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Football won’t thrive in Nigeria unless, says Ibrahim Gusua
By Unukere Oboh
Hope for a flourishing football development in Nigeria may not come so easy unless stakeholders unite to kick out the cancerous misgiving in football circle in the country.
A member of the board of the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) and chairman Zamfara State Football Association,(ZSFA) Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau in an exclusive interview with DayBreak sports said it will be impossible for any board to work towards it targets if the unnecessary distraction caused by some people is not checkmated in the country.
Gusau who lamented that it was given those whose responsibility is to steer the ship to greater height much to desire, said the uncalled for distraction by some people is not only making the federation to lose its sponsors or would be sponsors because of the negative impact their claims is having on the sport.
According Gusau, who is also the chairman of chairmen in the football fraternity in the country, positive results can not be gotten with the way distraction from some Nigerians who are not interested in the growth of the game springs up every time.
He said though he is not against proper scrutiny of how football should be run in the country but the over flow of falsehood is killing the system, saying that objective criticism of the board is a welcome development but should not be laced with blackmail which is taking the game back.
While seeking for better cooperation among stakeholders to take Nigeria football to the next level, he is of the view that much needs to be done to keep the stake high for a better option for the country.
He said the present board as constituted has done a lot to see that the present senior national team has crop of players who are relatively young and can keep on with the momentum in continental and global success in the next decade.
“Though if you follow our performance in 2019, as a nation in international competitions is a pot of mixed grill, at the beginning of the year, we had fantastic results even though at the tail end we had some unpalatable results but on scale of preference I can say the positive outweighed the negative.
“People forgot the results we recorded earlier even with the distraction here and there, I make bold to say the board has done well.
“I can say with without any fear of contradiction that most often this distraction from certain quarters is not helping our football development, we must find a way out for the game to move on in the country on positive level because no sponsors will be interested in doing business with anyone in situations like this.
“You can now see why all this unnecessary distractions are not important rather they are kill joy and we must work to remove such elements from the system for it to grow,” Gusua explained.
Speaking further, the executive board member, said despite the hiccups, the board still has a good working relationship with their sponsors though the misinformation has caused some damages which could have been avoided.
Gusau noted that the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare since his appointment has been a pillar to rest on towards the revival of sports in the country as he has shown his commitment towards bringing in private investors into sports development in the country.
“One good thing I must tell you is that is that the sports minister, Sunday Dare has shown his zeal to allow private partnership with certain organisations in the country which will open more doors for football development; he is a caring and a listening father whose stay has brought stability to sports circle in the country.
“He is one man I believe can change the tide with his policy drive, so we all have to key in, to get the desired result,” he said.
The Zamfara State football boss however noted that it will be more beneficial if state governments can follow the line of the minister’s by disengaging from sponsoring football clubs in their states by involving private sector participation.
This, he said will help open up the business aspect of the clubs as it will go a long way in boasting their finance but he feared that since most of the governors see the clubs as another political agency to increase their popularity and as well as settle their boys, they may not allow such drastic changes.
Gusau believed private sector involvement in the running of the professional clubs will be good for the country.
“If it is possible for State Governments to pull out of the Nigerian League and the private sector comes in, even the novel idea by the League Management Company of community ownership by involving the people in the State, it will be a good development, though most government get themselves involved because of political interest, corporate involvement will be worth it, we need a legislation that can enforce it.
In the past we had teams like Raccah Rovers of Kano, Water Corporation of Ibadan, Julius Berger of Lagos, Abiola Babes, Leventis United, NIPOST, CBN and Customs united and a host of others but today the story is different, we can still there if the political will is there,” he said.
Gusua who hailed the performance in the league before the outbreak of COVID 19 pandemic, said it was gratifying that results from almost all the league venues every weekend has been very promising and a plus to the organisers, noted that the officiating officials and other stakeholders should maintain the momentum to return the glamour associated with league football in the country.
“The performance of the clubs so far is worth commending and I must praise the efforts of the match officials who ensure that the right thing is done weekly, we still have much to do by maintaining the momentum any time the league resumes,” he said.
Speaking on the state of football development in his home state, the NFF executive board member said that the model of football they operate in the State is second to none in the country.
Gusua, who bemoaned that though things are moving on at a well-articulated level for grassroots football development, the State has not been able to fix back its rightful place at the premiership level in the country.
While hoping that the present arrangement in the state will propel that, he was emphatic that the 20 clubs format obtainable in the state, played on home and away basis will galvanize a new direction which will make it possible for the winners to do well at qualifiers for national leagues competition before battling for a spot in the premiership.
He said the State FA was not only concentrating on the top flight league in the state but organizes the state pro league with 24 clubs participating and share into two groups of 12 teams each and the top clubs usually gain spots in the state premier league.
Gusua also hinted that FA also organised various tournaments for the U-13 and U-15 players in the state and most of the discovered talents have found their places among the top clubs in the state.
He said the grassroots drive of the FA has seen to winners of the State premier competitions coming from outside the city centre as out of the six editions held so far, three champions has emerged from teams from the rural areas.
He said the FA will continue to explore more ways towards retaining a frontline position in football circle in the country
June 4, 2020
C’River LG service commission lauds Ayade over training of civil servants
The Cross River State Local Government Service Commission on Thursday lauded Gov. Ben Ayade for creating an enabling environment for the training of civil servants in records and information management in the state.
The Commission’s Chairman, Dr Peter Adigeb, who was represented by the Supervisory Commissioner for Boki Local Government Council made the commendation at the beginning of training of 200 civil servants in Boki.
He said that the civil servants would also be trained in information, security, and preparation of financial records, among others.
Adigeb noted that training and retraining of staff was an inherent mandate of the commission.
“I like to commend the Boki Local Government Council in general and the Department of Education specifically for blazing the trail in manpower development and training.
“In spite of the daunting security challenges facing Boki, which has rendered many residents of the council area internally displaced, you commenced the training,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Emmanuel Otu, Head of Local Government Administration for Boki, urged the commission to invoke extant rules of reward mechanism on deserving staff to serve as incentive to the performing ones and motivation to others.
For her part, the Director of Boki Local Government Health Authority, Mrs Rose Ikobi stressed the need to ensure the observance of all protocols as set by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Ikobi ensured that participants washed their hands and wore masks, used hand sanitiser while maintaining social distance.
Our Correspondent reports that resource persons for the training were drawn from different fields of endeavour including the Local Government Service Commission, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) among others.
June 4, 2020
BREAKING: House of Reps rejects castration as punishment for rapists
The House of Representatives has voted against a prayer seeking to recommend castration for rapists.
The House, at the plenary on Thursday, considered and adopted a motion on the rising cases of sexual violence in Nigeria.
A member, Mr James Faleke, had recommended that persons found guilty of rape should be castrated.
Just before the prayer was subjected to a voice vote, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, however, asked what would happen to an older female who rapes a younger male.
The comment generated noise in the chamber,
Putting the prayer to vote, the nays had it.
Details later…
June 4, 2020
NAPTIP to publish names, photos of rapists
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has urged Nigerians to report cases of rape within their vicinity to the agency or the nearest police station.
It said the names and photos of sex offenders in the country would soon be published.
NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli, made this known on Thursday in Abuja following the rising cases of rape in the country.
According to her, reporting cases of rape is the only way to curtail the abominable act, adding that the agency will act on reported cases.
She said, “Rapists are now getting away with their illicit acts along with murder; these cases of domestic servitude are cases that take place behind closed doors.
“Our job in NAPTIP is to protect Nigerian men and women, we are not going to compromise our work if they report such cases and we will ensure justice is done.
“Rape cases are not reported because of stigmatisation of the victims and this makes the cases rise. And very soon, the names of rapists will be published with their pictures in the media.”
Okah-Donli said the Sex Offenders’ Register had already been opened in the agency where the names of rape perpetrators were documented for further actions.
June 4, 2020
Osun speaker reminds rapists of life sentence
The Speaker of Osun House of Assembly,Mr Timothy Owoeye, on Thursday restated that anyone found guilty of rape in the state would be liable to life imprisonment after conviction.
Owoeye, during plenary, said it was becoming alarming, the growing rate of rape cases in the country and that it was an issue that must be addressed by all.
He said hard times awaited rapists in the state, as Osun would not tolerate rape, saying that the Director of Legal of the House of Assembly henceforth would be present at all rape-related cases in Osun courts.
He said, “Osun is blessed to have enacted a law that imposes stiffer sentences on perpetrators of rape.
“Section 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11, Laws of Osun state, 2002 prescribes a life sentence on anyone found guilty of committing rape, while an attempt to commit rape attracts an imprisonment of fourteen years.
“I have taken my time to study the anti-rape laws across the country. I have also met with several groups who are at the fore-front of the campaign against rape.
“While praying to God to repose the soul of victims of rape, I stand with those who are alive and hope that the victims get justice.
“I am well aware of the two recent cases in our state, the one involving a traditional ruler who allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl and a 27 year old man who was arraigned for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl.
“I want to charge our law enforcement agencies to diligently prosecute cases of rape.
“With too many instances, we must begin to hold people accountable no matter how highly placed.”
In a related development, the assembly has passed the Osun Youth Development Commission establishment bill 2020, which enables youths in the state to participate in government activities.
Owoeye, during the passage of the bill, said when it is assented to by the governor, it would enhance and encourage active participation of youths in policy making, youth-related programmes as well as other important government activities.
He also said the bill, when passed into law, would harness and develop the full potentials of the youths in the state as partners in development and progress.
June 4, 2020
Gunmen abduct Chinese expatriates in Ebonyi -Police confirm
Police Command in Ebonyi have confirmed abduction of two Chinese expatriates working in a mining site in Ihietutu, Ishiagu in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi by unknown gunmen.
The abducted Chinese nationals are employees at Greenfield Metals Nigeria Limited which specialises in lead and zinc mining.
Mrs Loveth Odah, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) confirmed the abduction in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday in Abakaliki.
She said that the victims were allegedly abducted on Wednesday, June 3 at the mining site.
She however, explained that the police were yet to establish the motive behind the abduction, adding that preliminary investigation had commenced.
She said: “We got the information yesterday, a detachment of our tactical team was despatched to the area with a view to unraveling the true situation and also to rescue the victims.
“The team is yet to return to furnish us with relevant information about the incident.
“But, I can confirm to you that we received a distress call from the area yesterday informing the police of an alleged abduction of two Chinese working in a mining site at Ihietutu in Ishiagu community.
“We are waiting for information from our men before we can make informed comments on the motive behind the alleged abduction.
“For now, we cannot say if the abduction was for ransom purposes or not because the abductors are yet to establish contacts with the company.”
She however, urged non Nigerian nationals working in any part of the state to ensure that they move about with armed security guards to prevent attacks and molestations from criminals and possible kidnapping or abduction.
Mr Henry Ahanaotu, the Chairman and Managing Director, Greenfield Metals, told NAN that the hoodlums abducted their victims at mining pit at ‘Ajirija’ mining site 300 meters from the company’s Life-Camp after shooting severally into the air to deter any resistance.
He said that a formal report on the incident had been lodged at the police command in the state, adding that the abductors were yet to establish contact with the company.
“The unidentified persons bearing sophisticated arms stormed our mining pit at Ajirija and shot severally before whisking their victims away.
“We are yet to establish the identity of the abductors or where they came from.
NAN recalls that kidnappers in March invaded the company’s Life-Camp at ‘Ugwuajirija’ and kidnapped two Chinese nationals, who later regained their freedom after an undisclosed amount of money was paid as ransom. (NAN)
June 4, 2020
FG approves refund of N148billion to five states

Following the execution of some federal projects in their various states and their successful defense of such projects, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the refund of a total of N148.1billion to five states.
According to the minister for Information and culture, Lai Mohammed while briefing State House Correspondents after the virtual FEC meeting on Wednesday, the memo for the refund was presented by the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fasola.
According to Alhaji Mohammed, the virtual FEC, which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, considered claims of the five beneficiary states in the approved memo. They were Cross River, Ondo, Osun, Bayelsa and Rivers.
A breakdown of the refunds, per state, were as follow: Cross River N18,394,737,608.85; Ondo N7,822,147,577.08; Osun N2,468,938,876.78; Bayelsa N38,040,564,783.40 and Rivers N78,953,067,518.29.
The minister noted that the Council had warned that there would be no more of such refunds in future should any state government venture into projects without the nod of the federal government.
“You will recall that in 2016, 36 states of the federation sent a very huge bill to the federal government, asking for compensation for money that they have expended on federal roads.
“This prompted Mr. President to set up a committee to go and verify the claims of these 36 states, whether indeed these projects were actually constructed, were they completed, in line with the federal government standards.
“At the end of that exercise by an inter-ministerial committee, chaired by the Honorable Minister of Works and Housing, but also had ministers of Education, Transportation, Finance, Minister of State for Works, DG, BPP and Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office as members.
“At the end of that exercise, the committee recommended that the federal government should refund N550,364,297.31 billion to 31 of the 36 states, after they were convinced that, yes indeed, the projects were completed and there were federal government roads. But the claims of five other states Cross River, Rivers, Ondo, Bayelsa and Osun failed on the grounds that they did not do proper documentation and the committee felt they needed proper documentation.
“So the committee went back with a new terms of reference to ensure that the claims of the five states were in order, that is why the BPP is on the committee. So at the end of the exercise, the committee now reported that the five states – Cross River with 20 roads and one bridge will get a refund of N18,394,737,608.85, Ondo with six roads to get a refund of N7,822,147,577.08, and Osun with two roads and one bridge to get a refund of N2,468,938,876.78.
“Others are Bayelsa with five roads and one bridge is to get a refund of N38,040,564,783.40 and Rivers with three roads and three flyovers bridges is to get a refund of N78,953,067,518.29,” he said.
June 4, 2020
Why Nigeria’s defence minister is crying
While Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa, the country does not have enough manpower in terms of number of men and officers of its military to deal with internal security challenges facing her people.
The country’s minister of defence, Bashir Magashi, stated this, adding that the military is understaffed and underfunded to tackle the various security challenges facing the country.
The minister stated this on Wednesday, June 3, when he emerged from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
He said the challenges facing the military, including the inadequate funding for the ministry of defence among others were highlighted at the meeting, adding also that the members of the council made contributions to the discussion.
Magashi also stated that there will be a change in the conduct of affairs in the ministry of defence.
June 4, 2020
Nigerian minister speaks against rape
Nigeria’s minister of Humaniatarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq has supported the calls to check rape in Nigeria.
She made the call in reaction to the murder of UNIBEN student Vera Omozuwa by suspected rapist, saying, ” I am deeply worried by the rising incidents of rape and sexual assault especially with Miss Uwa’s murder in Benin City”, Sadiya tweeted Wednesday. Rape is a crime and a violation and must not be condoned. As a woman and mother, I add my voice to the chorus – #EndRapeinNigeria #JusticeforUwa #enoughisenough,” she stated..
June 4, 2020
Barack Obama’s address to Floyd protesters
Former president Barack Obama presented an optimistic take on the civil unrest that has gripped the nation, urged mayors to enact policing reforms developed during his administration and spoke directly to young people of color, telling them, “Your lives matter.”
In his first public remarks since protests over the death of George Floyd began roiling cities coast to coast, the nation’s first African American president described the events of the past week “as profound as anything that I’ve seen in my lifetime.”
Yet Obama said that in the protests he saw an awakening in the country to the challenges and fears black Americans endure. The confluence of the novel coronavirus pandemic’s disproportionately large effect on black communities and the death of the African American Floyd in the custody of white police officers has exposed America’s systemic racial injustices, he said.
Obama said he has been heartened by the young people mobilizing these demonstrations, noting that youths have led nearly every major social change in the country. He noted that unlike in the 1960s civil rights movement, when African Americans mostly marched alone, the protesters now represent a cross-section of races.
And he said he’s encouraged that a majority of Americans, despite the attention on “a tiny minority that engaged in violence,” still believe the protesters are justified.
“That wouldn’t have existed 30, 40, 50 years ago. There is a change in mind-set that’s taking place, a greater recognition that we can do better,” Obama said.
Obama made his remarks during a virtual town hall hosted by his nonprofit, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, which was created to address gaps in opportunity for young black men and boys.
He focused most of his comments on the need for policing reforms, imploring local leaders to implement policies devised by a task force his administration created after the unrest in 2014 in Ferguson, Mo., that followed the killing of another black man, Michael Brown, by a white police officer.
Obama did not weigh in on the political tensions of the moment or the White House’s response to the protests. The closest he came was at the end of the event, when he said that those criticizing the protests should remember that the United States was founded on protest.
“And every step of progress in this country, every expansion of freedom, every expression of our deepest ideals has been won through efforts that made the status quo uncomfortable,” he said.
June 4, 2020