Erling Haaland is at it again! Norwegian hits first hat-trick in six months thanks to heavenly partnership with Julian Alvarez.

Erling Haaland is at it again! Norwegian hits first hat-trick in six months thanks to heavenly partnership with Julian Alvarez.

Erling Haaland smashed in his seventh Manchester City hat-trick after working up a wonderful partnership with Julian Alvarez, turning a tricky fixture against Fulham into an eventual thrashing. The little and large partnership did not always work well last season but here the Norwegian and the Argentine were on exactly the same page.

Haaland squared for Alvarez to knock in the opening goal in the 31st minute, only for Tim Ream to pounce and equalise two minutes later. Nathan Ake powered in a header to restore City's lead on the stroke of half-time and Haaland made sure of the three points with three strikes in the second half, two served up by partner in crime Alvarez.

It crowned an excellent week for Haaland, who won the PFA Men's Player of the Year award in recognition of his record-breaking season. It was far from a fluid performance from City although Phil Foden was in mesmeric mood and, thanks to their brilliant strike pairing, the champions have four wins from four.

Nov. Guber Polls: Opposition Should Forget Kogi, APC’s Ododo Will Win —Gov. Abiodun, Sanwoolu.

Nov. Guber Polls: Opposition Should Forget Kogi, APC’s Ododo Will Win —Gov. Abiodun, Sanwoolu.                                                  .....Look elsewhere for votes, Kogi not available for other parties, Sanwo-Olu tells opposition.

The Chairman of the National Campaign Council for Kogi State Governorship Election, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on Saturday, expressed the confidence that supporters and national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country will work together and provide all the necessary support to ensure overwhelming victory for the APC Governorship Candidate, Usman Ododo, during November 11, 2023 election.

Describing Kogi as an APC state, Governor Abiodun said, from the reality on the ground, it was clear that there was no vacancy for any other party in Lord Lugard House.

He spoke at the inauguration of the Kogi State National Gubernatorial Campaign Council held in Lokoja.

He noted that, with the inauguration of the Campaign Council, election victory had begun in Kogi State, and commended the
resilience and hardwork of Governor Yahaya Bello, which he said had led to the restoration of peace and security in the State.

“Governor Yahaya Bello’s outstanding achievements in virtually all the critical sectors of the state are visible for all to see and I assure you the next APC Governor will build on these achievements in the interest of the good people of Kogi State,” he added.

The National Campaign Council Chairman said, with the result of the last general election held in the State, it was certain that the APC would beat any opposition party in the governorship poll.

He urged all APC members to join hands in securing victory for the party, stressing that the election was for the party to win with the palpable absence of opposition in the state.

Governor Abiodun expressed satisfaction with the caliber of people nominated into the Campaign Council, describing the election as the first test for President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

Also speaking, Co- Chairman of the Campaign Council and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the opposition political parties to look elsewhere for votes, insisting that Kogi was a no-go area for opposition parties in the November governorship election.

The Lagos State governor urged the people of Kogi State not to be deceived by the rantings of opposition parties, saying there was no alternative to APC, “a party that has the interest of the people at heart.

On his part, the Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, said the people of Kogi State had resolved to stay with the APC.

He said Kogi State had fared better under the APC-led administration, adding that the opposition parties were being driven by those who did not mean well for the State.

In his remarks, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State appreciated President Bola Tinubu for leading the way in the sustenance of the nation’s democracy and promised not to disappoint him in the provision of gains of democracy to the people of Kogi.

He assured that the Party would deliver for the APC, landslide, in the November governorship poll, saying the election “is a done deal”.

He described the APC flagbearer in the State, Usman Ododo as one “who is coming with a whole lot of experience to consolidate on the unity and achievements recorded in the State under our administration.”

Governor Bello urged supporters to campaign based on issues and shun violence, stressing that Kogi State would remain united before, during and after the election.

Sunshinetruth

Minister of Solid Minerals Issues Stern Warning Against Illegal Mining.

Minister of Solid Minerals Issues Stern Warning Against Illegal Mining.

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has reinforced the government's commitment to combat illegal mining in Nigeria. Alake emphasized that the law against illegal mining remains in full force, and those involved in such activities should take heed or face severe consequences.

Alake made it clear that there would be no more "business as usual" when it comes to illegal mining, as the government, led by President [President's Name], is determined to put an end to this illicit practice. The minister outlined some of the measures being taken by his ministry to address the issue.

"We are currently working closely with security agencies to develop a robust and enduring strategy for tackling illegal mining and the unauthorized exploitation of critical minerals in our country," Alake stated.

While he didn't delve into specific details at this time, the minister assured the public that a comprehensive plan would soon be revealed. However, he took the opportunity to send a stern message to those currently engaged in illegal mining activities.

"The definition of illegal activity is very straightforward," Alake explained. "Anyone mining without the necessary Federal Government-approved licenses is considered an illegal miner. Whether it's a state, an individual, or a corporate institution, it doesn't matter; mining illegally in Nigeria is an offense."

He emphasized that this practice, which has persisted for decades, must come to an end. The minister's warning reflects the stance of the President, who is determined to halt these illegal activities that have been adversely affecting Nigeria's economic fortunes.

As the government prepares to unveil its comprehensive strategy to combat illegal mining, it is clear that a new era has dawned in Nigeria's mining sector, one where the rule of law and responsible mining practices will be vigorously enforced.

Killings, Kidnapping In Ekiti Must Stop”-Speaker Cries Out, As Another 3 Abducted.

Killings, Kidnapping In Ekiti Must Stop”-Speaker Cries Out, As Another 3 Abducted.

By Gbenga Sodeinde.

Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has decried killings and Kidnapping in Ekiti,  saying “this is worrisome and it must stop”.

Aribasoye who expressed worry over the disturbing news of killings and Kidnappings in the state in recent time, particularly expressed concerned over the Wednesday’s killing of one of his constituents and abduction of another two persons same day in state.

While assuring that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s led government will leave no stone to stop the ugly incident in state, Aribasoye called on police, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies in the state to swing into action and track down the perpetrators of this dastardly act and as we secure the release of victims.

Rt Hon Aribasoye bemoaned the activities of these  blood-sucking perpetrators of the dastardly act, appealing to combined security agencies to spread their dragnets and arrest the masterminds without delay.

The number one lawmaker in the House of Assembly, who spoke yesterday while  reacting to the killing of one person at Itapaji, Ikole Local Government area of the state, with two others kidnapped by gunmen around 8pm, on Wednesday, described the incident as quite unfortunate and disturbing.

Rt Hon Aribasoye however vowed that the government of Biodun Oyebanji won’t allow any group of terrorists to turn the state into a killing field, assuring that the government will stop at nothing to ensure security of lives and properties in state.

The speaker assured further that all apparatuses of government and security might will be mobilized to resist such dreaded and monstrous  actions that are trying to rear  their ugly heads and make the state unsafe.

The Lawmaker said it was highly traumatic for one person to have been gunned down in such a gory fashion, saying the people of Itapaji are not only traumatized and saddened, but now feel unsafe over such horrendous action.

Aribasoye appealed passionately to the state police command to beef up security around the towns located near Kwara and Kogi borders to ward off incursion from inter-state bandits that were killing and perpetrating hostage taking.

“These actions of killings and kidnapping of people were highly reprehensible and condemnable. How can people be killed in such a gory manner? It was senseless and these  should be resisted by all men of good hearts and consciences.

“I have received reports of how the evil doers perpetrated the act and I know that their action was to make  Ikole constituency 2 unsafe for inhabitants because this could cripple economic activities if the perpetrators are not tamed.

“There have been reported cases of people being feared to go to their farms because of the activities of these evil-minded individuals. This will surely affect individual’s standard of living and income and as well jeopardize the efforts of the state government to bolster the food security status of our dear state.

“Time has come for the state government and all the towns to rally support for the local vigilance groups and Amotekun Corps to work in synergy with the conventional security outfits to upscale their intelligence gathering mechanism to be able to respond positively to the current situation”.

Akure-lkere-Ado-Ekiti road ‘ll be constructed with concrete technology – Minister of Works, David Umahi Says.

Akure-lkere-Ado-Ekiti road ‘ll be constructed with concrete technology – Minister of Works, David Umahi Says.

The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, has declared that the ongoing Akure-lkere-Ado-Ekiti Expressway would be redesigned and constructed with concrete rather than asphalt.

The former Minister of Works, Mr Babatunde Fashola had began the construction of the road in May 2023, shortly before the end of the last administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

Umahi said Nigerians would see more concrete pavements on the roads as it has a longer life span than roads made of bitumen.

He stated this in Akure during a courtesy visit to the acting Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday evening while on inspection of federal roads in the South-West region of the country.

According to him, concrete roads had been tested in several states and it has a life span of 50 years, compared to asphalt roads that would only last for 15 years.

The minister explained that any road construction contract that the job was not more than 20 per cent done would be redesigned to concrete pavement roads.

He added that the importation of bitumen alone was putting more pressure on the naira and with the use of concrete pavement roads, it would be more of local content.

He said, “A very important thing that I must let you know is the introduction of concrete technology in our roads. My argument is that you see a lot of roads that are built on concrete with a shelf life of 50 years.

“But there is no asphalt road here, especially in the South-South, South-East and South-West even if it’s done by top contractors will not last more than 15 years.

”You see jobs that are still ongoing and that is why we are going round and then redesigning a portion of roads that are maybe 10 to 20 per cent completion and we are sure that this is the way to go and it has a guarantee of 50 years.

“Not only that, you find out that we are having so much pressure on the naira, the importation of bitumen is a lot of pressure on the naira. So cement is a local content, and almost everything we need is not being produced in Nigeria.

“Now local content, The high cost of petroleum products and the very volatile nature of the industry is also another point.

“Almost all our projects that were awarded three years ago are due for review, some have been reviewed through VOP (Variation of Price) and so it doesn’t leave us with an assurance that if a project is started it would appropriated for and it could be completed.

“The recently awarded Akure-Ita-Ogbolu-Iju-lkere-Ado road would be redesigned to concrete pavements road.”

The immediate former Governor of Ebonyi State noted that road construction was a dynamic sector as prices of materials needed kept on soaring and varying and despite all, the guarantee for road might not last for the designed life span.

“Let me put it on record that bitumen imported in the 1950s, and 1960s are of higher quality than what we have today so we have a lot of problems on our hands and that is why we are courageous to introduce the concrete road department,” he stated.

In his remarks,  acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended the minister for his zeal on his official engagements, stressing that most of the federal roads in the state were either deteriorated or poorly maintained, while many suffered severe degradation.

Aiyedatiwa called for the dualisation of the Ore-Ondo-Akure road and the need for the rehabilitation of the Ore-Okitipupa area among other federal roads in the state.

“It is noteworthy to mention that the intervention of my boss (Governor Rotimi Akeredolu) is principally what has made these roads remain in their present motorable state,” he noted.

PRESIDENT TINUBU RECALLS ALL NIGERIA AMBASSADORS.

PRESIDENT TINUBU RECALLS ALL NIGERIA AMBASSADORS.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the recall of all Nigeria ambassadors. This was disclosed by the Minister of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

Recall that Tinubu had recalled the country’s envoy to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola.

A recall letter by Ambassador Tuggar indicated the end of the tenure of Ambassador Ishola as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.

The letter reads, “I have the honour to notify you of Mr President’s decision to recall you, signalling the end of your tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.

“By this communication, you are now expected to commence the process of winding down your affairs, and take formal leave of your host government within sixty days and to return to Nigeria by 31 October, 2023 at the latest.”

In a statement on Saturday by his SA, Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister confirmed the recall of all ambassadors.

The statement confirming the recall of all ambassadors read: “Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has clarified that all career ambassadors and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Ambassadors as representatives of the country serve at the behest of the President and it’s his prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”

Hon. Prince Wale Alade-Oba Celebrates Onigede Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II's Milestone Birthday and Reign Anniversary.

Hon. Prince Wale Alade-Oba Celebrates Onigede Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II's Milestone Birthday and Reign Anniversary.

....A Remarkable Tribute to a Distinguished Monarch and Visionary Leader.

In a heartwarming display of respect and admiration, Hon. Prince Wale Alade-Oba, a contender for the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Chairmanship Position, joins in the joyous celebration of a significant milestone. It's the 90th birthday and the 64th year on the throne of the esteemed monarch, His Royal Majesty Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, the revered Onigede of Igede Ekiti Kingdom.

His Royal Majesty Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II JP Onigede of Igede Ekiti State.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Media Consult today, Hon. Prince Wale Alade-Oba, who shares royal lineage with the King pays tribute to the monarch. He lauds Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II as a distinguished, sagacious, visionary, and erudite ruler. The Prince highlights the monarch's wisdom and intellect, which have played a pivotal role in the rapid development of Igede-Ekiti.

Hon. Prince Wale Alade-Oba, Chairmanship Aspirant for Irepodun/ Ifelodun LGA.

This grand celebration marks a historic moment in the life of Onigede Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II. Not only has he demonstrated exceptional leadership, but he has also left an indelible mark on his kingdom through insightful guidance and unwavering dedication.

Local government aspirant, Hon. Prince Wale Alade-Oba, seizes this opportunity to extend his warmest felicitations to the revered monarch. His commendation for the invaluable contributions made toward the progress of Igede-Ekiti resounds throughout the region.

Additionally, the community joins in prayer for the well-being and prosperity of the king, His Royal Majesty Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II, and the dedicated chiefs who have tirelessly maintained order and control within the town.

Thoughts and prayers also extend to the indigenes of the town, both at home and abroad, who have played a vital role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of Igede-Ekiti. May their efforts continue to bring honor to their homeland.

Furthermore, heartfelt wishes go out to all the inhabitants of the town. Their unity and collective efforts contribute to the growth and progress of this vibrant community. May peace and prosperity reign in Igede Ekiti Kingdom for generations to come.

This celebration is a testament to the enduring bonds of respect, tradition, and progress within the kingdom marking a truly uplifting moment in the history of Igede Ekiti.