NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Squash: Olatunji targets ,000 grand prize in Canada tourney

Squash: Olatunji targets $9,000 grand prize in Canada tourney

158 total views today

 

 

By Kazeem Akande

Busayo Olatunji, a top ranked Nigerian Squash player, says her target is to win the 9,000 dollar grand prize at the upcoming international Squash tournament in Canada.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian player will be participating in ‘The Bee-Clean Edmonton Squash Club Women’s Open 2024 in Canada slated for March 20.

Olatunji, who stated this in an interview with NAN on Friday in Lagos, said that she was working and training hard to win the grand prize at the tournament.

“My target at the Bee-Clean Edmonton Squash Club Women’s Open 2024 in Canada is to make Nigerians proud and win the grand prize at the international tournament.

“Though playing internationally is not an easy task, playing with global professionals will give me more confidence in the game.

“I am representing my country due to my top ranked position in the game, and I am assuring Nigerians that I will come out in flying colours and make the country proud.

”I will try to give my best. Though it won’t be an easy game at all because it will involve global professionals, I believe I will make a positive impact and end strong,’’ she said.

Olatunji said that she needed to win the tournament to boost her world ranking which was at 157 currently.

“I have been training hard and focusing on possible chances of winning the female international squash tournament.

Olatunji is the current female Champion of the just concluded Professional Yellow Dots Squash Open 2024 in Lagos.

“I am not relenting on that success alone but putting more efforts to improve my performance in my next tourney,’’ she said.

Olatunji said that victory at the last tourney in Lagos made her gain more Professional Squash Association (PSA) points in her world ranking.

NAN reports that Olatunji, 24, who is ranked 157 in the world, will play Michaela Cepova, 23, of Czech Republic who is ranked 225 in the world, at the Women’s Open 2024 in Canada. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

 

NASSLAF elected Chairman promises enhanced welfare for legislative aides

NASSLAF elected Chairman promises enhanced welfare for legislative aides

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By Naomi Sharang

Mr Emeka Nwala, the new Chairman of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF) has promised to ensure enhanced welfare for members of the forum.

Nwala said this at the inauguration of the new Executive Committee of the forum in Abuja on Friday.

He also pledged to provide a purposeful leadership for the forum in line with his campaign promises.

“I know as a fact that members of NASSLAF are disillusioned and disappointed with the forum in view of its seeming inability to be at the forefront, pushing for their welfare.

“We however promised to do all we can to promote your welfare. We will therefore cherish your support, prayers, and constructive criticism.

“Prior to now, NASSLAF members’ wellbeing had not received the best of attention, leaving members disillusioned, disappointed, embittered, and hopeless with every sense of denial of their rights.

“To this end, my administration is determined with the collective support of all stakeholders to revive the hopes of our members,” he said.

Nwala added: “This is by restoring the hitherto lost glories in the areas of prompt payments of all entitlements like 28 days hotel accommodation in lieu of accommodation, training in and outside Abuja with allowances and accompanying materials.

“The N35,000 wage award, prompt payment of salaries including all outstanding arrears of salaries and severance as well as other benefits.”

The chairman promised to ensure a robust and healthy relationship by engaging with the leadership of the National Assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC).

“To this end, may I appeal for cooperation and partnership from all stakeholders to create a much-deserved synergy that will promote the well-being of aides.

“This is because the success of these laid-down plans is contingent principally on the cooperation, partnership and synergy of all members of NASSLAF,” he said.

Nwala urged members of the forum to endeavour to deliver on their primary assignments of offering legislative support to principals to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

In his remarks, the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Mr Sani Tambawal urged the new executives to sustain the existing peace at the assembly.

Tambawal, represented by Mr Birma Maina, the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development Directorate of the National Assembly, advised the new executives to be diligent in their duties.

“Of course, as the journey starts, there may be problems here and there. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, come, and meet the management.

“You have leaders that should come and tell us what the problem might be, so that we brainstorm,” he said.

Also speaking, the National President, Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Mr Mohammed Usman urged the new executives to be patriotic in their dealings.

“I implore you, all those who won the election to embrace those who they contested with. This is because each one has the wisdom and profile that could be used to move NASSLAF forward,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Cleanshield: Allgone LLC partners Reddot TV Network founder, Oparaugo, to boost awareness 

Cleanshield: Allgone LLC partners Reddot TV Network founder, Oparaugo, to boost awareness 

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Allgone LLC, the U.S.-based manufacturers of Cleanshield medical product, is partnering with Reddot Television Network Ltd founder, Osita Oparaugo, to create awareness on the product’s efficacy, in Africa.

“With the partnership, Oparaugo will be expected to deploy his Nigerian-based outfit for advocacy across Africa,” a statement signed by Pes Andeson and Chidinma Eziyi, Chief Executive Officers of Cleanshield, said on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oparaugo’s innovative and internet-based skills had recently been utilised by Sierra Leone in attracting foreign investments.

“The ‘new age’ of information can be applied not only to entertainment and social interaction, but also to health when utilised by capable experts.

“Oparaugo brings the many skill sets of himself and his colleagues to creating a continent-wide awareness of the Cleanshield effect.

“Our transition strategy into direct marketing will be strategically fuelled by the exponentially explosive dynamic of the internet and its podcast streaming world.

“The awareness is a coveted dynamic that will make Cleanshield accessible across the entire continent in the very near future.

“The target of this awareness campaign is the onboarding of distributors selected by careful criteria – market capabilities, like owners of pharmaceutical chains, and others.

“Africa’s population is currently 1.4 billion. The market is large. And Africa communicates. This market is ripe for the health paradigm that Cleashield makes possible, ” the statement added.

The statement emphasised the need to bring the product to the doorsteps of Africans as its healing strength was useful in the battle against diseases like cancer, diabetes, and other viral threats.

“The threats are growing to the chagrin of all. A new avenue of approach or response to the enemy of disease is not only welcome, but direly needed.

“Allgone intends now to merge these two dynamics – using the exploding platform of information to spread the news of a new way to fight back.

“The emerging streaming platform of altruistic ‘let’s change Africa’ entrepreneurs like Osita Oparaugo, his marketing team, and vast streaming podcast networks, has joined Allgone LLC in a like-minded vision of a healthy Africa.

“This moment is significant. The convergence of an 18-year journey of discovery now merging with a marketing dynamic capable of flooding the target market with a critically needed solution all working together to bring the light of health to a continent in need,” it said.

On the feasibility of Cleanshield, it said that it was not based simply on projections forward but upon real facts and accomplishments in the past.

It recalled that the pathway started in 2006 when Allgone LLC, a California corporation, was formed by a Jewish American scientist, a California businessman, and a Nigeria-American business development specialist.

“Cleanshield emerged from a careful consideration by these partners of the 50-year period of development by an inventor, Al Siamon.

“Aspects of this formulation had proven successful in the U.S. market and formed the basis of a company recently purchased for more than 35 million U.S. dollars due to product efficacy and U.S. market penetration.

“After recognising that the best and most important characteristics of this unique formulation remained yet undeveloped, the new business was formed.

“The benefits targeted for development were in regard to physical health and disease alleviation,” it added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the product, designated Cleanshield in Africa, Middle East and European markets, and Balance 7 in the U.S. marketplace, is a unique liquid formulation of extremely high pH concentrate (11.2).

It is said to be completely non-toxic and, when ingested or applied topically, has a dramatic impact on the body’s own healing dynamic.

It is also said to be odourless, completely non-toxic, consists of water and a few inorganic minerals globally accepted and used in the food industry.

According to the statement, the unique combination and mixture of these elements results in an alkaline boosting dynamic within the body that aids the body in recovering from pervasive overly acidic conditions.

“These conditions are commonly experienced throughout the world due to poor diet, lack of exercise, environmental pollutants, and excessive use of chemicals (especially in food production).

“The net result of our current unhealthy health patterns is an extremely unhealthy inner environment that engenders poor oxygenation, toxicity, and compromised pH levels.

“Cleanshield internal applications detoxify, release tides of alkalinity in the circulatory system, boost oxygenation, immunity and the body’s own natural heal and repair mechanism,” it said.

It explained that part of the product is in liquid form usually in a bottle as an internal drink to be ingested in a dosage.

“This is by far the most widely utilised form to date, and has found its way into usage in hospitals, homes, medical clinics, and doctors’ offices.

“The waves of alkalinity released within the bloodstream, when used, circulate throughout the body to fight excessive acidity wherever present and, in the process, boosts immunity, detoxifies, and enhances the body’s own disease and ailment capability.”

The statement said that Cleanshield had consistently helped tens of thousands of users in the handling of acid reflux, indigestion, malaria, typhoid, hypertension, and fatigue.

Others helped were people with low metabolism, BPH, those battling HIV, sickle cell, cancer, Crohn’s disease, and more.

“This range of impact has been testified by users over nine nations with medical and health professionals among those assisted.

Cleanshield has also been found useful to people with skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, burns, itching and diabetic sores.

Others included bed sores, bee stings, infections, wound cleansing, and pain alleviation.

“It swiftly exfoliates the skin and makes dermabrasion obsolete. This impact upon beauty and makeup application is transformative.

“It can also be applied to hair and scalp for scalp health, odour negation, and hair beauty care management.”

Delving into the history of the medical product, the statement said that the original formulation was discovered in the mid 1950s.

“Experimentation and investigation continued for decades and resulted in a specific microbial control application that developed into a successful business.

“A second phase of investigation began in 2006 with the formation of Allgone LLC with collaboration of seeding trials and field trials over the 10 years.

“The paradigm of boosting internal immune and metabolic boosting capability became increasingly clear after the trials.

“A leading pharmaceutical expert performed seeding trials on patients with BPH, malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, and HIV.

“A five-year field study made the formulation available to 2,000 patients across a wide spectrum of health conditions, both internal and topical.

“A medical doctor, leading cardiologist and professor at a teaching hospital in Nigeria, applied this product in a hospital setting for several years.

“The reports and results for these activities formed the basis for the market launch in West Africa, the US and the UK, with care taken to disclaim direct curative qualities.

“The singular target of this product is excessive acidity in the body and its toxic impact on oxygenation, circulation, and immunity.

“Cleanshield simply seeks out and neutralises excessive acidity within the inner terrain of the body.”

The statement said that efforts at marketing Cleanshield in Africa began in 2010 and gained explosive momentum in 2012 when its distribution arm used a network marketing approach.

“This marketing approach is common in West Africa and quickly puts hundreds of thousands of bottles in the hands of the common man as well as doctors across Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, and Burkina Faso,” the statement said. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Expert unveils app for tracking petroleum products availability in fuel stations

Expert unveils app for tracking petroleum products availability in fuel stations

567 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

An Energy Expert, Prof. Billy Okoye has unveiled `AptFuel Technology’, an application capable of navigating and accessing availability, prices and ratings of petroleum products at fuel stations nationwide.

Okoye, Coordinator, Oil, Gas and Energy Marketing, University of Abuja Business School and a former Group Executive Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, unveiled the application alongside two books on Thursday in Abuja.

The two books he authored are entitled ‘Dynamics of Petroleum Products Marketing’ and ‘Insight into Crude Oil Marketing’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the application which could be downloaded from the Google Play Store is a recognised system globally that automates processes at midstream and downstream petroleum value chain.

Okoye said the app was built specifically because of the current challenges witnessed in the distribution, accessibility and pricing of petroleum products especially during scarcity.

According to him it will help to assess fuel prices, transactions, proximity and market dynamics, among others.

He said the two books aimed at navigating the volatile and changing world of crude oil market realities.

Mr Damat Abdullahi, the Chief Executive Officer, Damat and Sons Limited while reviewing the technology, said the application would help people to determine product availability at preferred destination for refuelling.

According to Abdullahi, the current happenings concerning deregulation show that there will be different price variations which will open a window for people to have choices in the prices of petroleum products.

“At the comfort of your home, once you download AptFuel mobile application in your phone, it will give you an insight of the fuel station to utilise in terms of proximity, product availability and best rated according to users.

“It has a Navigation system such as the `Uber’ app which will help one to choose a preferred station from one’s comfort zone after comparing prices, then navigate your driving to the station,” he said.

He said the initiator (Okoye) had overtime studied the problems encountered by Nigerians and motorists concerning transactions while trying to pay at the fuel stations after fuelling their vehicles.

He said on this background, users could access the application’s `Instant Wallet’ which could allow code generation to be given to a third party (driver) at stipulated price to be scanned by a fuel attendant for accurate sale and value.

“It is billed to have four different applications synchronised to give quick access and navigation or tracking system that will take you through the comfort of your home to the fuel station with ease,” he said.

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd. lauded the author for his gestures, zeal and energy in documenting oil and gas processes as well as his urge for knowledge transfer in the academia.

“We recommend these books not only to Nigerians but to the international community to learn what Nigeria has passed through, the struggle of the past and present NNPC Ltd. to keep vehicles on the road,” he said.

Kyari, represented by Chief Financial Officer, NNPC Ltd., Alhaji Umar Ajiya, said the trajectory of refining products outside Nigeria would change in 2024 hence crude would be refined in Nigeria.

“Nigerians will no more buy petroleum products refined abroad, rather products will be refined locally,” he added.

In an address, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, who described Nigeria as the sixth biggest oil producer globally, emphasised the need to harness properly the resources through best strategies occasioned by the books.

Mr Olakekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice-President at the NNPC Ltd. reviewed the ‘Dynamics of Petroleum Products Marketing’ while Alhaji Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority reviewed the ‘Insight into Crude Oil Marketing’.

The unveiling of the books was anchored by Mr Debo Olujimi, Group Managing Director, Emadeb Energy Limited.

NAN reports that the books serve as valuable resources for understanding the dynamics, challenges, strategies and logistics, shaping crude oil markets in a competitive environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike appoints Amadi as Chief of Staff

Wike appoints Amadi as Chief of Staff

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has appointed Mr Chidi Amadi, as his Chief of Staff.

Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister, announced the appointment in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Ogunleye said that Amadi, a former Chief of Staff to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, was appointed for his vast experience in public service.

He added that Amadi had held several strategic political positions, including Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“As Chief of Staff, Amadi will play a pivotal role in supporting the FCT minister in the formulation and execution of policies and programmes aimed at advancing the development agenda of the territory.

“He will also provide strategic guidance, as well as ensuring the smooth functioning of the minister’s office” he said.

The director said that Amadi would be sworn into office on March 18. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

We’ll build on achievements of HEYS Agenda, Ojodu LCDA Chairperson assures

We’ll build on achievements of HEYS Agenda, Ojodu LCDA Chairperson assures

280 total views today

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Hon. David Odunmbaku, Executive Chairman, Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, has promised to build on achievements through his HEYS (Health, Education, Youths Empowerment and Social Infrastructure) Agenda.
Odunmbaku made the promise while addressing newsmen on “Odunmbaku Administration, an overview: HEYS Agenda”, which held on Thursday in Lagos.
He said that the steps had became necessary as the country was going through difficult times, hence the need to boost lives and living standard of the people in the area.
“On health, we have upgraded Apata Primary Health Centre.
“On education, we have  donated free UTME and GCE forms to 1,000 students; furniture and exercise books to junior and senior primary schools in the area”.
He added that teachers were not left out as they were also empowered with cash gift of N1 million in partnership with Adedeji Awolola Foundation as reward for performance.
“On out-of-school children issue, we’ve been able to identify some sets where most of these children come from. So, we tackle the root of this problem by supporting their parents with petty cash for businesses.
“And for the students, we try to encourage them in so many ways. For example, there is opportunity for bursary , scholarship which they are qualified for,” Odunmbaku said.
Odunmbaku noted that some young people had benefited from its Youths  Employability Programme in conjunction with the Lagos State Government,  Fashion, Agriculture, Construction, Entertainment and other skills.
He added that over 60 youths were trained on waste-to-wealth creation in partnership with Rotary Club Gbagada and LAWMA, under the youths and women development programmes.
Speaking on Social Infrastructure, the Ojodu LCDA Chairman said that four mini buses were donated to communities to cushion effect of the subsidy removal.
“We also organised zero-hunger food relief programme through Ojodu Food bank at subsidised rate, built modern toilets, and we have a whole lot of proposals on the pipeline.
“We have achieved a lot of mileage but there is room for us to do more because we came into office with the vision to improve the lives of citizens in the community and the constituency.
“Moving forward, we are going to build on this especially now that the country is going through difficult times.
“This is to say that we are in full support, and believe the programmes and policies of the federal government under President Bola Tinubu. It’s been our bedrock and we have been following it,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
FG releases N100bn Consumer Credit Fund for manufacturers

FG releases N100bn Consumer Credit Fund for manufacturers

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By Vivian Emoni

The Federal Government says it will provide N100 billion through consumer credit fund to support the manufacturing sector.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, said this while briefing newsmen on clarifications on the implementation of 2024 Appropriation Act, in Abuja on Thursday.

Bagudu, who noted that the manufacturing sector was facing serious challenges, said that the fund would help to revive the sector.

“Our economy can gain if many people can pay for goods and services over a period of time just as it’s being done around the world. And it will help our manufacturing sector.

“The Consumer Credit is a veritable tool to provide access to goods and services to a lot of Nigerians. A committee is working on this.

“It has not been implemented. The money has not been withdrawn; the fund is a catalytic fund and it’s expected to grow,” he said.

The minister said that government was also providing N100 billion for agriculture sector.
He said that the fund was supposed to attract more funding so that the mortgage industry would grow bigger.
Bagudu further stated that government had equally made available N100 billion Energy Transition Fund to support the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles.
He said that when fuel subsidy was removed, government quickly provided N100 billion to support the provision of CNG vehicles which would consume less gas than fuel.
Bagudu added that a total of N60 billion had also been provided as student loan.
He said that although N50 billion was captured in the budget, another N10 billion was appropriated in the supplementary budget.
He said that the fund was part of efforts to cushion the effects of hardship on students.
“There was a N10 billion provision in the supplementary budget. Right now, we have N60 billion of student loan in the two budgets.
“We believe that our students should have an additional option,” he said.
The minister said that the federal government had also made provision for Youth Development Fund and Project Preparation Fund.
He used the opportunity to douse the tension surrounding the alleged padding of the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.6 trillion.
According to him, the word, ‘padding’ is a tautology and it’s now seen in negative form.
He said that while the constitution allowed the president to present a budget document to the National Assembly, the national assembly, on the other hand, had the right to add or subtract from the budget.
“In fact, the National Assembly has the last word when it comes to appropriation. So, they have the right to increase budget line,” he said.
The minister, however, said that when the constitutional rights were performed by the national assembly, it should not be seen as padding.
“When people talk about padding, the word has been narrowed to a negative form. Whereas in reality, there can be no appropriation without either addition or subtraction,” he said.

Bagudu said that the president submitted to the national assembly a consolidated revenue fund of N27,503,404,073,861, adding that the legislative body authorised a consolidated revenue fund of N28,777,404,073,861. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Importance of prioritising sleep health cannot be overemphasised – Society

Importance of prioritising sleep health cannot be overemphasised – Society

279 total views today

By Lilian U. Okoro

The critical importance of prioritising sleep health cannot be overemphasised as sleep is the pillar of lifestyle medicine for overall well-being, the Society of Lifestyle Medicine of Nigeria (SOLONg), says.

Dr Moyosore Makinde, the President of SOLONg, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of the 2024 World Sleep Day on Friday in Lagos.

NAN reports that World Sleep Day is celebrated annually on March 15 to raise awareness of the importance of healthy sleep habits for overall well-being and promote good sleep habits.

It is an opportunity to heighten the awareness of sleep in diverse institutions and communities.

The 2024 World Sleep Day has the theme: “Sleep Equity for Global Health”.

Makinde, also a Consultant Family Physician  and  Member, World Sleep Society, said that sleep was not merely a luxury but a fundamental pillar of health, comparable to nutrition and physical activity.

According to her, sleep is essential to health, saying that adequate sleep supports memory and learning; promotes brain health by clearing waste from the brain and strengthens the immune system by aiding in the clearance of bacteria and viruses.

She explained that poor sleep health has been linked to a myriad of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, coronary artery disease and cognitive impairment.

The physician said that statistics reported by the World Sleep Society and World Health Organisation (WHO), revealed that 42 million adults were predicted to have chronic insomnia worldwide, while $417 billion is lost in annual GDP globally due to reduced productivity associated with chronic insomnia.

“Over 16 per cent of individuals over Africa and Asia have reported extreme and severe sleep problems which were strongly linked to poorer general well-being and quality of life, and psychiatric factors.

“Sleep health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, and world  sleep day serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising sleep in our lives.

“This day is marked with the main objective of creating an awareness campaign to draw the attention of the world to the growing global societal and economic burden of chronic insomnia.

“And how this can increase the risk of worker fatigue, errors in judgement, fatal accidents as well as chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease and even some cancers.

“By raising awareness of sleep health, healthy lifestyle behaviours and addressing disparities, we can work towards creating healthier and more equitable communities,” Makinde said.

Contributing, Dr Mimi Osamwonyi, the General Secretary of SOLONg, said that healthy sleep encompasses more than just getting enough sleep.

Osamwonyi, also a Consultant Neurologist, explained that there were six dimensions that impacted sleep health and, consequently, overall health and well-being.

“These dimensions include duration, efficiency, timing, regularity, alertness and quality.

“By addressing each dimension, individuals can adopt healthy sleep behaviours and improve their overall health.

“To maintain physical, mental and social well-being, you need to get enough sleep, as well as a healthy diet and exercise,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Maiden veteran tennis tournament for South South opens in Benin

Maiden veteran tennis tournament for South South opens in Benin

167 total views today

By Usman Aliyu

A maiden tennis competition for veterans in South South Nigeria opened on Friday in Benin with more than 70 players.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is being organised by Elo Jackson International, in collaboration with the Edo Tennis Association.

Declaring the event open, Joseph Osawaro, Chairman, Edo Tennis Association, described the tournament as the first of its kind in the whole of Sub-Sahara Africa.

The journey of the competition, he said, started in 2023 when Elo Jackson International organised a tennis tourney tagged “Edo 2023” for veterans in the state.

According to him, from the excitement, fun and camaraderie shared amongst the veteran players who participated in the edition, the sponsor decided to extend the tournament to the whole of the South-South region.

The chairman, who was represented by a member of the Edo Tennis Association board, Spatus Ujiomoh, applauded Dr Elo Jackson for single handedly sponsoring the tournament.

“Our tennis arena, nestled within the remodeled Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, stands ready to witness remarkable matches and memorable moments.

“As we gather here, we honour the legacy of tennis veterans and their unwavering passion for the game.

“Beyond the competition, this tournament serves as a platform for physical exercise, rejuvenation and networking.

“It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of tennis enthusiasts who continue to inspire us,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Jackson who is bankrolling the tournament, said he was motivated by a similar competition for veteran badminton players in Africa.

He noted that except for Europe, nowhere was a tournament organised for veteran African tennis players.

“Last year, we were able to organise one for the whole of Edo State, hosted at the University of Benin and it was a huge success.

“The president of the Tennis Federation said we should extend it to the whole South South and that would make it merrier and better than what we are doing today.

“We have extended it to the whole South South and representatives from the six states are here.

“Tennis players anywhere are a family. We gave them a short notice and they are all here. They are all big men in their various businesses and career,” he said.

Jackson, who is the Vice Chairman of the Edo Tennis Association, said the competition would offer a platform for the veterans to recreate, relax, exercise and network.

If sponsorship is secured, the organiser said he planned to extend the tourney to veterans in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Idris Abdulrahman

Edo PRP governorship candidate promises gender equality in government

Edo PRP governorship candidate promises gender equality in government

209 total views today
By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Edo, Madam Patience Key, has pledged to run a government that would promote gender equality, if elected.

Key disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

She said that beyond the 35 per cent affirmative action of women in public governance, Edo women, under her watch, would witness a 50-50 sharing of appointments.

Key, former Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Americas, said that society would become a better place when women are given enabling environment to thrive.

She also pledged to provide an atmosphere for the youths to contribute to the development of Edo and the nation at large.

The candidate, who is also the President, Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce, lamented that Edo youths had not been given enough opportunity to excel.

She promised to seek low interest rate loans that would enable them start and grow their businesses.

“When elected into office, I will increase the state’s monthly allocation; and with more money coming in from the federal purse, we shall work towards cushioning the effect of the current economic hardship.

“My priorities shall include road construction, payment of salaries and the creation of enabling environment for people and businesses to grow.

“I shall also revive moribund industries and make Edo a tourism hub to improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue,” she said.

She urged the people of Edo to consider the forthcoming governorship election as an opportunity to actualise their dream state.

“Voters should look beyond party lines; let’s go for candidates with capability and capacity to develop Edo,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Moses Solanke

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