BREAKING: ADAMAWA GUBER: FINTIRI DEFEATS BINANI TO WIN SECOND TERM

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has won his second term

Collation of Officer of the State, Mele Lamido announced Fintiri winner after he defeated Aishatu Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Aishatu, popularly known as Binani, was earlier illegally announced winner by the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

Breakdown of the final figures below:

AA = 643

ADC = 3024

ADP = 2174

APC = 396,788

APGA = 892

APM = 606

APP = 286

LP=2732

NNPP= 4852

NRM =1272

PDP =430,861

PRP= 1188

SDP= 6870

YPP =1431

ZLP =200

FUEL SUBSIDY: FG BEGINS 40% PAY RISE FOR WORKERS APRIL ENDING

Federal Government will begin payment of the planned increase in civil servants’ pay by the end of this month (April).

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, retd, is expected to give his final assent for disbursement any moment from now.

If the proposal sails through, it means the increase will be coming about two months to the June date proposed for the removal of petrol subsidy.

The Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, revealed that the Federal Government might begin payment of the 40 per cent pay rise by the end of April this year, adding that the three months arrears of January, February and March would be paid at a later date.

Oshundun, however, said he could not confirm if the proposal by the government committee saddled with the task had been finally approved by the President.

He said, “Consequential allowance Salaries will be increased by 40 per cent for civil servants from level 1 to level 17.

What we receive now is called consolidated public service salary structure, it is the combination of basic and all allowances. So, the increase will be 40 per cent of what a public servant is earning now.

“They will start paying from the end of this month (April) and the arrears of January, February and March will be paid later. The salary increase is effective from January 2023. That is the proposal submitted by the committee set up to look into salary adjustment for civil servants, but am not sure if the President has signed it yet.”

Last month, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige disclosed that the Federal Government had approved a pay raise for civil servants in the country.

He added that the pay rise had been included in the 2023 budget, noting that it would take effect from January 1, 2023.

Ngige described the pay raise as a peculiar allowance for civil servants in view of the current economic reality and it is meant to help government workers to cushion the effects of rising inflation, rising cost of living, hikes in transportation fare, housing and electricity tariffs.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics data, the latest rise in inflation rate is the third consecutive increase this year, increasing by 0.13 per cent points when compared to the February 2023 headline inflation rate.

RONALDO, IGHALO CLASH IN EPIC BATTLE

The Saudi Arabia Pro League comes alive today as Al Hilal host Al Nassr with both Nigerian’s Odion Ighalo and Cristiano Ronaldo facing off in an epic clash at the King Fahd International Stadium.

The Saudi League is grabbing global attention following the arrival of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Ighalo.

Al Hilal are currently fourth on the standings and have not been at their best so far this season.

The hosts slumped to a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Al Batin in their previous game and will need to work hard to bounce back this week.

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr have been in fine form this season and are second in the league table.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to play in the Saudi Pro League and, according to reports, will receive $75m per year, making him the highest-paid footballer in history.

Also, Ighalo moved to the Saudi Arabian league when he joined Al Shabab FC in the 2020/21 season and scored nine goals, and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.

He moved to Al Hilal in the 2021/22 season, had an outstanding performance with 44 matches, scored 30 goals, and created four assists in all competitions.

The 33-year-old’s fine form helped Al Hilal win Saudi Arabia Pro League last season where he also won the Golden Boot award with 24 league goals.

The Nigerian has been in fine form this season and has registered 16 goals, and two assists in 21 matches and is currently the joint top scorer in the League with Al Nassr Brazilian attacker Talisca and Al Ittihad Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah

The Portuguese will face stiff battles with Ighalo, Talisca and Hamdallah in the race for the top goals scorer award.

With seven matches left in the season, the Portuguese striker will have to score at least three goals in each game to stand a chance of competing for the Golden Boot race.

KWARA UNITED CHAIRMAN, KUMBI BERATES PLAYERS AFTER CONSECUTIVE HOME LOSS

Chairman of Kwara United Football Club, Kumbi Titiloye read riot act to  players after suffering a disappointing loss to Enyimba FC in a Matchday 14 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter decided at the Akure Township Stadium this evening. 

According to him, there was no justification whatsoever, for the team turning in poor performances in the league despite the huge commitment of the state government, as well as the sacrifices by the management, in its bid to make the club one.of the best.

"We have tried enough, as we have roled out numerous measures, which includes, but not limited to hiring a new Technical Adviser, and beefing up the team with new players, and the introduction of incentives, just to make the team better. But how would you all justify your performances? "he asked.

Enyimba FC, after a good combination of passes got the first goal in the 27th minute through Chijioke Mbaoma, but Kwara United equalized in the 35th minutes, via penalty converted by Samad Kadri, after Enyimba FC defender handled the ball in the vital area.

The visitors went ahead to score their second and the winning goal in the 77th minute, after Mboama latched on the mix-up between goalkeeper Bamidele Aiyenugba and the defenders.

It was a poor outing for Kwara United again suffering their second consecutive home defeat after losing their last home game against Shooting Stars 0-1 before securing an away draw last weekend against Bendel Insurance in Benin.

"Our Supporters and Fans, as well as some stakeholders, came all the way from Ilorin to watch you play and cheer you to victory. You are supposed to compensate their sacrifices with good performances and result, but the reverse was the case. You also disappointed your Akure fans, too.

He warned that the management would be left with no option than to introduce strict measures if there were no positive changes.

WORKERS TRANSFERRED N663bn TO OTHER PFAs – PENCOM

No fewer than 168,768 workers have changed their Pension Fund Administrators and moved N663.761bn Retirement Savings Accounts since the National Pension Commission opened the window of transfer.

The window of transfer allowed workers to move their savings from a PFA to another of their choice once a year.

PenCom disclosed the transfers in its ‘Quarterly summary of Retirement Savings Accounts transferred by Pension Fund Administrators’ from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2023.

According to PenCom, 24,963 workers moved N111.67bn in the first quarter of 2023.

The figures disclosed that 2,799 contributors moved N18.9bn in the fourth quarter of 2020; 12,681 contributors moved N47.78bn in the first quarter of 2021; 10,166 moved N35.89bn in the second quarter of 2021; 12,872 contributors moved N45.56bn in the third quarter of 2021; while 12,874 contributors moved N42.49bn  in the fourth quarter of 2021.

It added that 12,336 contributors moved N36.36bn in the first quarter of 2022; 14,821 moved N50.22bn in the second quarter of 2022; 30,973 moved N143.1bn in the third quarter of 2022; while 34,283 moved N131.76bn in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Section 13 of the Pension Reform Act 2014 specifies that a Retirement Savings Account holder may transfer his RSA from one PFA to another.

It added that such transfer should not be more than once a year.

The pension industry regulator stated that PFAs must only process requests for RSA holders registered on the Enhanced Contributor Registration System and those whose recaptured information had been successfully uploaded onto the ECRS.

“PFAs shall only process RSA transfer requests for eligible RSA holders who have not transferred their RSAs within the last 365 days using the RTS, irrespective of whether it is a leap year or not,” it stated.

PenCom opened the transfer window in November 2020, which allowed contributors to change their PFAs.

Effective transfer of RSAs from one PFA to another requires an accurate and reliable database as it is important to ensure that the pension assets transferred belong to the bona-fide RSA holders initiating the transfers,” it said.

PenCom noted that the opening of the RSA transfer window was done after it ensured that robust IT infrastructure to drive the process was put in place.

It said the process was finalised in June 2019 with the deployment of an enhanced contributor registration system for the pension industry.

The pension regulator said the ECRS incorporated extensive validations, controls and data requirements that would deliver high data integrity standards for the pension industry.

It added that the upgrade of RSA holders’ details to meet the ECRS standards was a prerequisite for RSA transfers.

GAMBARI LAILATUL QODIR: ALMSGIVING, A MAJOR POINT OF DISCUSSION

Ulamau from the length and the breadth of Gambari in Ilorin East Local Government area of Kwara State today assembled at the ongoing construction of Multi-million mosque to observe Lailatul Qodir..

The Mufasir of the gigantic Mosque Fadilatul Sheik  Abdulkadir Maimasa Atihuwajud who led the crème de la crème Islamic clerics centered his sermon on alms giving urged well meaning Muslims to use their resources to assist less privileged.

Speaking on the ongoing construction of the community central mosque, a university don who double as Vice Chairman, Gambari Central Mosque Prof Olarewaju Yusuf Badmos said the project is at the peak of completion, adding that the mosque will open for use on or before Eid-il-Kabir.

Prof. Badmos commended all benefactors for their giant strives towards the actualisation of the project saying the reward for such is immesurable.

Dignitaries at the programme are Balogun Gambari of Ilorin, Sarkin Gambari, the first Makama of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye, Imam of Gambari Fadilatul Sheik Abdulazeez Suleiman, Imam Maiyaki, Khalifah Sheikh AbdulGaniy, Grand Mukadam of Ilorin Sheik Suleiman Danboronu,

Others are  Sheikh Usman Sanu Sheu, Shuaib Assayuotti ologele, and among others

Highpoint of the programme was the presentation of the Qur'an, frames, Journal among others to the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari for his fatherly roles and support on the ongoing mosque, Gambari community, Ilorin generally

INEC DECLARES ADAMAWA GUBERNATORIAL RESULT DECLARATION VOID, SUMMONS REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has denounced the purported declaration of Senator Aisha Dahiru, popularly known as Binani, as the winner of the Adamawa Governorship election by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Barrister Hudu Yunusa.

INEC also suspended the collation of results of the supplementary election.

The electoral body said the action of the REC amounts to usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer, insisting it is null, void and of no effect.

It said that the process had not been concluded before the declaration.

The commission announced this on Sunday via a statement on its verified Twitter handle, following the supplementary election held Saturday.

The announcement issued by Barr Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner, Information & Voter Education, directed the REC to report to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja with immediate effect.

PDP APPOINTS MAKARFI AS CHAIRMAN OF KOGI PRIMARIES COMMITTEE

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has appointed a former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, as the chairman of its Kogi governorship primaries committee.

PDP national organising secretary, Umar Bature, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) has approved the nomination of Makarfi and other members of the committee to conduct primary election for selecting the candidate of the PDP for 2023 Kogi governorship election.

“The primaries will hold on Sunday, April 16 in Lokoja.

“Other members of the committee are Erelu Toyin Mark, Ikechukwu Nwosu, Deolu Harrisson, Usman Ibrahim, Chief Anthony Onwuka and Laureta Ogwuche who will serve as secretary,” he said.

Mr Bature advised the committee members to exhibit exemplary conduct by adhering to rules and regulations of their assignment.

“In carrying out this assignment, you are expected to be guided strictly by the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended), the Electoral Guidelines for Party Primary Elections and the 2022 Electoral Act,” he said.

KWARA UNITED'S GODWIN OSHAGBEMI JOINS U20 WORLD CUP CAMP

Kwara United Football Club striker. Godwin Oshagbemi has been invited, along 38 others, to the U20 National team camp ahead of the World Youth Championship scheduled to come up in Argentina during the year.

The Championship is scheduled to come up between 20th May to 11th June, 2023.

Head Coach, Isah Ladan Bosso today invited 39 players to camp, among whom are four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 10 midfielders and 15 attackers, who were drawn from teams in the domestic league.

Oshagbemi, a Kwara Football Academy graduate joined Kwara United FC ahead of the ongoing NPFL season, and has continued to prove himself in the team, securing the goal that secured a vital away win for his team in the Matchday Nine fixture against El-kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.

The Flying Eagles, who finished third at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt last month, are one of four teams that will fly Africa’s flag at the finals, with the others being Senegal, The Gambia and Tunisia.

All the invited players have been told to report at the Chida Hotel, Abuja on Sunday, 16th April. Training sessions will commence on Monday.

The 2023 World Youth Championship will now hold in Argentina, following  FIFA's withdrawal of the hosting rights from Indonesia and handed the same over to Argentina.

APC’s BOMAI WINS YOBE SOUTH SENATORIAL ELECTION

The  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe State has declared Ibrahim Bomai as the duly elected Senator representing Yobe South Senatorial District.

Announcing the result on Saturday at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum, the Returning Officer, Abatcha Melemi explained Bomai of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 69,596 votes to defeat his closest opponent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Halilu Mazagane who polled 68,885 votes.

INEC had earlier declared the election in zone inconclusive resulting from over voting at Manawachi polling unit in the Fika Local Government Area of the state.

The Returning Officer, who did not entertain questions, told journalists that his mandate was just to declare the winner. 

ILORIN STUDENT SLUMPS, DIES DURING MATRICULATION CEREMONY.

A 100-level student of the Kwara State College of Education, identified as Aminat Tajudeen, slumped and died while receiving a lecture in class.

Newsmen gathered that the incident occurred around 1:30 pm on Wednesday.

She was said to have collected her matriculation gown for the ceremony scheduled for Thursday (today) and returned to class when the incident happened.

A senior staff of the school, who did not want his name in print because he was not permitted to speak on the incident, said the late Aminat was rushed to the school clinic after she suddenly slumped during a lecture.

She was later taken to the Muslim cemetery, Osere, for her Janazah and burial.

While speaking at her burial, the deceased father was quoted to have said that “she showed no sign or symptom of any sickness. We had quite a lengthy discussion on several issues before I escorted her to get a cab to the school.”

When contacted on Thursday evening, the college Public Relations Officer, Mrs Abibat Zubair who confirmed the incident, told PUNCH Metro that she was a student of Music/Yoruba, adding that she was mourned by the college and students during the matriculation ceremony.

“The Provost visited the parents yesterday to sympathise with them and also mourned her today during the matriculation ceremony together with the students,” the PRO said.

YAHAYA BELLO ENDORSES ODODO AS ONOJA, OTHERS QUIT KOGI APC PRIMARY

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kogi State scheduled for Friday, the Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja; and the Chief of Staff to Governor Yahaya Bello, Mohammed Asuku have withdrawn from the race.

This was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday at the party secretariat in Lokoja, the state capital.

The meeting was hosted by Governor Yahaya Bello, who unveiled his preferred candidate in the person of the Auditor General of the state, Ahmed Ododo.

Meanwhile, Onoja and Asuku announced their withdrawal from the governorship race via their respective verified Facebook pages shortly after the meeting in Lokoja.

The deputy governor, whom many had thought will succeed Bello before now, posted a cryptic message on his Facebook, which reads: “To God be the glory for life and divine health. My appreciation to my leader, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and all my supporters for your love and prayers. Let love, patience, and perseverance lead. I am forever grateful.”

On his part, Asuku, who was also seen as a frontrunner because of his closeness to the governor, posted, “I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, my benefactor, for all that Allah has been using him to do in my life.

“As such, I hereby submit myself publicly to the decision taken today and I will forever live to remain loyal and dedicated to the decision of my party as I enjoin all my well wishers to work with us for our great party APC to become victorious in the November 11th General Election.”

In a similar development, other aspirants like David Jimoh, Ashiru Idris, Okala Yakubu, and Momoh Jubril have also withdrawn from the race.

However, the Chairman of the primary committee and Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawale said that all other aspirants who have not withdrawn from the race are free to participate in Friday’s primary to be held across the state.

GANGS OF LAGOS: A MOCKERY OF OUR HERITAGE — LAGOS GOVT

Lagos State Government has expressed displeasure with the promoters of the “Gangs of Lagos” film/series over what it described as “cultural misrepresentation” as well as portraying the culture of the state in a derogatory manner.

In a reaction by the state government, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said the Ministry, being the regulatory body and custodian of the culture of Lagos State, viewed the film/series as a mockery of the Heritage of Lagos.

Earlier, Prince Uthman Shodipe-Dosunmu, the Apesinọla Ẹyọ Ọba Alakẹtẹ Pupa Ọkalaba Ẹkun, a cultural group, had condemned the film, calling for an immediate withdrawal.

Shodipe-Dosunmu described the film as “ethnic profiling, sacrilegious and outrageous trash.”

Meanwhile, the commissioner expressed her disappointment with the promoters of the film, Jade Osiberu and Kemi Akindoju, for portraying the Eyo Masquerade as a gun-wielding villain while adorning the full traditional regalia.

Instructively, the Eyo Festival is rarely observed and only comes up as a traditional rite of passage for Obas, revered Chiefs and eminent Lagos Indigenes while the Eyo Madquerade is used as a symbol of honour for such personalities and remarkable historical events.

According to Akinbile-Yussuf, “We are of the opinion that the production of the film ‘The Gang of Lagos’ is very unprofessional and misleading while its content is derogatory of our culture, with the intention to desecrate the revered heritage of the people of Lagos.

It is an unjust profiling of a people and culture as being barbaric and nefarious. It depicts a gang of murderers rampaging across the State”.

The state government maintained that “the Adamu Orisha, popularly known as the Eyo Festival, is rarely observed and only comes up as a traditional rite of passage for Obas, revered Chiefs and eminent Lagosians.”

KWARA YOUTHS IN ABUJA CONGRATULATE SOLIU MUSTAPHA, PROMISE TO WORK TOGETHER WITH HIM

The Association of Kwara Youths in Abuja has congratulated the Turaki of Ilorin Emirates Council and the Senator elect Mall. Soliu Mustapha on his well deserved victory at the just concluded election.

The Chairman of Association, Comrade Kamaldeen Rufai stated this immediately after the group quarterly meeting held in Abuja.

According to the statement available to TROVE ONLINE MEDIA, the group trail their accolades on the giant strives of Mallam Soliu Mustapha on the development of his immediate community, Kwara and Nigeria at large.

The group described the political leadership of Mallam Soliu as an excellent, recalled the role played when members of the association stranded in Abuja while planning to convey its members to Ilorin during election.

Hiistorically, Mallam Soliu Mustapha became the only candidate to shoulder the financial responsibility of conveying Kwarans in dispora, most expecially Abuja to Kwara inorder for them to participate in the process of electing their prefer candidate.

Comrade Kamaldeen reinstate the group's commitment and readiness towards actualisation of Mallam Soliu Mustapha political achievements.

KW UTD TO PARTICIPATE AT NAIJA SUPER 8

Kwara united Fc have been officially invited to participate in the inaugural edition of the 2023 Naija Super 8 organized by Flykite Productions

The tournament is licensed by The Nigeria Football Federation and will feature top clubs from across the country.

Naija Super 8 is a two-stage tournament. The first, zonal playoffs, will be held from 1-3rd June 2023 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The second, the finals, will be held from 17-25th June 2023 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Lagos.

The competition is conceived to ensure that each of the country's six geopolitical zones is represented at both stages of the tournament. To this end, it will witness a novel approach of fan involvement, 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘇𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗳𝗳𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 to be managed by an internationally-reputed audit firm. Naija Super 8 voting platforms will be LIVE from April 10 to May 10 2023.

Two clubs with the highest vote tallies from each geopolitical zones will be eligible for a single-game elimination contest to determine the zonal representatives at the finals.

The winner of the single-match zonal elimination contest will join the other zonal winners and two wild cards teams to be selected by the organizers for the finals in Lagos.

The finals will be broadcast LIVE on SuperSport 

It will be played on tournament format basis, which will see qualified teams split into two groups of four teams, with each playing three games. Two teams with the highest point tallies from a group will go into the semifinals to play opponents with similar records in the other group for a place in the final to determine the tournament winner. 

We are counting on all united fans to help us get into the tournament as there will be provisions and reservations for at least one hundred fans 💯. Accomodations, Feeding, and Transportation will be sorted.

PORTABLE SETS TO JOIN NOLLYWOOD

Popular Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola professionally known by his stage name, Portable is set to explore a career in acting.

The Zazuu star indicated interest in joining Nollywood when he met Yoruba movie star, Taiwo Hassan, alias Ogogo.

In a video he posted on social media, Portable was excited about the prospects of making a career for himself in the movie industry.

Fans were also interested in knowing how serious he was and if he will be a good actor seeing as how he often gets into drama.

EX-NASARAWA DEPUTY GOVERNOR REGAINS FREEDOM AFTER N4M RANSOM

Former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Professor Onje Gye-Wado, has regained his freedom from kidnappers.

The professor of law was abducted from his home in Rinza, near Wamba, in the early hours of April 7th. It was reported that the kidnappers initially demanded N70 million ransom, but the family negotiated down to N2 million and later N3.5 million before eventually paying N4 million.

Confirming his release, Nasarawa State Police Commissioner, Nansel Nimyel, stated that the former deputy governor was released after a ransom of N4 million was paid.

He was later taken back to the Palace of the paramount ruler of Wamba, Oriye Rindre, Justice Lawal Musa Nagogo.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a recurrent issue in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.

The government and security agencies have been criticized for their inability to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.

DRAKE WINS $2.7M FROM BET ON ISRAEL ADESANYA VS ALEX PEREIRA FIGHT AT UFC 287

Canadian rapper, Drake, won $2.7million after Israel Adesanya knocked out Alex Pereira at UFC 287 to reclaim the middleweight title.

The Nigerian-born New Zealander won back the 185lb title just five months after he lost it to his bitter rival Pereira, who has previously beaten him twice in kickboxing.

Drake lost $1.6million after backing Adesanya to win in that fight but he made amends for the rapper in his rematch with Pereira.

Drizzy Drake' placed a $500,000 bet on Adesanya to win which returned $885,000 and a $400,000 bet for him to win by knockout, which returned a massive $1.8million.

Stylebender' was asked about Drake's bet after his fight, to which he said: "Shoutout to everyone that bet on me but you have to realise that when I step into the octagon I put my life on the line.

That's the biggest parlay you can ever do. I'm a betting man too so shoutout to stake, we are about to make another deal and get more money."

AIYENUGBA OUTSTANDING AS KWARA UNITED GETS VITAL AWAY POINT IN BENIN

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Bamidele Aiyenugba was at his very best yesterday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, as homers Bendel Insurance forced Kwara United Football Club to a one-all draw in the Matchday 13 of the 2022/2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

After painfully losing at home in Akure to Shooting Stars Sports Club by a lone goal in the Matchday 12, Kwara United rose to the ocassion today against the team that defeated them in the first leg in Ibadan, matching them grit for grit.

The two teams created numerous chances in the first half but couldn't convert any, as Bamidele Aiyenugba put up a scintillating performance to deny the league leaders getting a goal.

The second half resumed with much determination from Bendel Insurance, drawing inspiration from the presence of Governor Godwin Obaseki's at the stands, pushing Kwara United to the defence.

Kwara United handler Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo brought in Owolabi Aremu in place of Musa Abdulafeez in the 59th minute, and seven minutes later, the team scored from a free-kick taken by Mohammed Alao.

Troublesome Samad Kadri had been fouled in front of Bendel Insurance box, and Alao drove the ball between the wall to get the goal.

The home team responded in the 77th minute, through Deputy Echeta, who deflected a low cross into the net after a corner was half cleared by Kwara United defence. 

The goal had gingered Bendel Insurance to come out fully in search of the winning goal, but Coach Dogo wouldn't be caught unawares, as he made two quick changes.

Salihu Adamu and Abubakar Garba were brought in to replace Anthony Omaka and Paul Samson respectively in the 79th minute, but that did a little in warding off the constant menacing moves by Bendel Insurance, who found it difficult beating Aiyenugba for the second time.

Ayobami Junior was also brought in to replace goal scorer Mohammed Alao, in the 88th minute.

The away point looks absolutely vital, considering the current position of the team on the table. Kwara United now has 13 points from the same number of matches, ahead of the match against Enyimba International next weekend.

After the encounter, Coach Dogo commended his boys for the feat achieved, even as he expressed disappointment at not winning the match, saying that the home team was lucky to have gotten the equalizer.

ETHNICITY, RELIGION NOT NIGERIA'S PROBLEM — ATIKU

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Atiku Abubakar said ethnicity and religion are not the problems of Nigeria’s development.

The former Vice President stated this in his message, posted on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, commemorating this year’s Easter.

He said, “We must not allow those who seek to divide us to pretend as if our problems are a result of another ethnic or religious group.”

He said, “It is a time to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.

“It is also a time for all of us — regardless of faith or ethnicity — to come together to pray for the peace of our nation. We must all remain constant in our efforts to promote unity — across all lines — because united, our nation remains stronger, and we can thrive as a people.

“Our shared experiences bring us to the conclusion that no matter what the forces of evil can do, we, as Nigerians, united in doing good, can and shall prevail,” he added.

Atiku urged leaders at all levels to follow the virtues that defined this season – sacrifice, love, and charity – “and come together to help all Nigerians resolve the differences that divide us.”

He said Nigerians must collectively own their problems and collectively find solutions to overcome them.

FIRE GUTS FIVE SHOPS IN ILORIN

Properties worth millions of naira destroyed by fire outbreak at Itakure in Ilorin West Local Government area of Kwara State.

The inferno according to the eyes witness accounts that the incident started in the midnight where five shops have been recorded destroyed by the outbreak.

Men of fire service were on ground to forestall further damage as at the time of filling our report.

PC: satcom media consult 

GUNMEN ABDUCT FORMER DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA

Gunmen have abducted Onje Gye-Wado, former deputy governor of Nasarawa state, during an attack on his village.

Ramhan Nansel, the police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.

Gye-Wado who is also the former dean of the faculty of law, Nasarawa State University, was kidnapped in the early hours of the day.

Nansel said the gunmen kidnapped the former deputy governor at his residence in Gwagi village, Wamba LGA of the state.

The commissioner of police, Nasarawa state command, CP Maiyaki Baba has reassured the general public, especially the family of Prof Onje Gye-Wado that effort is ongoing to rescue the victim who was abducted by yet to be Identified hoodlums in the early hours of Friday, as police tactical operatives have intensified search and rescue operation,” the statement reads.

“Information received by the command indicated that on 7/4/2023 at about 12:30am, unknown gunmen invaded Gwagi village in Wamba LGA, broke into the residence of one Prof. Onje Gye-Wado and abducted him to an unknown destination.

“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives attached to Wamba division swiftly moved to the scene, but the hoodlums had fled with the victim before their arrival.

The commissioner of police further mobilised and deployed reinforcement comprising police tactical teams, military, vigilante, and local hunters to complement the ongoing search to rescue the hostage hale and hearty and arrest the perpetrators of the act.”

The police spokesperson said the commissioner has urged the public to report any useful information that can help the command in the rescue operation

2023 ELECTION: POLITICIANS WON'T UNDERESTIMATE NIGERIAN VOTERS AGAIN – BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari says winning elections in Nigeria will no longer be business as usual.

He said the outcome of the 2023 elections is an indication of how strong democracy in the country has become.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, media aide to the President, Buhari said the elections also showed the sophistication of the Nigerian voter when it comes to the choice of the leaders.

According to shehu, the President spoke on Thursday when he received the newly-installed emir of Dutse, Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi at the State House in Abuja.

Buhari said the outcome of 10 governors who could not win their election to the senate meant that there is no longer a guaranteed route to power, noting that the voter is truly the king when it comes to elections.

It is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and to the amazing sophistication of the voter. What shocked me was that the ordinary citizen who is usually underrated has made the point of his political understanding of things,” the President was quoted as saying.

“Assumption is always that you are a governor for eight years and you go to the senate to crown the career. No one should underrate the Nigerian voter anymore. Politics will be more difficult, henceforth.”

Apart from the few previously held off-cycle governorship elections, the 2023 general election was the first Nigerian democratic process to witness electronic accreditation of voters and electronic transmission of results.

After the election, only 25 percent of the 469 members of the 9th assembly won to return to the 10th assembly.

Seven governors, including Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Ben Ayade (Cross River) and Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) lost their bids to get elected into the national assembly.

MAN UTD'S EX-MANAGER, OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER'S POSSIBLE NEXT CLUB REVEALED

Former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s possible next club has been revealed.

Solskjaer has been linked with a surprise route back into management at Belgian side, Club Brugge.

Club Brugge have been looking for a new head coach for over a month after sacking Scott Parker in March.

Solskjaer has been out of a coaching role since being sacked by Manchester United in November 2021

But according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Norwegian is one of the names in the frame to take over at Club Brugge.

Apart from Solskjaer, Julian Nagelsmann’s former Bayern Munich assistant Dino Toppmoller is also linked with the Brugge job.

ASUU CALLS FOR REDISTRIBUTION OF N320bn INTERVENTION FUND

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has called for the redistribution of the N320.3bn intervention fund approved by the Federal Government for tertiary institutions in the country.

It would be recalled that President,  Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had approved the sum of N320,345,040,835 as the 2023 intervention funds for public tertiary education institutions in the country.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, during the Fund’s annual strategic planning workshop with all heads of beneficiary institutions.

 

Echono said the meeting was an avenue to receive feedback and evaluate the performance of its intervention lines to enhance a more robust delivery of the agency’s mandate.

According to the TETFund boss, the 2023 intervention cycle will see each university receiving N1,154,732,133.00; Polytechnic – N699,344,867.00, while each College of Education would get N800,862,602.

ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, called for the redistribution in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday.

He called for a redistribution of the fund to ensure that it accounts for 90% of what has been approved to go to universities, polytechnic and not kept as bureaucracy.

He said, “When you check the allocation of about N1.2 billion to universities and others, you find out that the total for all the universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education come to just about N186 billion allocated out of about N320, leaving a balance of N132 billion that has not been accounted for. What are we using that N132 billion which is 41% of the total amount of money? Is it for bureaucracy or for what?

WASIU ALABI PASUMA LOSES MOTHER

Hajia Khadijat Kubura, the mother of frontline Fuji maestro, Alh Wasiu Alabi Pasuma is dead. 

Pasuma made the announcement in a post via his verified instagram page. 

He wrote; “My JEWEL! I will miss you forever! Words fail me! rest in power and peace, please watch over me from heaven” 

EASTER: FG DECLARES FRIDAY, MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

The Federal Government has declared Friday 7 and Monday 10, April 2023 as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration in Abuja.

Aregbesola, in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Shuaib Begore, on Wednesday, urged Christians to emulate the virtues of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace and patience which were attributes and practices of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by His ministry on the earth

The minister called on Christians and all Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration to pray for an end to the security challenges in parts of the country

Aregbesola said “Security is everybody’s business. I, therefore, urge Nigerians and foreigners resident in our country to display a high sense of citizenship and public spiritedness by supporting the efforts of all security agencies in bringing peace and security of lives and property of the citizenry”.

The minister assured that the Federal Government is doing all that is necessary to ensure a peaceful transition of government following the peaceful conduct of elections.

While wishing Christians at home and in the Diaspora a happy and peaceful Easter celebration, he also enjoins them to love their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity of spirit, with the well-to-do sharing their substance with the less privileged around them.

GREEN CHAMBER: PDP, LP, OTHER MINORITY PARTIES FORM ALLIANCE TO PRODUCE SPEAKER

The minority caucuses in the House of Representatives have commenced the process of alliance to present a unified front ahead of the inauguration of the 10th session of the House in June.

The lawmakers met on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. Lawmakers from six minorities parties were in attendance.

Several new and returning lawmakers, attended the meeting which started at about 10 p.m.

The parties are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) Youth Progressive Party (YPP), and New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).

The moderator of the meeting, Dachung Bagos (PDP, Plateau), informed the lawmakers that the combined strength of the opposition is more than the ruling party. He noted that there is a need for unity to achieve a collective interest.

He noted that the alliance can produce “an impossible upset” if all the lawmakers are committed to the alliance.

Composition of the House

ALL ELECTED OFFICERS 325

APC 162

ALL OPPOSITIONS 163

KOGI GUBER: ATIKU DENIES ENDORSING DINO MELAYE

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday denied endorsing his campaign spokesman, Dino Melaye, for the governorship election in Kogi State.

Atiku said reports of him endorsing Melaye ahead of the state’s governorship election, scheduled for November 11, was false, adding that he has no anointed candidate.

Speaking through his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said PDP must follow the due process in selecting its candidate for the governorship election in the state.

A statement by Ibe said the former Vice President urged all aspirants to submit themselves for selection during the party’s primary election.

The statement reads: “We wish to state categorically that such media reports are false and gross fabrication.

“It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Atiku has a preferred candidate in the primary election to produce the governorship candidate of the PDP in the Kogi State election.

For the avoidance of any doubts, Atiku Abubakar has no anointed candidate in the Kogi State primary election.

ZULUM VISITS MALAM-FATORI, APPROVES ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIERS, PATROL VEHICLES FOR SOLDIERS.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday paid an assessment visit to Malam-Fatori, a former Boko Haram stronghold on the shores of the Lake Chad.

Malam-Fatori is headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area (LGA) in northern Borno

In his latest visit the governor held interactions with troops at 68 battalion of the Nigerian Army,

Zulum was received by the commanding officer of 68 battalion, Malam-Fatori, Col. A. Onyeukwu.

The governor announced his approval for the soon to be released armoured personnel carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles and some security gadgets for soldiers.  

The support, Zulum noted, was to strengthen the military and increase their effectiveness in the fight against insurgents

ANAMBRA CLOSES SCHOOL, FIRES TEACHER OVER EXAM MALPRACTICE

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has shut Tower Primary School, Oba, over their alleged involvement in examination malpractice during the 2023 Transition Placement Examination.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced the closure after a meeting to investigate the case of the misconduct brought against a Parent-Teacher Association teacher, Precious Chibuzo, who invigilated the exam at the Umuogali Community Primary School, Oba.

It was gathered that the school’s proprietress allegedly sneaked into the examination hall, connived with the PTA teacher, took a photograph of the question paper, solved the questions and supplied answers to the candidates.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Nnaemeka Egwuonwu, said investigation carried out by the ministry following reports from pupils of Triumphant Cross School, Oba, revealed that proprietress of the Tower Academy, Oba, connived with the students in the misconduct.

Egwuonwu said, “The proprietress sneaked into the examination hall, connived with the PTA teacher, took a photograph of the question paper, solved questions and supplied answers to the candidates.

The proprietress, Kosisochukwu Igwe, who admitted committing the offence, pleaded for forgiveness, while the PTA teacher, Chibuzo Precious, who had earlier admitted committing the offence has been dismissed from the school.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, has directed a resit of the examination for all the candidates involved in the centre.

The resit examination to be personally supervised by the commissioner has been fixed for Tuesday April 4, 2023.

“The Tower Primary School Oba remains closed till further notice, while the PTA teacher, Precious Chibuzo, should not be seen around the school anymore.”

Meanwhile, the state government has rewarded the pupils of Triumphant Cross Schools Oba, for reporting malpractice during the 2023 Transition Placement Examination. The Commissioner announced the reward on Monday.

NNL RELEGATION AND PROMOTION MODULES

.

◾12 teams will be relegated 

◾Four (4) teams shall join the NNL from the NPFL

◾All eight bottom teams from the eight groups will be automatically relegated to the Nationwide League One (NLO)

◾Teams second from bottom will enter a relegation playoff... the first four (4) will survive while the bottom four will be relegated 

◾The top eight teams from the eight groups shall qualify for the Super 8, and the top four from the Super 8 will be promoted to the NPFL

#NNL23

DELTA APC EXPELS SENATOR OMO- AGEGE

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State has announced the expulsion of the Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, from the party.

Omo-Agege was expelled for alleged anti-party activities and other unnamed offences.

The expulsion letter dated March 31st was signed by the Chairman, Ulebor Isaac.

According to the letter, the party unanimously resolved and adopted the expulsion of the lawmaker with immediate effect

The letter partly reads: “The State Executive Committee of all Progressive Congress Delta State in a meeting held on the 31st March, 2023 at the State Secretariat, Asaba, after due deliberation of the Notice of Resolution of Expulsion of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as a member of the party by the executive committee of the Orogun Ward and Ughelli North Local Government. In accordance [with the] provision of Article 21.2 (1)(II)(VII) 21.3 and 21.5(g) of the constitution 2022 (as amended), we unanimously resolved and adopted the expulsion of Senator Ovie Omo Agege as a member of the party.

KWARA YOUTHS IN ABUJA CONGRATULATE GOV ABDULRAHMAN ABDULRAZAQ

The Association of Kwara State Youths in Abuja has congratulated the executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasak for his second term victory.

In a statement jointly signed by the group Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Kamaldeen Rufai and Isiaka Murtala and available to TROVE ONLINE MEDIA described Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasak as a workaholic governor whose re-election is a pay back time.

The group commended governor AbdulRahman for his giant strive in turning the face of the state from dilapidated to modern, urged him not to be distracted as Kwarans home and abroad are still expecting from him.

The association also applause Independent National Electoral Commission for the conduction of free, fair and credible election in the State.

BE CLINICAL AGAINST SHOOTING STARS ... COACH DOGO CHARGES KW UTD Players.

Kwara United Football Club's Technical Adviser, Coach Kabir Suleiman Dogo has charged players to go for three points and nothing less, against Shooting Stars in today's NPFL week twelve encounter in Akure.

Coach Dogo who particularly urged the forwards to be decisive and clinical within the opponents eighteen yard box, admonished players to be mobile, sharp and be ready to take risk just to get the ball in the opponent's net.

According to the coach "We already have a psychological advantage against Shooting Stars, having secured a point in their home match. I want you to approach today's match with a lot of confidence and a must-win mentality"

"Expect a tough match from today's opponent, football rivalry between Kwara United and Shooting Stars began way back. Let's use today's match to further affirm our superiority, by securing maximum points so that Kwarans can give us a heroic welcome" Coach Dogo concluded.

NNPP NAT'L CHAIRMAN RESIGNS

The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali has resigned as the head of the party.

In a letter to the National Secretary of the party and made available to Vanguard, Alkali said he was stepping aside as the National Chairman of the party in order  to give room for fresh hands to take over and build upon and improve on their  modest contributions.

Alkali in the letter dated Thursday, 31st March, 2023, copied the National Leader of the party and Presidential candidate of the NNPP, Senator  Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Chairman, Board of Trustees NNPP, Elder Chief Boniface Aniebonam and Secretary, Board of Trustees, NNPP, Engr Buba Galadima 

The letter titled, ” Letter of stepping aside from the post of National Chairman, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP”, read, ” I am pleased to write and convey to you that I have Stepped Aside as the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with effect from today, Friday 31st March, 2023.

Following keenly the events before, during and after the recent General elections held on 25th February and 18th March 2023, it is my humble view that our party, the NNPP, has a great future and potential to emerge as the leading political force that is capable of winning the Presidential and all other elections in 2027.

“To achieve this, we must think ahead and plan ahead. And the time is now. Our great party, the New Nigeria People’s Party will require major and fundamental structural and systemic changes and reorganization at all levels of the party in order to strengthen its base, improve its operational capabilities and generally enhance its competitive advantage over and above all the other 17 political parties on the INEC nominal roll.

Since, we as a party, all believe in and aspire to bring in a better Nigeria though the astute leadership of our Leader, His Excellency,  Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, I believe, no sacrifice is to much from each and every one of us.

“I am convinced, this change must start from me. This is precisely why I have decided, with all sense of responsibility, to step aside from the office of the National Chairman of our party to give room for fresh hands to take over and build upon and improve on our modest contributions. I wish, I have done more.

By this letter, I also wish to inform our National Leader and Presidential Candidate, His Excellency,  Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and our entire members nationwide that I am still and will remain a bonafide member of our party and I pledge to serve and offer support to our Party at all levels to ensure the continued progress and advancement of our party.

APC’s PROPAGANDA MACHINE CANT STOP US FROM RECLAIMING MANDATE – OBI

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Election, Mr. Peter Obi, has dismissed a purported audio recording of a telephone conversation between him and the Presiding Bishop,  Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, as product of the endless forgeries the All Progressives Congress has a notoriety for.

He said this in response to a trending audio recording of an alleged conversation between him and the influential Christian cleric in which he was purported to have asked the cleric to mobilize support for him ahead of the disputed election.

Obi who spoke through the Head, Obi Datti Media Office, Diran Onifade, in Abuja, on Sunday,  said , APC’s desperate bid to grab and retain power using subterfuge must stop.

He said, “It appears the All Progressives Congress’ desperation to grab and retain power by foul means has refused to go away more than a month after they have grabbed the election as they planned.

While we are toeing the constitutional path to retrieve our mandate, those who have truncated the wishes of the majority of Nigerians have recoursed to mischief and endless subterfuge to continue to hold on to what they know does not belong to them.

From the show of shame in Portharcourt to the drama in the Ibom Air aircraft, both of which they contrived, they have now moved to the circulation of a deep fake audio file aimed at promoting religious tension in the country.

“All these are meant to serve no other purpose than egregious  mischief aimed at demarketing Peter Obi.  If the goal is to create a credibility problem, the ploy has failed woefully.

“Peter Obi has long been on record as the only presidential candidate who has urged the Nigerians electorate not to vote for him on the basis of religion or tribe .

Peter Obi has long been on record as the only presidential candidate who has urged the Nigerians electorate not to vote for him on the basis of religion or tribe .

“We will therefore like to advice our beloved Nigerian people to remain focused on the task to take back  the mandate we know was freely given to Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed through legitimate means.

“That is more important than to expect  those who ran election on forged credentials and even fake Bishops to stop faking. They cannot stop being fraudulent because that is who they are.”

BREAKING: ANTHONY JOSHUA DEFEATS JERMAINE FRANKLIN, REGRETS KNOCKOUT FAILURE

Britain’s Anthony Joshua said he should have knocked out Jermaine Franklin after the former world heavyweight champion returned to winning ways with a unanimous, if laboured, points-decision victory in London on Saturday

After 12 rounds, Joshua, fighting in front of a home crowd at the 02 Arena, was given the win by 118-111, 117-111, 117-111 on the scorecards of the three judges in this non-title fight.

This was the 33-year-old Joshua’s first win since 2020 after successive defeats by Oleksandr Usyk saw the former Olympic champion lose, and then fail to regain his global titles.

“It was important to win,” Joshua told DAZN after a bout where another loss could have ended his career.

“Jermaine has a good duck and dive style, somebody else from Britain will probably knock him out; respect to him, he did well.

“I should have knocked him out but it is done. On to the next. He is here to prove himself, not roll over. I wish I could have knocked him out.”

The judges’ verdict meant Franklin, 29, had suffered the second defeat of his 23-fight career after losing to Britain’s Dillian Whyte at Wembley in November.

Joshua, who had lost three of his last five bouts, repeatedly landed with his left jab and caught Franklin with several powerful rights, but the American refused to yield and went the distance.

There was a bizarre finish when the 12th and final round appeared to end eight seconds early, with Joshua pushing his head into Franklin.

The move sparked an angry reaction from Lorenzo Adams, the strength and conditioning coach of Franklin, who pushed the London fighter.

The boxers and their corners clashed momentarily after the final bell before security stepped in to calm the situation.

But soon afterwards Joshua’s hand was raised in victory, his 25th win in 28 professional fights, to maintain hopes of a “Battle of Britain” clash with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

“I try and provide for the fans,” said Joshua. “I know who they want.

“They said Tyson Fury; the ball is in his court. I would be honoured to fight for the WBC heavyweight championship of the world.

“If he’s listening, he knows my promoter; we’ve had dialogue before, so let’s continue this. We ain’t getting any younger.”

The unbeaten Fury’s last contest was a trilogy bout win over Dereck Chisora in London in December.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, added: “He (Joshua) ended the fight well, but like he said they aren’t getting any younger.

“We would be willing to entertain those conversations to go straight into a Tyson Fury fight in the summer.”