wrong signals.

He also cited the appointment of Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, among others, who are also from the same zone in the country as Edun and Shonubi, as capable of also sending wrong signals.

Dandakata urged Tinubu to look for competent Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country for the purposes of fairness and inclusiveness.

“As you may be aware, finance and ICT are crucial to the economic eldorado that the president envisions for Nigeria.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance manages the finances of the federation, including controlling and monitoring federal revenues and expenditures

“The Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy develop a knowledge-based economy and facilitate the development of the ICT industry towards increasing its contribution to GDP.

“The two ministries play greater roles in facilitating businesses, e-commerce, job creation, empowerment and increased efficiency and productivity, which are vital for economic growth and prosperity,” he said.

According to him, the importance of finance and ICT sectors are such that we must be circumspect in the kind of decisions we make in those sectors.

He, however, commended the president for retaining performing chief executives of some key government agencies.

“As a patriotic, refined statesman who won a credible national mandate in February, Tinubu has a duty to not only be fair to all parts of the country but also to be seen to be fair to all parts.

“Meanwhile, we must commend the president for retaining some performing chief executive officers of leading agencies in economic and technology sector like Bello Hassan of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation and Kashifu Inuwa of National Information Technology Development Agency.

“We believe that more competent, qualified and experienced technocrats from the North can also be appointed to head crucial sectors of the economy,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Joseph Edeh

NPFL unveils opening fixtures for 2023-24 season
Sports

NPFL unveils opening fixtures for 2023-24 season

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Tuesday in Abuja released its schedule for matchday one of the upcoming 2023-2024 campaign season.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the season is scheduled to kickoff on September 9.

At a colourful draw held in Abuja, the fixtures for the upcoming season was held, with football stakeholders led by Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman, Nigeria Premier League Board in attendance.

NPFL champions Enyimba of Aba will kick off their title defence with a mouth watering home encounter against Bendel Insurance, Federation Cup champions.

It’s Shooting Stars of Ibadan against Plateau United, while Akwa United lock horns with Bayelsa United.

Niger Tornadoes will face Abia Warriors, Remo Stars and Rivers United, newly promoted Katsina United vs Kwara United and returning Kano Pillars against Sunshine Stars of Akure.

Lobi Stars will square up against  Heartland FC of Owerri, newly promoted Sporting Lagos vs Gombe United and Enugu Rangers against Doma United of Gombe.

Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman, Nigeria Premier League Board told newsmen after the draws that the board is working round the clock to ensure a better and more professional league.

He said plans had been to concluded to have most of the games streamed live, in partnership with Propel Sports Africa/MTN, so that Nigerians home and abroad can enjoy the league.

“We have an agreement already with Propel Sports Africa to steam at least eight of the 10 matches live.

“So you can watch almost all of the matches with your phones and smart devices in over 100 countries in the world, this will enable Nigerians in diaspora also watch the NPFL every match day,” he said.

Elegbeleye explained that the MoU with the Propel Sports Africa and MTN, will enable Nigerians watch the matches live with a token subscription.

The chairman said the League board was also working to improve officiating and prize money for the league, which was 100 million naira in the 2002-23 season.

NAN reports that with the return to the full league format, 20 clubs will now battle for the title in 380 explosive matches, unlike the abridged 2022-23 season.

2023-2024 NPFL matchday one fixtures

1.Enyimba intl of Aba vs Bendel  Insurance

2. Sporting Lagos vs Gombe United

3. Bayelsa United vs Akwa United

4. Shooting Stars vs Plateau United

5 Abia Warriors vs Niger Tornadoes

6. Rivers United vs Remo Stars

7. Katsina United vs Kwara United

8. Sunshine Stars vs Kano Pillars

9. Heartland FC vs Lobi Stars

10. Rangers United (Enugu) vs Doma United (Gombe).

(NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Enoh pledges to focus on athletes’ welfare, facilities
Sports

Enoh pledges to focus on athletes’ welfare, facilities

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Sen. John Owan-Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, has pledged to prioritize athletes’ welfare and improvement in sports facilities across the country in his bid to reposition sports.

Enoh stated this on Wednesday, shortly after inspecting the package A and B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He described the stadium, which was built in 2003, as a national monument that must be constantly maintained and improved upon in line with international best practices.

“It’s interesting that amidst the so much I have seen, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium is a national monument for this country.

“I believe that since it was built in 2003, it has remained a very definitive national monument. There is about nothing you will find elsewhere (abroad) that you cannot find here.

“But from 2003 till date, the facility has gone through a lot and has suffered a lot,” he said

Enoh specifically decried the state of the athletes’ hostel, within the package B of the stadium, stressing the need for a facelift.

“I had to go to the athletes’ hostel and part of the briefing I had was that the initial conception of this place is that the Games Village was supposed to be part of this facility.

“So it’s a bit unacceptable that after several years, we find the facility in this sorry state.

“The ministry under my leadership will do all it can to ensure that the hostel becomes functional again,” he said.

The minister said he was going to adopt a systematic approach to the rehabilitation of all major stadia in the country, adding that the next point of call will be the national stadium in Lagos.

He said aside the improvement in facility, the welfare of athletes will also be given serious attention so as to enhance Nigeria’s chances of podium finish at international events.

‘The kind of  treatment we put in place for the comfort of our athletes remains very critical in terms of our goals and objectives and winning laurels that this country so desires,” he said.

Enoh said as part of efforts to ensure proactive and seamless coordination, he will be operating from his office at the stadium and not moving to the Federal secretariat.

He, therefore, directed the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, to relocate all other departments to the stadium office, for efficient service delivery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was accompanied on the tour by the permanent secretary and relevant directors in the ministry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Enoh promises transparent leadership to reposition sports sector
Sports

Enoh promises transparent leadership to reposition sports sector

By Muhyideen Jimoh
Sen. John Enoh, Minister of Sports Development has pledged to provide transparent leadership in repositioning the Nigerian sports sector.
Enoh made the pledge on Monday in Abuja shortly after assuming office as the 36th Minister of Sports Development.
He said inspite of the fact that he was not being an active sports personality, he was ready to hit the ground running by working as a team player with all sports stakeholders to transform the sector.
“I don’t think you need to be an active sports participant for you to be minister of sports.
” I think what is required is who can provide leadership, direction, someone who is transparent, understand the sector and reposition it and that is what am bringing on board,” he said.
The minister stressed the importance of sports as a uniting factor, while calling for all hands to be on deck to develop the sector in line with international best practices.
“There is no other endeavor in this country that is as uniting as the sports endeavor.
“Inspite of our diversity, the difficulties, the difference, the conflicts, I think Nigerians always unite as one whenever there is a sporting event,” he said.
Enoh also used the occasion to send a goodwill message to Nigerian athletes representing the country at the ongoing 2023 World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
“Let me assure you that President Bola Tinubu is standing behind you with the entire nation, united in our support and admiration,” the minister said.
He said the Federal Government will continue to ensure that Nigerian athletes get their due recognition and the right atmosphere is created for them to excel.
The minister is an accomplished educationist, philanthropist, farmer and politician who served as a two-term Federal House of Representatives member and then Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the 8th Assembly of the Senate. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
DMO records N312bn subscription in August bond auction
Economy/Business

DMO records N312bn subscription in August bond auction

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Debt Management Office (DMO) says it received a total subscription of N312.56 billion in its August, Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bond auction.

The DMO made this known in a statement released through its official website on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DMO held the FGN bond auction on Monday, amidst monetary policy tightening and uncertainties.

Four instruments were offered to investors at the auction.

The instruments were 14.55 per cent April 2029 FGN bond; 14.70 per cent June 2033 FGN bond; 15.45 per cent June 2038 FGN bond and 15.70 per cent June 2053 FGN bond.

They were valued at N90 billion each, making a total offer of N360bn.

“In spite of current market conditions, the auction received a total subscription of ₦312.56 billion.

“Investors’ appetite for the 15.70 June 2053 (30-year bond) remained strong, with a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.71 times.

“The amount allotted to successful bidders for the four instruments was N227.76 billion.

“Allotments were made at 13.85 per cent for the 14.55 per cent April 2029 instrument and 15.00 per cent for the 14.70 per cent June 2033 instrument.

Also “15.20 per cent was for the 15.45 per cent June 2038 instrument, and 15.85 per cent for the 15.70 per cent June 2053 instrument, ” the DMO said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FGN bond, like the FGN savings bond and the sovereign sukuk, are FGN securities which constitute the local component of government borrowing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

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