NPFL Gets September 30 Kickoff date, ₦150m Prize Money.

NPFL Gets September 30 Kickoff date, ₦150m Prize Money. 

NPFL OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

Saturday, September 30 has been officially announced as the commencement date for the 2023/24 season of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

In a letter dated Monday, September 25, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer also notified the 20 participating Clubs that the champions of the season would receive ₦150m which is a 50% increase from last season's prize money.

Another highlight of the letter to the clubs is the payment of start-off grants of a total of ₦200m to the 20 clubs.

"The 20 clubs will, as was done last season receive a take-off grant of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000) each to smoothen your operations as the season starts.

"We are therefore expecting the Clubs to as a matter of urgency forward their respective account details to the NPFL Secretariat for the transfer of the said amount as the season is set to commence on Saturday, September 30, 2023", Owumi stated in the letter addressed to all Club Chairmen and General Managers.

On the prize money, the letter read; "after due deliberations by the Chairman and our Strategic Partners, it was agreed that the Prize money, since that is what connotes the true value of the league, be reviewed upwards to ₦150million".

The letter also addressed some of the Marketing concerns and assured the clubs that the NPFL Board would at all times take decisions and enter into contracts that serves the best interest of the league and the clubs.

"Be rest assured that we will at all times be guided by the very best interest of our league and by implication, the participating Clubs", the COO explained while adding that discussions are still ongoing with a company that proposed a ten-year partnership for broadcast rights.

"We remain very hopeful that they or other prospective partners will show up since talks are still ongoing. Any success achieved, will enlarge the economic frontiers of the league and by extension the clubs as we progress", he concluded.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Reduces Student Charges.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Reduces Student Charges.

PRESS RELEASE:

In a rare show of administrative magnanimity, the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have readjusted downward the sundry charges payable by the students of the University.

This followed the meeting the University management had with the leadership of the Students Union on Monday, 25th September, 2023.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the meeting, which lasted for several hours, was called by the University management, after several agitations by the students union for a reduction of the initial charges approved by the University. 

Although the Students Union leaders were adamant that the charges be reduced by 50%, but the University management made it clear that the new charges were the minimum the University require to run efficiently.

Accordingly, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, graciously announced that the charges initially announced have been reduced as follows:

For the students in Humanities, the initial sundry charges of #89, 200 for returning students have been reduced to #76,000  while the new students in the Humanities, the initial fees of #151,200 have been reduced to #131,000.

For those in the Sciences and Technology, the initial charges of #101,200, for returning students is now #86,000 while the new students in the same Faculties will now pay #141,000 instead of the initial #163,200. 

In the same vein, the returning students in the Pharmacy and College of Health Sciences will now pay #109,000, instead of #128,200. The new students in the same Faculties will now pay #164,000 instead of the initial charges of #190,000. 

The statement added that the University management has agreed that the payment can be in two equal installments.

Meanwhile, the University portal is now open to students for payment.

Katsina at 36: Radda lauds founding fathers, seeks support.

Katsina at 36: Radda lauds founding fathers, seeks support.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has lauded the founding fathers of the state and as well as extended his congratulations to the people, as part of activities marking the  state’s 36th anniversary since its creation.

Katsina State was created on September 23,1987 by the then President Ibrahim Babangida, alongside some states

Radda also acknowledged that Katsina has made significant strides in socio-economic growth over the past three decades despite facing developmental challenges.

He further expressed his profound gratitude to Gen. Babangida for his visionary role in creating the state and the vital contribution of prominent Katsina public figures who  advocated the state’s creation 36 years ago.

He said: “We are indebted to General Babangida for his wisdom in birthing our dear state. We must celebrate this historic milestone. Our great Katsina owes its existence to the visionaries who tirelessly fought for its creation.

” Katsina State, despite being one of the younger states in the federation, stands out due to its abundant natural resources and exceptional human capital’.

”Katsina has produced two Nigerian presidents, including a Vice President, and numerous other distinguished figures who have contributed significantly to national development.”

Acknowledging the security challenges facing the state, Radda reassures the people that his administration is working diligently to restore peace and security.

The state government has implemented effective policies and allocated adequate funds to support security agencies.

 Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Babalola to AGF: give Nigeria new constitution.

Babalola to AGF: give Nigeria new constitution.

The Founder of Afe Babalola University at Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to work towards giving Nigeria a new Constitution.

He said in the Constitution he proposed, politics should not be regarded as a transactional business.

The legal icon noted that the new constitution “shall mandate political office holders to treat their offices as avenues for rendering service to the people and not for making money, as well as deemphasise politics as lucrative business”.

Babalola, who spoke at the weekend during a reception in honour of the Justice minister, said: “This is why many Nigerians, including myself, have been urging the government to tackle the fundamental structures that have caused the inequality and poverty in the country.”

The legal luminary stressed that tackling the N87 trillion debt the current government inherited could not be by merely scratching the surface of the fundamental problems besetting the country.

“It is a common saying that when a person inherits a suffocating debt, he does not only lose his sleep; he cannot plan for any capital investment. While the government may be studying the situation, the truth is that Nigerians are becoming more and more impatient.

“The age-long adage is that we should not treat leprosy with the drugs meant for scabies. I repeat that what we need is a new Constitution.”

Babalola eulogised the Justice Minister for his legal accomplishments over the years.

He said: “Fagbemi is a pride to the chambers. He had learnt how to turn things around. Ladies and gentlemen, I believe that with his experience, Prince Fagbemi can turn things around and build a new Nigeria through a new constitution under which politics shall no longer be regarded as a transactional business.”

Reacting to Babalola’s promptings, Fagbemi said: “I have accepted that what I now need is advice. We can’t say that we don’t like the way they do things and leave them. We have to be involved, even though I am not a politician.

“I don’t want to just savour the encomiums of today without looking at the flipside. The flipside is the challenge the appointment and the office has posed.

“The issues before the country are not a one-man thing. People have the wrong impression that it is the Federal Government alone. We must appreciate the fact that Nigeria is a federation. When you talk of a federation, each has to man its post.

“If we must make a meaningful impact, we need to engage these tiers of governments. Let all of us be on the same page to fast-track development of the country,” he said.

Dignitaries at the event included Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, eminent lawyers from the Bar and some judges from the Bench, including Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), and a former Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN).

Credit: The Nation Newspaper 

Ogbomoso: A Historical City Founded in the Mid-17th Century in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Ogbomoso: A Historical City Founded in the Mid-17th Century in Oyo State, Nigeria.

The town of Ogbomoso lies between Ilorin and Oyo Town in the south western region of Nigeria. The town was founded in the mid-17th century by Ogunlola, a brave hunter of Ibariba descent.

 History has it that Ogunlola migrated to the present site of Ogbomoso around 1650 in pursuit of his hunting career.

Ogbomoso (also Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́) is a city in Oyo State, south-western Nigeria. It was founded in the mid 17th century. It is the second largest city in Oyo State and also among the most populated in Nigeria. It is the 2nd most populated city in South Western Nigeria after Lagos and Ibadan. Although the principal inhabitants of the city are the Yoruba people, there are people from other parts of Nigeria and other West African countries who are residents in the city.

 The population was approximately 454,690 in the 2006 census. It is the second largest city in Oyo State and also among the most populated in Nigeria. 

Although the principal inhabitants of the city are the Yoruba people, there are people from other parts of Nigeria and other West African countries who are resident in the city.

Ogbomoso, where the legendary tortoise lumbers about in the palatial grounds of the king, it is almost a sacrilege to refer to Alagba as a mere tortoise. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past.

The sacred tortoise, which was believed to the oldest in Africa, was sick for a few days before her demise on 5 October 2019.

The palace household, Ogbomoso community and stakeholders in the tourism sector are reportedly mourning[when?] Alagba's passage because of the great impact left behind. Plans are underway to preserve Alagba's body for historical records.

The founder of Ogbomoso, Soun Olabanjo Ogunlola Ogundiran, was the first Soun of Ogbomoso. He had 5 sons, Lakale, Kekere Esuo, Eiye and Jogioro. 

He was later succeeded by his youngest son, Erinbaba Alamu Jogioro, who was the second Soun. 

The 5 royal houses of Ogbomoso are descended from the 5 sons of Soun Ikomeyede, the third Soun of Ogbomoso (and son of Jogioro), Toyeje, Oluwusi, Baiyewu, Bolanta Adigun, and Ogunlabi Odunaro. The title of Soun was originally a Baale (minor chief) as Ogbomoso was a small village within the realm of the Oyo Empire. In 1952, the title was changed to Soun and they became recognized as a monarch.

President Tinubu Orders Swift Rescue Effort for Abducted Female Students at Federal University GUSAU.

President Tinubu Orders Swift Rescue Effort for Abducted Female Students at Federal University GUSAU.

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to rescue the remaining female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, who were recently abducted by terrorists.

Condemning the reprehensible act of abduction, the President says there is no moral justification for such heinous crimes against innocent victims whose only “offense” was their pursuit of quality education.

While the President wholeheartedly commiserates with all families directly impacted by this sad incident, he affirms that his administration has a solemn duty to protect every Nigerian citizen, and in line with this commitment, assures the families of the abducted students that no effort will be spared in ensuring their safe return.

Furthermore, the President pledges that the federal government is determined to ensure that educational institutions remain sanctuaries of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, and totally free from the menacing acts of terrorists.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 24, 2023

FG Unveils National Talent Export Programme To Boost Youth Employment.

FG Unveils National Talent Export Programme To Boost Youth Employment.

...Initiative To Enhance Nigeria's Foreign Exchange Earnings.

On the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Bola Tinubu at the weekend launched the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) in a bid to shore up Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings.

 

President Tinubu was represented at the launch by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.

 

The new initiative seeks to position Nigeria as an export hub for talent outsourcing in Africa following the example of India, Bangladesh, Mexico and The Philippines.

 

The unveiling of the programme took place at the Microsoft Office in New York, United States of America, on Friday, September 22, 2023.

 

A number of dignitaries from multilateral institutions and global tech giants joined the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment and her counterpart from the Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on the occasion.

 

Among those who attended were Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, Mr. John G. Coumantaros, Chairman, US-Nigeria Business Council, Dr. Floriezelle Liser, President and Chief Executive, Corporate Council on Africa,  Amal Hassan, Chief Executive, Outsource Global,  Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency,  Adaora Ikenze, Meta Head of Public Policy for West and Central Africa, Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, who joined online, Joel Ogunsola, Chief Executive, TechDev, and Dr. Femi Adeluyi, National Coordinator of the programme.

 

Also present were Ursula Wynhoven, Representative of the International Telecommunication Union at the United Nations, Dr. Armstrong Takang, Chief Executive of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Mr. Charles Murito, Director, Sub Saharan Africa – Government Affairs & Public Policy, Google, Mr. Charles Okochu, Senior Business Development Manager, Amazon AWS, and Michelle Masuzyo Nsanzumuco, AfCFTA Digital Trade Expert.

 

In her welcome address on behalf of President Tinubu, Dr. Uzoka-Anite noted that the National Talent Export Programme is a key national initiative that will serve as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to position Nigeria as a leading global hub for service exports, talent sourcing and talent exports.

 

According to the Minister, NATEP will serve as a dedicated entity to address the unique needs and challenges faced by the talent and service export industry. 

 

The programme will lay special emphasis on enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth through trade in services.

 

The minister further noted that NATEP is part of the strategy towards achieving President Tinubu’s agenda for job creation.

 

The NATEP initiative will target the creation of 1 million in-demand jobs across Nigeria, over a 5-year period.

 

"This initiative will do three things for us as a country. One, it will create millions of jobs for our young people over the next 5 years and beyond. Secondly, it will bring in foreign exchange that our economy needs through remittances from talents that will be exported abroad and those that will be living in Nigeria and working remotely for organisations outside Nigeria and thirdly, it will generate huge tax income for state governments," the minister said.

 

In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, Saadia Zahidi, said NATEP is a timely initiative to address the very important areas of skills and jobs for Nigeria and the world.

 

She stated that the WEF looks forward to partnering with Nigeria on the programme.

 

"This is an important programme that is coming at the right time. We at WEF stand ready to work with the Nigerian government on this great initiative."

 

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who praised her counterpart for spearheading the NATEP initiative, said his ministry would collaborate and support the programme to ensure it delivers on the set objectives.

 

Dr. Tijani explained the importance of talents and in-demand workforce as critical part of the global economic structure, saying such is the reason why leading countries across the world are intentional about attracting and retaining top talents.

 

Other speakers at the event also acknowledged how auspicious and ambitious NATEP is as a national initiative capable of changing the economic fortunes of Nigeria just like India that attracts over $300 billion annually from talents export. The speakers  commended the Federal Government on the laudable initiative and gave their commitment towards supporting the programme.

 

A panel discussion that took place during the event was moderated by the National Coordinator of NATEP, with Amal Hassan, Ola Williams and Adaora Ikenze serving as panelists. 

 

The panel discussion attracted a lot of positive feedback from the participants and elicited their commitment to working together to support the NATEP initiative.

 

The event ended with the unveiling of the NATEP logo with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment indicating to the world that Nigeria is ready to become a global hub for talent exports.