ANALYSIS OF COMPLETE SPORTS AND SPORTING LIFE'S COVERAGE OF NIGERIAN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. 

BY: OLAMIDE AKINWUMI JAMES

Sport  is  all  forms  of  physical  activities  which,  through  casual  or  organized  participation,  aim  to  use,  maintain,  or  improve  physical  fitness  and  provide entertainment to participants (Oloyede, Akinsanmi, & Fajembola,, 2012). Historically, sports have been with man as he advanced with time. It may not be wrong  to  say  that  every  sport  exhibited  in  a  society  reflects  the  way  of  living  of  that society (Okpala-Okaka & Mabel, 2014).

Thus, each society has its traditional sports through which they communicate to anyone who wishes to see their culture. Hundreds  of  sports  exist,  including  those  for  a single  participant,  through  to  those  with  dual  participants and either in team participants. Some non-physical  activities,  such  as  board  games  and  card  games  are  sometimes  referred  to  as  sports, but a sport is generally recognized as being based in  physical  athleticism  (Laoye  &  Ackland, 1981).

Sports are usually governed by a set of rules, or customs. Physical events such as scoring goals or crossing a line, first often define the result of a sport.   However,  the  degree  of  skill  and performance  in  some  sports  such  as  diving, dressage and figure skating is judged according to well-defined  criteria.   This  is  in  contrast  with other  judged  activities  such  as  beauty  pageants and body building, where skill does not have to be shown  and  the  criteria  are  not  as  well  defined (Adedeji, 1981).

Records  are  kept  and  updated  for  most  sports  at  the  highest  levels,  while  failures  and accomplishments  are  widely  announced  in  sport news. Sports are most often played just for fun or for  the  simple  fact  that  people  need  exercise  to stay  in  good  physical  condition.   However, professional sport is a major source of entertainment. While  practices  may  vary,  participants  in  many sports  are  expected  to  display  good sportsmanship,  and  observe  standards  of  conduct such  as  being  respectful  of  opponents  and officials,  and  congratulating  the  winner  after having lost (Onifade, 2001).

Sport is more than ever before, commanding global attention. Its influence on world peace, economy, and the development of social relationships cannot be underestimated (Aluko & Adodo, 2011). Sport has the power of influencing peoples mind than any other activities, be it religion or politics.  The utility that fans obtain from these can be considered to derive from identification with a team in the sporting contest and the quality of the contest, on the first point it is generally accepted that fan interest is enhanced by an association to a specific team or its competitors (Mason, 1999).

According to Victor (2015), even  though  Nigeria  has  a  thriving  football  league  (the  Nigerian  Premier  League, NPL)  with 20 full-fledged  teams, a  growing number of its citizens are devoted fans of  teams and players in European leagues and championships. On this note, Newspapers have a vital role to play in the promotion of sport. Through newspapers sports can be marketed and given wider publicity.

Based on the aforementioned statement this raised a question on the functions of the mass media in promoting Nigerian Professional Football League. One of the major primary functions of a newspaper is to inform its readers, provide interpretation to news, as well as provision of entertainment to its readership. These functions explain what the newspaper does, and why people read it. Newspapers help readers become informed citizens and make better decisions by providing lots of facts. Hard news stories, vital statistics, weather, sports stories and scores, and event calendars are examples of items that help inform readers. 

Some newspaper articles help interpret, or explain, the meaning of news to readers. These stories often include the opinion of the writer or newspaper management, such as editorials, opinion columns, news analysis, and reviews are some examples. Newspaper stories provide information that helps readers solve their business, home, recreation, and daily living problems. 

Moreover, National Sports Policy of Nigeria philosophy encourages participation in sport as avenue for enhancement of health, exhibition of innate physical attribute, expression of talents, skills and alleviation of poverty; its vision includes to establish a technically efficient institution equipped with the desired professional manpower, resources, right equipment and well maintained facilities for sports development and participation; and it’s to develop the sports sector to a world class level where it would provide continuous improvement of quality of life for the entire citizenry to the extent that Nigeria would be recognized as one of the leading sporting countries in the world.  Importantly, news coverage and reports of Nigerian Professional Football League are essentially focused on the spectacular carnage they involve; frequency, prominence and direction of the events reportage.

This study seeks to analyses the extent to which the two major sports newspapers in the country (i.e. The Complete Sport and Sporting Life Newspapers) are promoting the Nigerian Professional Football League in their news stories, features, articles and commentary.

Background to the Study:

Daramola (2011) explains that comparative research is a kind of research that deals with how a group of subjects who differ in some important characteristics is compared and contrasted so as to identify possible or probable causes for the phenomenon in which we are interested. Daramola (2011, p.37), stresses further: Suppose we are interested in the possible causes of causal comparative research products, one mode of products that succeed and the other consisting of products that fail. Data will be gathered and test carried out on the subjects to compare two groups or variables. In comparing the two groups, those variables might help us identify possible causes for product failure

The comparative study of sports involves comparing and contrasting aspects of media coverage of sporting activities, coupled with some aspects of sports, especially football, and more importantly men’s football.

Concerning the effect of football as a medium of change, ex-Super Eagles player and football pundit, Odegbami (2016) in his article titled: Use Football to Change the World says: This is a game that had transcended all manner of human frailties and failures – politics, power, religion, race, ethnicity, class, colour and creed... this is the sport that evokes passion, that creates bridges across lines, promotes national unity and patriotism, yet cements friendship across nations, submit everyone to common rules and laws, and ensures healthy competition amongst the different peoples of the world like no other activity in history. (Odegbami, 2016)

The relationship between the print media and sports has become of particular interest to media scholars over the last decade. As the significance of sport itself has grown in a variety of other disciplines, the study of the ways in which media and sport interact across boundaries can be found in the literature on the sociology of sport, history of sports, gender studies, cultural studies, journalism, as well as globalization. The above view is further elaborated by Schweitzer, (2012, p.15): The print media have recognized the power of sport; particularly football for a long time now, as it is regarded as one of the cornerstones of content that is consumed better than anything else. Newspapers are read on a daily basis and this means people are up to date with all the football news, they will also read anything that is written about a player, and be influenced as well.

The mass-media in every society have not only occupied the role of image  makers, they  are  fast  assuming the  position of a mirror  that  can reflect accurately the  image  of the  society  and development there-in. Ferguson (1981), described mass-media as means  through which information  is  made available to  a larger population. He further described sports development as innovations and changes in status of sports over time. 

Enyeribe (1993), noted that one area in which the press has gingered a lot of interest, participation and love for Nigeria is in the field of football. Many believed that the press contributed negatively to the development of football in Nigeria, while others believe otherwise.

Prior to the known media of today, people had to rely on word of mouth and the limited number of literate people to tell them when sports fixtures would take place. With the introduction of compulsory education and the subsequent increases in literacy, newspapers and sports journals became more popular as a way of reporting about sport and notifying the population about an event (Saini, 2015).  Alongside this, came shorter working hours and better transportation to allow people to attend events, which is the introduction of the media into sport in the year 1820.

Also, research reveals that healthy competition exists among the different media of communication, as Television, Radio, Newspaper and the Internet struggle for audiences. The studies conducted by Home (2005); Kane and Buysse (2005) and Lee (2005) cited in Mohibullah, (2014) have confirmed the impact of mass media upon sport.  In the field of sport, competitions are conducted in different parts of the world. It has always been the innate desire of the sport loving people to be among viewers of the live activity or, at least to be timely informed about the progress and result of the activity. 

Therefore, information is the life wire of every society. It is the bedrock upon which development are built upon. Ogundowole et al., (2006, p.2) “information brings light to the darkness (ignorance) in the minds of the people in the society.” The society depends largely on the media (newspaper, Magazine, Radio and Television and lately the Internet) for information consumption, people want to be informed about various events and happenings in every sector of the society and they depend on the media to feed them with useful information. Information is conveyed either as the content of a message or through direct or indirect observation of something. 

Newspaper contribution to the development and promotion of sport all over the world is very vital especially in developing countries most especially Nigeria where football is creating waves. According to Andanje et al. (2013), newspapers are important tools for marketing, publicizing and popularizing sports. The primary roles of newspapers can be summarized to include dissemination of information on sports and educating people on matters of sports. Andanje et al, (2013), believed that the media can be relied upon to develop sports by bringing talents into the limelight, giving recognition to outstanding sports personalities who can serve as role models to the young athletes, highlight problematic and weak areas in sports programmes so that efforts can be directed towards addressing them and attracting corporate sponsorship in sports through positive reporting on spots issues.

Sport reportage requires expertise and skills because it appeals to the behaviour of the audiences and it also relates with the management and structure of sport development in Nigeria. The selection of sports participant or athletes should be from various states in the country. Thus, competitive sports serve as an integrating force and source of socio-political relationships.

The mass media fill this responsibility gap as they report sporting activities and provide the necessary information needed to all interested parties far and wide. Newspapers, because of its wider reach, have become the surest, though the costliest means of advertising products, services and programmes. (Obayelu, 2015).

This responsibility puts them on the move all the time, hunting for facts that will be of immense value to their consumers. Sports journalism in the view of Steen (2007) cited in (Obayelu, 2015) covers writing and reports about materials of professional sports. Sport journalism in print medium provides detailed previews of upcoming events and post-game analyses in addition to extensive update of game scores, player statistics and teams standings.

Every society has a history and origin. The history of sports in Nigeria cannot be pin-point to a particular date as sport’s is as old as man. In the assertion of Aluko, et al (2011, p.1) sport is more than ever before, commanding global attention. Its influence on world peace, economy, and the development of social relationships cannot be underestimated. It is against this background that most nations have come to appreciate the need to invest heavily on it. Based on this aforementioned, National Sports Policy of Nigeria described sports as physical and social activities done according to rules for exercise, competition or recreation. Saini (2015) identified the classification of sports as follows, Informal sports and formal sports. Informal competitive sports have their origin in villages and their ethnic groups. This humble beginning as entertainment and recreational past-time subsequently developed into prominent phenomenon that could no longer be ignored in the socio-political and economic life of the nation. 

Missionaries introduced formal sports in Nigeria and in the course of history both formal and traditional sports have evolved to be administered by management structures such as Sports Federations, Sports Councils and at the apex, the National Sports Commission. Formal sports organization started in Nigeria at about 1910 with the introduction of Empire Day competitions, which were organized on inter-schools basis. 

The establishment of mission schools in different parts of Nigeria assisted in the development of sports and the introduction of new ones. Though most of the sports were alien to Nigerians, they were welcomed because they served the common goal of recreation, entertainment, social mobilization and promotion of unity in diversity.

Nigeria’s  first  participation in an international competition was in 1934, when the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe represented Nigeria in the 440 yards (400m) at the Commonwealth Games and Empire day competitions in London. Nigeria presented teams for the first time during the 1950 Commonwealth Games in Hamilton, Canada, the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, and the first edition of the All Africa Games in 1965, Libreville, Congo. 

Nigeria has since then continued to participate in these games except the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada, and the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland, as well as the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia because of political reasons that were largely influenced by the Apartheid Regime in South Africa at that time. Nigeria did not participate in the 1976 Olympics and the 1986 Commonwealth Games because of the African boycott of the Games. 

Nigeria could not participate in the 1998 Commonwealth Games because she was under suspension by the Commonwealth. Sports administration and practice in Nigeria have taken a new and great dimension, thereby becoming a big commercial venture and employer of labour. 

The domination of the sporting world by the Russians and their allies coupled with their unique organizational structure of sports influenced the Federal government of Nigeria to directly involve herself in the control, regulation and promotion of sports. The outcome of this decision was the establishment of the National Sports Council in 1962. Administratively, sports is administered at the State level through sports councils and at the National level through the National Sports Commission. 

However, Sports administration and practice in Nigeria have taken a new and great dimension, thereby becoming a big commercial venture and employer of labour. The domination of the sporting world by the Russians and their allies coupled with their unique organizational structure of sports influenced the Federal Government of Nigeria to directly involve herself in the control, regulation and promotion of sports. The outcome of this decision was the establishment of the National Sports Council in 1962. 

Historical evolution of the National Sports Commission is as stated hereunder. The promulgation of Decree 34 of 1971 formalized and legalized the National Sports Commission (NSC) as the apex Federal Government agency to control, regulate and organize sports in Nigeria.

The oscillation of the administration of sports between the Federal Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Commission was a major factor militating against the desired growth and development of Sports in Nigeria. Sports management structure suffered some setbacks as a result of poor or non-implementation of the 1989 National Sports Policy. The promulgation of Decree 34 of 1971 formalized and legalized the National Sports Commission (NSC) as the apex Federal Government agency to control, regulate and organize sports in Nigeria.

However, the promulgation of Decree 7 of 1991 saw the reemergence of the National Sports Commission as a Parastatal under the Ministry of Youth and Sport. In 1995, the National Sports Commission was scrapped and the administration of sports was once again transferred to the Ministry. By December 2006, the Obasanjo Administration reverted the then Federal Ministry of Sports and Social Development (FMSSD) to the National Sports Commission. Prior to this development, the then Ministry had recognized 34 Nations as Sports Federations, Sports Councils and at the apex, the National Sports Commission.

The emergence of football professional league in Nigeria came as a result of bad performance of Nigeria footballers at international level. (Rahaman, 2012) cited in Okpala, (2014). After  the  introduction  of  the  professional  league,  many  clubs  showed  interest  to participate in the league and the then board decided to introduce division two of the league in 1991. The league kept going until 2003 when the Premier League was introduced. However, commercialization was introduced to football which brought in the media into peaceful co-existence with modern sports. Sports are more or less like a business which main goal is to make profit or acquire wealth unlike traditional games which were connected to festival or other events.

The  press  (newspaper  in  this  context)  has  also  played  a  significant  role  in  sport promotion. Having the advantage over other media as the oldest medium in the world at large and Nigeria (Iwe  Irohin,  1859  by  Rev.  Townsend), audiences depend on it for information of coming events and results of past events. Onwumechili (2009) in Okpala et.al (2014, p.14) noted that:

In late 1930’s and early 1940’s when football emerged in popularity, our local newspapers such as West African Pilot and Daily Service dedicated their interest to local football. This action according to him gave rise to nationalistic spirit and the struggle for national independence. Furthering his point, he opined that their nationalistic spirit was short-lived as a result of economic depression that besieged the country. Thus, the media were financially handicapped and they resorted to wire reports from news agencies and transnational media to fill their slots and pages as there was no money for live coverage of outdoor events including soccer.

Complete Sports (CS) is Nigeria’s number one all-sports daily newspaper. It was first published in December, 1995. It is the most-widely-read sports publication in Nigeria. (All Media and Product Survey (AMPS) research, 2008 and 2009).

Complete Sports (CS) is published by Complete Communications Limited (CCL). CCL is the oldest and longest-running sports publishing group in Nigeria. It was established in 1984 but incorporated as CCL in 1987. Other publications in the CCL stable are Complete Football (CF) magazine (established in 1985) and International Soccer (i-Soccer) which was originally established as International Soccer Review (ISR) in 1990. The group had also previously published Sports Souvenir, Nigeria’s first weekly sports newspaper (1984), Climax magazine (1988), Complete Football International (1994) and Complete Football Extra (1995). Complete Sports (CS) is currently the flagship publication in the CCL Group. Complete Sports Saturday (CSS) is the Saturday edition.

The primary focus of CS and CSS is sports news about Nigeria and the exploits of Nigerian sportsmen and women both at home and abroad, particularly the footballers. CS and CSS are circulated nationwide in Nigeria and partly in neighboring countries like Benin Republic and Cameroun. Complete Sports newspapers have the largest circulation figures in Nigeria in the sports category and the second largest circulation in the general newspaper category (AMPS research, 2008 and 2009). CS and CSS are read mostly by young and middle aged males between 13 and 55years of age (75%). Older male and women make up the rest (25%).

Dr. Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase is the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the newspaper and it has its headquarters in Isolo, a local government area in Lagos State. 

Meanwhile, Sporting Life is one of the publications of Vintage Press Limited; publishers of The Nation newspaper. It is a daily sports newspaper established on August 30, 2009. But prior to the afore-mentioned date, Sporting Life used to be an eight page pull-out report in The Nation newspaper. According to the Sports Editor, Mr. Ade Ojerika, the initiative to start up another independent newspaper was as a result of the dubious activities of newspaper vendors who used to remove the eight page pull out from The Nation and sell it separately to unsuspecting readers in order to make double profit.

Consequently, the management of Vintage Press Limited decided to re-introduce Sporting Life newspaper as a daily sports newspaper. Sporting Life newspaper covers both local and international sporting events and competitions. The sports events it reports include Nigeria Professional Football League, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, CAF Champions League, Olympics Games, African Cup of Nations, Para-Olympics Games, Nigerian Premier Basketball League and many more.

In the same token, some sports commentators, researchers and administrators in Nigeria have attributed that Nigeria media gives more coverage to English Premier League (EPL), matches than the Nigeria Professional Football League matches in terms of quality and quantity. Hence, this study aim to analyse and assess the coverage of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), by this two major sport newspapers- Complete Sports and Sporting Life Newspapers and their contribution to Sports development in Nigeria. 

Significance of the Study

There is no doubt about the fact that sports have become part and parcel of our modern society. Therefore, this research study is of great importance to the generality of Nigerians who want to venture into the practice of sports journalism, or own, and operate media houses that are purely to develop the nation’s sporting sector.

Similarly, this research study also serves as a means of finding out the level of coverage given to sporting events in Nigeria sports newspapers, with a view to establishing sport journalism as an important genre of journalism giving the increasing value of sport in our society.

Furthermore, this study will be relevant to other researchers as it will be providing the opportunity to know more on the benefits or otherwise of sports journalism and media coverage of sporting events as well as local talent promotion and exposure through sports in Nigeria.

Policy makers in the sporting sector will find the outcome of this research work useful for future sports planning policies. The possible recommendations made will be very useful to sports administrators and management of the various sporting associations or bodies in the country.

It will bring to the consciousness of the governments at all levels, the reasons for developing local sports instead of paying more attention on the foreign leagues.

 

IMPARTS OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ON STUDENTS

BY: OLAMIDE AKINWUMI

 “All study no play makes Jack a dumb boy ” – This is a perfect statement for those who think extracurricular activities are no good while studying.

“Not all students can equally score great in academic work. Similarly, it is important to make them feel like they are capable of doing something.” Akinwumi Olamide 2021.

A student should study well but not focus only on it, rather he should also participate in other extracurricular activities.

THE CONCEPT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extracurricular activities are the activities which do not fall under the school or college curriculum but helps in developing the skills and abilities of students. An extracurricular activity is that activity which does not relate to the professional life based on degrees. These extra activities are more beneficial when the children are enrolled in it sooner based on their interests.

For example, these activities play an important role in shaping and directing the passion and interest of the students, apart from the degree courses.

Extracurricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education

By taking part you'll build long-lasting friendships and connections, meet students from different backgrounds, and gain transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, problem solving and time management. It will also improve your confidence.

SOME OF THE  EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE:

·        Student Government(UNIONISM)

·        Cultural Clubs

·        Academic Teams and Clubs

·        Volunteer Work

·        Debate group

·        Student Newspaper

·        Arts club

• English society
• Sports
• Entrepreneurship
• Robotics
• Tutoring

·        Part-time Job

·        Internships

·        Athletics

LET US LOOK AT A FEW EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES BENEFITS.

1. Time management is the key to success:

Time management has always been the #1 problem in the lives of many people. However, there are a few people who manage time like a pro. As a fact, they take time management as a key to success.

Various successful people have opted for extracurricular activities, which benefited them in learning time management. With extracurricular activities in the schedule of the students, they not only enhance the inborn talent but also learn the “how’s” and “when’s” which refers to prioritizing things.

Time management requires the capability of opting to work important things first with efficiency. Thus, extracurricular activities are the best practices that enable students to manage time effectively.

2. Self-exploration with the diversity of talents:

Piano lessons, violin lessons, singing, western-style dancing, writing, classical dancing, skating, ice skating, skateboarding, cheerleading, sports activities, etc are some of the extracurricular activities that high schoolers opt for.

If you are an observant person, you must have noticed that these talents have great diversity. The amount of variety provides options that are more diverse. This gives the perfect platform to students to understand and explore themselves.

Tertiary institution is the learning therefore, Self-discoveries can prepare them to face the challenges in their lives.

3. Enhances the ability to fulfill commitments:

The ability to hold on to a commitment is as important as making a commitment in the first place.

Today’s corporate sectors require candidates who are committed to their career and promise an outstanding development for the company within the company. Thus, it is important for today’s generation to develop the ability to fulfill its commitments.

Extracurricular activity is the best method to develop this ability. The students dedicate their time and manage to complete both the school work as well as the activity work. This helps them on the longer run.

4. Personal growth and development:

Have you ever noticed those children who adorably take care of their friends?

How do you think they started thinking about someone else?

They developed that attitude gradually with time. However, you can accelerate the learning of this attitude by enrolling your child in extracurricular activities.

In extracurricular activities, they get a chance to be involved in the group with their peers. Moreover, they learn sharing and caring, all at once.

5. Improves the confidence and esteem of the students:

Recent studies show that teenagers face a lack of confidence when they feel that they are good at nothing.

Not all students can equally score great in academic work. Similarly, it is important to make them feel like they are capable of doing something.

Academic grades are not the end of the world. They need to realize that they are talented. This is only possible when you enroll them in an extracurricular activity of their choice. This will not only boost the self-confidence but also build their esteem.

Moreover, working on something of their choice gives them the opportunity to master their talent. So, the purpose of extracurricular activities is to bring out the hidden unique talent of the child.

There are innumerable benefits of participating in extracurricular activities. Although the negative points might never outnumber the importance of extracurricular activities, one should not neglect the bane of such.

Disadvantages of Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities are the best way to enhance the learning experience of school-going students. Schools, nowadays, provide various opportunities for the students to enhance their talents.

However, the disadvantages of extracurricular activities includes the followings:

·       Time management and commitments.

·       Conscious or unconscious denial of priorities:

·       Too many schedules in short time:

·       Tiredness and frustration:

·       Extra expenses in the schedule

Extracurricular activities are vital and essential for the better development of the children/students. Moreover, even studies have proved the role of extracurricular activities in education creates a positive change in the students. It reduces the number of dropouts from the school, also lessens the odds of criminal offenses. Moreover, it indirectly gives an appropriate mindset that helps in focusing on the betterment of one.

Moreover, the drawbacks also have loops in them, which enable you to create a solution against it. It is an overall solution to the various problems faced by the children. Also, it is a perfect ‘trial and error‘ learning ground for the learners.

 

FESSU National House of Senate celebrates with our Muslim brothers and sisters

According to the statement released from the office of her Senate President, Comrade Oluwatosin Jeje,  admonished religious leader to be a peacemaker.

"religious leaders to always preach peaceful coexistence among their followers to enhance good neighbourliness and citizenry. "

Press statement. 

20/July/2021

FESSU National House of Senate celebrates with our Muslim brothers and sisters 

Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice, hence their is  need  to contribute our quota to national development through prayers, patriotism and act of genuine sacrifice to the country and our state . 

This “Eid-el-Kabir  should be celebrated according to the teachings of Islam and Prophet Muhammed, therefore Iet us be good Muslims, love our neighbours, be patriotic Nigerians and shun acts detrimental to the essence of the nation” 

We also admonished religious leaders to always preach peaceful coexistence among their followers to enhance good neighbourliness and citizenry. 

As we mark thiy year Eid-el-Kabir, let us celebrate peacefully and do well to observe all the safety protocols of covid 19. FESSU National House of senate is determined and committed to our legislative duties and to also put the interest of  the generality Ekiti state students first in all we do just like before. 

We hereby wish all Ekiti state students journey mercies as they travel to and fro  school in this season of celebration. 

Once again Happy Eid Mubarak!!! Many more to celebrate inshallah. Allahumo Ameen

Signed: *Sen. Oluwatosin, Jeje*

 _FESSU National Senate President._

Brought to you by: Comrade Olamide Akinwumi

_Chief Press Secretary to the House of Senate.

Community news

*Nine years electricity blackout: Gbonyin youth cries out*

By Johnson Aderopo, Olamide Akinwumi

The youth in Gbonyin  Local government area of Ekiti state, has expressed worried over nine years of epileptic power supply in the local government.

The youths in the communique stetement issued on Wednesday, 7th of July 2021, cried out for immediate intervention from the state government.

According to the Coordinator Nigeria Youth council Gbonyin local government chapter, Mr. Fajembola Oluwaseun
"It's exactly nine years now since the local government had power supply from the national grid.
"I think it's high time our elders, Kings and stakeholders meet to deliberate on what to do in order to light up our towns"

He added that, "the effect of power outrage on our youth and students has forced migration of our youths and students outside the local government area which has in many ways affected the socio-economic development of the towns.
"the lack of electricity has led to poor academic performance of our youths and students because it's difficult for them to access educational materials on-line".

He further stated the disadvantages of not having effective power supply in the local government area.

He said, "socioeconomic development of our towns too has been affected because of the inability of our people to partake in the wealth that abounds in e-commerce. In today's global economy, anyone can trade from any corner of the globe with others in other parts of the planet via electronic commerce (e-commerce).

"Men of the underworld take advantage of the power outage to commit all forms of crimes ranging from burglary to rape and kidnapping".

However,  Fajembola, laments on the economic hardship the blackout have cause to the youths in the region.
According to him, "hard learned income of our youths and even parents are spent on purchase of fossil fuel to power generators and this has to stop.

"Most of our youths have been through thick and thin as regards electronic registration and related matters and  we don't have any ICT Centre in Gbonyin because of power outage, our students and youth cannot engage in online learning and seminars due to the power outage and this has led to redundancy and poor intellectual development amongst our students and youths".

However, Mr. Fajembola, appeal to the state government led by His excellence, Governor John Olukayode Fayemi, to come to their rescue in the region.

sports

My agenda is to improve and standardized AAUA sporting activities through innovation and creativity:

If peraveture I emerged, I will eradicate the sports gender inequality in AAUA sports--Paul Zicco.

23rd May, 2021: interview by: Olamide Akinwumi

As AAUA Student Union government comes closer, various Aspirants are coming up to roll out their agendas and market their ideas to the students. 

Our correspondent had an interactive session with Paul Zicco, who is aspiring for the position of AAUASU009.

According to him, "my angeda is unique which aim to improved and standardized AAUA sporting activities through creativity and innovation. 

To effectively and efficiently bring back the lost sporting methods with welfarism been acquired some sessions back, he explained." 

He further described sports as physical activity that brings joys and happiness through entertainment that's necessary in an institutions.

" To me, sports is all forms of usually competitive physical activity, through which every participants derives enjoyment, financial benefits and body fitness.

He continued, Sports is emotional and passionate.

Like football, which is known to be the world most popular sports activity in numbers of participants and spectators.

Also basketball, which is commonly played of five players each, opposing one another. Sports is fun, he explained."

He moves further to tell us about is current position as a Union leader

"Well, my experiences so far been a sportsman started when I was a primary pupil where I represented my school and my community in a football and race competition till my secondary education. 

I have also acquired so much knowledge been a captain of my departmental level team right from 100l till this present time, winning so many competition (HOD'S cup 3 times in a role 100 - 300, winning SUG freshers game 2017/18, VC's cup, sports awards and others.

He continued, "Also serving as the current Director of sports of the biggest and brilliant faculty on campus Social and management science's (SOMASSA).

In which with all this, I believe can make me outstanding amidst my peers and counterparts. 

He made it cleared about the new plan of unveiling a new personal football Jersey for his faculty; social and management science's.

 

He said,  "By Special grace of God, In a week time, my faculty football team will be launching a new personal football jersey.

He added, "brain behind this was actually my suggestion  which was collectively agreed on by our players because we are having a football match with the School of Management Technology of Federal University of Technology(FUTA).

He started further that, something need to be done on the issue of gender inequality in AAUA sports.

He said, "gender inequality in AAUA sports is a serious issue that need serious attention with a profer solution through a collective supports from the office of the Vice president, and also with the support of sports lovers.

He added, "Through my experience, I have met with some ladies who told me they are looking for Avenue to play ball and trained themselves, this make me feel sober that there is nothing like female football team in AAUA"

However, he promised to transformed AAUA sports through his leadership style.

"I have a visionary leadership style because I believe am persistent and bold, strategic, risk taking, inspirational, optimistic, innovative and magnetic. 

I love to encourage and inspire others, especially athletes.

He added, "apart from my budget, i am bringing out an initiative methods which will make me achieve more of my plans. 

"For instance, I Have been working with some private and public enterprises such as (banks, public organizations etc ) with the sole aim of bringing them down to the institutions to organise and sponsor sports events and competitions, he explained. "

He further awake the students of his faculty: social and management science's, to gear up and prepare for a lot of sports activities coming up in this semester. 

He said, "in this junction, I will like to advised all SOMASSAITES to keep anticipating for FYB OLYMPIC and more competition as we are kick starting our faculty Dean's cup in a week time."

I'm Olatuja Oluwafemi Paul, politically known on campus as Comrade Paul Zicco from the department of Accounting, 300level, vying for the position of AAUA sports director.

Sports

God directs me to contest for ESAN sports director- King Arthur

"My sincere ambition then was to contest at the department level for the office of the sport director, then on a certain Sunday in church I believed God spoke to me that he want to fuflil the lion hunger in me sportically at a more bigger level, then I took on the courage to contest at the faculty level"

Arthur Emmanuel p.k.a King Arthur DaLion, Sports director of Education Association of Nigerians Student's, make this statement In an exclusive interview with our correspondent.

*What brings you the most joy, as ESAN director?*

Been able to serve the Nigerian Students in the sporting aspect and also fuflling my campaign promises with our achievements so far

How do you manage to cope office responsibilities with your academic?

It has not been easy because our primary reasons here is for education but education cut across all aspect, so I have been able to manage my time through God and the help of my closest friends the jungle guys(Dr joseph,The Truth).

What Is the Most Difficult Situation You Faced and How Did You Handle?

Well firstly I believe what is worth doing is worth doing well, and it's very common our most tough situations wud be about financial issues because I as a person always want the best and to set a standard but We are pushing on roarly

what have been your achievements so far as the ESAN sports director?

To God be the Glory I have really achieved a lot through the help of sport loving Esanites E.g the faculty president (comr seunzy) and all departmental sport directors we were able to win the Aaua Vice-Chancellor Cup, AAUASU fresher's Cup, successful organizing of the first of it kind AAUA Education Association of Nigerians Student's, (ESAN) EsanOpen, organising of the Esan Fresher's Cup, winning the Just Concluded Inter-faculty relay race and also our on going Esan Dean's Cup(Been the first sport director in *ESAN*  in the last 3 session to organise both the fresher's Cup and the Dean's Cup at the same time after the former faculty sports director, miss Feranmi.

Take Us through Your Journey to the Position of an ESAN sports Director?

It was never an easy ride but I believed that what was destined to be will surely be, my sincere ambition then was to contest at the department level for the office of the sport director, then on a certain Sunday in church I believed God spoke to me that he wanna fuflil the lion hunger in me sportically at a more bigger level, then I took on the courage to contest at the faculty level.

How Do Feel Working in a Position That Exerts Pressure on You both Physically and Mentally?

Well sincerely it's what i love doing working under pressure, it only test the Lion in me, and I have been able to cope cause Lions are not just humans.

Please who are you?

I am Arthur Emmanuel p.k.a King Arthur DaLion A 300level Student's of Religious Studies Education

Described the total relationship between you, your president and your SRC?

It's a very cordial relationship despite the fact that we all have our different office, which should nt be disrespected but we were able to maintain a strong bond for the success and growth of Education Association of Nigerians Student's, (ESAN).

You are preparing to start your faculty Dean's CUP today, what should sports lovers, athletics and the esanites should be expecting from your office?

Always nothing but the best, we have set a standard already we can't go beyound that God willing it will be a success.

In the Dean's CUP, We have the football, atheletic, lawn tennis, Scrabble, ludo, Ps3.

What is advised towards students running away of participating in sports activities in AAUA?

Sport is not just a means of entertainment anymore, it's a serious business now what the essense of been totally serious and shying away from other activities for 4years and yet end up unemployed, I remember a certain ex super eagles player Seyi Olofinjana graduated from LAUTECH but did well in football, let us see all available options as big opportunities, we never can tell which would work for us.

what do you have to say about the change of your faculty name from NEUSA TO ESAN?

It's a better development making all education students in Nigeria both at college and University having a feeling that we are all one, Nation builders and the best set of students.

Sports

History Making: Leicester City wins its first FA Cup trophy, beating Chelsea 1-0 thanks to Youri Tielemans' stunning strike

By: Olamide Akinwumi 

A magnificent long-range strike from Youri Tielemans gave Leicester City their first FA Cup triumph with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, in front of the biggest crowd in England since March 2020.

KEY POINTS:

Leicester had been beaten in all four previous FA Cup final appearances, most recently in 1969.

The final whistle prompted emotional celebrations from the 2016 Premier League winners, who are enjoying the most successful period in their history

There was a real football atmosphere for the first time in over a year as the reduced-capacity crowd filled the stadium with noise.

A landmark day, as 21,000 fans returned to the national stadium after last year's final was played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, ended with emotional scenes as Leicester's Thai owner was invited onto the field to celebrate with the team.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha's father Vichai, whose ownership helped transform the Midlands club, died in 2018 in a helicopter crash at Leicester's stadium.

Leicester had been beaten in all their four previous FA Cup final appearances, most recently in 1969, and it was a goal that will be remembered as one of the finest in the competition's 149-year history that earned their maiden win.

There was late drama when Wes Morgan put through his own goal in the 89th minute to get Chelsea thinking they were taking the game into extra time, only for VAR to rule it out for offside.

Even after a loss, however, the Chelsea supporters will surely look back with fondness on a day when for the first time in over a year there was a real football atmosphere, with the reduced-capacity crowd filling the 90,000-capacity stadium with noise.

Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea dominated the first half but struggled to create major openings, even after Leicester lost their centre half, Jonny Evans, to injury in the 34th minute.

Tielemans's goal will count among the finest to win this 149-year old competition.

Collecting the ball centrally, he pushed forward and as the Chelsea defence backed off he unleashed a perfectly struck drive that the diving Kepe Arrizabalaga could do nothing about.

Chelsea felt there had been a handball in the build-up but they still had chances to get back on level terms.

Former Leicester fullback Ben Chilwell, on as a Chelsea substitute, had a header pushed against the post by Schmeichel. The Dane did even better to keep out a goalbound late effort from the dangerous Mason Mount.

There was late drama when Chelsea thought they had levelled after Caglar Soyuncu attempted to clear a Chilwell cross and the ball struck Morgan before ending in the net.

To Leicester's relief and Chelsea's dismay, however, the VAR replay showed that Chilwell had been offside.

The final whistle prompted emotional celebrations from Leicester, the 2016 Premier League winners who are enjoying the most successful period in their history.

According to the Leicester manager, Brendan Rodgers "It's an amazing feeling, I wasn't aware before I came to Leicester that they'd never won the FA Cup, they'd lost in four finals previous so to be able to give that to the owners and the fans, so special.

"So proud, the board, players, staff, supporters — it is an amazing day for the city.

"Youri Tielemans's goal was like an old-school FA cup-winning goal but also Kasper Schmeichel's save, those are the special moments you need in games," he added.

Tuchel still has a chance of lifting silverware when Chelsea face Manchester City in the Champions League final on May 29 in Porto.