Home Blog Page 691

Philanthropist partners FRSC to reduce motorcycle crashes in Imo

admin
-
0
Philanthropist partners FRSC to reduce motorcycle crashes in Imo

A philanthropist in Imo State, George-Smart Obinna Unegbu, on Monday, partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps, Imo State Sector Command to reduce the rate of road accidents in the state.

In his address at the event in Owerri, Unegbu said the initiative was aimed at not only giving back to his immediate community, but also promoting safety on the roads as well as checkmating insecurity in the area.

He assured the people of his commitment to continually interface and partner with stakeholders and agencies to ensure development in the community and equally seized the opportunity to thank all stakeholders who made the initiative a success, adding that more partnerships are underway.

He said, “The gesture is done in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Commission, Imo State Sector Command. The essence of the program was to help checkmate the prevalence of road mishaps as well as enhance the general security of the state.

“The safety program had the theme ‘Promoting Safe Transportation For Motorcycle Operations in Imo State,’ The program would be carried out across the 27 council areas of the state.”

Speaking at the event, the Imo State Corps Commandant, Evaristus Ebeniro, emphasized the need for all the riders to always be security conscious, embrace the provided means of identification and be their brother’s keeper to help smoke out criminal elements operating in the area in the guise of motorcyclists.

Over 110 motorcycle riders in Imo State received helmets, reflective jackets and other safety kits, courtesy of Unegbu, who’s Grand Master of the famous Nigeria sports betting company, Bet9ja.

It was gathered that the beneficiaries of the humanitarian gesture were drawn from registered motorcycle spots and associations who are operating within and around Nekede, the Federal University of Technology Owerri, and the Ihiagwa axis of Owerri West Local Government Area, irrespective of their state of origin.

African Games mixed relay final, race of my life – Ogunmakinju

admin
-
0
African Games mixed relay final, race of my life – Ogunmakinju

Nigerian sprinter Omolara Ogunmakinju, who took a break from athletics in 2016 and returned to inspire the women’s and mixed 4x400m relay teams, talks about her motherhood break and attending another Olympics in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE

First of all, how does it feel to be back representing Nigeria on the international scene again after some time away?

It is the aim of every athlete to train hard every day to compete and qualify to be selected to be among thousands of athletes who also wish to be selected. It’s an incredible honour to represent my country on the international stage. It’s a dream come true to wear the Nigerian shirt and make my nation proud.

How did the African Games performance, especially the mixed 4x400m anchor make you more popular in Nigeria and beyond?

Yes, the African Games was a massive platform, and I’m thrilled that my performance has made me more popular in Nigeria and beyond. The response was overwhelming, and I’m grateful for the support.

In that race, you covered about 20-30m to win gold. What was on your mind when you got the baton in second place?

When I received the baton in second place, I reminded myself that the team wanted the gold. When I realised the gap I had to cover up, I thought about how weak or strong my opponent was, so I just kept on with my race pace, and when I saw I was closing it up, I kept pressing on. As we approached the finish line, I gave it everything I had, and the speed and power just took over. It was an incredible feeling of relief, joy, and disbelief, all mixed into one.

Would you call that race the race or your life?

Yes, it is. That race will always be special to me.

When you left athletics after the 2016 Olympics, did you intend to quit running totally, or did you have it in mind to return as well?

I didn’t intend to quit running entirely, but I needed time to prioritise my family, so I took a ‘motherhood’ break. I got married to my husband in the year 2015 and we both agreed to take a break after the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, which we did. God answered us by giving us our first child in 2018 and the second in 2020. We resumed training in 2021 and made the Nigeria team again in 2023. It was a challenging but rewarding experience. After everything, I just decided to try again, and I set a goal. My family was incredibly supportive, and I’m grateful for their love and encouragement. All glory to God for a great improvement. God does things in his way, and I look up to him for directions.

Were there any other motivations to return to the tracks after having your children?

I believed I had run at my best before and that I could do it again. Some women in the sport also did the same and came out victorious.

How did you meet your husband and how supportive has he been to your career?

We meet as friends on the tracks. He has been my rock. He understands the demands of the sport and has been instrumental in supporting my career. Before he quit the sport, he was a sprinter and represented Nigeria at the junior level and won a gold medal at the Africa Junior Games. He also represented Ondo State, Delta State and Oyo State at different national sports festivals.

After your first degree in AAUA, you are now studying abroad. How are you coping in the USA without your family, studying and competing at the same time?

It is the hardest thing I have ever experienced. This is the time I appreciate being around family. I know how it feels to miss your loved one. Studying in the USA while competing and being away from family is tough, but I’m managing. It’s a challenge I’m determined to overcome. I keep telling myself it’s all for a purpose, and that keeps me going.

During your time in AAUA, what was it like to be a student and representing Nigeria? You competed at NUGA and World University Games level, how did you relate with other athletes who knew you as a national athlete then?

As a student-athlete in AAUA, I learned to balance my passion for running with academics. It wasn’t easy, but it prepared me for the demands of competing at the international level. My fellow athletes were incredibly supportive, and we pushed each other to be our best. For as many who met me at the NUGA and World University Games as a national athlete, I let them understand they can do likewise if they are consistent and determined to do both.

Due to an injury, you missed the World Relays, and some members of your team had visa issues as well. How disappointed is it to have missed that chance to qualify for the Olympics?

Honestly, I was so disappointed because I was prepared for it and wanted to qualify early to avoid last-minute rush and pressure.

There was another chance to qualify for the event during the African championships, but despite winning gold, the time wasn’t enough to see the women’s 4x400m relay team in Paris. What would you say affected the team?

We gave our best to be honest, knowing that was our last chance to qualify. I really cannot explain how we didn’t make it but our solace is in the gold we won.

You are part of the mixed relay team in Paris. How hopeful are you about another relay medal for Nigeria?

Anything is possible. We have been working hard to make sure we don’t just participate, and it will be an honour to win an Olympic medal. I will cherish it forever.

Nigerians are still waiting for your individual gold medal on the international stage as well. Are you under any pressure to deliver that anytime soon?

There’s no pressure; I trust in my abilities and know that with hard work and determination, the individual gold medal will come. That’s small for God to do.

Gunmen kill man, burn sanitation agency vehicle in Imo

admin
-
0
Gunmen kill man, burn sanitation agency vehicle in Imo

Twenty-four hours after four policemen and a Point of Sale operator were killed in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area, gunmen on Tuesday afternoon killed a young man at the nearby Orji in Owerri North LGA.

According Metro gathered that the gunmen who shot sporadically in the air, heading to the Owerri-Enugu Road, also burnt an Imo State Government Waste Management Agency vehicle at the Nkwo Orji Market.

When our correspondent visited the Nkwo Orji Market, the vehicle was already in flames.

An eyewitness told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak that the gunmen were shouting, “Stay in your homes.” “Don’t come out during the sit-at-home if you love your lives.”

He said, “The traders and buyers scampered for safety as they abandoned their wares, and vehicles and ran for their lives.”

Metro According noticed that commuters were stranded as very few buses were seen plying that area for fear of being shot.

Reacting to the killing, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said, “The police operatives have been massively deployed at Orji. The situation is under control.

“The miscreants responsible for the attacks will certainly be brought to book.”

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Council probes Lagos FCE violence, school shut

admin
-
0
Council probes Lagos FCE violence, school shut

Following the violence that erupted on Monday, the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Lagos, has ordered an indefinite closure of the institution.

The embattled provost, Dr. Wahab Azeez, revealed the council’s decision to According Metro during a telephone interview on Tuesday.

Recall that the ongoing leadership crisis escalated on Monday when videos emerged showing protesting students vandalising the official vehicles of the governing council members, who reportedly narrowly avoided being physically attacked.

In previous interviews with According Metro, the students claimed that their protests were in response to poor campus welfare and the treatment they received from the provost.

A student, speaking anonymously out of fear of victimisation, sent a voice note to our correspondent claiming that police officers “came and started shooting students.” The student further alleged that the school management had invited the police to the campus.

“During the meeting, they started throwing tear gas. The provost ordered them to throw tear gas and they arrested some staff (members). They were beating the staff (members),” he alleged.

In his defence, the embattled provost claimed in a separate interview with our correspondent that the protesting students were being incited by staff members eyeing his position.

“Those students who are protesting are being instigated by those staff members eyeing my position. For the past five years since I was appointed as the Provost, I’ve never had an issue with students because I was a former Student Union leader and I know what the students want,” the provost told According Metro. This claim, however, was denied by both the students and some staff members of the college.

To quell Monday’s violence and restore law and order, the state police command arrested 32 suspects for allegedly attacking the Federal Government inspection team.

Confirming the arrest via a post on X.com, the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “A team set up by the Minister of Education arrived at the school today (Monday) to mediate the ongoing impasse. However, (the) staff (members) of the college aided by students attacked the team from Abuja, damaging over five vehicles and the Provost’s official quarters.

“Not done, the rioting staff and students also blocked all entrances in and out of the college. The police arrived at the scene and restored normalcy after being attacked with stones and sachets of water by the rioters.

“Meanwhile, 32 suspects have been arrested while men of the Nigeria Police Force from Area Command, Surulere remain on (the) ground to ensure that the restored peace remains intact.”

Revealing the indefinite closure of the college, the provost stated that the governing council had initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the students’ violent rampage, which resulted in property destruction.

He said, “The college has been shut because of the violent rampage of the students yesterday (Monday).

“The council is still on the ground. They will decide what line of action to take about the incident. The rampage has to be probed because they need to know the immediate and remote cause of the crisis that led to the vandalisation of college property and facilities.

“They (the governing council) came to have the inaugural meeting of the council. Since the council was inaugurated, the college also elected its six members.”

According to him, some college staffers were partly responsible for the poor state of the school after they were said to have refused “the college to operate. They didn’t allow any administrative work to take place. They send the cleaners away from the hostel.”

The college is expected to remain closed until the investigation is concluded.

I don’t need ‘big grammar’ to fix Edo, says Okpebholo

admin
-
0
I don’t need ‘big grammar’ to fix Edo, says Okpebholo

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, said he was in the race to repair the alleged damage done by the current administration and he would not need outlandish English grammar to do so.

Okpebholo has faced constant taunting by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, which claims he can hardly speak good English during campaigns and media engagement.

However, the APC candidate, during an interactive session with journalists in Benin on Tuesday, insisted that he needed not speak the English language to solve the problems confronting Edo State.

He said his mission was to bring back Edo’s lost glory and wrest the state from the grip of those pursuing personal gains.

He said,  “If elected by the special grace of God come September 21st, my job is to do things differently and restore Edo State’s lost glory. So we need a courageous leader who will do things rightly for the benefit of the Edo people.

“I really do not need big grammar to solve the problem of Edo. I already know what to do and I need to be active to achieve it.

“Today, Edo State is receiving N11bn in monthly allocation with the debt profile put at N135bn, thereby mortgaging the future of our children.

“At this point, what Edo really need is a panel beater. I’m here to panel beat the state where there will be no thuggery, where the Bendel Brewery will work, where our roads will be fixed, where our children will have a functional educational system with teachers in our classrooms.

“I’m coming as a servant leader and I will introduce practical leadership and govern with empathy as well as love for the people.”

In his remarks, the media consultant to the Edo  State APC Governorship Campaign Council, Kassim Afegbua, said Edo State needed an empathic governor with emotional intelligence.

Bobrisky to regain freedom August 5

admin
-
0
Bobrisky to regain freedom August 5

Controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, will, on August 5, 2024, regain freedom from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, after spending six months in incarceration for abusing the naira by spraying it at parties.

This was disclosed to our correspondent by an impeccable prison source and confirmed by Bobrisky’s lawyer, Ayo Olumofin, on Tuesday.

“Bobrisky will be released on Monday, August 5,” the prison source, who preferred anonymity because he cannot speak officially, told our correspondent.

Confirming the development, Olumofin, who appeared in court for Bobrisky, said, “Yes, it’s about that time for him to be released. There is nothing specific that would be done during his release. I might not go. I’m engaged outside Lagos. Maybe other lawyers will go.

“As I told you, I am not is original lawyer. I just did allocution, for him.”

Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment on April 12, 2024, without an option of fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro, who has now been elevated to the  Court of Appeal.

Though Bobrisky filed an appeal to challenge his conviction, it is unlikely the appeal would be heard before the expiration of his six-month jail term on August 5.

According to an impeccable source at the correctional centre, Bobrisky is due from released from prison on Monday, August 5, 2024.

Bobrisky was arraigned on April 5, 2024, on four counts of naira abuse preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC prosecution counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, told the court that Bobrisky committed the offence on March 24, 2024, at IMAX Circle Mall, Jakande Lekki.

He said Bobrisky, while dancing at a social event, tempered with the sum of N400,000, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same.

Suleiman also told the court that between July and August 2023, at Ajah Junction, Ikorodu, while dancing at a social event, Bobrisky tampered with the sum of N50,000, by spraying the same.

The EFCC also said sometime in December 2023, Bobrisky, while dancing at the White Steve event hall, Ikeja tampered with N20,000 by spraying the same.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed contravened Section 21 (1) of the Central Bank  Act 2007.

When the charges were read to Bobrisky, and asked if he understood the charges, he said, “Yes, I’m guilty.”

The EFCC subsequently applied to review the case by adducing evidence to back the counts,

An EFCC operative, Bolaji Temitope, while reviewing the facts of the case, told the court that: “Based on a special operation to monitor who is in the habit of spraying money at a party, the team visited many event centres and monitored social media pages where naira was being abused.

“During the course of the monitoring, the commission came across a video on social media where the defendant was seen spraying naira notes on Segun Johnson, at a movie premiere.

“The defendant also admitted that he was the one in the other videos spraying of naira at Aja Junction, Ikorodu and the other places.”

After listening to the facts of the case, Justice Awogboro said, “Upon the admittance of guilt by the defendant and the review of facts you are hereby found guilty as charged.”

In his allocution,  Bobrisky, who fondly calls himself “Mummy of Lagos,” said, “I am a social media influencer with over five million followers.  My Lord, in all honestly, I was not aware of the naira law.”

When the judge told him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse, Bobrisky said, “I know, My Lord. I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.

“I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money. I will not repeat this, My Lord. I regret my actions, My Lord.”

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili denied 100m spot at Paris Olympics

admin
-
0
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili denied 100m spot at Paris Olympics

Nigerian sprinter, Favour Ofili, expressed her frustration on Tuesday on Tuesday, revealing that she will not compete in the 100-metre race at the ongoing Olympics in Paris due to administrative failures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee.

She called for accountability from those responsible and voiced her skepticism about the trustworthiness of both organisations.

The LSU Track and Field alumni hopes to be entered in the 200-metre event.

LSU track refers to the track and field programme at Louisiana State University.

Her post read, “It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 metres at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter me. I have worked for four years to earn this opportunity. For what?”

Despite qualifying for the event, Ofili disclosed that the officials did not enter her, marking a repeat of the previous Olympics, Tokyo 2020.

She added, “Please remember, in the last Olympic Games, I was not able to compete because AFN, NADC and NOC failed to release funds for athletes to be tested, which made 14 Nigerian athletes that qualified to not compete. Now this……”

“If those responsible are not held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organisation can ever be trusted in the future! Next one is the 200 metres. I hope I’m entered.”

Ofili secured her place in the women’s 200m event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, According Online reported.

According Online reports that the 21-year-old was entered for 100m, 200m, 400m, 100×100 relay.

Our correspondent was, however, unable to contact the officials of the aforementioned agencies for clarifications.

Ofili, who tweeted around past 10pm, was one of 10 Nigerian athletes declared ineligible for the Olympics by the Athletics Integrity Unit because they were not tested rigorously enough in the run-up to Tokyo 2020.

According Sports Extra, in a July 20 publication titled, “Nigeria’s Olympic Debutants!” mentioned Ofili as one.

Making her debut in Paris, flaunting her sterling credentials of once being in the Top 8 at the World Championships, the athlete is a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, an African Games champion, a former World U20 champion, and an African Senior Athletics Championships champion in the 200m.

Her current world rankings stand at 23 in 100m and 52 in 200m. Her highest rankings are 13 in 200m, 23 in 100m, and 37 in 400m.

In May, Ofili also shattered three records in a month.

Keyamo promises airfare reduction

admin
-
0
Keyamo promises airfare reduction

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has promised that there will be a reduction in airfares soon.

Keyamo said there was a shortage of planes by local operators to meet the growing demand for air travel, saying this led to a hike in fares.

The minister also acknowledged that local operators are facing numerous challenges, including a lack of access to aircraft, maintenance, and repair facilities, as well as difficulties in obtaining foreign exchange to purchase spare parts.

Airfares have been on the rise as the most trafficked route on the network, Lagos-Abuja, now has an average fare of N120,000 per passenger for an hour flight.

This translates to about $83 rise at the current exchange rate per passenger.

However, the minister assured that the government is taking steps to address these issues as talks are underway with aircraft manufacturers to acquire more planes to service both domestic and international routes.

“There is a shortage of aircraft in Nigeria to service routes, which I think is the major problem we are facing now. The local operators are struggling to cover their routes even locally, not to talk of our international routes.

“Lufthansa is coming here, we are not going to Frankfurt, we only managed to get the London route recently for Air Peace, and we are also pushing for them to take us to Heathrow,” he noted.

Many airlines have been having challenges servicing their planes due to the scarcity of dollars in the country.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Qatar Airways raises fleet to 94

admin
-
0
Qatar Airways raises fleet to 94

Qatar Airways has ordered 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, swelling the number of its commercial aircraft to 94.

The aviation company also said it had made another commitment for an additional 40 GE9X engines and spare engines, as well as a long-term services agreement.

The airline made this known in a statement signed by the Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Badr Al-Meer, and made available to The According.

Meer mentioned that the airline had earlier showcased its Qsuite Next Gen, the latest version of the World’s Best Business Class, which will be featured on the 20 additional orders of the Boeing 777-9 aircraft.

The Qsuite Next Gen, he said, included updated features like movable monitors with Bluetooth connectivity, companion suits with window views, larger lie-flat and double beds, lockable drawers, a touchscreen passenger control unit, and more.

“Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft. We, as the World’s Best Airline, are an industry leader and operate one of the youngest fleets, offering unparalleled innovation and quality. Keeping an eye on the future, we continue to ensure that all Qatar Airways passengers are only met with the best products and services available in the industry,” the group’s chief executive officer stated.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, remarked, “Qatar Airways is a leader in our industry, and we are honoured that the airline added 20 more 777-9 jets to its large Boeing order book.

 “We appreciate their confidence that Boeing’s market-leading widebody family will provide outstanding fuel efficiency and a superior passenger experience for its global operations.”

According to Qatar Airways, it currently flies to 170 destinations globally.

Imo monarchs praise late Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu’s legacy

admin
-
0
Imo monarchs praise late Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu’s legacy

Chairman of Mbaitoli Council of Traditional Rulers, Imo State, His Royal Highness Eze George Eke, has described the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as a great patriot of no mean repute, who placed the unity, oneness and corporate existence of the nation above every other consideration.

This is even as the Chairman of Okigwe Zone Global Elders and Leaders Council, His Royal Highness Oliver Ohanwe, hailed the departed elder statesman as a quintessential of humanitarian services, a redoubtable politician and a lover of humanity.

The two monarchs spoke separately to our correspondent in Owerri during which they enjoined the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, not to be deterred by the exit of the political iroko, renowned promoter of Igbo unity and projector of additional states for the South-East.

Eze Eke, who is the traditional ruler of Isi Ubomiri, said, “I feel sad that God took him away at this time, but as Christians, we cannot question God who gives and takes away life. He built and donated a blood bank to the former General Hospital, now Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri.”

Recalling his intimacy with the departed business mogul, publisher, politician and public opinion moulder, the monarch added, “He was indeed a great man who accepted popular opinions on national issues and who placed the interest of the Igbo race, the nation and Africa above all other agitations.”

In his reaction, Eze Ohanwe, a member of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and traditional ruler of Isiama community, in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, said that the late Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader would be remembered for his exemplary human capacity building spirit, projection of national unity, peace, corporate existence, safety of lives and properties of all Nigerians.

1...690691692...2,825Page 691 of 2,825
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv