Category: Feature

Coach of English Premier League side Chelsea, Enzo Maresca, said both Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are out of the club’s project.

Maresca, who made this disclosure in a chat with the media, said both players will find it hard to get minutes under him as a coach so they should find new clubs.

According to him, “I just try to be honest… I told Raheem he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us. Chilly, he’s going to struggle here too.

“I’ve been honest with Raheem Sterling, he will have no minutes here. I am not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers. It’s simple.

“I spoke with Raheem one-on-one the day before City. I have nothing new to tell him… as I was quite clear. If he wants a chat again I’ll tell him what I already told him”.

Chelsea believes Raheem Sterling will 100% leave as he’s started exploring all options.

While reacting to the move by Maresca in a statement, Sterling’s camp said that they have always had a positive dialogue with, and assurance from Chelsea FC about their client’s future at the club, and they look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

The statement reads:“Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.

“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, we expected that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC about Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively”.

National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award is slated to be conferred on some Nigerians, including Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC.

The announcement was made in an advertorial signed by the Director General of the National Productivity Center, Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha.

The NPOM Award recognises individuals, who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective fields, and Danbatta’s recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to the NCC and the telecommunications sector as a whole.

Professor Danbatta’s exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the development and advancement of the Nigerian telecommunications industry were, however, highlighted in the advertorial.

During his tenure at the NCC, Danbatta has spearheaded several initiatives that have revolutionized the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria. His visionary leadership and strategic decisions have led to remarkable achievements and noteworthy milestones for the industry.

Some of the key accomplishments attributed to Danbatta’s tenure include the promotion of broadband penetration, consumer empowerment and protection, sustainable industry growth, and digital inclusion and innovation, among others.

Under the promotion of broadband penetration, Danbatta’s relentless efforts to enhance broadband connectivity across Nigeria have resulted in substantial improvements in internet access and affordability. This has played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.

In the area of consumer empowerment and protection, Danbatta has prioritized the interests and rights of telecom consumers, implementing consumer-centric policies and initiatives. Notably, the NCC’s Toll-Free Line for Consumer Complaints, introduced under his leadership, has provided an accessible platform for addressing consumer grievances and ensuring their protection.

With respect to sustainable industry growth, under Prof Danbatta’s guidance, the telecommunications sector has witnessed significant investments and healthy competition. His strategic leadership has fueled innovation, resulting in sustainable industry growth and a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy.

Also, recognizing the transformative power of digital technology, Danbatta has championed programmess to promote digital inclusion and empower marginalized communities in his efforts to deepen digital inclusion and innovation. Initiatives such as the NCC’s Digital Nigeria Centre (DNC), formerly known as the School Knowledge Centers (SKCs) and Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) have improved access to digital resources and enhanced emergency response capabilities across the nation.

The conferment of the 2023 NPOM Award on Danbatta serves as a testament to his remarkable achievements and exceptional leadership within the NCC. His contributions have not only positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital landscape but have also positively impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

The NPOM Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates individuals, who have made significant contributions to productivity, innovation, and national development. Danbatta’s well-deserved recognition further solidifies his reputation as a transformative leader and industry trailblazer.

The entire telecommunications industry and the nation, at large, celebrate Danbatta’s achievements and extend their heartfelt congratulations on the conferment of the 2023 NPOM Award. His exemplary leadership and contributions serve as an inspiration to future generations and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to technological progress and national productivity.

The Zamfara State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Muhammad Bello Muazu, has given a stern warning against hoarding og fuel by marketers.

Muazu spoke at the State Command headquarters in Gusau, the state capital, where he read the riot act to all filling stations and petroleum dealers.

“The Corps has observed with dismay the unwarranted artificial scarcity of petroleum products created by petroleum marketers sequel to the announcement by Mr President of the intention to remove subsidy of the petroleum products”, he said.

Muazu, who said the agency with dealers who create an artificial scarcity of petrol, explained that hoarding is an act of sabotage and an attempt to scuttle the smooth takeoff of this present administration.

The NSCDC commandant warned all petroleum dealers to desist from making life unbearable for the people of Zamfara State, while he underscored the fact that the corps is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a free supply of petroleum products to the right destination without diversion or hoarding.

He stressed that NSCDC operatives will go around the city and that those found culpable will face the wrath of the law.

Ekiti State Special Task Force on Petroleum Products goes tough on filling stagions hoarding fuel over the Federal Government’s removal of subsidy.

The task force headed by Mr. Israel Adesokan Tuesday evening sealed Eltayon Nigeria limited filling station on Bank Road, Ado-Ekiti, for selling petrol at N600 per litre and hoarding the product from consumers.

The state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, had earlier warned filling stations and marketers in the state against hoarding of petroleum products against the backdrop of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech yesterday.

The governor urged the marketers to await further directives on the implementation of the planned subsidy removal by the Federal Government and avoid actions that are capable of inflicting hardship on the citizens.

In a release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, the had warned of heavy sanctions awaiting any filing station or marketer found hoarding petroleum products or involved in arbitrary increase in prices of petroleum product in the state.

However, Chairman, Ekiti State Special Task Force on Petroleum Products, Mr. Israel Adesokan, has moved into action, sealing offending the filing stations.

But Governor Oyebanji has also gone ahead to invite the leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to a meeting in his office by 4pm today.

The Governor urged the citizens of the state to go about their daily activities peacefully and avoid any rancorous situation.

Nollywood actor and media personality, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu, said Nigerians should not be deceived that marriage no longer works in this age.

Far from it, he said marriage actually works, advising single people not to be deceived.

He gave the advice on the latest episode of the The Honest Bunch audiovisual podcast co-hosted by him.

Nedu, who just divorced from his wife, stressed the institution of marriage is still potent.

Nedu stated this after the guest on the show, Teddy A shared the story of his love journey with his wife, Bam Bam.

He said, “This is me telling you guys that marriage works. Don’t be deceived by what you see on social media. On social media, the voice of the ones that don’t work is the loudest. The many that work, they want to keep it private because na wetin person know na e he dey spoil.”

Nedu divorced his wife last year after accusing her of infidelity and paternity fraud.

Nigeria’s new president, Bola Tinubu, has been asked to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who has been locked up by the Department of State Services, DSS, while his trial continues.

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), on Tuesday, made the plea today, May 30, 2023, while observing the 56th anniversary of the Biafra Declaration by General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the then-president of the Republic of Biafra.

Uchenna Madu, leader of MASSOB, in a statement, also remembered, celebrated, and commemorated the sacrifices of gallant soldiers of Biafra.

The statement reads: “Today, we remembered, celebrated, and commemorated the sacrifices our gallant soldiers of Biafra made for our freedom. MASSOB remembered the pains, anguish, hunger, subjections, hunger, mesmerization, and supreme prices our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters paid for Biafra’s freedom.

“We shall continue to remember them because their sufferings always provoke and revive our unshakeable and undeterred zeal and commitment to the self-determination of Biafra.

“The new struggle for self-determination and restoration of Biafra, anchored by MASSOB and others, is grounded on the principle of non-violence.

“Today, all over the world, MASSOB members are on sober reflection as we remember the brutalities, persecutions, mesmerization, traumatic torture, extrajudicial killings, afflictions, imprisonment, and traumatic deaths at the hands of the security agents of Nigeria.

“The more the freedom fighters are politically incarcerated, the more they are hardened, and the more the followers become uncontrollable.

“MASSOB demands the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, from the new president Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who once declared that he does not believe in Nigeria.

“MASSOB expresses our gratitude to the people of Biafra for their eloquent observation of today’s Biafra Day anniversary celebration.”

Controversial Nigerian musician, Habeeb Okikiola aka Portable, has lamented his exclusion from the Renewed Hope Concert held on Thursday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

At least 46 musicians, including Buju, Waje, Brymo, Fireboy, Kaycee, Asake, Timaya, Pasuma, Naira Marley, Tony Tetuila, and Seyi Vibes, are among many other music industry heavyweights that performed at the concert.

The event was held in honour of the president-elect, Bola Tinubu and his vice, Kashim Shetimma.

The Zazzoo crooner, who took to social media said he was not enlisted among the artistes despite his open support for Tinubu.

He said, “They have ripped me. I used to shout up and down: Akwe [There is] Tinubu and when I do so people insult me. But I continued posting it.”

While referring to the artistes who performed at the event, Portable said none of them campaigned for the president-elect and publicised him as he did.

He said, “They did not post you, Uncle Tinubu. We were the ones that fought for you. We fought for you in Lagos, everywhere, including online.”

Portable however acknowledged that the president-elect, through the organisers of the event, may have considered him to perform, but some middlemen excluded him.

– PUNCH

The President -elect, Senator Bola Tinubu, has been conducted on a brief tour of parts of the Presidential Villa by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This wad after both of them had observed their Friday prayers in the Presidential Villa mosque before embarking on a tour of some departments.

President Buhari led the President-elect through the Council Chamber and exited at the press gallery where State House correspondents were waiting to ask him questions before his exit on Monday.

However, the President walked past the waiting correspondents after the State Chief of Protocol (SCOP), Ambassador Lawal Kazaure explained the functions of the press gallery to both leaders.

Earlier, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had similarly taken the Vice-President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima on a familiarization tour of the Office of the VP at the Presidential Villa.

Shettima, who spoke with State House correspondents after the tour which lasted for over an hour, pledged to hit the ground running after the official swearing in, noted that the two of them had exchanged ideas on how to move the nation forward.

It is strange that history repeats itself. This was true when human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, entered Yaba Chief Magistrate Court 1 on Tuesday to defend Seun Kuti just as he had defended his father, Fela Anikulapo-Kiti in the same court.

This occurred in a space of 30 years in same court, when Flana defended Fela against charges of murder. However, Seun is being defended for slapping a policeman.

The story was sometimes in 1993, some boys fought at Fela’s Africa Shrine at People Street, Ikeja(one of the streets that now occupies Computer Village), Ikeja, Lagos.

The fight unfortunately resulted in the death of one of them. The police used this as an opportunity to charge Fela for murder in the same courtroom where Seun, then a 10 year old boy followed the mother, Fehintola to the court.

Falana was said to have recalled the experience before Chief Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun who is the trial magistrate in Seun’s case:

“Your Honour, I had a feeling of de javu when I entered this courtroom this morning. Sometime in 1993, I appeared in this court. The presiding Chief Magistrate was Mr Ganiu Ade Kelani of blessed memory. The father of the defendant, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was charged with murder. How time flies. The defendant, who was then a 10 year old lad, was brought to the court by his mother, Fehintola,” Falana recalled.

When the Chief Magistrate explained that he rejected the first two persons that were recommended as sureties because she wanted family members, Femi Falana, SAN, said, “Your honour, you were perfectly in order. That was what happened in Fela’s murder charge. At the trial court, the trial judge, Justice A. Aka granted bail on the condition that either myself or his senior brother should stand surety for him. The judge ruled out Beko because of his own incessant arrests.

“I asked the learned trial judge to disqualify me as the military junta could arrest me at any time. The Court agreed with me and directed his senior brother alone to stand surety. And without any hesitation, Professor Koye Ransome-Kuti stood surety for Fela until the case was eventually dismissed.”

A New book, ‘The Conversation,’ to address family issues
StepCraft Books, the publishing arm of StepCraft Nigeria Limited, has unveiled a new book targeted at addressing common issues in family and marital relationship. The conversational master piece is authored by a renowned financial journalist and writer, Oludare Mayowa.
The book, the fourth by the author, explores his proficiency in writing to address major issues afflicting homes and families and how he offers practicable solutions to many of the challenges.
Unlike his previous books, the author explores a conversational method to examine issues that often cause problems among couples and skillfully leads the readers to in-depth action points to manage such issues.
In his review of the book, the Chief Executive Officer of GSK Consumer Plc, Kunle Oyelana, described the book as “practical,” “insightful,” “interesting,” and “life-transforming.”
“The author has written an easy-to-read masterpiece on the key issues affecting the home and how to navigate a number of obstacles that may arise.”
“The life lessons in the various conversations in this book are invaluable to all.”
Also, the Rev. Dele Abegunde, a lawyer and District Overseer of Foursquare Magodo, said, “This book of twelve chapters could actually stand alone as twelve short counseling books.
“Each chapter could stand on its own. This was the allure of the book. You finish one chapter and you look at the heading of the next one, and you just want to go on and on, desirous to know how the next one would end.”
He said; “The language runs in seamless conversational prose with some poetic anecdotes provided when the conversations become heated in each situation. The lessons to be learnt are ageless as he laid them out in each chapter.”
According to the author, Oludare Mayowa, the book is his first experiment in using the gift of conversation to engage his readers in free-flowing topics on the basic essentials of life, particularly relationships in the home, and to simplify what ordinarily looks like a mountain of problems among couples.
“My experience in writing this book has also changed my perspectives on many issues addressed in the book and helped to refocus my thoughts on the possibilities of sustaining a good home if couples could diligently work at it,” the author said.