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Euro 2024: Conceicao snatches Portugal comeback win over Czech Republic

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Euro 2024: Conceicao snatches Portugal comeback win over Czech Republic

Youngster Francisco Conceicao snatched Portugal a last-gasp 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 Group F opener on Tuesday just minutes after coming off the bench.

The 21-year-old Porto winger capitalised from close range after the Czechs were unable to clear a cross, completing his team’s comeback.

The Czechs went ahead against the run of play through Lukas Provod’s fine strike from the edge of the box after the hour mark.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal did not shine but dug just deep enough to claim victory, with Robin Hranac’s own goal pulling them level before Conceicao’s dramatic winner.

Ronaldo, 39, playing at a record-extending sixth European Championship, was denied by Stanek on three occasions as Portugal constantly looked to find the competition’s all-time top goalscorer.

The striker hit the post with the score tied and Diogo Jota nodded in the rebound but the goal was disallowed for offside against Ronaldo.

“We showed all our coolness and resilience,” said Portugal midfielder Vitinha.

“We remained calm, got the draw and always believed until the end to get the win.

“Luckily we managed to do it with the help of the players who came on… we are truly a team.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez selected 41-year-old defender Pepe, who became the oldest player in Euros history, beating the record set by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly aged 40 in 2016, as part of a three centre-back defence.

Portugal won that tournament in 2016 to claim the trophy for the first time and captain Ronaldo said they deserve another, although they got off to a stuttering start in Germany.

In coach Ivan Hasek’s first competitive game after taking over in January, the Czech Republic largely frustrated Martinez’s side, who qualified unbeaten while scoring more goals than any other team.

Ronaldo sent an effort wide with his shoulder after Rafael Leao cut inside with menace early on, as the Portuguese controlled the ball.

Bruno Fernandes’ deflected dipping effort had some Portugal fans out of their seats and Leao was inches away from connecting with a low cross from the Manchester United playmaker.

Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek thwarted Ronaldo twice in the first half of his record 26th Euros appearance, but on both occasions the striker appeared marginally offside.

The Al Nassr hitman’s brightest moment came with a clever backheel which played in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, but the Czech defence swarmed around him quickly and blocked his shot.

Debate over whether Ronaldo should still be a starter or not has rumbled on since the 2022 World Cup and at times Portugal looked short on ideas beyond slinging crosses in towards him.

– ‘Enormous pressure’ –

Stanek comfortably saved a Ronaldo free-kick from distance before the Czechs made their breakthrough.

Slavia Prague midfielder Provod whipped a superb strike past Diogo Costa from the edge of the box after Portugal failed to fully clear a cross just past the hour mark.

However Portugal were quickly level when Hranac unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, after Stanek palmed Nuno Mendes’ header straight at him from point-blank range.

Ronaldo and Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick finished as joint top scorers at Euro 2020 with five goals each but neither was at their lethal best in Leipzig.

Jota thought he had grabbed a last-gasp winner after Ronaldo’s header bounced off the woodwork into his path, but VAR showed the veteran forward was offside.

It didn’t matter for Martinez’s men though after Conceicao came on to fire them to the three points, putting Portugal level with Turkey at the top of Group F.

“Of course it hurts extremely (badly), although nobody completely thought we would prevail today,” Provod told Czech national television.

“The goals we conceded did not come after well put together attacks, but we have to acknowledge Portugal’s quality. The (goals) came from the enormous pressure.”

AFP

BREAKING: Ex-Senate president, Bukola Saraki’s mother dies at 89

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BREAKING: Ex-Senate president, Bukola Saraki's mother dies at 89

Former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has lost his mother, Florence.

Florence died on Tuesday at the age of 89.

Saraki confirmed his mother’s death in a statement shared on his social media handles.

The statement read, “With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, who peacefully transitioned today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

“Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing.”

Mourning the deceased, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Segun Sowunmi, in a post on his Facebook handle on Tuesday, said she lived an impactful life.

The statement titled “Saraki Loses Mother, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki,” read, “I receive with gratitude to God a life well spent, lived impactfully, and reason to thank her creator for grace unspeakable in the life of her beloved husband, Oloye Olusola Saraki, who was one of the heroes for which we plead that their labours past will not be in vain.

“To her last lovely children among whom is the Waziri Ilorin, Abubakar Olusola Bukola Saraki, former governor of Kwara State and arguably the most dignified and independent Senate President in Nigeria in this republic.

“Princess of Owo, omo ologho, thank you for examples set in good conduct and good African values as a community leader, as a role model and as a virtuous woman for others to emulate.

“Now rest in the assurance that your beautiful legacies will be passed on through your children, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, through all who experience your kindness of spirit.

“My condolences to all your loved ones, especially our leader, Senator Bukola Saraki to whom this must be an irreparable loss.

“Time shared and all beautiful memories will lessen the pain of finality, that death represents. Fare hee well!”

Also mourning her death in a statement by the chairman of the ward, Abubakar Yusuf Garba, the People Democratic Party in Ajikobi Central where Saraki hails from, said she was a pillar of strength.

The statement reads, “We share in the grief and sorrow that comes with the loss of a matriarch, a pillar of strength, and a guiding light. Chief (Mrs.) Florence Morenike Saraki was an exemplary woman, a devoted wife, and a dedicated mother who left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she touched.

“Her unwavering support and dedication to her family, particularly her husband, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, and her children, are a testament to her selflessness and devotion.”

APC demands Kwankwaso’s arrest for accusing FG of breeding insurgents

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APC demands Kwankwaso's arrest for accusing FG of breeding insurgents

The All Progressives Congress in Kano State has urged Nigerian security to arrest the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

He was said to have accused the Federal Government of breeding new Boko Haram insurgents in Kano.

The Kano State APC chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, made the call in a statement on Tuesday.

“Nigeria Security owes an urgent responsibility of not only arresting Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who is behind the allegations but they must make him mention those who are sponsoring the insecurity in the State,” Abbas said.

Recall that Kwankwaso made the allegation on Monday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of an 85-kilometer rural road in his hometown, Madobi.

He alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fostering a new breed of Boko Haram Terrorists in Kano, because of the Federal Government deployment of heavy security to the Nasarawa mini palace where the deposed Emir Aminu Ado Bayero is staying.

However, the Kano APC chair urged security agencies to not only detain Kwankwaso but to make him identify those allegedly recruiting Boko Haram terrorists under the Federal Government’s directives.

“We want to call on security agents in the strongest terms to arrest this man so that he reveals the identity of the people he referred to as enemies of the state working for the Federal Government to recruit Boko Haram terrorists and insurgents,” the statement said.

Abass condemned the comments, saying they indicate a sinister plan by Kwankwaso to cause unrest in Kano.

“Kwankwaso has for long been a security threat to Kano and the nation in view of his antecedents,” he alleged.

He accused Kwankwaso of leading a cult-like movement (Kwankwasiyya) and recruiting youths, mostly school dropouts, to perpetrate violence in the state.

The statement also recalled that before and during the 2023 election, numerous youths were allegedly recruited and empowered by Kwankwaso to intimidate the public through physical attacks and property destruction in addition to threats made by Kwankwaso and his associates against judges during the legal battle over the governorship election.

Since the controversial reappointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir, Abbas claimed that armed thugs have been stationed at the Emir’s Palace, where illicit substances are openly sold, posing a threat to nearby residents.

He maintained that despite these accusations, the Federal Government would not be intimidated by threats from Kwankwaso.

Two die in Abuja auto crash

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Two die in Abuja auto crash

A fatal accident on Tuesday in the Federal Capital Territory resulted in the death of two people and injuries to several others.

The tragedy occurred when a heavy-duty trailer carrying bags of fertilizer suffered a brake failure while descending Kugbo Hill on the Abuja-Keffi highway.

It was gathered that the driver lost control of the trailer, which then ran into several smaller vehicles, using them as wedges until it smashed into a Honda Accord.

The force of the collision crushed the car and two occupants died in the process while survivors from other vehicles sustained various injuries.

Emergency responders, including officials pf the Federal Road Safety Corps and local sympathisers, rushed to the scene to assist survivors.

The FRSC Federal Capital Territory Sector Commander, Mutaa Chorrie, confirmed to our correspondent that two people lost their lives in the accident.

Chorrie said, “25 people and 11 vehicles were involved in the accident but two female adults died.

“Only the driver (a medical doctor) of the crushed vehicle by the truck that failed brake survived with injuries and the two passengers in the vehicle died.

“The truck rammed the vehicle into a pillar of a billboard.

“Other vehicles involved had minor torches and the passengers sustained injuries.”

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Investing in palm oil could save Nigeria $600m annually- producers

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Investing in palm oil could save Nigeria $600m annually- producers

The National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria has revealed that the country could save a staggering $600m annually by investing in the domestic palm oil sector.

This was disclosed by the President of NPPAN, Alphonsus Inyang in Abuja on Tuesday, NAN reports.

Inyang said Nigeria’s current reliance on palm oil imports has created a substantial financial drain that could be mitigated by revitalising the domestic palm oil sector.

“Nigeria spends 600 million dollars on palm oil importation annually. The money could be saved and injected into the economy if successive governments gave the palm oil sub-sector due attention.

Inyang noted that this investment could significantly bolster the nation’s economy, marking a pivotal shift from importing to exporting palm oil products.

Historically, Nigeria was a dominant force in palm oil production, leading the global market in the 1960s with over 60 per cent of the world’s palm oil.

He stated that due to neglect and lack of strategic investment in the sector by successive governments, Nigeria’s production capacity has dwindled, adding that the country ranks fifth globally in palm oil production, lagging behind Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Colombia.

Inyang noted that Nigeria currently consumes approximately three million metric tons of palm oil annually while producing less than half of this demand domestically.

He proposed a comprehensive strategy to revitalise the sector through the National Oil Palm Strategy Development Plan.

This plan aims to develop 250,000 hectares of oil palm plantations annually, which could bridge the deficit in production within four years.

“At the moment, the country occupies the fifth position in the league of palm oil-producing countries after Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Colombia.

“Nigeria may even lose the position to smaller countries who are investing heavily in the sector.

“Indonesia occupies the first position, producing 50 million metric tons, Malaysia second with 19 million metric tons, Thailand 3.28 million and Colombia 1.9 million metric tons.

He underscored the importance of government support in providing essential inputs such as seedlings, fertilizers, logistics, and implements to achieve this ambitious goal.

The implementation of this plan, according to Inyang, not only promises to meet domestic demand but also to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global palm oil market once again.

In response to these challenges, NPPAN has called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to prioritize and support local palm oil producers.

Inyang stressed that with the necessary governmental assistance, including policy frameworks and financial incentives, Nigeria has the potential to not only meet its domestic demand but also become a net exporter of palm oil.

This transformation, he believes, will not only create economic opportunities and reduce dependency on imports but also foster agricultural innovation and employment across the nation

“Our members can plant up to 250,000 hectares per year through the association’s National Oil Palm Strategy Development Plan; all we want are inputs.

“The government does not need to give and develop land for us, we need seedlings, fertilisers, logistics and implements to close this gap within four years.

“We will also create new millionaires in 28 states of the federation,” he said.

Ojude Oba pivotal to development of Ijebuland – Gov Abiodun

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Governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun said the Ojude Oba Festival has become a catalyst for developing Ijebuland.
With this, Abiodun said, his administration is set to turn the Ojude Oba celebration into a global event.
The governor, who stated this on Tuesday at the year’s celebration, held in Ijebu-Ode, noted that the annual event has grown from a mere gathering of Ijebu people to an event that attracts both national and global audiences.
He explained that the festival, which has become a tourist destination, represents and reflects the people’s collective unity through hard work, dedication, and industry.
He said: “Ojude Oba festival is not only a cultural heritage for the indigenes of Ijebuland but has now become a significant event that attracts local and foreign tourists to Ogun State, showcasing our hospitality and enviable tradition of Ijebuland to the national and global audience.
“This festival serves as a symbol of our unity, tourism and a rallying point for all the Ijebu sons and daughters to celebrate the life and times of our tradition, culture, and revered monarch.
“It has become a catalyst for the development of Ijebuland, and this undoubtedly underscores the importance of preserving our traditions for future generations.
“By standing for unity and harmony, we elevate our community and set an example for others to follow. The essence of unity and harmony in Ijebuland can be seen willingly in cultural events like this festival.
“Our administration is deeply committed to supporting the initiative to make it a permanent event in the global tourism industry.”
While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing interest in expanding the festival, especially with plans to include it in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, the governor said his administration was committed to providing a conducive environment for business to thrive.
According to him, the event gives the Ijebu a chance to reflect and look to the future and he called for harmony and unity, saying that it was time to cooperate to create a virile state.
“The state government will continue to create a conducive atmosphere for community development across the state and I solicit the support of the people, especially all the sons and daughters towards the 20th National Sports Festival, Gateway Games, 2024, part of which will be hosted right here in Ijebu-Ode,” the governor concluded.
Chairman of the 2024 Ojude Oba festival Chief Olu Okuboyejo appreciated the governor for his support for the festival and the people for turning up enmass to grace the occasion.
Ojude Oba pivotal to development of Ijebuland – Gov Abiodun

Fubara meets security chiefs as local govt crisis spreads

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The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday met with heads of security agencies in the state.
The governor convened the meeting to address the crises in some local government secretariats in the state.
The state has been gripped by tension arising from the expiration of the tenure of the local government chairmen.
Fubara had earlier on Tuesday directed the 23 local government chairmen in the state to hand over to heads of administration of their various councils.
READ ALSO: Rivers police ready to tackle brewing crisis over LG chairmen’s tenure expiration – Disu
He gave the directive after the council chairmen refused to vacate offices and claimed their tenures had been extended by six months.
The governor, who addressed journalists after the meeting, said the meeting was to devise effective strategies to prevent further invasions of local government offices.
He warned the chairmen against unlawful attempts to return to their positions.
“We must respect the rule of law and the democratic transitions that uphold our governance structures,” the governor stated.
The post Fubara meets security chiefs as local govt crisis spreads appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Abia confirms 109 cases of stooling, but no cholera

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The Abia State government said on Tuesday there was no confirmed case of cholera in the state.
The Director of Public Health and Disease Control in the state’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Orie Agomoh, disclosed this to journalists in Umuahia.
She, however, said 109 cases of stooling and vomiting suspected to be cholera outbreaks were recorded in the state between January and this month.
She noted that two earlier samples collected and tested using Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) showed positive results.
However, a repeated test of the samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja was confirmed negative for cholera.
Agomoh revealed that one case each was recorded in Ohafia and Osisioma local government areas while Arochukwu, Umunneochi, Bende, and Ikwuano recorded 42, 39, 17, and nine cases respectively.
She said: “The State Ministry of Health emphasizes that Abia State has not recorded any confirmed positive case of cholera within the period under review.
“Nevertheless, because of ongoing outbreak reported in some states, the Ministry has instituted response measures towards prevention and identification of any suspected case and appropriate treatment.
“As part of the intervention, citizens are advised to continue to observe preventive measures to stay safe.”
Some states in the country have reported outbreaks of cholera with Lagos confirming 17 cases and 15 deaths last weekend.
The post Abia confirms 109 cases of stooling, but no cholera appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Police take over 23 Rivers LG secretariats as crisis spreads

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Police take over 23 Rivers LG secretariats as crisis spreads

The Rivers State Police Command said it has taken over the 23 local government councils in the state as well as some critical infrastructure in the oil and gas-rich state.

The police said the action was to forestall further bloodbath as well as a breakdown of law and order due to the spread of the crisis over the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen.

The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday night.

Iringe-Koko also confirmed the killing of a policeman and a member of a local vigilante outfit.

The statement reads, “Following the breakdown of law and order in the various Local Government Council secretariats in Rivers State where supporters of the two Political factions clashed over the tenure of Local Government Council Chairmen, a case of death was recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a Police officer and a vigilante were killed.

“To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the Police have taken over all the 23 Council Secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

“Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.”

Iringe-Koko stressed that anyone with the intention of disrupting peace in the state would face the full wrath of the law.

“While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warn anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them.

“We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.”

With this development, the directive of the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to heads of local government administration to take charge of affairs of the 23 LG council may be kept on hold.

On Monday, some youths in the Degema LG of the state took over the council headquarters and locked the entrance as LG chairmen in the state under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria vowed to remain in office, citing the Local Government Amendment Law by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 House of Assembly members empowering them to extend their tenure by six months.

It’s disheartening hearing Tinubu mocking fellow citizens -LP

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It's disheartening hearing Tinubu mocking fellow citizens -LP

The leadership of the Labour Party on Tuesday, said it was disappointed by President Bola Tinubu’s consistent appeal for Nigerians to be patient, with the usual excuse of inheriting a near-comatose economy.

The opposition party, however, stated that it was not surprised as any government that ‘unleashed excruciating poverty’ on the masses for over a year will always struggle to come up with innumerable excuses to cover up its inadequacies.

The National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ifoh said they found it disheartening that the government cannot even spare a moment to consider the sufferings of Nigerians in the past year of the current administration.

According to him, the show of opulence and humongous money expended on projects such as the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima’s lodge and the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway are insensitive to the average Nigerian.

He said, “It was, to say the least, disheartening to hear Mr. President mock his fellow citizens by saying Nigerians are not the only ones facing poverty. Assuming but not conceding that what he said is true, Nigerians who are at the receiving end of his harsh economic policies don’t need to be reminded about the pain and hunger they have been forced to live with by the very people who put them in that situation in the first place.

“Maybe this administration needs to be reminded that it was elected to reduce if not eliminate poverty, hunger and disease. But what we have seen is an obsession with opulence. We are yet to get over the billions appropriated for the renovation of the President and Vice President’s lodges, now we hear they want new jets to join the Presidential fleet.

“Our schools and health institutions are on their knees, the same government claims it cannot afford to pay public servants a living wage but has enough to make itself comfortable at the expense of the suffering masses.”

He added, “Mr. President, we implore you to uphold the constitution you swore to protect. The constitution says the security and welfare of the populace shall be the primary purpose of the existence of your government. Enough is this mockery.”

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