Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Category: Featured

Buhari nominates Adesina for re-election as AfDB President
By Our Reporter
President Muhammadu Buhari has nominated Dr Akinwunmi Adesina for re-election as the President of African Development Bank (AfDB).
Akinwunmi, while speaking at an event in Lagos on Sunday, appreciated Buhari for nominating him for re-election for a second term as president of the bank.
According to Adesina, Nigeria has invested so much in me.
“When asked by former President Goodluck Jonathan to serve as Minister of Agriculture, it was duty calling me to the land of my birth.
“I served Nigeria to the very best of my ability. I thank God that Nigeria’s agriculture sector witnessed a much-needed transformation at the time.
`With the strong support of President Jonathan and the then President elect, Buhari, we campaigned very hard for the position of the President of the African Development Bank.
“It was a Nigeria effort, as all hands were on deck.
“This included our former presidents and heads of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, and of course my dear indefatigable sister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who ran a spirited campaign for me.
“By God’s grace, I was elected President of the African Development Bank on May 28, 2015, exactly 24 hours after my term of office as Minister ended.
“The nation jubilated as I became the first-ever Nigerian to be elected President of the bank since its establishment in 1964.
“Once again, Nigeria gave me air in my lungs.
“At the African Development Bank, we have worked very hard.
“In my four years as President, we have connected 16 million people to electricity, provided 70 million people with improved agricultural technologies to achieve food security.
“We have also given nine million people access to finance from private sector companies, provided 55 million people with access to improved transport, and 31 million people with access to water and sanitation.
“In all, 181 million people have directly benefitted from our investments.
“I am proud of all my staff and the Board of Directors whose hard work and relentless support have helped make this happen.
“The African Development Bank has continued to maintain its global AAA rating. Last year, the bank was rated the 4th most transparent institution globally.
“There is still much to do. We have gone some way climbing the steep mountainside of Africa’s development, yet there is still much way to go until we reach the mountaintop.
“Nigeria again is giving me air in my lungs, to keep on climbing.
“I wish to immensely thank and appreciate President Buhari for nominating me for e-election for a second term as President of the African Development Bank and for being such a wonderful champion and supporter of my re-election,’’ Adesina said. (NAN)
October 7, 2019
Juve go top as Higuain seals victory at Inter
By Our Reporter
Juventus ended Inter Milan’s perfect record in Serie A and took over top spot as Gonzalo Higuain’s superb late strike earned a 2-1 victory in the San Siro on Sunday.
The Argentine striker, on as a substitute, applied a clinical finish to a flowing move in the 80th minute.
Paulo Dybala had fired Maurizio Sarri’s Juve side in front after four minutes but Inter, who had won all six of their matches before Sunday’s clash, levelled in the 18th minute.
Matthijs de Ligt was adjudged to have handled in the area and Lautaro Martinez converted the spot kick.
Juventus moved top with 19 points to Inter’s 18 and it was a deserved victory in an absorbing contest.
“Juve is in another category from all points of view, we cannot compare to them,” said Inter manager Antonio Conte. “The gap is there and it is important. We have won six games bringing the car to 200 miles per hour and we will try to do it again.”
Inter recovered from conceding early and after equalising could have gone ahead when Martinez forced Wojciech Szczesny into a great save with a powerful cross shot.
But Juve carved out the best chances with Cristiano Ronaldo denied by keeper Samir Handanovic and then had a goal ruled out for offside before the break.
Sarri sent on Higuain and Rodrigo Bentancur as Juve chased a winner in the second half and the changes worked wonders.
Just when it was beginning to look as if the sides would have to settle for a point, Juve worked the ball forward and, after Ronaldo and Bentancur exchanged passes, Higuain was freed to slot home the winner in lethal fashion.
“It was a great match for Juventus,” Higuain, who replaced Federico Bernardeschi, said. “Inter came from six victories but we played with great character and determination and luckily we managed to bring it home.”
Atalanta have 16 points in third after their impressive start continued with a 3-1 home victory over Lecce.
Duvan Zapata opened the scoring in the 35th minute when he punished a defensive mistake and then combined well with Alejandro Gomes who made it 2-0 before halftime.
Robin Gosens added a third early in the second half.
Fourth-placed Napoli, on 13 points, were held 0-0 at Torino while AS Roma, fifth with 12, drew 1-1 at home to Cagliari. (Reuters/NAN)
October 7, 2019
Ruthless Barca thrash Sevilla but have two players sent off
Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the season as Barcelona beat Sevilla 4-0 on Sunday to climb into second place in the La Liga standings behind Real Madrid.
The Catalans however ended the game with nine men as Ousmane Dembele and debutant Ronald Araujo were sent off.
The victory saw Barca leapfrog Atletico Madrid into second place on 16 points, two behind leaders Real who they meet in three weeks’ time at the Camp Nou.
Atletico Madrid are third on 15 after drawing 0-0 at Real Valladolid on Sunday.
Barcelona rode their luck in the early stages of the game as Julen Lopetegui’s Sevilla made an ambitious start but failed to take their chances.
While the Catalans were ruthlessly efficient and scored three times in eight first-half minutes.
Luis Suarez gave the champions the lead with an outstanding bicycle kick in the 27th minute and their Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal then got a crucial touch on a tame shot from Arthur Melo to double the lead in the 32nd.
Frenchman Dembele, who started ahead of 120 million euro (107 million pounds) signing Antoine Griezmann, made it 3-0 in the 35th with a superb solo dribble and finish.
Barca captain Messi scored from a free kick in the 78th to finally get off the mark in a season blighted by injuries but there was a sour end to the game for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Uruguayan defender Araujo had made his debut by replacing the injured Jean-Clair Todibo but was sent off 14 minutes later for a last-ditch challenge on Javier Hernandez, while Dembele was dismissed for protesting the decision.
Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz explained in his report that he showed Dembele a straight red card for saying “very bad, you are very bad” and waving his arms at him.
The forward will be suspended from Barca’s next La Liga game at Eibar and is in danger of missing the ‘Clasico’ against Real, as players who have said similar words to referees in recent seasons have been handed two-game bans.
Barca’s scorer Vidal said they deserved the big victory.
“We were superior to them the whole time, we were always putting them under pressure and we are worthy winners,” he told reporters.
“We were up against a team who are good with the ball and on the wings but we dominated them in those areas.”
Lopetegui’s last visit to the Camp Nou was a painful affair as his then Real Madrid side were hammered 5-1 by Barca in his final game in charge before being sacked, and this was a similarly galling experience for the former Spain coach.
His Sevilla side created three clear chances to take the lead but missed them all as Dutch striker Luuk de Jong was thwarted by keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and then missed the target, as did Brazilian midfielder Fernando.
The luckless De Jong then had a chance to strike back for his side early in the second half but hit the post, one of 16 attempts for Lopetegui’s side, who only found the target four times. Barca had 15 shots, with eight on target.
“It’s a crushing and undeserved defeat,” said Lopetegui. “We played very well, we were brave and we tried to do what we had worked on in training but we couldn’t take our chances.”
Sevilla midfielder Fernando added: “We had so many chances to score, but if you switch off for one second at the Camp Nou you get punished.”
October 7, 2019
BBNaija (S4): Diverse reactions trail show finale
Diverse reactions have continued to trail the finale of Big Brother Naija season four.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that history was made on Sunday as Mercy Eke became the first woman to win BBNaija.
She led with 41.77 per cent of the votes, while first runner up, Mike Edwards got 19.94 percent with Frodd, Omashola and Seyi trailing behind.
Mercy’s win caused wild jubilation as some fans could not hide their excitement on social media. Also, celebrities Dencia and Laura Ikeji expressed their joy.
Fans also congratulated Mike for staying true to himself and putting up a good show to make it to the finals. Seyi was also applauded for winning the health task.
@Lauraikeji tweeted, “Our work here is done.”
@Sweetzy said, “Mike didn’t win the prize money but he won people’s hearts and fans ready to support his hustle. #BBNaija is a platform to open doors to many things ahead.
“Thanks to all the team members for all u did every time he was nominated. He was never evicted!!’
@Marvelous said, “Congratulations to the PLUG MERCY for she’s the first female to win the grand price of #BBNaija as we’ve predicted. On this #BBNaijaFinale. Your love.”
@Somto said, “As the BBN S4 comes to an end, here are the major lessons:
“Good character will take you to a place where hardwork alone cannot take you to. Arrogance will bring you down so soon. Be humble and trust the process.”
@Iveren tweeted, “Mike was the real underdog this season. He came into the game with no ideas of what it would be like.
“Just his pleasant self and see how far he has come. Once again @aireyys I am super proud of you.”
@Fuomatic said, “Mercy won the BB9JA Show and Leo Messi scored his first goal for Barcelona this season few minutes later! Head when get OIL get OIL.”
This season had the highest number of housemates with 26 housemates, who spent 99 days fighting for the 60 million Naira Grand Prize. (NAN)
October 7, 2019
Mercy wins Big Brother Naija season four
Mercy Eke has become the winner of Big Brother Naija season four.
The ‘Queen of Highlights’ was crowned winner during the finale on Sunday.
This win makes Mercy the first woman to win the Big Brother Naija reality show since inception.
Popularly known as ‘Lamborghini’, Mercy was touted as the possible winner for the season by show fans and celebrities alike.
The light-hearted diva made the top two with her show best friend, Mike Edwards, who emerged first runner up.
As winner, Mercy walked home with cash prize worth over 40 million Naira, brand new Innosson SUV, Dubai trip for two and other prizes. (NAN)
October 7, 2019
ASUSS Called for state of Emergency in Education sector.
By Danzumi Ishaku Jalingo.
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) have, called on the Taraba state government to as a matter of urgency declare a state of emergency in the education sector.
This according to the leadership of the union can be done by establishing the state teaching service commission to complement the effort of the federal government in upholding education in the country and the state at large.
The state chairman of the union, Prince Sule Abasu, who made this known on the occasion of the World Teacher’s Day Celebration in Jalingo, urged the state government to upgrade teachers who are committed to “tutor general” who he said is equivalent to Permanent Secretary “as in core Civil service. “
According to him “teaching profession which is one of the proud profession can only be upheld if proper attention is given it.” stating that “I therefore solicit for drastic approach by the State government in mobilizing, upgrading teachers who are committed to tutor general equivalent to Permanent Secretary as in core Civil service so that our younger generation will be impacted with the required knowledge for economic development of our state and country at large. “
While calling on government to fashion out plans towards training and re-training of teachers, the modern information and communication technology, as stated by him “demands that every profession, especially teaching must acquire the modern techniques in imparting knowledge to our children. “
He said “it has been advocated that the best brains yesterday might not be reckoned with today arising from advancement in modern technology” stressing that “the digital children of today may not be effectively schooled by the present analogue teachers. “
Also Soliciting for priority attention in the aforementioned areas, some of the teachers, as made known by him “had undergone the caVmp training ” hence the need for the government to expose more teachers to Information Technology Communication (ICT).
Commenting on rescue teachers recent employed by the government, the union solicited for permanent and pensionable appointment “for effective teaching and learning in our various secondary schools for optimum results. “
The union in the past two years, he said have succeeded in igniting smiles on the faces of it colleagues by the payment of retirement benefits to all retirees, payment of burial expenses to all deceased families, flag off of the multipurpose cooperative Society among others
Identify lack of state secretariat, lack of coordination among teachers, lack of commitment by some teachers in their places of primary assignments, lack of conducive learning and teaching environment “in our secondary schools as a result of takeover of classes by Internally Displaced persons (IDPs), he urged the government to do the needful by heralding smiles on the faces of teachers.
October 6, 2019
Breaking: CONUA, Parallel Academic Staff Union Emerges in Varsities

By Lawrence Ekwonu
A parallel academic staff union has emerged in Nigerian Universities.
It goes by the name, Congress of University Academics, CONUA.
The breakaway union from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU claims to have emerged to redefine unionism and to restore peace and stability in academic calendar in the university system.
Our correspondent learnt that the union held their first national stakeholders forum at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, at the weekend.
National Coordinator of the Union, Niyi Ismaheel, is alleged to be behind the plot to breakaway from ASUU.
He was quoted as saying, the union was formed in order to formulate a new approach of engagement in addressing the welfare of its members and to put to an end the unnecessary wasting of students academic time as a result of frequent strike action.
It is alleged that the union which started in OAU now has Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Federal University, Lokoja and Kwara State university, Molete as affiliate members.
The union is believed to be putting necessary documentation in place for official recognition by the university management and the government.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige confirmed the development in a telephone chat in Abuja on Sunday.
According to the Minister, CONUA’s application for registration has been pending in the ministry since April this year.
He said a committee had been delegated to look into their request for registration.
His words, “we have not registered it, but their application is in the ministry of labour but it has not been treated.
“Yes the application is with us, they submitted it even before I left as Minister in my first term, we are still looking at their application, I asked a committee to look in it”.
October 6, 2019
Gov Ishaku pledges support for the development of Taraba.
By Danzumi Ishaku Jalingo.
The Taraba state Governor, Darius Dickson Ishaku has reiterated his commitment towards developing Taraba state in the interest of peace and development of the Nation.
Governor Ishaku, stated this in his address at the TEKAN/ECWA third quarter Thanksgiving combine service at the Main bowl of the Taraba state, Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo.
The Governor said his administration has done a lot to rescue all sectors of the state and blamed the attitude of some persons who are trying to distort peace in the state by fueling crisis as a factor hampering development.
He advised Christians to always give thanks to God in every season.
In his message at the thanksgiving, the Guest Speaker who is the President of the Lutheran Church World Wide, Most Reverend Filibus Musa Panti who spoke on the theme, “He holds Victory for the upright” said God is a defense to the upright that was why he takes their pains and sufferings.
The Archbishop, advised Christians to always maintain integrity in all that they do because integrity is earned and cannot be purchased.
The Lutheran President posited that Prior to Independence there was hope for the Nation Nigeria but at fifty nine things are yet to take shape stressing that the younger generation would hold those at the helms of affairs accountable for abandoning the Nigeria project.
On his part the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Isaiah Magaji Jirapye thanked TEKAN/ECWA for organizing the service tasking Christians to reject anything that will disunites them.
The Service featured Scriptural reading from Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku, Speaker Taraba State House of Assembly and Chairman ECWA Taraba District Church Council Reverend Jonathan Nyebe.
There were also Presentation of Merit awards to Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku for his outstanding contributions to the development of the state and selfless service to the Christian Community by TEKAN/ECWA and for his victory at the last gubernatorial poll in the state and at the election petition tribunal by new life for all, women wing.
October 6, 2019
Zenith Basketball League:First Bank, Air Warriors, MFM, Dolphins and Customs book final 8 spots
By Unukere Oboh
Zenith Bank Women’s League defending Champions, First Bank of Lagos have qualified for the National Final 8 from the Atlantic Conference Centre in Ibadan after 5 wins.
Newly formed Air Warriors of Abuja proved to be the surprise package of the 2019 season after dispatching all oppositions with commanding display with 5 wins after 5 games.
The qualification of MFM of Lagos never came easy as they snatched a late victory against former Champions, Dolphins on match day 5 to record their fourth win and punch a Zenith Bank Women’s League final 8 slot alongside Customs whose only loss was to Air Warriors in the Savannah Conference.
The battle for the last ticket in the Atlantic Conference will be between Delta Force of Asaba with 8 points and Sunshine Angels of Akure with 7 points from 2 wins.
Although Nigeria Army Amazons’ qualification is not yet guaranteed in the Savannah Conference, they enjoy a third spot in the Conference with Black Gold Queens on 8 points and Plateau Rocks on the 5th spot hot on their heels.
Action will resume on Monday with MFM Queens taking on IGP Queens while Oluyole Babes tackle Sunshine Angels.
Last placed Ogun Babes will battle Dolphins who will be hoping to bounce back after the harrowing loss to MFM.
First Bank will hope to continue their winning run when they face fourth placed Delta Force.
In the Savannah Conference 6th placed Taraba Hurricanes will hope to be the first team to record a win against Air Warriors while Nigeria Army will be desperate for a win over Adamawa Flames in their quest to book their National final 8 ticket.
Plateau Rocks will also hope to mount pressure on teams above who are still within touching distance with a another win against Kaduna Angels who have only managed one victory in five games.
2018 Zenith Bank Women League bronze medalist, Customs will be up against Black Gold.
October 6, 2019
Mohammed led Lagos exco suspension stands -RTEAN President
…Says Association bigger than individual
By Unukere Oboh
The Executive National President of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Comrade Eriyo Osakpamwan has once again advised Nigerians especially members and Lagosian not to have any dealings under the name of RTEAN with Alhaji Musa Mohammed and his led former Executives as the state chapter remained dissolved.
Comrade Eriyo Osakpamwan gave the advice when he received in audience the Abia state chapter Executives at the RTEAN headquarters in Abuja on a solidarity visit.
He said his interest is to see to the welfare of members and the progress of the Association.
The RTEAN boss said he always follow the legal and constitutional way in resolving issues especially now that the National industrial court has restrained them from further parading themselves or having dealings to do with the Association.
“My coming as President is to ensured the unity, progress of members and the Association. No body is bigger then this Union, therefore, we must work in unionism in order to move the Association to where it rightly belong.
“We must discard hatred, work as one family. Love one another, unified all units, branches and chapters across the country, in doing all this , we will succeed in moving this Association to the next level.
While advising RTEAN members across the country not to indulge in anything that is inimical to the Association and Nigeria constitution, Comrade Osakpamwan said is always advisable to go the way of law, hence the National Industrial Court in its wisdom restrained the former Lagos state chapter chairman from having dealings under the name of RTEAN.
He therefore advised the Lagos state Caretaker Committee to go about their normal daily business, as the law will eventually take it course.
October 6, 2019