October 2024 | Page 21 of 23

FG introduces new fiscal incentives to boost Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Sector

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr. Wale Edun has unveiled two major fiscal incentives aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector: •Value Added Tax (VAT) Modification Order 2024 •Notice of Tax Incentives for Deep Offshore Oil & Gas Production, in accordance with the Oil & Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order 2024. The VAT Modification Order 2024 introduces exemptions on a range of key energy products and infrastructure, including Diesel, Feed Gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Electric Vehicles, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure, and Clean Cooking Equipment. These measures are designed to lower the cost of living, bolster energy security, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources. In addition, the Notice of Tax Incentives for Deep Offshore Oil & Gas Production provides new tax reliefs for deep offshore projects. This initiative is aimed at positioning Nigeria’s deep offshore basin as a premier destination for global oil and gas investments. These reforms are part of a broader series of investment-driven policy initiatives championed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with Policy Directives 40-42. They reflect the administration’s strong commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the energy sector and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness in oil and gas production.

Davido drops new music video

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Nigerian megastar, David Adeleke aka Davido, on Wednesday released the official music video of Joy with Angelique Kidjo. The musician made the announcement on his official X handle. He wrote; “Joy’s music video with @angeliquekidjo is out now!!!” Similarly, Angelique Kidjo, who featured by Davido, also took to her X handle to promote the new music video. “The “JOY” video with @davido directed by master @DammyTwitch is out now!!! “We received so much love for that song that we wanted to celebrate JOY once more with you! “Thank you to all the inspiring people both in front and behind the camera.” The music video release is expected to propel the song to even greater heights.

NFF takes match commissioners to examination hall to select best hands

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

All individuals presently serving as match commissioners in Nigeria football will have to undertake an examination to retain their places, as the Nigeria Football Federation moves to ensure that only capable hands are left in the vocation. This was disclosed on Wednesday by President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, while addressing the match commissioners on the wing of their annual seminar, at Merit House, Abuja. “We want only the best hands to continue to function in the very important role of match commissioner in this country. Apart from the fact that this seminar will now be biennial, we are going to conduct an examination to pick the very best who will always make us proud. “I am sure that you are all looking forward to becoming FIFA and CAF match commissioners. You can only get to that level if you are competent, capable and digitally-literate. You must also consistently enhance your capacity.” Earlier, Chairman of the NFF Match Commissioners Committee, Alhaji Babagana Kalli, had praised Alhaji Gusau and the NFF Board for their support and encouragement of match commissioners, as well as remarkable improvements in the various leagues over the past two years. “The Ibrahim Musa Gusau administration has accomplished a number of feats in the past two years, including the Super Eagles’ silver medals at the AFCON which remains the best performance by the team since we won the trophy in South Africa in 2013; the Super Falcons’ return to the Olympics after 16 years and; the qualifications of the Falconets and Flamingos for their various FIFA World Cup championships. There has also been resurgence in grassroots football in the States as well as schools’ football. “However, we are most fulfilled with the improvements in officiating in the Leagues, and the new moves to rebrand our match commissioners for better performance.” Kalli announced that the theme for this year’s seminar is ‘Match Commissioning and the Challenges of Match Reporting,’ with Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha, Dr. Sunday Obaseki and Mr. Danlami Alanana as resource persons. Gusau later announced that match commissioners who pass the upcoming examination, as well as referees and referee assessors, will be presented with new kits being sponsored by Premium Trust Bank, official bank of the NFF and the National Teams. Present as well at the occasion were NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu; NFF 2nd Vice President, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Member of NFF Executive Committee, Alh. Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Member of NFF Executive Committee and Vice Chairman, Match Commissioners Committee, Alh. Ganiyu Majekodunmi; Members of the Committee, Barr. Paul Edeh, Alh. Sabo Abdullahi Dutse, Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha, Mr. Davidson Owumi and Alh. Idris Abdullahi Musa; Chairman of Abia State FA, Dr. Obioma Onyeaghala; Chairman of Bauchi State FA, Mr. Pascal Patrick; Chairman of Anambra State FA, Mr. Chikelue Iloenyosi and; NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire.

CAF CHAN 2024 draw to hold on October 9

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The CAF African Nations Championship 2024 Qualifiers draw has been scheduled on Wednesday, 09 October 2024. The draw will be conducted at 14h00 Cairo time (11h00 GMT). Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host the tournament between 01 – 28 February 2025. Ahead of the finals, two rounds of qualifiers will take place on a home and away basis. The first round of qualifiers will be played on the weekend of 25 – 27 October and 01 – 03 November 2024, with the second round confirmed for 20 – 22 December and 27 – 29 December 2024. Since its 2009 inception, the CHAN tournament has been an exceptional platform of showcasing the world-class talent and quality of African football as well as its ever-evoling landscape. Algeria played host to the last edition of the tournament which drew thousands of supporters, millions of global audiences and digital engagement as a result of the rising popularity and quality of the tournament. In line with CAF’s key objective of increasing the commercial strength of its competitions, the CAF CHAN competition has also seen an increased rise in commercial value. This has also been supported by CAF’s 60% increase in the tournament’s prize money that sees the winners walking away with $2 Million. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania’s hosting of the competition also serves as an opportunity for the three nations to fine-tune their preparations for the hosting of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

NFF launches monthly Football Awards

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

As football leagues across the globe resumed fully last month, the Nigeria Football Federation is proud to announce the launch of the much- anticipated NFF Monthly Awards, a celebration of the outstanding performances of Nigerian football players across various Football Leagues including Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL. With the football calendar in full swing, the NFF Monthly Awards aim to honor the brilliance, dedication and passion that Nigerian football players bring to the game, recognizing the top players who have left their mark on the pitch. Award Categories: 1. Player of the Month (Male & Female) 2. Goal of the Month 3. Discovery of the Month Nomination Process The nomination process for the awards is scientific, ensuring a fair and accurate selection of nominees. An independent organization will collect and analyze players’ statistics throughout the month, ensuring that the best performances are highlighted. This unbiased, data-driven approach guarantees that the nominations reflect the top-performing players based on their contribution to their teams. Nominations for the first round of awards will be announced on 3rd October, 2024. From there, voting will be opened to fans and journalists alike, making this a truly inclusive and engaging event for the Nigerian football community. Voting Process Fans and journalists will have the chance to vote for their favorite players via the official NFF voting portal on the website www.thenff.com. The voting period will run for one week following the announcement of the nominations. Fan Votes will account for 40% of the final decision, enabling supporters to have their voices heard and directly influence the outcome of these prestigious awards. The remaining 60% will be determined by journalists and industry professionals, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded selection process. Speaking on the launch of the awards, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said: “The NFF Monthly Awards are a key part of our efforts to further elevate Nigeria football, not only by recognizing outstanding talent but by engaging with fans and the media in a way that brings the football community closer together. We believe that this initiative will encourage excellence on the field and foster a deeper connection between players and their supporters. “The NFF Monthly Awards are a step forward in celebrating the rich and growing talent pool, and we look forward to the excitement that the awards will bring to fans, players and the media.” Key Dates: Nominations Announcement: 3rd October, 2024; Voting: 3rd October – Midnight of 7th October, 2024.

Tinubu off to UK, begins two weeks leave

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has departed Abuja for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation, part of his yearly leave. The Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga stated this in a statement on Wednesday. Onanuga said the President will use the two weeks as a working vacation and a retreat to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms. He adds that President Tinubu will return to the country after the leave expires.

EFCC arrests 21 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Yola

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Operatives of the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 21 (Twenty-One) suspected internet fraudsters in Yola, Adamawa state. They were arrested on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at different locations around Modobo Adamawa University, Yola. Items recovered at the points of arrest include 13 phones, 12 Android phones, one laptop and one tablet phone. The suspects would soon be charged to court.

Rivers Hoopers arrive in Abuja for CDS Basketball Championship

Prince Odutola3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Rivers Hoopers are in Abuja to participate in the Chief of Defence Staff Independence Basketball Championship. Hoopers have been drawn in Group C alongside Gboko City Chiefs, Gilali, and Bauchi Nets. The 16-team tournament will hold from Wednesday, October 2nd to Sunday, October 6th. Top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals, while the winners of the two semifinals will slug it out in the final on Sunday. The competition will serve as a preseason tournament ahead of the first phase of the 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League scheduled for this month in Benin. Rivers Hoopers will play their first game against Gboko City Chiefs on Wednesday.