Comr. Olubodun Abiodun Declares Candidacy for NANS Ekiti P.R.O with a Visionary Pledge.

Comr. Olubodun Abiodun Declares Candidacy for NANS Ekiti P.R.O with a Visionary Pledge.

In a resounding declaration of intent, Comrade Olubodun Abiodun Johnson, affectionately known as Harry, officially announced his candidacy for the coveted position of Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) at the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ekiti Chapter. This momentous announcement unfolded under the compelling political slogan, "Harry is no stranger to leadership: Intellectual Advocacy at NANS, Here We Come!"

With an illustrious political history, Comr. Harry has served in various significant roles, including Former Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU) National AGS, Former FESSU FPA President, Incumbent FESSU National Senate Chief Whip, and Erstwhile Federal Polytechnic Ado, Students Union Government President.

The declaration took place amidst an engaged audience of FPASU stakeholders and Nigerian students, generating palpable anticipation within NANS Ekiti State JCC. Comr. Harry passionately expressed his commitment to intellectual pursuits and a deep dedication to the welfare of students.

In his compelling address, he quoted leadership guru John C. Maxwell, stating, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way," reflecting his vision to guide NANS Ekiti Chapter with integrity and an unwavering commitment to advancing student interests.

Promising unwavering support and dedicated representation, Comr. Harry underscored his commitment to addressing the concerns and aspirations of the student community, advocating for their rights, and fostering an environment conducive to academic and personal development.

Expressing heartfelt appreciation to key figures, including the Rector, the Director of Student Affairs (DSA), and the FPASU President, Comrade Adebayo Samuel Ayorinde P.K.A Prince, he recognized their influential roles in shaping the student experience. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving academic excellence, Comr. Harry laid out his collaborative approach.

As the campaign gains momentum, Comr. Olubodun Abiodun Johnson, aka "Harry," emerges as a promising candidate with a clear vision for elevating the student experience and contributing to the overall progress of NANS Ekiti State JCC. His candidacy signifies a new chapter of leadership, inviting enthusiasm and support for a brighter future for the National Association of Nigerian Students in Ekiti Joint Campus Council.

2024 UTME: JAMB Declares Free Registration for People Living with Disabilities.

2024 UTME: JAMB Declares Free Registration for People Living with Disabilities.

 

The Joint Admission and Matriculations Board has said Persons Living With Disability who wish to sit for the 2024/2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination can register at no cost.

The JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this while rolling out the registration process for interested candidates across the country.

While announcing that registration for the 2024 matriculation examination will commence on Monday, (today), Oloyede said JAMB will issue free application documents to all categories of Persons Living With Disability as a form of support.

“To support the PLWD, JAMB will issue free application documents to all categories of Persons Living with Disabilities in the advertisement for the 2024 UTME/DE,” he said.

Oloyede who disclosed that measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth exercise for all candidates, said audio books will now be provided for all blind candidates.

The registrar said the development was a digital adaptation of the traditional reading book, noting that it will come in popular audio formats such as MP3, WMV, and WMA which will be compatible with all devices that can stream audio records.

He said the suggestion for the provision of audiobooks was made at the first National Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education in Nigeria.

Apart from the blind candidates, other groups to benefit from the free registration according to the examination body are people with Down syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

“The following categories of candidates will now be listed under the disability group: Down syndrome, Autism, Dyslexia disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” he said.

Bwala Expresses Willingness to Accept Appointment Offered by Tinubu.

Bwala Expresses Willingness to Accept Appointment Offered by Tinubu.

A prominent member of the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, who has been critical of President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has expressed his willingness to accept an appointment from Tinubu, should it be offered to him.

He said he would accept an appointment if it contributed to the development of Tinubu’s development agenda.

The lawyer and politician, who met with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa last week, made this known on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme on Sunday.

“If the President makes an offer of a position that I see that will contribute to the development of his agenda because I say I will support his agenda, I will more than anything else appreciate it.

“But it is not the appointment that I am looking for to support him. Eight years, I supported Buhari, I was a public official. You have to separate between those who do not have value and are cringing and crying for an appointment and those who believe the value and what they will contribute has nothing to do with whether you’re appointed or you’re not appointed,” he stated.

Last week, there was a strong reaction towards Bwala for his decision to back Tinubu, considering his previous role as the spokesperson of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 elections, where Atiku Abubakar was the presidential candidate.

As a previous member of the APC, Bwala left the party after Tinubu named Kashim Shettima, the former governor of Borno, as his running partner.

He criticised Tinubu’s decision to select a Muslim running mate, despite being a Muslim himself. He then joined the campaign of the PDP and showed his support for Atiku, who chose a Christian as his running mate, former Delta governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

During Sunday’s interview, the PDP chieftain compared his role as the PDP presidential candidate’s spokesman during the previous campaign to that of a salesman. He described his responsibility as promoting their product and highlighting its strengths while also downplaying the competition.

“As a spokesman, that was my duty. I exhibited what I believe to be the quality to the best of my knowledge,” Bwala said.

He noted in the interview that meeting Tinubu at the Presidential Villa was known to Atiku

“I informed Atiku Abubakar I was going to see the President. After I had seen the President, I informed him (Atiku) that I had just seen the President and he replied me that, ‘Thanks Daniel for notifying me’,” he said.

Armed Forces Day Shows Nigerian War Veterans Are Gallant, Honourable in Death- Oyebanji.

Armed Forces Day Shows Nigerian War Veterans Are Gallant, Honourable in Death- Oyebanji.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that the fact that Nigeria still celebrates the Armed Forces Remembrabce Day annually shows that soldiers who lost their lives while protecting the territorial integrity of the country didn't die in vain.

Oyebanji restated that the celebration is a loud confirmation that the war veterans are gallant and honourable in death while those still in the Armed Forces fighting the battles against insurgency, banditry and other criminalities, are still  being dignified by the Nigerian citizens. 

Oyebanji said these on Monday, at the Grand Finale of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the palatial Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The programme performed by a detachment of men and officers  of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Ondo State, featured mounting of a Guard of Honour, Gun Volley and Laying of Wreaths to respect and  honour the fallen heroes for their immesurable  services to nationhood.  

After the Governor, represented by his deputy, Chief ( Mrs) Monisade Afuye; and other dignitaries laid their wreaths, a widow of one of the war victims, Mrs Esther Bankole, was also allowed to perform similar function.

Speaking at the sideline after the programme, Mrs Afuye, said the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was conceptualised for Nigerians to acknowledge, venerate and honour the fallen heroes.

She added that it was another opportunity for the government at all levels to show appreciation to men and officers of the  Nigerian Army, who are fighting hard to preserve the nation's bond of unity and entrench watetforced security in the system.

Underscoring the expediency of the enormous respect and honour commanded by fallen heroes and the Nigerian Army, the governor said: "We should all bear in mind that in the course of these patriots fighting for Nigeria, particularly during the civil war and while fighting insurgents and criminals, some of them lost their lives or suffered all manners of body disabilities.

"Looking at these harrowing experiences, you can all agree with me that nothing is too much to sacrifice to honour these heroes.

My appeal to Nigerians is that, we must show love, support and benevolence to the families of the victims. 

"And to those who are still in the service fighting insurgents, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals, we must show them love and give other incentives to make them more patriotic in their services to their fatherland. 

"Let me congratulate them, because whatever must have happened to them, Nigerians are still remembering and honouring them, which indicates that they remained gallant and honourable in death and most importantly, their labour of hardwork has not been in vain".

Present at the occasion were: Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habitat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Akomolafe, Deputy  Commandant, 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, Brig. Gen. J. N. Garba , Commissioner of Police, Mr.  Dare Ogundare and other Security Chiefs.

The roll call of attendees included: The Chairman of Legions, Ekiti Chapter, Lt. Col. Abdurasaq Atoki (Rtd), Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro, Local Government Chairmen, representative of Ewi of Ado Ekiti, among others.

Real Madrid thrash Barcelona to win Spanish Super Cup.

Real Madrid thrash Barcelona to win Spanish Super Cup.

Vinicius Junior struck a first-half hat-trick to fire Real Madrid to Spanish Super Cup glory in a thumping 4-1 win over rivals Barcelona on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.

Robert Lewandowski scored for Barcelona, who had defender Ronald Araujo sent off in the second half on what coach Xavi Hernandez described as the team’s “worst” night.

Rodrygo rounded off Real Madrid’s rout as they won the competition for the 13th time, avenging last year’s final defeat by record 14-time winners Barcelona.

“(Vinicius) needed two or three games to get back to his best level, and he’s back to it,” said Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian has now gone level with Zinedine Zidane on 11 trophies won at the helm of Los Blancos, behind only Miguel Munoz on 14.

“I’m happy, but now we’ve got to go for the 12th,” Ancelotti told Real Madrid TV.

Spanish champions Barcelona were hoping a victory could kick-start their season, as it did last year, but were left soundly beaten after Vinicius netted two early goals.

“(I’m) disappointed, sad … this is football and today we have to deal with the bitter side of the game,” Xavi told Movistar.

“We had a lot of hope and excitement going into the final and we’ve had our worst game of all of them.”

Xavi turned to a four-man midfield to try and keep the ball to reduce Madrid’s opportunities to counterattack with flying wingers Vinicius and Rodrygo — it didn’t work.

Spain international Pedri started in place of winger Raphinha, who suffered a hamstring injury in the semi-final win over Osasuna.

Ancelotti brought in midfielder Toni Kroos, who like in the thrilling semi-final derby win over Atletico Madrid, was jeered by spectators at the Al-Awwal Park stadium in Riyadh, for criticising players moving to the Saudi league from Europe.

One of the first was Cristiano Ronaldo and Vinicius’ celebration brought him to mind after opening the scoring in the seventh minute.

The Brazilian, recently back after injury, was sent through by a perfect pass by Jude Bellingham and he slickly rounded Inaki Pena before slotting home.

Vinicius imitated Ronaldo’s classic jump and spin celebration in homage to Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer.

Three minutes later, Vinicius pounced again, this time set up by Rodrygo who exploited Barcelona’s high line and cut the ball across for his compatriot to slide in.

– ‘Reset’ –

Xavi’s side scrambled furiously for a response and Ferran Torres hit the crossbar before Andriy Lunin tipped Lewandowski’s follow-up over.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper could do nothing, however, to keep Lewandowski’s vicious volley out in the 33rd minute, hammered in hard and low from the edge of the box.

However, instead of fighting back, Araujo swiftly gifted Vinicius a chance to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot by tugging back the forward in the box.

Vinicius drilled his penalty into the bottom left corner for his first Clasico hat-trick to double his goal tally against Barcelona — he had previously scored only three in 15 games.

Xavi rolled the dice in the second half with an attacking triple substitution but Madrid soon had their fourth.

Araujo completed a dismal night by earning a red card as he hacked Vinicius in frustration.

Rodrygo was in the right place at the right time to convert after Jules Kounde blocked a Vinicius cut-back searching for Bellingham.

Kounde cleared a low effort from England international Bellingham off the line as Madrid sought another to rub salt in their rivals’ wounds late on.

“We need to reset ourselves and fight for the three trophies we have left,” added Xavi.

“Football is a game of errors and we did not minimise ours and we maximised Madrid’s strengths.”

AFP

Tinubu for Uzodimma’s inauguration today.

Tinubu for Uzodimma’s inauguration today.

Barring the unforeseen, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today be in Owerri, the Imo State capital for the inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma for a fresh four-year tenure.

The event, which is expected to attract political and business heavyweights, is billed for the Dan Anyiam Stadium, in Owerri.

It was learnt last night that the President will, during the visit, inaugurate some projects, including the upgraded stadium road.

The redesigned Airport Road was upgraded from a dualised two-lane to a four-lane highway fitted with street lights from Owerri-Aba Road to the Airport.

Also listed for launch is the new Twin Tollgate.

Uzodimma, who was declared the winner of the November 11 poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is set to be inaugurated following his victory in all 27 local government areas of the state.

Last night, the state capital was agog with celebration with excited members of the ruling All Progress Congress (APC).

The security arrangements have also been made to ensure a hitch-free handover.

According to plans by a committee chaired by Senator Chris Anyanwu, a thanksgiving mass will precede the inauguration, which will be followed by a state banquet at the Government House.

Anyanwu is co-chairing the ceremony with Chief Cosmas Iwu.

Information and Strategy Commissioner, Declan Emelumba, said dignitaries from all walks of life have been invited to the event.

He also said that party supporters from the 27 local government areas have been mobilsed by their local chapters.

The commissioner said: “It will be a momentous event as Imo people are joyously awaiting the ceremony. We are working hard on crowd control, because our supporters from across the 27 local government areas are all eager to attend.” 

Cape Verde strike late to beat Ghana at AFCON.

Cape Verde strike late to beat Ghana at AFCON.

Substitute Garry Rodrigues pounced in injury time to give Cape Verde a shock 2-1 win over four-time former champions, Ghana, in their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

The Black Stars looked set to come away with a draw after Alexander Djiku headed home to cancel out a Jamiro Monteiro goal for Cape Verde at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Majeed Ashimeru was also denied a goal for Ghana following a lengthy VAR check, but Cape Verde grabbed three points in the Group B match as Rodrigues found the net at the death.

It was a fine victory for the island nation, who reached the knockout stage at the last AFCON and put them top of the section after group rivals Egypt and Mozambique drew 2-2 earlier.

The evening was also notable for the second-half appearance as a substitute of Andre Ayew, with the 34-year-old becoming only the third player to feature in eight editions of the competition.

He now shares the record with Rigobert Song, currently the coach of Cameroon, and Egyptian Ahmed Hassan.

Yet of far greater concern to Ghanaians is the result for a country whose tally of AFCON victories is bettered only by Egypt and Cameroon.

However, their last title came in 1982 and they went out of the last edition two years ago in the group stage.

Chris Hughton’s team also came here off the back of a 1-0 defeat to the Comoros in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in November, and there are doubts about their chances of making a big impact in Ivory Coast.

Their prospects in this game were not helped by the fact that Mohammed Kudus, enjoying a fine season at West Ham United in the English Premier League, was missing from the line-up and not even on the bench.

Cape Verde went ahead in the 17th minute when Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori turned out a shot by Jovane Cabral and Monteiro, who has spent much of his career in MLS, followed in to score.

Ghana, with significant backing among the crowd of just under 12,000, thought they had equalised in the 36th minute.

Ashimeru, of Anderlecht, rifled a shot from outside the area low into the corner, just after an Antoine Semenyo cross was cleared by goalkeeper Vozinha and ricocheted back onto the woodwork off Ghana forward Ransford-Yeboah Koenigsdoerffer.

Yet the goal was ruled out following a long VAR check, with the referee ruling that Koenigsdoerffer was blocking the goalkeeper’s line of sight as he came back from an offside position.

Djiku headed in Jordan Ayew’s delivery to make it 1-1 on 56 minutes, and Ghana then sent on Ayew as well as Ernest Nuamah and Inaki Williams as they hoped to find a winner.

Yet their defence appeared susceptible and the goal that won it for Cape Verde was a horror show for the Ghanaians, as Ofori failed to deal with a low ball into the box and Rodrigues converted to spark wild celebrations.

AFP