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Joe Biden Debates Donald Trump: What They Said

Tempers and tensions were high Thursday as US President Joe Biden faced off against Republican rival Donald Trump in the first debate of the 2024 White House campaign.

READ ALSO: FG Approves Disbursement of N12.9bn Through BHCPF

Here are some of the key quotes from the evening:

-Democracy –
Biden: “And now he says that if he loses again, such a whiner that he is, that there could be a bloodbath.”

Biden: “This guy has no sense of American democracy.”

Trump, on political violence: “Of course, I believe that it’s totally unacceptable.”

Trump, asked if he would accept the results of the election: “If it’s a fair and legal and good election, absolutely.”

-Abortion –
Trump, on the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the right to abortion: “It’s been a great thing.”

Biden: “It’s been a terrible thing.”

READ ALSO: EURO 2024 Round of 16, Qualified Teams, Schedule, and Venues

-Climate –
Trump: “I want absolutely immaculate clean water, and I want absolutely clean air… I had the best environmental numbers ever. And my top environmental people gave me that statistic just before I walked on the stage, actually.”

Biden: “I passed the most extensive, most extensive climate change legislation in history… The only existential threat to humanity is climate change, and he didn’t do a damn thing about it.”

-Russian invasion of Ukraine –
Trump, asked about Vladimir Putin’s terms for ending the Ukraine war (by keeping the territory claimed by Russia and with Ukraine abandoning its bid to join NATO): “No, they’re not acceptable.”

Trump: “I will have that war settled between Putin and (Ukraine President Volodymyr) Zelensky as president-elect, before I take office on January 20.”

READ ALSO: How To Spend ₦0 Amidst Nigeria’s Inflation

Biden: “The fact is that Putin is a war criminal. He’s killed thousands and thousands of people. And he’s made one thing clear. He wants to reestablish what was part of the Soviet empire. Not just a piece, he wants all of Ukraine. That’s what he wants. You think he’ll stop there?”

-Israel-Hamas war –
Biden: “Hamas cannot be allowed to be continued… And by the way, they’ve been greatly weakened, greatly weakened. And they should be. They should be eliminated. But you’ve got to be careful (about) using certain weapons among population centers.”

Trump: “You should let (Israel) go and let them finish the job” in Gaza. “He doesn’t want to do it, he’s become like a Palestinian, but they don’t like him because he’s a very bad Palestinian. He’s a weak one.”

-Economy –
Biden: When he became president “we had an economy that was in free fall… And so what we had to do was try to put things back together again. That’s exactly what we began to do.”

Biden: “He decimated the economy. Decimated the economy. That’s why there was no inflation at the time. There were no jobs.”

Trump: “Inflation’s killing our country. It is absolutely killing us.”

-Immigration –
Trump: “We had the safest border in history. Now we have the worst border in history. And people are dying all over the place. There’s never been anything like it.”

Biden: “There’s no data to support what he said. Once again, he’s exaggerating. He’s lying.”

-Each other –
Biden: “The only person on this stage who is a convicted felon is the man I’m looking at right now.”

Trump: “When he talks about a convicted felon, his son is a convicted felon… He could be a convicted felon as soon as he gets out of office, Joe could be a convicted felon, with all of the things that he’s done. He’s done horrible things.”

Biden: “What are you talking about? You have the morals of an alley cat.”

-Age –
Biden, asked about concerns over his age: “This guy’s three years younger, and a lot less competent.”

Trump: “I took two tests, cognitive tests. I aced them, both of them, as you know, we made it public. He took none. I’d like to see him take one, just one, a real easy one, like go through the first five questions. He couldn’t do it.”

-Golf –
Trump: “He can’t hit a ball 50 yards.”

Biden: “I’d be happy to have a driving contest.”

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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.

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Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland for terrorism

Simon Ekpa and four others have been 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.

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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.

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Naira crashes against US Dollars

The Nigerian naira has resumed its depreciation against the United States dollar, recording significant losses at both the official and black market foreign exchange (FX) platforms on Wednesday.

Data from the FMDQ Securities Exchange reveals that the naira weakened further to ₦1,687.52 per dollar at the official FX market, down from ₦1,678.93 per dollar traded on Tuesday.

This decline represents a loss of ₦8.59 in just one day, signaling continued challenges for Nigeria’s currency amidst ongoing economic uncertainties.

Similarly, in the parallel or black market, the naira exchanged for ₦1,750 per dollar on Wednesday, reflecting a ₦10 drop from the ₦1,740 rate recorded the previous day.

The sustained weakness in the naira is a source of concern for businesses, investors, and citizens, as it exacerbates inflationary pressures and increases the cost of imported goods and services.

The depreciation occurred despite a rise in FX transaction turnover, which climbed significantly to $173.29 million on Wednesday compared to $128.59 million on Tuesday.

This 34.7% increase in trading volume indicates a higher demand for foreign exchange, which may have contributed to the naira’s weaker performance.

Market analysts believe the persistent volatility of the naira stems from a variety of factors, including high demand for foreign exchange, speculative trading activities, and limited supply of dollars in the economy.

The widening gap between the official exchange rate and the black market rate further underscores the inefficiencies in Nigeria’s FX management system, raising concerns about the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) intervention strategies.

Over the past several months, the naira has been on a fluctuating trajectory against the dollar, despite various policy measures and interventions implemented by the CBN.

These measures, aimed at stabilizing the currency, include adjustments to interest rates, efforts to attract foreign investments, and targeted funding for critical sectors of the economy.

However, the results have been mixed, with the naira continuing to face significant headwinds.

The challenges with the naira’s value reflect broader economic issues, such as dwindling foreign reserves, heavy reliance on oil exports, and subdued revenue generation from non-oil sectors.

Experts are urging the government to adopt more holistic and sustainable economic reforms to address structural problems and restore confidence in the naira.The current depreciation trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated policy responses to stabilize the FX market, manage inflation, and ensure long-term economic stability in Nigeria.

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