87th IFC League To End In A Photo Finish

For The First time in many years the Ibadan Football Council (IFC) League champions for this year may end in a photo-finish as winners may not emerge until the last day.

Quite unlike last season where the defending, Marvelous FC became champions before the Grand finale match was played, this edition will witness the two top contenders neck- to- neck even as they both have just one match to go.

Karim Adeyemi FC, a team which struggled to make it through the Qualifiers Competition are ahead with 38 points, while Young Stars are on in hot pursuit with 36 points.

The first timers in a dramatic style zoomed past VIA FA which was second on the table for many months and wrestled the top spot from Young Stars with just four matches to the end .

Young Stars, hugely motivated this season by David Abraham and the Explicit Dancers are yet to win the League trophy in over 35 years.

The closest it came to winning the diadem was in 2004 when it topped the Group B of the Division One IFA League, but was edged out on points by Shooting Stars which led Group A of the League then. Young Stars FC finished among the best five teams on the League table last year.

While Karim Adeyemi FC won 11 matches ,Draw five and lost two of its 18 matches played so far; Young Stars on the other hand won 10, Draw six and also lost two. Both teams garnered 38 and 36 points respectively

Karim Adeyemi FC faces the dreaded SAKI UTD on the grand finale day, just as Young Stars FC lock horns with Unibadan FT same day.

With just two points separating the two gladiators will go for the kill in their last matches fixed for same day.

If Karim Adeyemi FC defeats SAKI UTD, that means the first timers are the new champions with 41 points; but football is no mathematics ,if SAKI rocks the boat and holds Adeyemi to a Draw,then that would depend on if Young Stars defeat Unibadan to tie on 39 points with Karim Adeyemi which has higher goals.

The odds favour Karim Adeyemi FC, but anything and everything is possible in IFC League.

Etumudon, Former Political Aide To Oborevwori Appointed SLG To Ika North East LGA

The Chairman of Ika North East Local Government, Hon. Monday Hunkamma Odigwe has appointed Secretary To The Local Government.

He is Mr. Tunde Etumudon.

A Graduate of Accountancy and Finance from the Prestigious Yaba OF College of Technology Lagos.

Mr Etumudon is bringing on board over 30 years experience cutting across Audit Practice, Insurance, Financial Consultancy and ACCROS AUDIT Policy Analysis, Government Accounting etc.

Mr Tunde Etumudon also holds additional qualifications to include;

1..PGD IN Financial Management from University of Ado Ekiti.

2 Masters in Business Administration (MBA) with specialty in International Business from Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

3 Associate Member of the Nigeria Chattered Institute of Management

4. ANAN Certified Chartered National Accountant.

Mr. Etumudon was a former Supervisory Councillor for Finance in Ika North East Local Government from 2008 to 2011.

He was also Political Aide to the immediate past Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly ~ 2017 to May 2023 (Now Governor H.E Sheriff Oborevwori.

Mr Tunde Etumudon is a known humble, committed and active politician.

Dunia, Tejere Urge Aggrieved Nigerians To Shelve Planned Protests, Say President Tinubu Has Initiated Moves to Ensure Situation Gets Better Soon

Two prominent leaders in the Niger Delta, Mr. Peter Dunia, popularly known as Peter Black and Mr. Tejere Jolomi, have joined the calls on the organisers of the planned nationwide protests to shelve the action.

Dunia and Tejere in a joint statement issued on Monday, urged all aggrieved Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Though Dunia and Tejere acknowledged the difficulties being faced by teeming Nigerians but they pleaded with them
to give President Tinubu enough time to address the multifaceted problems plaguing the country.

They said a period of one year was not enough to rate the performance of President Tinubu.

Dunia and Tejere said President Tinubu has put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development, adding that the Tinubu administration needed the cooperation and support of all Nigerians to implement his campaign manifestos as enshrined in the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA.

They listed the potential harms the protests could do to the peace and unity of the country and called on the organisers to embrace dialogue.

THE FULL TEXT OF THEIR STATEMENTS

Dear fellow Nigerians, during these challenging and transformative times, it is essential to remember the importance of unity, patience, and peaceful dialogue.

With a heavy heart and profound concern, we – Mr. Peter Dunia (Peter Black) and Mr. Tejere Jolomi, urge all Nigerians to refrain from participating in any nationwide protests slated to commence on Thursday, August 1st 2024, because of the inherent potentials to destabilize our cherished country.

We acknowledged the deep-seated grievances and frustrations many Nigerians experience but we need to understand that the journey to meaningful change is indeed arduous and filled with obstacles.

It’s crucial to recognise that our nation’s challenges, particularly those related to leadership and development, did not manifest overnight.

These issues have developed over decades, and expecting immediate solutions from President Tinubu’s administration within a year is unrealistic.

ASSESSING POTENTIAL RISKS OF THE PLANNED PROTESTS

We must emphasize the dangerous consequences of a mass protest, which could devolve into anarchy and bloodshed, threatening the very fabric of our society. Lessons from the Niger Delta region, for instance, the Warri Ijaw/Itsekiri bloody ethnic bloodbath, demonstrated amply how
internal conflicts can snowball into a full- scale war, if the prevailing circumstances are not handled with caution and empathy. Warri and its adjoining coastal communities are yet to recover from the impacts of the needless fracticidal war.

This example serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the ease with which long-standing tensions can flare up.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Nigeria is a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures and communities. Our strength lies in transcending these differences and working collaboratively towards a shared goal.

President Tinubu and his cabinet are committed to steering the nation into a path of development and prosperity.

However, this feat can only be realized through our collective patience and steadfast commitment to peace.

It is always important to express our concerns for the country’s growth, but we must do so responsibly.

A PLEA FOR CALM AND CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT

We implore all Nigerians, particularly our dynamic youth, to channel their energy and passion into constructive avenues. Let us engage in meaningful dialogue, hold our leaders accountable through lawful and peaceful means, and collaboratively address the issues we face.

Our nation’s progress depends on our ability to stay united and resilient in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, we urge every Nigerian to shelve the planned nationwide protests that could endanger our nation’s stability and threaten our nascent democracy.

Let us come together to resolve Nigeria’s socio-economic and political maladies through peaceful and collaborative efforts.

Together, we can build a brighter and more harmonious future for ourselves and generations to come.

With deepest respect and hope.

SIGNED BY COMPATRIOTS IN NATION BUILDING –

MR. PETER DUNIA ( PETER BLACK)

MR. TEJERE JOLOMI,
M.D. LETI VINTAGE LTD.

Ereyitomi urges Warri Federal Constituents to shun proposed Nationwide protest, appeals for more time to FG to address issues affecting Nigeria

By: Celestine Ukah 

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the house of Representatives Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi has urged people of his constituents to shun proposed Nationwide protest scheduled to commence August 1-10, 2024.

Chief Ereyitomi in his special appeal to Warri Federal Constituents, charged youths and others to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government more time to address the issues of hardship and other touching issues raised by the concerned citizens as all they have pointed out are seriously affecting the country and need to be attended to.

Rep Ereyitomi also called on select-ethnic Nationalities group leaders to meet with federal government in order to fix the problems hitting hard on Nigerians, he as well urged the government to dialogue with citizens in order to avert the looming tension in the land.

While expressing strong support to the position of the people on protest, the Warri Federal lawmaker quipped that it is the constitutional responsibility of citizens to embark on peaceful protest but advised on sustaining support to the government to act on issues bordering on the process of Nigeria irrespective of political affiliations across the country.

He counselled the people not to allow hoodlums to csuse abnormality in the federal Constituency and in the state as well Nigeria in the guise of protest.

July 31: Gov.Oborevwori to swear-in Six Commissioners, Seven Special Advisers

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori will on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 preside over the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Commissioners and Special Advisers.

The Commissioner nominees earlier screened by the Delta State House of Assembly are Barr.Val Areyinka; Hon. Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor; Barr. Harry Thankgod Trakiriowei; Chief Ebikeme Clark; Hon. Sunday Tataobuzogwu and Smart Ijeoma Ufoh.

Also to be sworn-in as Special Advisers are: Hon. George Oyefia; Mr. Johnbull Edema; Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru; Hon. Ramsey Tega Onoyake; Dr.Toyin Orighomisan Agbolayah and Chief. Onajite Brown.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, says the swearing-in of the Commissioners and Special Advisers, will be held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba at 10 am.

The statement added that the appointees, family members and invited guests are to be seated by 9.30 am.

Breaking News: Heartland FC buys Beyond Limit NPFL slot for 350million

According to verified sources, Heartland FC acquired the slot after sealing a N350M agreement.

This is pending official approval from the NPFL. After approval, official announcement will be made and Emmanuel Amunike unveiled as new Heartland FC manager.
NPFL

Come out clean of accusation that you’re producing poor quality petroleum products, Arewa Youths blast Dangote

**Says Nigerians Are Used to his diabolical emasculation, total domination of every Sector Of Nation’s Economy

A Northern group, Arewa Intelligentia Caucus has rained heavy knock on Aliko Dangote, saying his cheap blackmail of the officials of NNPC will not take him anywhere.

The Group in a Press Statement signed by Abubakar Ciroma (President) and Nasir Adamu (Publicity Secretary), while blasting Aliko Dangote, said that Nigerians were used to his diabolical emasculation and total domination of every sector of the nation economy, challenging him to come out clean of accusation that he was producing poor quality petroleum products

According to the group, there are countless narratives in the public space from different quarters to make Alhaji Aliko Dangote appear as a victim and underdog, rather than being the villain, in the current interchange between him and the management of the NNPCL, claiming that the cunning businessman had mobilized different PRO groups and individuals to garner support and ensure sympathy pours in torrents for him.

The group stated that the one man riot squad of the nation’s business firmament now bask in favourable lights generated at his behest, adding that; “But are Nigerians at this point sold on Aliko Dangote’s manipulative antics? We doubt it very much. Dangote won’t find it easy to fool Nigerians again – taking into account his antecedents – which is replete with diabolical choke holds to asphyxiate, emasculate and totally dominate every sector of the nation’s economy”.

They noted that the fallouts from debates on the Dangote Refinery has now taken the front burner as the nation’s issue of first sight, saying that it has in fact taken the wind off the sails of every other matter – and has become the conversation of the moment.

“But the businessman won’t succeed to pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians, as he intends to achieve with propaganda. He succeeded to acquire absolute monopoly in the cement, sugar and salt sectors. But Nigerians won’t be misled by his current crocodile tears over the poor quality of his petroleum products”, the group said.

They noted that when former President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Dangote Refinery ,just before he left office, Nigerians thought a Daniel had come to judgement, to rescue the nation from the vice grip of multinationals manipulation on fuel availability in the country.

The group said that; “It was however a complete ruse. The same schemes he adopted in the past to crush Benue Cement, Ibeto and other brands out of business are here again playing out – but the NNPCL must remain unfazed and vigilant”.

“Not only was the nation’s commonwealth heavily invested in the refinery – the investment was however masked in trickery – between Aliko Dangote and Godwin Emefiele – the then CBN Governor to shortchange the system, as was revealed later through the grapevine. The actual level of complicity between both men is still vague and beyond the knowledge of the ordinary man”, the group added.

The Arewa Intelligentia Caucus said that President Muhammadu Buhari had never been known to be meticulous in governance and affairs of state, saying that behind his back the duo diverted substantial resources of the CBN for the construction of the refinery.

The group said that Engr. Mele Kyari from the onset had remained unimpressed, and never wanted to commit NNPCL resources to the Dangote project, adding that; “The same was also recently revealed by Aliko Dangote. Due to skepticism and uncertainty of the investment, the corporation invested only 7% out of the earlier envisaged 20%. This was hinged on in – depth professional understanding of the issues involved”.

“Be that as it may, we as a northern group – fervent after integrity and the quest for truth, had with a bird’s eye followed the circuitous altercations between the management of the NNPCL led by the respected, unassuming and performing Engr. Mele Kyari. Alhaji Aliko Dangote on his part, through subterfuge, propaganda and misinformation wants to mislead everyone.

Much of the public is gullible, undiscerning and lacks knowledge, and some are being swayed and convinced by Dangote’s fake patriotic narratives. But we urge everyone to be more discerning and never to relegate the expertise, experience and professional contributions of Engineer Farouk Ahmed in the debate”, they stated.

The group added; “His revelation that the products of Dangote Refinery are below required specifications and therefore substandard and inferior must be taken serious – and not as smear campaigns to diminish Dangote. His comments are rooted on scientific evaluation and findings.

If Dangote feels piqued and unhappy over Engr. Farouk Ahmed’s statement, then we challenged him to come out in defence of the refinery – as against the professional opinion of the seasoned petroleum engineer – than hire media men and public opinion moulders to salvage the sagging reputation of his refinery”.

The group said that NNPCL won’t succumb to the harassment, nor be cornered or browbeaten by the sly vituperations of non professionals, adding that; “The Corporation won’t be intimidated to jettison its time honoured obligation and national responsibilities. Despite all the sponsored attacks, it shouldn’t allow inferior petroleum products into the country. The NNPCL must at all times hold on to its professional integrity. Let Aliko Dangote and his propagandists keep crying foul – we neither smell, nor see any in the horizon”.

“Dangote’s gimmicks are bound to crash like a pack of cards – as repeated lies won’t ever become the truth. While the controversy rages and appear to suffuse every section of our national life and ethos – the Management of Dangote Refinery is tongue tied and locked away in a cocoon. They haven’t come out to boldly defend their products with verified facts – rather they are in a closet, from where they mobilize public sentiments against the NNPCL”, the group said.

The group also held out that; “Alhaji Aliko Dangote is an institution in the Nigerian business environment. No individual or group gets on a head -on collision with him and survives to tell the story. He uses unorthodox methods to run every competitor out of business. We therefore commend the management of NNPCL for holding on tenaciously to her virtues – despite all shenanigans made to paralyze its regulatory responsibilities, and permit the introduction of inferior petroleum products into the Nigerian market”.

“We refused to be frightened and boxed in from speaking truth to Aliko Dangote. It is a cheap blackmail for him to have accused officials of the NNPC of clandestinely running a blending plant somewhere, off the coast of Malta, where they refine Nigerian crude and ship same back to the country for sale.

We therefore ask him to mention the officials involved, or else maintain his peace. But if it is the truth, then he mustn’t shirk his responsibility as a true patriot. We however know his allegations are baseless, outright lies and another dubious tactics to win public sympathy – after his diesel was declared inferior and unfit for use”, they said.

According to the group, the general public should be wary of all paid agents and hirelings of Aliko Dangote to discredit and demonize the NNPCL Management and officials, especially Mele Kyari, saying that President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is not oblivious to the facts of the matter, in the on going altercations between the NNPCL management and Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

“At the appropriate time, we believe Mr. President would step up to revolve the imbroglio. Until then, we urge all Nigerians to sustain the present peace and remain focus”, they said.