Edo 2024: Confusion in APC as ex-Reps Deputy Chief Whip, Pally Iriase rejects appointment into Edo Campaign Council
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There is palpable fear and confusion in the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as another party bigwig at the weekend rejected appointment into the party’s campaign council for the Edo governorship election taking place on September 21, 2024
In a statement, a former deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Pally Iriase, declined the party's nomination into the membership of the National Campaign Council of the APC released on Wednesday.
Iriase’s name had appeared as a member of the Campaign Council but in a statement at the weekend rejected the appointment.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to the fact that my name is included in the list of appointees into the National Campaign Council for the gubernatorial election in Edo State by the All Progressive Congress (APC).
“I appreciate the National Working Committee (NWC) for finding me worthy of the appointment.
“But, I hereby reject the appointment for the following reasons:
“I was never consulted. I have for several years stepped away from partisan politics and I do not intend to change my mind.
“I do not want my associates, friends, admirers, and family to see me as a hypocrite.
“While wishing them a successful campaign and a peaceful election, I strongly urge everyone to respect my desire to be excluded from partisan politics.”
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has announced a cash reward of N50 million to Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, winners of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.
The governor announced this when he treated the Nigerian champions to a state banquet at the Government House, Enugu, during the weekend, thanking them for etching Enugu State on the African and global map.
“We are indeed very proud of you. I cannot tell you enough what this NPFL title that you have brought right here before us represents and means to us.
“Rangers International transcends generations; it is a unifying factor for us. It is not just about winning a trophy or about making us proud. It is putting Enugu State in the hearts and minds of the people of this country and beyond.
“You have made us proud and we will in turn also make you happy. We are going to provide the sum of N50 million to you in addition to other non-cash rewards that will implant you in our state and immortalise you,” he stated.
He further said: “I commend the General Manager, who has guided this team with a deep sense of purpose and also fuelled your optimism, reinforcing the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit that you are all known for. I thank most sincerely the coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, who through his professional ethics and consistency, has continued to do us proud.
“The captain and all the players, you are a true embodiment of the ‘Never-Say-Die’ spirit. The fans are not left out. I also commend the commissioner, who has shown deep commitment to the success of Rangers through his tireless efforts and sacrifice.
“However, recall that I had always said to you that success abhors complacency. We still have quite a huge space in our trophy cabinet.”
So, we still need more. I am sure we are all getting ready for the CAF Champions League and other tournaments.
“Let me assure you that we will never get tired of supporting you. If anything, we are going to double down and reinforce our support.”
The commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, who hailed Rangers for the successful title chase, thanked the governor for his personal and official support that transformed the club.
Also, the general manager and CEO of Rangers International, Amobi Ezeaku, who went down memory lane, appreciated Governor Mbah for taking Rangers as his special pet project.
“For two years, the club played away from home, but in a twinkle of an eye, the club came back to the Cathedral. That is why 28th December 2023 when we returned to the Cathedral will forever be engraved in the hearts of not just Ndigbo, but all true lovers of Rangers and football.
“Today, we thank you for easing the stress of our trips, for approving for corporate sponsors to get on board, for coming to watch our matches, and for braving the turbulence of the weather on that day to fly to Jos to witness the lifting of this trophy.
“It is also under you that the Rangers jersey is proudly instituted at the FIFA museum in Zürich, Switzerland. It is under you that the Rangers jersey is now known at the headquarters of African Football in the 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt. And as we speak, Rangers have been nominated in many categories by the league bloggers award,” Ezeaku said.
Actress Tonto Dikeh has shared insights on her personal growth journey, along with new photos of herself.
She expressed amazement at the continuous nature of self-improvement, noting that just when she felt she had made progress, new areas for growth appeared.
Tonto likened personal development to unlocking endless levels, emphasizing that there is always room for improvement.
“It is wild how working on yourself is a never-ending journey.
Just When you think you have improved, there’s always more to tackle.
It’s like unlocking endless Levels of growth!!”, she said.
Recall that earlier in the week, she celebrated her new chapter, acknowledging her progress and growth.
England captain Harry Kane has described it as tough and painful losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain.
Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late winner as Spain triumphed in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final, beating England 2-1 to win the Euro championship.
England had come from behind in the 73 minutes through Cole Palmer but their resurgence in the game was cut short as Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad forward, turned in a cross in the 86th minute to hand Spain a record fourth European Championship crown.
This leaves Kane at the age of 30 still looking for the first trophy of a career so rich in goals.
Speaking after the match, Kane said that his team lacked the momentum to push on after drawing level.
“Losing in a final is as tough as it gets… We done really well to get back in the game at 1-1 and then we couldn’t use our momentum to push on… It’s as painful as it can be in a football match.”
On the future of manager Gareth Southgate who hinted he might step down if England failed to win Euro 2024, Kane said, “Gareth will go away and take time to decide. We wanted to win it for him.”
Nigerian singer, Nwakaego Ogbaro popularly known as Ego has opened up about her experiences following her departure from Lagbaja’s Africano band in 2007.
In a conversation on Chude Jideonwo’s podcast, Ego revealed the difficulties she faced and addressed long-standing rumours about her relationship with the masked musician.
The singer dispelled speculations that they were romantically involved and even married.
She explained that her exit from the band was entirely her decision and not a result of a fallout between her and Lagbaja.
She said, “We did not fight, there were no issues, I believe in my instincts a lot, and that time, it was telling me to move. And in all honesty, I felt there was nothing more I could do to top what I had done at that time. So, I said it was time for me to move on. I sort of knew what I wanted, I wanted a band of my own, you know, I just wanted to do my own thing, my own kind of music, that was it, and I went to him, we talked and he was happy, though it’s bittersweet, and he said, ‘I knew you had this leadership quality, I knew you are one of those people that would end up having her own band’, and he was very supportive.”
Asked whether there were days she ever thought of going back to the Lagbaja band, Ego said, “Yeah, I will explain why I said yeah.
“I wanted and I craved that comfort where I don’t have to make certain decisions, where all I needed to do was just sing, dance and just get my pay, where the responsibilities were just not mine. There were days like that where I craved that, because it was hard: you’re dealing with people from different backgrounds, you’re dealing with a lot and you have to make it work. There was a time I actually called him [Lagbaja] and said I know I probably gave you a hard time, but it’s now I understand what it means, and he was like ‘Okay,’ and I said, ah, it’s not easy oh, it wasn’t easy.
“So, there were days I felt like being part of a band again, and just touring, being on the tour bus, you know, there were days like that.”
Ola Olukoyede, chair of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has claimed that some religious organisations are “more corrupt” than public offices in Nigeria.
Olukoyede spoke at a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) leadership conference in Lagos on Friday.
EFCC boss revealed that his organisation recently recovered “how many millions from a religious organisation.”
Olukoyede accused religious leaders of looking at the “speckle in someone else eyes, but meanwhile, there is a log in yours.”
He then urged clerics to use their platform “not only to preach but also to demonstrate” good characters to their congregation.
“Just this last week, I have had cause to recover how many millions from a religious organisation,” the EFCC boss said.
“They appointed you a pastor, and that is when you become a big man. We don’t even know what you are doing to earn a legitimate living. You live on the ministry and the church or mosque money. You can’t even explain the source of your wealth.
“Some religious organisations are more corrupt than public offices. I have evidence towards that. You look at the speckle in someone else eyes, but meanwhile, there is a log in yours.”
In January, Olukoyede said the EFCC uncovered a religious sect laundering money terrorists in Nigeria.
A Nigerian Idol contestant, Chima Udoye, has emerged as the winner of the ninth edition of the popular music show after weeks of training and performances.
The three finalists—Chima, Lammy, and Chioma— went through different stages of the competition to reach the finale.
In their final performances, each contestant tried to convince both the judges and viewers of their worthiness.
Chioma thrilled the audience with her renditions of Jodie’s “Kuchi Kuchi” and Jennifer Hudson’s “One Night Only”, while Chima‘s soulful performances of “Not the Girl” by Dare Art Alade and “As” by Stevie Wonder captivated the judges.
Lammy performed 2baba’s “African Queen” and Alexandra Burke’s “Hallelujah” which was met with applause from the guests.
However, Chima’s powerful performances won over the judges and audience alike, and secured his place as the season 9 winner of Nigerian Idol.
Carlos Alcaraz produced a stunning performance to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-2 7-6 (7-4) to win a second consecutive Wimbledon title at Roland Garros on Sunday.
It was also a second consecutive meeting between both players in the final with Alcaraz earning another victory over the veteran Djokovic.
The 37-year-old Djokovic struggled to cope with Alcaraz’s powerful serve as the Spaniard produced one of the best performances of his short career to win the title in style.
Djokovic was aiming to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s titles but he will be disappointed with his performance in the final.
Alcaraz produced late perfect volleys and thunderous forehand winners to stun Djokovic.
He has now won his fourth career Grand Slam after winning the US Open in 2022, Wimbledon in 2023 and French Open and his triumph at Roland Garros in 2024.
He also became the 2nd man in the Open Era to win his first 4 Grand Slam Finals after Roger Federer.
He is just the sixth man to win the French Open and Wimbledon back to back.
Alcaraz described his triumph as a dream come true.
He said, “It is a dream for me, winning this trophy,” said Alcaraz at the trophy ceremony. “In an interview when I was 11 or 12 years old I said my dream was to win Wimbledon, so I am repaying my dream. I want to keep going but it is a great feeling to play in this beautiful court and to lift this amazing trophy. This is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court and most beautiful trophy.”
He is delighted to join the group of players to have won the French Open and the Wimbledon Open in the same year.
“It is a huge honour for me to be part of those players who have achieved Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year. They are huge champions. I don’t consider myself as a champion yet, not like them, but I will keep going to build my path, my journey. It is a huge honour for me.”
Spain earned a late 2-1 win over England to win the 2024 European Championship trophy in Berlin on Sunday night.
The La Furia Roja capped off their impressive performances in the competition with glory after a pulsating encounter.
The first half ended goalless as both sides struggled to get hold of the game before the clash burst into life immediately after the restart.
Lamine Yamal, who had a quiet first half, set up Nico Williams to finish past Jordan Pickford after the England defense suffered lack of concentration in the 47th minute.
The young star became the youngest male footballer to play in a major international tournament final. He surpassed Pele (17 years, 249 days) at the 1958 World Cup.
Substitute Cole Palmer came off the bench to score a brilliant leveller after he was set up by Jude Bellingham.
Another substitute, Mikel Oyarzabal became the hero for Spain with the winning goal in the 86th minute to break England’s heart and set Spain on course for an historic triumph.
Dani Olmo produced a stunning goal line clearance to preserve Spain’s lead as they held on to win their fourth European Championship trophy.
Spain are the first country to win the men’s European Championships four times after their triumph in 1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024.
England’s agonising 58-year trophy drought continues as they switch attention to the 2026 World Cup.
Lamine Yamal was named the young player of the tournament after a return of one goal and four assists, while Rodri was named the player of the tournament.
Meanwhile, A total of six players will share the Golden boot award after they all scored three goals in the competition.
Harry Kane, Spain’s Dani Olmo, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze, the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo, Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz and Germany’s Jamal Musiala will share the award.
In the past, UEFA used assists as the tie breaker which could have seen Spain’s Dani Olmo emerge as the top scorer but it was announced at the beginning of the tournament that the award would be decided only on goals.
PRINCE NDUKA OBAIGBENA: Happy 65th birthday to a visionary leader, a media icon and a champion of excellence! - Segun Awolowo
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My Dearest brother & Publisher
Your life's journey has been a testament to innovation and passion. Your contributions to the media industry and beyond are a lasting legacy.
May this milestone birthday be a celebration of your achievements and your unwavering commitment to making a difference. May your day be filled with joy, love and the knowledge that your impact has touched countless lives.
?Here's to many more years of inspiration, leadership, and making a positive impact on our world! Congratulations, my dear brother!
Segun Awolowo
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The Arewa Youth Ambassadors have denied the insinuations that it has shelved its planned protest aimed at expressing their concerns over the rising hardship amidst alleged harsh economic policies of the present administration.
A statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi said there is no going back on the planned protest.
“Let’s be categorical, there is no going back on our words, as the protest is scheduled for 1st August 2024. Everywhere in the world, people make government, not the other way round. But why should the government brought about by the people in Nigeria be only for those in the corridors of its power?
“If the President Tinubu-led government is for Nigerians as a whole, why on earth the false pretences? It’s so sad and pathetic that suffering have become unspeakable and pervasive, while the power that is keeps on looking the other way.
“We wish to make it clear that the protest becomes necessary considering the insecurity that spirals upward coupled with incessant food and fuel crisis, unemployment and high cost of living bedevilling our region in particular and the country in general”, the statement said.
Arewa Youth Ambassadors said beyond any doubt that the protest will happen on the slated date unless the government reverses its policies that they said are unfavourable to the masses.
“Is Nigeria not even on the brink of revolution? Perhaps if anything has failed to strike a cord for its outbreak, President Tinubu’s starvation scheme surely will. Because Nigerians would rather be killed on the streets by the security forces being paid through their taxes than be laid to death by hunger in their homes, and maybe on or in their beds. And, you know, hunger knows no bounds.
“Therefore, as a group of peaceful citizens, we are left with no option than to protest the anti-masses tendencies that President Tinubu-led government continues to introduce on daily basis”, the statement added.
AN armed robbery suspect, simply identified by his nickname, Bob Jay fell into an open well on Friday night after he and other gang members raided student’s hostel in Unicross, Okuku campus.
The robbers, according to a student of the school who gave her name as Regina, attacked students in their hostel at about 12 midnight and carted away laptops, phones and money and after the robbery, one of the hoodlums fell into an open well while trying to escape with their loot.
“They were many that came around 12 midnight. They robbed all the students in the Okuku hostel. They stabbed one student, broke the head of another with a stick before escaping with phones, laptops and other valuables”. She told Vanguard on phone.
She said the well was used by students to fetch water to bathe and wash clothes and has no cover.
“Nobody knew that one of the robbers fell into the well until dawn when students went to fetch water and saw the man inside dead. They raised alarm and the community people came and took him out and was identified as one of the robbers and some people said his name is Bob Jay from Mbube,a neigbouring village”
She said the police were alerted and they came and took the body away. She said no other gang members identified yet since the robbers phone fished out of his picket is blur.
A man who was accused of allegedly stealing an Uber car after luring the driver with a plate of pepper soup, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
The PPRO said that the Akinpelu Police Division received a report on July 5, at about 8.00 p.m. from an Uber driver, whose name was not mentioned
He said that the driver reported that he picked a passenger, who simply identified himself as Isaiah, from the NNPC Filling Station, Maryland, in his Toyota Corolla car to a certain hotel at Oshodi area.
The spokesperson pointed out that while at the hotel, the suspect bought food for the driver, a plate of pepper soup and one energy drink.
“In the process, when the suspect was looking for a cotton bud to clean his ear, the driver gave him his car key to use
The driver further said that the suspect went downstairs after collecting the car key and went away with his car from where it was parked.
However, a team of police officers on a stop and search operation at Boladale Street, intercepted him.
“When he could not give a satisfactory account of the ownership of the car, he was arrested,” he said.
Hundeyin further said that while the police officers were about taking the suspect to the station, the driver came to the scene and saw the car.
He said the suspect had been detained for further investigation.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Binta Ayo Mogaji, has finally disclosed why she left her 13 year old marriage with retired footballer, Victor Ayodele Oduleye.
The film actress and her colleague, actor Jibola Dabo were once in a relationship and they have a 20 year old, after which she got married to Victor Ayodele Oduleye, a retired footballer and physiotherapist, in 2006.
However, on her latest interview with actress Biola Bayo on the ‘Talk To B’ podcast, Binta Ayo Magaji accused Victor Oduleye of abuse.
She further narrated her love journey with the retired footballer. Ayo Mogaji said:
“We fell in love with each other but received beating over any little thing.
“Even in England the abusive language, the mental torture, the physical abuse, when it gets too much I will advise anybody to get out of that marriage.
“It got to a stage that when it’s only two of us at home, I do go outside the compound and sit till when someone will come around so that I will not be abused. We were in it for like thirteen years and we have been separated for four years now.”
In the same interview with Biola Bayo, Binta Ayo Mogaji revealed how she became a mother at the age of 40 years.
Recounting her life experience, she said she had her baby six weeks after her 40th birthday despite having one fallopian tube.
Binta Ayo Mogaji also spoke on how her ectopic pregnancy resulted in losing a fallopian tube and almost her life.