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Neuer, Jurgen Klopp, Son bag 2020 FIFA awards
Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer has won The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper 2020 award.
He defeated Alisson Becker and Jan Oblak to win the award.
Manuel Neuer has already won a host of individual awards in his glittering career, so this latest honour should come as no surprise.
But as most of the bigger prizes came in the first half of the past decade, some critics had begun whispering that he had peaked with that legendary contribution to Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil win.
READ ALSO: Wayne Rooney reveals the three clubs he almost joined from Manchester United
Such feats have led to Neuer becoming the fourth winner of The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award.
Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp has won The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award 2020.
He defeated Marcelo Bielsa of Leeds and Bayern’s Hans-Dieter Flick to win the award.
Bielsa led Leeds United back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.
Flick won the Bundesliga, UEFA Champions League, German Cup, German Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup, having taken charge less than a year before.
“As someone who is becoming accustomed to making history, Klopp shouldn’t be surprised at becoming the first man to win The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award in successive years,” FIFA said on its website.
Having picked up the prize in 2019 after leading Liverpool to the European title, he retains the crown thanks to a remarkable, record-breaking domestic campaign.
The Reds won the English Premier League with a club-record 99 points – the second-most in the competition’s history – and did so playing a bold and exciting brand of football. More importantly, they ended the club’s 30-year wait for a top-flight title, offering yet more evidence – were any still needed – of their German coach’s managerial talents.
Tottenham Hotspur player, Son Heungmin, has won the 202 FIFA Puskás Award after his breathtaking goal against Burnley.
Twelve thrilling seconds were all it took for Son to take the ball from his own 18-yard box and find the net at the other end.
According to FIFA, the goal showcased everything that has led Tottenham Hotspur fans to fall in love with their Korea Republic star, with pace, power, persistence and clinical finishing all on show.
Gary Lineker, a former Spurs favourite, described it as “one of the greatest individual goals you’re ever likely to see”, and the public agreed, voting in huge numbers to crown this superb solo strike as the year’s best.
December 17, 2020
Ibadan Agog As Hon. Tolu Akande-Sadipe, Friends, Associates Celebrate late Ajimobi With a Novelty Match
Celebrations of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s 71^st Posthumous birthday celebrations continued today, with a novelty match between Akorede football team and Idi-Ayunre team, where the former triumphed with two goals.
The football match was graced by family members, friends and associates of the late two-term Governor, including his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi; Oyo Lawmaker, Seyi Adisa; ALGON Chairman, Abass Aleshinloye; former Aides to Governor Ajimobi, and a host of soccer legends who witnessed the match which held at the Lead-city stadium, Ibadan.
Speaking about the match, the Host and Federal House of Representatives member, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe stated that the event is her way of celebrating the late Governor, who she said was a support system to her political career while he was alive.
Speaking at the event, Dr. (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi commended Hon. Tolu Akande-Sadipe for such initiative, which has encouraged the youths and entertained the adults in her constituency.
“Nothing is too much to celebrate His Excellency, former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who during his lifetime gave his all to the development of Oyo State, his party and family. We miss him and his legacies”, she said.
Honourable Member representing Afijio State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Seyi Adisa said his former boss was fondly called Archipelago, because football was one of the things he wanted to be remembered for.
He said honestly, my former boss deserves a befitting match such as this, being a football nut himself. If my memory does not fail me, he remains the only former Governor in this country who played active football in his younger-years. Ajimobi played for his alma-mater, Lagelu Grammar school”, he said
“Everybody is here to witness the artistic displays by soccer players, as part of activities to celebrate our legendary father and role-model, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi,” concluded the House of Assembly member.
The event began at 8 a.m with an explosive match between Akorede Local Government team and Idi-Ayunre team, after which Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi presented a trophy and cash gift to Akorede football team, winners of the match. The Idi-Ayunre team also received a cash reward.
Akorede Football team won with two goals, scored by its Attacker Ibrahim Olatunbosun.
December 17, 2020
Declare Herdsmen as a Terrorists group, Gov Ortom tells FG
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
Piqued by continued attacks on Benue Communities by suspected herders in the state, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency declare Fulani herdsmen as a Terrorists group.
Ortom made the assertion Thursday at the government house Makurdi during a solidarity visit to him by members of the Nigeria Bar Association(NBA), Makurdi branch to condole him over the gruesome murder of Barr Moses Udam, his wife and Mr Nyityo at Agboughul community in Makurdi Local Government Area by suspected herdsmen.
The Governor wondered why groups such as IPOB have long been declared as a Terrorists group and nobody is saying anything about herders who attack and kill citizens with sophisticated weapons and claim responsibility.
“How can you say you have branded IPOB as a Terrorists group but for Fulani herdsmen, nobody is saying anything about it. If the Federal Government want this senseless killings to stop, it will stop”, Ortom posited.
Continuing, he noted that ” the herders have not hidden their agenda in Nigeria”, pointing out that they are to continue with the Jihad agenda. He noted that in Benue State” we have stood firmly in resisting any attempt to take over our ancestral land”.
The Governor who condemned renewed attacks on communities in the state said it was a calculated attempt to intimidate the government to give up on the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law implementation.
He reiterated Government’s resolve to implement the Law prohibiting open grazing in the state, noting that nothing will stop him from ensuring protection of lives and property of his people. Ortom lauded security operatives for being alive to their responsibilities. He called on members of the public to collaborate with security agents to stop further attacks.
The Governor admonished the Federal Government whose prelogative is to provide security to do the needful by providing adequate security for lives and property.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, NBA, Makurdi branch, Mr Moses Anom condemned in its entirety, the gruesome murder of Barr Udam and three others, describing it as unacceptable.
“It’s a heart full of grief to pay you a solidarity visit over the gruesome murder of our people and general insecurity in the state.
Meanwhile, members of the bar , Makurdi branch have declared next Monday as work free day in honor of their deceased member, Barr Moses Udam.
December 17, 2020
Traditional rulers to Gbajabiamila: You’ve attracted more federal presence to Lagos

…I’m leader for 360 constituencies – Speaker

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has been hailed for attracting more federal infrastructural projects to Lagos State.
Traditional and political leaders from Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, who paid the Speaker a thank-you visit over the facilitation of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Epe-Ketu-Itoikin express road in Lagos, said Gbajabiamila has made them proud.
Speaking during the visit on Thursday at the National Assembly, the Alara of Ilara-Epe, Lagos, Oba Ogunsanwo Olufolarin Kayode, and the leader of the delegation of Epe political leaders, Alhaji Seriki Bamu extolled the exemplary leadership of the Speaker.
The Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Ogunsanwo, said: “The Speaker has been very proactive, and he is a round peg in a round hole. We are very proud of you for the good things you’ve been doing. That road has suffered a lot of neglect for close to 20 years.
“With your intervention, progress has been made, and we have come here to thank you for that. You have taken away the sorrows of our people as a dutiful leader. You have led by example by taking that project as your own constituency project.”
This is even as the Speaker said he is a leader to the 360 federal constituencies in the country, and that the House under him would ensure even distribution of projects across the country.
Gbajabiamila urged traditional rulers to continue to support and pray for their representatives so that they would perform better.
“This road project came about from having my ears to the ground. I said this is a road that we must not only begin to repair, but we must finish it by 2021.
“The project engineers are at 5km now, and by 2021, we must make sure that we complete the road. Like you know, my constituency goes beyond Surulere now.
“We are here to work and support you. Your prayers and support over the years have come a long way to getting us to where we are today. We have 24 members from Lagos, but we see ourselves as one Lagos. As you pray for me, please also pray for all of us,” he said.
On his part, a former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Kuforiji, who hails from Epe, expressed appreciation to the Speaker for bringing succour to the people of Lagos and neighbouring states who are regular users of the federal road.
“We can’t thank the Speaker enough because that particular road was constructed during the time of Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, while I was still in primary school. It has been in a bad state, and we are all happy this road is getting your attention at this time you are Speaker”
While praying for the Speaker to succeed in his tenure, the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Ogunlaja Babatunde, prayed God to continuously protect, bless and grant Gbajabiamila the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the House.
Earlier while introducing the delegation, the member representing Epe Federal Constituency, Rep. Wale Raji, had said the leaders were in the Speaker’s office to thank him for attracting the project to their community in Lagos.
Delivering votes of thanks, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Rep. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, said the visit has shown that the leaders are with the Speaker, assuring that the committee would work on all projects nationwide.
Other members of the delegation were the Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Sefiu Bamgbopa; Alaye of Odo-Noforija-Epe, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja; Eljirin of Ejirin-Epe, Oba Rafiu Balogun; the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi, Oba Nelson Ogunlari, the Oloja of Epe was represented by the Odofin of Epe, Chief. Oluwo; Alhaji Seriki Bamu, Rt.Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Hon Wasiu Odeyemi.
December 17, 2020
BREAKING: Abducted Katsina Schoolboys Gains Freedom – Masari
Students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, kidnapped last Friday have been freed, according to the state government.
According to reports gotten, the Special Adviser to the Katsina Governor, Ibrahim Kastina, confirmed the release of the students.
Recall that the Abubakar Shekau-led faction of Boko Haram has released a video confirming that abducted students of the Government Science Secondary school in Kankara, Katsina State, are in their custody.
READ ALSO: Boko Haram releases video of abducted Kankara students
The students were abducted by the terrorist group in their dormitories on Friday, December 11. On Monday, December 14, the sect members released an audio claiming responsibility for the abduction.
According to HumAngles, the sect group today, December 17, released a six minutes and 30 seconds long video that features speeches from Shekau and one of the schoolboys who looked distraught and bloodied.
Tens of other young boys could be seen behind him, all covered in dust and appearing to be within a forest area.
Details later…
December 17, 2020
Northern Governors Felicitate With Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello @ 53

The Northern States Governor’s Forum has facilitated with the Governor of Niger State Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello on the occasion of his 53rd birthday.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong said the Forum joins the family, friends and associates of the Governor to appreciate God for sustaining him and giving him the wisdom to carry out the task of governance and service to the nation.

He said Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has demonstrated great passion for the development of Niger State and Nigeria in general by prioritising the progress of his people.
He said as Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, the celebrant continues to articulate and canvass for a fair and better deal for the people of the geo-political zone especially towards enhanced security, agricultural development, infrastructure and education.

While wishing him many more years of God’s divine protection, wisdom and health, Lalong said the Forum will continue to work closely with Governor Bello as he dedicates himself to the service of Niger State, the Northern Region and Nigeria as a whole.
December 17, 2020
Seme border remains closed, 24 hours after FG order
Nigeria’s land border with Benin Republic at Seme, near Badagry, Lagos State, remained closed, more than 24 hours after the Federal Government announced its reopening on Wednesday.
A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited Seme on Thursday evening, reports that human and vehicular movement across the border post was restricted as the frontier remained under lock.
The intending travelers were denied exit at Seme by officials of Nigeria Immigration Service who claimed that they were yet to get formal directive to reopen the border.
READ ALSO: FG vows to ensure Nigerians access Healthcare services without falling into poverty
An official of Nigeria Customs Service, who pleaded anonymity, said that security agencies at the border post were still expecting official directives to reopen the border.
“We heard about the reopening of the four land borders from the news on Wednesday, but we are still waiting for directives from head office in Abuja.
“We can not just open the border like that. As you can see, when the border was closed they introduced Joint Border Patrol which comprises of Army, Immigration, Police and Customs.
“Anytime they ask us to open the border, we will open it,” he said.
The movement restrictions and checking of goods and vehicles remained in place at more than 20 checkpoints mounted by Customs, Immigration and Police along Badagry Expressway.
Also, commercial activities were yet to pick up at the Seme market due to the continued closure of the border.
Mrs Funke Senapon, a trader at the popular Seme market, appealed to Federal Government to order the officials to reopen the border.
She said that residents and traders who were rejoicing about the news of the reopening were disappointed when they discovered that border had not been opened.
December 17, 2020
COVID-19: Niger Govt. directs closure of schools, tertiary institutions
The Niger state government has directed the closure of public and private schools as well as tertiary institutions across the state from Dec. 18, over the spike of COVID-19.
Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman, Niger State Task Force on COVID-19, gave the directives in a statement in Minna on Thursday.
He explained that the closure followed an upsurge of COVID-19 in the country, adding that the second wave of the coronavirus in the country necessitated the closure of all schools in the state for one month.
READ ALSO: Governor Lalong Tests Positive To Covid-19, Goes Into Isolation
Matane said that the state government also directed all civil servants to stay at home from Dec. 21 till further notice except those on essential services.
He enjoined the people of the state to quickly return to the use of face masks, physical and social distancing to curb the spread of the virus in the state, adding that coronavirus was still very much around.
“In spite of massive advocacy and sensitisation by the government, it is disappointing to see the crowd at worship centres, banks, markets, motor parks across the state flouting the coronavirus guidelines.
“We will be forced to take the painful decision of bringing the State under the COVID-19 Preventive, Containment and Emergency Order if it remains clear that Nigerlites are determined to flout the rules,” he said.
He called on financial institutions, supermarkets, corporate entities and commercial vehicles and motorcycle owners to strictly ensure the enforcement of “no face mark, no entry” in order to halt further spread of the scourge in the communities.
The Chairman expressed optimism that the fight against the dreaded virus would be won if residents adhere strictly to the safety protocols of COVID-19.
December 17, 2020
Christmas: Obey COVID-19 guidelines to avoid another Lockdown, Osinbajo Warns Nigerians
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has warned Nigerians to comply with COVID-19 health guidelines as the Christmas holiday season approaches.
Osinbajo made the call at the National Economic Council resolution after a meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Nigeria, in recent weeks, has witnessed a surge in new infections of the deadly coronavirus.
On Wednesday, the country recorded its highest daily number of infections.
READ ALSO: Governor Lalong Tests Positive To Covid-19, Goes Into Isolation
According to the NEC, which is populated with all 36 state governors, “the current trends are now approaching or surpassing the levels reached during the lockdown imposed at the height of the epidemic earlier in the year.”
The Council said the increase has been exacerbated by people’s non-compliance with laid down health guidelines such as the wearing of masks, social distancing, and hand washing.
“NEC, therefore, wishes to reemphasise the importance of these measures,” the Council said in its resolution. “Particularly as we approach the end of the year and the social gatherings associated with the holiday season, we must avoid activities or behavior that may aggravate the situation and necessitate another lockdown.”
December 17, 2020
Spike: FG, States Agree To Enforce Stricter Covid-19 Protocols
… As Lockdown May Become Last Option
By Williams Anuku Abuja
There are indications that the resurgence of Covid-19 is already sending shock waves across the country and the development may prompt the Federal and State governments to re-enforce stricter protocols in the coming days.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and state Governors came to this conclusion on Thursday at a virtually held National Economic Council meeting which lasted for several hours.
The entire participants, expressed alarm at the spike in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria hence decided to act on the strict enforcement of measures to contain the spread of the disease across the country.
A statement by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said the Council noted that it “is alarmed that the current trends are now approaching or surpassing the levels reached during the lockdown imposed at the height of the epidemic earlier in the year.”
He noted that NEC enlarged the membership of its Ad-Hoc Committee on COVID-19 and mandated it to urgently come up with additional measures to deal with the spike in cases.
According to Akande, NEC noted that “the country is now experiencing a huge resurgence of COVID-19 patients needing intensive care and the existing health facilities are fast becoming overwhelmed.”
The Committee chaired by the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa with the Governors of Lagos, Bauchi, Plateau, Kano, Anambra and the FCT Minister, has now been enlarged with the addition of the Governors of Ogun and Kaduna.
To this end, the Minister of Health has also joined the Committee, while the Federal Ministers of Information and Youth and Sports have also been asked to join.
Also, Health and Information Commissioners in the States would also now be co-opted into the assignment.
While charging the expanded committee, the Vice President asked the Committee to urgently develop innovative and new measures to curtail the spread of the disease, acting in the best interests of both the health and overall welfare of Nigerians.
“Today at its monthly meeting, the National Economic Council, NEC, received a briefing on the coronavirus disease pandemic in Nigeria and notes with serious concern the increasing number of cases in many States across the country.
“NEC is alarmed that the current trends are now approaching or surpassing the levels reached during the lockdown imposed at the height of the epidemic earlier in the year.
“The trends also show that more and more younger people are getting infected. While many of the young victims may be asymptomatic or recover without serious illness, they pass the virus to older and more vulnerable people, especially people with pre-existing health conditions, who develop serious illnesses and may easily lose their lives in the process.
“Sadly, the country is now experiencing a huge resurgence of COVID-19 patients needing intensive care and the existing health facilities are fast becoming overwhelmed.
“NEC notes that this increase is being accelerated by non-compliance with the non-pharmaceutical interventions advised by government, including the wearing of masks, limiting of gatherings, especially indoors and the washing/sanitization of hands.
“NEC, therefore, wishes to reemphasize the importance of these measures. Particularly as we approach the end of the year and the social gatherings associated with the holiday season, we must avoid activities or behavior that may aggravate the situation and necessitate another lockdown.
December 17, 2020