We can no longer feed; many FCT residents cry out

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Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), say they are finding it difficult to feed due to the high cost of food items.

The residents also lamented further increases in transportation fares following the increase in the Pump Price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

They spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

According to them, the increased fuel price had left residents grappling with the harsh realities of rising living costs.

The residents said their once manageable budget had spiralled into a daily struggle, primarily due to soaring food prices and transportation fares.

They appealed to the Federal Government and relevant authorities to take immediate action in addressing these issues.

Mrs Maryam Abu, a mother of three, said she often sat at her kitchen table these days with frustration, staring at an empty pot.

“Last year, I could buy a bag of rice for N50,000 and now, it is more than N100,000. How can I feed my children?

“With my husband’s salary barely keeping pace with inflation, I often have to choose between meals and essential household items,’’ she said.

For Mrs Ekaite Obot, a civil servant and a mother of four, the situation is no any better as she said she had not been able to drive to work or church for the past five months.

“For over five months now, I have not moved my car from the garage because I can no longer afford to fuel or maintain the vehicle.

“The times are really tough for my family. All the family expenses have been on me since my husband was relieved of his job as a sales representative.

“I struggle to pay school fees, get household items and feed the family and with this increasing cost of items , I do not think we can continue to survive on my mini income,’’ Obot said.

Another civil servant, Mrs Mary Umeh, while decrying the increased cost of living, said her saving grace was the contribution (adashi) she was doing at work with some colleagues.

“We have several platforms where we contribute money monthly and at the end of the year, we use the money to buy various household items.

“It is almost Christmas now and I do not have any savings, but I am not worried because I know that we will soon use our adashi money to buy some household items.

“I am sure my family will be able to manage the items and I will just need little money to buy other things for the Christmas celebration,’’ she said.

Similarly, Mr Albert Nwakama, a trader, decried his inability to fend for his family due to low sales of his fairly-used clothing business, popularly known as “okrika” or second hand wears.

Nwakama said he used to open new bail of wears every two to three weeks, but in the past six months, he could barely sell a bail of womens’ wears.

“I have not witnessed anything like this since I began this okrika business nine years ago. Many customers who used to buy my goods have stopped coming to my shop.

“Even some of those who used to give me money in advance to enable me open new bails now come to me to borrow money so they can feed their families.

“People are struggling to eat and care for their families and buying of new clothing is no longer a priority for families, thus, leaving people like me at a dilemma ,’’he said.

Mrs Nneka Azubuike, a teacher, said the increased cost of living in the country had turned her into a corporate beggar.

According to Azubuike, every kid from a well to do family in the class that I teach has become my friend because of my selfish reasons.

She said she paid more attention to pupils from wealthy homes because at the end of the day, their parents tend to appreciate her for her good deeds every now and then.

“I am aware this is unprofessional, but I have to take care of my child because I am a single mom. My salary is not enough to care for our needs.

“Also, I taught that with the Dangote refinery, fuel price will reduce and transportation will become affordable in the country, but the reverse is obviously the case.

“The government really needs to find a way to address this transportation issue because it is affecting every sector of the economy, especially food prices,’’ she said.

For a commuter like Ibrahim Idris, the surge in transportation fares was eating eating deep into his budget for other household necessities.

“I used to spend about N400 for commuting to the office every day, but now I pay between N900 and N1,000.

“I am finding it extremely difficult to keep up. I have cut down on most things, yet it is always difficult for me to get to work five times in a week,’’ he said.

Mr Sule Adams, a vendor, said his formerly booming business had now slowed as many families were now tightening their belts.

“We are having a noticeable decline in customers, and some who come to patronise us always want discounts, which we normally oblige them because we want to make sales.

“Most customers, who used to buy goods in large quantities and store in their homes, now buy less quantity. because of the increased cost.

“It is hard for us too; we have to pay for our supplies, and if people are not buying from us, we suffer because we have families also to take care of,’’ Adams said.

Also, Ms Christabel Nicholas, a small business owner, said she was facing an uphill battle as she had to choose between raising prices, displeasing customers, or absorbing the high costs.

“I have had to increase my prices due to the high cost of the items in the market, but my regulars are complaining. It is really a tough decision.

“We need government intervention to overcome this situation because Nigerians are sick, hungry, suffering and dying,’’ she said.

NAN reports that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation report for April showed food inflation increased to 40.53 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

The Bureau, in its July CPI report, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 9.32 per cent higher than the rate recorded in July 2023 at 24.08 per cent.

The increase in the headline index for July on a year-on-year basis and month-on-month basis was attributed to the rise in prices of some goods and services at the divisional level.

Efe Ajagba Poised to Challenge Daniel Dubois for IBF Heavyweight Title

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Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has emerged as a potential challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world heavyweight title.

This development follows the confirmation that Anthony Joshua’s anticipated rematch with the champion could be delayed until 2026.

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has granted Dubois the option of an optional title defense against any top 15 ranked contender before April 22. Ajagba, currently ranked eighth and holding the WBC Silver title, has risen as a strong candidate.

Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed plans for the champion to defend his title in February, following indications from Joshua’s camp that they would not be ready for an immediate rematch.

“Daniel will defend his title in February, and if it’s not Joshua, then it’ll be against someone ranked in the top five,” Warren revealed in an interview with Sky Sports.Dubois, 27, captured the IBF title in September with a sensational fifth-round knockout victory over Joshua at Wembley Stadium.

The win extended his record to an impressive 22 wins, with 21 of those coming by way of knockout.

Meanwhile, Ajagba boasts 14 knockouts in 20 professional fights, with only one loss, further establishing himself as a formidable opponent for the champion.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, explained that the British-Nigerian boxer’s injuries from the September fight, coupled with concerns about a quick turnaround, have ruled out his availability for an immediate rematch.

Joshua, who has amassed over $200 million in his career, including $75 million from fights this year alone, is expected to return to the ring in the summer.

Warren highlighted the champion’s flexibility for his upcoming defense, noting that the bout against Joshua in September fulfilled a mandatory obligation.

“First of all, the fight Daniel had against AJ was his mandatory, so he is allowed a period, which means he can fight in February and he’s allowed up until April or May to make a voluntary defense,” Warren explained.

IBF President Daryl Peoples confirmed Dubois’ right to an optional defense, paving the way for a potential showdown with Ajagba.

Both fighters, known for their impressive knockout power and similar physical attributes, promise an explosive matchup.

The winner of the potential Dubois vs. Ajagba clash could position themselves for a lucrative unification bout against the winner of the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia.

That fight will see the WBC, WBO, and WBA titles on the line, further intensifying the stakes in the heavyweight division.

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You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ—Odoh to Tinubu

The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has rejected his removal, claiming that President Bola Tinubu “can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ.”

Odoh, in a Thursday interview on Arise TV, said his dismissal failed to follow due process and undermined the autonomy of the institution’s governing council, which had appointed him.

“You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release,” Odoh said.

Yesterday, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced that he has dismised Odoh as Unizik Vice-Chancellor as well as the institution’s Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike and also approved the dissolution of the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice chancellor without following due process,” Onanuga said.

Onanuga said the controversial appointment drew the attention of the federal government after tensions arose between the institution’s Senate and the governing council.

In response, Odoh refuted claims that his appointment had violated university laws, stating that his selection as VC had “followed a straightforward procedure” and not “through a press release”

“I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my sack after investigating me,” adding that “Mr. President could have been ill-advised.”

“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure.”

He also noted that his records were validated by the Sokoto State High Court and corroborated by the university’s registrar at the time of his confirmation.

“What some people did was to pay somebody to remove my records from the university.

The VC who appointed me still teaches at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and he wrote my reference letter,” he added.

Odoh also alleged that his removal was influenced by regional bias, stating that being from Ebonyi State, often regarded as a ‘third-class people’ had made him a target.

“I’m from Ebonyi State. We are regarded as third-class people. People feel I’m not qualified because I come from Ebonyi State. People have ganged up to remove me at all costs.

News

Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland for terrorism

Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland for terrorism

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, alongside four other individuals, has been arrested in Finland for terrorism.

A report from Finland states the self-declared Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in exile, was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a statement published on its website on Thursday, the Central Criminal Police of Finland announced the arrests of five individuals on suspicion of terrorist crimes.

The police indicated that Ekpa was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the other four individuals were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.

According to the police, the suspect is believed to have promoted his activities from Finland through means that have incited violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation from the Central Crime Police, stated that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.” The statement also mentioned that four other individuals are suspected of financing this activity.

“Claims will be heard in the Päijät-Häme District Court today, November 21. The detention demands are linked to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, ” the statement added,

All five suspects were arrested earlier this week, and “international cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation.”

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GATEWAY GAMES: All the facilities for the Festival will be ready – Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu

…We are leaving no stone on turn in order to deliver a world class event – Governor Dapo Abiodun
By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

“The construction firms handling the renovation works at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kuto in Abeokuta, the Sports Complex in Ijeja and other venues to be used for the 2024 National Sports Festival will complete their various projects before the start of the event.”

This is the assurance from the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu in an interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG on Thursday.

Honourable Wasiu explained that the State Government under the dynamic stewardship of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun is committed to deliver a National Sports Festival that will be remembered for a long time to come.

The State Government is giving a facelift to the Moshood Abiola Stadium built over three decades ago.

THE FACILITY UPGRADE:

★ Re-Grassing the pitch
★ Re-Laying the tartan track
★ Construction of tennis courts
★ Expansion of the media gallery
★ Construction of handball courts
★ Ultra morden digital score board
★ The VIP section will be upgraded

“Similarly, the Sports Complex in Ijeja that houses basketball, squash, table tennis and scrabble among other sports is receiving equal attention.

The renovation works there has reached an advance stage,“ the Commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olawale Olopade, who until his appointment was the Boss of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), for the Festival paid a visit to the State governor His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta.

During the visit, the Governor said, “As we prepare to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, the “2024 Gateway Games,” in Ogun State this January, we are proud to welcome 12,000 to 15,000 athletes from across the country.

This Festival promises to be historic, with a state-of-the-art games village accommodating all athletes—a first in the event’s history.”

He went on to state that, “We have made significant upgrades to key facilities, including the MKO Abiola Stadium, Ijeja Sports Centre, and Remo Stars Stadium, alongside new basketball courts.

These legacy projects will serve Ogun State and the nation for decades, fostering talent development at world-class standards.”

“Innovations such as a digitized feeding system, efficient transport clusters, and comprehensive support for journalists will ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

With the invaluable support of Premium Trust Bank as lead sponsor, our Local Organizing Committee is working tirelessly to deliver the best Festival ever hosted in Nigeria.” the governor added.

“This event reaffirms Ogun State’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, creating opportunities for the next generation to shine. Together, we are setting a new standard for excellence.” He concluded.

For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, Babcock University, a private university will be providing standard accommodation facilities for all the athIetes.

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Tinubu should be blamed for PDP crisis – Sowunmi

A PDP member, Segun Sowunmi says President Bola Tinubu should be blamed for the crisis rocking the party

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has said that President Bola Tinubu should be blamed for the crisis rocking the party.

He said this while criticizing Tinubu’s appointment of the former governor of Rivers State and PDP member, Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, Sowunmi lamented that the president didn’t consult the elders of the party before making the appointment.

He said: “President Tinubu is the problem of the PDP, he has no business taking Wike from our party and appointing him as minister without talking to us.”

Sowunmi said Tinubu ought to have learnt from former president, Olusegun Obasanjo who consulted the Peoples Democratic Party before forming a government of national unity.

He explained that for the crisis in the PDP to be resolved, Wike should be relieved of his duty by the president and returned to the party.

According to him, once that is done, the opposition party will have the stamina to move fast in unity and clear ambition.

News

CAF Awards: Oshoala Missing as Nnadozie, Ajibade bag nomination

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has nominated Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie for the prestigious 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

The pair, who have consistently showcased their exceptional talent on both national and international stages, are part of a ten-player shortlist for the coveted honor.

Ajibade and Nnadozie were key members of the Nigerian women’s national football team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Despite the team’s overall performance, the duo stood out with their remarkable contributions, solidifying their status as two of Africa’s finest female footballers.

Beyond their national exploits, they also excelled with their respective clubs, further cementing their reputation as world-class players.Rasheedat Ajibade, a dynamic forward, played a crucial role for Atletico Madrid during the 2023/24 season.

Her performances were instrumental in helping the Spanish club secure a third-place finish in the highly competitive Spanish Iberdrola league.

Ajibade’s ability to deliver in critical moments and her consistent goal-scoring prowess have made her one of Atletico Madrid’s most dependable players.

Her agility, vision, and knack for finding the back of the net have earned her widespread acclaim and recognition.

On the other hand, Chiamaka Nnadozie has continued to redefine the goalkeeping position with her exceptional talent and composure under pressure.

The Paris FC shot-stopper played a pivotal role in her club’s qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, a feat that underscored her importance to the team.

Known for her quick reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and remarkable shot-stopping abilities, Nnadozie has consistently proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in Africa and beyond.

Her outstanding performances during the year also earned her the Best Goalkeeper award at the 2023 CAF Awards, a testament to her excellence between the posts.

The nomination of Ajibade and Nnadozie reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian female footballers on the global stage. It also highlights the legacy of excellence maintained by Nigerian players, with Asisat Oshoala winning the Women’s Player of the Year award in 2023.

As the countdown to the 2024 CAF Awards begins, fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await the final announcement.

Whether Ajibade or Nnadozie clinches the title, their nominations alone are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional contributions to the beautiful game.