Cote D’Ivoire win AFCON 2023, defeat Nigeria 2-1.

Cote D’Ivoire win AFCON 2023, defeat Nigeria 2-1

The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire have won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 on Sunday.

Nigeria looked set to repeat their 1-0 victory over the Ivorians here at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium during the group stage when captain William Troost-Ekong -– who had netted a penalty to decide that first meeting -– rose to head in the opener late in the first half.

However, Franck Kessie equalised just after the hour mark and Haller turned in Simon Adingra’s cross in the 81st minute to spark wild celebrations among the sea of orange in the Abidjan stands.

Ivory Coast’s success sees them add this year’s title to those claimed in 1992 and 2015, while this win also allows them to join Nigeria on three Cup of Nations triumphs overall.

Only Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana have won the title more often, with the Super Eagles squandering the opportunity to match their Ghanaian rivals on four victories.

Spearheaded by reigning African player of the year Osimhen, the Nigerians had looked the most formidable team in the competition over the last month.

But Ivory Coast’s sense of destiny was simply too overpowering, as they became the first host country to win the AFCON since 2006.

Didier Drogba captained the Elephants team that lost on penalties to Egypt in Cairo in that final 18 years ago, while this time he was among the spectators to witness a stunning victory for his country.

It is an incredible achievement for a side that was on the brink of elimination in the group stage after losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea on January 22.

That was their heaviest ever home defeat and the Ivorians then parted company with coach Jean-Louis Gasset, replacing him with Emerse Fae, a teammate of Drogba’s in 2006.

They then began a remarkable turnaround which saw them oust holders Senegal on penalties, beat Mali with a last-gasp goal in extra time, and edge out DR Congo with a Haller goal in the last four.

Their supporters packed out the stadium to its 60,000 capacity, with many fans having to watch the game from vantage points on stairways.

Anyone wanting to dampen the excitement levels might have pointed out that Cup of Nations finals tend to be low-scoring affairs.

There were just 10 goals scored in the last 11 finals, five of which were decided on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate.

Indeed, Ivory Coast’s four previous final appearances had all ended goalless before going to penalties, two of which they had won.

This looked set to be another nervy, low-scoring affair with chances few and far between early on.

However the home side then had a great chance on 34 minutes when Kessie found Adingra on the left and his shot was turned away by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

That proved crucial as Nigeria went ahead just four minutes later when Ademola Lookman’s corner from the left was touched on and Troost-Ekong headed in from the edge of the six-yard area.

Earlier in the tournament the Ivorians would have crumbled in such a scenario, but they deserve great credit for regrouping at the interval and throwing everything at Nigeria.

Max-Alain Gradel’s netbound shot was blocked in front of the line by Calvin Bassey five minutes after the restart, before Nwabali turned an Odilon Kossounou long-range piledriver around the post on 62 minutes.

They drew level from the corner which followed that, as Kessie -– whose late penalty had rescued the hosts against Senegal in the last 16 –- appeared at the back post to head into the net.

It seemed inevitable that a second Ivory Coast goal would follow and it duly did with nine minutes of the 90 to play as Haller got his studs to Adingra’s cross and diverted the ball into the far corner.

Behind for the first time since their opening match, Nigeria could not react, and Ivory Coast held on for victory

Tinubu approves establishment of Military Base in Plateau.

Tinubu approves establishment of Military Base in Plateau.

Following the tragic attacks resulting in the loss of over 200 lives across three local government areas in Plateau state – Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate establishment of a Military Barracks.

The Barracks will be located in Miller Farm (Gada Biyu) Mbar District of Bokkos local government area.

President Tinubu directed General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, to coordinate the implementation of this initiative to address the security challenges facing the region.

Read Also: Access Bank CEO Wigwe, wife, son die in helicopter crash

Former governor of Plateau state, Joshua Dariye had made efforts to facilitate the establishment of the Barracks to halt the continuous attacks that have resulted in loss of life, widespread looting, and destruction of property.

Tinubu and the quest to secure Nigeria’s natural resources by Temitope Ajayi 

Once operational, the Barracks will swiftly intervene to address the relentless attacks and killings in Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and neighbouring Nasarawa state.

This initiative is especially crucial following the simultaneous sacking of certain communities, widespread looting, and loss of life on Christmas Eve of 2023 in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi local government areas.

Rescued Ekiti kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers discharged from hospital.

Rescued Ekiti kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers discharged from hospital.

The eight rescued kidnap victims who have been receiving medical attention at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, were on Sunday discharged after a week in the facility.

The victims including five school children and three staff of The Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, who were kidnapped along the Emure-Eporo Road, on their way home from school, spent six days in the kidnappers’ den before they were released last Sunday.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said it was a moment of joy, having the people rescued from the kidnappers and treated by government.

Filani, who spoke at EKSUTH while discharging them, said, “As a government having had them including the children released and having had them properly treated by various teams from management here in the teaching hospital, we would be returning them to their community.”

The Chief Medical Director, EKSUTH , Prof. Kayode Olabanji, had assured the government while the eight persons were brought in last Sunday, that they would be given necessary medical attention before they would be discharged.

Olabanji had said, “They were in various conditions when they were brought in, some of them were so dehydrated, we don’t know when last they had taken water or even food. Many of the pupils were in a panic state, you could see that they were very terrified. However, immediately we brought them in, they had been attended to by the doctors, nurses and the various specialties.

“We brought in clinical psychologists who could work on them to allay their fears. They were given the initial resuscitations including rehydration, they were given fluids, some who needed oxygen were given oxygen.

“After they had stabilised a bit, they were even given food too, now, they are much better, we will still carry out few investigations to fully appraise their situation.”

The grandmother of three of the school children, Mrs Dorcas Ojo, said it would not have been possible for her to remain alive if the kidnappers had not released her three grandchildren.

The woman, who said the eight abducted persons were saved by God through the prayers of the people of Emure Ekiti and Eporo Ekiti, said, “The abductors made the children undergo what their parents had never experienced.

“They (children) were traumatised by the kidnappers as they were forced to trek long distance in the bush, not staying in one location and also not given food to eat for the days they were in captivity.”

Reps push for 5% yearly allocation to NASS, federal judiciary.

Reps push for 5% yearly allocation to NASS, federal judiciary.

The House of Representatives is set to begin the process of amending the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 in the next few weeks.

The proposed amendment is a sequel to a bill set for presentation on the floor of the Green Chamber sponsored by the member representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, Osun State, Mr Oluwole Oke.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act enacted in July 2007 during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’ Adua provided for the prudent management of the nation’s resources, ensured long-term macro-economic stability of the national economy, secured greater accountability and transparency in fiscal operations within a medium-term fiscal policy framework.

A copy of the draft bill exclusively obtained by our correspondent revealed that the House seeks to insert a new section immediately after Section 54 of the Principal Act.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007,” it seeks the insertion of Section 54(a) to “Make provision for the allocation of five per cent each to the National Assembly and the Federal Judiciary in the Appropriation Act for each year.”

In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the House, dated February 6, 2024, Oke who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary, submitted the bill for further legislation to enable him to present the same on the floor at plenary.

While Section 54 of the Act provides that the Federal Government may provide technical and financial assistance to states and Local Governments that adopt similar fiscal responsibility legislation along the same line as this Act, however, the proposed Section 54(a) read, “Notwithstanding any other provision of the Principal Act, the National Assembly and the Federal Judiciary shall each be entitled to a minimum of five per cent of the entire budgetary provision in the Appropriation Act for each year. This Bill may be cited as the Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment Bill), 2024.”

The National Assembly in November 2023 while adopting the 2024-2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper submitted by President Tinubu, had pledged to amend the FRA as part of the steps to address corruption, block revenue leakages and waste of public resources.

At the plenary, the two chambers adopted the report of the Joint Committees on Finance, Appropriations, National Planning/Economic Affairs, and Local and Foreign Debts and noted that “The National Assembly shall commence the process of amending the FRA to enhance the agency’s ability to enforce fiscal responsibility and impose sanctions on erring corporations specifically, with regards to Sections 21 (1) and 22 (1) (2).”

Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake Dismisses Gubernatorial Aspirations in Ekiti State.

Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake Dismisses Gubernatorial Aspirations in Ekiti State.

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Oladele Alake, has unequivocally refuted claims suggesting his interest in running for governorship in Ekiti State. Addressing the circulation of a poster across social media platforms and WhatsApp groups positioning him as a gubernatorial aspirant with the slogan 'Take it Back', Dr. Alake clarified that he has no intention of contesting for the governorship position, neither now nor in the future.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Dr. Alake emphasized that the poster in question lacks his endorsement and should be disregarded as it is deemed fraudulent. He expressed his commitment to his current role as Minister of Solid Minerals, tasked with the responsibility of reforming and revitalizing the sector to enhance its contribution to Nigeria's economy.

Dr. Alake reiterated his dedication to President Bola Tinubu's mandate to transform the solid minerals sector into a significant revenue generator and job creator for Nigerians. He emphasized his focus on fulfilling this national assignment and debunked any distractions posed by unfounded political speculations.

Furthermore, Dr. Alake affirmed his support for the incumbent administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State, pledging to continue contributing to the state's growth and development as a proud indigene.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of Dr. Alake's unwavering commitment to his duties, undeterred by the activities of detractors or speculations about his political ambitions.

The assertion by Dr. Alake's camp serves to dispel any misinformation regarding his purported gubernatorial aspirations and underscores his steadfast dedication to his ministerial responsibilities and national service.

Don’t relent in protecting Nigeria, Tinubu tells Armed Forces.

Don’t relent in protecting Nigeria, Tinubu tells Armed Forces.

President Bola Tinubu has charged the Armed Forces to continue to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity against all threats, commending them for their dedication to duty and sacrifices for the nation.

The President, while speaking at an event marking the Diamond Jubilee of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna on Saturday, assured the military of his administration’s commitment to its welfare, as well as unflagging support in the discharge of its duties.

The NDA was established about six decades ago, on February 5, 1964.

The institution has undergone various stages of transformation in its quest to fulfill its mandate of training officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Tinubu highlighted some of the milestones recorded during the transformation of the NDA to include the subsequent addition and training of Air Force cadets, the successful reunification of the country after the Civil War in 1967 as well as the various short-service military training programmes instituted to fill the manpower needs caused by the Civil War.

Other noteworthy achievements, he added, include the upgrade of the NDA from a non-degree awarding institution to a full-fledged degree-awarding university in 1985, thereby phasing out the Nigerian Defence Academy Certificate of Education hitherto awarded to cadets.

“The government is also pleased to note that the curriculum approved by the National Universities Commission, the regulatory body is sufficiently robust and broad-based to enable the cadets to acquire the knowledge, skills, values, character, and discipline required for effective and efficient service in the Nigerian Armed forces in peace times and in times of crises.

“I understand that other giants’ strides recorded in the NDA include the establishment of post-graduate programs, the creation of research centres and centres of excellence to facilitate research and enable cross fertilization of ideas.

“The consistent academic calendar devoid of industrial disputes and strikes should make the NDA postgraduate school an institution of first choice not only for Nigerian students but also for students across the globe.

“I therefore charge the academic staff both military and nonmilitary to transform the NDA into ‘Nigeria’s Silicon Valley,’ a hub for startups where ideas are not only incubated but also actualized,” the President said.

Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, commended the past and present leadership of the NDA for the quality of military and academic training, which has continued to attract clientele from other African nations.

He said with the quality of training at the Academy, the military was capable of bringing to an end all acts of banditry, insurgency, and criminality that have ravaged the country.

Oyebanji Mourns Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe.

Oyebanji Mourns Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe.

.….Says Ekiti lost a friend, strategic partner, supporter.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed condolences on the death of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Limited, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, who died in an helicopter crash in the United States of America on Friday.

Wigwe, 57, was reported to have died alongside his wife, son and three others in the chopper crash around the California-Nevada border in the United States.

Governor Oyebanji in a statement on Sunday, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the death of Mr. Wigwe, his spouse and son as a monumental tragedy for Nigeria.

Governor Oyebanji described the late Wigwe as a great friend of Ekiti State and a strategic partner and supporter of the state’s development programme. 

Oyebanji described the late Access Holdings CEO as a phenomenal philanthropist, who served humanity eminently with his time, talent and resources and would be remembered for the impact he made on the lives of the people as much as his notable contributions to the development of the nation’s financial sector. 

He prayed God to grant the Wigwe family and the Access Holdings the equanimity to bear the loss and also grant the families of other victims of the crash the fortitude to bear the huge loss of their loved ones.

The Governor said Mr. Wigwe made lasting and unforgettable impact during his earthly sojourn, urging all his proteges to build on his legacies of service and innovativeness as a way to immortalize him.

“It is indeed a sad and devastating news, a tragedy of immense proportion not only to the Wigwe family and the Access Holdings which he headed, but to us in Ekiti State, where he was regarded as a great friend and supporter of our development programme; and Nigeria where he was a shinning star and an icon in the financial sector. 

“Our hearts and prayers are with the Wigwe family and to the families of the late Abimbola Ogunbanjo and others who died in the ill fated flight. We pray that the Lord will comfort the entire families, much more than words can.”, the statement added.