October 2024 | Page 8 of 23

Glasgow to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago010 mins

Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games for the second time in just over a decade Scotland will welcome athletes from across the world for what has been described as a scaled-down and sustainable Games. Original hosts Victoria pulled the plug after an estimate of costs between double and triple the original budget Glasgow has been officially confirmed as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The city will host a scaled-down version of the Games after the Scottish Government announced last month it would back a deal to bring them back to Scotland. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said on Tuesday the event will run from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, August 2. It comes after the state of Victoria in Australia backed out of holding the Games, citing a rise in estimated costs. Glasgow hosted the 2014 iteration of the international sporting event and will now welcome athletes from across the world for the second time in just over a decade. The CGF said Glasgow 2026 will feature ten sports taking place across four venues – Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena, and the Scottish Event Campus. The sports programme will include athletics and para athletics (track and field), swimming and para swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and para track cycling, netball, weightlifting and para powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and para bowls, and 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball. More than 500,000 tickets will be made available for the Games, which organisers say will deliver over £100m of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150m of economic value added for the region. A new Commonwealth Games logo has been inspired by some of Glasgow’s engineering, architectural, and natural symbols, including the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc. Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. “When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way. “Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action. “The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.” First Minister John Swinney described the Games as a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an “exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland”. He said: “As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration. “I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together. “While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.” It is hoped that the new Commonwealth Games model, where some sports are cut if costs rise, will lead to a wider selection of host cities in the future, including among Global South countries. The UK Government has agreed to provide a ringfenced contingency funding of up to £2.3m that can be accessed if existing budget funds and contingency have been exceeded and all efforts to reduce costs have been exhausted, he said. The multi-sport event is held every four years across Commonwealth countries, with Birmingham the most recent host city in 2022. Edinburgh hosted the Games in 1970 and 1986. Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. “This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world-class sporting events. “There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I, for one, can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd. “The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3m contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.” Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken also welcomed news of the official declaration. She said: “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen. “Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start. “Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026. “These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play…

Nigeria Immigration confirms Bobrisky’s arrest

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

The Nigeria Immigration Service has confirmed the arrest of Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, at the Seme border while he was attempting to leave the country. In a statement issued by DCI KT Udo Service Public Relations Officer. “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to Exit the Country. “The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern. He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate Authorities for further action. “The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the Country’s Borders.”

Breaking: Bobrisky arrested at Seme border -VDM

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Nigeria’s crossdresser Idris Olarewaju Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky has been arrested at Seme border. Bobrisky according to Online activist and social critic Martin Otse aka VeryDarkMan was arrested by the officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service while he was making attempts to elope the country. The VeryDarkMan in a video on social media on Monday challenged the crossdresser to debunk the claims on any of her online platforms. Bobrisky was arrested this morning at the Seme border post on his way to escape to Benin Republic. “He sent some to help him sign his international passport, and his in the car. “The Nigerian Immigration Service is currently holding him,” VDM claimed. In the recent time, controversies have spread across over Bobrisky spending his jail term in a private apartment as against spending it at the Correctional Centre in Kirikiri. Details later…

Stop misusing DSS, proxies to silence us, SERAP tells Tinubu govt

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago011 mins

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu and his government “to stop the ‘weaponization’ of the country’s security agencies to target Nigerians simply for the peaceful exercise of their human rights, and to direct the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately withdraw the baseless defamation lawsuit by their proxies against our organization and management staff.” Two named DSS officials last week filed a defamation lawsuit against SERAP, following allegations by the organization regarding the recent invasion of its Abuja office by some officials of the security agency. In the open letter dated 19 October 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We are seriously concerned that your government seems to be weaponizing the DSS and misusing defamation laws as a tool of repression and to target those who defend human rights.” SERAP said, “Rather than addressing the allegations of widespread corruption in the oil sector and the worsening economic situation in the country, and reducing the cost of governance, your government is targeting those who campaign for actions in these areas.” The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken following the receipt and/or publication of this letter. “If the lawsuit is not immediately withdrawn, we will be prepared to defend our organization and management staff in court, and to join your government and DSS in the lawsuit. This may include calling witnesses to ensure justice, end impunity for rights abuses, and achieve legitimate public interests in this matter. “We have since 2004 pursued several public interest cases against the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. This is the first time any government will weaponize the country’s security agencies to intimidate and target our organization. “The defamation lawsuit is brought by two named DSS officials but their names are unknown to our organization. The lawsuit by these officials is apparently instigated and sponsored by the DSS under your watch. “It is critical for human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other citizens to be able to organize and freely exercise their human rights without the threat of baseless lawsuits by your government or its security agencies and/or their proxies. “Weaponizing the security agencies to intimidate, harass and silence human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other civil society actors will weaken representative democracy, deepen impunity and undermine the rule of law. “Rather misusing the security agencies to crackdown on human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other civil society actors, your government ought to take steps to thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate the allegations raised by SERAP. “We are disappointed that your government has so far failed to respond to our recommendations calling on you to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the apparently illegal and unconstitutional increase in the pump price of petrol across its retail outlets. “Your government has also failed to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, including the spending of the reported $300 million ‘bailout funds’ collected from the Federal Government in August 2024, and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers, despite allegedly failing to remit oil revenues to the treasury and to prosecute suspected perpetrators. “Your government also continues to refuse to obey several court judgments obtained by SERAP, including those which ordered the Federal Government to disclose the details of the agreement with X, formerly Twitter, to assess whether the agreement complies with the exercise of Nigerians’ human rights online and to account for payments of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians for six months. “SERAP had on 9 September 2024 also called on you and your government to direct the DSS to end the intimidation and harassment of our organization and our staff members. “Our call followed the invasion of our Abuja office by some officials of the DSS. SERAP was subsequently served with a defamation lawsuit with number CV/4547/24. “The country under your government has witnessed an escalating crackdown on human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and media freedom, as well as socio-economic rights. “The judicial harassment of those who peacefully defend human rights is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations. “Under your government, human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other civil society actors such as the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) continue to face harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention simply for carrying out their legitimate work. “The judicial harassment of SERAP by your government and its agencies shows hostility towards civil society actors defending the rights of other citizens, criticizing human rights violations, and challenging a culture of impunity for perpetrators. “SERAP therefore urges your government to end the intimidation, harassment and threats against our organization and management staff and other human rights defenders, activists as well as journalists and other civil society actors, including intimidation, through baseless legal processes. “SERAP strives to ensure that our human rights and anticorruption work meet the highest standards of analytical rigor devoid of politics. Our work is driven solely by the fundamental principles of justice, impartiality, solidarity and universality of human rights. SERAP believes that no government is beyond scrutiny and accountability. “SERAP’s non-partisan work in the field of human rights and anticorruption has been widely recognized nationally and internationally. Our organization received the Wole Soyinka Anti-Corruption Defender Award in 2014, and was nominated for the UN Civil Society Award and Ford Foundation’s Jubilee Transparency Award. SERAP was also nominated for the 2024 Columbia Global Freedom of Expression Prizes. “Our organization’s calls on your government regarding the persistent increases in fuel prices and allegations of corruption in the NNPC are based on the constitutional and international responsibilities of your government to Nigerians who are victims of corruption, and your constitutional oath of office. “SERAP believes that it is through action like this that any…

Boniface survives car crash in Germany

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Super Eagles’ striker Victor Boniface has reportedly survived a ghastly car crash in Germany. The Bayer Leverkusen of Germany player posted a video of the damaged car on his Instagram Stories on Sunday. The unfortunate incident occurred after the striker, who has been in scintillating form since joining the German club in the summer of 2023, scored the winning goal for his team as the Bundesliga champions secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena on Saturday. The video showed one of Boniface’s hands dripping blood after the crash. In the video, the black car sustained significant damage to the right side, with the body severely affected.

CAF, NFF, Atalanta celebrate Ademola Lookman at 27

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Serie A giants Atalanta have congratulated Ballon d’Door nominee Ademola Lookman on his 27th birthday. The bodies took turn on their various social media handles to celebrate the midfield maestro. In its congratulatory message, CAF wrote; “Wishing a very happy birthday to Nigerian superstar, Ademola Lookman!.” In a similar vein, the Nigeria Football Federation also congratulated the player. “Happy birthday to @NGSuperEagles forward, @Alookman_” “Lookman made his senior debut in 2015, playing as a forward for Charlton Athletic of the Championship. He signed for Everton in January 2017, where he played mainly as a winger. “Having represented England from under-19 to under-21 levels, Lookman made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2022. “On 4 August 2022, Lookman joined Serie A club Atalanta on a four-year contract for a reported fee of €15 million. Three African players are in contention to win the 2024 men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, with Nigeria international Ademola Lookman on the 30-man shortlist for the former award.

Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos shoot into quarter-finals

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s Flamingos continue to prove to the world that their third-place finish at the last edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals was no fluke, as they earned a handsome 4-0 win over Ecuador on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals of this year’s competition in style. With the 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first match, the Flamingos have scooped maximum six points in their first two matches, with eight goals for and only one against, and are surely in the last eight, ahead of their final group phase encounter against host nation Dominican Republic on Tuesday night. Energetic playmaker Shakirat Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, sent the very busy goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, after Captain Taiwo Afolabi was impeded in the box. Pacy forward Peace Effiong, who had seen her shot thwarted by the right leg of Rodriguez in the 18th minute, was disconcerted to see her effort again foiled by the big goalkeeper on the half hour. Harmony Chidi, scorer of 13 goals in the qualifying series, rocked the crossbar just before the half-time whistle as Nigeria, once more, broke forward. In the second half, Chidi finally found her first goal of the tournament, picking her spot cleverly in the 54th minute to score after a pass by Aishat Animashaun. Peace Effiong took the cue, to also score her first goal of the competition, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo. Nigeria got her fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to lash home after Chidi found her from the right. The Flamingos will take on the host nation on Tuesday night.

Wigwe: Family accuses business partner of taking over asset

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago08 mins

A cousin of the late Herbert Wigwe and former group managing director and CEO of Access Bank, Christian Chukwak Wigwe, has filed an Affidavit of Truth accusing Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of taking indirect guardianship and custody of the deceased’s assets and children. According to the affidavit filed at the Lagos High Court Probate Registry, Christian stated that Aig-Imoukhuede, who was a business partner to the deceased, is taking on a role that should rightfully belong to Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, the grandfather of the children. In the court document dated October 7, 2024, Christian emphasized that Pastor Shyngle should be the one to determine the welfare of his grandchildren David, Hannah and Great. He said, “In accordance with African values and good order, it will naturally be the father of the deceased, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, who will act as guardian to the minor children or at the very least, he will be consulted to ascertain who should act as guardian. “Pastor Shyngle Wigwe (grandfather) should ordinarily play a role in determining the welfare of his grandchildren. Given his fatherly role, his involvement in their upbringing would be both natural and beneficial.” This act, Christian said, had made it difficult for Shyngle to act as “guardian for the children, particularly the minor children.” He added, “Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is currently controlling the assets of the late Herbert Wigwe. While Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, otherwise natural guardian of Herbert’s minor children, would usually not be bothered by this, the way Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is handling the assets is grossly undermining Pastor Shyngle Wigwe’s role as guardian and the head of the Wigwe family. “Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede’s access to Herbert’s funds gives him a certain level of influence over decisions that affect the deceased’s children. Although he is not their legal guardian, his control over the estate puts him in a position where he indirectly acts as one. This situation has made Pastor Shyngle Wigwe uneasy.” He said Aig-Imoukhuede’s actions had raised concerns for Shyngle, who doubts that if this continues, the grandfather’s legal and natural role as guardian will be further eroded. While Christian acknowledged Aig-Imoukhuede’s role in providing continued financial support to the deceased’s dependent parents, Shyngle and his wife Mrs. Stela ‘Affong-Wigwe, as well as covering the ongoing expenses related to the deceased’s children, he mentioned that Aig-Imoukhuede has not provided any formal updates or disclosed how these expenses are being met, or their impact on the overall Estate. He said, “The absence of critical information or any accounting makes it unclear how much of the deceased’s wealth is being expended for the sustenance of the deceased’s dependents.” Christian also mentioned that Aig-Imoukhuede’s domineering attitude, along with his unrestricted access to Herbert’s wealth, is causing some family members to align with him to gain his favour. He said such a dynamic is creating tension within the family, alienating other members and potentially causing rifts if not addressed properly. Christian further pointed out in the court document that this development has effectively given Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede indirect control over the deceased’s assets, without being formally accountable to the beneficiaries or dependents of the estate, which goes against the deceased’s purported will. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and late Herbert Wigwe are business allies and friends from childhood and co-founder of Access Bank. They both left GTBank as Executive Directors to take over Access Bank in early 2000. Herbert succeeded Aigboje after he finished his term as the Group CEO following CBN Directive in 2010 that forced Bank CEOs that had spent more than 10 years in office to step down. Late Herbert Wigwe expanded the presence of the Bank across Africa and made it bigger after strategic acquisitions of Diamond Bank and other banks in Kenya and South Africa In the past months there have been controversies within the family especially regarding concerns about the control of the late Herbert Wigwe assets. An online publication had indicted Wigwe’s parents of filing a caveat at the Probate Registry, seeking to challenge the distribution of his estate as outlined in his will. The caveat was reportedly filed under the direction of Pastor Shyngle, and supported by an affidavit from Christian Chukwuka Wigwe, who claims to be Herbert’s cousin. This legal manoeuvre was directed at altering the directives set forth by the deceased regarding the administration of his estate. Shyngle has since denied the reports making the rounds that he was fighting over his late son’s property. In a statement signed by one Emeka Wigwe for the family on Tuesday, refuted the claims made in the report stressing that at no point had he requested 20 per cent of the estate of his late son.