Seven Nigerians Set to Participate in the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League.

Seven Nigerians Set to Participate in the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League.

In Pic: Victor Osimhen.

The draws for the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League season took place in Monaco on Thursday, and there will be some interesting fixtures.

However, more interesting is the line up of seven Super Eagles players who will be representing their respective clubs in the prestigious league group stages from September 19, 2023 .

Samuel Chukwueze will hope to fly high with his seven-time champions AC Milan.

Victor Osimhen is leading Napoli to their inaugural Champions League title. Zaidu Sanusi will once again represent FC Porto, while Umar Sadiq aims to secure playing time with Real Sociedad.

Belgian side RC Antwerp features the duo of Alhassan Yusuf and Chidera Ejuke, while Peter Olayinka and his Red Star Belgrade battles defending champions Manchester City

President Tinubu to address World Leaders at UN General Assembly September 19.

President Tinubu to address World Leaders at UN General Assembly September 19.

President Bola Tinubu will address the 78th Session of the high-level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, September 19.

Nigerian President would be the fifth African leader to speak on day one of the gathering, according to the speakers list from the Office of the General Assembly President,

According to the list, Mr Tinubu will be the 14th speaker out of 20 leaders slated to speak on the first day.

The South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the 10th speaker, will be the first African leader to speak in the morning session of the Assembly.

In the Afternoon session, five African leaders are expected to address the gathering.

The Nigerian president would deliver his statement around 6pm (11pm Nigerian time) to the world leaders during the afternoon session.

"Make Ikogosi Warm Spring a World Heritage Site, a Renowned Analyst Says".

"Make Ikogosi Warm Spring a World Heritage Site, a Renowned Analyst Says".

A renowned public analyst and Social Media influencer, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, known by his initials (ADL), has made an impassioned plea for the Ikogosi Warm Spring to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The spring, nestled in the heart of Ekiti State, Nigeria, has according to ADL garnered worldwide attention due to its unique confluence of warm and cold springs, making it the sole destination of its kind on the planet.

Combined Photographs of Ikogosi Spring. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site of profound cultural, historical, scientific, or other exceptional significance, protected under international conventions. ADL’s recent advocacy stems from Ikogosi’s unparalleled qualities as a global tourism gem.

“Ikogosi Warm Springs's allure is not solely derived from its rare juxtaposition of warm and cold springs. Locals have long revered the spring for its unparalleled therapeutic properties, believed to alleviate ailments like rheumatism and guinea worm. The undulating terrain surrounding the spring adds to its aesthetic charm, making it a visual masterpiece,” ADL said.

In Pic: Alhaji Dauda Lawal, ADL.

ADL, further that the discovery of Ikogosi Warm Spring was shrouded in folklore, with local legend recounting the fateful day when a hunter named Ọ̀gánúngáún stumbled upon the spring.

“Exhausted and parched, Ọ̀gánúngáún

 was drawn to a peculiar water fountain, where he sensed an unusual warmth. His heart pounding with fear and excitement, he hastened to the Oba's palace to unveil this astonishing discovery, forever etching Ikogosi into the annals of history.”

In a special release titled: Ikogosi Warm Spring, Envisioning a World-Class Destination; ADL passionately directed his plea to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, urging him to use his esteemed position and office to officially petition UNESCO, highlighting the invaluable significance of Ikogosi Warm Spring on the global stage.

“As the world turns its gaze towards this geological marvel, the people of Ikogosi dream of a future where their natural wonder gains the recognition it so richly deserves.”

With ADL's clarion call, the journey towards UNESCO World Heritage status for Ikogosi Warm Spring has embarked on an exciting and hopeful trajectory, promising a brighter future for this exceptional Nigerian treasure.

“Should Ikogosi Warm Spring achieve the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it would undoubtedly be catapulted onto the global stage as a premier tourist destination. This recognition would not only elevate the spring's profile but also invigorate the local economy, fostering sustainable tourism.”

“Tourists from every corner of the world would flock to witness this unique natural wonder, infusing the region with cultural diversity and economic prosperity. The designation would also signify a commitment to the preservation and conservation of Ikogosi Warm Spring, ensuring its beauty remains intact for generations to come,” ADL said.

ADL's passionate advocacy has ignited a spark of hope in the hearts of the people of Ikogosi and Ekiti State at large. As they look forward to a future where their beloved spring is celebrated as a World Heritage Site, they eagerly await the response of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and the potential transformation of their cherished Ikogosi Warm Spring into a world-class destination, both preserving its legacy and securing its future.

President Tinubu Ammends Niger Delta Development Commission Board And Management Nomination List.

President Tinubu Ammends Niger Delta Development Commission Board And Management Nomination List.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC's Ondo State Representative nominee, Mr. Victor Akinjo, with a new Ondo State Representative nominee, Hon. Otito Atikase .

The President has equally approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC's Cross River State Representative nominee, Mr. Asi Oku Okang, with a new Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Otuk Duke.

Furthermore, the immedate past Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is reappointed to a second term and will remain in acting capacity, pending the Senate's confirmation of his reappointment.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 1, 2023

Ekiti Speaker Assures Assembly Staff Of Better Welfare.

Ekiti Speaker Assures Assembly Staff Of Better Welfare.

.....Commissions PASAN Building.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye  has assured the Staff of the legislative arm of his readiness to help pursue their legitimate demands from the state government and work towards ensuring better welfare for them.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye made this known on Thursday at his first interactive session with the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Ekiti State Chapter at the Assembly complex since he assumed office as Speaker of the Seventh Assembly.

The interactive session witnessed active participation from staff members, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Bolaji Egbeyemi Olagbaju , Principal Officers, other Lawmakers, and the bureaucracy of the House. It served as a platform for open dialogue and constructive discussions to address the concerns raised by the PASAN members.

The highpoint of the day was the commissioning of the PASAN Building within the premises of the Assembly Complex which houses a restaurant and the Union's administrative offices by the Speaker to the admiration of other lawmakers present and the staff members.

During the session, the Speaker acknowledged the importance of the staff members' valuable contributions to the functioning of the Assembly and  therefore, emphasized the need for their welfare to be prioritized, as they play a vital role in supporting the lawmakers in fulfilling their legislative responsibilities.

In response to the demands for better welfare, the Speaker announced several initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions and wellbeing of the staff members as applicable and enjoyed by the arm of government.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye who on behalf of others members promised to seek the understanding of the Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on the demands, also promised to further engage the Clerk of the House, Mr Tola Esan and other stakeholders on ways to ensure the demands are promptly  granted.

The Speaker while announcing the approval of palliatives for staff to ease the difficult times occasioned by the subsidy removal, declared that the interactive session with staff members will be held quarterly, and assured of the Seventh Assembly's readiness to move the Legislature to an enviable height.

In his address, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Tola Esan congratulated the leadership of the union for the lofty project they have constructed, stating that it was an effort carried out through diligence and prudent management of resources.

Mr. Esan while appreciating the union for being a friendly one, expressed confidence in its leadership sagacity which has ensured industrial harmony in the legislative arm.

He encouraged the staff members to continue in the right direction and be peaceful in making their demands known, assuring them of victory at the end as the leadership of the House and the  Executive Governor of the state are workers' friendly.

The Clerk further noted that the management of the House has been trying its best to ensure staff welfare was given adequate attention and would continue to do so.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the PASAN, Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Gbenga Oluwajuyigbe, extended the association's heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the Assembly for granting its request for an interactive session and official commissioning of the PASAN building, describing the gesture as an indication of the lawmakers' commitment to the wellbeing of the legislative arm of government.

Comrade Oluwajuyigbe highlighted the demands of the association to include Approval and Implementation of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure, (CONLESS); Creation of more Institutions in the Legislative Arm for growth and development of staff; Full Financial Autonomy in line with Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Re-engagement of the disengaged Staff.

Other demands tabled before the Speaker included Implementation and Approval of #10million for the take off of the legislative service Loans and Board as provided for in the 2023 Appropriation Law; Staff Promotion at Due Date, and the Inclusion of PASAN Retired Representatives on the Assembly Commission Board among others.

The PASAN boss solicited the support of the Speaker and his colleagues in the pursuit of those demands to be achieved.

A health talk was delivered by a Registered Nurse, Reverend Sister Emmanuel-Mary Fadiya during the interactive session.

Council Boss Charges Security Personnel To Be More Effective.

Council Boss Charges Security Personnel To Be More Effective.

The Executive Chairman of Gbonyin LCDA, Hon Damilare Ajayi has called on the security personnel working in the council area to be more effective and efficient in discharging their duties. Hon Ajayi stated this at the council Secretariat in Aisegba Ekiti during the monthly  Security and Intelligence meeting.

In Pic: Hon Damilare Ajayi, The Executive Chairman of Gbonyin LCDA.

The Council boss urged the security personnel to always involve themselves in intelience  gathering in nibbing crimes in the bud in the area.

Ajayi told the people present at the meeting that he is yet to be satisfied with the issue of security considering the kidnapping that happened along Aisegba/Iluomoba road recently.

The chairman  assured the security personnel the readiness of his administration to give neccessary support and logistics in a bid to make the area crime free.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of Nigeria Police Force  Nigerian Army,  Nigeria Security Civil Defense, Peace Corps  OPC and others.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE FIVE MILLION EYEGLASSES TO NIGERIANS WITH SIGHT IMPEDIMENTS.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE FIVE MILLION EYEGLASSES TO NIGERIANS WITH SIGHT IMPEDIMENTS.

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Abuja, declared his unwavering support for a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Programme and the Peek Vision Foundation to provide more than 5 million pairs of eyeglasses to Nigerians with sight impairments.

The President recounted how close to home his first intervention in eye health was as he made a pledge on behalf of the Federal Government during a courtesy visit by the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision Foundation and Co-Founder of the Vision Catalyst Fund, Prof. Andrew Bastawrous.

"My first experience was with my mother of blessed memory. She was ill and she could not recognise me. When I intervened, she was treated and given a pair of glasses.

"The next question she asked me was: I have you, and you are able to do this for me. What about those other women and their children who may not have somebody like you to intervene for them?

"So I made a promise to her that I will pursue the mass provision of eye care vigorously and that I would provide free eye screenings and surgeries to people because of that question my mother asked me and because of her passion to see others healed.

"We eventually impacted the eye health of millions of people in Lagos, and you could see their joy over the immediate sight enhancements when they were given a pair of glasses," the President fondly recalled.

Highlighting the pressing need for improved eye health services in Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed concern about the more than 24 million Nigerians grappling with varying degrees of vision impairments.

"We must act now because sight and vision is critical to economic development and growth," the President said, recalling his visionary "Jigi Bola" programme, which was initiated during his tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State in 2001 and provided free eye screening and surgery to Lagosians while setting a new precedent for proactive eye care initiatives in West Africa.

"I am in support of this initiative, and I will encourage the mobilisation of further commitment to see this through and to reach vulnerable people all across our country. Some parents may not pay attention to this, but I will, because I am touched," the President concluded.

Expressing his commitment to the cause, Prof. Bastawrous said:

"Good vision unlocks human potential. It improves earning, learning, and wellness for individuals, communities, and countries."

He shared his personal story and the transformative power of vision care:

"When I was 12, I was told by my teachers that I was clumsy and lazy, but the results of an eye exam explained I had very poor vision. And when I put on a pair of glasses, I saw the leaves on a tree for the first time, and my life completely changed and two weeks later, I was using my first pair of free eye glasses and I saw stars clearly for the first time.

"My grades improved, and the trajectory of my life completely changed, all because of a very cheap intervention that is 700 years old. Had that not happened, I would not be standing in front of you today. I would not be a professor, and I would not be involved in the work I am doing because sight gives opportunity," the Peek Foundation CEO shared.

Professor Bastawrous noted that eye care is still chronically under-resourced in many countries, adding that the estimates in Nigeria show that 0.0002 percent of the health budget is spent on eye health.

"The good news is that President Tinubu has an excellent team in the health sector, and some of them have demonstrated tremendous leadership in the sector. What we would like to offer is to bring our Peek Vision methodology and platform to Nigeria to help unlock resources from multiple sources.

"In the countries where we have worked, Peek in Botswana unlocked 10 million dollars for the school programme, and in Kenya, 17 million Euros. Through the Vision Catalyst Fund, we have secured a donation of 200 million pairs of glasses, and we would like a significant proportion of that to come to Nigeria,” he concluded.

At the end of the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate was joined by the Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme, Dr. Oteri Okolo and the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chukuma Anyaike, as he presented a National Policy Document on Eye Health to the President.

*Chief Ajuri Ngelale*

*Special Adviser to the President*

*(Media & Publicity)*

*September 1, 2023*